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Mr. Wade Jerome “Big Daddy” Singleton was born on January 9, 1964 and passed away on December 30, 2023 at the age of 58 years old. After visitation on Friday, January 12th at Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Wade’s Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, January 13th at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Burial followed at the Travelers Rest Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Mr. Jimmy Lee Wilkerson of Chatham, Louisiana passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Jackson Parish Hospital. He was 78 years old. Jimmy was a skidder driver for forty-plus years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he loved spending time at his pond that he had built himself. Jimmy loved Western movies and books and he enjoyed eating out at nearby restaurants. Even in his later years, Jimmy was a “timber man”. He often brought family and friends to some of the tracts of land on which he had skidded timber in years past, and reminisced about days gone by.
Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Cindy Ingles (John) and Tina Brown (Ronnie); bonus children, Frank Pierce, Jr., Patsy Monger, Preston Pierce and Patricia Meyer; 11 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Linda Roberson; and brother, David Wilkerson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Stone Wilkerson; his father, Edward Lee Wilkerson; mother, Louise (Criddle) Wilkerson; siblings, Shirley Diel, Donald Wilkerson, Mary Williams, Samuel Wilkerson and Dale Wilkerson.
The funeral service was held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Richard Harmon officiating. Burial followed in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery near Weston, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
The Ruston Police Department is seeking help in regard to the shooting that took place on December 30th that resulted in the death of Robert Thompson of Jonesboro and Tracy Hampton of Arcadia.
Per reports, Thompson and Hampton were both shot in the head at Park Ridge Estates, a townhouse complex off West Alabama Avenue. Both men were taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center and later airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport. Thompson died of his wounds that day. Hampton was initially placed on life support but has since passed away as well.
Authorities state that Thompson was believed connected to the October homicide of Devontre “Dee” Jackson and the wounding of a second person on U.S. Highway 167 south of Quitman.
According to reports, at approximately 1:35 a.m. Saturday, October 7, a 911 call was received reporting a shooting between North Hodge and Quitman. By the time first responders arrived on the scene, Jackson, the driver, had died. Kurae Cottonham, of Jonesboro, was arrested on October 19 for second degree murder and attempted second degree murder. Thompson was not arrested in the Dee Jackson case, but the connection has fueled speculation the Ruston shooting is related, possibly as retaliation for the October murder.
Investigation into the Park Ridge shooting is continuing by Ruston Police. The department is asking for assistance in identifying the person or persons involved in these homicides. Police can be called direct at 318-255-4141 or tips submitted through Crime Stoppers at 318-255-1111.
Callers remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest or grand jury indictment.
There was a time when what is commonly referred to as the “second season” was all that really mattered in prep basketball action. All the games played prior were geared simply to prepare for the district schedule as how you did in district play was the main determiner of your playoff hopes.
With the advent of the “Power Ratings” structure utilized by the LHSAA the games played against a district opponent have taken somewhat of a backseat in importance. Yet there is still an excitement that surrounds district play that will never be taken away. This is when you compete against your oldest and despised rivals and no matter where you rank, the thrill of winning a district championship will never pale in memory.
This Friday, Jonesboro-Hodge and Saline High School will hit the road to delve into district competition. The Tigers travel to Mansfield for their second district 3-2A contest (JHHS hosted Lakeview on Tuesday) while Saline makes the long trip to Central-Larto, situated below Jonesville for a District 2C battle.
District 1B play for Quitman and Weston High Schools won’t begin until January 23rd but both face juicy matchups against a pair of quality “non-select” school opponents. Quitman will make the short trip to Ruston to take on Cedar Creek, while Weston will play host to Claiborne Christian out of Monroe.
| MATCHUP | GAME TIME |
| JHHS at Mansfield (District 3-2A) | 5:00 pm |
| Saline at Central-Larto (District 2C) | 5:00 pm |
| Quitman at Cedar Creek | 5:00 pm |
| Weston vs Claiborne Christian | 5:30 pm |
UPCOMING!!! – In the January 14th edition of the Jackson Parish Journal games played during the week of January 8-12 will be recapped along with a preview of each district associated with local schools.
The 2024 edition of the Jackson Parish Police Jury held their inaugural meeting of the year on Monday, January 8th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro.
The session opened with Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District Director, Aaron Johnson, giving a presentation and provided an update on all the many accomplishments achieved by the JPASD over the past year.
Jury members Todd Culpepper (President), Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee (Vice-President), Sheketia Combs, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Keith Burris then heard from the managers of the various departments along with the financial and engineering report.
Additional business included the approval of a 3 year contract with Allen, Green, & Williamson, LLP and listening to a presentation of the 2022 Audit Report. Approval of the 2024 Solid Waste Holiday work schedule and discussion of Parish Board Appointments led to Jurors making final comments that included welcoming Combs to the panel following her winning the seat for District 4 in the November 2023 elections.
Braving cold and wintry conditions on the waters of Lake D’Arbonne, anglers from Jackson Parish fared well at the first Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Trail Tourney of 2024 this past Saturday.
Proving their mettle, five of the eight teams that sported anglers from Jackson Parish caught at least three fish on a day when nearly half of the field of 48 that launched from the D’Arbonne Spillway failed to land a single one.
Four teams featuring local anglers finished in the top 20, highlighted by Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman High coming in 6th place and being one of only five teams to land the five fish limit. Addison Ledford and Hailey Chatham also turned in a great performance, as their three fish catch was good for 10th place overall and tops among girls teams.
Landin Chatham of Weston High and partner Hunter VanBuren came in 15th and the team of Andrew Brown and Cason Rogers, representing Quitman High finished in 19th place overall. Waylon Sullivan and Jake Vail of QHS also caught three fish that would have given them a tie for 11th but their weight total didn’t count. Maddox Williams of Saline High and his partner Eddie Hyatt came in 13th after weighing in a pair of fish.
In overall competition, Davis and Duck sit in second place after being one of only two teams to have landed five fish in all three tournaments with Chatham and Van Buren holding down 8th place. Brody Halbrook and Brendan Newton, representing Gracepoint Christian are in 14th place, Sullivan and Vail are in 21st and Chatham and Ledford are in 24th place, giving Jackson Parish six teams in the top 25.
On Saturday, Jan 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) along with the Jackson Parish Watershed District will host a Reef Rodeo for Caney Creek Reservoir. The event will take place at the Ebenezer public boat launch on Ebenezer Church Road off of Hwy 4 East.
LDWF, collected over 300 unused Christmas trees from local vendors to distribute throughout the lake as fish attractors. Participants will be given trees to place in their favorite spots. Weights needed to sink the trees will be first-come, first-served basis. Also, participants may provide their own weights.
Any tress not given away, will be deployed by LDWF to enhance public fishing piers and artificial reefs in the lake. For more information, contact LDWF Inland Fisheries Biologist Manager, Jeff Sibley at (318) 371-5294 or jsibley@wlf.la.gov.
Virginia was born and raised in Wareham, Massachusetts where she learned to play the piano and flute at an early age. By her teenage years, Virginia was so accomplished that she became the organist at her church. Popular in high school, she was the head cheerleader in her senior year. She attended New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire and transferred to Boston University, leaving there just a couple of credits shy of earning her degree.
Virginia moved to New York and found work as a salesclerk at the women’s specialty clothing store called Ann Taylor. Day after day, Virginia, dressed in Ann Taylor clothing, helped other women select just the right outfit from their collection. On one Saturday, Virginia, dressed in her Ann Tayler clothing, stopped by the Ann Taylor store with some of her friends. In the showroom window, they saw a couple of mannequins dressed in Ann Taylor apparel sitting at a little café table as if they were having lunch. Plastic food sat on the plates in front of them.
A mischievous thought came over Virginia. She turned to her friends and said, “Hey, dare me to go and sit in the chair?” With wide grins, they replied, “Yeah, go ahead, do it.” When no one was looking, Virginia snuck into the showroom display window and sat down with the mannequins. She sat perfectly motionless. Her friends just stared from outside the store.
People passing by noticed the girls’ fixed stares at the showroom display. A crowd began to gather outside the showroom window. They were curious and asked, “What are you looking at.” The girls would only say, “Just wait, just wait.” Virginia’s friends knew that she would have to blink her eyes eventually. Finally, Virginia blinked her dry eyes. It was over in an instant. She made no other movement.
The people in the crowd who saw her blink said, “Wooo!” The people who missed it asked the ones who had seen it what they missed. Some of those who saw her blink were second guessing what they had just seen. Did she really blink? Was she real or a mannequin? The crowd became larger. All eyes were fixed on Virginia’s eyes. Finally, another blink. The people in the crowd who saw her blink went wild. The crowd grew larger, as did the cheers, at every blink of Virginia’s eyes. Although no one in the crowd could tell, because she sat completely motionless except for an occasional blink which was over in an instant, Virginia was thoroughly enjoying her prank.
Finally, the manager noticed the noise coming from outside the showroom window and went to investigate. She looked at the crowd and looked at the mannequins sitting in the showroom window. Finally, Virginia blinked, and the crowd went wild again. The manager rushed back into the store and scoldingly told her to “Get out of the window!” As Virginia stood to remove herself from the window, the manager had a sudden realization. Their showroom window had never drawn so much attention before. “Stay in the window!” she said. Virginia sat back down and continued to pretend to be a mannequin. The large crowd was delighted and continued to watch in eager anticipation of every blink. The store hired Virginia every Saturday to be a mannequin.
The mannequin prank led to bigger things for Virginia. A few Saturdays later, Virginia signed with New York’s Zoli modeling agency. From there she was cast in the 1982 film Tootsie. In jest, Virginia described her part in the film as “someone who’s going to be in their underwear a lot of the time.” She was cast in the short-lived television series Buffalo Bill, and guest-starred in Family Ties, Riptide, Remington Steele, and Knight Rider. Virginia appeared in the Chevy Chase comedy Fletch, and starred in Transylvania 6-5000, the Fly, Earth Girls Are Easy, Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, A League of their Own, and The Accidental Tourist, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The list of films and television shows which Virginia has starred in continues to grow. Virginia Elizabeth Davis was given a nickname shortly after her birth by her older brother, Dan, to differentiate her from an auto also named Virginia. You and I know her as Geena Davis.
Do you have a community event that you want to publicize in Jackson Parish? How about an engagement/wedding announcement, family reunion or garage sale. Maybe you are opening a new business of having a special sale you want your customers to be aware of.
The Jackson Parish Journal has recently tailored an affordable advertising package that is perfect for you!
Our Events Package allows you to flood readers with pertinent information and reminders about your subject matter. It’s a one-week package that includes an advertorial twice during that week, email ride along banner and designated Facebook posts on the Jackson Parish Journal Facebook page.
The advertorial is a story complete with all the details and information about your upcoming event, sale or opening. Items can also contain direct links to your website or Facebook page.
It’s the perfect way to get the word out about your event or business during a five-day publishing period.
In 2023 the Jackson Parish Journal received over one million views, averages over 100,000 views per month through various social media sites, and is the only news, sports and information source published in Jackson Parish and focused solely on Jackson Parish.
If interested in gaining the most attention possible, send an email to jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or call (318) 480-1206 for rates and packages available.
As humans, we all want to be a part of a group. We want to feel like we belong to something, someone, or somewhere. Even as kids, it is important for one’s self-esteem to be a part of a click. Nothing is worse than to be excluded from your friends or co-workers. Today, we’ll talk about just how important it is for tournament anglers to be a part of a group and to have guys they can trust.
Trust is the key ingredient or the glue that all anglers must have within the click they run with. To be successful on the pro level, it’s important that you have a handful of guys that you can talk to about anything. Anglers you can trust to tell you the truth about how they might be catching fish. Guys that aren’t trying to lead you astray and send you on a wild goose chase.
But one thing an angler must avoid during the course of a tournament is listening to what is called “dock talk.”This is where guys are standing around a boat ramp, weigh-in, or at dinner and spreading false information about how they are catching fish with the intention to lead another angler down the wrong path. The best advice I’ve ever been given as an angler is never trust an angler you do not know and proceed with caution on anything they tell you. It’s a game anglers play every tournament hoping to give themselves an advantage. Anglers are the best liars on the planet and will do or say anything to gain an advantage.
This is why it is so important that an angler find a group of guys he can travel with and trust. These are guys who will come to your rescue when you break down on the water or on the highway, guys who are willing to share their tackle when you need a bag of worms or a particular bait, guys you trust to tell the truth about what and how they might be catching fish.
Finding that right circle of guys can be a challenge and it may take some time. But when you do, it can make your tournament experience so much more enjoyable and productive. Let’s face it, you’re never going to win every tournament, but your goal is always to finish in the money and collect a check.
But understand, there’s always competition within the group. Even within your own click, you want to be the guy that finished the highest. The best clicks are the guys that will help one of their own to win a tournament when they are in position to do so.
Tournaments today are highly competitive and it’s very difficult to be successful on your own. Anglers that have that circle of guys they can rely on, will have a greater chance for success. Even though pro fishing is not always a team sport, having guys you can share accurate information with is a huge advantage.
For years we’ve all heard how the key to success is to surround yourself with the right people. Professional bass fishing is no different and now you can see that being a part of the right click can lead to success on the tournament trail. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and when in doubt, set the hook!
Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School (J-HES) invites you to come and support their girls and boys basketball teams at their home opener on Thursday, January 11th. The girls, under the tutelage of Asante Belton, and the boys, coached by Jordan Boston will play Lincoln Prep. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS) gymnasium.
J-HES opened their season this past Saturday by taking part in the Elementary School Jamboree in Ruston where the girls lost 17-9 to Ruston Elementary and the boys fell short 6-5 against Cypress Springs Elementary out of Ruston.
I was in Lowes last week. The Christmas decorations were gone. They were replaced by the tub section. In a move of marketing genius or customer surveys, Lowes is selling plastic storage bins. These bins were stacked and prominently displayed.
Lowes must know something; the storage bins are all over the store! Lowes calls them totes. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to tote them around. I’m going to load them and pack them away.
That happens to Christmas too. We turn our homes into festive, color-coordinated gathering places for family and friends. We upend our schedules, violate our eating plans, confuse the animals that live with us, and plug too many things into the wall outlets. We do this celebrating the One born in a dark manger stall. Yes, I do it too! Eventually, Christmas is loaded into boxes or totes and packed away.
New Years Day is always packing Christmas away day. All of it is in boxes or the famous Lowes totes. It all fit nicely in the attic of the she-shed. There is an annual ritual when I’m stacking the totes in their place. There is one tote that is marked, “NO.” It is filled with Christmas decorations. These decorations are no longer put out.
I have inquired about giving the contents to the children, donating them to Rolling Hills, or filing them in the cylindrical cans that are emptied once a week. The answer is always the same, “No, you can’t get rid of the NO box.”
Do you suppose I would be blamed if that box vanished in the middle of the year? The NO box is at least a decade old. I think I have stored that stuff long enough. What about you? Are you storing stuff that you need to let go of? But, I digress.
It all goes back in the box. If you are playing Monopoly and win, or the Game of Life and finish, it all goes back in the box. You could even extend that to yourself. You will end up in some kind of box. Everything you acquire, it all goes back!
Live your life not for things, but for people. The love and joy you give and share lives after you. The love and joy you share are the jewels in that crown in eternity. Pour your life into others, not into the things that will go back in boxes.
The Christmas packing process was efficient this year. It all fit in the boxes and totes. All of the totes fit back in their place. The tree fit in the box and the box was closed.
There is one item that is purposely left out. It is a small manger. It is in my office on a bookshelf. The empty manger reminds me of the empty tomb and the risen and reigning Christ. As the year unfolds, I will need that reminder often.
Did you leave something out to remind you of His daily presence in your life?
On January 4, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) made some significant decisions that could have an impact on the upcoming hunting seasons. These decisions, known as Notices of Intent (NOIs), cover a range of topics, including hunting seasons, rules, and regulations for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
The NOIs put forward by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) contain several proposed changes aimed at enhancing hunting practices while ensuring wildlife conservation. Some of the key proposed changes include:
1. Prohibition of UAVs (Drones) for Deer and Bear Recovery
In a move to promote ethical hunting, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) for the recovery of deer and bears that are not mortally wounded may be prohibited. This change emphasizes the importance of fair chase and responsible hunting.
2. Closure of Turkey Season for Bayou Macon and Boeuf WMAs
There’s a proposed closure of turkey season for Bayou Macon and Boeuf Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Be sure to check the updated regulations to plan your hunting trips accordingly.
3. Restrictions on Motorized Vessels
For those who enjoy hunting in waterfowl-rich areas, there are proposed restrictions on motorized vessels. Little River (Catahoula) Basin on Dewey W. Wills WMA may have restricted hours of vessel use. Additionally, there may be limitations on motorized vessels during waterfowl season splits for Wham Brake on Russell Sage WMA.
4. Changes in Waterfowl Draw Lottery
Hunters who frequent Sherburne WMA will want to take note of this change. The daily waterfowl draw lottery may be removed, transitioning to an online-only system. Stay informed to ensure you’re up to date with the latest procedures.
Your input matters! The public is invited to provide comments on these proposed changes until March 7. This is your opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. You can share your thoughts directly with Tommy Tuna from the LDWF Wildlife Division via phone at (225) 765-2349 or by emailing ttuma@wlf.la.gov. Alternatively, you can send your comments by mail to:
Tommy Tuna, LDWF Wildlife Division
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000
For a deeper dive into Louisiana’s hunting laws and regulations, visit all of Louisiana’s up-to-date hunting regulations for comprehensive details. You can also explore Louisiana’s General Hunting Laws and Regulations for general regulations.
It spreads faster than the latest piece of juicy gossip; shows up uninvited and hangs around longer than you can patiently endure. Doctors offer little encouragement; family tries to make you comfortable and best friends keep you at arm’s length.
You have the crud.
Doctors diagnose you with a viral condition. You choose the more popular designation of crud; settle in for the long haul and try your best to keep a positive attitude. When feeling cruddy; tissues, cough drops and mom’s chicken noodle soup become your arsenal.
Take aim!
To fight the battle we must first know the enemy. ‘Britannica World Language Edition of Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary’ defines crud this way: ‘Slang, Worthless rubbish.’
In my opinion, crud serves no beneficial purpose. Yet, it can sharpen spiritual warfare skills. Cheerfulness is a little used weapon…
People may wonder what you’re up to but you have found a remedy for crud.
“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP Bible).”
To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content.
The Safe Routes Partnership is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented marketing professional with excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills; The ideal candidate must have the ability to strategize, develop, and implement an annual communications plan designed to amplify the mission and encourage programmatic collaboration and fund development. We welcome applicants passionate about advancing safe walking and bicycling to school and daily life to increase physical activity levels and create livable, equitable, sustainable communities. All positions at Safe Routes Partnership are full-time remote positions.
The Communications Manager will serve as the lead for the Safe Routes Partnership’s internal and external communications including online messaging, publication design, website updates, press releases, and fund development campaigns. The overarching goal of this position’s work is to ensure that organizational branding and messaging accurately reflect the Partnership’s mission and commitment to advancing equity in active mobility and transportation.
We are particularly looking for individuals that have:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working with digital, print, and television media – local, regional, and national outlets.
Proven leadership skills and collaborative mindset.
A high level of attention to detail and project management.
Experience working in building consensus with coalitions with multiple viewpoints.
A deep understanding of and experience with authentic, equity-focused, community-centered engagement.
Please review the job description for more details about the position’s responsibilities and qualifications. The salary range for this at-will position is $65,000 – $75,000 depending on experience and qualifications, plus health insurance benefits, paid time off, and optional participation in a deferred compensation plan. A PC computer, telephone, and internet access will be provided. Successful candidates will work from their home office and may be based anywhere in the United States.
To Apply: Interested applicants should submit (via email) a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples in one PDF file to hr@saferoutespartnership.org. Ensure that the subject line of your email includes the text “Communications Manager.” We are not accepting email or telephone call inquiries.
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged with an email reply. Applications will be accepted until January 12, 2024, COB. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply early. Telephone inquiries are not accepted.
We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates interested in joining our dynamic, visionary and growing national non-profit. Visit www.saferoutespartnership.org for more information about our organization.
The Safe Routes Partnership is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, our work environment, and the change we want to see in our society. We value a diverse staff with a wide range of life experiences because we recognize that we are stronger when our organization and work benefit from the innovative contributions, creative solutions, practical know-how, and community insights brought by people of different backgrounds. Diversity of experience, ideas, and viewpoints is a priority, and candidates with varied education levels, skills, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of different religions, nationalities, genders, and sexual orientations are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Schools in Jackson Parish will resume classes on Monday, January 8th and the Jackson Parish School District reminds all motorists to be alert. School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.
If You’re Dropping Off: Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:
● Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles
● Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school
● Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school
Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians: According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:
● Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
● In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
● Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
● Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
● Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
● Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
● Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way
Sharing the Road with School Buses: If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
● Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
● If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
● The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
● Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
Sharing the Road with Bicyclists: On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.
● When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
● When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass
● If you’re turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals
● Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
● Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
● Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
● Check side mirrors before opening your door
By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty
RUSTON, La. – A shooting took place on December 29th that left one man dead and another on life support. According to the Ruston Daily Leader, Robert Thompson, of Jonesboro, and Tracy Hampton, of Arcadia, were both shot in the head around midnight on Friday, December 29, 2023, at an apartment complex on West Alabama Avenue.
According to authorities, when they arrived on the scene, they found two men, one lying on the ground close to a vehicle, and another inside the vehicle. Thompson later died from his wounds.
According to reports, Thompson, who reportedly went by the nickname Contraband Rocc, was allegedly a person of interest in the October 7, 2023, murder of Devontre “Dee” Jackson that occurred in Jackson Parish.
According to authorities, they believed Thompson was connected to Devontre Jackson’s murder. Jackson was shot and killed on Highway 167 between North Hodge and Quitman. A female passenger was also shot and wounded.
According to Ruston Daily Leader, Jackson died at the scene and Kurae Cottonham, of Jonesboro, was later arrested on Second-Degree Murder and Attempted Second-Degree Murder charges from the shooting.
As for the West Alabama Avenue shooting, the investigation is ongoing and reports of a possible third victim could not be confirmed.
When the season started the hope among the girls and boys squad at Quitman High School was to bring home a prestigious trophy in 2024. This past Friday both teams did just that and they didn’t even have to wait till March to get it done.
While the ultimate goal is to still bring home the Division IV state championship hardware, capturing the Downs Law Firm “Game of the Week” trophy is quite a coup. The mega trophy features a large golden replica of Louisiana on the top and the winners each week during the season, which now includes Quitman High School.
QHS will now sport both the girls and boys “Game of the Week” trophy after the Lady Wolverines beat the home standing Lady Chiefs 43-41 and the boys won 74-62 over their Class 5A opponent.
With all the matchups in northeast Louisiana available for the choosing, organizers must have had a crystal ball to pick the contest between QHS and West Ouachita as the game of the week. The girls game had a fantastic finish and near miracle rally while the “small school” boys put on an incredible shooting performance to tally their second highest point total of the year.
Adding to the excitement of the week was that the games were broadcast on not one but two radio stations with 105.7 FM and 540 AM carrying the game live. This was made possible in part by local sponsors Jackson Parish Journal, Forest Haven Nursing Home, Dodson Enterprise, People’s Bank and Culpepper Professional Investigations.
Quitman 43 West Ouachita 41 (girls): For most of three quarters it looked like the “Game of the Week” should have been named the “Blowout of the Year”. Late in the third quarter Quitman was holding a commanding 32-8 lead. Then the Class 5A team who couldn’t buy a basket, suddenly couldn’t miss.
“They got hot,” laughed QHS head coach Kyle Leach.
Talk about an understatement. West Ouachita hit their final two shots of the third quarter and their first ten shots in the fourth to come to within 43-41 and with a last possession to tie or win. Thanks to a Cali Deal block in the paint as time was running out, Quitman held on for the victory.
“They definitely has the momentum at the end,” continued Leach. ” I am just glad we had a big enough lead to hold them off.”
The contest started with Quitman scoring the first 11 points of the game, seven coming from Cali Deal, who after finishing with 16 points earned Player of the Week honors. Anna Leach also came up big, making two 3-pointers and finishing with 10 points. A.J. Gray pitched in with seven points and Taylor Borland added five. Three points from Taylor Harvey and a basket by Jaliegh Burns rounded out the scoring for the Lady Wolverines. With their 5th win in a row and 9th in the last ten games, Quitman improved to 16-7 on the year. Now losers of six of their last seven games, West Ouachita fell to 6-12 this season.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (16-7) | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 43 |
| West Ouachita (6-12) | 4 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 41 |
Quitman 74 West Ouachita 62 (boys) – Logan Ponder, who earned Player of the Week honors, scored 10 of his game high 21 points in the third quarter to help Quitman to a 29-19 advantage in the frame that gave the hot shooting Wolverines a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
With the victory Quitman, ranked 8th in the Division IV “non-select” school power rankings coming in and expected to rise with their victory over the Class 5A opponent, improved to 15-7 on the year. West Ouachita lost their third straight to drop to 6-14 overall.
The Wolverines won by turning in a remarkable shooting performance, making 29 of 49 shots for an impressive 59% field goal percentage bolstered by an incredible 9 of 15 (60%) shots made from three point land.
Noah Leach also had a big game for the Wolverines, making 5 of 7 field goals to finish with 13 points while Brayden Smith and Braden Martin chipped in with 9 and 8 points respectively. Larsen Thomas scored seven points for his second highest total of the year and Riley Duck finished with six. Gavin Caskey had three and Eli Walker hit a basket as well for Quitman who tallied their second highest point total of the year.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (15-7) | 13 | 17 | 29 | 15 | 74 |
| West Ouachita (6-14) | 15 | 9 | 19 | 19 | 62 |
The new Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold their inaugural meeting of 2024 at 5:30 pm on Monday, Jan 8th, at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro.
District 1: Todd Culpepper (President)
District 2: Lewis Chatham
District 3: Amy Magee (Vice-President)
District 4: Sheketia Combs
District 5: Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans
District 6: Regina Rowe
District 7: Keith Burris
Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
1. Update and Presentations of Jackson Parish Ambulance District by Mr. Aaron Johnson.
Approve Minutes
2. Adopt the minutes of the December 19, 2023 Regular Police Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills.
Management Reports
3. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
4. Road Superintendent Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
5. Solid Waste Superintendent Report – Mr. Robin Sessions
6. Financial Report
Other Business
7. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
8. Presentation of 2024 Committees.
9. Consider and act on approving 3-year contract with Allen, Green, & Williamson, LLP.
10. Presentation of 2022 Audit Report.
11. Consider and act on approving the 2024 Solid Waste Holiday work schedule.
12. Consider and act on Parish Board Appointments
Announcements & Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn
Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking – Mahatma Gandhi
Over the past several months, Jackson Parish residents has endured the undue wrath of senseless shootings and violence that have resulted in the death of several area young adults and teens.
The question by all is what can be done to stop it?
On Saturday, January 20th, a unique “coming together” is planned where divinely guidance will be sought to hopefully provide an answer.
Introducing the inaugural Jackson Parish Unity Prayer Concert.
Eighteen (18) area churches will gather together at the First Assembly of God Worship Center, located at 5254 Quitman Hwy (Hwy 167 N) to combine their musical talents and lift unified prayers for our community, government and families.
Chaired by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Pastor Warren Johnson, the one-of-a-kind event will begin at 6:00 pm. The public is invited to be part of this unified voice and expectation of the holy spirit to descend on all.
There were a lot of similarities at the end of the girls and boys games between Weston and Jonesboro-Hodge High School. The final scores were nearly mirror images and both Weston squads left the Jackson Parish battle with the same record.
Weston won the games by scores of 48-33 and 48-32. With the sweep, both the Weston boys and Lady Wolves improved to 12-8 on the year, while the JHHS boys fell to 2-10 and the girls dropped to 4-12 this season.
The difference was way the Weston took both victories. For the Lady Wolves it was a strong second half that helped them rally for the win while the Weston boys blew the game open in the first half.
Weston 48 JHHS 33 (girls): Lainee Trosclair scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to record her first “double-double” of the year and Weston turned up the defensive pressure to limit the Lady Tigers to just nine second half points while scoring 31 to win going away. Carly Jo Griffin scored 11 to also finish in double figures in points and Nadia Siadek dominated the paint for 8 points and 15 rebounds. Lexie Millien scored 7 and pulled down 8 boards while Jacie Ledford and Anslee Aldy rounded out the Lady Wolves scoring with four and three points respectively. No individual totals were submitted by JHHS.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Weston (12-8) | 9 | 8 | 16 | 15 | 48 |
| JHHS (4-12) | 14 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 33 |
Weston 48 JHHS 32 (boys): Bryce Zehr scored 12 of his game high 23 points in the second quarter to help Weston go on a 16 point run that broke open an 8-8 game after one period to a commanding 28-13 lead at the half. The victory was the third in the last four games for the Wolves while Jonesboro-Hodge lost their 7th straight. Tait Henderson chipped in with 14 points while Tommy Walker added eight. Jude Otwell made a basket and Juan Gonzalez hit a free throw as well for the Wolves. No individual totals were submitted by JHHS, who continued to be plagued by a lack of scoring, finishing with less than 40 points for the fourth straight game.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Weston (12-8) | 8 | 20 | 8 | 12 | 48 |
| JHHS (2-10) | 8 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 32 |
Santa Claus wasn’t the only one providing gifts over the holiday season. The Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library also got a tremendous present when it was awarded a $10,000.00 grant to provide accessibility to the library.
The public is invited to come to the Chatham Branch, located at 1500 Pine Street, to discuss the creation of a music and butterfly garden that will be accessible and able to be enjoyed by all.
