The second contest between Sterlington and the Jackson Parish 10U Girls All-Star team was much like the first. It was no contest. 

Jackson Parish stomped Sterlington 16-1 in three innings  to waltz their way to the Little League District 5 Championship. It marked the second time in two days that the locals beat their Ouachita Parish foes, the first being an 11-0 affair. 

As result of their performance that saw JP10U blitzkrieg their three opponents by a combined score of 39-1, the “dandy dozen” will enter the Little League State Tournament that will be start in Broussard, LA on July 12th, as one of the top seeds.

JP10U 16 Sterlington 1: For the first time all tournament, JP10U actually trailed as Sterlington took advantage of an error to take a 1-0 lead. It was their highlight of the game. 

Before JP10U got their first out the score was 4-1 as Jackson Parish came out swinging a hot stick. Sally Keiffer opened the bottom of the first with a single, and went to second when Hannah Aldy coaxed a walk. A double steal and an error on the throw tied the score setting up Raleigh McCormick driving in Aldy with a single to give the locals the lead. Ryan Wyatt smashed a triple to left to up the score to 3-1 and then scored on a sacrifice ground out by Emma Gray. The lead went to 5-1 when Lizzie Sullivan stroked a single, Scarlett Parks walked, and a ground out by Charlee Mauthe plated the final run of the inning. 

In the second inning, Jackson Parish really heated up. 

Wyatt made quick work of Sterlington by striking out the side setting up a nine run explosion by JP10U that blew the game open. Presley Carpenter started the outburst by reaching on an error setting the stage for eight hits, that included four doubles and a triple. Sally Keiffer scored Carpenter with the first of the “two baggers”  followed by Aldy getting a base hit. A McCormick double plated two before she scored on Wyatt’s double. Gray tripled to right field for another run and then scored when Sullivan lined a single to make the score 11-1. A single by Parks and a walk to Brelaina Hall loaded the bases. Brooklyn Keiffer then brought them all in with a shot to center field before the inning ended when she was thrown out attempting to take third. The game was called due to the “mercy rule” in the bottom of third after Carpenter and Sally Keiffer scored on an error and a passed ball. Wyatt allowed only two hits and did not allow an earned run for the third straight time in district play to earn the win. 

TEAM	1	2	3	E	H	E
Sterlington	1	0	0	1	2	3
Jackson Parish	5	9	2	16	13	1

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In 1990 Julie Evans gained employment with WPSB as school bus driver for Calvin High School. The position was perfect, “I brought my kids to school and home again” Julie laughs and states “I always knew they arrived safely”. Julie retired after 23 years of service to fulfill the requirements of a higher education.

Julie graduated from Northwestern State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies, with a minor in Psychology, and again in 2014 with a Master’s degree in Counseling with concentrations in school counseling.

After graduation, Evans enter the school system again as student counselor with RRPSB. “It was a blessing to begin my professional career with such a supportive administration”, shared Evans. She later gained employment with Winn Community Health Center where she humbly serves as student counselor for the Winn Parish students. She went on to say, “I am thankful for my employer, Mr. Deano Thornton, and my position within the school-based clinic”.

In 2020 Julie enrolled into the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans in the Ph.D. Counseling, Leadership, and Education program. Having graduated with her Ph.D. Evans calls it her last degree while her family just nods and laughs.

In 2022, with a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Julie began forming a private practice offering Christian counseling services. Evans says, “There is such a need, people want more than what the secular world can offer”. She counts her practice, Ash Street Ministries LLC, as a blessing from the Lord and without Him, she states, it “just wouldn’t work”. Evans admits being called Dr. Evans will take some getting used to, as she humbly says, “Ms. Julie works just as well”.

Julie is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a child of God. ASM takes all insurances, and welcomes new patients.

Julie Evans, Ph.D.
National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Certified Telemental Health Provider

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Evans at 318-471-1221 or email her at ministriesllc@yahoo.com

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The Chatham Water System has been placed under boil advisory by the Louisiana Department of Health because of BOOSTER PUMP FAILURE. This boil advisory affects New Hope St. Clair Water customers residing on LA Hwy 146 from Chatham Lake Rd to McConnell Rd.

The New Hope booster station is experiencing electrical problems causing the booster pump failure.

Therefore, as a precaution, the Chatham Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Chatham Water System.

It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Upon notification from the Office of Public Health’s State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from our water supply have been found to be safe, the State Health Department will notify the water supply of the sample results.

Upon such notification, the Chatham Water System will then rescind the Boil Advisory and notify its customers that the water has been found to be safe.

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Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opponent and give them their due. That was the case at the Little League District 8 Tournament played in Bossier City which in retrospect saw all four games played in similar fashion as Jackson Parish beat Bossier twice and Sterlington beat Jackson Parish twice. None of the games were close. 

As reported in the last Sunday edition of the Jackson Parish Journal, JP12U opened the tourney by blasting Bossier 18-3 on Friday. They then fell to Sterlington 15-0 on Saturday morning before coming back to best Bossier again on Saturday evening by a 10-1 margin. That set up a rematch against Sterlington, whose tremendously powerful pitching staff once again no-hit the locals in the 10-0 contest. 

As result of their second place finish, Jackson Parish now looks forward to playing in the Little League 12U Softball State Tournament in Broussard, LA, scheduled to begin on July 12th. 

 

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Things that make you go Mmmm?

The Jackson Parish Watershed Commission (JPWC) and Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) is seeking information regarding three 2×10 boards and a pair of 6-inch posts missing from the underside of the Spillway Pier on Caney Lake.

While it has not yet been determined if it was theft or simply sabotage, a police report has been filed. The JPWC wants the public to know that the pier has been inspected and is safe to use but asks your help by calling the JPSO at 318-250-9021 if you have any information or knowledge about the situation. All calls will remain strictly confidential. 

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When it comes to tournament golf there is no better combination than a challenging format, tons of fun, and best of all, a very large payout. That is what is ahead for those who will be participating in the annual Piney Shootout scheduled for July 13th at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. 

As the field will be limited to the first 27, two-man teams that register it is recommended to enter today. Cost to enter is $200.00 per team with payout of $750.00 for first place, $400.00 for second and $200.00 for third place in all three flights based on a full field.

With a shotgun start slated for 8:00 am, the first nine holes will be played in a scramble format, the second nine under 4-Ball rules and the final nine played as a “shamble”, where like in a scramble team members play from the best drive but then play their own ball in. 

To register call Peyton Mitchell at (318) 245-4915 or Josh Stringer at (318) 475-0812. You can also secure your entry at the Pro Shop of the Jackson Parish Golf Course Clubhouse, located at 524 Club House Drive in Jonesboro. 

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Kyle Wilkerson has been promoted to Assistant Chief of the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD). the announcement was made by JFD Fire Chief Aaron Blaylock this past weekend. 

“We would like to give a big round of applause to Kyle Wilkerson for his promotion to Assistant Fire Chief,” said Blalock.  “Kyle has been an integral part of the Jonesboro Fire Department since beginning as a volunteer in March of 2010. Then in 2016 he stared working part-time and was hired full-time in April of 2019. His commitment, passion for the job, and professionalism have made a significant impact on the safety of our town. Thank you for the dedication and hard work. Congratulations Assistant Chief Kyle Wilkerson!!” 

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A determined effort by the JP10U boys All-Star baseball team brought them from the brink of extinction to earning a trip to the state tournament. In the end though, a run by North Sabine in both the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings felled Jackson Parish 5-4, relegating the locals to second place in the Little League District 8 tournament played in Jena. 

So close! An 11-4 victory in the opening game of the ten-team tourney this past Friday over South Sabine was followed by an 11-3 loss to Buckeye that Saturday morning sending JP10U into the elimination stage of the bracket. 

Undaunted, Jackson Parish advanced Saturday night by smashing Grant 10-0. JP10U kept the momentum going by taking down Olla 10-2 on Monday setting up a Tuesday rematch with Buckeye. The 5-2 victory not only gained revenge but punched their ticket to the state tourney. 

North Sabine 5 Jackson Parish 4 (7 innings): The do-or-die contest played to all the drama it should have. North Sabine took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first only to see Jackson Parish tie it up in the top of the second before taking their first lead with a run in the top of the fourth. Back came North Sabine to score two and take a 3-2 lead only to see JP10U score a pair for a 4-3 lead heading into the final frame of regulation play. A leadoff double and two straight sacrifice fly outs by North Sabine tied the score in the bottom of the sixth and send the game into extra innings. JP10U managed to put a pair of runners on base via a hit batter and walk but a double play and a ground out ended the inning setting up a single by North Sabine after a pair of walks that ended the hard fought contest.  

JP10U garnered 8 hits in the game, with Koplen Taylor leading the charge with two base knocks including a double while scoring a run and driving in another. Thatcher Savage and Braddock Chandler both smacked RBI triples while Briggs Craighead, and Caleb Robinson scored runs. Mason Tolar, Andrew Seymore, Jase Tinsley and Ryder Pardue all chipped in with a hit each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Jackson Parish	0	1	0	1	2	0	0	4	8	0
North Sabine	1	0	0	2	0	1	1	5	10	0

Jackson Parish 11 South Sabine 4 (Friday): Thatcher Savage hit a double and a triple and scored two runs to help JP10U tally 5 in the first inning and six more in the third. Braddock Chandler added a double, scored two and knocked in two more and Asher Norred hit a triple and had an RBI. Mason Tolar got two hits and scored twice, while both Kutter Blalock and Caleb Robinson got a hit and scored two runs each. Koplen Taylor added a run and both Briggs Craighead and Andrew Seymore drove in a run.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
South Sabine	1	0	1	2	0	4	10	0
Jackson Parish	5	0	6	0	x	11	8	2

Buckeye 11 Jackson Parish 3: (Saturday) Six runs in the second inning and three more in the fourth by Buckeye put JP10U in a hole they couldn’t climb out of in the loss that relegated the locals into elimination play the rest of the tourney. Down 7-0, Jackson Parish scored their three runs in the bottom of the second  when Caleb Robinson led off by getting hit by a pitch and Koplen Taylor singled to drive him in after both advanced a base on a passed ball. After Asher Norred  coaxed a two outs walk setting up a Jase Tinsley single that plated two. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Buckeye	1	6	0	3	1	11	11	0
Jackson Parish	0	3	0	0	0	3	4	3

Jackson Parish 10 Grant Parish 0: (Saturday) Braddock Chandler and Asher Norred combined on a one hit shutout while striking out 10 Grant batters and Jackson Parish scored two in the first and four in each of the second and third innings to take the “10 run rule” victory. Mason Tolar and Braddock Chandler hit a double and a triple respectively as both drove in two and scored a run.  Thatcher Savage also had two RBI and a run scored with a hit while Ryder Pardue got a hit, RBI and scored a run. Kutter Blalock, Caleb Robinson, Koplen Taylor, Asher Norred and Eli Jones all crossed over home plate once each as well. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	R	H	E
Grant Parish	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Jackson Parish	2	4	4	x	10	6	0

Jackson Parish 10 Olla 2 (Monday):  Briggs Craighead and Thatcher Savage pitched 2 1/3 inning each in relief to slam the door on Olla after they scored the first two runs as  JP10U came storming back to score 3 in the third and 6 more in the fourth to post an insurmountable lead. Craighead also had a big day at the plate going 2/2 with a triple and scoring two runs. Ryder Pardue also hit a triple, knocked in a run and scored while Asher Norred had a hit, 2 RBI and run scored. Savage, Koplen Taylor, and Braddock Chandler al had a hit, RBI and scored a run while Caleb Robinson, Jase Tinsley and Eli Jones all scored a run. Andrew Seymore got a hit and knocked in a run. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Olla	2	0	0	0	0	2	2	1
Jackson Parish	1	0	3	6	0	10	8	0

Jackson Parish 5 Buckeye 2 (Tuesday): It looked like Buckeye was to deal more misery after jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first but Briggs Craighead came in to pitch 4.2 scoreless innings allowing JP10U the opportunity to rally for the win. Ryder Pardue hit a double to drive in Jase Tinsley who had also doubled to make it 2-1 where the score stayed until the bottom of the fifth inning. Caleb Robinson and Kolton Taylor walked and singled to open the decisive frame followed by walks to Asher Norred and Andrew Seymore that evened the score. Tinsley then stroked his second double of the contest that plated two followed by Seymore scoring on a passed ball that lifted JP10U to their third straight victory while facing elimination. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Buckeye	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	5	0
Jackson Parish	0	0	1	0	4	x	5	7	0

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CNA Week, which takes place on the Thursday of the second full week of June, is a week full of celebrations honoring the hard work of assistant nurses. This year, it was held from June 13 to 19. Certified nursing assistants began working under the Red Cross program during World War I and have served alongside U.S. Army nurses. Hundreds of young women were trained to care for wounded soldiers in reserve, field, base, and civilian hospitals.

Today, CNA’s are found in skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, staffing and home health agencies representing a force of nearly one million strong that help elderly and people with disabilities. 

In recognition of the CNA’s on staff, the administration of Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, located at 175 Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro, orchestrated a full week of activities to show their appreciation for the dedicated commitment of each. 

Thanks goes to Lagniappe, AHC, Bayou Boys, Mitchell’s Pharmacy, and Trey Etheridge from First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, among others, who helped honor these budding caregivers by supplying prizes and treats, lunch and coffee, sno-cones and snacks.

June Birthdays Celebrated

Another year older! Another year wiser! That is what the five residents (shown below) of Forest Haven Nursing Home who had birthdays in June celebrated. 

Happy Birthday! 

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The game started as bright as the high sun that was blistering the field early on Sunday morning. After two pitches, JP8U had already recorded one out. It seemed like a good sign. Then the bottom dropped out just as if suddenly dark clouds blew up and a deluge came crashing down. Only the barrage that washed away JP8U’s chances of making it to the state tournament was runs. Lots of them, 16 in fact before the Sterlington first inning came to a close.  

To their credit JP8U refused to quit and came out swinging. Three straight hits by Malia Gunter, Caylee Mauthe and Ellie Shultz followed by a two out double by Matilyn Otwell plated two but that was all that the locals would be able to muster. Five more runs by Sterlington the basically put out any light of hope. Needing five runs just to keep the contest from being called once again, JP8U showed determination as Landrie Watson opened the bottom of the third with a bunt single. Down to their last out, JP8U continued to fight as Mauthe and Shultz singled to score a run before the proverbial clock struck midnight, ending JP8U’s district tourney sporting a respectable 2-2 record. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H	E
Sterlington	16	5	0	21	26	0
Jackson Parish	2	0	1	3	9	0

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is calling for additional tutors to support students across the state, as the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has launched a request for applications from literacy and math tutoring providers. This move follows substantial investments by lawmakers during the regular session, solidifying the state’s leadership in providing high-quality tutoring to students and families.

Tutoring providers can now apply to participate in two key programs operated by the LDOE:

Steve Carter Tutoring Program

The Steve Carter Tutoring Program is designed for public school students in grades K-12 who are below proficiency in reading and math. The LDOE has increased the maximum rate for tutoring services to $60 per hour for one-to-one tutoring. Families receive a $1,500 digital voucher to purchase high-quality tutoring services outside of school hours. Services can be provided virtually or in person, and providers must complete required foundational literacy or math training.

Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative

The Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative targets eligible low-performing students in grades K-5. School systems select approved providers to deliver tutoring during the school day. This program aims to address unfinished learning by integrating tutoring support directly into the school schedule.

More information on each program and the application process is available online. The Steve Carter Tutoring Program was established through Act 415 during the 2021 legislative session and updated through HB 244 of the 2024 legislative session. The Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative was created through Senate Bill 508 of the 2024 legislative session.

The Louisiana Legislature allocated over $30 million for tutoring initiatives during the 2024 Regular Session, with $30 million designated for school systems to provide tutoring during the school day through the Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative, and $5 million for families to access tutoring outside of school hours through the Steve Carter Tutoring Program.

Louisiana’s comprehensive tutoring approach includes opportunities for students to receive additional academic support both during and outside of the school day. With backing from the national nonprofit Accelerate and Louisiana Kids Matter, Louisiana was among the first states to enhance high-dosage tutoring statewide to help close pandemic learning gaps.

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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law a new act that is sure to please deer hunters on a couple of fronts. Through Landry signing Act 272 last week, a licensed hunter or tracker can now pursue a wounded deer with a dog and then once located the animal can dispatch the deer with a handgun.

This new law does not apply to LDWF Wildlife Management Areas 

Those opposed to the actions say this sets the stage for unlawful use of dogs and night time hunting activity but restrictions are in place to limit the opportunity for abuse of privileges.

(1) No more than one dog may be used per tracking party in pursuit of the wounded deer. However, a second dog may be utilized for the purpose of deer retrieval training.
(2) Tracking dogs shall be on a handheld leash or utilize a GPS tracking collar.
(3) Any mortally wounded deer discovered alive after legal hunting hours may be dispatched by the licensed hunter or tracker by using a centerfire handgun with a barrel no longer than six inches caliber no larger than .45 or smaller than .25.
(4) The licensed hunter or tracker may pursue a mortally wounded deer onto private property only if he has received verbal or written permission from the landowner.

 

 

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“I need to lose a few pounds,” is an expression that many of us mutter with a grumble. None of us want to go on a diet, but what if that diet was a steak diet in which we ate more steak and less vegetables? Now, that’s a diet I could sink my teeth into. That is exactly the diet Dr. James proposed.

James Henry was born in Scott, New York in 1823. In his twenties, he studied his way through the collegiate hierarchy and by the time he was 30, became a doctor and a well-respected chemist. We might never have heard of Dr. James had it not been for America’s bloodiest and most divisive conflict, the Civil War. During the Civil War, Dr. James served as a physician for the Union army. There was little he could do to help soldiers wounded in battle other than try to repair their damaged and broken bodies.

Dr. James recognized that he was treating more soldiers for diseases than from battle wounds. According to the National Park Service, more than twice as many Union soldiers died from diseases than from battle. Most of the soldiers Dr. James treated were suffering from severe diarrhea, which led to dehydration, and often proved fatal. Now that was a problem that Dr. James thought he could solve by using his background in chemistry.

Dr. James began studying the soldiers’ diet. At the start of the war, soldiers on both sides were allotted a small ration of pork, bacon, or salt beef, hardtack (hard bread), beans, peas, potatoes, rice, corn, and other available vegetables. Dr. James concluded that vegetables and starchy foods produced poisons in the digestive system. He blamed vegetables for a host of illnesses such as heart disease, tuberculosis, mental illness, tumors, and, of course, diarrhea.

Had my younger self known of Dr. James’s conclusions, I certainly would have used them in an attempt to avoid eating my broccoli. Dr. James believed that the troops suffering from diarrhea could be treated with a diet of coffee and lean chopped beefsteak. Dr. James claimed that healthy soldiers could avoid getting diarrhea if they utilized the same diet. Dr. James had a hard time getting military leaders to adopt his diet because of limitations in supplies of meat.

Following the Civil War, Dr. James continued to encourage people to adopt his diet of coffee and steak. Contrary to what we might expect in a capitalistic society, Dr. James was not seeking profit. He shared his recipes openly with anyone who would listen. His recipes often appeared in newspapers. His most popular recipe was for his steak, which he suggested should be eaten three times a day.

In 1888, newspapers throughout the country declared that Dr. James’s steak “appears to be giving remarkably good results as a diet for people troubled with weak or disordered digestion, but who require the supporting power of animal food.”

The article shared the manner for preparing the steak as described by a Dr. Hepburn in the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter.

“The surface of a round steak is chopped with a dull knife, the object being not to cut but to pound the meat. As the meat pulp comes to the top, it is scraped off, while the tough and fibrous portion gradually reaches the bottom of the trough. The pulp is then made into cakes and lightly and quickly broiled so as to leave it almost raw inside.”

Today, Dr. James’s dietary work has been largely forgotten with the exception of his steak. Many of us still eat his steak as his recipe suggested — flavored with onion and other seasonings, then broiled, and covered with thick gravy or brown sauce – though not three times a day as he would have liked.

Perhaps we cancel out the healthy properties of his steak as we consume it with hearty helpings of vegetables. We still know the steak by his last name, which upon hearing may subconsciously cause your mouth to water. Now you know how and why Dr. James Henry Salisbury invented the Salisbury Steak.

 

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If you are curious about who will be representing Jonesboro-Hodge High School on the girls basketball team next school year, then you will want to come to the Lady Tigers Summer Camp on Wedneday, June 26th at the JHHS gymnasium. As an added bonus you will also get to see what Saline, Simsboro, Union Parish and Lincoln Prep will have to offer. Admission will be $5.00 per person. Concessions will be sold as well. 

Four games are slated as shown below.  

3:00 pm: Saline vs Union Parish
4:00 pm: JHHS vs Lincoln Prep
5:00 pm: Saline vs Simsboro
6:00 pm: JHHS vs Union Parish 

 

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Is there a calling on you? Do you have an anointing to bring someone to Christ?  Do you enjoy preaching the gospel in front of an enthusiastic congregation? Then an opportunity exists that you may want to explore. 

McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, located at 1676 Hwy 4 in Jonesboro is seeking a Southern Baptist Bi-Vocational Minister. Interested candidates should email a resume to mmbcchurch318@gmail.com

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I believe 2016 was the last time Toledo Bend was on fire. Well, 2024 has been very similar to that year so far. The Bend is once again an awesome fishery that is putting out not only quality bass, but bass over ten pounds. This past May during the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash was the proof that anglers were looking for.

Now understand, all lakes go through some periods of decline and most rebound with good management. It’s like a deer lease; the only way to have quality deer is to manage the herd. It’s been through the coordination and dedication of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Management (TPWM) that Toledo Bend has been able to rebound and become one of the best fisheries in the south.

Here are some numbers from mid-May’s Sealy Big Bass Splash that will illustrate just how good the Bend is fishing at this time.

· Over the course of three days anglers brought in 94 bass over 6 pounds with 35 of those over 7.00 pounds.

· For the first time in years the top 4 bass of the event were over 10 pounds….10.06, 10.52, 10.58, along with the winning bass of 10.64 lbs.

All Sealy events also have an hourly payback for the top 15 bass each hour. Here’s what it took just to make the Top 15 each hour.

· Friday – it took a 4.16 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

· Saturday – it a 4.13 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

· Sunday – it took at least a 3.72 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

Now to the average person these numbers may not mean much, but to an avid bass fisherman they are eye popping. The numbers show just how good of a fishery Toledo Bend is currently. Additionally, it proves that the lake is putting out quality bass and that will encourage tournament organizations to schedule more events on the Bend.

Now there are other factors that have helped the Bend to become, once again, one of the best bass lakes in the country. Over the last year, there has been a resurgence of grass or what biologist call hydrilla. Both ends of Toledo Bend have good grass beds from Blue Lake (north of San Miguel) down to Housen Bay and Six Mile areas. Lower water levels of 2023 and early 2024 have also been a factor due to the fact it has allowed more vegetative growth in the shallow water areas.

One thing is clear, Toledo Bend is once again in the category of “Best Lakes in America.” While Mother Nature is the determining factor on just how good this lake will be in the future, it’s up to all anglers to do our part with fish management. It’s our job to take care of our catch on tournament day and make sure the fish we release back into the lake are in great condition to be caught again.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and let’s all try to practice catch and release on all our waterways. Keep what you can eat and throw the rest back to be caught another day.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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The Jackson Parish Unity Team, a collection of close to 20 churches in Jackson Parish are joining to host a back-to-school supply giveaway for our community. The benevolent event will take place at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School beginninig at 10:00am on Saturday, July 13th. If you or someone you know could benefit from FREE school supplies, FREE haircut vouchers, or FREE hygiene products, please scan the symbol on the banner above or click the link below to RSVP today. 

https://docs.google.com/…/1EEbXEdqtmUQ398VOgP…/edit

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A Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer for less than 12 hours, Ray Sibille sat on the couch in the lobby of the cozy Church Street Inn on a heat-em-up Sunday morning by the Cane River, his smile modest and sincere, bright as the morning sunshine.

“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “Everything’s been so wonderful. Just perfect. What a weekend…”

Just out of the elevator and around the corner comes Pat Day, a Colorado native and National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inductee in 1991, in Natchitoches for the weekend, for his buddy Sibille. More handshakes and smiles.

Somewhere within their gravitational pull was Eddie Delahoussaye of New Iberia, a 2002 LASHOF inductee and a man who was almost as happy with Sibille’s induction as Sibille himself. Throw in Day and, between the three, you can count about 15,000 wins and $250 million in winnings.

Lot of money. Lot of winner’s circles. But to be a part of the Class of 2024, that seemed for Sibille to override all the rides around all the tracks.

“I thought I might go into the Hall a dozen years ago with Eddie,” Sibille said. “Then I thought, ‘Well, maybe I wasn’t quite good enough.’ But you know what? God’s timing is better than mine.

“If I’d have gone in then, my first grandson would be this big,” he said, pretending to hold a baby to his shoulder and pat it on the back. “And my other one wouldn’t be born yet. Now they’re both here and …”

What he didn’t say said it all. He just smiled. Pat Day smiled.

Through the glass front of the Church Street Inn, the bright sun poured through.

Saturday night’s audience in the Special Events Center behind the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum was among the largest and most receptive in the history of the Induction Ceremonies. Such a beautiful crowd. Smiles and laughter and a deep appreciation not only for the accomplishments of the inductees, but even more so for the personalities themselves, for the people who through a combination of genes and talent and work ethic and fate, found themselves in the glow of a night they won’t forget.

A few, like Sibille, had to stop for just a moment during their brief induction interviews Saturday might, stop and gather their emotions when they thanked some of the many people who helped each of them realize their dream.

The first inductee, Bobby Ardoin, set the tone when he cried, for just a moment, thanking his adoptive parents who, it turns out, raised a tireless educator and writer. “They let me do just about anything I wanted,” Bobby said to laughs. (They raised a good one.)

Grambling icon Wilbert Ellis brought about 200 fans with him (no exaggeration) and did not disappoint as he accepted the Ambassador Award, only the second ever awarded. In his acceptance interview, he preached respect and education, (and “preached” is used as a metaphor here, but just barely). Love Coach Ellis.

When he was a young coach, Class of 2024 inductee Frank Monica saw his Lutcher football team’s 27-0 winning streak snapped in the Class AAA 1976 semifinals by Jesuit, now Loyola, of Shreveport. At Lutcher, too. But after the game, Monica came into the winners’ locker room, got on a bench and told the Flyers how proud he was of them, congratulated them on how good of a team they were, and wished them a state championship — which they won the next week at Winnfield. So he lost with class — but he had plenty of opportunities to win with class, too: he’d go on to coach three different schools to three state titles. And all weekend in Natchitoches, he and his family beamed and spread the humor and humility.

Seimone Augustus. Perry Clark. Kevin Jackson. Kerry Joseph. Every inductee present radiated a sincerity and graciousness no one could fake. Go see them sometime. They’ll be waiting for you, in the Hall.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library branches in Jonesboro and Chatham have long been recognized as providing some of the most entertaining and educational programming for their patrons as you could possibly find. 

This Wednesday – Friday, June 26-28, another fine example of their dedication to partner with a wide array of organizations and individuals to provide residents of Jackson Parish a unique experience is on tap. 

Wednesday, June 26 

Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28

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It is come to pass that nowadays there is hardly anyone who wants to throw a fishing tournament whether it be a local club, statewide amateur organization or even a professional bass fishing circuit, that doesn’t inquire about the availability of Caney Lake in Jackson Parish. 

And why not? After all the “Jewel in the Pines” has earned it’s reputation as a great haven for tournaments, as the watershed consistently produces record setting catches and enjoyment of landing big bass rarely seen anywhere else in the nation. 

Louisiana Youth Bass Nation Tour has now joined the list of elite organizations to enlist Caney Lake as a destination on their 2024 -25 tournament schedule. This past week the LYBN released their nine tournament slate, with Caney Lake playing host to their 7th tourney of the year and 3rd in the North Division, set for March 8, 2025. 

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Watch Your Language

Profanity is a problem that’s easily learned and spread. Even toddlers can pick up cuss words from their parents. Reaching school age, the children have become fluent in profanity. Teachers can do little to curb the habit in today’s permissive society.

Sadly, young children are introduced to more profane language on television, movies and through video games. Teenagers think it’s cool. It’s easy to see why adults use so much bad language. Cussing and cursing has become common in conversations and on social media.

Most people don’t even notice it. Writers put in one or two words in an actor’s dialog or friends speak before thinking. Consider this… When was the last time that you heard a man say this? ‘Excuse my French.’ At least that man sensed that he might have offended you.

Profanity is offensive. It not only offends listeners; it offends God.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7 NASB).”

He is Holy.

“And you shall not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:12 NASB).”

Watch your language!

“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person (Matthew 15:18 NASB).”

Cursing can be restrained.

“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way (James 3:9-10 NASB).”

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This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Winston Dupre (Chatham, LA) – DWI 4th Offense, Refusal of Chemical Test, Driving Under Suspenson for DWI, Reckless Operation
Lauren H. Fenn (Quitman, LA) – Speeding, No Driver License
Barrett D. Howard (Ruston, LA) – Driving While Intoxicated, Open Container, Careless Operation
Craig R. Nowlan (Dodson, LA) – Bench Warrant
Megan Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
April A. Brooks (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
Shankia R. Matthews (Byrum, MS) – No Passing Zone, Aggravated Flight from an Officer
Kenneth L. Snyder (Eros, LA) – Outside Agency Warrant
Austin Wells (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property

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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. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro, LA is seeking a bi-vocational Southern Baptist minister. If interested please send resume to mmbcchurch318@gmail.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Jackson Parish Council on Aging is seeking part-time help for Nutrition Site Aid in Chatham, LA. A high school education is required and interested parties should expect to work four (4) hours a day, Monday – Friday while providing an exceptional attitude to senior citizens. Applications will be taken at the JPCOA office at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro. 

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Jackson Council on Aging is having their Annual Membership Drive. Please come by the office at 120 Polk Ave. Jonesboro if you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOIL ADVISORY

Chatham Water System
PWS ID#1049004
Jackson Parish, Louisiana
JUNE 24, 2024

The Chatham Water System has been placed under boil advisory by the Louisiana Department of Health because of BOOSTER PUMP FAILURE. This boil advisory affects New Hope St. Clair Water customers residing on LA Hwy 146 from Chatham Lake Rd to McConnell Rd.

The New Hope booster station is experiencing electrical problems causing the booster pump failure.

Therefore, as a precaution, the Chatham Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Chatham Water System.

It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Upon notification from the Office of Public Health’s State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from our water supply have been found to be safe, the State Health Department will notify the water supply of the sample results. Upon such notification, the Chatham Water System will then rescind the Boil Advisory and
notify its customers that the water has been found to be safe.

Gregory C. Harris
Mayor
Village of Chatham