On Sunday, July 29th, Jackson Parish Sheriff Office K-9 units in conjunction with the Winn Parish Chase Team, captured two immigrants who had escaped from the US Immigration and Customs Facility located in Jonesboro. 

According to reports, early Sunday afternoon a call was received by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office that two immigrants that were being housed at the facility run by LaSalle Corrections and located on Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro had escaped and fled on foot. Immediately the JPSO K-9 units along with JPSO Deputies were dispatched resulting in the two individuals being located and captured in a wooded area about 250 yards south of the facility just a little over one hour of the report being received. 

Agencies involved were from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 Units, JPSO Deputies, Lasalle Corrections, US Immigration and Customs and Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team and Deputies.

 

 

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JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship and three players expected to make strong contributions in the 2024 campaign (Christian McGuire, Dakota Knox and Landon Boston) ventured to Alexandria this past week to take part in the 2024 Gridiron Football Media Day. 

With permission granted by Gridiron Football, LLC, below is a copy of the transcript posted by Jace LeJeune. Photo shown above is by Andy Bryson. 

Subject: 2024 Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers 
Posted: July 28th

Jonesboro Hodge High School head coach Terrance Blankenship has been a veteran of the coaching game up in North Louisiana and is one of the longest active head coaches with one school in the state as he enters year number 13 leading the Tigers. For Coach Blankenship, it is business as usual just like every other season.

“We are doing pretty much what the other schools have been doing. We have been doing a lot 7v7 at Louisiana Tech and Ruston and every Tuesday in June, we go out there and play. We had a little break with the coaches clinic, but we just got back today so we are getting ready up to the start of the season.” 

Closing in on 25 years coaching football, Coach Blankenship has seen his fair share of experienced teams like the 2021 squad that made it all the way to the semifinals, but he has also seen some young and inexperienced teams like the one he is going to have this upcoming season. Although young with only five seniors this upcoming fall, the veteran coach has liked with what he has seen from this group through spring and summer, especially in the trenches.

“We feel pretty good about our spring. We scrimmaged Lincoln Prep and Delhi in a three-team scrimmage. We have five seniors and 36 kids so we are pretty young. A lot of the young guys got the chance to play last season. Spring also helps us to see where we are at and what we need to work on. We feel pretty good about our offensive line and our running game so we are going to lean pretty good about that. We got a new quarterback in Dakota Knox. He’s going to be a junior this year. We are going to lean heavily on the run until he is able to get his feet wet. He’s also a two-way guy so we don’t want to overload him. We feel good about this season with the young guys that we got.”

With just less than 40 players on the team, there will be plenty of playing time for a lot of players on this roster including veteran Ken’Waun Atkins, two way starter WR/CB Christian McGuire and two time All-District linebacker Landon Boston, who is also seeing more time at running back.

“One of the guys that I want to mention is Ken’Waun Atkins. He plays offensive line and defensive line. I would have brought him today, but he is over on vacation in Tennessee. He is going to play right tackle and defensive end for us. He is going to be a senior and was on that semifinal team when he was a freshman.”

“We are going to lean heavily on our running back Landon Boston. He got better over the year and is coming off a good spring. At the receiver position, we got our leading receiver coming back in Za’mauriyan Palmer. He is going to be a senior this year. He is a basketball player and a two way guy like a lot of small schools do. He’s good and he is big and physical and has deceptive speed.”

After a 4-7 season, the five Tiger seniors want to leave their mark and have a special season just like what they were able to witness four years prior, which was a state semifinal run.

“Right now, they are our focal point. They have to lead the guys the way those seniors led you your freshman year.”

What will also help is that after playing the last couple of seasons in 2A, the Tigers will now be competing against teams with similar numbers.

“We dropped down a classification so we are 1A now. The teams that we will be playing in district and in the playoffs will have numbers like us. The teams we will be competing are similar to us so there are no excuses. The main thing in 1A is that we have to stay healthy because if you lose one player, you are really losing two because they play both ways.”

2023 was a tough season in many different ways including personally for Coach Blankenship as he dealt with the tragic death of his stepson Bre’Untae Hicks last fall causing him to miss the rest of the season, but seeing how his team responded and played the rest of the season is something that Coach is super proud of to this day.

“Last year, we ended on a bad note. My season was cut short last year due to the tragedy that I had so I didn’t get to finish the last five games with the kids. The coaches did a great job filling in for me. The season ended on a sour note losing to Ferriday. A bright spot was when we defeated our rival Winnfield in Week 10. Other than that, it was kind of disappointing, but I like the way our team finished at the end of the year. They didn’t give up. They didn’t hang their hat.”

Due to the Tigers moving down in class, the team will still keep its rivalry game against Winnfield, but it will be played this time at the start of the season rather the end of the season. Other highlights include new district games between Arcadia, Haynesville, Cedar Creek, Glenbrook, Lincoln Prep, and Plain Dealing.

Still, even with a new district, a new schedule, and new players, the familiarity stays the same with Coach Blankenship and his staff leading the way for another year in 2024.

To see the Media Day interview as shown by Gridiron Football click here. 

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NOTE: Special thanks to the Lincoln Parish Journal for permission to reprint article below.

(kylepj) A Lincoln Parish deputy arrested a motorist Saturday night after he was found to be wanted. Drugs were found in the man’s car as well.

Michael Keith Horton, 32, of Quitman, was stopped about 9:30 p.m. Saturday night for an equipment violation. A check showed Horton was wanted on three warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court and a fourth warrant for failure to appear in Third District Court.

During a search of Horton’s vehicle, the deputy found a set of scales commonly used for measuring narcotics and bags of suspected methamphetamine. Horton told the deputy he had Subutex in the vehicle as well, but he did not have a prescription bottle with him.

Horton was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Subutex, possession of drug paraphernalia, no license plate light, the three warrants from Ruston City Court for traffic violations, and the District Court warrant for failure to appear on a protective order violation.

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.

 

 

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Schedules of the upcoming 2024-25 school year for institutions of the Jackson Parish School District have been released showing all holidays, conferences, teacher work days, first and last day for students and end of grading periods. 

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On Tuesday, July 30th the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Shreveport, LA issued an Urgent Heat Advisory for Jackson Parish that is expected to remain in place at least until Friday. 

Very hot, humid, and dry conditions will remain in place through Friday, as an upper level ridge of high pressure builds into the region. As a result, heat indices will climb to near or in excess of 105 degrees. The approach of a weak surface front this weekend may focus the potential for isolated to widely scattered showers and thunderstorms over the region. – NWS,  Shreveport, LA.

The expected hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat related illnesses and residents are urged to take precautions and preparedness actions such as:
Drink plenty of fluids
Stay in air-conditioned rooms
Stay out of the sun
Check on relatives and neighbors. 

 

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Cali Deal has been recognized as one of the best high school softball players in the state for the past couple of years. This is verified by her being the reigning Class B MVP after leading Quitman High to the LHSAA Division V “non-select” state championship this past spring. 

That recognition has now gone nationwide. 

After leading her Texas Bombers Gold 16U to a third place finish at the prestigious and nationally acclaimed Alliance Fastpitch 16U Championship Series played in Westfield, IN, Deal was named to the All-Tourney team. 

Deal, who will be a senior at Quitman High during the 2024-25 school year, has committed to play softball collegiately at LSU.  

 

 

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Frédéric “Auguste” Bartholdi was born in Comar, France in 1791 to parents Jean Charles Bartholdi and Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi. When Auguste was just two years old, his father died. Soon thereafter, Auguste, along with his mother and older brother, moved to Paris to be closer to another branch of the Bartholdi family.

Auguste was a student of the arts. He studied drawing, painting, sculpting, and architecture. He was most impressed with and often visited the workshops of noted sculptors Antoine Etex and Jean-François Soitoux. Auguste’s interests were in the creation of monuments to historical figures and patriotic celebrations. In 1854, Auguste began drawing what became his first real monument to honor a French Army officer during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He completed the bronze statue of General Rapp in 1855 and presented it at the Universal Exhibition of Parish. In the following year, it was placed atop a pedestal in Auguste and General Rapp’s hometown of Colmar. Auguste created a handful of other bronze sculptures of notable French patriots.

The viceroy of Egypt learned of Auguste’s talent and hired him to design a statue of a robed female Saeid Misr or “Upper Egyptian,” to be built at the entryway of the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt. It was to be called Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. Auguste got to work right away. He took inspiration from the giant ancient Egyptian statues at Abu Simbel, Egypt. He researched the Colossus of Rhodes which was built at the entrance to the island’s main port in 280 B.C. The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and stood for almost a thousand years until, according to some sources, an Arab force conquered Rhodes and completely destroyed the statue.

Auguste complete sketches and even a watercolor painting of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. He designed the 86-foot-tall female statue to sit atop a 48-foot-tall pedestal. Auguste knew that this statue on such a grand scale would certainly be his masterpiece. Auguste met with the viceroy and displayed his sketches, paintings, and architectural drawings of the statue. The viceroy was certainly impressed, but the cost to construct the statue was just too great. The viceroy had no choice but to discontinue work on Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia. In 1869, the Port Said Lighthouse was built where Auguste’s statue would have stood. Auguste was understandably disappointed.

In the following year, 1870, France was embroiled in the Franco-Prussian War. Auguste served as a squadron leader of the National Guard and liaison officer during the war. He took part in the unsuccessful defense of Colmar from Germany. When the war ended in 1871, Auguste began constructing numerous monuments in honor of French heroism in the region. All the while, he kept thinking about the statue that would have been his masterpiece. He was determined to build it, but who would pay the enormous price to construct it? He ultimately convinced the French government to help in the form of public fees. They held various forms of fundraisers such as theatrical events, art exhibits, auctions, and a lottery. In 1883, poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet entitled “The New Colossus” to be auctioned for the statue’s construction.

Finally, Auguste had the funds to build his masterpiece. He recycled and modified his original female “Upper Egyptian” design along with the statue’s original title Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia to better fit the statue’s intended placement. In July 1884, Auguste completed his 151-foot masterpiece, and the statue stood tall above the rooftops of Paris for two years. Then, the statue was disassembled, packed up, shipped to what was then called Bedloe’s Island, and reassembled where it remains to this day. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi recycled the look of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia and renamed the statue Liberty Enlightening the World. You and I know Auguste’s recycled masterpiece as the Statue of Liberty.

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School will have a new head coach patrolling the sidelines during the 2024 football season as Max Martinez takes over the reins, bringing with him a resume of building champions. Joining Martinez on the 2024 Tiger coaching staff will be Justin Durbin, Andre Leonard and TayVionne Tate. 

While being his first head coaching opportunity, this marks the second straight year that Martinez will be at J-HMS following a stint as assistant coach in 2023. He comes back to the Tiger’s after serving as an assistant coach on the 2024 LHSAA Quitman High School softball state championship team this past spring. 

“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to work with these fine young men,” said Martinez. “We are excited about our season ahead and are eager to get it started.”

Martinez is a graduate of The Woodlands High School, located just outside of Houston, TX, which has for years been a nationally acclaimed high school football power. While there, The Woodlands never lost a district game and played for a Texas Class 6A state championship. From there he graduated from Louisiana Tech University in the spring of 2021, where he also served on the football staff for two years. 

Parent / Coach Meetings Scheduled

Parents of the players will have an opportunity to meet with Coach Martinez on three separate dates beginning on August 1st. Additional meeting dates are scheduled for August 6th and August 8th. It is mandatory that at least one of the meeting be attended. All sessions will take place at 5:00 pm in the J-HMS gymnasium.  

J-HMS Football Schedule 

All home games to be played at J-HMS Field

8/20: Haynesville (scrimmage)
8/29: Arcadia
9/3: @ Rayville
9/5: @ Lincoln Prep
9/10: @ Arcadia
9/12: @ Winnfield
9/19: Lincoln Prep
9/24: Cedar Creek
10/3: Red River
10/8: @ Cedar Creek

J-HMS 2024 Football Roster

– King Campbell (team captain)
– LaDarriel Thompson
– Cannon Tatum
– Raylon Bradford
– Levi Martin
– Mason Campbell
– Kodan Atkins (team captain)
– DJ Jones
– Jason McNeil
– Cameron Foster (team captain)
– Kemarion Heard
– Rylan Johnson
– Tyrese Martin (team captain)
– Shan Stallings
– Ayden Watkins
– Lamont Freeman
– Graylen Hendricks
– Kyrn Jackson
– Tristan Smith
– Ashton Padgett
– Antoine Spivey
– Jaysen Cottonham
– David Ayers
– Carter Sanders
– Jaddarian Allen
– Cameron Leonard
– Andrew Watkins
– Keydon Tran
– Tylan Martin
– Greg Hendricks
– RJ Boston
– Marcus Banks
– Brayden Booker
– Brady Malone
– Jarhyeon Harris
– Kenneth Vaughn
– Jamario Kato
– Joshua Johnson
– Caleb Washington

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The Jackson Parish Library has announced the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge and Attendance Challenge winners for the Jonesboro and Chatham branches. Prizes may be received by going to the circulation desk. 

“On behalf of the administration and staff, we thank each and every patron that visited us this summer and give our congratulations to the winners,” said JPL Director Floyd Knox.

Summer Reading Challenge Sponsors and Staff Recognized 

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“Jackson” as he is fondly called, is one snake that nobody in the area minds getting longer. Matter of fact it is becoming the “in thing” to help extend the it’s length by adding painted rocks to it. Located at the Deacon’s of Defense Park and Civil Rights Trail in Jonesboro, the new community mascot has grown to now include over 1000 rocks with more being added daily. 

The residents of Forest Haven Nursing Home got into the act this past week as individuals painted rocks during activity time and then ventured to the park to place them along the trail. 

Residents enjoy presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof” 

Forest Haven residents enjoyed another enthralling outing this past week as they ventured to Ruston to take on a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” held at the Ruston Community Theatre.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Cake and gifts were aplenty this past week as seven residents celebrated birthdays. Enjoying their “special day” and shown below in no particular order were: Francine Harvey, 80; Earl Jackson, 76; Marie Smiley, 91; Betty Green, 89; Harriet Manning, 78; Rita Robinson, 89: and Jimmie Sue Smith, 82 

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Jonesboro-Hodge High School will hold orientation Thursday, August 8th at the J-HHS auditorium. The 9th grade students will meet at 10 a.m. The 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will meet at 2 p.m. A parent or guardian must accompany the student to the meeting to sign and receive important documents.

Note: This is not a teacher/paraprofessional work day. However some teachers may attend should they desire to do so.

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On Sunday, August 4th, North Hodge Assembly of God will celebrate the leadership of Pastor Geary Phillips, who has announced his retirement after faithfully serving the church for 16 1/2 years. 

Come and enjoy “Family Day” where a special Sunday service honoring Pastor Phillips will be held at 10:45 along with a retirement reception that will take place at 2:30 pm. 

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Gimme an “E!” for “excitement!”

Go team!

It’s ‘that’ time of year, and the password is “excited!”

We can talk volleyball or soccer, and “certainly there is reason for excitement!” as most any coach would say, about the upcoming prospects on the court and on the pitch.

But the Kingpin of Autumn is football, so …

Pigskin Excitement!

Of all your excitements, the best and most contagious kind has got to be Pigskin Excitement! Optimism is rampant, hyperbole is free and easy.

And so — here we are. With August and the first days of (legal) practice knocking at the door, the only way to get in is to say you’re “excited,” or one of its cousins.

You can be “Eager!” or “Fired up!” or “Stoked!” or “Juiced!” or even, if you are light-headed due to excitement, “in a tizzy!”

It does not matter if you’re a Rhodes Scholar pulling guard or a quarterback with a rocket arm and chicken lo mein for brains, if you are not “EXCITED!” then buddy you’d better GET excited or get your butt OUT of this locker room and OFF this field!

These are exciting times!

But … what about the teams that SAY they’re excited but are NOT excited? What about the teams that are just flat-out depressed? Don’t they deserve some love too?

We’ve been around and can testify: there’s not always a lot of exciting joy in Mudville.

There is what you will read in the newspapers and hear on film clips — “After an inspired offseason, we’re excited about getting on the field and sending these seniors out as champions!” — and there is what you will hear when the depressed coach walks back to the training room and pours his soul out, sweaty hat in hand, to the equipment manager.

“We’re not worth donating to the homeless store. It depresses me to think that State U. is going to come in here in about eight weeks, right about the time we’re 2-5, and beat us like a rented mule.

“And ol’ Frankie Junior, he could be the best tight end in the league but I swear, if he was any dumber, we’d have to water that boy twice a day.

“We tried to put in a new system in the off-season and, Moses and Enoch themselves as my witness, it’s not going to be any better than the OLD system because we have the SAME players! We don’t need a new system; we need new players. Preferably ones with IQ’s higher than their shoe sizes.

“On top of that, our mascot is getting neutered Tuesday. Did you know that? Doesn’t even have a vote. We’ve got more problems than a little bit.

“And jock itch has infected the whole team. I’m telling you I’m so unlucky, I could reach in a barrel of silver dollars and pull out a penny.

“Only thing that can save us now is the NC Double A fining us and putting us on permanent suspension so we don’t have to play, but we’re too poor to have broken any rules. We couldn’t buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel a pop. Boy if heartaches were commercials, I’d be all over everybody’s television sets…

“Meanwhile I’m having to tell the press and fans we’re ‘excited!’ Yesterday I even threw out a ‘SUPER-excited!’ Think they bought it?

“You know what excites me? That the season won’t last forever.

“But it’s sure gonna seem that way.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Thanks to Rex Moncrief, publisher of the media outlet “The Outdoor News”, several  enhanced digital hazard maps of Caney Creek Reservoir that were provided to him by Jackson Parish Watershed Commission President Gary Joynor has been made available for printing or download by going to the following links. 

Click Here

Click Here

Click Here

Additionally, links to various High Res JPGs and PNGs that you can download / save on your iPhone Photo Album for pinch / zoom can be downloaded here. 

DISCLAIMER
This map of Caney Creek Reservoir, Louisiana, has been created using Google Earth and Google Maps for informational and recreational purposes only. The locations and details presented on this map are intended to provide a general guide to the areas around Caney Creek Reservoir.

ACCURACY AND UPDATES
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, please be aware that geographical features, facilities, and access points may change over time. Some data may not be current or entirely accurate. Users should verify details independently before relying on this map for navigation or planning purposes.

LIABILITY
The creators of this map do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies contained in the map, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Use of this map is at your own risk.

PURPOSE
This map is intended to enhance the enjoyment and understanding of Caney Creek Reservoir. It is not intended for precise navigation or any other professional use. Always exercise caution and consult official resources and local authorities when planning activities in the area.

 

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Food, fun, and games has been the theme at Chatham Senior’s Mealsite, as patrons enjoyed various forms of Bingo while also celebrating those who had birthdays during the month of July over the past seven days.  

It all started with Mrs. Cindy Ingram of Chatham Rural Clinic / Caldwell Memorial Hospital “calling the numbers” this past Wednesday, followed by Payton Mitchell and Becky Robinson with Mitchell’s Pharmacy hosting Bingo games on Friday. The fun continued on Monday with Mrs. Sondra Womack providing fresh honey in jars to the “Blackout” winners. 

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

CMS closed out the month by recognizing Mrs. Stephanie Evans, and Mrs. Rodean Jones in celebration of their birthdays this month. Co-worker, Mrs. Casandra Tatum also had a birthday in July. 

Nearly 4,600 pharmacies nationwide are hosting Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to help families prioritize their health this back-to-school season. Customers can receive free glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure screenings as well as affordable immunizations like flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis and more. Select stores will also feature vision screenings making it even easier for customers to access the resources they need.

“As a back-to-school destination, Walmart’s Wellness Day provides a unique opportunity for families to streamline health needs and school supply shopping,” said Kevin Host, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Pharmacy. “It’s one of our favorite times of the year and we are thrilled we can provide affordable health options for communities across the country on Wellness Day to help start the school year off strong.”

Wellness Day also offers families a chance to chat with pharmacists and learn more about ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Customers can even learn about our Health & Wellness offerings and solutions. Wellness Day events will feature the following health resources, administered by qualified pharmacy and Vision Center teams:

Free health screenings, including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and vision screenings (select locations)
Affordable immunizations, including COVID-19, flu, HPV, pneumonia, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chicken pox/shingles), whooping cough (TDAP), Hep A & B and more
Wellness resources + opportunity to talk with pharmacists

Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days since 2014 and have contributed more than 5 million free health screenings for customers. More than 4,000 Walmart stores are in medical professional shortage areas, which means Walmart is often the first stop for health care in these communities. To find a free event in your neighborhood, visit Walmart.com/wellnesshub.

 

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For the Time Being

He’s Back…

Just when I think the devil’s behind me; he’s back again. He not only returns he wants to occupy till God’s kingdom comes.

‘Satan, I have resisted and cast you behind me. I guess you haven’t read the bestseller lists on proper etiquette. You have not been invited!’

Bible believers realize that Ole Slew Foot thinks he’s free to come and go as he pleases. We’re not intimidated. Jesus has revealed the victory in overcoming Satan and his temptations. The devil left but only for the time being.

“And he brought Him into Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written:

‘HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS ORDERS CONCERNING YOU, TO PROTECT YOU,’

and,

‘ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL LIFT YOU UP,
SO THAT YOU DO NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’

And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘It has been stated, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’

And so when the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time (Luke 4:9-13 NASB).”

I don’t want to give him an opportunity.

“BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB).”

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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  or call 318-480-1206. 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SP# 9289

Sealed bids will be received by the Procurement Section of the Division of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the following:

RFx No. 3000023353, Waste Disposal Service for DMA – Gillis Long Center – 8/15/24

Bid proposal forms, information and specifications may be obtained by accessing the bid number in LaPac at www.doa.Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

Tom Ketterer
Director of State Procurement
FAX (225) 342-8688

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Bids will be received at the Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office for the following:

One 2016 (4) door Police Interceptor SUV as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 1FM5K8AR2GGB96807

One 2015 (4) door Police Interceptor SUV as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 1FM5K8AR3FGB12914

One 2008 F-150 crew cab truck as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 1FTRWl 2Wl 8FB94804

One 2013 (4) door Ford Taurus as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 1FAHP2M85DG101824

One 2001 F250 crew cab truck as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 3FTSW30L91MA67276

One 2010 Ford Escape as is with no warranty or guarantee for salvage. VIN 1FMCU0C72AKB01665

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Friday August 9, 2024

Copies of complete bid specifications are on file at the Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office, 150 Old Winnfield Road, Jonesboro, LA. 71251 and are open for public inspection, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office reserves the right to reject ALL bids.

Andy Brown, Sheriff
Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office
150 Old Winnfield Road
Jonesboro, La. 71251

SHERIFF’S SALE

James Reginald Blewer
December 30, 1957 – July 27, 2024

James “Rambo” Reginald Blewer, age 66 of Saline, was called home on Saturday, July 27, 2024. He was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana to the blessed union of Reginald and Mary (Shively) Blewer on December 30, 1957. James was a hard-working family man that loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting deer, shooting tannerite and shooting off fireworks to celebrate the holidays. He usually could be found sitting on the porch enjoying the views and watching traffic drive by. He would always listen for when his grandson would drive through on his dirt bike. James was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend that has left a big mark on this Earth in his 66 years here and he will be missed.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife, Rhonda (Harper) Blewer; children, Nick Blewer and Whitney, Josh Blewer and Brittany, Joey Blewer and Haylie, Katie Lemoine, William Harper and Lauren, Nikki Hartley and Jaybian, Vikki Dillon and Cameron; step-children, Micheal Cannon, Michelle Cannon; grandchildren, Kandon, Keira, Keagan, Sebastian, Axel, Kaden, Bella, Madison, Kohen, Kennedi, Colsen, Oaklynn, Juniper, Liam, Axel Beaux; step-grandchildren, Jalynn, Landyn, Gavyn, Anslie, Tristain; mother, Mary (Shively) Blewer; siblings, Tony Blewer, Melissa Howell and Terry, Timmy Blewer and Theresa; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. James was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Bruce Blewer; nephew, Lincoln Brister.

Funeral services are set for Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 2:00PM with Reverend Robert Leach officiating in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Nick Blewer, Josh Blewer, Joey Blewer, Chris Kennedy, William Harper, Roger Blewer and Kaden Blewer.

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At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on Thursday, July 25th, the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame (JPSHOF) Board made final arrangements for the Class of 2024 Induction Banquet. The date and location selected for the enshrinement of the new, six-member class is Saturday, October 5th at the Family Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

Being inducted into the JPSHOF year is Ricky Johnson, Ladell Farley and Shane Holder representing Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Ricky McBride of Weston High School, Pamela (Johnson) McConnell from Chatham High School, and Jared Stevenson of Quitman High School. 

Additional recognition will be given to the 2023-24 male and female Athlete of the Year from JHHS, QHS and WHS and the awarding of the meritorious service award which this year will be presented to long time Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith. 

The entry fee for individuals will be $25.00 each. Tables that will seat 8 people are also available at a cost of $225.00. Tables for family members of the inductees and high school award winners will be $200.00 each. 

As space is limited and attendance is always at full capacity, you are encouraged to reserve your table early by calling (318) 259-4693 during the hours of 8:00 – 11:30 am on Monday, Wednesday or Friday’s  or at (318) 426-6511.

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The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office (JPCC) has announced the names of those subject to serve on the August 19, 2024 Petit Jury. Individuals listed should receive an official summons in the mail from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. As always, events may occur whereby a Jury will not be needed. If your name appears, you are instructed to call the JPCC office over the weekend of AUGUST 17-18 and listen to the RECORDING to find out if it is necessary for you to appear.

ADKINS, DONNA J
AMOS, DONTAY R
ANDERSON, PRISCILLA B
ATKINS, BRENDA ALEXANDER
ATKINS, DAVID SHANE
ATTEBERRY, JON ADAM
AVILES, MARTIN
BABERS, LINTERRIO DARNELL
BAYLES III, BILLY ELVIS
BELL, ALFRED GERALD
BELTON, AKEYLAH YUNNAE
BELTON, ZAHIRA CHUNCIA
BLACK, KENNETH DWIGHT
BOATNER, RODNEY CHARLES
BOOKER, CONSTANCE NICOLE
BORLAND, BOBBY DOYLE
BRADFORD, LOUIS D
BRADFORD, SELCI TIFFANY JORGETTE-GLOVER
BRADLEY, LUCILLE T
BRASFIELD, QUENDERRECE
BROOKS, KATIE DANIELLE
BROWN, AMANDA KAY
BROWN, DAVID ROGER
BROWN JR, JAMES LARRY
BRYAN, BETTY MCCONATHY
BRYAN, JOSEPH RANDALL
BRYAN, RONNIE RANDOLPH
BRYANT, LESTER RAY
BULLER, ANTHONY SCOTT
BURKS I, CHINA SAVANNAH
BURNS, GWENDOLYN WRIGHT
BURNS, SHAWN LEWIS
CALAHAN, ALFREDERIA F
CALLAHAN SR, CHANCE ALLEN
CAMPBELL, TERRY NEWTON
CARDIN, DONALD WAYNE
CARPENTER, JEFFREY WAYNE
CARPENTER, TONI MICHELLE
CARSON, JOLENE HOGG
CARSON, LUCY ELENACASKEY, DERINDA MASTERS
CHAMPS, ANNIE MARTIN
CHEATWOOD, JACOB WEBB
COLEMAN, BRADLEY JASON
CONVILLE, KIMBERLY A
COOPER, MARTY LANE
COTTINGHAM, HATTIE RENEE
COTTONHAM, KURAE OKEE
COTTONHAM, TERRY L
CRAWFORD, CINDY RENEE’
CRAWFORD JR, MICHAEL WAYNE
CULLINS, JAMES TRAVIS
CUMMINS, JACKIE SMITH
CURAZA, FLORENCE MAE
CURRY, HARVEY DARREN
DAVIS, BRANDY LOWREY
DAVIS, DONALD BILLIE
DAVIS, HODGIE L
DAVIS, LEE AUTHOR
DAVIS, MECHELA SHANTA
DESIDERE, GAGE TANNER
DICKEY, KENN DARREN
DIFFEY SR, TERRY BENSON
DILL SR, LADONOVAN
DILLON, JACKY DEAN
DORTCH, FRANCIS BARON
EASTON, JASON C
ELMORE, TOMMY CHARLES
EVANS, JASON SAMUEL
EVERETT, JONATHAN EDWARD
FAIR, ROBIN LEWIS
FERGUSON, BILLY WAYNE
FISCHER, CHARLES WAYNE
FISHER, NICHOLAS COLTON
FLOWERS, DONNY WAYNE
FLYNN, JARED DYLAN
FORD, CAROL SUZANN R
FORD, JAMIE PATRICK
GARRETT, MARTINA JENKINS
GILBERT, CHARLES RAYGREER, GERALD G
GREER, LORA HOLLAWAY
GRIGGS, TROY LYNN
GRISSOM, AUSTIN WAYNE
GUILLOT, TRACY L
GUNN, SAMMY K
HALL, DANA LO RAINE
HALL, MALLORY TEMPLE
HARRELL, D J
HARRIS, ZONYAE MARYANN
HART, FELICIA J
HARTWELL JR, RANDY C
HARVESTON, LADYE MCCAA
HARVEY, MRS DENSON
HEMPHILL, KIM H
HENDERSON, LATANYA H
HENDERSON, QUEEN ESTHER
HENDERSON, VIRGIL J
HICKS, KIMBERLY LASHEA
HOLLINGSWORTH, KELLY NICHOLE KELLY
HOLLIS, DEIDRE THOMAS
HOLMES, DAEJHAUN LORENZ
HOUSTON, MILTON BERNARD
HUCKABY, CHRISTOPHER K
HUDDLESTON, SHEILA VENETTE
JACKSON, ALLISHIA YVONNE
JACKSON, ANDRANIK SHAMEL
JOE, CHRISTOPHER T
JOHNS, PATSY HOWELL
JOHNSON, CURLEY
JOHNSON, DAJUANA
JOHNSON, DONELL LADONNA
JOINER, PENNY LOWERY
JONES JR, BENNIE E
JONES, JAMESHEIA NEKEDDA
JORDAN, JENNIFER LEE
JUSTICE JR, JAMES W
JUSTICE, MARY R
KAVANAUGH, LOLA FAYE JOYNER
KENNEY, RICHARD LLAGRANDIER, MICHAEL
LANE, SHIRLEY ANN
LAY, TANYA SUE
LEE, DAVID ALEXANDER
LEMOINE, MONICA WALSWORTH
LEONARD, ASYNIA SHUNTA
LESTER, ROBERT LEE
LEWIS, JALEEL ELIHAH
LEWIS, KHIANA
LEWIS, MATTIE C
LEWIS, SHANNON J
MADDOX, HERSHEL D
MALONE, JOEL SHAWN
MARTIN, JANET ROBERTS
MARTINDALE, CHRISTY HALE
MARTYNOV, SERGEY
MASTERS, DOROTHY BODDIE
MASTERS, KELLY R
MAXWELL II, RICHARD DALE
MCBRIDE, MARY SAVAGE
MCCONNELL, SHIRLEY MIXON
MCCURDY, SHERRY FARNELL
MCDANIEL, DYLAN MICHAEL
MCDONALD, SUSAN GAIL
MCGUIRE, CARYATTA SHENESE
MCGUIRE, KIMBERLY BRENE
MCKINNIE, LORI WAGGONER
MEYERS, SHERYLL JACKSON
MILES, STEPHEN GARY
MILLER, JOAN TAYLOR
MILLER, PAUL CARLOS
MILLER, PENNY RISLEY
MOFFETT, CHARLES R
MOSS, MARLON
MURPHY JR, EDWIN OLANDO
NASH, ROY THEODORE
NELSON, RACHEL PAYTON
NICHOLS, TASHEENA GLADYLIS
NORMAN, ASHLEY NICOLE
ODENBAUGH, TERRI SOGLE, TIMOTHY GENE
PARDUE, DAVID RAY
PARDUE, KENNETH ORVIN
PARDUE, SOMMER SIMS
PEARRIE, SAMANTHA ALISE’
PEOPLES, MILTON GLENN
PEPPER, JOSHUA DAVID
PERKINS, JANET ELIZABETH
PERRITT, LAUREN MICHELLE
PHILLIPS, GEARY LEE
PILGREEN, RICHARD CLAY
PLUNKETT, DANA RAEANN MILLER
RAMSEY, JAMES EVERETT
REA, KIMBERLY PEE
RICH, SHERRIE SMITH
RIVET, MARY KLEIN
ROANE, FRANKLIN TERRY
ROBERTSON, KATHY PERSONS
ROBINSON, ALEXIA ELISE
ROBINSON, ELIZABETH M
ROBINSON, SADIE LEEANN
RODDEN, JACKSON OWEN
RUNDELL, STEVEN P
RYALS, GREGORY ALLEN
SANDERS, KIMBLYN BAINS
SATCHER, MARY VIRGINIA
SAVAGE, DAVID GLYNN
SIKES, SHARON
SIMMONS, GEORGE ANTONIO
SMITH, ROBERT S
SMITH, SOMMER LOUISE
SNIPE, JEANELL VICTORIA JONES
SPENCER, ANDREA W
SPENCER JR, WILLIAM CLAYTON
SPILLERS, MARY CAROLYN
SPILLMAN, TONI GAYLE ALDY
STAMPER, REBECCA J
STASSEN, JORDAN STAPLES
STEPHENS JR, DONALD LAMAR
STEVENS, MON’SULLA DONTRICESTEVENSON, MARY DUCK
STEVENSON, SAWYER SCOTT
STEWART, CLINT EDWARD
SUIRE, SHELLEY HAYS
TAYLOR, JAMES AUGUSTUS GENE
TAYLOR, SILAS RUSHING
THIBODEAUX, SARAH MARTHA
THOMAS, JERRY WAYNE
THOMPSON, KAREN MESHELL
THOMPSON, MARGIE JUNE
TIPPEN, TYLER EARL
TOLER, FRANCES C
TOMS, BETTY PEEVY
TOMS, PATRICIA DAWN
TOMS, ROBIN MCDONALD
TOWNLEY JR, J E
TRAXLER, BERTHA LOWANDA
TUBB, JUDY HARTT
UNDERWOOD, ELIZABETH DIANNE
VINES, MACKENZIE ELIZABETH
WAGES, SAMANTHA ANN
WAGGONER, DONALD RAY
WALDROP, DIANA BROOMFIELD
WALKER, CHARLES HOWARD
WALKER, LANCE GORDON
WALKER, LISA LEE
WALKER, TRAMEKA T
WALLIS, WILLIAM PRESTON
WALSWORTH, JIMMIE LOU
WALSWORTH, RENA CROUT
WARREN, CATHY SMITH
WEEKS, JOHN HUGH
WEST, BARRY WENDELL
WEST, EVELYN
WESTBROOK, BAILEE GRACE
WHITE JR, EARNEST
WHITE, GARY W
WILEY, CASSANDRA DEE GATTLIN
WILKS, GWENETTE HARVEY
WILLIAMS JR, JAMES EDWARDWILLIAMS, JESSICA DIAJANAI
WILLIAMS, ROGER DALE
WILLIAMS, SANDRA CLIFTON
WILLIAMS, URANIA SHANELL
WILLIAMSON, BRANDON JAY
WOMACK, CLARA ELIZABETH
WOODS, KASIE CAMILLE BURNUM
WRIGHT, ANTOINE
WRIGHT, MICHELL
YATES, JEFFERY B

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF PETIT JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA. ON , DECEMBER 19,2023, TO SERVE AS PETIT JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 25TH DAY OF JULY, 2024.

LAURA H. CULPEPPER, CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH

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Jackson Parish Schools showed an overall improvement in LEAP scores from 2023 to 2024 according to the statewide testing information provided by the Louisiana Department of Education this past week. 

Of the five schools that were listed (JHHS, JHMS, JHES, QHS, WHS) the parish registered a 2% increase in average scores from 2023 to 2024. Showing the highest overall increase in mastery rate was Jonesboro-Hodge High School with a 6% percentage gain. Quitman High School remains the parish leader with a mastery rate score of 40, a gain of 2% from last year. 

As a state, Louisiana’s overall mastery rate for students in grades 3-8 is 34, high school is 36, and the combined rate is 35. All of those percentages match totals from the previous year. The mastery rate measures the percentage of students who scored Mastery or above on LEAP and are considered proficient.

Very slight decreases in percentage scores from 2023-24 were reported at:
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary – 1%
Weston High School – 2%
Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School – 3%

Testing scores were taken from the following areas:
Grades 3-8: English, Language Arts, Math, Science
High School: English I, English II, Algebra, Geometry, US History, Biology

Statewide data shows Louisiana students maintained recent gains made on the state assessment that measures proficiency in core academic subjects. The English/Language Arts (ELA) mastery rate for students in grades 3-8 improved by one point and students with disabilities in grades 3-8 grew their overall mastery rate for the third consecutive year.

“Following consecutive years of improvement, these latest scores show students holding steady,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “With a need to see increased outcomes, however, these numbers substantiate our recent aggressive efforts to simply let teachers teach, provide students with high-dosage tutoring, refresh our school accountability model, and expand options for students to access high-quality schools.”

LEAP measures proficiency in English/language arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. Social studies results were not available this year because the LDOE is developing an assessment for Louisiana’s new Freedom Framework social studies standards. The operational social studies test will occur in the spring of 2025.

 

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When J. “Spike” Harris ran for office of Mayor of Jonesboro, one promise he made to residents was that he would strive to move the town forward in the many areas that needed attention. 

Since the Town of Jonesboro has seen major advances in critical areas such as financial stability, receiving state grant money and improved conditions and equipment for the Public Works Department and Police Department. 

Now Harris announces an additional benefit for the residents of Jonesboro that makes the ability to pay utility bills easier. In the past, all bills had to be paid by the antiquated style of either check or cash. As of July 24th, these bills can now be paid at the drive thru window or at the front desk of City Hall by using a debit or credit card, a major ease of convenience in todays’ modern financial world.