The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming elections is October 7, 2024. It is important that you exercise your right to make a choice not only on who you want to see become president but also on important local and state issues. 

To register to vote in Louisiana you must:

(1) Be a United States citizen
(2) Be at least 17 years old – YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD TO VOTE
(3) Not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2
(4) Not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights. 
(5) Reside in the state and parish in which you seek to register
(6) Be registered at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through Geaux Vote Online Registration System with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID card or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail to be eligible to vote in that particular election. If mailing in an application, the application or envelope must be postmarked 30 days prior to the first election in which you seek to vote. 

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The “Student / Athlete of the Week” Award for the week of September 22-29 has been selected. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes an outstanding student/athlete chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each of the three Jackson Parish School District high schools. 

The honorees are chosen for best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is recognized by the Jackson Parish Hospital through social media and receives a special commemorative shirt.

Earning accolades this week are Jonesboro-Hodge High School senior, Christian McGuire,  Arrie Maza, who is in the 5th grade at Weston High School and Quitman High School 8th grader, Kaleb Maxwell 

Student-Athlete of the Week

Christian McGuire (12th grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team

Kaleb Maxwell (8th grade) – Quitman Junior High School basketball team

Arrie Maza (5th grade) – Weston Elementary Cross Country Team

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it is not often that a halftime performance upstages a football game but that is exactly what happened this past Thursday evening as the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Marching Band made their debut after nearly twenty years of being absent. 

Under the direction of Director, Trey Porchay, the “Tropical Thunder”, as the JHHS band is fondly called, brought Tiger fans to their feet with a rousing performance on the field before coming to the sideline and leading an exuberant final cheer. 

“I am literally overwhelmed with joy,” quoted Porchay in a Facebook post on Friday. “The Jonesboro-Hodge Band “Tropical Thunder” made history by performing its first halftime performance! My students have worked extremely hard and to see them show up and show out the way they did is truly a blessing!!!”

 

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Earlier this year the Weston High School FFA team won first place at the state of Louisiana Convention in the Floriculture Division. As result, the “Fab 4” of Corey Tucker, Cejay Colvin, Collin Shows, and Abel McBride, qualified for the National FFA Convention and Expo that will be held October 23-26 in Indianapolis, IN.

As the trip is costly, donations are being asked for to help defray expenses as expressed by FFA Director Derek Shields in a Facebook post shown below that appeared on Friday, September 27th.  

It is that time of the year again, we are about 1 month out from National FFA Convention. Weston High School FFA has been blessed with the opportunity to represent this community and our state in the National Floriculture Career Development Event. It took the FAB 4 three years to receive this honor and opportunity. The honor of being able to compete at the FFA National Convention is reserved to .002 percent of ALL FFA members in the nation. This is a great honor and opportunity for these students who have worked so very hard over the last several years to obtain this goal, that very few are able to accomplish. They have been working hard all Summer and Fall to represent the chapter, community, and state to the best of their abilities. We are asking for donations to help get us to Indianapolis again. Attached is a sheet with details of the costs to get these hard working students to Indy to represent us. Thank you for your continued support of Weston High School FFA and its outstanding members. – Derek Shields

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(Clay Williams, Ben Ledbetter – JPJ

Week four of the Jonesboro-Hodge football season is one that the Tigers will look to quickly forget. The 44-8 Thursday night loss to the visiting Lincoln Prep Panthers was probably the toughest pill to swallow for J-Hodge so far this year.

The second Thursday game of the season for JHHS started out promising. The Tigers started out aggressive and wanting to throw the ball after last week’s record-setting offensive performance. The defense was continuing to play stout as they have all season and forced an early 3-and-out for Lincoln Prep.

Everything changed midway through the 1st quarter after Lincoln Prep took their second timeout of the game. Panther head coach Glen Hall drew up the best play call either team would make all night by running a toss to the right side for the running back, who then immediately pitched it to a wide receiver who reversed the field on the Tigers. It caught all 11 players on the J-Hodge defense off-guard, and he ran 81 yards to the end zone for an early 8-0 lead.

Oddly enough, this would be one of only two offensive touchdowns for Lincoln Prep on their 44-point night as the Panther defense would account for three touchdowns and a safety to go along with a kick-off return for a score. 

The deficit would grow to 14-0 with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter when L-Prep defensive back, Tre Spann, stepped in front of a pass and return the interception 40 yards for a “pick six” score. 

As he has done all season, JHHS star defensive lineman, Ken’Wuan Atkins then made a stellar play to help get the Tigers back in it. Atkins got into the Panther backfield, chased down the quarterback, stripped the ball from his hands, and immediately pounced on it as it hit the ground. This set up J-Hodge with their best field position of the night on the Lincoln Prep 35-yard line.

Landon Boston broke through the right side for his best carry of the season, and the Tiger offensive line helped Dakota Knox gain 14 yards on a QB sneak to move the ball to the Panther six-yard line. A few plays later, Knox rolled left and waltzed in for a score after a tremendous block by wideout, Christian Palmer, wiped out the only Panther defender. Za’Mauryian Palmer snagged the 2-point conversion, and it seemed like J-Hodge was back in the mix of things now trailing only by a 14-8 margin.

Then the short-lived momentum change took a devastating turn. D’Tavion Wright fielded the ensuing kickoff on his own 30-yard line, broke a couple of tackles and executed a beautiful spin move leading to a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to give Lincoln Pep a 20-8 lead at the half.

The second half saw Lincoln Prep score off a fumble return for a touchdown, another pick-six interception return, a safety, and then finally, to cap it off in normal fashion for once, a 10-yard touchdown run.

“You simply can’t make the mistakes we made and expect to win,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “We are our own worst enemy right now and we have to figure out a way to get this fixed.” 

 Adding to the play of Atkins, who recorded 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries another bright spot taken from the game was the play of D.J. Palmer who made some big pass breakups from his safety position and caught 2 passes for 32 yards at wide receiver.

With the loss, Jonesboro-Hodge dropped to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in district 1-1A play, while Lincoln Prep improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in district. The Tigers will next be in action at Arcadia on Friday, October 4th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Lincoln Prep (3-1)	14	6	14	10	44
Jonesboro-Hodge (0-4)	0	8	0	0	8

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School will celebrate Homecoming on Thursday, October 3rd when they play host to Red River Junior High out of Coushatta. Kick-off is set for 5:30 pm at the JHMS football field. 

The contest is part of Spirit Week that has been scheduled for the students and faculty with each day being specially designated for unique clothing wear. 

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Quitman Junior High honored the 8th graders on the basketball teams and cheerleading squad with a special presentation during the girls and boys basketball games against Weston this past Tuesday. 

Quitman Junior High 8th Graders

Cheerleaders: Shyla Giddens, Christian Gray, Addyson Kees, Annalise Bougues, Mollie Burris, Skyleigh Webb

Girls Basketball: Averi Hasley, Sophia Kliebert, London Burks, Lily Duck

Boys Basketball: Tucker Goss, Ryder Gray, Eli Jackson, Kaleb Maxwell, Lucas Leach, Luke Rowe, Hayden Seymore

Also being recognized were cheer sponsor Jordyn Kelley, girls basketball coaches April Simonelli and Kyle Leach and boys basketball coaches Lance Seymore and Mike Black. 

Wolverines win 20th of season

The Quitman Junior High boys basketball team beat Simsboro 52-21 this past Thursday to run their season record to a sparkling 20-1 mark. The girls team wasn’t as successful as they dropped a 37-19 decision to drop to 6-9 on the year. 

Simsboro 37 Quitman 19 (girls)  – Hayden Seymore scored seven of his game-high 15 points and the Wolverine defense didn’t allow Simsboro to score as Quitman erupted for a 19-0 first-quarter lead on their way to the easy victory. Eli Jackson scored 9, Kaleb Maxwell added eight and Luke Rowe chipped in with six for Quitman. Additional contributors were Aiden Reed and Lucas Leach with four and Tucker Goss, Connor May and Noah Spillman who all made a basket each. 

Simsboro 37 Quitman 19 (girls) – A slow start spelled doom as Simsboro raced out to a 16-1 first-quarter lead on their way to the victory. Ella Simonelli led Quitman in scoring with six points followed by Sophia Kleibert with four. London Burks added three and Lily Duck, Averi Hasley and Brelaina Hall all scored two each. 

QJH season ender at Choudrant on Monday

The final game of the 2024 Quitman Junior High basketball season will take place at Choudrant on Monday, September 30th. The girls will tip off at 5:00 pm with the boys game immediately following. 

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The Weston Junior High School girls and boys basketball team closed out the 2024 season in grand style by sweeping Claiborne Christian Thursday and Dodson on Friday. With the victories, the Wolves end the season with a 10-7 overall record while the Lady Wolves close out the year with a 9-8 mark. 

Thursday, September 26th

Weston 46 Claiborne Christian 25 (boys) Led by a balanced scoring attack that saw seven players score at least three points, Weston Junior High raced out to a 27-15 lead at the half and never looked back. Leyton Younse paced the Wolves in scoring with 13 points followed by Colton Otwell with eight. Malachi Harris added seven, Jacolby Lowe finished with six and Colt Guyotte chipped in with five points. Eli Henderson and Bryce Tolar also contributed with four and three points respectively. 

Weston 29 Claiborne Christian 11 (girls) – A stingy defensive effort limited Claiborne Christian to just three first-half points. Teegan Hall led the offense with six points with Rachel Bandy adding five. Kate Keiffer and Tessa Reeves finished with four each, Gracie Gray and Addison Faulkner scored three apiece and both Ada-Claire Tidwell and Aubrey Donaldson tallied two each.

Friday, September 27th

Weston 68 Dodson 38 (boys) The Wolves closed out the 2024 campaign by scoring a season-best in total points and in a quarter. Malachi Harris scored 10 of his game-high 18 points to pace the Wolves to a 24-10 first quarter lead while Cason Conn scored six of his ten points in the contest in the second quarter to give Weston a commanding 39-17 lead at the half.  Jacolby Lowe scored 8 and both Eli Henderson and Leyton Younse finished with 7 points each. Adding to the offensive onslaught was Colt Guyotte with six points and Aundra Spence with five. Aiden Marsh made his first three-pointer of the year and both Bryce Tolar and Jenson Waggoner tallied two to round out the scoring. 

Weston 39 Dodson 10 (girls) For the second night in a row Weston didn’t allow a single first-quarter point to their opponent and led Dodson by a 26-1 mark at the half. Teegan Hall and Rachel Bandy once again led the Lady Wolves in scoring with 8 and 7 points respectively. Mallory Malone scored five and both Addison Faulkner and Brileigh Fair finished with four. Evie Delaney made a three-pointer and Gracie Gray, Kate Keiffer, Brooklyn Keiffer, and Saniyah Saulsberry all scored two points each. 

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Keys

When I was a little boy, keys were my thing.

I loved keys.

I loved real keys.

I had a reliable source of keys too. My grandfather was a police officer. It seems that back in the 60’s people would lose keys at a very high rate. Pop would bring me bags of keys from time to time. I’m sure I was only receiving three or four at a time, but to me they appeared as a mountain of plenty.

I had a key ritual. I would separate out the door and house keys from the car keys.
Back in the day, each motor company had a key design unique to that motor company.

For this article we will illustrate using the Ford Motor Company. Because Ford also made Mercury products the keys were interchangeable. If you worked at it, you might discover a Mercury car key would fit a Ford product.

One Friday night, Pop stopped by with a bag of keys. I quickly sorted the keys. I took the car keys outside for an experiment.

I don’t know how I knew this, but I had a couple of Mercury keys which I took outside. I crawled into the driver’s seat of our 1961 Ford Galaxy and started testing keys. The Mercury ignition keys would fit into the Ford ignition. (You remember, of course the difference between the ignition keys and the trunk keys?) While the Mercury keys fit into the ignition, they would not turn the tumblers.

My key experiment was nearly completed when I put a Mercury key into the ignition and turned it. The 1961 Ford Galaxy roared to life. I then followed the pattern I had learned from adults. I pulled the shift lever down into “D.” “D” meant go!

The car lurched forward and traveled about five feet into the side of the house. The dent in the house was still there 40 years later!

Thus began my illustrious driving career.

The adults filed out of the house. Mom, Dad and Pop the police office all asked, “How did you start the car?” I shared my key knowledge. Pop cut off my Ford Motor key supply.

I did have a large collection of General Motors keys that I had decided to try on whoever owned one of those cars. Pop owned a Chevrolet. I had developed a testing plan for that automobile.

Jesus has given us the keys to the Kingdom. No need to be locked in or locked out. You have the keys. Often you have the power to set yourself free.

 

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The Jonesboro Study Guild met on September 23rd for their first meeting of 2024–2025. President, JoAnn Teat, called the meeting to order and then asked Dawna Keys to introduce the special guest speaker.

Kathleen Richard, Director of Life Choices in Ruston, gave an informative presentation highlighting the various ways they support women and families facing pregnancies and related issues.

Life Choices mission is to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance. Life Choices was first organized and formed in 1996. The “hope shop” allows clients to earn “mommy money” and “daddy dollars” which can be exchanged for baby necessities. Richard also shared that there were numerous ways to get involved, either as a volunteer or through donations.

After the program and the reciting of The Collect, Dawna Keys served delicious red velvet cake to all who attended including JoAnn Teat, Mary Cryer, Marilyn Walker, May Saulters, Jolene Carson, Stacy Allbritton, Kathy Allen, Rose Mary Ewing, Glo Weaver, Wilda Smith, and Dawna Keys.

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Sons to Dads, A Generational Evolution

Facebook has a neat feature. From time to time, a photo appears on your page of a person or event that took place at some time in the past.

Last week, I enjoyed a photo that cropped up on my site that triggered a special memory. When my grandson, Max, was just a little kid and he and his family lived nearby, he enjoyed hanging around with me trying to emulate what I was doing, and this was particularly noticeable when I took him fishing.

I remember taking Max to a neighborhood pond where I was bass fishing. While I was fishing for bass with my spin-cast reel, Max was fishing with his little Zebco 33 and he hooked and landed a bass, the first one he ever caught. The photo of Max proudly holding his first bass was the image that popped up on my screen last week.

Ironically, my Facebook page this week contained a photo of Max taking his 5-year-old son, Beorn, fishing and showing the big bluegill his son caught. It’s sort of a generational evolution where the son grew up to become a dad and had the experience of doing for his son what had been done for him when he was a kid.

Dennis Tietje lives in the community of Roanoke in southwest Louisiana and his family is in the business of raising crawfish on their property. I have been intrigued by the reports Tietje has had on Facebook over the past couple of weeks of the outstanding teal season he has had on the property

“Our crawfish farm holds water through crawfish season and we keep it watered all the way to teal season. What this means is that when teal start arriving this time of year, they have a place to stop, to feed and hang out. Crawfish ponds have a lot of native grasses and aquatics and the teal really respond to it,” Tietje explained.

One thing of interest is that although he has friends who hunt with him, his favorite hunting partner is his dad, Cyrus Tietje who is just a few weeks shy of reaching his 90th birthday.

“When teal season opened, Dad said he’d like to go with me maybe one day to see if he could manage it. That one day has turned into him wanting to go four of the five days we’ve hunted. After that first day when Dad went with me, the next morning, Dad was standing in the carport, camo on and shotgun in hand and he is in the blind with me just about every time I go,” Tietje said.

“Our blinds are set up to where we can drive a side-by-side up to the blind and all Dad has to do is step out of the machine and into the blind. He has really gotten a kick out of getting to hunt with me and before season opened when we would go out just to see the birds working, he jokingly asked if we could open season a few days early,” he chuckled.

Not only do they teal hunt together, they have property north of the crawfish ponds where they deer hunt. Tietje said he has his dad a stand where he can easily step into it with no problem.

“I can’t tell you how special it is to still have my Dad who brought me up hunting when I was just a little fellow and now I get to return the favor and thankfully, he’s still able to enjoy it,” said Tietje.

Just like my grandson, Max is able to share what he loves with his son, Beorn, and hopefully one day when Max is older, Beorn will be able to be the one to take his dad. It’s a generational evolution, and it’s a beautiful thing.

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FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are starting to school with shad imitation lures working best. Also early mornings they’re hitting around pads and moss on topwater lures and buzz baits. Later in the day, plastic worms and deep diving crank baits are working on deep drops off the channel. Night fishing is fair on dark spinners or plastic worms. Crappie are fair fishing shiners or jigs around the submerged tops. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – No report. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing is best fishing buzz baits and plastic frogs around the the wind rows. Some big crappie are being caught on the flats on shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is falling because of a levee issue below Columbia. Water is muddy and ramps are closed. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake is being lowered some 5 feet as the gates were opened September 4 and is currently down 3 to 4 feet. Fishing overall has been rather tough with no good reports of bass or crappie coming in. Just be sure if you go to watch out for stumps and obstructions just below the surface. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been best early mornings on shiners or jigs. Stripers are starting to school and should respond to shad imitation lures. Bass should be schooling and once located will hit shad imitation lures. Some are caught at night fishing soft plastics and dark spinners and crank baits around lighted piers. Some have been caught early mornings on topwater lures fished along the edges of grass. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good. A few crappie have been caught on the south end in deeper water. Bass are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water has fallen to pool stage. Catfish are biting and commercial fishermen are catching a good many buffalo. The bass and crappie are slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

 

Domestic violence and mental health are two critical public health issues, but what is often overlooked is how deeply they are connected. As society becomes more aware of the impacts of both, experts are urging a closer examination of the link between intimate partner violence and mental health struggles—both as a cause and consequence.
October, recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is an opportune time to highlight the dual challenge many survivors face: the trauma of abuse and its devastating toll on mental well-being.

Domestic violence leaves scars far beyond the physical. For many victims, the psychological wounds are just as painful, manifesting in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. A 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that survivors of intimate partner violence are twice as likely to experience depression, and nearly twice as likely to develop substance use disorders.

“Domestic violence isn’t just about the physical harm. It’s about the control, the manipulation, and the erosion of self-worth,” explains Dr. Laura Simmons, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma. “The mental health effects of enduring such abuse are profound and long-lasting. Survivors often struggle with feelings of isolation, guilt, and worthlessness, which can take years to heal.”

The cycle of abuse and mental health issues can be self-perpetuating. A person already suffering from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety may be more vulnerable to entering or remaining in abusive relationships due to diminished self-esteem or fear of rejection. Conversely, the constant stress and trauma of living with an abusive partner can trigger or worsen mental health conditions, making it difficult for victims to escape their circumstances.

Research shows that abuse significantly affects the brain and body, particularly in cases of long-term exposure. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), repeated trauma can lead to changes in the brain’s structure, particularly in areas responsible for memory and emotion regulation. This can make it difficult for survivors to trust others or manage relationships in the future.

Survivors of domestic violence often develop PTSD, which can present itself as flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety. They may constantly be in ‘fight or flight’ mode, making it hard to live a normal life even after escaping the abusive environment.

Children who grow up witnessing domestic violence face an increased risk of developing mental health issues later in life, including depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study links childhood exposure to domestic violence with a higher likelihood of substance abuse, health problems, and future victimization.

For many survivors, seeking help is challenging, not just because of the fear of their abuser, but also because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Victims may be reluctant to reach out for support due to shame or fear of being judged, both for their mental health struggles and their situation.

One of the biggest barriers to treatment is the stigma that still surrounds both mental health and domestic violence. Survivors feel trapped not only by their abuser but by societal perceptions that make them feel weak or broken.

While shelters and hotlines offer crucial resources for those in immediate danger, there is growing recognition of the need for comprehensive mental health support for domestic violence survivors. Many advocacy organizations are now partnering with mental health professionals to provide trauma-informed care that addresses the long-term emotional effects of abuse.

Leaving an abusive relationship is just the first step. The healing process takes time, and mental health support is key to rebuilding one’s life.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, experts call for greater investment in mental health services and a broader societal commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse. Advocates urge everyone to recognize the complex interplay between domestic violence and mental health and to support survivors in both their physical and emotional recovery.

Survivors need to know they aren’t alone, and that healing is possible. When we acknowledge the psychological toll domestic violence takes, we can provide better support and pave the way for true recovery.

For anyone experiencing domestic violence or mental health challenges, help is available. The Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline (1-888-411-1333), DART’s Local number 395-8006, DART’s crisis line 251-2255 (CALL), and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) offer confidential, 24/7 support.

Andrea Malone, Jackson Parish DART Rural Advocate
208 Hudson
Jonesboro LA 71251
318-395-8006

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In advance of the upcoming Fall Festival that is scheduled for Monday, October 7th, Weston High School held a Poster Contest on Friday among students in Pre-K through the 5th grade. Winners were chosen by members of the cafeteria staff in three separate divisions of Pre-K and Kindergarten, 1st through 3rd grade and 4th and 5th grade. 

2024 Fall Fest Poster Contest Winners

Pre-K and K
1st Dawson Otwell
2nd Harper Fordham
3rd Wilder Myers

1st – 3rd Grade
1st Margot Shuler
2nd Kenzie Billman
3rd Thomas John

4th and 5th Grade
1st Raylie Hall
2nd Gabe Gates
3rd Miriam Shuler

Honorable mention
Landry Thomas
Justice Faulkner
Shelby Johns

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Ain’t God Good?

‘Golly’ – Coming from Gomer Pyle the word took on special meaning.

The mythical town of Mayberry gave us many memorable characters. Both the Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C shows entertain us still.

Golly … ‘Ain’t God good?’

He heaps generous portions of blessings upon our plates. Some might foolishly seek junk food in the form of fame or fortune. What a shame.

We see God’s blessings on the horizon in the form of a daily sunrise and sunset. He designed winding trails; perfect for leisurely walks and time alone with Him. I understand the overworked men and women’s decision to head straight home after work. They try to fit in a brisk walk on their treadmills or costly trips to a gym.

Golly; Gomer got it right.

He lived every day with the enthusiasm and trust of a child. I believe he lingered over every sunrise or sunset. He wandered country paths and discovered scenic fishing holes or baby birds feeding in the nest. Gomer was never too busy pumping gas to talk to strangers. He took time to build close relationships with Andy, Barney and youngster Opie.

Golly; God is good. Jesus reached out to outcasts. Reaching them (and us) He has touched and transformed lives.

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him (Psalm 33:8 NASB).”

‘Sha-zam’, God is great!

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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

Ultra Molds, LLC, located in Jackson Parish at 147 Bridge Creek Rd., Ruston, LA 71270, is currently seeking to fill the position of General and Operations Manager.

MQ: BA in Business Management, 8 months previous experience in Business Management.

Job duties/description: Daily meetings with staff, maintenance of company machines, including organizing the flow of company cutting queues, managing tooling & equipment, managing control of products produced & spot checking orders for consistency of quality, upholding of inventory/stock control, cash flow forecasting & client orders, collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer on new projects,
development & management of marketing & social media. No remote work, must report to plant daily.

Yearly Salary: $44,100.00

Apply at Louisiana Workforce Commission online (Job Order #1618344) or e-mail resume to support@ultramolds.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Council on Aging

In search of a part time Site Manager for Chatham Meal Site, an Annex of Jackson Council on the Aging.
Site Manager duties include:
(1) Being responsible for overseeing the operation of packing & serving meals in compliance with health & safety regulations.
(2) Making sure facility is clean and functional and well maintained.
(3) Ordering meals daily
(4) Managing inventory by ordering supplies as needed.

Requirements:
(1) Must have High School Diploma
(2) Knowledge of food
(3) Be able to work 5 days a week.

Applications taken at Jackson Council on the Aging office:
120 Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, LA 71251
Mon-Thurs 8:30am-3:30pm

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Council on Aging

The Jackson Council on Aging is seeking a Nutrition Coordinator.
Prefer to have a background in food & nutrition, dietetics or related field.
Must be able to be trained and work with Senior Citizens regarding their nutrition needs.
Job duties will be assigned to full time operation of the Meal program for Jonesboro and Chatham.
Must be able to compile weekly and monthly reports, monitor & order meals daily from Site Managers at Jonesboro & Chatham.
Duties will be accomplished under close supervision of the Director of Jackson COA.

Applications being take at Jackson Council on the Aging Office
120 Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, LA 71251

LEGAL NOTICE

Suzanne Terry Walpole
February 14, 1942 – September 24, 2024

Suzanne Kay Terry Walpole, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, aunt, cousin, and inspiration passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family at home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hodge, Louisiana, on February 14, 1942, she graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School and then continued her education at Louisiana Tech University, where she obtained a degree in English Education.

A life-long educator, she began and ended her career in Jackson Parish. She first taught at Chatham High School, but moved to Rundell Junior High and Jonesboro-Hodge Junior High, where she found her niche in the middle school setting. Suzanne taught 7th grade English for over 25 years and had an innate ability to maintain discipline in her classroom, while still connecting to each of her students on a personal level. She truly loved teaching, and her students loved her. Years after retirement, she could still remember all of her students, and they all remembered her. Whenever she saw a former student, she greeted that student by name (and maybe by first and middle names!), followed by a hug, and the inevitable, “how are you, sugar?” To know her was to love her, and she was always ready to impart advice.

Suzanne was never one to stay still for long and didn’t allow anyone else in presence to either—often awakening her daughter and friends as teenagers with the exhortation to get up (no later than 9:00 a.m.) because they were sleeping their lives away! Shopping trips were all-out marathons, stopping in the afternoon for a real Coke, and then going again until the stores closed.

Her hobbies were many. From a young age, Suzanne loved to fish and garden and spent happy years at her sunny yellow house on Caney Lake doing both. She knew every nursery in north Louisiana, could always identify a plant, and knew its proper care and preferred conditions. She regularly “outfished” anyone who went with her, whether a pond or the middle of Caney. Later, she became an avid quilter, and her “quilty” friends gave her so much joy. Although her immediate family was small, her friend circle was large. She loved her “girls” and enjoyed traveling, playing dominoes, and spending time together, especially after moving to Monroe.

Her greatest love was her grandchildren. When she became Granny, her best life began. She loved watching every sporting event that the kids were playing and traveled all over to watch them play. Granny never missed a game, no matter how hot or cold or how far away. Her grandbabies were her world, and she became an extra Granny to all their friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, SuAnn Dycus, and her husband, Joe Dee; her son, Chuck Walpole, and his fiancé, Jodie; and her grandchildren, Ty and Jake Dycus and Claire Walpole. She is also survived by her dear friends, Gay, Carolyn, Linda, Dorothy, and Sharon.

The family offers its sincere gratitude for the kindness and care shown to Suzanne over the last three years by Dr. Scott Barron and his wonderful staff, Louisiana Hospice, Serenity Care Providers, and Dr. Paul Murphy. Special thanks and love goes to Dr. Kerry Anders, who was there for every question and concern along the way.

Following the visitation that was held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Monroe, Louisiana the family had a private celebration of life service. 

Micheal Scott Davis
November 17, 1965 – September 27, 2024

Micheal Scott Davis passed away after a lengthy illness, in Winnfield, Louisiana on Friday, September 27, 2024. He was 58 years old. Micheal was the husband of Jackie (Marmon) Davis and the son of Donald and Gloria Davis of Jonesboro.

A complete obituary will be posted on the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home website on Monday, September 30th.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation- Tuesday, October 1 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in Southern-Edmonds Chapel.

2nd Visitation- Wednesday, October 2 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in the chapel.

Graveside Funeral Service- Wednesday, October 2 at 11:30 am at Siloam Springs Cemetery near Wyatt, Louisiana.

Bro. Lance Huckaby will officiate.

Melba (Weeks) Norred
February 16, 1948 – September 21, 2024

Melba Maxine Norred, aged 76 years, passed away at her home in Dodson, Louisiana, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Our Grammy was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Grampy says he can count on one hand the number of times she didn’t have a lunch ready for him to take to work. She walked him to the door, handed him his lunchbox, and sent him off with a kiss, every day until he retired from the paper mill. When Bart, Nancy, and Sarah got off the school bus, there was a snack ready, and a meal was on the table every evening at supper time, complete with made-from-scratch biscuits or cornbread. Her children were tucked into bed every night with a song, a prayer, and a goodnight kiss. Once the grandkids came along, Grammy became a dependable and frequent babysitter, keeping Ben, Hannah, and Noah on some weekdays, and Julie and Jonathan on Friday nights, making pancakes and bacon for them all every Saturday morning.

Over the years, Melba had many hobbies, including birdwatching. She spotted, identified, and listed every bird species native to Louisiana — even the elusive scissor-tailed flycatcher! She also enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, painting, and photographing flowers and wildlife in her backyard garden, where she spent many hours tending to her favorite daylilies.

Melba was preceded in death by her first husband Ted D. Broomfield, brother Van Ray Weeks, father Floyd Weeks, mother Elizabeth Harris Weeks, and stepmother Marie Wade Weeks.

Those who cherish her memory include her husband of 56 years Charles Wayland Norred; children and spouses: Bartlett Garrison Norred, Nancy Jane and Shawn Barnett, Sarah Amanda and Jason Jordan; grandchildren and spouses: Benjamin Barnett, Hannah and Jade Thompson, Noah Barnett, Julie and Benjamin Carter, Jonathan and Jadynn Jordan; great-grandchildren Olivia Jade Thompson, Jason Corey Carter, and Miles Oliver Jordan; sisters Joan Shows and Nancy C. Dobson; stepsister Dorothy Brown, and stepbrothers Jimmy Breeland and George Breeland.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Womack officiating. Burial followed in Gayla Traina Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Ben Barnett, Jonathan Jordan, Jade Thompson, Benjamin Carter, Noah Barnett and Marty Weeks.

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Note: Originally published by Lincoln Parish Journal  on 9/24/24

(Kylelpj) – Ruston Police arrested a woman Saturday afternoon for aggravated assault after she allegedly threatened another woman with a knife.

Ameka D. Thompson, 54, of Jonesboro, was arrested about 2 p.m. Sept. 21 after police responded to the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Bonita Street.

Thompson was located at the intersection but did not possess a knife. Thompson said the alleged victim threw a cinder block at her, so she grabbed the knife. The victim and a witness gave corroborating statements that Thompson swung a knife at the victim and made verbal threats.

Officers saw the victim’s phone case which had been cut while in the victim’s hand and a small cut on her finger.

Thompson was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Bail was set at $1,000.00

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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Jonesboro-Hodge High School opens the 2024 District 1-1A schedule this Thursday evening when they host Lincoln-Prep High School at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

The Tigers enter the contest with an 0-3 record after opening the season with losses to Winnfield (27-0), West Ouachita (47-0) and Delhi Charter (45-26), all from higher classifications. Lincoln-Prep comes in with a 2-1 record after losing 36-6 to D’Arbonne Woods and beating both Magnolia School of Excellance and Beekman Charter by 48-0 and 44-8 scores. 

The contest which will be the first of six district 1-1A contests to be played this season, finds Jonesboro-Hodge confident of a victory after making great strides in their last contest, especially on the offensive side of the ball. 

 JHHS broke a string of ten consecutive scoreless quarters in the second half of the game against Delhi Charter, when their passing attack suddenly came to life leading the Tigers to 26 second half points.

Highlighting the contest was Christian McGuire setting a new JHHS all time single game receiving record with 230 yards receiving, obliterating the previous record of 188 yards set by Devontae Mozee in 2021 against Amite High School. McGuire also entered the record books tied for third all time with three touchdown receptions, including 76 and 74 yard TD’s which rank 9th and 11th all time for longest TD receptions. 

The 295 yards that Dakota Knox threw for also earns a place in the school annals as the second most ever in a game behind only the 312 yards Tydre Malone threw for in 2021 against Amite. Knox’s three TD passes also earns a tie for 11th place with a bevy of others. 

“I am excited to be getting district play started,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “We made some good strides last week and are playing out best ball.”

Blankenship also pointed out that the Tigers are really looking forward to playing Lincoln-Prep.

“I know that most consider the game against Winnfield each year as the biggest “rivalry” game and it should be considering the long history we have with them,” said Blankenship. “For the guys on the team though, this game ranks right up there as well, as the players on both teams know each other from on and off the field.”

Historically, JHHS holds a 10-6 all time advantage in the series that began in 1995 when Lincoln Prep was known as Grambling Lab. The Tigers are currently on a 8 game winning streak in the series, including last years 34-0 JHHS victory. 

Game to be broadcast of Roux102

For those not able to attend, you can listen to the game on Roux 102, which can be found at 102.3 FM on your radio dial. The contest is also available through livestream by downloading the Roux102 app. The broadcast will begin airing at 6:30 pm for the “Pre-Game Show”. 

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The Boil Advisory that had been issued for the Village of Chatham Water System on Thursday, September 19th has been lifted. The good news was announced by Chatham Mayor Greg Harris, who said he got notification on Monday, September 23rd from Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Sanitarian and District Compliance Officer, Floyd Smith.

The Chatham Water System the Boil Advisory is being issued due to negative sample results and chlorine residual samples at or above the state minimum requirements of 0.5 ppm at the New Hope Processing Station. 

“Thank you to our residents for their patience while we took care of the problems during this time,” said Harris. “I also want to applaud out Public Works Department for their effort to get us back on line.” 

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A large contingent of runners will descend on the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4, east of Jonesboro, when Quitman High School hosts their 2024 Cross Country Meet. 

Schools from all over north Louisiana are expected to attend the event that will begin at 8:00 am with varsity girls and boys competition followed by girls and boys elementary divisions races starting at 10:00 am. 

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The 5th Annual Caney Lake Chili Cook-Off Fall Festival has been set for Saturday, September 28th. The always enjoyable event will take place at 400 Spillway Road, Chatham, LA.

Vendors will begin selling at 9:00 am with chili sales starting at 12:00 pm (noon).

1st – 3rd Place and Peoples Choice prizes will be awarded.

Rules and entry forms for both can be found on the Caney Lake Community Foundation website shown below.

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What a way to start the day!

The students and faculty at Weston High School got their school day off to a great start when they met “At The Pole” on Tuesday, September 24th. Celebrating the freedom of worship in the United States and hearing Gods word through Bible scripture readings, the overflow crowd that gathered at the flag pole in front of the school was also treated to inspirational testimony from many students and joined together in prayer for a successful school year.  

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The Jackson Parish Hospital is proud to serve residents of the community with the finest in health care. In the ever constant effort to be accessible to the public, JPH is active on many social media platforms, regularly sharing updates about our staff, community events, and important health topics. Stay “in the know” by following the Jackson Parish Hospital today!

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