Linda Sue Hogan
August 2, 1939 – September 8, 2024

Linda Sue (Johnson) Hogan went home to Jesus on September 8, 2024. Linda was born to Herbert Shannon and Toni (Smith) Johnson on August 2, 1939, in Springfield, Illinois. Her father was a preacher and evangelist, and they moved several times before settling in north Louisiana when Linda was a teenager.

Linda met her husband, C. Davis Hogan, after her father began pastoring a church in Quitman. They married the day after she graduated high school. Eventually, establishing their home in Weston, they went on to have two children, Tim and Dana.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother, Linda also loved growing and tending to her beautiful flowers. She loved cooking delicious meals and baking mouthwatering sweet treats for her family and friends; even though she never thought they looked “pretty” enough, they sure tasted good. Most importantly though, throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those around her.

Linda joins her parents; one brother, Mark; and her beloved husband, Davis, in Heaven. She is survived by her son, Tim (Jo) Hogan; daughter Dana Hogan Bollier; grandchildren: Hannah (Josh) Meredith, Gina Hogan (Jacob Armstrong), Chance (Kayla) Hogan, Jordan (Kelsey) Alford, and Brock (Madison) Bollier; great-grandchildren: Waylon, Charlotte, Ayden, Wyatt, Tillie, Sutton, Hazel, and Stella; brother, Keith Johnson; nieces: Molly Clark, Toni Adams, and Sara Johnson; and nephew, Scott Johnson; as well as numerous other special cousins and family members.

The family would like to thank Elara Caring Hospice for being so gracious and loving during our time of need.

A graveside service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jonesboro on Friday, September 13, 2024 under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Pallbearers wereTim Hogan, Jordan Alford, Brock Bollier, Keith Johnson, Ron Hogan, and Danny Sullivan. The honorary pall bearer was Chance Hogan, who is on active military duty.

James “Jimmy” Walter Harrison
September 24, 1941—September 5, 2024

James “Jimmy” Harrison 82, of Cumming Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 after a battle with kidney failure and cancer. He was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Jimmy was retired millwright from Stone Container. A proud member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Louisiana until he moved to Georgia in 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch and Lavelle Harrison and his sister Ann Harrison.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 48 years Katie Harrison, Cumming Ga, sons Andrew Harrison of Houston, Texas and John Harrison (Anna) of Jonesboro, La.; Daughter Kimberly Crane and husband John of Cumming, Ga.; Grandchildren: Brittany Hillburn (Justin), Alannah Daniels (Cade), Matthew Crane, Elizabeth Crane, Nicholas Crane and Sarah Crane and four great grandchildren.

Jimmy loved his family deeply but his grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved spending time with them on Lake Lanier.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 15th at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro with the Celebration of Life service immediately following. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

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Jonesboro-Hodge travels to West Ouachita High School this Thursday for their second contest of the 2024 LHSAA season and perhaps their toughest test of the year. Game time is set for 7:00 pm at A.R. Sims field on the campus of WOHS. 

The Tigers enter the contest with an 0-1 record after falling to arch rival Winnfield 27-0 in the season opener while WOHS looks to win a second straight after routing Richwood 49-6.

The game marks the second time in as many weeks the Class A Tigers will play a school from higher classification, this week making a giant leap by battling the Class 4A Chiefs. 

“We have our work cut out for us,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “West Ouachita has perhaps one of their best teams ever this year but we have had a good week of practice and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

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Jackson Parish residents got good news on Tuesday evening when the updated forecast track of Hurricane Francine showed that the expected path had moved eastward, sparing north Louisiana from the brunt of the tropical system. 

On Monday it looked like Jackson Parish was going to be in the “cone” of the storm, which is where the worst conditions would exist. Fortunately the system, which is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane when it is supposed to make landfall on the Louisiana coast on Wednesday evening, showed more movement to the east. 

Jackson Parish and Town of Jonesboro officials still recommend residents to take precautions against possible power outages by stocking up on supplies such as batteries and flashlights as rain and wind is expected from the outer bands.

Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris announces that sandbags are available by calling Town of Jonesboro Public Works Department at (318) 259-5031, or if after hours of normal operation, at (318) 475-1445. 

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Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) and Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS) have announced their Homecoming Courts and Sweethearts for the 2024-25 school year. 

Selected as royalty from JHHS are 14 maids and escorts, with five each representing the junior and senior classes and two each from the 9th and 10th grade as well as four Sweethearts from the 9th-11th grades and three from the senior class. Being honored at JHMS as maids are four 8th graders and two each from the 6th and 7th grade along with two 8th graders and one each from the 6th and 7th grade as Sweethearts.

JHHS Homecoming Court and Sweethearts

J-HMS Homecoming Court and Sweethearts

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The final tournament of the year for the junior high girls and boys teams from Quitman and Weston will be held this Thursday and Friday at Claiborne Christian in West Monroe. 

The bracket shows both Jackson Parish schools will be in action on Thursday, September 12th for their opening round games. The Quitman Jr. High girls will play Choudrant at 4:00 pm followed by the same two schools playing a boys contest at 4:45 pm. The Weston girls will take on Simsboro at 6:15 pm with the WJH boys playing host Claiborne Christian at 7:45 pm. 

On Friday, Quitman and Weston will square off for a girls tilt at 5:30 pm  with the Weston boys playing Simsboro at 6:15 pm and the Quitman boys closing out the round robin tourney against Claiborne Christian at 7:45 pm. 

 

Tuesday Tilts

Quitman Junior High made it a clean sweep against Jackson Parish rival Weston on Tuesday with the girls winning 23-20 and the boys taking a 52-36 victory. The victory improved the record of the QJH boys to an impressive 15-1 mark while the QJH girls moved to 5-5 on the year. The Weston girls fell to 5-6 while the boys now stand with a 6-5 record. 

Quitman 23 Weston 20 (girls)  Ella Simonelli scored all of her season high 8 points in the first half to pace Quitman to a 19-9 advantage that held up against a determined rally by Weston. By scoring 5 of her team high nine points in the third quarter, Kate Keiffer helped the Lady Wolves narrowed the margin to 21-18 heading into the fourth quarter that saw a tremendous defensive effort by both teams limit each to just two points in the frame. Sophia Keibert added six and London Burks finished with five for the Lady Wolverines who also got two points from Lily Duck and a free throw by Audrina Martin. Keiffer led Weston with nine while Rachel Bandy and Ada-Claire Tidwell chipped in with 6 and 5 points respectively. 

Quitman 52 Weston 36: After the two squads played to an 8-8 tie in the first period, Quitman erupted for 21 points in the second to take a 29-18 lead into the break paving the way for their 15th win in 16 games. Hayden Seymore hit a career best four 3-pointers to lead the Wolverines in scoring with 14 points followed closely by Kaleb Maxwell who finished with 13. Lucas Leach and Luke Rowe added 8 and 7 points each while Aiden Reed finished with four, Eli Jackson and tallied three and Tucker Goss scored two. Weston was led by 10 points from Malachi Harris, all scored in the first quarter, and 8 points from Colton Otwell. Additional contributors included Aundra Spence with five and three points each from Jacolby Lowe, Eli Henderson, and Aiden Marsh. Colt Guyotte and Cason Conn finished with two points each. 

Weston takes two from Saline on Monday

Weston Junior High made it a “double dip” on Monday with the girls beating Saline 34-14 and the boys besting the Bobcats 43-5 for their biggest margin of victory of the year.

Weston 34 Saline 14 (girls) Rachel Bandy scored 13 and Kate Keiffer added 10 to pace the Lady Wolves to the easy victory. The first quarter ended with Weston holding only a 9-7 lead but a 13-0 second quarter advantage put the game away. Brileigh Fair finished with four points, Addison Faulkner hit a three pointer and both Gracie Gray and Ashlyn Petre chipped in with two points each. Xylia Scott led Saline with 8 assisted by Bella Blewer and Hannah Peoples both adding three each. 

Weston 43 Saline 5 (boys) The Wolves exploded to a commanding 26-1 first half lead that allowed head coach Jacob Otwell to empty his bench resulting in ten players registering points in the lopsided contest. Malachi Harris topped the Wolves in scoring with 8 while Eli Henderson added seven. Jacolby Lowe, Leyton Younse and Aundra Spence chipped in with six each. Colton Otwell tallied three, Colt Guyotte, Jensen Waggoner and Kayson Greer scored two each and A.J. Woodward added a free throw. 

 

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In an effort to make the experience of boating and fishing on Caney Lake the most enjoyable and safe adventure possible, the Jackson Parish Watershed Commission has donated to detailed hazard maps to Jimmie Davis State Park. 

Both maps designed to help boaters navigate the lake safely will be posted at the two public boat launches. Each map also has a QR Code on it so that boaters can download the map on their phones for use while on the lake!

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Summer Quarter 2024 President’s list. Included from Jackson Parish is Garrison L. Perry of Hodge, Kyleigh Davis from Jonesboro and Olivia G. Borland and Cameron M. Hollis from Quitman.

Recognition as members of the president’s honor list signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

LA Tech 2024 Summer President List 

Hodge: Garrison L. Perry
Jonesboro: Kyleigh Davis
Quitman: Olivia G. Borland
Quitman: Cameron M. Hollis

 

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The Jackson Parish Ambulance District shines the Employee Spotlight for the month of September on Paramedic, Jimmie Bryan, best known around the station as “Slim Jim”. 

With an impressive 24 year career in EMS, Jimmie’s dedication and expertise extends far beyond the ambulance. He spent five years as a Flight Paramedic for Air Evac and has been recognized at the local, state and regional level for Outstanding EMS Provider of the Year for 2021-22 by local VFW Post 4317. This year alone, he has responded to 233 calls for help within the community. 

Jimmie’s patriotism and love for his country is marked by an 18 year tenure as a Naval officer, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant, has served twice in Operation Enduring Freedom and is currently active in the Naval Reserves. Adding to his diverse skill set, he is also a licensed Louisiana Real Estate Agent with French Realty LLC where he has earned several prestigious awards for top sales. 

When Jimmie is not defending his country, saving lives or closing deals, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 16 years, Mindy, and their son, Trey. His most notable hobbies include working on classic cars, remodeling houses and training his two dogs. Occasionally he even finds time to run his portable sawmill. 

Jimmie’s remarkable breadth of skills and unwavering commitment make him an exceptional asset to the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District.

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The first recipients of the 2024-25 school year of the “Student Athlete of the Week” Award has been selected. The award, that is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes a student / athlete chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each of the three Jackson Parish School District high schools. 

Earning designation for the week of September 8-14 are Ken’Wuan Atkins (Jonesboro-Hodge High School), Hayden Seymore (Quitman High School) and Alexander Woodward (Weston High School).

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 given a commemorative T-Shirt. 

Student-Athlete of the Week

Ken’Wuan Atkins (12th Grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Football

Hayden Seymore (8th Grade) – Quitman Junior High School Boys Basketball

Alexander Woodward (8th Grade) – Weston Junior High School Basketball

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The Jackson Parish Tourism Board is hosting their 2024 Art Contest Reception at 4:30 pm this Thursday, September 12th at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. Come and enjoy viewing the incredible talent displayed while also learning who are this years winners. 

Wednesday’s Adult Book Club Postponed

Due to the possible inclement weather associated with Hurricane Francine, the scheduled Adult Book Club session that was to take place at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library on Wednesday, September 11th has been postponed until further notice. 

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Louisiana Tech plays NC State Saturday at noon Eastern at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, not a marquee game — unless you’re a Bulldog or a Wolfpacker, and then it feels a bit pivotal.

Even though it’s barely mid-September.

If a preview of this game carried a song title, maybe it would be Brooks & Dunn’s “Workin’ On My Next Broken Heart.”

Wait: why Brooks & Dunn? It’s a stretch, but … hang with us a second.

Tech alum Kix Brooks, half of the most-record-selling/most awarded country music duo act of all time, was in Aillet Stadium for his team’s 25-17 season-opening win over Nicholls State, a game in which the Bulldogs sloshed to a win despite five turnovers and back-to-back fumbles during a second-quarter rainstorm that left the turf slicker than Kenny Chesney’s head.

“It that was a country song,” Brooks, a visitor to the radio broadcast booth said at the time, “it’d be too sad to write.”

(An aside: we call Brooks & Dunn “Kix & Brooks” in this bureau. If Ronnie Dunn doesn’t have a team — and Kix says he doesn’t — he’s welcome in the Tech Camp, as the Bulldogs could use the company and the help. Also, as part of their “Reboot” Tour, Kix & Brooks will play the PNC Arena in Raleigh and the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in March. Never too early to plan, unless you just want to stay over after the game for seven months …)

Back to ball: despite the turnovers and backed by country-flavored rooting from Kix, the ’Dogs pulled through, thanks to a stifling defense against the defending Southland Conference champs. Since, the team has enjoyed a rare second-week-of-the-season open date to figure things out and heal a hurt quarterback, Jack Turner, who semi-limped off the field in the first quarter and didn’t return. (Brings to mind another Kix & Brooks tune: “How Long Gone Are You Gonna Be?”)

But back to that “broken heart” deal: for different reasons, times have been tough lately in Ruston and Raleigh.

The Bulldogs are coming off three straight 3-9 seasons — “too sad to write” — victims of a perfect storm generated through the new NIL and transfer rules and the law of averages following seven straight bowl seasons.

So there’s that.

Now in its 12th season under coach Dave Doren, NC State, 1-1, has been to nine bowl games but are 2-15 against Top 10 teams in that span, including a lopsided 51-10 dismantling at the greedy hands of Tennessee in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in primetime Saturday evening.

Bad look for the Wolfpack and the 20-plus players from Charlotte on its roster.

The Wolfpack is a 21.5-point favorite over the Bulldogs. Local journalists (we’re keeping up with the Carolina scribes) foretell of an “easy” week for the Wolfpack. We’ll see: State was a 33.5-point favorite in its opener against Western Carolina and won by only 17, then a 9.5-underdog against Tennessee and lost by 41.

In that game, thanks to an 85-yard Pick 6, Tennessee scored more points off NC State’s red zone possessions than the Wolfpack did.

Intriguing to look in the rearview and the most recent time these two played. October 2, 2021. Down 14 midway through the fourth quarter to a team that had beaten Top 10-ranked Clemson the week before and had one of the best defenses statistically in the country, Tech was intercepted in the end zone from 22 yards out on the game’s final play and lost, 34-27, at Carter-Finley.

Tech left the stadium that day 2-3. Besides that heartbreaker in Raleigh, the Bulldogs had last a 20-point fourth-quarter lead in Starkville in a 35-34 season-opening loss to Mississippi State and had lost at home to SMU, 39-37, on a final-play Hail Mary two weeks before going to NC State.

The loss to the Wolfpack started a five-game slide that hasn’t ended. Saturday, a different team returns to the same scene of the crime.

Saturday, it’s a chance for the ’Dogs, like Kix & Brooks, to reboot.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, located at 171 Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro, is looking to add a few Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to their outstanding team of care providers. 

Shifts available are:
6:00 am – 6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 6:00 am

For more information click here or go to http://bit.ly/3TiRlow

September Resident Birthdays Celebrated

The administration and staff of Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center wish the happiest of birthdays to the following:
Linda Moffett, 71
Barbara Roberts, 86
Earl Wroten, 73
Sarah Mathews, 89
Bonnie Pepper, 85
Ronald Lowery, 74
Helen Roden, 73
Bonnie Pratt, 82
Mary Davis, 85
Patricia Thrasher,78 (not pictured)

Birthday photos in no particular order are shown below.

Happy Birthday! 

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Weston High School invites you to come and get your vehicle cleaned while at the same time support the Wolves baseball team on Monday, September 16th by taking part in their fundraising car wash.

All proceeds go towards helping defray the expenses of the Disney / ESPN Tournament trip in Florida and upgrades to the newly refurbished on-campus field.  To participate bring your vehicle(s) to the front pavilion at Weston High School from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Your support is greatly appreciated!

 

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There is only one first time and no matter what “first” it represents it is always something remembered. When you combine a first time with a first place it makes it even more special.

That is what Sheppard Norred and Jackson Ables, representing Quitman Junior High, did this past weekend. Fishing together for the first time in a Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers (NELAHS) tournament the pair took first place in the Junior Division. Adding to the achievement was coming in second in the “Big Bass” competition and placing 12th overall. 

Two more teams that had at least one representative from a Jackson Parish school out of the 53 team field that competed in the first NELAHS tourney of the year fished on Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville, had outstanding finishes as well.

Addison Ledford of Weston High School), had the highest finish among female participants, as her and partner, Brody Halbrook (Grace Christian Academy) came in 15th place. Also earning special recognition was Gage Guyotte and Hunter Williams (Weston Junior High), for finishing in 2nd place in the Junior Division and 17th place overall. 

Additional top 20 finishers was defending 2023-24 NELAHS Tournament Trail runner-up Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman High School in 16th place and Hailey Chatham / Ben Ramsey of Weston High School who ended in 18th position.

Brody Toms and Tucker Goss of Quitman High School came in 30th with Andrew Brown and Christopher Rasberry (Quitman Junior High) finishing in 32nd place. The teams of Chance Lemoine / Jaxen Culpepper and Jake Vail / Waylon Sullivan, both also representing Quitman Junior High, ended in 38th and 39th place respectfully. Noah Roberts and Jessie Nivens of Weston Junior High also competed.  

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On Saturday, September 14th, the Jackson Woman’s Missionary Union will host The Crafty Cafe’ 2024. The annual event that is a fundraiser for local missions will take place from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, located at 500 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. 

With a wide array of handcrafted items, antiques and collectibles, baked goods, frozen casseroles, jellies and canned items being offered, come sip and shop while enjoying beignets and coffee in the morning and a gumbo and soup lunch.

Payments for purchases should be made in cash or by check. 

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Ellen Naomi Cohen was born in 1941. Ellen lived with her parents—her father was an entrepreneur, and her mother was a nurse—in Virginia and later Baltimore, Maryland. Her grandparents were European Jewish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life.

When she was seven years old, Ellen’s parents sent her to live with her grandparents while Ellen’s mother gave birth to Ellen’s little sister. Ellen said later that this “aroused some insecurities in me.” Ellen felt as if her parents had abandoned her in favor of the new baby. Ellen calmed herself by overeating.

Ellen moved back in with her parents soon after the baby was born, but the insecurities remained. By the time she became a teenager, she weighed approximately 180 pounds, almost double the weight of the other kids in her class. Her weight became the subject of many cruel jokes by her classmates, which fueled her insecurities. She ate to calm her anxieties about her weight. Ellen was trapped in a vicious cycle.

Ellen’s parents recognized the problem and took her to a doctor. The doctor put her on diet pills which were amphetamines. At the time, amphetamine pills were prescribed to combat “mental and emotional distress” and as a “weight-loss remedy striking at the emotional causes of overeating.” The amphetamine pills contained a potent stimulant and were highly addictive. Upon taking one of the pills the user felt a sudden “flash” of joy abusers nicknamed a “rush.” Inhibitions were lowered. The user felt more self-confident, had more energy, was more social, and felt that they were thinking more clearly. Ellen was a part of America’s first amphetamine epidemic.

In the 1950s and 1960s, doctors prescribed amphetamine pills without restraint. Pharmaceutical companies gave kickbacks to doctors who prescribed their amphetamine pills. Doctors had not yet learned the side effects of amphetamines such as high body temperature, memory loss, stroke, heart problems, and possible damage to young, developing brains. Amphetamines quickly became a recreational drug.

Despite the amphetamine pills, Ellen continued to be a big girl. Rather than becoming angry when classmates made jokes about her weight, she eased the burden by making the jokes herself which were more clever than what her classmates could come up with. That way, they were laughing with her and not at her. Later in her teenage years, Ellen shocked her parents when she explained that she wanted to be a Broadway singer. Ellen joked that she would be “the most famous fat girl that ever lived.” Her horrified parents failed to see the humor in her claim. Finally, they made an agreement that if Ellen failed to make it as a singer with five years she would go to college. Ellen moved to New York to begin her Broadway career.

Ellen’s auditions were promising. In 1962, she was almost cast as Miss Marmelstein in the Broadway musical “I Can Get It for You Wholesale,” but she ultimately lost the part to Barbra Streisand. It was Barbra Streisand’s big break. While waiting for her big break, Ellen rehearsed constantly. She knew that she had to perfect her sense of pitch. Ellen joined a trio called the Mugwumps, but the trio was short-lived. Ellen wanted to join a trio called the New Journeymen while she awaited her big break, but the trio’s leader refused because “she was too fat.” Undeterred, Ellen used many ploys to persuade the trio into becoming a quartet including introducing them to LSD. Finally, Ellen was allowed to join.

In September 1965, the quartet released their first album. By December of the same year, they were stars. Four albums and four years later, the quartet disbanded. Ellen had a successful solo career and became a successful TV personality. Despite all of her accomplishments, the fat jokes continued. In 1973, Ellen was a guest on The Dean Martin Show and during her introduction Dean Martin said, “I wouldn’t say she’s fat, but from the front she looks like Carroll O’Connor from the back.” The fat jokes were hurtful to Ellen, but she usually smiled and played along. She still struggled with the vicious cycle of eating to help with her insecurities and taking medicines to help her lose weight.

Ellen’s health was declining. In a period of seven months in 1974, Ellen was hospitalized five times for shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Despite her worsening health, she began a world tour. On the evening of July 28, 1974, after an all-night birthday party for Mick Jagger in London which lasted late into the following day, Ellen finally returned to her rented apartment and went to bed. In the early hours of the following morning, July 29, 1974, Ellen had a fatal heart attack in her sleep. An autopsy revealed that she had no drugs in her system when she died.

Most of the world never heard of the death of 32-year-old Ellen Naomi Cohen. That name was meaningless to everyone but Ellen’s family and childhood friends. Ellen developed her own stage name. She based her first name on the nickname her father had given her, Cassandra, and the last name in honor of a friend who had died. While few know the name Ellen Naomi Cohen, people around the world know Cass Elliot or Mama Cass, member of the New Journeymen quartet who changed their name to The Mamas and the Papas.

For half a century, people have repeated the false story that Ellen died from choking on a ham sandwich. According to Ellen’s daughter, a friend of Ellen’s who was staying with Ellen at the rented apartment had made her a sandwich and left it next to her bed. Ellen’s manager, Allan Carr, created the choking story because he knew people would assume that she had died from a drug overdose just as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin had done. Ellen’s manager never expected his false story to turn into a macabre joke. He was trying to protect her.

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The spring of 2024 produced the greatest cumulative athletic sports achievements in Quitman High School history with the baseball, softball and golf teams all winning state championships.

Thanks to the QHS baseball team, who through a unique fundraising effort, you can have a constant reminder of the three state titles won and also show your support of the Wolverine athletic program through the purchase of four separate selections of championship caps.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to purchase one or all four of the Richardson 112 styled caps, complete with an embroidered logo on the front, but you need to hurry as orders are due by Tuesday, September 17th.

Cost of a cap is $24.00 each. Checks should be made payable to: Quitman Baseball.

Orders can be made by using the form below, or by picking up an order form at Handy Foods in Quitman. 

2024-25 QHS Signage Sponsorship Spots Offered

Show your support for the QHS Wolverines by purchasing a sign for display in the gymnasium. By returning the completed form (shown below) along with the appropriate fee, a corrugated banner sign will be created for you and will remain on display for one calendar year. 

A standard sign has a yellow background with blue teal writing. You can also purchase a sign containing your own design or logo by including a hard copy with the order form or by sending an email to michelle.davis@jpsbschools.us with your design. 

Deadline for renewing a sign or purchasing a new one is Friday, September 13th. 

Cash or checks made payable to Quitman High School can be brought by the school or mailed to:
Quitman High School
181 Wolverine Drive
Quitman, LA 71268

See below for order form and costs.

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Dare We Look?

I form mental pictures.

We had never met; conversations on the phone led to a blind date. That date was first of many before Norm and I were married. I wonder what mental picture he had formed before seeing me face-to-face. I don’t recall what I expected but couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.

Norm showed up at my door; slender and of medium height. Sparkling blue eyes, a beautiful smile and dark hair caught my eye. The picture came complete with white shirt, dark suit and tie. Believe it or not; he looked like a young Robert Kennedy Sr.

Many of my readers have never met me. Are you forming a mental picture?

My husband and I listen to a good deal of conservative talk radio while riding in the car. I stay confused when hearing two commentators hosting one of our favorite programs. The two men sound so much alike that I can’t put a name with the speaker; to say nothing of a face.

Elijah heard the voice of God; yet, he didn’t look upon His face.

“And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah (1 Kings 19:12-13 ESV)?”

Dare we look into the face of God?

“But,’ he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live (Exodus 33:20 ESV).”

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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 

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position. Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Monday, September 23, 2024. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.

POSITION: Operator I
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department

Description:
Under close supervision, the Solid Waste Department Operator I is a semi-skilled to skilled position consisting of equipment operation, manual labor, and maintenance repair of various pieces of light and heavy motorized equipment and trucks used in solid waste management, maintenance, inclement weather, and other generalized work. Incumbent may be used as a relief operator on equipment of a higher class if qualified and trained.

Minimum Qualifications:
• In good standing as an employee in current position
• Class B CDL Driver’s License required; progression towards Class A CDL a must

Basic Responsibilities:
• Primarily operates trackhoe/packer located at the Solid Waste Landfill.
• Directs compact trucks and the public to the proper dumping areas in the landfill.
• Packs and tarps the garbage in the trailers and prepares the trailers to be transported to the Union Parish Landfill.
• Keeps the wall area washed and clean.
• Cleans out drains and bins, when necessary.
• Monitors the water transport and hauls and empties, when necessary.
• Picks up general litter and debris around the landfill, keeping it clean and organized.
• Cross-trained on all Operator II positions; prepared and able to operate any and all equipment used at the landfill.
• Serves as a backup for the Specialty Equipment Operator (Compact Truck), if qualified, trained, and licensed and Operator I and II positions, if necessary (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Physically present to perform the duties of the position.
• Performs walkaround safety checks at the beginning of every day noting any deficiencies found on equipment and report to Supervisor.
• Complete daily paperwork noting equipment and materials used each day and daily equipment forms.
• Must have good working knowledge of equipment and safety habits.
• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and cleanup of the solid waste landfill and off-site bin sites in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

FOR SALE

Three lots on Old Saline Lake, located at 171 Public Ramp Road, that apprises of approximately 3/4 of an acre with lakeview. Public boat ramp access only about 1/2 mile away. Selling as one property. Amenities include new electric pole and meter, as well as, water/electric hook ups for camper or RV. Also included is a Spartan Imperial Mansion Trailer House. Asking $25,000.00. Serious inquirers should call (318) 475-0349.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

VANDERBILT MORTGAGE & FINANCE, INC.
# 37550
PATRICIA FAY ADMIRE AND NATHAN ALLEN RICHARDSON

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 18th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

ONE (1) CERTAIN 2019 SOUTHERN ENERGY MANUFACTURED HOME, MODEL 41SSP16723AH19, BEARING SERIAL NUMBER RUS076139AL

Seized as the property of the above named defendants and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

LEGAL NOTICE

Evelyn Hammock
July 31, 1940 – September 7, 2024

On behalf of Ronald B. Washington and the entire Paradise Funeral Home Family, deepest condolences are extended to the family of Ms. Evelyn Hammock, who passed away on September 7th at the age of 84 years old. 

Visitation is scheduled from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on Friday, September 13th at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Family Hour set for 6:00 – 7:30 pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 14th at the church under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

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Area diners got a big shock earlier this week when it was announced that the Catfish Inn, one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Jackson Parish was changing ownership. 

Located at 1650 Arcadia Hwy in Quitman, the eatery has been a favorite of Jackson Parish residents and those from the surrounding area for nearly half a century and under the same ownership for the past 30 years.

The surprising change of ownership was announced in a post on the Catfish Inn Facebook page on Saturday stating that current owner, Ms. Robbie McConathy was selling the business to Robert Stassen. 

More information is set to follow on new hours and times of operation. 

 

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting for September on Tuesday, September 10th. The session that will be held in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro is slated to begin at 5:30 pm. 

JPPJ Meeting Agenda

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments

Approve Minutes
1. Adopt the minutes of the August 12, 2024, Regular Police Jury Meeting, August 22, 2024, Special Called Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and payment of all bills.

Approve Committee Reports:

Policy & Personnel Committee
2. Adopt the minutes of the August 15, 2024, Policy Committee meeting

Finance Committee
3. Adopt the minutes of the August 29, 2024, Finance Committee meeting
4. Consider and act on moving Ms. Amy Hudson from Part-time to Full-time per the Health Unit’s budget.
5. Financial report by Secretary-Treasurer – Ms. Nia Evans

Management Reports
6. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
7. Road Superintendent Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
8. Solid Waste Superintendent Report – Mr. Robin Sessions

Other Business
9. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
10. Consider and approve Operations Manager Mr. Brad Roller attending the October 2024 LSWA Solid Waste Certification Workshop
11. Consider and act on transferring funds for the Police Jury Region 5 Meeting Banquet

Announcements and Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Nia Evans, Secretary-Treasurer at (318) 259-2361 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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Clay Williams, Ben Ledbetter – JPJ

When two fierce rivals like Jonesboro-Hodge and Winnfield battle on the football field, you need more than just good execution on the field to win. You also need to have a “little” luck on your side.

Home-standing, Jonesboro-Hodge had a “lot” of luck on Friday night.

Unfortunately, mostly it was all bad.

As result, the 98th meeting between the two Tigers was a close fought contest that in no way was any indication of just how close the game was despite the final 27-0 margin that Winnfield came away with.

The game started with Winnfield having the opening possession. The J-Hodge defensive line quickly make their presence felt in a big way by forcing a fumble on the third play that junior, Kyron Atkins jumped on giving  JHHS the ball at the Winnfield 26 yard line. 

At that point it looked like Jonesboro-Hodge might have lots of good luck. Winnfield would also lose the grip on the pigskin made slippery by the rain soaked field on their next two possessions as well, but their luck was changing as WHS was able to make a recovery each time to avoid serious problems. 

Then the bad luck really started to kick in. 

With about 45 seconds left in the first quarter, J-H quarterback, Dakota Knox, hit ZaMauryian Palmer on a little touch pass. After fighting for four yards, Palmer got stood up. Just when the play was expected to be called dead, a Winnfield player reached in and popped the ball loose in front of Damascus Lewis who scooped it up and ran 30 yards to the J-H 16 yard line. Winnfield would score a touchdown three plays later as time expired in the opening stanza to take a 7-0 lead.

After the two squads swapped interceptions early in the second quarter, Winnfield extended the lead to 15-0 with only 31 seconds left in the half after a short run and a two point conversion that came after J-H was flagged on the extra point attempt that had sailed wide. 

Jonesboro-Hodge opened the third quarter with their best drive of the game in the mixing the running of Knox, Landon Boston, and Marquise Baker leading to one of the two best chances the Tigers had for a score. Facing a third down at the Winnfield 18 yard line, Knox lofted what looked like a perfectly placed pass to Christian
McGuire at the goal line. Despite looking like he was beaten on the play though, Winnfield’s Lewis somehow got a finger on the ball to force the incompletion.

Once again, the J-H defense came up big. Ken’Wuan Atkins, Dylan Hayes, and Malik Nichols  forced back-to-back losses of 12 and 10 yards putting Winnfield in a “4th and forever” situation at their own 2 yard line. It looked like JHHS would get a great break in their favor when the ball slipped out of the punters hand but with three Tigers all over him at the back of the endzone, somehow the Winnfield punter got the ball offlaid hits but somehow got the punt off.

UGGGHHHH!

JHHS took over in great position again at the Winnfield 32 yard line but turned the ball over on downs. Two plays later Winnfield was up 21-0 after a 64 yard jaunt by Jaylen Jackson as time ran out in the third quarter.

Talk about reversal of fortune’s. 

A bevy of even more tough breaks was still to come.

Early in the fourth quarter the Tiger D forced pounced on what looked like a fumble. Unlike what took place in the first quarter when Winnfield was awarded the ball in a similar situation, this time the ref’s called the play dead. 

The very next play Dakota Knox jumped a pass that would’ve been an easy Pick 6, but instead the ball fell harmlessly to the soggy turf setting up the hardest pill J-H had to swallow on the night.

Winnfield set up in punting formation and to the delight of Tiger fans a bad snap sent the punter scrambling to find the handle. With several Tigers all around him, the punter managed to get a grip on the ball and took off around end, not stopping until he had rambled 78 yards for a touchdown. 

Enough Already!!!!

“Needless to say we dealt with a lot of bad luck tonight,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Give Winnfield credit though, they made plays when they needed to and we didn’t.. That was basically the difference in the game.” 

The Tigers will be on the road next Friday night to take on Class 4A West Ouachita who beat Richwood 49-6 in their season opener. Game time is set for 7:00 pm. 

 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Winnfield (1-0)	7	8	6	6	27
Jonesboro-Hodge (0-1)	0	0	0	0	0

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