Not many people know this because it’s tacky to brag and “smarts” is not my calling card, but I was history student of the year in eighth grade and made an “A” in Spanish as a high school freshman even though I’d never been to Spain.

Just sayin…

The catch was, I mowed the yards of both my eighth-grade history and ninth-grade Spanish teachers. You do what you can.

My grades lagged in winter; I trace this back to a hatred of raking. But I started strong in the North Louisiana autumns that felt like summer, then rallied in the early spring and right on through Memorial Day and the school year’s final bell.

As the grass rose, so did my scores.

In college, it was a different ballgame. They make you grow up in college, or you basically fail your own self. Shoot yourself in your lazy, refuse-to-be-educated foot. My teachers, who were now deemed “professors,” wouldn’t tell me and my lawnmower where they lived.

They play hardball at the university level.

In the grownup world, it’s always something.

But this teacher’s pet/yardman has proof that I was a force to be reckoned with in pre-college. If I couldn’t cut it in the classroom, I could cut it on the lawn. You play to your strengths.

Witness my freshman yearbook, signed by “Senora Mullins” in her unmistakable hand, with a squiggly thing above the “n” in senora and everything: “You MUST be OK,” she wrote; “I still like you, even though you’re my neighbor!”

Why she used the capitals and exclamation point is anybody’s guess. Did she not like her previous neighbors? Did she fail their kid? With an “A,” I asked no questions. Just said “gracias” and moved along – even though her “You MUST be OK” line, which translated into street language means “You sort of get on my nerves,” hurt me.

You must be “OK”? Tacos are OK. Mi nombre es Tedro!, or something like that. Muy bueno, babe! Come on!

“OK” is for losers.

I learned later that, from women, you take your OK’s where you can get them and learn to like it. Just part of my education, none of which would have happened without Mrs. Mullins and her tireless Sisterhood of The Classroom Teachers.

They have flooded my mind and always do with the first refreshing chill of September, these women who smelled like hand lotion and hairspray and lunchroom rolls and chalk. You’ve thought of them too, maybe not for long but always for at least a moment. Might as well try not to blink as to try and dodge the autumnal world of a long-ago yesterday. For the length of one daydream, we all go back to school this time of year.

How did they do it? Day after day. Lunch room duty. Ball game. Sponsorship of the Interact Club. Raising three children at home and 150 at school. Yet always, The Teacher suited up.

When you see one this year, give them a nod. A fist bump. Maybe five bucks! Be an encourager. They have a long way to go and deal with short attention spans, and the best ones leave it all on the field. I praise my exhausted teachers who were, for me, a cut above.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Two former Jonesboro-Hodge High School standouts will help Centenary College in Shreveport make their official return to college football when the Gents play Hendrix on Saturday, September 7th.

Representing JHHS as part of the 88 man Centenary roster will be Dominick Strickland and Javion Andrews, two of the 31 players that hail from north Louisiana and 62 players from the state.

The 2024 edition is the first team that Centenary has fielded since 1947. Under the guidance of former Evangel High School standout and coach, Byron Dawson, the Gents will be a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) competing on the NCAA Division III level. 

 

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Martha Jane Canary was among the most famous women of the nineteenth century. Tales of her exploits were printed in newspapers across the country, but most of us have never heard her name.

Martha was born in Princeton, Missouri, in 1851. In 1864, she traveled with her family to the gold fields of Montana to claim their fortune. By all accounts, the silver mine camps of Montana were a rough place to raise a family. In 1866, Martha’s mother died. In the following year, her father also died. Fifteen-year-old Martha was solely responsible for the care of her much younger siblings, seven-year-old Lena and five-year-old Elijah.

Shortly after her parents’ deaths, Martha abandoned her younger siblings and moved around from town to town. Most people that knew her described her as absolutely ordinary in every way with the exception of her extraordinary love for whiskey.

Martha could tell a good story and the central character in her tales was always herself. In the nineteenth century, before technology allowed people to verify or discredit tales such as Martha’s within seconds, it was difficult to determine if her stories were true or false. Mark Twain once said, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Being a contemporary of hers, Mark Twain could have easily aimed this quote at Martha.

Martha was illiterate. She left no letters or journals behind for historians to mine. Although historians have searched through countless records over the past century, not even a single signature of Martha’s has been found. Had she been able to write, it is possible that she could have become a well-respected author such as Mark Twain. Because she was illiterate, her stories were published by numerous authors who were eager to cash in on her tales. Martha was a master at creating her own identity, and the public was enthralled by tales of her exploits.

As was customary at this time of high illiteracy, people gathered in small groups, paid a small fee of a penny or two each, to have someone read her stories to them. There were tales of bandits, battles with Indians, and at least one stagecoach robbery. In all of the tales, Martha was the heroine. Rumors spread that Martha was with General George Armstrong Custer at his last stand. Martha told a newspaper reporter in Billings, Montana, “That is wrong. I was with Custer for several months and in different engagements, but if I had been with him in his last battle, I would probably be with him now. On the other hand, had Custer paid attention to warnings and a message I sent him, he and his brave band might be now in the land that I am in.” Again, Martha masterfully connected herself to a significant historical event.

Many of Martha’s stories were little more than fantasy. People that knew her, described her as being generous and courteous when not intoxicated. When on a drinking binge, they condemned her wild behavior. She refused to conform to what were the generally accepted customs of society. In a time when a woman could have been arrested for dressing in men’s clothing, she wore the buckskin suit of a scout.

She was arrested on numerous occasions in numerous towns for “drinking and carousing on the public streets.” She openly smoked cigarettes and cigars, which was taboo for women at the time. Whenever Martha arrived in a town, newspaper reporters printed notes of welcome, but by the time she left town they had soured to her presence due to her hard drinking, carousing, and self-destructive ways.

Martha had no trouble finding work but had trouble keeping it due to her drinking. She once worked as a cook in a brothel run by Dora DuFran. Dora recalled that Martha had been sober for a full six weeks. On the day after one payday, Martha bought some new calico aprons, underwear, and other clothing accessories, but Martha failed to arrive at work the following morning. Dora remembered that “from the distance came wild howls.” Dora said “the old urge overcame [Martha’s] good resolution.” They found her on a whiskey binge wearing, not her new clothing, but her buckskin suit.

In 1876, she purportedly ended up in a wagon train with another famous figure, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. Martha and Wild Bill certainly knew of each other but how well is up for debate. Both of their reputations preceded them, although both reputations were exaggerated.

Many people claimed they were nothing more than two people who happened to end up in the same town, while others argued that they had a relationship somewhere on the spectrum between a one-night stand to marriage.

Wild Bill was murdered while playing poker in 1876. Martha kept silent on the subject of their relationship but used the rumors to bolster her own image as she had several photographs of herself standing in front of his grave. Although there was no documentation that they were officially married, when she died in 1903, she was buried next to Wild Bill per her request.

In one tale which supposedly happened in 1872, Martha was a scout for Captain James Egan in a campaign against the Nez Perces Indians. During one battle of the campaign, Captain Egan was shot by one of the Indians. Martha killed the Indian, put Captain Egan across the saddle of her horse, and rode at full speed to safety as Indians fired upon them.

According to her own account, it was because of this moment that Captain Egan called Martha “the Heroine of the Plains” and gave her a nickname which stuck. Martha Jane’s contemporaries argued that this event never happened. Rather than the fascinating tale that Martha Jane told, she probably earned the nickname because of her self-destructive habits. Few people remember the name Martha Jane Canary, but she was a walking calamity. You know her as Calamity Jane.

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Pastor Bubba Walsworth and the congregation of Jonesboro First Assembly of God invite you to join them at their 1490 South Hudson Avenue location for Revival services that will be held September 6th – 8th. 

Preaching “Jesus to hurting people”, Evangelist Torrance Nash, will be bringing his inspirational message for three days with services being held at 6:30 pm on September 6th and 7th and again at 10:45 am on September 8th. 

For more information call (318) 548 – 5851.

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The administration and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge invite you to come “Meet The Tigers” at a public Pep Rally that will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 5th at the JHHS boys gymnasium. 

Come and show your support for the Tiger football team and get the chance to meet the JHHS coaching staff and players, cheerleaders, Tiger Paws and band. Admission is $5.00 per person. GO TIGERS!

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Do you like to read outdoors? Then come visit the “Storywalk” at the Jonesboro or Chatham branches of the Jackson Parish Library.  Featured this month at both location is the Book of the Month for September, Apple Picking Day!

When you complete the story, scan the evaluation at the end of the Storywalk and stop by the front desk and receive your very own copy. For more information, contact the Jackson Parish Library at the Jonesboro Branch by calling (318)259-5697 or at the Chatham Branch number of (318) 249-2980.

SNAP Assistance Available on Friday

Need help with your food stamp application or have your status report and redetermination explained? Then come to the Chatham and Jonesboro Branches of the Jackson Parish Library on Friday, September 6th. Ms. Elzy, the local SNAP Outreach Coordinator will be at the Chatham Branch from 9:30 – 11:30 am and at the Jonesboro Branch from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. If you need immediate assistance, call the helpline at (888) 524-3578.

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Bass fishing can be frustrating and winning tournaments is even more frustrating. But when it comes to anglers helping one another, that’s a whole different story. Today, I’ll give you an angler’s perspective on why tournament bass fishermen don’t like to give away or share information on how they are catching bass.

The main reason for angler secrecy is because in today’s bass tournament world that is so competitive, it’s hard to make a top 10 and tougher to get a win. There are times when an angler might be catching fish and doing good enough to get a check but not good enough to win. The difference between getting a check or winning can be something as subtle as what size line you might be using.

Example, if you’re doing good and catching fish in 10 to 12 feet of water on a crankbait and using 17-pound test line, but you find out after the tournament that the guy who won the event, also caught his fish on the same crankbait using 12-pound test line. Why did line size make a difference? It’s because 12-pound test allowed his bait to dive down deeper into the 15-foot range where the bigger bass were set up. But I was catching smaller bass higher in the water column at 12 feet The bigger fish were deeper in 15 feet of water.

When it comes to sharing, tournament anglers are worse than a kid sharing his new toy on Christmas morning. They laugh at the idea of sharing their new toy! It’s like asking Vice President Kamala Harris a difficult political question. All you’re going to get is a cackling laugh. Anglers are no different; they are the worst at giving out any type of information that they feel might give their opponent an advantage or a leg up on their competition. When I say it’s every man for himself in tournament bass fishing, that’s exactly what I mean!

Now there are few exceptions on information sharing and this is where the buddy system kicks in. I’ve got a small clique of three or four anglers that I trust when it comes to information. These are usually guys that I room with on the road or have been friends with for a long time.

These are guys that I eat dinner with and if I have a mechanical break down on the lake, I can make one phone call to any one of these guys and they will come to my rescue. But these are guys that I trust and would like to think won’t lie to me. Now they might leave out a couple of key details on what they are doing, but that’s just the way ALL anglers are when it comes to information. They’ll share, but only in small amounts.

I have other friends who I fish against, and most are great guys. While they won’t necessarily lie to you, they will send you down a rabbit hole with bad information. Oh, they’ll give you information, it just won’t be anything that will really help. We as anglers call this information “dock talk.” This is what tournament anglers want to stay away from because the information they are giving out is designed to throw you off.

I’ve also learned over my 34 years of tournament fishing, that the only person you can really trust is yourself. Don’t rely on other anglers to feed you information that might or might not help you land more fish. Do your homework (scouting) and trust yourself to go out and find your own fish. Because at the end of the day, once all the fish are weighed in and you’re in line to get a check, the only name on the check…. is yours!

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and take advantage of some great fall fishing while all the deer hunters are in the woods and not on the lake.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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(Paid Advertorial)

Jan Grigsby is one happy client.

The longtime Ruston native recently hired Custom Curbing to add a concrete landscape border along her flower beds in both her front and back yards.

And Grigsby is happy she did.

“I saw it from one of my neighbor’s houses, and I loved it,” said Grigsby. “It has defined my yard. I can’t tell you how many people have come by and said ‘Your yard looks so good.’ It has really defined my yard. I also got him to do my backyard. It has really made all the difference.”

Custom Curbing is owned by Aaron Cash and is based out of West Monroe. The company has been around for almost three decades and while making a splash in Lincoln Parish recently, Cash is also looking forward to assisting residents of Jackson Parish as well. 

“Basically, we put really nice borders around flower beds,” said Cash. “The business was established in 1996 so we have been serving northeast Louisiana for almost 30 years. It’s like adding a beautiful frame around your landscape. Our longtime slogan is ‘Frame Your Landscaping.’”

Cash said much of the business comes from neighbors seeing the finished product at other neighbors’ houses. And based on Grigsby’s satisfaction, it’s understandable.

“I am so pleased,” said Grigsby. “When I go outside, I look at it and just smile. They did such a super job. So many people have said, ‘Oh, Jan. Your yard looks so much better.’ And Aaron and his guys were so pleasant to work with during the process.”

Interested individuals can learn more at http://www.TheCustomCurbing.com. A step-by-step list of the process involved can be found at http://www.TheCustomCurbing.com/process.

Cash said that at the end of the day, it’s all about the client being happy with the finished product.

“We typically stick with earth tones; tans, and browns, and greys and charcoals,” said Cash. “We want to use colors that will be in style for years to come. Typically, that is earth tones. I see what their needs are and give them my advice on what would look better and how to alleviate some problems such as beds washing out or the grass encroaching in the beds.

“We also remove lots of dangerous metal edging that has become rusty and jagged and replace it with our concrete border system. We figure out the best designs and go from there.”

According to Cash, a “typical” job costs between $1,200 and $1,500, but the price can vary depending on style/color of curb, amount of ground prep, drainage work, root work, travel distance, number of areas, etc.

An average job can be completed within a day.

For more information, individuals can call 318-598-YARD or click on the CONTACT link on the website.

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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Jackson Parish 4-H Chapter Director, Kristi Bourgeois, announces that 2024-25 Northwest Ag Ambassador Applications are now available! Those interested in being selected to the prestigious position need to act now though as the deadline to submit an application is September 13th. 

To get an application send your request to: kmbourgeois@agcenter.lsu.edu

Informational facts:

• The program is open to all high school students grades 9th-12th.
• This is a competitive application process and 4-H’ers should put thought into the application and essay.
• Only complete application packages will be considered.
• While we understand that 4-H’ers have very busy schedules, applicants should make every attempt to attend Ambassador meetings and trips. These meetings and trips, provide an insight into future careers for our youth and teach them how to network and make connections.
• We have been able to cover many interesting topics over the past two years, and this year will be no exception. We will have quarterly events highlighting unique aspects of agriculture, careers in agriculture, and universities that offer degrees in agriculture. Many of the tours and opportunities are unique and not available in any other program.
• We will have an overnight trip in the second quarter of 2025. Past destinations have been the State Capital, a crawfish farm, LSU campus, cattle genetics company, a wholesale nursery, and much more.
• Ag Ambassadors from prior years are encouraged to apply. While there may be some repeat of topics, the committee is planning lots of new and interesting things for this year. We are going to ask “repeat” ambassadors for their ideas and input for future meetings and trips.

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Gone Astray- Baa, Baa Black Sheep

‘Baa, Baa Black Sheep’… (Rudyard Kipling Public Domain)

Some children (adults too) tell stories. We come to understand that these stories are fibs and whoppers; downright lies.

What can we believe; WHO can we trust?

Jesus was a storyteller. Trust Him. His stories and messages reveal spiritual truth.

He deserves our undivided attention.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them (John 10:1-6 NASB 1995).”

Many sheep have gone astray.

“When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost (Luke 15:5-6 NASB 1995)!”

 

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A multi-family garage sale will be held at 289 Dogwood Drive in Jonesboro on Saturday, September 7th beginning at 7:00 am. Also on tap is a bake sale at the same time. All proceeds will go to “Who Hurt You”, which is a local, non-profit, women’s empowerment group.

In addition to the daytime fun of shopping and snacking will be an open mic night at Ruffled Feathers Photography, located at 208 Jimmie Davis Blvd. in Jonesboro. Admission will be be $10.00 per person.

If you would like to donate items for sale or for more information contact Brittany Treadway on her Facebook page. 

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

Octavia Swayzer (Jonesboro, LA) – Second Degree Rape, Criminal Conspiracy
Elijah Kelly (Jonesboro, LA) – Second Degree Rape, Criminal Conspiracy
Elijah Specks (Quitman, LA) – Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Jonathan Livingston (Quitman, LA) – Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Stop Sign Violation
Tannealus Norman (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling, Attempted Unauthorized Entry x6
Dylan Howell (Winnfield, LA) -Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance
Jamal A. Owens (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Tommy J. Branch (Saline, LA) – Probation and Parole Warrant
Zachary Gorham (Winnfield, LA) -Telephone Communications with Improper Language and Harassment
Martayvion Perot (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery
Micah Bell (Baton Rouge, LA) – Battery of a Correctional Officer
Cardice Johnston (West Monroe, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
David Henderson Jr. (Eros, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation
Brandell Hollingsworth (Jonesboro, LA) – Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling
Phien Le (Hayward, CA) – Texas Warrant, Speeding
Hope Harville (Quitman, LA) – Possession of Schedule IV
Tiante Lard (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace

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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

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

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

J.W. Plunkett
January 24, 1936 – September 1, 2024

Mr. J.W. Plunkett passed away at his residence in Quitman, Louisiana on September 1, 2024. He was 88 years old. J.W. worked for Stone Container as a chipper operator for 40 years. He loved fishing and camping and enjoyed watching westerns, especially John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies.

J.W. leaves behind 2 children, Susie Pyles and Reggie Plunkett; 2 grandchildren, Jeremy Pyles and Tanya Pyles; 2 great-grandchildren, Hunter Pyles and Shaley Pyles; 1 great-great-grandchild, Cowen Pyles; and 1 sister, Lanell Pleasant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Rosa (Woods) Plunkett; wife, Joyce Plunkett; and 3 brothers and sisters.

There will be a private, family burial at Little Hope Cemetery near Castor, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to the Little Hope Cemetery Association, 135 Koonce Road, Castor, LA 71016.

Gertrude Lois Lawrence
October 24, 1917 – August 31, 2024

Gertrude Lawrence, better known to her family as Maw, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 in Forest Haven Nursing Home. She was 106 years old. Maw was born on October 24, 1917 in Joyce, Louisiana to George Washington Henderson and Annie Jane (Eubanks) Henderson. Maw described her childhood home as a wooden house with wooden doors and windows with no panes; but they did have wooden shutters to keep the elements out.

Maw was the oldest of 9 children. She had 4 brothers: Lamar, Delbert, Jimmy, and Billy; and 4 sisters: Ruby, Helen, Marie, and Bertie. There was 22 years between Maw and her youngest sibling. At a very young age, as the oldest child, Maw was responsible for helping to take care of her younger siblings while her mother helped her father with the more laborious chores such as chopping wood, gardening, etc. Maw’s responsibilities included cooking for the family, bathing her brothers and sisters, getting them ready for school, and if they were sick, dosing them with castor oil. She would even take them to the doctor when necessary. She recalled, at the age of 12, having to wrap up her newborn brother, Jimmy and walk to town to take him to the doctor.

On June 19, 1937, Maw married Oscar Lawrence (Paw), and they were married for 50 years. Maw spoke often about the time Paw traded a pair of shoes for a wood-burning cook stove. She recalled how, “You could buy a lot with a nickel, but a nickel was hard to come by.”

Together, Maw and Paw had 3 children; Norma Sue, Patricia Ann and Oscar Eugene (Gene). Their oldest child was born in the year 1938 and for the next eighty-six years, Maw’s descendants truly multiplied. She was 106 years old when her most recent great-great-great-grandchild was born.

Maw leaves behind a legacy of 6 generations which include: 1 daughter, Patricia Wiltcher; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 50 great-great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Maw had several occupations over the years which include: cook at Jonesboro Elementary School; clerk at various stores in Jonesboro and Chatham, including the old Morgan and Lindsey’s on Main Street in Jonesboro and Malone’s Grocery in Chatham. She even worked at the Hodge Paper Mill during the World War II draft.

Maw enjoyed fishing, BINGO, and traveling with her family. She was always independent and active, and proof of that is that she drove her own automobile until the age of 97. Maw lived at home until she was 99 years old. That’s when, while frying some “taters,” she fell and broke her hip. She then became a resident of Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro. There, she continued to be active in various activities such as BINGO, dominoes, crafts, painting, simple cooking and going on outings.

Maw leaves behind her personal tips for a long life: (1) take a daily teaspoon of honey, (2) use Oil of Olay face firming cream, and (3) there’s no need to worry about what you can’t do anything about.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Julie Tippen officiating. Burial followed in the Springhill Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Davey Morris, Joshua Lawrence, Josh Lawrence, Randall Stevenson, Monty Kennedy, Chris Tippen and Lane Tippen.

 

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The Chatham Water System has been placed under boil advisory by the Louisiana Department of Health because of a break in the main line. This boil advisory affects New Hope St. Clair Water customers.

The New Hope booster station is experiencing electrical problems causing the booster pump failure. Therefore, as a precaution, the Chatham Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that the LA 155 bridge over an unnamed waterway in Jackson Parish is now closed for emergency repairs.

This bridge is located approximately 2.5 miles west of the intersection with LA 146, near the Village of Quitman. (see included map)

The closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder: DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information: Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD web

Map of Bridge Closure

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Jonesboro-Hodge drove over one river and treaded water with another. 

That was the “shorthand” report of what took place on Saturday when JHHS traveled to Monroe to take on Red River High School in the annual Bayou Jamb that was played at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM).

While the final score of 20-12 in favor of Red River doesn’t count in the 2024 LHSAA regular season win/loss total, their were many positive intangibles that did register with the Tiger coaching staff.

“Overall, I was pleased with the effort that we gave,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “There were several things I saw that makes me believe that we are ready to have a successful season.” 

When  asked to go into further detail, Blankenship was quick to point out how he was pleased with the way the team handled adversity, showed good discipline and fought to the very end. 

“Red River hit us with a long pass on their first play that led to them taking a quick lead and we had problems dealing with a wet ball due to the driving rain we played in virtually the entire first half ” recalled Blankenship when recounting the 14-0 hole they were in at the break of the abbreviated game that was played in two quarters.

In recap, Red River connected on a 40 yard pass that gave them a first down at the JH 30 yard line. From their, the Tiger defense stiffened up to force the Bulldogs to run 8 plays before they finally scored, including almost stopping the drive at the nine yard line by forcing a fumble. 

Then the rain started to really come down.

A couple of bad snaps result of the slippery pigskin left the Tigers in a punting situation deep in their own end of the field which Red River blocked and returned five yards for another score. 

JHHS would fumble again on their next possession giving Red River the ball at the Tiger 26 yard line but once again the JHHS defense forced a fumble, this time with Landon Boston recovering to end the threat. 

“Needless to say, we had a lot of things go wrong during the first half,” laughed Blankenship, who is entering a school record 12th year at the helm. “But I thought our guys handled the adversity well by coming out and winning the second half.” 

Red River went for the “kill shot” to start the second half by trying an onside kick but JHHS recovered the ball at the Bulldog 45 yard line. Five straight running plays by quarterback Dakota Knox moved the ball to the Red River 24 yard line but turned the ball over on downs. 

The Tigers got on the board on Red River’s next possession when Kyron Atkins sacked the Bulldog quarterback forcing yet another fumble which brother Ken’Wuan Atkins scooped up and returned it 26 yards for the touchdown narrowing the deficit to 14-6. 

Red River then would put the game away on a 12 play, 80 yard drive for their final points, capitalizing on two third down and a fourth down conversion for first downs and pair of runs of 20 and 18 yards on their final two plays. The drive that took 6:28 minutes put the Bulldogs up 20-6 with only 14 seconds left on the clock. 

“You have to give Red River credit for making the long drive and using up the clock,” said Blankenship. “We came close to stopping them a couple of times though and being the first time out ran out of gas at the end.” 

Despite having just a short time left to play, it was the response by the Tigers on the ensuing kickoff that gave Blankenship and staff the most optimism about the upcoming regular season. Christian McGuire gathered the ball in at his own 13 yard line and with the kick off team superbly providing blocks, broke to the sideline and raced down the field. As time was running out it looked like he would be brought down at the Red River 10 yard line but through sheer determination fought his way through two would be tacklers to finish off the 87 yard return.

“I thought that was a great example of the desire and determination Christian plays with and the kind of leader he is,” complimented Blankenship. “We had no chance of winning and a lot of players would have just taken that kick and ran it out of bounds but he gave it all he had to the very end. That is something that we can build on.”  

 

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All three local junior high schools will be in action on Tuesday with Quitman playing at home against Summerfield and Weston taking to the road to play Calvin in basketball and Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School traveling to Rayville for their season opener in football. 

Fresh off another tournament victory, their third of the season, the Wolverine boys team will look to extend their perfect 11-0 record. The girls team. which finished second in their own tournament, has won 3 of their last five games after starting the season with three straight losses. Meanwhile, the Weston girls and boys will make the short trip to Calvin looking to get back into the winning column after first round defeats to Castor in the Quitman Tourney. 

For Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School their contest against Rayville Junior High will be the first of the year after the scheduled season opener at home against Arcadia was cancelled and will be reschedule for later this season. 

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Poll Workers are needed for the upcoming November elections and for those who wish to be considered for the position there are two ways to gain certification to become an Election Day Commissioner.

One is to visit www.jacksonparishclerk.org with another being attending a class that will be held at 5:30 pm on September 5th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

See below for further information on how to qualify. 

For more information or questions call (318) 259 – 2424. 

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The Jackson Parish Hospital strongly encourages you to share your talent and sends a reminder that only 34 days are left to enter the 2024 third quarter  Community Photography Contest!

Submit your best photos for a chance to be one of four winners chosen this quarter and win $250.00 and let our patients, families, visitors, and staff admire the beauty of our community through your eyes and lenses!

There is no limit to the number of photos you wish to enter and if one isn’t selected for this quarter it remains in the running for the rest of 2024 – no need to re-enter! There is no cost to enter but terms and conditions do apply.

Enter today at ourcommunity.jphmd.com

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In the ever constant effort to provide the best in emergency medical service, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District is proud to announce the accomplishments of two of the newest members on the staff. 

Destiny Sims – Through completing hours of studying and trials, Destiny has earned her nationally registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), designation.

Zachary Parks – Completed his Paramedic Program at Louisiana Delta Community College under the guidance of Kayla Rains. Zach also completed the class with the honor of The William E. Brown Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Award. 

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NORTH LOUISIANA!!! Join LAOLM Pageant Events on September 14th in Monroe for the preliminary pageant! No experience needed! Babies, Girls, Teens, and Adults of all ages from all areas are welcome!

ALL IN pricing  of $65.00 per person includes beauty wear, decades wear, photogenic and MORE! Qualify for our state pageant! You don’t want to miss this! Come make memories and friendships that last a lifetime! Paperwork and Entry Forms are online at www.louisianaolm.com

(Deadline to enter is 9/11)

About Louisiana’s Our Little Miss Scholarship Competition

Established in 1962, the Louisiana’s Our Little Miss Competition has been apart of the Our Little Miss Organization since the inception of the company. We claimed the first World winners and have always been top contenders at the World Level. We are always looking for exceptional representatives across the Great State of Louisiana to hold our State Titles. We encourage you to get involved today! We promise you a nurturing, positive and fun experience with memories to last a lifetime.

State Winners can expect to receive Scholarship Cash Awards at the close of their reign. They will also experience a year of public appearances, exciting trips, parties and pageantry across the state of Louisiana and beyond. They also earn the right to compete at the World Level for an unbelievable prize package.

 

 

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