A tremendous number of wide ranging events and activities are on tap for patrons of the Jackson Parish Library during the month of September. From fitness classes and voter registration for the adults to art classes and Storytime for the children, the administration and staff of both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches welcome you to take part in the entertaining and educational programming scheduled.
Margin
I learned what Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” I’m still not sure what Rene was getting at, but it sounds good. If you say it in Latin, “Cogito ergo sum” you can sound very intellectual, while not wholly understanding the concept.
I’m a more pedestrian thinker. My version of it is, “I drive, therefore I am.” I should have kept up with all the miles I have put on vehicles. I live twenty-three minutes from the church. I spend nearly an hour in the car each day going to and from the office. I love my commute on I-20. I have prayer time in the morning and again in the afternoon.
There are times that I’m praying for the driver in front of me, that they would quit being “doubleminded” and put their foot on the accelerator. I have also called upon the name of the Lord when the driver in the left lane suddenly cuts across my lane to exit the interstate quickly. I’ll wager they are thinking, “I signaled, didn’t I?”
For the past weeks from roughly the Bienville Parish line to the city limits of Ruston a little work has been going on. The trees on the side of the interstate are being removed. There is heavy equipment involved in the clearing of the shoulder. The contractor is cutting the trees down and then a machine comes and turns the tree into mulch. For miles, this crew is transforming the shoulder of the interstate. They are also removing the trees from the median of the interstate.
My first thought, when I saw the equipment, was I needed one of those.
My view has changed as the trees have disappeared.
The trees were allowed to grow too close to the road. I don’t know that factually, but it is an educated guess. This trimming allows for a margin of grass to separate drivers from trees that might fall in some kind of storm. It is visually appealing and calming.
Who would have thought that margin was important on the Interstate?
Margin is the edge or border of something. The page you are reading has some kind of margin. If it did not, your brain would revolt at the visual effrontery. We need a margin around the page to read. I’m learning that margin around the road is important too.
How about margin in your life? How are you getting it all done? Are you taking time to reflect? To rest? To pray?
I’m going to translate what Jesus said, in your Bibles it is transliterated.
Jesus said, “Rest (The Sabbath) was created for humanity, not humanity for the rest. (Sabbath.) Sabbath, rest, downtime, relaxing, or if you will margin, is a gift from God that allows you to renew yourself and to discover God’s grace in the simple things of life.
Take time off, it will change your view of the journey.
Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana.
The Weston High School baseball team is hosting an online, silent auction of items and merchandise this September 3rd – 5th. Proceeds to benefit the Wolves baseball program and the trip to the ESPM Wild World of Sports this next spring.
A sneak peak of the many items that will be up for bid will be posted on the Weston High School Baseball team Facebook page along with instructions on how to place bids.
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School is pleased to announce the three people selected for the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Award for September.
Congratulations go to:
Student of the Month: Charity Harper, 5th Grade
Faculty of the Month: Mr. Greg Garner, P.E. Coach
Support of the Month: Mrs. Carlette Lyles, SPED Paraprofessional
Each was chosen by the PBIS committee for demonstrating the PAWS objective of:
Prepare Yourself
Act Respectfully
Work Together
Safety First
(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 is making a splash in Lincoln Parish recently.
“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.
Cross Trail Outfitters Coming To The Area
I was one blessed little fellow growing up in the country. I had a dad who felt it important to teach his two sons all about the outdoors, not only about how to handle a firearm and how to sneak up on a squirrel. Dad was also a Christian, a deacon and active member of our church so his teaching always included the importance of Tom and me recognizing and appreciating nature and the God who created all those things about the outdoors we grew to love.
Not all kids are as fortunate as Tom and I were. There are youngsters today who don’t have a dad at home. Some of those who do have dads at home might find him preoccupied with climbing the corporate ladder to the point it’s the most important thing in his life to the neglect of his parental role of training his offspring. On the other end of the spectrum, there are dads who for whatever reason, shirk their fatherly duties.
Mark Johnson, founder of Mark Johnson and Sons Plumbing in Ruston, is one of the fortunate ones. He and his brothers were a lot like my brother and me who had a dad who saw the importance of getting involved with and teaching them about the outdoors from a Christian perspective.
Because of his convictions, Mark Johnson felt and responded to a “calling” or challenge to become involved in an organization that would have the responsibility of sharing what he grew up loving with youngsters less fortunate who perhaps had an interest in learning to hunt and fish but never had the opportunity.
Cross Trail Outfitters (CTO) has named Johnson as the facilitator of that organization’s venture into north Louisiana. The organization’s mission statement involves guiding the next generation to Christ through the outdoors. Additionally, CTO provides the mentorship, training and assets for kids to go hunting and fishing while insuring a wholesome and fun environment in which participants can grow in their knowledge and reverence of God.
Youngsters from ages 7 to 20 are offered a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. This includes the inclusion of a summer camp experience for kids with activities including fishing, hunting, swimming, archery, paintball, shooting education and much more all the while teaching kids to develop a deeper understanding of their Creator.
“Because of the way I was brought up and the fact that now I have kids and grandkids, I know how important it was for me and I have instilled in them the desire to learn about God’s creation and how to get the most out of it just like I did,” said Johnson.
As this new organization for our area gets up and going, Johnson said he has recruited a group of guys with similar interests who will be valuable in working with these kids.
“There are several ways folks can help. We’re looking for land owners who might make their property available for us to take kids, we’ll need guides to be there with the kids and we also need supporters that can offer financial support. Of course,” he added, “we always need prayer support in what we’re trying to do.”
“We are in the process of getting a website ready for kids interested in what this organization offers. In the meantime, they can call me at 318/278-9482.”
The goal of Cross Trail Outfitters, as stated on a brochure about the organization notes the following; “Building men, preserving our heritage and sharing our faith.”
“Maybe it was only natural that I would be interested in having a part in this group because I can put the two things important to me together,” said Johnson, “loving the Lord and loving the outdoors.”
CANEY LAKE – Bass are best early mornings around pads and moss on topwater lures. 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. 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 slow to fair with top water lures early and plastic worms later in the day. 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 fishing is slow. When D’Arbonne is lowered September 1, the water should rise quickly. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake is being lowered September 1 some 5 feet beginning September 4. Crappie fishing has been good fishing jigs or shiners on the flats. Moving moving water should turn on the bass. Bream are off the beds and scattered. Catfishing is good fishing cold worms off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE –Bass fishing is best 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. Crappie are in deep water and are best around submerged brush on shiners and jigs. Bream are slow. No report on Stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good while others 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; others are slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
Enrollment for Jackson Parish 4-H has started for the 24-25 Club Year!
Use 4-H Online to enroll for new members and to re-enroll for old members. If you have forgotten your password, please call the 4-H office for help. You may pay with a card online or with cash or check in person.
The Jackson Parish 4-H Office, located at 182 Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro is open on Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm. For more information call (318) 259-5690 or email Michele at mdenis@agcenter.lsu.edu for assistance.
The first game of the 2024 Slice League Volleyball season for Cornerstone Christian Academy in Jonesboro is set to begin on September 3rd with the first home game slated for September 6th.
CCA will play a total of 14 home-and-home matches against the other seven members of the SLICE League during the regular season which runs from Sept. 3rd – Nov. 1st. All games matches will begin at 5:00pm. The SLICE League post season tournament will be played November 5-9.
The Pentecostals of Jonesboro invites you to come browse and buy at their rummage sale that will be held on September 6-7 in the Fellowship Hall of the church, located at 1011 South Cooper in Jonesboro.
All proceeds from the many items that will be sold from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm both days will go towards a new Sanctuary roof. In addition, pulled pork sandwich plates will be available on Saturday only for a price of $10.00 per plate.
If you are not able to attend but want to make a donation call (318) 265-0472 or (318) 265-9397. Accepted forms of payment will be cash or by using CashApp or Paypal.
Men and women surrender daily to full time service in churches and missions. We ‘look up’ to those who have answered the call. They deserve our honor and our respect; above all, they need our prayer support. We might wrongly believe they should be placed high upon a pedestal. They want to minister and lead; not lord it over us.
Am I building up the LORD’s church body? Have I answered His call to the ministry? Every job that advances His kingdom is ministry. God wants to use each of His children as vessels of service. Would others describe me as ready, willing and able?
Soul searching isn’t easy; sometimes it makes me feel ashamed.
God has given all believers spiritual gifts. We have work to do.
Do you enjoy working with children, youth, or adults? Teachers and assistants are always in demand.
Do you have a flair for decorating or cooking? Hospitality is a valuable ministry.
Do you have compassion for the elderly? Many are lonely and would appreciate visits. Men, you could help with yard work and simple vehicle maintenance.
Roll up your sleeves and grab a broom. You’re needed too.
Music is used in worship and ministry. Praise the LORD!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23 ESV).”
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.
Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, located at 171 Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro has a job opening for a full time LPN Licensed Practical Nurse. Estimated pay is $25.00 – $28.00 per hour for the 6:00 pm – 6:00 am shift, with expected hours being no less than 40 per week.
To apply for the position bring resume to Forest Haven Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center or send email to foresthavenadmin@centralmanagement.com
For questions or more information call (318) 259-2729
Responsibilities:
– Provide direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings
– Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
– Perform triage assessments and prioritize patient needs
– Assist with tube feedings and other specialized procedures
– Conduct laboratory tests and collect specimens for analysis
– Utilize electronic health record systems such as Athenahealth to document patient information
– Monitor and maintain infection control protocols
Qualifications:
– Valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of [Location]– Experience in acute care, or a similar setting preferred
– Proficient in medication administration and phlebotomy techniques
– Knowledge of basic medical terminology and procedures
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills
– Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
Geriatrics
Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Medical-Surgical
Primary Care
Wound Care
Physical Setting:
Long term care
Supplemental Pay:
Differential pay
Overtime pay
Ability to Relocate:
Jonesboro, LA 71251: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location:
In person
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
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.
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.
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
Freda L. Thompson of Chatham passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024 near Wisner, Louisiana. She was 69 years old. Freda was a school bus driver in Jackson Parish for 15 years. She loved children. Freda enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was affectionately known as “Ainte” to her niece and nephews. Like her mother, Freda was a very determined and strong-willed person and she always spoke her mind. She loved the outdoors, and hunting and fishing. After retiring from bus driving, Freda was a homemaker at her family’s residence in Chatham; but she could often be found at her family’s fishing camp on Turkey Creek Lake in Franklin Parish where she was blessed with a host of friends who later became like family to her.
Freda leaves behind her husband of 51 years, Paul D. Thompson; son, Jonas L. Thompson and his wife, Belinda; special grandson, Bryar Thompson; sister, Karen Roberts; brother, Larry R. Hatten and his wife, Cheryl; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Freda was preceded in death by her father, Woodrow R. Hatten; and her mother, Florence Lorene (Strange) Hatten.
The funeral service, conducted by Brother W.C. Hatten, was held at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro on Friday, August 30th. Burial followed in Zoar Cemetery near Chatham, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers was Jeremy Underwood, Joshua Hatten, Kurt Hatten, Ryan Hatten, Randy Pittman, Jr., Jimbo Hatten, Tim Simons and Ricky Roberts. Honorary Pallbearers were John Frisby, Randy Pittman, Sr., Lester Thompson, Jerry Williams, Travis Langley, Paul Tullos, John Comeaux, Brandon Thompson and Paul Wayne Williams.
Trudy Ann Mulford, age 68 of Jonesboro, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024. She enjoyed activities such as word searches. Her family meant the world to her and she took caring for them to heart. Trudy loved being a mother, grandmother and homemaker for her family. She absolutely loved getting to see and spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Susanne Leading Fighter (Lonzell), Claudette Leading Fighter; son, Timothy Mulford (Trina); 20 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren.
Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Mulford; parents, Louie and Leora (Black Bull) Chasing Hawk; sister, Nora Chasing Hawk; brother, Wilbur Chasing Hawk.
Trudy’s family plans to host a Memorial Service at a later date.