Jonesboro-Hodge High School invites you to come and celebrate Senior Night at Caldwell Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus this Friday evening. Christian McGuire, ZeMauryian Palmer, Ken’Wuan Atkins and Samuel Combs will be honored before the game between the Tigers and Glenbrook Academy. Kick off is slated for 7:00pm.

Jonesboro-Hodge enters the contest with a 2-6 overall record and in fourth place in district 1-1A at 2-2 following the victory that was awarded last week due to Plain Dealing forfeiting the game. Glenbrook comes in with a 5-1 overall record and a 4-0 mark in 1-1A play.

Come and show your support for these four young men and the Tiger football team at their final regular season home game. 

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The girls and boys basketball teams from Quitman and Weston High School will tip off their 2024-25 prep campaign on Friday, November 1st at the Weston High School Jamboree. 

Game begin at 5:00 pm with a junior varsity girls team contest followed by the JV boys from both schools playing at 5:30 pm. The varsity girls will take the court at 6:00 pm followed by the boys game at 6:45 pm. 

The two junior varsity games will consist of two 6:00 minute halves while the varsity teams will play a pair of 10 minute halves. 

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In preparation of the upcoming election the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court’s Office held their annual Pre-Election School on Monday, October 29th. The final day of early voting has ended and all residents are now urged to turnout to vote on Election Day which will fall on November 5th. 

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The “Student / Athlete of the Week” Award for the week of October 13-19 has been selected. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes an outstanding student/athlete chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each of the three Jackson Parish School District high schools. 

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

Earning accolades this week are Skyliah Dill of Jonesboro-Hodge, who is junior on the Tiger Paws, Nathin Wages, a senior basketball player at Weston High School and , Brayden Martin who is a sophomore on the Quitman High School boys baskeball team. 

Join Jackson Parish Hospital as we congratulate and applaud these athletes for their dedication and achievements!

Student-Athlete of the Week

Skyliah Dill (11th grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Tiger Paws

Nathin Wages (12th grade) – Weston High School basketball team

Brayden Martin (10th grade) – Quitman High School basketball team

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On October 26th, Quitman High School softball star Maggie Guyotte committed to play softball for Louisiana Tech University. With her announcement that was made on October 26th, Guyotte will become the third player from the 2023 LHSAA Division V state championship squad to continue her playing career on the collegiate level. 

Guyotte exploded onto the high school softball scene during the 2023 softball season when she belted 21 home runs and had 60 RBI, both a state best for Freshmen, while also leading the team with a .585 batting average. 

She followed that up with 10 home runs, 45 RBI and 51 runs scored last year, despite seldom being pitched to evidenced by the team high 30 walks she received while striking out only four times to help Quitman to their first ever state title. 

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Bryce Zehr of Weston High School has announced that he will continue his baseball career at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, LA. Zehr made his commitment official on Monday, October 29th.

During his junior season this past spring, the multi talented athlete batted .352 for the LHSAA Division V state semifinalist Wolves while collecting 7 doubles, 19 RBI and 42 runs scored. 

 

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Former Quitman High School baseball star, John Tyler “Ty” Simonelli, has committed to play baseball at Northwestern State University. The announcement was made on October 28th. 

After graduating from Quitman High School in 2022 where he led the Wolverines to the LHSAA Class B state semifinals, the son of Micheal and April Simonelli played one year each at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and South Arkansas Community College, located El Dorado, AR. 

“This is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication to a sport that’s not always forgiving. He had a dream as a young kid and he kept betting on himself at every obstacle. We are so thankful for all of the coaches, players and families who have been there for Ty along the way!” – April Simonelli

 

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The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association cordially invites all to join them for a special Veterans Veterans Coffee on November 7th. Come join with local Veterans for a short ceremony where their service will be celebrated from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the museum located at 515 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. 

 

 

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North Hodge Assembly of God, located at 5254 Quitman Hwy (167N) in North Hodge, LA invites you to join them in them welcoming new pastor Lance Huckaby. Come and celebrate a new chapter of the church by attending any and all of the services shown below. 

Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m.
Morning worship begins at 10:45 a.m.
Evening worship begins at 6:00 p.m.
All Wednesday services & classes begin at 6:30 p.m.

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Jonesboro Christian Fellowship invites you to join them for their Fall Fest that will be held on November 2nd. Come an enjoy an evening of fun fall carnival-style events, prizes, and Gumbo! The best part is, IT’S ALL FREE! Grab your friends and relatives and make your plans to be a part of this fun event on the campus of Jonesboro Christian Fellowship, located at 899 Walker Road in Jonesboro ! 

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School is celebrating Red Ribbon week during the days of October 28 – November 1. Each day students, faculty and staff are participating by  dressing according to the theme stated. See below for the themes for Wednesday – Friday. 

JHMS Tiger Football Raffle Tickets on Sale

The Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Tiger football team is offering raffle tickets for sale until November 8th for $5.00 each.  The winner of the raffle will win a total of $150 worth of gift cards from various places like Walmart, Chick Fil A, Sonic, and more. Any and all ticket sales are greatly appreciated. 

To purchase a ticket contact head coach Max Martinez or any Tiger football player.

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Abraham Jr. was a theater critic for the Dublin Evening Mail in Dublin, Ireland during the 1870s. At the time, theater critics were held in low esteem. Stars of the stage avoided reading reviews by other critics, but there was something different about Abraham’s reviews. Even when being critical of a performance, Abraham wrote in such a way that made the performers feel at ease. Abraham’s writing quickly gained him recognition, and he befriended several leading stage performers, one of which was Henry Irving.

Henry Irving was an English classical actor and manager. Unlike most actors of the Victorian era who only acted in performances, Henry took full responsibility for all aspects of the stages on which he performed including the supervision of sets, props, lighting, directing, and casting. Theater managers continued to control the business side of the theaters. In 1874, Henry starred in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s famed West End. The play ran for an unheard of 200 performances and was Henry’s greatest triumph. In 1878, a row between Henry and the manager of the Lyceum grew so heated that the manager quit and began managing another theater. The strain of managing the stage as well as the business affairs of the Lyceum quickly grew to be more than Henry could handle. He needed help.

Abraham had just married a celebrated beauty named Florence Balcombe when he got a job offer from Henry. Henry wanted Abraham to move to London to be the business manager of the Lyceum and, to ease his burden even more, to be Henry’s personal assistant. It was an offer Abraham could not refuse. Abraham and his new bride quickly moved to London where he worked in this capacity until Henry Irving died in 1905. During those 27 years, Abraham traveled the world as Henry’s assistant. In 1894, Abraham, Florence, and their son Irving Noel, named in honor of Henry Irving, took a much-needed break at the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel on the northeastern coast of Scotland. Abraham and his family took the half mile walk to the cliffs overlooking the North Sea to see the remains of Slains Castle. While walking through the ruins of the castle’s many rooms including the octagonal hall, Abraham got the idea for a new play which would naturally feature Henry as the lead character. Back at the hotel, Abraham jotted down some of his ideas before he returned to London. He continued to work on the play during his limited free time.

Two years later, Abraham and Florence took another break and stayed in a guesthouse overlooking the North Sea in Whitby, England. He walked to the shoreline and back up the 199 steps to the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church and visited the ruins of Whitby Abbey. This visit stirred Abraham’s imagination, and he rushed back to the guesthouse and began writing. Before leaving Whitby, Abraham visited the public library and accidentally came across a word in a book which he misinterpreted. It was the perfect name for the lead character in his play, but by this time Abraham had decided to publish it as a play and a novel. Unfortunately, for reasons that remain unclear, Henry never played the lead character that Abraham had created for him. Abraham’s book is still popular today, but no one knows the author as Abraham. Abraham Jr. went by another name to differentiate him from his father. Family, friends, and eventually the whole world knew Abraham Jr. as Bram Stoker. The word he misinterpreted as meaning “Devil” was Dracula.

 

 

 

 

 

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The media and social media have long played crucial roles in shaping public perception and bringing attention to social issues. When it comes to domestic violence (DV), these platforms are essential in raising awareness, educating the public, and encouraging action.

Through news reporting, public service announcements, social media campaigns, and survivor stories, media outlets have helped shed light on the issue of domestic violence, empowering victims and promoting societal change.

Traditional media—television, newspapers, radio—has been instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence for decades. News outlets often cover high-profile cases of domestic abuse, which helps bring attention to the issue and spark public discourse. Documentaries, talk shows, and investigative reports dive deeper into the experiences of victims and expose the complexities of abusive relationships.

Public service announcements (PSAs) on TV and radio have also played a major role in normalizing conversations about domestic violence. Campaigns like “No More” and “Love is Respect” use powerful storytelling to highlight the signs of abuse and provide hotlines for immediate help, contributing to both awareness and prevention.

In recent years, social media has transformed how we discuss and address domestic violence. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok allow survivors to share their stories, often anonymously, which can be both empowering for them and educational for the public. Hashtags like #MeToo and #WhyIStayed have trended globally, offering platforms for survivors to come forward and giving a voice to those who were once silenced.

Social media has become an essential tool for survivors to break the silence and find solidarity. It’s a space where victims can connect with others, share resources, and receive support in ways that weren’t available before.

Advocacy organizations also use social media to promote awareness campaigns and provide real-time resources. For example, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and Women’s Aid share facts, survivor testimonials, and resources for both victims and allies. These campaigns reach millions, spreading crucial information about how to identify abuse, where to seek help, and how to support loved ones.

While media and social media have been powerful tools in raising awareness, there are challenges. Media portrayals of domestic violence are sometimes sensationalized or focused solely on extreme cases, which can distort public understanding of the issue. Not all abuse is physical, and emotional or psychological abuse may be downplayed or ignored in favor of more “newsworthy” stories.

Social media, on the other hand, can sometimes spread misinformation or create an environment of “armchair activism,” where people share posts without fully engaging with the issue. However, despite these challenges, social media has become an invaluable resource for education and support.

Media and social media platforms have enormous potential to influence change when it comes to domestic violence awareness. They provide a means to reach vast audiences, educate the public, and offer crucial support to victims and survivors. When used responsibly, these platforms can help shift societal attitudes and promote a world where domestic violence is no longer tolerated.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact DART at 395-8006 or visit WWW.DARTLA.ORG.

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(Paid Advertisement)

The Jonesboro Fire Protection District #1 will have a parcel fee renewal on the November 5th ballot. We ask that you continue to support us and vote yes. This is not an increase but the same $72.00 parcel fee that has been renewed since 1995. This is also the only funding the fire district receives. Please continue to support the Jonesboro Fire Protection District #1 so we can continue to serve you.

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Patriotism and Dedication

Have you voted yet? Early voting is recommended by many but some registered voters prefer to wait till Election Day. I know how busy precinct polling places can be on that day. I voted early at our Louisiana parish court house. My memory takes me back to childhood and going along with Mom and Dad to the Kirkville, New York fire station.

It was voting day.

My next recollections go back to early years as a wife. Husband, Norm was opinionated and informed on political parties, platforms and candidates. We registered to vote and switched parties when platforms shifted from conservative Judeo-Christian standards. Once, we even changed parties because state leaders didn’t play by the rules.

Vote on the day of your choice for the candidates of your choice. Vote and pray. Pray for your community; your state and nation. Our future is at stake. None should take this election lightly. I wonder how much participation there will be by first time voters and minority groups. I’m pretty sure senior citizen voting will be high.

I was a city poll worker when living in Florida. Speaking from experience, senior citizens vote. Making their way to the voting place does not come easy to all. Many need to find transportation. The disabled enter their precinct slowly with canes, walkers or wheel chairs. I salute them and hope that the younger generation will follow the elder’s example of patriotism and dedication.

God said, “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place (2 Chronicles 7:14-15 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.

Business Services

T L Services – For all your pressure washing needs. Driveway, house, deck, porch, sidewalk, or any additional residential or commercial applications. Free estimates. Quick turnaround. Call (318) 514 – 8753. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Council on Aging

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

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

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

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Council on Aging

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

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

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Seeking bi-vocational pastor – Friendship Baptist Church, located between Saline and Jonesboro Louisiana (16511 Hwy4, Bienville, La 71008 ) is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. In addition to the salary, the parsonage is available as part of the compensation package. Please email resumes to salinebrown@yahoo.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Eros Community Water System

The Eros Community Water System is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for trihalomethanes as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:XII)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess if the MCL over many years may  experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standard for public water systems serving less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2001. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determined by calculating a locational running annual average (LRAA) of
quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2024 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 81 ppb at DBP02- 2311 Hwy 548 and 98 ppb at DBP02- 290 Century Loop; Thus, the system is currently in violation of the TTHMs standard.

The chlorinator on the well at Rayburn Loop malfunctioned. We have made all necessary repairs to correct this issue. We have also been repairing multiple leaks on the water service lines.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the water system’s secretary, Heather Lewis, at 318-417-6700.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.

 

 

A rupture in a water transmission line at Jonesboro-Hodge High School that is connected to the main water line for the town of Jonesboro will cause area residents to have deal with a water outage on Monday. 

On Saturday evening, Jonesboro residents received notification from the Code Red warning system that a water leak had been reported and that no repair would be able to be made until Monday morning.

Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris added that the water line problems at the school was so severe that would have to be made by an outside contractor and that the town’s water would have to be cut off for what is hopefully a short period of time Monday. 

“We are expecting the contracting crew to begin working on the line at 6:00 am on Monday and are hoping the repair won’t take more than a few hours to complete,” said Harris. “We will be making a follow up statement to town residents as soon as we know more.” 

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Early voting for the November 5th election continues through October 29th. To cast your ballot go to the Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters Office, located at 500 East Court Street in Room 2 of the Jackson Parish Courthouse during the hours of 8:30 am – 6:00 pm. 

According to the listing provided by GeauxVote.com, elections to be considered for national, state and local offices, propositions and state constitutional amendments that are featured on the ballot include:

Presidential Electors

(1 to be elected)

PRESIDENT	VICE PRESIDENT	PARTY
Donald J. Trump	“JD” Vance	Republican
Kamala D. Harris	Tim Walz	Democratic
Jill Stein	Ajamu Baraka	Green
Chase Oliver	Mike ter Maat	Libertarian
Peter Sonski	Lauren Onak	American Solidarity
Randall Terry	Stephen Broden	Constitution
Mattie Preston	Shannel Conner	Godliness, Truth, Justice
Cornel West	Melina Abdullah	Justice For All
Claudia de la Cruz	Karina Garcia	Socialism and Liberation
Rachele Fruit	Dennis Richter	Socialist Workers Party
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.	Nicole Shanahan	We The People

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U. S. Representative 4th Congressional District

1 to be elected

NAME	RESIDENCE	PARTY
“Mike” Johnson	Bossier City, LA	Republican
Joshua Morott	Benton, AR	Republican

Mayor Village of Eros

1 to be elected

NAME	PARTY
Julie Crawford Gryder	Republican
Natalie Murphy Waffer	Republican

Qualified candidates who will go into office unopposed are:

Mayor Village of Chatham – “Greg” Harris
Aldermen Village of Chatham – Bernadean James, “Toni” Malone, Sue Proffer
Aldermen Village of East Hodge – Vivian Jefferson
Aldermen Village of Eros – Denise Costin, Katie Dispenza, Shannon Morris

LOCAL PROPOSITION OPTIONS

Jonesboro Fire Protection District #1 Proposition – (Parcel Fee Renewal)

Shall the Jonesboro Fire Protection District #1 (the “District”), continue to levy for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, a parcel fee on each parcel of immovable property as defined in Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1505(D), situated within the Jonesboro Fire Protection District #1 in the amount of $72.00 per year (an estimated $62,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the parcel fee for an entire year) to be expended for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating fire protection facilities and equipment including the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes and salaries of firemen, and all purposes incidental thereto?

Quitman Fire Protection District No. 1 Proposition – (In-Lieu Millage)

Shall Quitman Fire Protection District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of 12 mills on all the property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated $293,100 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of maintaining and operating the District’s fire protection facilities, for purchasing fire trucks and other fire fighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes, including charges for fire hydrant rentals and service, said tax to be in lieu of and replace an ad valorem tax of 10.85 mills authorized to be levied in the District through the year 2025 at an election held in the District on October 24, 2015, provided that a portion of the tax proceeds is required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems as provided in R.S. 11:82?

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Proposed Amendment No. 1

Act 408 (2024 Regular Session) – Proposing to amend Article VII, Section 10.2(E)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to federal proceeds from alternative energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf; to provide for the disposition of revenues; to provide for submission of the proposed amendment to the electors; and to provide for related matters.

Do you support an amendment to require that federal revenues received by the state generated from Outer Continental Shelf alternative or renewable energy production be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund? (Amends Article VII, Section 10.2(E)(1))

Ken’Wuan Atkins and Ric’Kiya Bryant were named King and Queen of at the 2024 Homecoming Assembly at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, highlighting one of the most unusual Homecoming celebrations in school history. 

Earlier in the week, JHHS got the news that Plain Dealing High School, their opponent in the annual Homecoming game that was to be played that Friday night, had forfeited the game due to not having enough players to field a team. 

Regardless that still didn’t damper the spirits of the students and many alumni who came back for the festive event and attended the Homecoming parade and enjoyed the traditional tailgating of classes who assembled in the south area of Caldwell-Peacock Stadium. 

Thanks to the quick thinking of the JHHS administration, fans and Tigers supporters were treated to the presentation of the Homecoming Court, an alumni flag football game and a contest between the JP Tigers youth football team and the No Limit Soldiers in place of the regularly schedule district 1-1A contest. 

 

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Quitman High School held their 2024 Homecoming event on Friday, October 25th highlighted by Jaleigh Burns being named Queen of the Court. Burns was presented to the audience gathered at the basketball game between Quitman and Choudrant, where the girls and boys teams punctuated the gala event by winning both games in the final tune-up before the regular season starts. 

Quitman 52 Choudrant 36 (Girls) – After spotting Choudrant to the first basket of the game, Anna Leach scored the next seven points to stake Quitman to an early lead they never gave up in the Homecoming victory.  Cali Deal led the Lady Wolverines in scoring with 19 points followed by Leach with 17, that included three 3-pointers. Hallie Kate Pullig added 6 points  and Annie Mobley chipped in with five points, all in the fourth quarter. Emma Walker and Taylor Borland scored two and Homecoming Queen, Jaleigh Burns, hit a free throw to round out the scoring. 

Quitman 84 Choudrant 68 (boys) –The Wolverines showed their long range prowess by hitting eight 3-pointers. Gavyn Caskey, who is co-holder of the Jackson Parish record of most 3 pointers in a game with 10, led Quitman in “rain drops” with four from behind the arc on his way to 14 points.  Brayden Martin also dropped in two “bombs” and proved he is an offensive force to be reckoned with this year by scoring a career high 27 points to lead the QHS offensive onslaught. Brayden Smith also reached double figures with 11 points followed by Taden Thomas, who sank a pair of three’s, and Grant Williams with 8 each. Noah and Abel Leach scored five and four points respectively and Asher Shultz scored three. 

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The Jackson Parish School District announces that Parent Advisory Council meeting will be held at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 28th. 

During the PAC meeting, parents, teachers, administrators, students and community leaders will get the opportunity to share input on Federal Programs topics including curriculum, funding and School Improvement Plans.

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Along with family, friends, staff and members of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce, new owner Robert Stassen commemorated the grand (re)opening of the Catfish Inn in Quitman with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. The highly anticipated event took place on Wednesday, October 23rd in front of the refurbished Jackson Parish eatery. 

Stassen and staff invite you to come and enjoy their offering, that includes a lunch buffet, that has made the long time restaurant a favorite dining option of local residents for decades. Hours of operation are 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Wednesday thru Saturday.

“First off, we want to thank everyone for your support. You have blown us away with how unbelievably busy we have been. We honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.
Second, please remember we are the still the same Catfish Inn, but we are brand new owners who are learning as we go. Everything will not be perfect, but we are learning and getting better everyday. Please bare with us while we try our hardest to be perfect and make sure every single customer is happy. Again, we appreciate every single one of you and thank you all so much for the support!!” – Stassen Catfish Inn

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James E. Bradford, a distinguished figure from Jonesboro, Louisiana, has led a life marked by exemplary service, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to his community.

On October 18, 2024 , Bradford was recognized as a Grambling State University Distinguished 10 honoree. The award was created to honor ten Grambling State University graduates who have demonstrated excellence in their industry and community. Through their personal and professional achievements, these remarkable individuals exemplify outstanding leadership.

Born and raised in Jonesboro, Bradford graduated from Jackson High School in 1961. His pursuit of higher education took him to Grambling College, where he earned his degree in Industrial Arts in 1965.

Bradford’s professional career spans an impressive 44 years, with a significant portion dedicated to Smurfit-Stoner Corporation. Over his 39-year tenure at the company, he rose to the position of Central Regional Manager of Government Affairs, overseeing six Southern States, demonstrating his adeptness in corporate leadership and governmental relations. Before his long stint in the corporate world, Bradford spent five years as a high school teacher, shaping the minds of young students and laying the foundation for a lifetime of community involvement.

His career, however, is just one facet of Bradford’s rich and diverse life. Deeply committed to civic engagement, he founded the Jackson Parish Community Action Agency, which later evolved into Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency.

Bradford leadership extended to his alma mater, where he served as president of the Grambling University National Alumni Association from 1992 until his retirement from the position on December 31, 2006. His efforts in these roles earned him numerous accolades, highlighting his invaluable contributions to both the university and the alumni association.

Bradford made significant contributions to Grambling University National Alumni Association, serving as its president for 14 1/2 years. Under his leadership, GUNAA grew in impact, providing support and resources to current and future students.

One of his notable achievements is organizing the Alumni and Friends Gala, and the annual Fred D. Hearn Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic, which brings together alums and raises funds for Grambling State University. Through his efforts, these events have raised over a half million dollars, advancing the university’s mission and providing opportunities for the students.

James E. Bradford’s life story is one of dedication, leadership, and enduring legacy. His contributions to his profession, his community, Grambling State University and his family reflect a man of many dimensions, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

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