The winners of the 5th Annual Caney Lake Chili Cook-Off that was held on Saturday, September 28th have been announced. While all the cooks created delicious entries and the competition was close the first, second, and third place ribbons as well as the peoples choice award goes to…..

1st Place – David and Michelle Risher Team 
2nd Place – Cherie Bagwell and Allison Ferguson 
3rd Place – Rhea’s Speciality Meats 
People’s Choice – Logan Johns 

Congratulations to all who won prizes and a big thanks to all who participated. 

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This past Saturday evening, LSU was featured on the SEC Network in their contest against South Alabama in Baton Rouge. While most of the fireworks took place in the first half of the 42-10 victory by the Tigers, the highlight of the evening for local fans occurred with 9:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

That was when former Jonesboro-Hodge High School football player, Xavier Atkins, made his debut as a Louisiana State University Tiger. Atkins not only got his first action of the season but was also mentioned on the broadcast after being credited with making an assist on his first tackle as a collegian. 

Atkins was a star All-State linebacker at JHHS before transferring to Summer Creek High School in Texas for his senior year where he led his team to the Class 6A state championship game.

Congratulations to Xavier and the Atkins family for his continued success. 

Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger! 

 

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Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Committee would like to congratulate the following for earning October Awards:

Student of the Month: Kimeri Brown, 4th Grade
Faculty of the Month: Ms. Sarah White, 5th Grade ELA
Support of the Month: Mrs. Miranda Duncan, Speech Therapist

Awards will continue to be given daily, weekly, monthly & quarterly, so we would like to remind ALL students to remember the PAWS principles of:

Prepare yourself
Act Respectfully
Work Together
Safety First

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On October 1, 1984, an important transaction took place that turned out to be a blessing for a countless number of Jackson Parish residents. That is the day Shawn Murphy bought the State Farm Insurance Agency in Jonesboro. 

On Tuesday, the staff of Shawn Murphy State Farm Agency along with friends and family, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the event by presenting Shawn with his favorite dessert, Strawberry Pecan Coconut Cake!

“Happy 40-year State Farm Anniversary to the best agent ever! He is a loving and considerate employer, and so very giving. Thank you, Shawn Murphy, for giving us the opportunity to work alongside you at the Shawn Murphy State Farm Agency. We love and appreciate you!” –  State Farm Staff

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Registration is underway for the “Mini Cheer” and “Never Give Up” instructional and motivational clinics that will be held at Quitman High School on October 28-30. As space is limited to be eligible to attend either clinic, registration forms must be returned to Quitman High School by Friday, October 4th.

Mini Cheer Clinic – For youth in Pre K – 6th grades. Cost is $60.00 which includes t-shirt, poms, snack each day and performance at a QHS basketball game on November 4th. 

“Never Give Up” Clinic – For youth in K-5th grades. Cost is $60.00 per player which includes t-shirt, water, personalized water bottle, and instructions by coaches and players. Participants will develop skills, learn techniques and gain insight into what it takes to become a champion. 

The king was dead. The date was February 6, 1952. People all across Great Britain and around the world were shocked and saddened by the news. King George VI, better known as Bertie to those close to him, had been king of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms since 1936.

The king’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, next in line to the throne, was heartbroken. She was in Kenya on a royal tour when she learned of her father’s death. She immediately returned to London. At the moment of the king’s death, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II.

When the king died, the government began planning for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Planning and arranging the coronation was a logistical nightmare. Leaders of countries and territories around the world were expected to attend. One detail was certain from the beginning. Queen Elizabeth would ride in the horse-drawn coronation coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey where every coronation had taken place since 1066, nearly 1,000 years. Finally, the date of the coronation was set for June 2, 1953.

As soon as news of the king’s death spread throughout the realm, people began creating all sorts of items to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming coronation. There were teacups, coffee cups, plates, figurines, thimbles, spoons, coins, books, and a myriad of other items. Just northeast of London, Jack Odell and Leslie Smith owned and operated a small shop called Lesney Products & Company Limited where they sold handmade metal miniature road-building equipment.

Although their business was struggling to survive, they began working on a miniature replica of the ornate gilded Gold State Coach which had been used to transport the sovereign to and from every coronation since 1821. Their finished product had “eight painted metal horses and four riders leading a coach that was either painted or plated in gold or silver.”

The miniature was an instant hit. Jack and Leslie produced a smaller replica, just a few inches long, and it was a bigger hit than the larger version. Jack and Leslie sold over a million of the tiny coronation coaches. Keep in mind that this was decades before the electronic age, where advertisements bombard you each time you look at your phone. People wishing to purchase one of the tiny coronation coaches had to go looking for them.

Jack and Leslie realized that they were onto something big, but they were unsure what product to make next. Compared to the coronation coaches, their miniature road construction equipment was a failure. After another long day of seemingly endless discussions about what to produce next, Jack and Leslie left their shop and went to their respective homes.

That evening, Jack’s daughter lamented that she wanted a toy that she could take to school but the school had a policy that all toys had to be small enough to fit inside a small container of a precise measurement. All of their miniatures were too large to fit in the container. Then, Jack had an epiphany that they create miniatures on the same scale as their wildly successful coronation coach.

The next day, Jack rushed to the shop and shared the idea with Leslie. They quickly agreed that they had found their next product. Their new miniatures were a huge hit, and they still continue to sell well. The miniatures that Jack and Leslie began creating, which were based on the scale of the coronation coach, took the name of his daughter’s school’s small container policy. That is how Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation led to the beginning of Matchbox Cars.

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Shoe Us The Love!!!!

That is the theme of a unique fundraiser being held by the Weston High School baseball team where the Wovles are asking you to clean out your closets and donate gently worn, used and new shoes. 

Through a partnership with FUNDSZORG all shoes donated will go toward earning money to help defray expenses of the upcoming season and their trip to the ESPN Classic in Florida. 

Collected shoes not only help support the team but they will also be reused and given a second life by those in need through #microenterprise. 

In addition, the homeroom at WHS that collects the most shoes wins a pizza party and the homeroom teacher will win a $25.00 Teachers Pay Gift Card. 

Help the team while also helping someone in need. It’s a WIN – WIN! 

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There is absolutely no better feeling for an angler than when he puts a plan together and it becomes reality. Tournament bass fishermen spend countless hours fishing and scouting in order to try and formulate a game plan that he hopes comes to fruition. Hopefully, this plan will either put him in the winner’s circle or in position to cash a check. Today we’ll wrap up and put a bow on the 2024 Texas ABA Pro League Series.

This time of year (September & October) is when so many bass tournament organizations schedule their championships. ABA (American Bass Anglers) held their two-day championship on Lake Sam Rayburn on September 14th & 15th. This is a tournament where only anglers who qualify could fish this event.

Let’s first start with how practice went and took place on Thursday and Friday before the tournament began on Saturday. Thursday and Friday’s practice was not too bad but was pretty much hit and miss as it was difficult to put any kind of pattern together. But one thing I felt I could count on was where I was catching most of my fish, which was on main lake points.

The lake level was pretty much pool level or about 3 inches low while the bass were very shallow and could be caught with a couple of techniques….flipping a soft plastic trickworm or casting a spinnerbait. Turns out, every fish I weighed for both days actually came on one particular spinnerbait. Now this played right into my hands as I would consider myself a shallow water angler.

I was able to catch a lot of bass on the trickworm, but catching quality was an issue. I just wasn’t able to get a big bite when flipping cypress trees or anything else. They were good solid keeper fish (2 pounders), but not fish that would get me a check. Then on day 2 of practice I spent most of the day with one specific spinnerbait in my hand.

My blade of choice (as some anglers call a spinnerbait) was one that I have had great success with especially on the Red River and Sam Rayburn. This is a quarter ounce white Hummdinger with a small gold willow leaf blade and a small silver Colorado blade. But I think the real magnet for this spinnerbait was the 3-inch paddle tail trailer I used in a ghost shad color. Turns out, it matched the baitfish the bass were feeding on perfectly.

Not only did it catch fish, but every bass I brought to the scales both days came on this one spinnerbait. So many fish were caught on it, that I had to put on a new one for day 2. Twice I had to replace the back blade on this spinnerbait because they were breaking off as the wire just got so weak from all the fish I caught on it.

I finished 7th overall with over 28 pounds of bass during the two-day event, with 16 lbs. on day one and 13 lbs. on day two. Of course, there’s always the one that got away as I broke off a bass over 5 pounds on day one on of all things, a topwater bait called a Zara Spook.

Turns out, it was my own fault as the line on this reel was over a year old. This is why fresh line is so important on tournament day! This one mistake cost me leading the tournament on day one and left me with a day two deficit of just over 2 pounds.

But in the end, it was all good as I wrapped up the 2024 ABA Pro League as runner-up for Angler of the Year. Just the fact that at the age of 63, I proved that even without being a forward-facing sonar expert, you can still compete with those that are. Chalk one up for the older guys!

Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and take the time to enjoy some of the best fishing of the year as bass start their fall migration feeding period.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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On Monday, September 30th, a group of 14 students from Jonesboro-Hodge High School traveled to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Student Leadership Conference. While there, they learned and practiced how to be a leader, share the Gospel and their testimony, and strengthen their faith in Christ. 

 

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Pumpkin Patch Pondering

I won’t be picking out a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern. Yet, I am in hopes of eating pumpkin pie this fall.

At 75, I still remember an old nursery rhyme.

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater was published in a Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme book in 1825.

‘Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had a wife but couldn’t keep her;
He put her in a pumpkin shell
And there he kept her very well.
Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had another and didn’t love her;
Peter learned to read and spell,
And then he loved her very well.’

I share the remainder of this devotion from a web site…

“I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Ezekiel 36:25b-27

‘Tis pumpkin season and I love retelling this story.

A new Christian explained to a friend that being a Christian felt like being a pumpkin. God chooses you from the patch and washes away all the dirt you may have picked up in the field or from the other pumpkins. He exposes the chaotic mess in your heart – the tangled seeds of greed, doubt, and hatred. It’s yucky, but Jesus doesn’t mind getting messy. He reaches in and scoops out all that evil to make you clean. He then carves a smile on your face and fills you with His light for all the world to see.

Are you like a pumpkin?

How is God’s light shining through you?

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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.

Alberto Ybanez (Clay, LA) – Criminal Trespass
Cedric Flanagan (Jonesboro, LA) – Distribution of Schedule I x2, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Violation of a Drug Free Zone
Ashley C. Causey (Jonesboro, LA) – DWI
Scotty Anderson (Jonesboro, LA) – DWI, No Tail Light
Donavan W. Bedingfield (West Monroe, LA) – Fugitive from Ouachita Parish, Ouachita Parish Warrants for Failure To Appear on Charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving w/o Inspection Sticker, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Yield, Possession of Methamphetamine
Quentci Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile 
Amarion Jacobs (Jonesboro, LA) – Third Degree Rape
Damyrion Williams (Jonesboro, LA) – Sexual Battery
Daniel Cornett (Shreveport, LA) – Maximum Speed Violation
Gary M. Larsen (Salt Lake City, UT) – Domestic Abuse, Simple Battery
Melary Grimm (Winnfield, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, No Tail Lamps 
Roy W. Brosset Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – No Seat Belt, Driving Under Suspension, Insufficient Tow Device
Jermaine Anderson (Ruston, LA) – Execution of Sentence
Amanda Walsworth (Jonesboro, LA) – Reckless Operation, Operating Vehicle Under Suspension
Braviante Sampson (Jonesboro, LA) – Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Felony Carnal Knowledge, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II
Brandon Day (Hammond, LA) – Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee

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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

LEGAL NOTICE

Marvin “Buddy” Parker
March 15, 1943 – September 29, 2024

Mr. Marvin “Buddy” Parker was called home on Sunday morning, September 29, 2024 in Saline, LA, at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Davis Parker; his son, Marty Parker and wife Angel, and grandson, Rhett Parker; his daughter, Amy Williams and husband Tony, and granddaughters, Jayden and Jordan Williams. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edward Parker Sr. and Grace Ussery Parker; his siblings, Louise Powell Brandon, Thomas E. Parker Jr., Velma Haynes, Kathleen Caskey, Alvin Parker and Gloria Jean Watkins.

Buddy was born on March 15, 1943 in Danville, LA. He went on to graduate from Weston High School and enlisted in the US Navy, where he served for 2 years. He married Patricia Davis Parker on February 3, 1968, and was happily married for 56 years. He worked at the paper mill in Hodge for 46 years, and after retirement from the paper mill, he worked 6 years at the Jackson Parish Correctional Facility. He loved and treasured the friendships he built during those years.

Buddy had a tremendous love of his family and spent many years following his children and grandchildren all around the Southern United States. He enjoyed talking and would love to stop and visit when he would run into an old friend. He also loved attending family reunions where he could reminisce with his family about the good ole times.

Buddy was a member of Springhill Baptist Church in Weston for many years, but later became a member Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline when he and Patricia moved to Saline. He loved his church and his church family. He was so proud of his family and they were his pride and joy. The love of his life, Patricia Parker, we’re always together and very rarely did you see one without the other.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd at Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline, LA. The Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, October 3rd at 4:00 pm with Interment following at the Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who have comforted us during this loss. Buddy’s love for God, his country, and his friends and family will live on forever in those who were blessed to know him.

Roderick J. Bradford
January 6, 1966 – September 28, 2024

Born on January 6, 1966, to James and Mae Calahan Bradford in Jonesboro, LA, Roderick James Bradford was always a trailblazer.

Roderick accepted Christ at a young age at Pleasant Grove Missionary Church. After relocating to Vicksburg, he became a member of Calvary Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon.

Roderick graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School in 1983. At just 17 years old, he headed to Baton Rouge, LA, to attend Louisiana State University. Roderick then decided to take a break from college and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas. After his tour in the Air Force, he graduated from Grambling State University.

On March 12, 2005, Roderick became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi. He pledged with the Gamma Omicron Chapter in Minden, Louisiana, earning the line name “Flatline” because he fell asleep standing straight up while on line. As the Deuce (Number 2), he brought his own unique energy and heart to the brotherhood, sealing a lifelong bond with “Da Bruhz!”

Roderick was a leader, educator, and coach. He had a career in management with Walmart, AutoZone, and CapitalOne Bank. In 2016, CapitalOne Bank relocated him to Vicksburg, MS. It was while in Vicksburg that he met his wife, Marilyn Bradford (whom he affectionately called “My Bride”). They happily married on June 15, 2019.

Roderick was the life of the party—if he was around, a good time was guaranteed. He had a knack for turning an ordinary day into an adventure. Roderick was also a Pit Master and will be remembered for his awesome turkey necks and homemade BBQ sauce.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Calahan Bradford; his maternal grandfather, Elder Lonnie Calahan; and his paternal grandparents, Mattie Esther and Leamon Bradford (Annie D).

Roderick leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ragan Bradford; children William Bradford (Jessica), and Kiara Bradford, Bonus Children: LaQuita Reed (Rodrick), Jazmine Neal, Kayla Neal, Kihron Bristol, Joni Bristol, and Warren Johnson (Kermetria); his father, James E. Bradford; and his sisters, Berkita Bradford and D’Andra Odom (Brandon); his maternal grandmother, Eva Mae Calahan. His” favorite” Aunt (the ride-or-die aunt) Mary Hoover, eighteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family, and friends. As an adult, he adopted the Charles and Van Williams family as his “god family.”

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 3rd at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 4th at Calvary Church in Vicksburg, MS with Interment following at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

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