On Thursday, November 21st, JHHS athletic director and head football coach Terrance Blankenship walked through the doors of the main office on the school campus just like he does every day of the school year. After all it was just another day at school.

Only it wasn’t!

Awaiting Coach “Blank”, as he is fondly called, were members of the JHHS Tigers Paws and Cheerleaders along with sponsors Mrs. Yuorntia DeLisia Belton and Ms. Karen Shuree Wimberly.

To his surprise, in the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday the two support groups of the JHHS athletic program had assembled to give their thanks and show their appreciation by giving him a gift basket for making sure they had transportation to every football game this past season. 

“They surprised me,” laughed Blankenship. “I had no idea that they were going to do this but I really appreciate the gesture. It means alot that they did this.” 

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In some families, Thanksgiving will involve holding hands and praying before the meal. I was thinking about all the tables full of food surrounded by family members, who have gathered for this holiday. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and grace. What are your family traditions around this holiday? Will you share your blessings? Are you a hand-holding family?

Has God given you a hand to hold?

Ronald Greer tells this story:
“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats, I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”

Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.

I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.

Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.

Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.

I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get really nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”

My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After a first nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed it.

There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.

There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was seeing a sacrament.”

Has God given you a hand to hold?

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This Saturday, the annual Christmas in the Pines Festival will take place in Jonesboro. While there are many events and activities that will take place, one of the most enjoyable places that everyone loves to visit is the Tony Rome Park, located on the corner of South Polk Avenue and 4th Street.

This year the park will feature a new addition in several wooden cut-outs of Christmas related characters that was graciously provided by a collaboration of civic minded people and school organizations. 

In a post made on her Facebook page, Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith, gave homage to all those who assisted in the creation of the cut-outs. 

“There are many to thank for our cut outs to be used in the facelift for the Christmas Park, Sheryl Holder and Eric Borland, who created the designs. Nick and Lana Smith, who transport our lumber to each of the schools, picking up and retiring back after they had been painted.

Mr. Shields, Mr. Cantrell, Miss Shows – On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible contributions to the Christmas park facelift. Your dedication and the hard work of your students have truly brought our vision to life and your Ag Departments did an amazing job cutting out all the designs with such precision and care.
Miss Toms – we were delighted and pleasantly surprised by the exceptional painting work done by you and your students at Quitman. The vibrant, festive colors have truly brought these designs to life and will undoubtedly bring joy to everyone who visits the park.

Thank you again for your dedication, creativity, and hard work. We cannot wait to showcase these designs in the park and celebrate the joy they will bring.” –  Wilda Smith

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Thanks to the invitation given by Pastor Reginald L. Staten and the Pleasant
Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908  Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, the Jonesboro-Hodge High School boys basketball team attended worship service on Sunday, November 24th.

Not only did the congregation show their support for the Tiger team with a most warm welcome but also the church gave a monetary donation to JHHS head coach Fred Hearn III and assistant coach Jamie Palmer for use by the basketball team and the “Tropical Thunder” Tiger marching band. 

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There are a lot of hunters that can look back on Thanksgiving with fond memories. It’s not just about the food and football, but about their hunts as well. While some hunt ducks, quail or squirrels, others head for their favorite deer stand on Thanksgiving morning. Today we’ll go back in time during the early ‘70’s on a hunt I’ll never forget.

Every year as far back as I can remember, my favorite time to go hunting was on Thanksgiving morning. There was just something special about this day and waking up early knowing that three good things were going to happen that day. First, I was going deer hunting looking to shoot a good buck. Next, I knew there would be one heck of a Thanksgiving spread waiting for me after the hunt.

This would be a meal that would include my mom’s tasty cornbread dressing, fresh brown gravy, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, hot butter top rolls, deviled eggs, and either a pan roasted turkey or, every once in a while, she would shake things up with oven baked Cornish hens. To wash all this down you could choose grape Kool-Aid or sweet tea. For dessert, there was a choice between sweet potato or pecan pie, along with mom’s famous fruit salad (which was better after day 3) covered in homemade whip cream topped with walnuts.

As you can see, there was no shortage of food. But the third thing I looked forward to, that Thanksgiving Day would not be complete without, was a Dallas Cowboys victory. Nothing was more satisfying after a great meal than watching the Cowboy’s destroy their opponent.

But let’s talk about a Thanksgiving hunt I will remember forever…my first buck at the age of 12. This particular morning the temperature was in the mid 40’s with sunny skies predicted. A great morning for blowing smoke as you sat on your deer stand. But this day had a different feel, a feeling of anticipation because I had already seen the buck I was after the weekend before.

It appeared to be a solid mature eight-point buck that I hoped would make his presence known. But for some odd reason, I decided not to sit in my stand which was in the woods at the top of a hill overlooking a creek. There was also a game trail crossing this creek that deer were using on a regular basis.

So, I set up at the base of a huge pin oak tree just 20 yards off the game trail. It wasn’t long (30 minutes) before I heard the sound of something crashing through the woods headed directly in my direction. As I peered through the dense wood cover, I saw the huge buck crossing the creek and coming straight at me. Then halfway up the hill, the big eight point stopped and locked up as if he knew something wasn’t right.

I knew at this point the deer had probably gotten wind of me. I sat motionless with the buck looking in my direction about 30 feet away pawing at the ground. At one point it was as if we made actual eye contact. While this seemed like an eternity, I don’t think I took a breath for at least two minutes.

Finally, the buck looked back in the direction he came from and that’s when I raised my Remington 308 rifle and fired one shot. The buck jumped in the air and whirled around and headed back across the creek. I thought, “Surely, I didn’t miss that buck!” I mean he was the biggest buck in the county in my eyes! But then I heard him hit the ground confirming that I had made a clean shot.

The man I was hunting with, who was a good friend of the family, heard my shot and came immediately. We slowly walked towards the deer as we crossed the shallow creek and there he was, a really nice mature eight-point buck that I thought was the same deer I had seen the weekend before.

To say this was my favorite Thanksgiving ever would be an understatement! I was so excited and could not wait to show the deer to my family and friends. This is just one story of many that so many hunters get to experience during this time of year.

It’s also another reason for all of us to be thankful, not just for the opportunity to go hunting, but for the time we get to share with each other. Till next time, good luck, good hunting, as I would like to wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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I am now taking my last stroll down the halls of Weston School; the home of the Mighty Weston Wolves.I am very tearful and emotional and yet I’m filled with uncountable recollections of precious, sacred, heart touching memories. I had wanted to complete my goal of donating at least 60 years of the most productive years of my life as a Called Educator.

My profession in life actually was a professional house painter which was much less stressful, plus the brushes and rollers wouldn’t talk back and the pay was more than double that of an educator. However, my calling is teaching. God has been favorable toward me and with his help, leadership, and guidance, we have together built a very close relationship with the Weston Community and Weston School.

We have built a program with much success in terms of positively reaching a multitude of students. Parents, down through the years, trusted me with their children because they learned that even though I was firm yet I was fair with their children. Most students could feel coming forth from me that I truly cared about them and especially about their well being and future.

I’m leaving Weston with much heart felt pain because I had wanted to complete my goal of donating at least sixty years of the most productive years of my life as a Called Educator. Now new policies and new interpretations of policies have now driven me out. One new policy won’t even allow me to call parents anymore. The building of a strong relationship with parents along with God’s guidance have been vital in reaching and redirecting many student’s growth. Their total growth is very important to me. I’m not allowed to see student’s current grades any longer, which has always been helpful in encouraging students to want to do better.

Many, many students have responded positively to my encouragement, push and drive. As a result, many have gone on to a productive and quality life. I have not spent 59 years in the classroom and not amassed a quantity of ways, including the “10 speed,” to be there for and help students. Now new policy and enforcement of policy have taken these vital aids from me to the detriment of many students. I am very saddened. May God bless you always.

A Lifelong Educator,
Otha Anders

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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

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford – Seeking salespeople for new and used car sales. If interested call Danny Benoit at 337-802-9295 or come to Benoit Ford in Jonesboro, located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro. 

 

Cecile Taylor
September 25, 1962 – November 25, 2024

Cecile Taylor, age 62 of Winnfield, made her way to her Heavenly home on Monday, November 25, 2024. She grew up in Winn Parish and graduated from Winn Academy in 1980. She grew up watching football with her Dad. She loved watching LSU and the Saints play, but mostly she enjoyed spending that time with her dad. Her Dad was her hero.

Cecile worked many years at Texas Turbine and later she made the move to Texas and co-owned a carpet cleaning business. She moved back home to Winnfield in 2005 and went to work at the City of Winnfield Utilities Department. Cecile loved her chihuahua dogs. She enjoyed shopping and visiting with friends and family.

While at Leslie Lakes, in Arcadia, Cecile made many friends. She traveled the halls to visit until her health got bad and would no longer allow her to do so.

Those left to cherish her memory is her father, Garland Taylor and Jerry; step-mother, Barbara Taylor; aunt, Renelda Taylor; uncle, Cordell Taylor and Carolyn; many, many cousins and other family. She is preceded by her mother, Jewel Jones; paternal grandparents, Hesley and Azzell (Moffett) Taylor; maternal grandparents, Judge and Martha (Hancock) Jones.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 9:30am until the time of service at Siloam Baptist Church in Gansville. Funeral services are set to begin at 11:00am with Bro. Terry Bartley and Bro. Tom Gresham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Craig Bartley, Leroy Jones, Steve Jones, Tom Gresham, Marcus Gresham and Stanley Gresham. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Lasyone, Tim Taylor and Jim Tinsley.

The family would like the thank Leslie Lakes and Minden Medical for the great care they gave Cecile. Thanks to everyone for all of their prayers and kind words.

Donations can be made to Gansville Cemetery (Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery) at 203 Durbin Road Dodson, LA 71422 Or to LA. Baptist Children’s Home in her memory.

Sidney Van Walker
June 4, 1940 – November 21, 2024

Sidney Van Walker passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Ruston, Louisiana. He was 84 years old. Sidney worked at the paper mill in Hodge for many years. There, he worked as a forklift operator and in the truck shop. Sidney enjoyed working on small engines and loved attending the races at Super Bee Speedway. When he was able, Sidney enjoyed riding motorcycles and participating in the Christmas Toy Run.

Survivors include his wife, Frances (Tucker) Walker; children: Deanna Harris, Edward Harris II, Sherrie Griffath; grandchildren: Caleb Harvey, Edward Harris III, Brittany Harris, Greg Allen, Michael Allen and Kristina Luck; cousins: Teresa Hicks and Cathy Tolar; 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Sidney was preceded in death by his father, Buddy Walker; mother, Iva (Walsworth) Walker; and brother, Billy Joe Walker.

As per Sidney’s wishes, he will be cremated. A public visitation and memorial service has not been set at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to either the American Cancer Society, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or St. Jude’s.

Vernon Hough, Jr.
August 5, 1950 – November 24, 2024

Funeral services for Marshall Vernon Hough, Jr., age 74 of Saline, LA, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline with Bro. Stan Foster and Bro. Tommy Inman officiating. Burial will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Saline under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM, Friday, November 29, 2024 at Magnolia Baptist Church.

Marshall Vernon Hough, Jr. was born on August 5, 1950, in Homer, LA to Marshall and Cloteal Hough. He was received by his Heavenly Father on November 24, 2024 at 74 years of age. Vernon passed away after a 13-year long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Vernon was a family man that loved spending time with his family. Many summer days he could be found grilling hamburgers and pulling his kids, nieces and nephews, and family friends behind the ski boat on a tube, kneeboard, or skis.

He also enjoyed fishing, hunting with deer dogs, attending Northwestern State basketball games, rodeos, and attending any and all of his kids’ activities. He was an exercise enthusiast that lifted weights and jogged the roads of his neighborhood well into his sixties. He also enjoyed his part time business as a photographer where he took countless people’s graduation, prom, family, and wedding pictures.

He was a devout Christian man that was baptized at Magnolia Baptist Church on September 6, 1959. He was a lifelong member of Magnolia where he was ordained as the youngest deacon in the history of the church on January 17, 1972. He served in many different roles including the church treasurer for 30 plus years.

Vernon loved and cared for his “Little Girl” (wife Cheryl) more than anything else here on this earth. He was extremely proud of his children, their spouses, and especially his grandchildren who he spent all his time with after retirement.

Vernon graduated from Saline High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1968. He went on to attend Northwestern State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Health Science and Physical Education with honors in 1972. He then earned his Master’s of Education in 1979, and continued on to finish his plus 30.

Mr. Hough, as he was known by countless students, taught high school Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Biology at Castor High School to generations of students for 40 years. He was proud to have taught them more than science. He was a great example to his students on how to be patriotic and Godly citizens. He was assistant principal for many years and helped with several different extracurricular activities over the years but was best known for his work on the Tigers’ yearbook.

Vernon served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for 9 years. He was an extremely patriotic man, even till the end of life, standing in his living room for the National Anthem or any patriotic song when being played on the T.V.

He is preceded in death by his parents, an unborn child, father-in-law Don Crume, brother-in-law Byron Crume and wife Mary, brother-in-law Kevin Crume, and nephew Logan Crume. He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years wife Cheryl Hough, son Shelby Hough of Saline, son Colby Hough and wife Melissa of Saline, Gillian Norred and husband Jacob of Quitman, mother-in-law Charlotte Crume, sister Marilyn Johnson and husband Leslie, sister Nena Madden, brother Tony Hough and wife Ann, brother David Hough, sister-in-law Jenny Crume, his seven grandchildren Shepard Norred (11), Maddox Hough (11), Asher Norred (10), Jaylee Hough (9), Levi Norred (8), Mattie Anne Hough (2), Judah Norred (10 months), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jared Madden, Jeffery Johnson, Tucker Madden, Chase Green, James Love, and Rand Knotts. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Ellis, Greg Swanson, and Jerry Morgan.

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Mayor, J. “Spike” Harris announces that the town of Jonesboro has received a loan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Clean Water State Revolving Fund in the amount of $3,890,000.00 for wastewater improvements. 

The loan is offered in the form of 0.95% interest applied for a 20 year term and will include a maximum of $2,600,000.00 of principal forgiveness. No interest shall accrue on the forgiven principal. 

As the applicant, the Town of Jonesboro must satisy all regulatory and financial requirements prior to closing the loan. The loan must be closed by October 31, 2025; otherwise the project will be removed from the fundable list. 

“We are grateful to the LDEQ for offering us this loan,” said Mayor Harris. “We had originally asked for $5,827,000.00 but are pleased to receive this funding as this will be very helpful in our quest to upgrade our wastewater program.”

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Weston High School proved to be the host with the most by winning their own tournament in the girls bracket. The Lady Wolves beat Dodson 63-24 on Thursday and Stanley by a 41-39 score on Saturday to take the tourney title and improve their record to 7-2 on the year. The victories ran Weston’s winning streak to three straight after the Lady Wolves also defeated D’Arbonne Woods 45-38 on Monday. 

Weston 41 Stanley 39 (Championship Game) – Outstanding marksmanship from the free throw line helped Weston overcome a three point deficit late in the fourth quarter to lift the Lady Wolves to the tourney title. Trailing 39-36, Carlynn Waters made her only point of the game and Anslee Aldy made a pair of charity shots to tie the score at 39 setting up two more clutch free throws by Briley Peterson to secure the victory. Carly Jo Griffin led WHS in scoring with 13 followed by 10 from Aldy and 8 by Peterson, who also pulled down a team leading 11 rebounds. Nadia Siadek chipped in with five points and Jakayla Fourd finished with four.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston (7-2)	8	11	4	18	41
Stanley (5-3)	8	7	10	14	39

Weston 63 Dodson 24 (Thursday) – With the game tied at 3-3, Weston went on a 30 point run to blow away their neighboring parish foe. Briley Peterson poured in a season high 23 points to lead the Lady Wolves in scoring. Ada Claire Tidwell and Rachel Bandy recorded new season highs in scoring as well with seven each, with Bandy also pulling down a season high 10 boards to lead Weston in rebounding. Anslee Aldy pitched in nine points, Carly Jo Griffin scored five and Carlynn Waters finished with four as did Nadia Siadek. Also of note was Brylee Cuthrell making her first two points of the year. Gracie Gray tallied two as well. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	21	16	14	12	63
Dodson	3	7	8	6	24

Weston 45 D’Arbonne Woods 38 (Monday) – Nadia Siadek recorded new season highs in both scoring and rebounding with 10 points and 11 boards and Briley Peterson poured in 17 points to lift Weston past the Class 2A opponent on the road. Carly Jo Griffin added nine and Anslee Aldy seven, while Jakayla Fourd finished with two points to round out the scoring.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	6	12	15	12	45
D’Arbonne Woods	4	7	13	14	38

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Jonesboro resident, Deneise Barlow, has been inducted into the Louisiana Recreation and Parks Association (LRPA) Hall of Fame. Recognized for her extraordinary leadership and dedication to the recreation and parks in the state of Louisiana, Barlow received the honor at the LRPA annual conference in Lafayette that was held November 19-21. Congratulations Deneise and thank you for your commitment to Jackson Parish. 

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Quitman High played giant killer by winning both games played in the Saline Tournament against schools from a higher classification. By beating Class 2A, D’Arbonne Woods 52-43 on Thursday and Class 5A Haughton 76-74 in overtime on Friday, the Wolverines improved to 7-2 on the season and ran their season best winning streak to five straight.

Quitman 76 Haughton 74 OT (Friday) Trailing 74-73, Brayden Smith, who scored a new season best 16 points, hit two clutch free throws to give Quitman a one point lead before another free throw by Taden Thomas put the final nail in the coffin.  Gavyn  Caskey, who tied his season best with 17 points, hit his team best 5th three-point shot at the end of the game to force the overtime period. Noah Leach and Brayden Martin also reached double figures in scoring with 17 and 16 points each, while Thomas finished with six points and Abel Leach contributed four. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	OT	FINAL
Quitman (7-2)	24	10	20	11	11	76
Haughton (1-3)	19	6	19	21	9	74

Quitman 52 D’Arbonne Woods 43 (Friday) – The Wolverines held D’Arbonne Woods scoreless in the second quarter to take a 24-14 lead into the half that paved the way for the victory. Gavyn Caskey led the Wolverines with 14 points on the strength of four 3-pointers. Brayden Martin chipped in with 10 points, one better than the 9 points posted by Noah Leach. Brayden Smith scored six points, Taden Thomas finished with five and Abel Leach, Larson Thomas, Asher Shultz and Grant Williams all contributed two points each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman	22	2	17	11	52
D’Arbonne Woods	14	0	11	18	43

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The Louisiana Department of Education released school performance scores across the state on Wednesday, November 20th. Jackson Parish came in with a 77.4 district performance score for 2024, an increase of 1.5 from the 75.9 posted in 2023. 

Statewide Louisiana schools had a 80.2 performance score, up from the 78.5 registered in 2023 which marked the third consecutive year of increased scores in the state.

“Louisiana students continue to make progress. A third consecutive year of growth is a testament to the many talented educators across our state and the student-first commitment from Governor Landry, the legislature, and our board,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

To see more Louisiana education data, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s website.

 

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Jonesboro-Hodge outscored tournament host Saline 11-0 in overtime to give second year coach Shan Jackson and the Lady Tigers a 55-44 victory for their first win of the season. With the thrilling win, JHHS improves to 1-2 on the year while Saline fell to 0-4. LaKayla McGuire and Morgan McGee both scored a new season high 13 to lead J-H, while Sanaa Tatum chipped in with 11. Jaylena Jackson added seven points, including five in the extra frame, LeRonda McGuire had five and Tyya Davis finished with four points. Nesha Johnson also scored two for JHHS. Saline was paced by 16 points from Jalynn Jiles and 12 points from Morgan Cheatwood. The Lady Bobcats also got nine points from Lanee Cheatwood and five from Allie Kate Hillman. Bella Blewer and Tyla Malon also contributed a free throw each. 

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The “Student / Athlete of the Week” Award for the week of November 17-23 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 Kyron Atkins of Jonesboro-Hodge, who is a senior  on the football team, Emery Caskey, junior cross country runner at Weston High School and Gage Horton, of the Quitman High School cross country team.

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

Student-Athlete of the Week

Kyron Atkins (11th grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team

Gage Horton (11th grade) – Quitman High School cross country team

Emery Caskey (11th grade) – Weston High School cross county team

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Four outstanding members of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School were recognized on Friday when the student, teacher, new teacher and support staff member of the year was announced. Congratulations goes to Gromika Palmer on being named the teacher of the year and Skyler Anderson on being selected as student of the year.  Additional recognition went to Mrs. Brown for new teacher of the year and Mrs. Jacobs for support staff member of the year , both who were also chosen as Jackson Parish School District representatives of the year. 

JHMS Teacher of the Year – Gromika Palmer
JHMS Student of the Year – Skyler Anderson
JHMS and JPSD New Teacher of the Year – Mrs. Brown
JHMS and JPSD Support Staff Member of the Year – Mrs. Jacobs

JHMS Teacher of the Year

JHMS Student of the Year

JHMS and JPSD Support Staff Member and New Teacher of the Year

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By holding D’Arbonne Woods to single digits for all four quarters and a new season best 17 points allowed, Quitman High waltzed their way to a 45-17 victory in their final game of the Saline Tournament played this past weekend. The impressive victory improved the Lady Wolverines season record to 6-4 after opening the tourney with a a narrow 38-36 loss to Class 5A Haughton. Quitman began the week by ruining Jonesboro-Hodge’s season opener 57-30 on Thursday.

Quitman 45 D’Arbonne Woods 17 (Saturday) – Anna Leach paced the Lady Wolverines with 15 points, the third straight game scoring in double figures, and Emma Walker set a new season high with 10 points. Taylor Borland chipped in with seven points and both Kinsley Ponder and Brooklyn Brown set a new scoring marks for 2024 with four points each. Kinsley Jaleigh Burns and Allie Robertson scored two points and Kalisia scored her first point of the season

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman 6-4)	13	10	8	13	45
D’Arbonne Woods	2	4	4	7	17

Haughton 38 Quitman 36 (Friday) – A 22-13 deficit at the half proved to be to much of a hill to climb against the Class 5A team. The Lady Wolverines were led in scoring by Anna Leach, who finished with 17 points while Cali Deal also reached double figures finishing with 10 points. Emma Walker scored six and Jaleigh Burns tallied three. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman	9	4	15	8	36
Haughton	16	6	7	9	38

Quitman 57 Jonesboro-Hodge 30 (Thursday) – Anna Leach scored a new season high 23 points and Cali Deal added 20 to help the  Lady Wolverines ruin the Lady Tigers season opener. Quitman blew the game open by outscoring JHHS 22-8 in the second quarter. Emma Walker finished with four points  and Kinsley Ponder, Brooklyn Brown and Annie Mobley all scored two points each. Jaleigh Burns and Taylor Borland also made a free throw. LeRonda McGuire led Jonesboro-Hodge with nine points followed by Morgan McGee with seven and Tyya Davis with six. LaKayla McGuire had five and both Nesha Johnson and Jaylena Jackson scored two.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman	9	22	10	16	57
Jonesboro-Hodge	7	8	7	8	30

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The 11th annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 24th. The event that is hosted by Councilman Devin Flowers, Mrs. Clara Booker, Ms. Rashida Booker and Dr. Star Booker will take place from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Rock House in Jonesboro and will be a pick up and go affair. 

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Weston High School beat St. Mary’s of Natchitoches 57-42 in the final game of the Weston Tournament on Saturday to end the week on a positive note and stop a three game slide. With the victory the Wolves improved to 3-5 on the season after dropping their first game of the tournament 72-52 to Stanley on Friday and opening the week with a 62-57 loss to D’Arbonne Woods on Monday. 

Weston 57 St. Mary’s 47 (Saturday) – After spotting St. Mary’s a 20-16 halftime lead the Wolves exploded for 41 second half points to take the victory. Bryce Zehr paced Weston with 23 points and nine rebounds while Nathin Wages also reached double figures in scoring with 12 points. Brody Tidwell and Daniel Williams, who also pulled down 9 boards, scored seven points apiece and both Dawson Clifton and Lajavion Harris finished with four points each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston (3-5)	8	8	19	22	57
St. Mary’s	15	5	13	9	42

Stanley 72 Weston 52 (Friday) – Bryce Zehr, who finished with 11 points, gave Weston a 2-0 lead to open the tournament but Stanley reeled off 17 straight points to take a commanding lead they would never relinquish. The loss put a damper on Dawson Clifton reaching a new career high with 14 points. Daniel Williams and Brody Tidwell finished with 9 and 8 points respectively and Lajavion Harris chipped in with six. Nathin Wages also finished with four points to round out the Wolves scoring.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	5	17	14	16	52
Stanley	22	20	16	14	72

D’Arbonne Woods 62 Weston 57 (Monday) – A Bryce Zehr three-pointer brought Weston to within two points but the furious fourth quarter rally by the Wolves after D’Arbonne Woods had opened up a 59-49 lead came up short as the home team made their free throws at the end to secure the victory. The loss overshadowed a season best performance by Zehr who set a new season scoring mark with 24 points. Dawson Clifton and Nathin Wages also reached “double digits” in scoring with 14 and 11 points each. Daniel Williams finished with four, Lajavion Harris scored three and Brody Tidwell hit a pair of free throws. 

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On Wednesday, November 20th, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School provided its fourth Mobile Dental Care Visit under the care of Dr. Jackson. The Miles for Smiles Team of Shreveport was able to service over 40 students.

The visit included cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and fillings (as needed). Each student received a Dental Report Card, including follow-up recommendations, and was able to return right back to class! The school will receive a School Dental Report Card in the coming weeks.

Special thanks to the Living Well Foundation (LWF) for making this possible. As previously published, the school was awarded a competitive grant in the amount of $6,000.00 dollars.

The Living Well Foundation is a public non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life in northeast Louisiana. Founded in 2006, the Living Well Foundation serves the residents of Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union Parishes.

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.livingwellfoundation.net.

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In Quest of a Limit

I have hunted squirrels for over half a century and over those scores of seasons, I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve brought home a limit. Frankly, I don’t remember the last time I did. I’ve hunted squirrels a long time and have taken my share to the point that bagging a limit would be nice but not necessary. I just enjoy the experience. Period.

I found something I had written 20 or so years ago about one Saturday when squirrel season began under less than ideal conditions. The thermometer read 70 degrees before dawn when I left home for the camp. Crawling in my truck for the drive to the spot I’d chosen to hunt, my windshield wipers slapped away a light but steady rain. Warm weather coupled with rain does not bode well for successful squirrel hunting. Oh, one other thing; when I checked in my hunting vest at the camp, I found I had only 10 shotgun shells.

Feeling I was working under a handicap, I resolved to just enjoy the hunt but to do something my dad had drilled me on as a young hunter. “Make every shot count,” he had told me time and time again. My goal was to use my ammo supply conservatively; one shot; one squirrel.

The soft rain turned out to be a blessing. It stopped after an hour, just long enough to soften the leaves on the ground, making it easy to stalk. Around 7:00 that morning, the first squirrel stopped long enough for me to drop him. One shot; one squirrel; nine shotgun shells left.

Twenty minutes later, the second squirrel was cooling in my hunting vest; two shots; two squirrels; eight shells left. By the time I’d reached the end of the woods I’d planned to hunt, I had bagged two more, each with one shot. That was four-for-four and I was feeling good. Had I not seen another squirrel, this would have been a successful hunt.

On my return trip to the truck, I made a loop so as not to cover the same ground I’d just hunted. I’d moved fifty yards or so when I saw a squirrel move in a beech. As I began stalking the squirrel, I saw another in the beech; then another and incredibly, another. Four squirrels were whacking away at beech mast in the same tree.

I did a quick bit of ciphering. I had four squirrels in the bag. Up there in that beech was the rest of my limit. Truth to tell, I got a little excited at the prospects. One of the squirrels presented himself and BOOM…he was on the ground. There went another one and…BOOM, he tumbled out. Then the third squirrel ran up a limb and stopped, offering me a clean shot. BOOM, and he’s down.

Now, I’m really excited. I have pulled the trigger seven times and had seven in the bag and there’s number eight up there overhead. My dad would have been proud.
Standing quietly for a few minutes, I watched as my “limit” squirrel resumed feeding. What are my chances of this, I ponder? I’m on the verge of bagging a limit of eight squirrels with eight shots.

It was something like a major league pitcher working on a perfect game. He’s down to the bottom of the ninth; two out. Here’s the wind-up; the pitch…..and the batter bloops a single into left field. Game won but perfect game spoiled.

I rushed the shot and the squirrel scampered away. Dang! I sat awhile, pondering what almost was, concluding that it had been a fine hunt anyhow and I would be content to drive into camp with seven squirrels.

I could see my truck 100 yards away, and would you believe it…one more squirrel decided to make a move and I rolled him. That’s my limit of eight squirrels with nine shots.

Not a perfect performance but I felt good, sensing that somewhere up there, my old dad was smiling. “Way to go son,” I imagined him saying. “Not perfect….but not bad.”

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs around the deeper tops. Bass are best fishing topwater lures and buzz baits early around the grass lines. Later, best fishing has been on secondary points on soft plastics and crank baits. 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. Spraying to kill moss. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Pressure from lots of fishing because of D’Arbonne and the river being down. Bass fishing is best flipping soft plastics along the wind rows and tree lines. Early mornings, topwater lures are working. Crappie are still hitting shiners and jigs around deep brush along the flats. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is up just a bit. Launching is possible at Joe Bob’s but it’s difficult. A few crappie are being caught around tops in the river. Bass are fair where there is current. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake is down 5 feet with drawdown continued another 30 days. Crappie are still scattered and not bunched up just yet. Some are caught along the stump lines on shiners and jigs. Bass fishing has been best fishing the points with soft plastics or crank baits. Bream are slow; catfishing good off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs around the deep tops. No report on stripers. With the water cooling down, bass will be best fishing the docks with Carolina rigs, square bill crank baits and Shaky Heads. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie have slightly improved around the boat slips. Catfishing is are good. Bass are fair. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising. Crappie and catfish are starting to bite. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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The civics classes at Quitman High School were treated to a special presentation on Friday when Third Judicial District Judge Bruce Hampton visited the school to give a general overview of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He explained to the students how the US Constitution and Bill of Rights applies to our everyday life. On behalf of the administration of QHS, thank you to Judge Hampton for engaging the kids and answering all their questions. 

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The Blessing

Does your family ask the blessing before meals? We should never be embarrassed to give thanks at home or in public. God has blessed us with so much.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures (James 1:17-18 NKJV).”

‘Will you ask the blessing?’

Saying grace before meals is as natural as lifting my fork. Yet, I didn’t grow up in a home where it was routine. As I recall, my Dad only voiced prayers before we partook of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holiday meals.

I don’t remember the structure of his prayer. I believe Dad had once been accustomed to asking the blessing before meals. That comes as no surprise; Dad was raised by godly parents. I wonder how many times Grandma or Grandpa Ford said, ‘Franklin, ask the blessing.’

Jesus reverently blessed the food before His feeding of the five thousand…

“Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude (Luke 9:16 NKJV).”

I look up this Thanksgiving with praise and adoration.

“I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving (Psalms 69:30 NKJV).”

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