All three Jackson Parish high schools competing in the LHSAA hit the road this Friday. The good news is that they aren’t going far. Both JHHS and Quitman High, face strong district challenges while Weston takes a step away from district competition in hopes of gaining a much-needed victory. 

JHHS will make the short trip to Arcadia with both boys’ teams hoping to break into the district 1-1A win column and the two girl squads looking to stay atop the standings after winning their district openers. Quitman will travel to Simsboro, where the winner of both girl’s and boys’ games will secure a stronghold on the district standings. Weston goes to Dodson for a battle of schools separated by only 10 miles. 

All three matchups will begin with a 6:00 pm tip-off for the girl’s game followed by varsity boy’s action. 

 

 

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The District 1B contest against Doyline was a tale of two Wolves teams heading in different directions. The Lady Wolves reached new heights by exploding for a Jackson Parish best in points scored this season while the Wolves boys team continued to sink further in the District 1B standings. 

The Weston giurls beat Doyline by a whopping 70-19 margin, setting new season bests in both scoring and points allowed. Standout Briley Peterson turned in one her best performances of the year by hitting 10 of 14 shots that led to a game-high 25 points. Carly Jo Griffin also reached “double digits” in scoring with 10 points, while Carlynn Waters had eight and Anslee Aldy scored 7 points.  Gracie Gray finished with five points, and Rachel Bandy scored four while also grabbing a team-high seven rebounds. Ada Claire Tidwell tallied three and Olivia Otwell made a basket to round out the offensive onslaught. 

In the boys contest, Nathin Wages, who led the Wolves with 18 points, hit a three pointer to bring Weston to just a five point deficit at 24-19 but a repeated pattern of hitting a lull in scoring doomed WHS as Doyline built a 20 point lead before settling for the 75-59 victory. The loss was the fifth in a row for Weston who fell to the District 1B cellar with a 0-3 record, and dropped to 6-17 on the year following their 9th loss in the last 10 games. Bryce Zehr finished with 16 points and Brody Tidwell tallied 12. Dawson Clifton scored five, Daniel Williams four and Lajavion Harris added a basket for Weston who managed to hit only 24 of 65 shots, which tabulated to a 37% field goal percentage. 

There was a “Blackout” at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School gymnasium this past Friday night. While it wasn’t a situation with the lights going out, the results of the girls and boys basketball contests between JHHS and Lincoln Prep resembled an energy crisis. The evening began with the Lady Tigers electrifying the home faithful by pouncing on Prep for a 13-5 advantage and then locking down on defense to limit the Lady Panthers to single digits in every quarter the rest of the way for a 35-20 victory. The third straight win improved the Lady Tigers record to 9-11 overall and continued the resurgence by JHHS in coach Shan Jackson’s second year. 

The boys game was a complete dichotomy.

For the Tiger boys donning the game as a Blackout was apropo in another way as  JHHS looked like they were shooting in total darkness. The Tigers managed only six baskets all night on the way to scoring only 14 points, the fewest scored by a Tiger team in over a decade, to fall in the District 1-1A opener for both teams. 

Lincoln Prep 55 JHHS 14 (boys) The Lincoln Parish neighbors jumped on JH for a 19-7 first-quarter lead and then allowed the Tigers only 7 more points the rest of the way. Ariy’un Bradford made five points to lead JHHS in scoring with D.J. Palmer scoring four and Tyson Burks hitting a three-pointer. Both Dylan Hayes and C. Gray added a free throw apiece for the Tigers who had won three of their last four coming in. 

JHHS 35 Lincoln Prep 20 (girls): Morgan McGee hit a pair of three-pointers on her way to a team-high 13 points and Neesha Johnson tallied ten points to pace the JHHS offensive attack. Tyya Davis finished with five, and both Jachorille Lard and Sanaa Tatum totaled three points each. Jaylena Jackson added a free throw for J-H.

Molly Beaufouef of Weston High School has won many awards during her high school career at Weston High School. This past weekend, the tremendously gifted and charismatic student continued her legacy of achieving honors by winning third place in the Louisiana Association of Student Council’s Annual Convention Oratory Contest. The WHS administration, staff, and the entire student body are proud of her accomplishment and give her thanks for being such a great representative of Weston High School. Congratulations Molly!

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Ask any coach and they will tell you there is no such thing as a “moral victory”. Still, despite losing to Class 5A Benton High School on the road this past Friday night, both Lady Wolverine head coach Kyle Leach and QHS boys coach Michael White had to be pleased with the performance delivered by their respective squads. 

Benton, which competes in District 1-5A, won the girl’s game by a 53-37 margin while the Tigers beat the Class B Wolverines 59-56 in the boy’s contest but both QHS teams held a lead at one point and put a serious scare into the much larger school.

The losses in the “David vs Goliath” matchups ended a four-game winning streak by the Lady Wolverines and the QHS boys 18 game streak, which was one of the longest achieved among north Louisiana schools this season. The QHS girls now stand at 14-9 on the year with the boys at 19-3 after both squad’s final tune-up before delving back into District 1B play. 

Benton 59 Quitman 56 (boys): After two-quarters of play and Benton holding what seemed to be a commanding 32-19 lead, the Benton faithful was whooping it up and talking smack. Midway through the fourth quarter, those same fans were sitting on the edges of their seats, almost scared to breathe, as Quitman came roaring back to take a four-point lead late in the contest.

“I didn’t have them ready early in the game, but the boys responded in the 2nd half to come back and take the lead,” QHS head coach Michael Black said in summarizing his team’s effort.

Brayden Martin and Noah Leach led the Wolverines offensive attack with 14 and 13 points respectively, while Larsen Thomas, Gavyn Caskey, and Brayden Smith all chipped in with 6 points each. Abel Leach and Amaurion Thompson finished with four points apiece and Taden Thomas rounded out the scoring with a three-point basket.

Benton  53 Quitman 37 (girls) After spotting the home-standing Lady Tigers a 20-9 advantage, Cali Deal scored 7 straight points to help lift the Lady Wolverines to a 14-point run that gave QHS the lead. Deal would hit 6 of 12 shots to lead Quitman with 19 points but it was a 4 for 31 shooting performance by the rest of the team that spelled doom as Benton took control in the second half. Anna Leach finished with 9 points, Jaleigh Burns and Emma Walker scored four each and Taylor Borland made a free throw for Quitman. 

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If you were asked to name the positions of the professional personnel associated with a school and the ones considered important, several quickly come to mind. Immediately one would think of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Teachers, and Coaches of the various sports programs. 

There is another group that is also vital to a school’s successful venture to educate the students and keep things running smoothly.  They are like the glue that helps bind all the ones above into a cohesive and productive unit. They are the ones who do all the unseen work that helps make all the rest successful in achieving their goals.

They are the Support Staff. 

This past week, the administration of Quitman High School recognized three outstanding team members as the Support Staff of the Week for January 20-24. Congratulations go to Shelley Hill, Michelle Davis, and Chris Daily. Thank you for your undying dedication and tremendous work ethic that helps Quitman High School continue to be one of Jackson Parish’s top facilities of learning. 

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Cedar Creek School in Ruston, LA is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year! As part of the commitment to providing exceptional education opportunities, new Tuition Assistance programs are being introduced to help make the school accessible to more families in the surrounding communities.

Cedar Creek School offers a rigorous academic curriculum, numerous extracurricular activities, and an environment that encourages personal growth and achievement. The new Tuition Assistance initiatives aim to support families by providing financial resources tailored to their needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on the application process or to learn about Tuition Assistance programs, please visit the  Cedar Creek website at www.cedarcreekschool.org or contact our admissions director, Caty Simmons, at csimmons@cedarcreekschool.org.

 

 

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Mother Nature can do some strange things. She can send us enough heat in August to make us think we’re in the Sahara Desert. She can send us a drought as serious as folks are experiencing now in California; she can drench us with floods that virtually cover lake-side homes and wash out bridges on country roads.

It’s in winter, though, when she saves her neatest tricks. A plethora of song birds respond to the cold icy weather as having high metabolism they’re born with, they need plenty of food to keep their little motors running. My bird watching had gotten a bit boring during the mild winter so far. I love the cardinals, titmice and chickadees that visit my feeders every day but I eventually got tired of looking as I saw no other birds except for these three species.

Let the weather turn icy though like we’ve lived through for the past week or so, and the thickets give up the variety of birds where until now, they find all the comfort they need. Put out feed and here they come – purple finches, gold finches, blue jays, woodpeckers, fox sparrows and the occasional towhee.

When we had a big snow a couple of winters ago with snow and ice covering my feeders, I put out feed on the floor of my back porch and it was like a zoo. My wife was less than enthusiastic about the mess the birds left as they gobbled down the seeds I had scattered on the porch, thanking me by leaving their droppings to be cleaned up.

When I was a kid growing up out on the rural route, getting to see and experience snow and watching the big flakes flutter down was a special treat. Goldonna seldom got snow but on those rare occasions when we did, it was like Christmas.

One particular snowfall remains in my memory to this day. I don’t know what year it was but I was maybe 12 years old and we got a serious one. Next to our home was a pine thicket and the tender pine branches were bent to the ground with the weight of a foot of snow.

We had neighbors living just on the other side of the thicket with a path that led from our house to theirs. I dug through my photo files and found a photo of me standing on the path next to one of the snow-laden pines.

Enough about the past.

Let’s look at what has been going on around our state with this current arctic blast. Although I don’t get as excited today as I once did at the prospect of getting to see snow, I admit I was just a tad disappointed when the weather folks said that north Louisiana might see a dusting of snow, if any at all. I still enjoy watching big feathery flakes drift down, provided it’s all gone by tomorrow.

The rare phenomenon was what was forecast for the southern part of our state when up to a foot of snow fell as far south as the Gulf Coast.

On Tuesday morning, the little kids in places like Houma, New Iberia, Hackberry et al got to play and romp in snow, something many of them had never seen.

My daughter, Cathy, lives just outside Baton Rouge in the city of Central and she sent me a video of their snow-covered yard with big feathery flakes still floating down. Six inches had fallen in her yard with another three inches forecast.

I saw a photo of two guys on skis on snow-covered Bourbon Street of all places!

They actually had blizzard warnings for areas along the coast.

Crazy weather for sure and all we have up here is a drab landscape to look at and frigid temperatures but lots of birds.

I pledge to never complain about hot dry weather again. I’m so ready for spring.

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Over the past several year, Jackson Parish 4-H members have reaped tremendous achievements in Shooting Sports, including being a part of state and national championship winners. The 2025 Regional Competition will soon be arriving and 4-H Director, Kristina Bourgeous, announces that the deadline to register is nearing. 

If interested in helping continue the great legacy that local competitors have earned, pick up a registration packet at the Jackson Parish 4-H office, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro, or from instructors, and return the completed form along with payment no later than Tuesday, January 28th. 

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Writer Robert Fulghum in his book, Uh-Oh, talks about a neighbor of his who drives a brand-new Range Rover, a vehicle that Fulghum says “can outrun a lion and take a rhino charge head-on.”

One morning Fulghum left his house about the same time as his neighbor. The neighbor was carrying a golf bag, a gym bag, a raincoat, an umbrella, a coffee cup, a sack of garbage for the dumpster, and his briefcase.

He was in a hurry.

Two little pieces of toilet paper stuck to his chin from a hasty encounter with his razor and a knitted brow testified to a hasty encounter with his wife. But he is carrying that talisman of his success, his briefcase-solid-brass hardware, combination lock, lined with watered silk with his name embossed in gold. The prestigious bag probably weighed ten pounds.

A neighbor lady two doors down, a social worker for the Episcopal church, pulls out of her driveway about the same time as this businessman and Fulghum. The businessman cranks the engine of his Range Rover like he has the pole position at the Indy five hundred. Uh-oh–he has put his coffee cup and briefcase on the roof of the Range Rover, and there they stay as he drives away.

The lady neighbor is right behind him in her eight-year-old Just-Get-Me-There-and-Back-Please-God Ford sedan. Fulghum is behind her in his 1952 GMC two-ton Go-Ahead-and-Hit-Me panel truck. The lady begins to honk her horn at the Range Rover, which the man ignores because he is already on his phone talking to London. She keeps honking. He finally hears her, flings down the phone, leans out of the window, and makes an obscene gesture at her. She continues to honk while waving to him to stop.

Fulghum, then, hits his horn which he salvaged off an old Model A. It goes AAAOOOGAAH. The man jams on his brakes, flings open the door of the Range Rover and tries to get out–without first unlatching his seat belt.

At the same moment, his morning cup of coffee slides off the roof, bounces across the hood, and smashes onto the street. This is followed by the brass-bound briefcase, which crashes onto the hood and scrapes paint off as it screeches to the ground.

The dear lady coasts slowly around the scene of the accident, smiles, waves, sings out “Have a nice day!” to her neighbor still dangling from the car in the clutches of his seat belt.

Let me quote Fulghum, “And, no, she did not, as you might expect, run over his briefcase. No, she did not,” he says. “I did.”

Fulghum reports the man is a little distant these days, but his wife smiles and waves.

Fulghum writes, “He’s not a bad guy. Like me, he takes on more than he can manage sometimes. Like me, he gets confused about what’s important. I see myself in his mirror. It’s less embarrassing to talk about how he runs his life than to talk about the cartoon quality of my own.”

Fulghum closes this story with these words, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?”

 

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Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion. Victims are often forced into labor, commercial sex, or other forms of servitude. It is a global crisis, but its impact is felt deeply within communities across the United States, including Louisiana.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is commonly categorized into two main types:
• Labor Trafficking: The exploitation of individuals for forced labor in industries such as agriculture, domestic work, or construction.
• Sex Trafficking: The exploitation of individuals through coercion or force for commercial sex acts. In cases involving minors, any form of commercial sex is considered trafficking, regardless of coercion.
Traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, including poverty, homelessness, and unstable family environments, making individuals in rural and underserved areas especially susceptible. Louisiana’s geographic location along major interstate highways also makes it a critical area for trafficking activities.

Louisiana’s Human Trafficking Laws:

Louisiana has taken significant steps to combat human trafficking through robust legislation. Below are key laws designed to prevent trafficking, prosecute offenders, and protect victims:

Louisiana’s Human Trafficking Statutes (La. R.S. 14:46.2):
• Defines human trafficking as recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining individuals for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion.
• Includes severe penalties for offenders, ranging from 5 to 50 years in prison, depending on the circumstances and involvement of minors.
Safe Harbor Laws:
• Protects minors involved in commercial sex acts by treating them as victims rather than criminals.
• Provides access to support services, such as counseling, medical care, and housing.

Mandatory Reporting (La. Ch.C. Art. 603):
• Mandates that certain professionals, including educators, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, report suspected trafficking cases.

Civil Remedies (La. R.S. 46:2184):
• Allows victims to sue their traffickers for damages, including restitution for economic losses, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
Specialized Task Forces:
• Louisiana established the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission to coordinate efforts across state agencies and provide recommendations to the legislature.

Signs of Human Trafficking

• Recognizing the signs of trafficking is critical for intervention. Common indicators include:
• Evidence of physical abuse or malnourishment.
• Restriction of movement or constant surveillance.
• Individuals who are unable to speak freely or are unaware of their location.
• Signs of psychological distress, such as fear or submissiveness.

Resources for Victims

• If you suspect human trafficking or need help, resources are available:
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
• Louisiana State Police: Works in collaboration with local law enforcement and non-profits to address trafficking cases.
Local Organizations: Non-profits like the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) and others provide support and advocacy for survivors.

How You Can Help

• Educate Yourself and Others: Spread awareness about human trafficking and its warning signs.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact law enforcement or the hotline if you suspect trafficking.
• Support Anti-Trafficking Efforts: Volunteer with or donate to organizations working to combat trafficking.
By understanding human trafficking and supporting Louisiana’s laws and initiatives, we can help end this heinous crime and provide justice and healing to survivors.

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Rekindle the Flames

Who hasn’t wanted to give someone a nudge in order to get them to move in the right direction? The idiom ‘light a fire under them’ applies. Maybe your teenager was stalling instead of doing homework assignments or your spouse neglected to do home repairs.

It’s easy to get annoyed if you’re in a place of authority. As employer or committee chairperson, you expect others to fulfill their responsibilities. The problem lies in finding how to spur them into action.

Apostle Paul, as mentor and father in the faith, addressed Timothy with words of challenge. It seems that Paul found Timothy lagging behind in service.

“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:6-8 HCSB).”

I sense that Timothy was allowing his empowering fire of witness to burn out. Paul firmly directed him to stir up the gift; to rekindle the flames of faithfulness and ministry.

LORD, I want to be your witness. Light my fire!

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To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on content.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford – Need two outgoing people to train for professional sales representatives! Guaranteed income with unlimited potential commission! We offer a full benefit package including insurance and 401k. Apply in person Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the dealership located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro or call Anthony Gray @ 225-200-8289.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position. Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, January 31, 2025. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.

POSITION: General Laborer
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department

Description:
Under close supervision, the Road Department General Laborer performs unskilled manual labor, operation of light equipment requiring no special training or experience, and performs related work as required by the supervisor. Laborers in this position class are also responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance equipment and for performing manual labor activities as needed and/or required by the Road Department.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Driver’s License; progression towards a CDL license a plus.
• Three (3) months of experience in the operation of equipment listed above preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Basic Responsibilities:
• The General Laborer is responsible for performing industrial and safety housekeeping of assigned areas following the instructions from their Supervisor.
• Operates Police Jury-owned vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, backhoe, street sweeper, dump trucks, farm–type tractors, bush hog cutters, boom mowers, etc. as required.
• Operates hand and power tools and equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, air compressor, small compaction equipment, etc. as required.
• Mows grass and rights of ways with hand power equipment.
• Uses hand tools to load and unload sand, dirt, gravel, and hot and cold mix asphalt.
• Repairs pot holes.
• Required to inspect and repair equipment as directed by department procedures, as well as be able to make repairs to parish roads, curbs and sidewalks.
• Performs road and ditch maintenance and associated work.
• Cleans culverts and other drainage structures including placing rip rap and filter cloth.
• Sweeps streets, shop, and sidewalks; cleans up debris and materials from roads, bridges, and culverts.
• Flags traffic when needed.
• Manually moves and transports equipment, materials, etc.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks including debris, sand, dirt, gravel, etc.
• Cleans trucks, replaces blades, and other maintenance of equipment as needed.
• Performs building maintenance, cleaning offices, restrooms, and shop as needed.
• Assists operators, truck drivers, mechanics etc. with specific projects as requested.
• Performs a variety of other heavy manual work in connection with the maintenance of streets, bridges, and drainage of parish roads.
• Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Police Jury Regular Meeting
January 13, 2025

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, January 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. meeting room, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana.

Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mrs. Sheketia Combs, Ms. Regina Rowe, Mr. Keith Burris, Mrs. Amy Magee, and Mr. Lewis Chatham. Absent: Mrs.
Tarneshala Cowans. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent, and Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, and Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer.

The President, Mr. Culpepper, called the meeting to order. Ms. Rowe gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President opened the floor for public comments. There were none.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Chatham to amend the agenda adding item #16a. Agenda item #16a-reappoint Ms. Regina Rowe to the Sparta Commission. Motion carried.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion- Mr. Chatham, seconded by Mr. Burris to adopt the minutes of the December 9, 2024, Police Jury Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President called for approval of committee reports.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mrs. Magee to adopt the minutes of the December 3, 2024, Finance Committee
Meeting. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Combs to adopt the minutes of the December 12, 2024, Policy and Personnel Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Chatham, seconded by Magee to allow employees to sell up to 40 hours of their vacation time in eight-hour increments once a calendar year with a 2-week notice and 20 hours of vacation time left. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, gave the December 2024 Operations Manager Reports.
Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent, presented the December 2024 Road Report noting that $4,668.72 had been spent on emergency callouts/off-schedule work.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mrs. Magee to accept the December 2024 emergency/off-schedule reports. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented the December 2024 Solid Waste Report.
The President moved to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley presented the Engineering Report.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Burris to approve the North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory’s 2024 Amended Budget and 2025 Proposed Budget. Motion carried.
There was no action taken on agenda item #11.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mr. Chatham to approve taking final action to clean up property in accordance with the nuisance ordinance. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Chatham, seconded by Mr. Burris to adopt and approve the resolution for the Sales Tax renewal (roll call vote)
District 1: Yea
District 2: Yea
District 3: Yea
District 4: Yea
District 5: Absent
District 6: Yea
District 7: Yea
(Yeas: 6, Nays: 0, Absent: 1, Abstaining: 0) – Motion carried
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Magee authorizing the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Solid Waste Operator I vacancy. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mrs. Rowe to approve Brad Roller (Operations Manager) and Robin Sessions (Solid Waste Superintendent) attending the LSWA Conference on March 19-21, 2025. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mr. Chatham to approve the Solid Waste 2025 Holiday Work Schedule. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to reappoint Ms. Regina Rowe to the Sparta Commission. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Chatham to reappoint Mrs. Conchita-Malone Doyle (Ambulance Board) Ms. Judy Cooper (Library Board), Mr. Joel Burnum (Quitman Fire District), Mr. Colby Bowman (Quitman Fire District), and Ms. Kim Huthinson (Hospital Board). Motion carried.
Announcements- Brent Barnett was named the OEP Director for 2025, the President gave out the 2025 committee assignments, and there was a declaration of emergency declared for the purchase of a Solid Waste tractor truck.
All jury members thanked the public for coming and acknowledged/thanked the workers for all of their hard work during the holidays.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded Mrs. Magee to adjourn. Motion carried.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Police Jury Special Called Meeting
January 15, 2025

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met during a Special Called Meeting on January 15, 2025, at 12:15 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro,
Louisiana.

Members Present: Mrs. Amy Magee, Mr. Lewis Chatham Mr. Keith Burris, Ms. Sheketia Combs, Mr. Todd Culpepper and Mrs. Tarneshala Cowans. Absent: Ms. Regina Rowe. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager.

The President, Mr. Culpepper called the meeting to order. Mrs. Combs gave the invocation and Mr. Burris led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President opened the floor for public comments, there were none.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Chatham to amend the agenda, adding agenda item #1a. Agenda item #1a – to approve the President signing a letter of support for the Town of Jonesboro. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Cowans to approve purchasing a tractor truck from Empire Truck Sales in the amount of $154,665.00 using funds from ACT 776 for Solid Waste. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Magee to approve the jury President signing a letter of support for the Town of Jonesboro. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to amend the agenda adding item #2a. Agenda item #2a- reappoint all remaining Parish Board appointees except for the Jonesboro Fire District. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to reappoint all remaining Parish Board appointees except for the Jonesboro Fire District.
Ms. Ann Standley- Library Board, Ms. Lisa Nunn- Library Board, Mr. Mark Culpepper- Museum Board, Ms. Mary Hoover- Museum Board, Mrs. Yumeaka Washington- Tourism Board, Mrs. Sandy Joyner- Tourism Board, Mr. Rickey Cash- District 2, Mr. George Gryder- District 2, Mayor Greg Harris- District 3, Mr. Wayne Whitman- District
3, Mr. Tracy Rushing- District 4. – Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded by Mrs. Cowans to adjourn. Motion carried.

Steven Wayne Sanders
November 17, 1956 – January 24, 2025

Steven Sanders, age 68 of Jonesboro, made his way home for a grand reunion on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born on Saturday, November 17, 1956 in Alexandria, Louisiana to the union of E.T. and Mary Sanders. Steven loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. He also always enjoyed camping and tending to his vegetable gardens. He loved to grow tomatoes even though they could sometimes be contrary. Steven was a strong-willed man that was shy to show his heart of gold. He had a big heart and if he only had a dime he would surely share a nickel of it. Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Heath Sanders, Brittani Blair; siblings, Sandy Porter and Gary, Scott Sanders and Lynne; a host of nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebae (Robinson) Sanders; parents, E.T. and Mary (Williams) Sanders.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 27, 2025, in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Funeral services are set to begin at 12:00 pm (noon) with Bro. Jason Womack officiating. Burial will follow in Gayla Traina Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Heath Sanders, Jason Porter, Tim Porter, Gary Porter, Kirk Halbrook, and Mark Harvey.

Carlton Sampson
November 18, 1962 – January 13, 2024

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Carlton “Spunk” Sampson, age 62, went to his heavenly home on January 13th after a long period of failing health. A tremendously gifted athlete, Sampson is remembered for his athletic achievements at Jonesboro-Hodge High School during 1977-80 while competing in football, baseball, basketball, track, and powerlifting where he still holds school records.

Sampson’s Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, January 24th, at Union Star Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Interment followed in the Union Star Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

Dorothy Ann Leonard
July 29, 1948 – January 10, 2025

Mrs. Dorothy Ann Leonard, age 76, gained her heavenly wings on January 10th, 2025. The Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, January 25th at the Greater Jonesboro Church of God in Christ, with burial following in the Friendship Cemetery in Wyatt, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Johnny L. Austin
November 1, 1944 – January 25, 2025

Pastor John L. Austin, age 80, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 25, 2025. Brother John was an ordained Minister with Frantom Chapel Church for 12 years. His belief was “With God, All Things Are Possible”. John was also a lineman for 46 years for LPL and retired as a lineman supervisor with Entergy. With his love for singing, he also sang with several gospel groups sharing his love for Jesus. His signature song, as you may know, was The Light House. 

John was born November 1, 1944, in Chatham, LA to John Claude and Mattie Lou (Yeager) Auston. 

He is survived by his wife, Emma Austin; brother, Ronald Austin and wife Helen, son, John Austin Jr. and wife Lori; daughter, Alissa Lestage, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents John Claude and Mattie Lou Austin; sibling Birdie Francis Simmons and daughter Allison Lynette Austin. 

Friends may visit with the family at Frantom Chapel Church, Monday, January 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Frantom Chapel Church, located at 1560 Flat Creek Road in Eros, LA on Tuesday, January 28th, at 11:00 am with Pastor Steve Austin officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, located at 2037 Vernon Eros Road in Ruston, LA under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home.

Serving as Pallbearers will be David Sweitzer, Daniel Austin, Christopher Maxwell Jr., Jacob Marcum, Rob Crowe, and Keith Walters. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chad Porter, Jerermy Soresen, Tommy Chatham, and Glynn Browder. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: 
Frantom Chapel Church
PO Box 105
Eros, LA 

(LSP Troop F News Release)

Wyatt – On Sunday, January 19, 2024, shortly before 6:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Siloam Church Road east of Louisiana Highway 505. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Randy Culpepper of Jonesboro.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2005 Dodge Ram, driven by Culpepper, was traveling east on Siloam Church Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Culpepper, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. Although impairment is not a suspected factor in this crash, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Follow all traffic laws and ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Classes at all schools of the Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) will resume on Wednesday, January 22nd. The announcement was made by the JPSD at approximately 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Classes had been cancelled on Tuesday following the threat of a winter storm that was expected to bring ice and snow to the area but spared Jackson Parish from any accumulations of any mix of wintery precipitation.

 

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This Friday evening has been designated at “Blackout Night” at Jonesboro-Hodge High School who will be hosting rival Lincoln Prep for the district 1-1A opener for both schools. 

Fans are encouraged to come dressed in black to show support for the JHHS girls and boys teams and encouraged to arrive at the JHHS gymnasium early to get a good seat as an overflow crowd is expected. 

Actually three games are scheduled to be played as the junior varsity boys teams from both schools will get the action started with a 5:00 pm tip off. Following will be the JHHS girls looking to improve on their 8-11 record against Lady Panthers who have suffered through a 1-8 campaign to date. 

The nightcap features a pair of teams who both are riding good streaks.  JHHS, now 5-12 on the season has won three of their last four and Lincoln Prep, who is ranked #3 in Division IV among “select:” schools sits at 13-6 after winning their last three and five of their last six. As a sidebar, the contest also will be the first time that first year JHHS head coach, Fred Hearne, will take on his former school. 

 

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Both the Quitman High School boys and girls teams will put their lofty Class B rankings on the line this Friday when they travel to the Shreveport area to take on Class 5A Benton High School.

The Wolverines bring a stellar 19-2 record, that includes an area best 18 game winning streak, and a #3 ranking in Class B into the contest against Benton which has a 6-10 record on the season. The contest will mark the fifth time this season that Quitman will have faced a Division I school with the Wolverines winning the previous four with two wins over Haughton and victories over Northwood – Shreveport and West Ouachita.  

Perhaps the task ahead of the 4th ranked Lady Wolverines is even more daunting. Benton has posted a 17-8 record on the year and has won four of their last five, with the only loss since the calendar flipped to 2025 being to Huntington, ranked #2 in Division I among “select” schools. 

To the Lady Wolverines credit though QHS (14-8) enters playing their best ball of the year. Head Coach Kyle Leach’s squad has won their last four and six of their last seven, losing a only a close game to Cedar Creek, who at 18-3 is the #2 ranked team in Division IV among “select” schools. During the streak, Quitman has bested Class 5A West Ouachita, who sports a 15-6 record, beat a 20-5 Summerfield team and most recently won a hard fought district 1B victory over a strong 14-8 Weston squad.  

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With the extreme winter weather conditions impacting Jackson Parish and the state of Louisiana over the past few days, Louisiana State Police (LSP) urges residents and visitors to stay weather aware. 

Roadway conditions, especially bridges and overpasses, tend to decline quickly during winter weather events. LSP will work closely with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to monitor and close roadways as necessary; however, it is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize safety and stay off the roads during deteriorated conditions.

* If travel is unavoidable, motorists should follow these safety tips:
* Reduce your speed and allow extra time to reach your destination.
* Increase your following distance behind other vehicles.
* Do not use cruise control while driving in wet or icy conditions.
* Anticipate stops and brake gently while stopping.
* Be watchful for icy patches on overpasses, bridges, and shady spots on the roadway.
* If you encounter a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer into the skid until you regain control.
* Use low-beam headlights only.
* Watch for slow-moving DOTD vehicles, as well as first responders.
* Remember that it’s illegal and unsafe to drive around barricades.
* Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained.

For roadway closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system, 511la.org, or the Louisiana 511 smartphone application. If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the road, you may notify the nearest State Police Troop by dialing *LSP (*577).

Continue to monitor LSP’s social media accounts
for updated information regarding current traffic advisories and roadway conditions. Residents are also encouraged to visit GetAGamePlan.org for preparedness tips and resources to stay safe during severe weather events. Be weather-ready and stay safe, Louisiana!

A video with this information can also be found on the LSP YouTube channel. 

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Weston High School hosts Doyline this Friday evening for a key District 1B matchup that finds the girls and boys squads from both schools needing a victory to stay in touch with the leaders.  

The action will begin with a 6:00 pm tip off where the Lady Wolves (14-8, 1-1) look to get back on track after dropping a hard fought contest against rival Quitman that ended a three game winning streak. On paper, it looks as WHS should have no problem posting a victory as Doyline enters with a 1-16 record that includes losses in their last 13 games. In comparable district games Weston beat Simsboro 46-21 while Doyline lost to the Lady Tigers by a 44-16 score. 

The “favorite” shoe is on the other foot when it comes to the boys contest though. Needing a victory to have any remote chance of staying in the district title race after dropping their first two 1B games, WHS, which now sits at 6-16 on the year, has a tall task ahead. Even though Doyline was shocked last week by Simsboro in their district opener that ended a five game winning streak, the Panthers still sport an impressive 18-3 record. Giving Weston hope is the fact that Doyline doesn’t own a single victory over a team with a winning record the main reason that they sit at #15 in the Class B rankings, despite being tied for the fourth most wins. 

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Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. Applications are available at https://www.meriwether.com/resources and must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Meriwether Wealth & Planning, LLC is a registered investment adviser with offices in Minden and Ruston, La. They provide services such as investment management, retirement planning, business valuation, and advisory services for employer plans. Learn more at www.meriwether.com.

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Bradyn Stevenson of Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) in Jonesboro eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in career scoring becoming the first in the schools history to achieve such a lofty milestone.

Under the direction of head coach Dusty McNaughton, CCA is located at Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro and competes in the SLICE Independent Sports League, which is composed of schools from north Louisiana and east Texas. 

Currently CCA sits atop the SLICE League standings at 2-0 having beat Kingston 61-41 and Heritage 84-45 over the past two weeks. The next scheduled game is slated for Friday, January 24th, at the CCA gymnasium, located at 783 Walker Road in Jonesboro. 

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This past weekend Weston High School Student Council members attended the 74th annual Louisiana Association of Student Councils convention At Sulphur High School. While there, they had the opportunity to hear from renowned motivational youth speaker Kate Garnes, and they were able to network with other student leaders to discuss ways to improve student life at their schools.

These student leaders are excited to bring back all they learned this weekend! Special thanks to Mrs Jones and Mrs Waggoner for giving up the long weekend to support our students!

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