The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) announces to drivers that LA 813-3 east of Hodge in Jackson Parish will be closed on Saturday, March 1, 2025, to replace a cross drainpipe and is expected to reopen on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

LA DOTD states the closure will be approximately 0.25 miles east of US 167. During the closure, a detour route will be provided, and signs will inform drivers of the new route.

For more information during the closure, contact (1-888-762-3511).

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Quitman High School beat Hathaway 37-34 on Monday to advance to the LHSAA Class B quarterfinals. With the second round victory, the #4 seed Lady Wolverines who qualified as the undefeated district 1B  champion, improved to 21-9 on the season while Hathaway, out of District 6B, sees their season conclude with a 17-18 record.

NEW HEIGHTS! Since Kyle Leach, who has been a head basketball coach for 25 years now including for 21 years at QHS, began his second tenure as the head coach the Lady Wolverines in 2018 his squads have exhibited a continued level of success. Four times (2019, 20, 21, 24) Quitman has won the District 1B crown while coming in second place (2018, 22, 23) the other three seasons. Each year QHS has qualified for the LHSAA playoff but after winning a first round game in all but the 2023 season, the Lady Wolverines have bowed out in the regional round. By breaking through what had been an invisible barrier before Monday, the 2024-25 edition of Lady Wolverines have now made the LHSAA Quarterfinals for only the fifth time in school history. joining the 2000 and 2011 teams and now have a chance to share reaching the state semi-finals with the 2001 squad and making an appearance in the state finals, done only by the 1975 Lady Wolverines.

“I am so proud for our girls and coaching staff,” said an overjoyed Leach following the victory.” Reaching the quarterfinals was one of our team goals this year and the girls worked really hard this year to achieve that!”

SLOW START!  At the beginning of the game it looked like this years playoff run was going to be like so many in the past, where a team from southwest LA would eliminate Quitman in the second round as Hathaway jumped out to a 16-6 lead. 

“Hathaway came out on fire and their best shooter hit three 3’s right off the bat,” recalled Leach. “They constantly beat our press and got lots of open looks on the break forcing us to quickly make some defensive adjustments. 

LOCKING DOWN! Leach’s adjustments to the defensive scheme made an immediate impact. By rotating Taylor Borland, Kinsley Ponder, Emma Walker, and Hallie Kate Pullig on Hathaway’s top two scorers the Lady Wolverines started forcing turnovers, including making 8 steals in the second quarter alone that allowed Quitman to rally from a 16-8 first quarter deficit to trail only by 19-18 at the half. 

“Our defense from the 2nd quarter on was outstanding,” reflected Leach. “it was a total team effort as everyone really stepped up and did a good job of shutting them down.

TAKING CONTROL! Quitman’s came out of the break still applying the swarming defensive scheme that continued to give Hathaway fits and forced 8 more turnovers, including one stretch of five possessions in a row. Meanwhile the Lady Wolverines started to connect down low with Cali Deal making six of her team high 18 points and Hallie Kate Pullig adding another basket. With the addition of a pair of free throws by Anna Leach, the Lady Wolverines headed into the fourth quarter with a 28-23 lead that held up in the fourth after both teams made four baskets each. 

“Offensively, we struggled to score throughout the night, but give credit to Hathaway for having a good defensive strategy,” said Leach when asked about the low scoring total. ” I know the final score was low and it was an ugly offensive game, but that’s how playoff basketball can be at times! An ugly win is better than a pretty loss!”

LOOKING AHEAD! Quitman will now host #5 Anacoco at 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 27th. The Indians, who are the District 4B champions and bring an overall record of 22-11 into the contest, presents a strong obstacle in Quitman’s attempt to reach the “Marsh Madness” state tournament that will be held in Hammond, LA, March 3-8 . Included in the victory total are wins over Class B’s top ranked team Fairview, Florien, Negreet and Pitkin. Regardless of the challenge ahead, Leach is optimistic about the Lady Wolverines chances. 

“For us to be in this position is a real testament to the team. We have come a long way since the beginning of the season but by them working hard and working together in practice they have earned this opportunity to compete for a chance to go to state,” said Leach who continued to praise his team. “They have been a joy to coach! I really look forward to practice every day and watching them push each other to be better! Hopefully we can keep it going because I’m not ready for this season to end yet!

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman (22-11)	8	10	10	9	37
Hathaway (17-18)	16	3	4	11	34

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Everyone loves a good deal, and that’s exactly what shoppers can expect in Jonesboro starting on March 1st and continuing to run on each following Saturday of the month as a new Craft and Flea Market will set up at the corner of Allen Avenue and Fourth Street, offering a variety of handmade goods, antiques, and unique finds.

Looking ahead, organizers are considering a move to the Deacons of Defense Park after the first event, where the market is hoping to expand to include a Farmers Market alongside the craft vendors. This would give the community access to fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goods, and possibly even farm-fresh eggs at prices that won’t break the bank.

Mark your calendar now for March 1st and corresponding Saturday’s to make plans to support local artisans, farmers, and small businesses. Whether you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind crafts, delicious homegrown food, or just a fun community event, the Sunshine Craft and Farmers Market is sure to deliver.

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The boys basketball teams from Jonesboro-Hodge and Quitman High Schools are two of many preparing to journey along the highways and byways in the state of Louisiana, all having the goal of ending their journey at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, LA, site of the 2025 LHSAA “Marsh Madness” State Tournament. 

Jonesboro-Hodge will begin their quest to bring home a state title on Friday, February 28th, when they travel to Montgomery, LA, located just north of Natchitoches for an opening round contest. The Tigers, who finished in 4th place in district 1-1A, qualified for the 28 team, Division IV, “non-select” school bracket as the #23 seed after ending the regular season with a 10-18 record in head coach Fred Hearne’s first year at the helm. Their opponent, Montgomery High School, who was the third place team from district 3-1A earned a #10 seed after ending the year with a 14-13 record. 

Quitman High School has a shorter distance to travel in their quest to make it to the state tourney. By virtue of their stellar 23-6 season, that included an 18 game winning streak, the Wolverines garnered a #6 seed in the 20 team, Class B bracket, which earned them automatic entry into the regional round where they will face #11 Florien, who also received a first round bye, on March 4th at Quitman High School.  

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Jackson Parish School Board (JPSB) Director of Transportation, David Brown, announces that the JPSB is needing school bus drivers. If you are interested in this opportunity, you will need to complete a 30-hour training class that will be held from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm in Winnfield on March 8th, 10th and 12th or in Lincoln Parish from March 3rd-7th, with each class beginning at 5:00pm. You must attend each class date to earn certification. 

To register or for more information, contact Director Brown at (318) 475 – 1910.

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Gov. Jeff Landry visited Northwestern State University on Feb. 25 to meet with community officials, legislators and leaders in business, industry, education and economic development to address the pending closure of the International Paper mill in Campti and its projected negative impact for Natchitoches Parish. 

“There is no one who understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me,” Landry said, referencing the closure of multiple Fruit of the Loom facilities in south Louisiana in the 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s not only the jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached. While I don’t have all the answers today, I can tell you that we will continue to work towards building economic opportunities throughout central and north Louisiana.”

“I think that the greatest opportunity that we have for economic development is actually central and northern Louisiana,” he said, referencing the selection of Richland Parish as the site of Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center.

The governor said a proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot to reform the state’s tax code could open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He has also tasked higher education administrators with shaping Louisiana’s universities and community college systems to support jobs and industry.

“I think it’s evident from the governor’s remarks that his intention is clearly to bring the full force of the government to do whatever we can do to mitigate the reality of this decision by IP,” said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. “One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development. It’s not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope.”

Bourgeois said her office is currently working with five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana.

“We’ve announced 21 wood-related projects in the last seven years that our team is now going to focus on seeing about placement of employees, placement of product and how we can redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility in those projects,” Bourgeois said.

Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, said she has engaged a rapid response team, the team that responds to layoffs, who can offer services specifically for IP workers.

“The IP workers are getting services in career counseling, envisioning where their career could go and how to connect with training. We can help offset the cost of that training with the focus of getting people jobs right here in this area.”

“We want to do as much as we can to backfill, to give back, what the closure is going to cause,” Landry said. “We will work as hard as we can and the good news is you’ve got other areas of the state that are performing, and a high tide has a tendency to lift all boats. We are focused on this area, not only Natchitoches but the central and north Louisiana area. We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there.”

Landry said there are companies around the country and around the world are looking for investments in the U.S., which aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost American manufacturing.

“Right now, that is being driven primarily by the president’s agenda and we want to be able to capture as much of that as we can. You see this great team and we have worked hard and I don’t know anyone who isn’t trying to soften the impact,” he said.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has resources available at https://www.laworks.net/.

Information on the Louisiana office of Economic Development is available at
https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/.

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Many wondered how Jonesboro-Hodge High School would fare in the 2025 LHSAA baseball season with a sixth head coach in as many years. While the jury is out on Carlos Hick’s first year at the helm, the longtime JHHS football coach has certainly gotten the Tigers off to a great start.

Actually, the 17-5 “mercy rule” five-inning rout of Lincoln Prep on Monday was not only a great start to the season but what looks like a school record start. Certainly the best start in over 15 years. 

A review of the record books show that prior to the 17 runs scored by the Tigers on Monday, that since 2006 the most runs scored by the Tigers on opening day was 12 against Simsboro in 2021. 

Additionally, what also makes the opening day win even more impressive is that the Tigers have dropped their first game of the year in 8 of the last 9 seasons, being outscored by an average of 10 – 3. 

What is the difference this year? 

“We have a lot of returning players,” said Hicks, who with a 1-0 record as a head coach now holds a sports record that although has been tied thousands of times can never be broken. “The guys put in a lot of work on their own prior to the season and it showed today that they took it upon themselves to get better.”  

Early on it looked like this game would be like so many in the past as three walks and two hit batsmen by JHHS pitching paved the way to Lincoln Prep jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Tigers narrowed the margin to 3-2 in their half of the inning when Landon Boston and Trey Trosclair scored on a passed ball after getting a walk and being hit by a pitch. 

In what turned out to be brilliant decision, Trosclair was moved to the mound in the top of the second where he stayed the final four innings, without allowing a single hit and only giving up a pair of run in the top of the fifth inning by which time JHHS had rallied to score 15 more runs, including plating 11 in the bottom of the fourth to take the unsurmountable lead.  

Offensively, the Tigers garnered 7 hits while also drawing 16 free passes that comprised of 14 walks and two hit batters. Maurice Baker led the hit parade with 3 in 4 at bats, scoring 32 runs and driving in 4 more while Trosclair, who scored four runs and Kamal Cottonham each slapped a double. Dakota Knox (2 runs scored) and Jeremiah Turnage (run scored, RBI) also hit a single each for JHHS, while Boston scored three runs.  Waylon Evans and Jamarlon Johnson also crossed home plate once each. 

While the two teams compete in District 1-1A, the Monday season opener for both schools does not count as a district game. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Lincoln Prep (0-1)	3	0	0	0	2	5	1	0
Jonesboro-Hodge (1-0)	2	1	3	11	x	17	7	0

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Weston High School fell to Florien High 70-57 on Monday in the regional round of the LHSAA “Marsh Madness” girls basketball postseason tournament bringing an end to their 2024-25 season. With the loss, the Lady Wolves finish the basketball season with a 21-11 record while Florien continues to the quarterfinals with a 20-16 mark where they will face top ranked Fairview on Thursday, February 27th.

With homestanding Weston being seeded #8 and visiting Florien coming in at #9, and separated in the Class B power rankings by only one tenth of a point, the regional round playoff contest was expected to be a close one.

For three quarters the prognostication held true.

For the first three quarters both teams battled tooth and nail with Weston staying in front by a slim margin the nearly the whole time. Only twice during the contest did Florien take a lead, both times gaining a three point advantage, the first at 8-5  early the first quarter and once again at 42-39 late in the third period. Both times the Lady Wolves rallied to hold a slim advantage heading into the next quarter. 

Then came a Florien flurry of points in the final frame.

Opening the fourth quarter with a pair of three pointers and a basket, Florien took their largest lead of the game at 50-46. A three-pointer by Anslee Aldy narrowed the gap to one but four more baskets by  the Black Cats opened up a 61-53 bulge. In an attempt to whittle the lead down with time running out, WHS head coach Stacy Tucker had his team foul Florien but instead of Weston getting closer the Black Cats made their charity shots that led to a 28 flurry of fourth quarter points leading to the eventual 70-53 final score. 

The loss overshadowed several outstanding efforts by the Lady Wolves, including a “double-double” performance of 19 points and 10 rebounds by Briley Peterson and a team high 11 rebounds by senior, Nadia Siadek, who also scored four points in what turned out to be her final prep game. Carly Jo Griffin and Anslee Aldy also had good games with each reaching double figures in scoring, ending with 13 and 10 points respectively. Jakayla Fourd finished with five rebounds to go along with her two points while Rachel Bandy chipped in with four points. 

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TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
#8 Weston (21-11)	9	16	19	13	57
#9 Florien (20-16)	8	16	18	28	70

Once a Tiger, always a Tiger! That is the creed that many who went to Jonesboro-Hodge High School proudly carry with them no matter where life’s journey takes them.

For former JHHS gridiron standout, Xavier Atkins, that belief has already been personified through his actions three times. The first and second time, it was when the three time All-Stater, twice as a Jonesboro-Hodge Tiger in 2021 and 2022 and again in 2023 while playing for Summer Creek High School in Humble, TX, signed to play for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers in 2024. Now, it is after Atkins entered the NCAA transfer portal in December and then decided to be an Auburn University Tiger for the 2025 season. 

As a prep athlete, Atkins turned in remarkable statistics while helping his two high school football teams to great heights. During his sophomore season at JHHS, “Deebo” helped the Tigers reach the LHSAA Class 2A state semi-finals by recording a school record 218 tackles and 28 tackles for a loss, both which led the state. During his senior season at Summer Creek, Atkins had 102 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles that was instrumental in SCHS earning their first ever berth in the Texas UIL Class  6A Division II state championship game and Atkins being a finalist for the 2024 Mr. Texas Football Award.  

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The public is invited to attend a meeting of the Jackson Parish Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) that will take place at 2:00 pm on March 6, 2025 in Room 50 at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School. 

SEAC Meeting Agenda

1. Welcome – Bonnie Buckelew

2. Organization for Autism Research – Peer Education Grant-Danielle Copeland

3. Reading of book, “Masterpiece” –  JHES student
(each SEAC member will be given a copy of the book)

4. April Dunn Act Self – Assessment Review-Karie Potts and Amiee Larche

5. Field Day – Christy Lenard

6. Preschool Enrollment – Emily Smith

7. Questions and Answers

8. Adjourn

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The Wolverines baseball team saw their 2 game winning streak come to an abrupt halt this past Saturday evening when they dropped a 7-2 decision to Class 5A Evangel Christian out of Shreveport in the nightcap of the Northwood Tournament. With the loss the Wolverines fall to 2-5 on the year while ECA improves to 3-3 on the season. 

Evangel jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second only to see Quitman shave the deficit in half in the top of the fourth in an inning that showed potential to score much more. The frame opened with Kace West, Jack Potts, Cail King and Aiden Greer all hitting singles and Asher Shultz getting hit by a pitch with two outs. Unfortunately, the Wolverines only scored one run as West was thrown out attempting to score from second base and QHS left the bases loaded, twice failing to get the ball out of the infield with one out. After Evangel scored two more in the bottom of the fourth to go up 4-1, Quitman scored their final run of the contest when Hudson Pullig scored after drawing a walk, moving to 3rd on West’s second hit of the contest and took home on a passed ball. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (2-5)	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	2	7	2
Evangel (3-3)	2	0	0	2	1	2	x	7	6	2

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Melinda “Coach” Miles has been named the recipient of the Southern University Livestock Leadership Award. Miles was presented the coveted award during the opening of the 82nd annual Livestock and Poultry Show that is being held on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge for her dedicated commitment as a volunteer to 4-H members. 

“Jackson and Winn Parish 4-H members are so lucky to have a 4-H Livestock Volunteer Leader like Melinda Miles,” said Jackson Parish 4-H Director Kristina Bourgeous.  “We are so proud that she was recognized today for her work with youth of this state by the Southern University Livestock Show. Great job Coach!!”

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Jackson Parish Recreation Department Director, Justin Dodson, announces that the  final day to registration for boys and girls for play in the Jackson Parish Recreation Department 2025 youth baseball and softball leagues is Saturday, March 1st. 

No late sign-ups will be accepted.

Also, if you are interested in being a head coach or being an assistant, please sign up as both are needed at present.

See below for the form to use or go online to the JPRD website at jprec.org to complete the sign-up form. 

If you need any help with online registration please email jprec.director@gmail.com.

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by Brad Dison

During World War II, Leslie Townes was a civilian working with the United States military. Leslie was so skilled at his job that he led a group of sometimes as many as 30 other male and female civilians who also worked with the military. Leslie and his team went wherever they were needed, usually on short notice, and performed their jobs to perfection.

On April 30, 1945, when Soviet soldiers surrounded Hitler’s command bunker in Berlin and Hitler realized that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin, he and several others in his bunker committed suicide. On May 2, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army and the war in Europe was over. Leslie and his team had been working in Germany at the time the Soviets overran Berlin.

Because of Leslie’s work, the Russians provided him with a pass and transportation to get into Berlin to see Hitler’s bunker. Remember, Russia was our ally during World War II. Leslie could not pass up the opportunity. Several Air Force men who had just returned from flying President Harry Truman to the Potsdam Conference accompanied Leslie to the bunker.

Leslie said, “They drove me in a big car past all the rubble that used to be Berlin… There were all these Russian sentries guarding a big concrete dome sticking up out of the ground, covered by grass and mud, surrounded by huge bomb craters.” Leslie was shocked by what he saw inside. He said, “The place was a shambles, furniture scattered all around,” then added, “as if the last tenant had just gotten a divorce and his ex-wife had tried to take the rugs with her.”

Leslie and his Air Force escorts began collecting some of the smaller items from the bunker. The Russian guards made no attempt to stop them. The Russians had already rummaged through and collected what they considered valuable. Some of the items Leslie collected from Hitler’s bunker included stationary with Adolph Hitler’s initials and the handle from Hitler’s toilet. While the Air Force men collected other items, one of them noticed Leslie staring at a large swastika flag which covered one whole wall.

As Leslie contemplated what that flag represented as he stood just feet from where the dictator met his demise by his own hand, one of the airmen said, “would you like to have that?” Leslie was a little doubtful. He did not want to leave the swastika flag flying as Hitler had left it, but he was unsure how they would get it out of the bunker. Finally, the airmen rolled it up from the floor to the ceiling and removed it from its fasteners. They folded it as well as they could. The guard, who had paid little attention to them until now, was watching their every move. The airmen gave the guard a couple packs of American cigarettes. In return, the guard gave them an iron cross that he had found in the bunker. Leslie referred to this as the first post-war Russian-American trade pact. As the guard lit a cigarette, Leslie and the airmen left Hitler’s bunker with Leslie’s large swastika flag. Leslie’s plan was to display the items in a museum.

Following the war, Leslie’s work with the U.S. military continued until his retirement in 1991. He had worked with the military for 50 years. In 1997, Congress passed a bill that made him an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces. Leslie was the first American to be so honored by Congress. During the presentation at the Capitol Rotunda, Senator Strom Thurmond presented a resolution which referred to Leslie as, “a great man, a great American, a great entertainer.” The man who took Hitler’s flag from his bunker, who led his troupe of performers around the world entertaining the soldiers for 50 years, was Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope.

 

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The Nursing Assistant students from Jonesboro-Hodge High School that are under the direction of Mrs. Duck have been busy over the last few months. Kynnedi Aaron, Jaidon Venzant, Skyliah Dill, Dantayja Allen and Miracle Cowan have worked hard in the classroom to gain knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for clinical and their upcoming state certification exam and have become CPR certified under the guidance of school nurse, Mrs. Emily Toms.

In December the students attended Forest Haven’s Holiday Hoopla. While there students were able to pass out goodies and interact with residents and their families. Currently our students are being able to further develop their hands on skills through clinical training at Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

On behalf of the JHHS administration and Nursing Program, thanks is given to Mrs. Sandra Billings and her amazing staff at Forest Haven for continuing to support these students. 

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The 2025 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Indoor Track Meet was held on February 22nd at the Field House on the campus of Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge with a total of 144 schools from all over the state competed in Division I and Division II competition.

Included were Kaleigh King, Emayshia Wiley, Sunni Altheimer, Lindsey Woods, Kinley Walker and Megan Kelley from Quitman High School who competed in two events in the girls division and Gage Horton, Nathan Harvey, Brayden Smith, Jayden Harts, Amaurion Thompson, and Sean Henry in three events on the boys side for Division II honors. 

QHS State Indoor Meet Results

Boys 4×400 Meter Relay – 6th Place in Finals
QHS Team Members: Gage Horton, Nathan Harvey, Brayden Smith, Jayden Harts, Amaurion Thompson, and Sean Henry

Boys Triple Jump 
Jayden Harts – 8th Place in Finals

Boys 60 Meter Hurdles 
Nathan Harvey – 12th Place in Prelims

Girls 4 x 400 Meter Relays – 11th Place in Finals
QHS Team Members: Emayshia Wiley, Sunni Altheimer, Lindsey Woods, Kinley Walker, Megan Kelley, Kaleigh King 

Girls 60 Meter Hurdles 
Kaleigh King – 14th Place in Prelims

 

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Addison Faulkner, who is a student at Weston High School, won first place in Quilling at the Louisiana Jr. BETA State Convention that took place on February 18-20 at the CajunDome & Convention Center in Lafayette, LA. 

By virtue of her outstanding placement, Faulkner is now eligible for the National Jr. BETA Convention that will be held June 29 – July 3, 2025 in Orlando, FL. 

The Louisiana Junior BETA State Convention is known as the largest in the nation with  over 11,000 Beta’s coming from schools all across the state.  

What is the National Beta Club?

The National Beta Club is an international honor society for students in grades 4–12. It promotes academic achievement, character, leadership, and service. The club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in the United States.

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Times sure have changed here on Walton’s Mountain as bass tournaments have become a magnet for anglers looking to cash a check and make some money — illegally. In a few cases, it’s just about fulfilling their ego by being the so-called “best” angler on their designated lake. These are anglers who want you to think that they are the best fisherman on the planet! Let’s look at why cheating has become the preferred technique when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

If I had to speculate on why this has become a problem nationwide, I would first look at the money involved. Bass tournaments today are offering some big money and prize packages. For example, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series offers a prize package valued at over $100,000 for the biggest bass caught in their event. THAT’S $100,000 FOR JUST ONE FISH!

Numerous trails with both team and individual formats are offering anywhere from $10,000 up to $75,000 for first place. But the cheaters aren’t just showing up at these major tournaments, they’re also backing their boats in the water at your local Thursday night three-hour shootouts, which is really sad!

If it’s not for money, then what other reason would someone have to cheat? For guys that like to race, it’s the need for speed that’s the addiction, but for bass anglers fishing for a couple of hundred dollars on a three-hour event in the middle of the week, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the reason for cheating.

Once you’ve been labeled a cheater in the bass tournament world, your reputation is gone, and everyone knows the kind of person you really are. It’s just not worth losing your pride and dignity.

Are the anglers who cheat just a sign of the times and the world we are living in? A lot of people today are looking for a shortcut and don’t want to earn their keep. Not many people want to work for what they have! They either want it given to them or they will cheat to get what they think they deserve.

I’ve even witnessed, first-hand, guys who thought it was OK to cheat in a golf tournament by turning in a score that wasn’t a true reflection of their actual score. This was all for a $200 gift card to the local pro shop! This seems to be especially prevalent with the younger generation, which is very disturbing to me.

Where have we gone wrong with raising kids that think it’s OK to cheat or stretch the truth, or is it a “social media” thing? Now we just might be onto something here, as both young and old people love to post their accomplishments on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. I guess they think it gives them instant fame and credibility on their ability to achieve success.

All I know is this — IT HAS TO STOP! People who fall into the “cheaters” category need to be taken out behind the woodshed and taught a lesson. I’m wondering when the day will come where tournament anglers take a page from the NASCAR guys and hold kangaroo courts in the parking lot.

The next thing that must happen is when these guys get caught cheating and committing fraud: judges need to come down harder on them with automatic jail time and a lifetime ban from fishing tournaments. All fishing tackle including rods and reels, their bass boat and any other equipment needs to be forfeited.

I’m personally tired of going to tournaments and asking the question, “did they cheat or was their catch legitimate?” The problem is that no event is immune from someone cheating. Even the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail, a Christian anglers tournament trail, has delt with this issue lately. How sad is it that someone thinks it’s OK to cheat in a Fishers of Men event!

Besides the issues with forward facing sonar, cheating is just another reason honest anglers are walking away from bass tournaments and refusing to pony up entry fees. They’re tired of worrying about that two percent of anglers out there that don’t want to play by the rules. Both issues are having a negative effect on tournament organizations trying to provide a reputable bass fishing trail.

Here’s my concern. One day something bad is going to happen to one of these low-life cheaters when they show up at an event and anglers decide to take matters into their own hands. I just hope they have good medical insurance!

‘Til next time, keep your boots dry and your hooks wet. And remember, if you must cheat to win, you’re really a loser!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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On Saturday, March 1st, the Jackson Parish Youth Basketball League will be conducting their final week of play. A total of nearly 300 boys and girls on 30 teams consisting of players from the ages of 5-14 have been competing in 8 separate divisions since January 11th.

Venues of play are at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School for age groups 5-6 and 7-8 boys and girls, Jonesboro-Hodge High School girls gym for age groups 9-10 boys and girls and at the JHHS boys gym for age groups 11-12 boys, 11-13 girls and 13-14 boys.

Each week, the Jackson Parish Journal publishes the Youth Basketball League schedule for upcoming games in the Wednesday edition and weekly game results, including individual scoring, in the Sunday edition.  

To have the Jackson Parish Journal sent to your email address free of charge simply click join and enter your name and email address.  

YBL Schedule for February 22

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School
9.00 am: Pelicans vs Bulls(age 5-6)
9:45 am: Warriors vs Bucks (age 5-6)
10:30 am: Liberty vs Sparks (age 7-8 girls)
11:15 am: Kings vs Thunder (age 7-8 boys)
12:00 pm: Hawks vs Magic (age 7-8 boys)
1:30 pm: Celtics vs Kings (age 7-8 boys)

Jonesboro-Hodge High School Girls Gym
9:00 am: Sky vs Fever (age 9-10 girls)
10:00 am: Jazz vs Rockets (age 9-10 boys)
11:00 am: Raptors vs Grizzlies (age 9-10 boys)

Jonesboro-Hodge High School Boys Gym
9:00 am: Spurs vs Bulls (age 11-12 boys) 
9:45 am: Dream vs Wings (11-13 girls)
10:30 am: Suns vs Stars (11-13 girls)
11:15 am: Lakers vs Blazers (age 13-14 boys)
12:00 pm: Heat vs Warriors (age 13-14 boys)

School is in Session

Teach me; reach me.

Trials and testing can be teachable moments.

Do I submit or resist my teacher?

God has lessons to share and blessings to give.

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4 AMPC).”

Rest assured; nothing happens by chance.

“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28-29 AMPC).”

School is in session.

“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you (Philippians 1:6 AMPC).”

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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.

Milton Barr (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery of the Infirmed
Amanda L. Skipper (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Phillips Jennings (Jonesboro, LA) – Criminal Mischief, Disturbing the Peace, Resisting an Officer
Alysa Green (Quitman, LA) – Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile
Travis Nash (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft, Criminal Damage to Property
Shane Husser (Farmerville, LA) – Possession of Schedule II

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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.

FREE GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES

To Forever Homes due to relocating: 1 Male, 1 Female, Excellent Temperament, House Trained. Will Not Re-home To Just Anyone! Preferably email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com before Text to (541) 655-9477.

CAREER 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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY 

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 10, 2025

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, February 10, 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 Mrs. Tarneshala Cowans. Absent: Mr.
Lewis Chatham. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent, and Mr. Edquardo, Solid Waste Supervisor, and Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer.
The President, Mr. Culpepper, called the meeting to order. Mrs. Combs gave the invocation and Mrs. Magee led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. (From the Veteran’s Committee meeting)
The President opened the floor for public comments. Public comments were made by Mr. John Shoemake.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mrs. Cowans to amend the agenda adding item #19a. Agenda item #19a-Consider and approve November 8, 2025 as the date for the Veteran’s Brunch. Motion carried.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Magee to adopt the minutes of the January 13, 2025, Police Jury Meeting, January 15, 2025, Special Called Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President called for approval of committee reports.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to adopt the minutes of the January 23, 2025, Road Committee Meeting. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to approve the 2025 Maintenance list. Motion carried.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mr. Burris to approve the 2025 Road program and 3-year plan. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Magee to approve paying $25,180 to Edko for roadside spraying for asphalt roads only. Motion carried. Nay- Ms. Rowe
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mrs. Cowans to adopt the minutes of the January 29, 2025, Finance Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Magee to approve charging municipalities a flat fee of $100 per hour with minimum of 4 hours for road work. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, gave the January 2025 Operations Manager Reports.
Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent, presented the January 2025 Road Report noting that $2,344.96 had been spent on emergency callouts/off-schedule work.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Ms. Rowe to accept the January 2025 emergency/off-schedule reports.
Motion carried.
Mr. Edquardo Howard, Solid Waste Supervisor, presented the January 2025 Solid Waste Report.
The President moved to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley presented the Engineering Report.
There was no action taken on agenda item #12
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mr. Burris to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Road Department Operator II vacancy. Motion carried.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mr. Burris to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Road Department General Laborer vacancy. Motion carried.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mrs. Magee to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to complete and submit the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and engagement letter to the Auditor of Record for the Audit ending
December 2024. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mr. Burris to accept the bid for Solid Waste dumpsters. Motion carried.
Motion- Mr. Burris, seconded by Mrs. Rowe to accept the bid for the Coroner’s van. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Cowans, seconded by Mrs. Magee to re-appoint Mr. Robert Hunter to the Recreation Board. Motion carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded by Mrs. Cowans to approve November 8, 2025 as the date for the Veteran’s Brunch. Motion carried.
Announcements- None
All jury members thanked the public and workers for attending.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Burris to adjourn. Motion carried.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Advertisement to Bidders

Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana is thrilled to announce Sharonda Leonard as the newest future homeowner in Jonesboro, LA. Leonard, an esteemed educator at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School, was selected by the Board of Directors during their January meeting in Monroe, LA.

The exciting announcement was made in a heartwarming surprise during a school pep rally at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, where the entire student body and faculty gathered for the reveal. With the help of Principal, Danielle Copeland, Habitat for Humanity was able to orchestrate a memorable moment for Leonard, who was met with cheers and applause from her students and colleagues.

Adding to the celebration, Mayor Harris of Jonesboro attended the event, highlighting the community’s commitment to affordable homeownership. Mayor Harris remarked, ‘This is the first home build in Jonesboro in 12 years, and we are delighted that Habitat for Humanity has come here to help our community.’

Smurfit WestRock, the title sponsor of Leonard’s future home, joined in the celebration alongside Jonesboro State Bank, another proud sponsor present for the announcement.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sharonda Leonard to our Habitat family,” said Kathy Gardner, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana. “Her dedication to education and her community truly reflects the heart of our mission. It is an honor to walk alongside her on her journey to homeownership. We are also incredibly grateful to Smurfit WestRock for their unwavering commitment to this project. Their employees will be volunteering all the hours needed to build the home, in addition to providing the majority of the funding for materials.”

Smurfit Westrock, General Manager, Brett Tremblay stated, “it is our privilege to continue our support for this community and what better way to do it than to provide a home for one of our own. We are committed to Jonesboro Hodge and its citizens, and we are delighted to help in the build of this home by our own employees. We are also delighted that Habitat for Humanity has come to this community to help. We are proud to partner with Habitat.”

“Additionally, Jonesboro State Bank has been instrumental in this effort, generously providing essential funding to make this home a reality, continued Garnder. “We are so very grateful for their immense generosity,.”

Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana remains committed to providing hardworking individuals and families with the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership. This project would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders who continue to invest in creating a brighter future for families in north Louisiana.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in Southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., and in more than 70 countries.

Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

For more information on how to support Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, please visit hfhnl.org or contact our office at (318) 366-5352.

 

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