The Jackson Parish Library will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of Presidents Day but the rest of the week has a full schedule of activities and events for patrons of both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches.
This past week, the administration of Quitman High School recognized three outstanding team members as Staff of the Week for February 9-15. Congratulations go to the following:
Elementary – Jodie Caskey
Secondary – Garrett Nyegaard
Support Staff – Stephen McBride
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.
The Jackson Parish Youth Basketball League completed week six of the 2025 season having only two more weeks to go. A total of 30 teams consisting of players from the ages of 5-14 are competing in 8 divisions.
Venues 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.
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Bucks 11 Pelicans 10
Bucks Scoring: Grayson 3, Parker 2, Dredyn 2, Synovia 1, Christon 1, Ella Jo 1, Memphis 1
Pelicans Scoring: Braxton 3, Doliyah 2, Eva 1, Kristopher 1, L’master 1, Braeden 1, Brennan 1
Bulls 14 Warriors 8
Bulls Scoring: Tegan 6, Gentry 3, Ryker 1, Rilynn 1, Dallas 1, Karen 1, Harper 1
Warriors Scoring: Thiago 2, Colton 1, Ashton 1, Landry 1, Parker 1, Tanner 1, Stella 1
Liberty 16 Aces 8
Liberty Scoring: Brenleigh 7, Matilyn 6, Mallory 2, Laurel 1
Aces Scoring: Kaylee 4, Mercedes 3, Korea 1
Hawks 27 Thunder 18
Hawks Scoring: D.J. 8, Ryker 6, Jackson 4, Russ 2, Jase 2, Kolton 2, Kase 2, Owen 1
Thunder Scoring: Levi 13, Lamar 2, Kaden 2, Oliver 1
Magic 37 Celtics 18
Magic Scoring: Jeremiah 10, Oliver 8, Brennon 7, Duke 6, Uriah 4, Sam 2
Celtics Scoring: Levi 10, Kolton 4, Stetson 3, Gideon 1
Kings 23 Hawks 15
Kings Scoring: Ayden 8, Reece 7, Kaden 4, Pistol 1, Xavier 1, Cole 1, Bryce 1
Hawks Scoring: Owen 6, Russ 3, D.J. 2, Jackson 1, Jase 1, Kolton 1, Ryker 1
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Levi 13, Levi 10, Jeremiah 10
Sky 23 Mystics 9
Sky Scoring: Cadie 12, Jaicee 6, Aubree 2, Carrington 2, River 1
Mystics Scoring: Natalie 4, Miriam 3, Delilah 2
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Cadie 12
Raptors 37 Jazz 16
Raptors Scoring: Carson 12, Mason 11, Hayden 8, Grayson 4, Parker 2
Jazz Scoring: James 7, Colton 6, Liam 3
Rockets 22 Grizzlies 17
Rockets Scoring: Clay Burton 10, Khaza Cottonham 5, Bentley Hall 4, Thomas Johns 2, Sean Sandifer 1
Grizzlies Scoring: Koplen 12, Jase 4, Braxton 1
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Carson 12, Koplen 12, Mason 11, Clay Burton 10
Spurs 26 Bucks 25
Spurs Scoring: Jaden 14, Burch 4, Elijah 4, Carter 3, Benson 1
Bucks Scoring: Thatcher 8, Jaxen 7, Ryder 4, Sheppard 4, Kash 2
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Jaden 14
Stars 22 Dream 19
Stars Scoring: Kate 15, Kelsey 3, Mallory 2, #10 – 2
Dream Scoring: Kynleigh 6, Brooklyn 6, Bree 4, London 3, Shelby 1
Wings 26 Sun 12
Wings Scoring: Audrina 12, Bella 5, Addison 4, Saniyah 2, Demie 2, Jaylen 1
Sun Scoring: Lizzie 5, Ansley 2, Scarlett 2, Audrey 2, Charlee 1
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Kate 15, Audrina 12
Heat 23 Lakers 21
Heat Scoring: Kaleb 5, Levi 4, A.J. 4, Raylon 4, Malachi 4, Jameon 2
Lakers Scoring: Eli 12, Jaxon 4, Leyton 3, Jacolby 2
Warriors 35 Blazers 27
Warriors Scoring: E.J. Jackson 12, Colton Otwell 11, Lucas Leach 5, Luke Rowe 5, Ashton Borland 2
Blazers Scoring: Cason 15, Hayden 6, Tucker 2, Brody 2, Josiah 2
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Cason 15, E.J. Jackson 12, Eli 12, Colton Otwell 11
(Winnfield, LA) — A total of 19 students, including several from Jackson Parish, recently completed the first evening Practical Nursing cohort offered at Central Louisiana Technical Community College’s (CLTCC) Huey P. Long Campus in Winnfield.
“Since I began working at this campus, I have wanted to offer an evening course for the Practical Nursing program,” said Campus Dean and CLTCC Director of Adult Education Jeff Johnson. “Providing an evening option provides opportunities for students who cannot attend day classes, due to jobs or other obligations.”
The inaugural evening class began in January of 2023 and completed with a pinning ceremony in December of 2024. That’s slightly longer than the 18 months for the traditional daytime course.
“With the night class, students are coming to class from 5-9 p.m. three times a week
versus fulltime Monday-Friday classes,” Johnson explained.
He noted Huey P. Long is the third CLTCC campus to offer an evening option for PN students, joining Alexandria and Ferriday.
“Our Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, Mignonne Ater, was instrumental in getting this program started, as was lead instructor Melissa White,” Johnson said. “We just started our second evening class and we had great enrollment for the first class and the second, and we plan to continue offering the evening option.”
Graduates of the initial class include: Maegan Bell, Antonyia Bradford, Tamara Bradley, Alexia Breaux, Kaitlin Bryant, JaCari Burks, Molly Connor, Melissa H. Dorsey, Renika Gibson, Cassandra Holmes, Jakeela Humphery, Raven Martin, Megan Parker, Bria Pikes, Kaiesha Russell, Grace Smith, Rebecca Walker, and Dinaya Wiley.
Applications for the upcoming semester are now open. For information about enrollment visit www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information, contact the school via email at info@cltcc.edu or call 800-278-9855.
This past week over 50 freshmen at Quitman High School took a special field trip to the Jackson Parish Courthouse where they visited the courtroom and heard from District Judge Rick Warren.
While there the high schoolers learned a lot about courtroom procedures from Judge Warren and had a lot of fun while discussing courtroom procedures. Thanks goes to QHS coach Kyle Leach, teachers and parents who helped arrange the trip.
The Jonesboro-Hodge High School Agriscience and FFA programs has had a very active 2024-25 school year. Below is a pictorial of the many events these fine students under the tutelage of Ms. Angela Shows have taken part in.
When I was growing up and getting my introduction to the outdoors, there were two
seasons of the year – hunting season, and fishing season. From early spring until October when cool weather hit, we fished. Once squirrel season opened, we hunted until spring came and it was time to fish again.
We never mixed the two, probably because we mistakenly thought that fish
migrated like ducks and geese once the weather became cold. How wrong we were. Some of the year’s best bites take place at the same time you run the risk of encountering another bite….”frost bite”.
Recently, I ran across some excellent advice and tips from a couple of pro bass
fishermen to help you catch more bass when the weather is cold and nasty. Some
professional anglers actually like it when the weather and water turn cold and the bass turn off. Like the top tier of professionals in any competition, they are practitioners of the philosophy expressed by the old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” But that’s not the only thing that separates winners from losers.
Winners know that in decent weather anybody could get lucky and win. But in
nasty weather, especially the bitter, cold kind, most competitors lose focus and, losing
focus, they lose tournaments. This process of self-elimination narrows the field of
competitors and tilts the odds toward the diehards.
“When someone tells you the bass won’t bite because the water’s too cold, just
ignore them,” said Woo Daves, Spring Grove, Va., winner of the 2000 BASS Masters
Classic.
A bundled-up Daves won that Classic by facing down a very cold, rough and
windy Lake Michigan during a three-day northeaster. Daves and other cream-of-the-crop anglers, can testify to this from their trophies, cash, prizes and experience that bass do bite in cold water. They all agree; you just need to apply a little finesse.
Daves volunteers these cold water bass tips: “On rivers, fish backwaters and reverse
currents where the water is warmer and the bass don’t have to fight the current. In deeper water, run to long flat points or channel bends. Cruise around and watch your depth finder for signs of baitfish.”
“Find the bait; find the bass,” said Daves, who has two favorite presentations. One is a ¾-ounce spoon, jigged vertically. The other is a dropshot rig, a ½-ounce weight on the bottom and a dropper hook about 12 to 18 inches up the line. Daves dresses it with a short, plastic worm and fishes it slowly.
Mark Raveling, pro angler of Spring Park, MN, preaches slow fishing, slow to the
point of no rod movement at all. Dead sticking, it’s called. His favorite pattern is a steep drop-off close to a feeding area. He’ll fish a plastic worm with a jig head or, he’ll switch to either a Rapala jerk bait or to a Shad Rap or a Storm Wiggle Wart.
“These baits crank down to a certain depth and remain at that depth until the
angler winds them back to the rod. Here’s the drill: Crank it down. Wait. Wait some more. If you get a fish, stay put. There are more fish where that one came from and they’re suspended at the same depth,” said Raveling.
The advice of these and other bass fishing professionals can be summed up in two
basic concepts for fishing cold weather bass. Downsize your lure, and slow down your
retrieve. Give these techniques a try this winter for what could bring you some HOT cold weather bassin’.
CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners
or jigs out in front of the spillway. Bass are starting to move up but fresh water caused by heavy rains have made them have to wait until things settle down. No report on bream or catfish. 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.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Before all the rain, anglers were catching some really big crappie on jigs and shiners in open water. Bass are beginning to get in pre-spawn mode and some big ones were being caught soft plastics and creature baits. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is rising. A few catfish are being caught. Crappie are
scattered and slow. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –Crappie have moved to the deepest water in the channels and
have been fair to good on shiners and jigs. Bass are still deep and soft plastics are picking up some nice fish. Catfishing is good off the banks on cold worms. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been best with some slabs caught fishing
shiners or jigs just out from the dam in 32-25 foot water. Bass are beginning to start
moving up but heavy rains have slowed things down. No report on bream, catfish or
stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie are improved on both the north and south ends of
the lake on shiners or jigs. No report on bass. Catfish continue to bite. For information,
contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising and will continue to rise as the Mississippi river
will be bringing down lots of new water which will likely shut things down for awhile.
For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
The “Stories Of Us” Literacy Celebration will be held at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 400 Jefferson Street in Jonesboro, LA. The literacy program will begin at 4:00 pm with a special ribbon cutting of the new BOOK NOOK slated for 4:30 pm.
The BOOK NOOK will be located near the bridge on the playground beside the McDonald Recreation Center and will be filled with children’s books ages K-5 for all children to read and even take if they so choose.
This initiative was started by Ochsner LSU Health- Monroe and also sponsored by 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Boys & Girls Clubs of North LA.
“We are currently looking for a group of community leaders who will take on the project of restocking the Book Nook. Boys & Girls Clubs of Jonesboro will also help in the book restocking process,” said Janet Wilson, Director of Development for the North Central Region of the Boys & Girls Club.”
In October 2023, Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) kicked off the Community Photography Contest – a celebration of our local communities’ history, beauty, and scenery, captured through the lenses of those who call it home. The winning images from this contest are proudly displayed throughout the hospital, highlighting the stunning beauty of Jackson Parish and surrounding areas!
2024 Community Photography Contest October-December Quarter Winners
“Fall’s Palette” by Jonas Thompson
“Perfect Evening” by Angela Walsworth angelawalsworth2020)
“Saline Bayou” by Jonas Thompson
“Fire On The Water” by Jonas Thompson
Your creativity and talent have truly shone! JPH thanks you for participating and encourages you to participate again in the future!
New Year, New Entries
JPH is now accepting entries for the 2025 January-March quarter. If your entry was not selected as a winner in 2024, you can now resubmit your photo(s) into the 2025 contest as old entries do not carry over into a new year.
You can submit as many entries as you would like, and if your entry isn’t selected this time, it will roll over into the next quarter as long as it was submitted in 2025! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase our community and your talent!
The Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School girls basketball team under the direction of Coach Carlette Lyles and Coach Gromika Plamer beat Lincoln Prep Elementary on Wednesday, February 12, by a scored of 14-8 at the Jonesboro Hodge High School gymnasium.
Charity Harper, Hope Drayton and D’Allyua Boston paced the well balanced scoring attack with four points each. Morgan Osborne also contributed with two points.
What path are you on?
I’ll get to the path in a minute. First a confession, my backyard is ridiculous!
Over the course of years, I have become a clandestine showroom for Tuff-Sheds. I have three of them in the backyard. That is in addition to the original shed built by the Baptist deacons!
The sheds are connected with a boardwalk, so I need not walk in the yard. The most infamous of my sheds is the dog shed, which I call the doghouse. It is the smallest. I insulated it and finished the interior. It holds one doggy crate, a wing back chair, a 42-inch TV, an air conditioning unit, and has a doggy door to the outside.
There are times I am in the doghouse. People have seen my doghouse and asked if they could “be in the doghouse.”
This winter the dogs have created a path through the center of the yard. It is their short cut to the greenhouse. Yes, I have one of those too! They refused to walk on the boardwalk, choosing instead their own path.
Their path is the most efficient way to travel to the greenhouse from the backdoor.
The dogs are most often on the path. They have some kind of canine love for the contents of the greenhouse. They travel the path! Since it is properly tamped down, I now travel the path as well. The path became such because that was the way we traveled across the backyard. Do you have an animal path through your yard?
The Greek word for path is hodon.
In the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark, we read that blind Bart was sitting at the roadside (hodon). After he receives his sight, he follows Jesus along the way (hodon). I remind you that Jesus said, “I am the way (hodon), the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
There are other familiar places where this word appears. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus preach about the narrow path (hodon) that leads to life and the wide path (hodon) that leads to destruction. (We call that the path of least resistance.)
In Matthew 13, Jesus talked about the seeds and the soils. The first batch of seeds fell on the path (hodon) and the birds came and ate the seeds.
Can I change the translation in John 14? Can you read this verse as Jesus saying, “I am the path … no one comes to the Father but by me.”
The Jackson Parish Recreation Department announces that it is that time again to get the Baseball / Softball / T-Ball seasons underway. JPRD would appreciate your help in showing your support to the youth of our parish by sponsoring a team and purchasing a banner to display on a field.
If you would be willing to do so, the cost is $200.00 per sponsorship, which includes the banner.
Please send checks or money orders made payable to: JPRD at PO Box 315, Jonesboro, LA 71251.
Drafting for teams will begin the 1st week of March 2025, so please send your sponsorship and money in by this time.
If you have a logo, send it to: Jprec.director@gmail.com
Sponsorships to be posted on the JPRD website @ Jprec.org is also available. Cost is $300.00 per year to add your logo or hyperlink. This can be updated throughout the year. Send Logo or contact info to: Jprec.director@gmail.com
My husband Norm has a sunny disposition; some people naturally seem to see the positive side of circumstances. It feels good to be around hopeful individuals; they lift our spirits.
Who wants to be around an old grouch? To be honest, I don’t always see the sunny side of life.
Music was a big part of both of our lives while we dated. Norm was the nighttime DJ on Top 40 radio 1260 WNDR, Syracuse and I was a loyal listener.
I recall a humorous conversation from a Sunday morning while on our way to worship services. We had invited a close friend to church and were discussing something we all noticed across the street.
Norm (knowing it was on the opposite side) mistakenly referred to it as the ‘flip side’ of the street. As radio announcer he seldom played the flip side of hit records.
Paul directed us to the winning side; the sunny side of life.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:6-8 NASB).”
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.
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.
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Arthur “Artie” C. Norris, age 46 of Quitman, passed away on the evening of Monday, February 10, 2025 after a beautiful, brave battle with a short illness. Artie was the loving husband of Sonya Mitchell Norris for nearly 18 years and the amazing father of Brayden Brown (Taylor), Kylan Brown, and Lilli Norris.
Artie was a lively, loyal, and endearing man that loved his family, loved his children, and created many years of love and memories with his beloved wife. He loved to help others when he could. He cared for his friends as though they were extended family and would often offer them a place to stay. He enjoyed driving fast, jamming to his music, and bringing joy to everyone he encountered. Artie loved the outdoors, loved being out in the sun, and he lived life like there was no tomorrow until he drew his last breath. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Artie was the devoted son of his parents; father, Arthur “Art” Norris; and mother, Ann (Marin) Bennett (Norman). He is the brother of Tina Guyotte and James Norris and the fun and spirited, mischief-making uncle and gruncle to Savannah (Guyotte) Lebrun, Samantha Guyotte, and Hunner Guyotte and their children.
A private memorial will be held in his honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to a “Go Fund Me” in his name or at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home to help the family with arrangement costs.
Maxine Cottingham, age 85, of Hodge, LA passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, February 9. A Jackson High Graduate and former Big Star and Karen’s Country Store employee, her “famous burgers/cooking” and contagious spirit will be greatly missed. She leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Willie Claudie Cottingham “W.C.” and family. February 25th would have marked their 63rd anniversary!
After friends and loved ones visited with the family on Friday, February 14, her Celebration of Life service was held at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in East Hodge, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home and Dr. Gavin R. Hamms, Pastor. Interment followed at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Hodge, LA.
Funeral services for Reggie McKinney, age 75, of Jonesboro, LA will be held 11:30 A.M. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston. Officiating the service will be Bro. Geary Phillips. Interment will follow in Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
A Visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. until service time at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, 209 North Bonner, Ruston, LA.
Reggie met His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Forest Haven Nursing Center in Jonesboro. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. McKinney and Dora Jean (Costin) McKinney; brother Randy D. McKinney of West Monroe; Paternal Grandparents, Ernest and Maebelle McKinney; Maternal Grandparents, Viola Copeland Upchurch, all of Jonesboro; and Charlie Costin of Bastrop. He was also predeceased by his Step-Grandfather, R. G. (Gordon) Upchurch; his Paternal Great Grandmother, Ida Seymore McKinney, both of Jonesboro; and his son-in-law Garrett McGowan of Ruston.
Reggie, an entrepreneur, was in the automobile sales business for most of his life. He also operated McKinney Grocery in Jonesboro, as well as “Fatty’s” Drive Inn. Reggie grew up in the Fifties and Sixties, and he Loved his oldies but goodies music, including artists such as The Temptations, Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Dianna Ross and The Supremes, The Four Tops, and The Four Seasons.
Reggie was always “the life of any party,” and whether at his home, or in his nursing center room where he resided for a number of years, if he knew company was coming, he had his music playing. Not only did he enjoy his music; he also knew every word of every single song! Sometimes, friends and visitors found difficulty in having a serious conversation with Reggie, as he would suddenly turn up his music and start singing, mid-conversation!
He loved family and friends, and it was never difficult to get them to come over because Reggie loved great food and was a great cook! He was known for his Shrimp Creole, Shish-k-Bobs, and for cooking great steaks! Reggie hosted the very best of Christmas get-togethers for his family in his home, and it was never unusual for friends or extended family to “drop in” on Christmas Eve, uninvited, as they all know that they would be welcomed by Reggie.
Reggie loved to have fun and making his friends and family laugh! He could make people laugh, even during difficult circumstances. As a matter of fact, Reggie often added a light note to sometimes difficult circumstances faced by using humor.
And, of course, all who knew Reggie were aware of his love for politics. Whether it was a local election, a district wide election (especially District Attorney and Sheriff’s Elections), or Presidential Elections, Reggie McKinney always had his “marked” ballot, and he was constantly sharing it with others. “Win, Lose or Draw,” as he would say, Reggie was whole-heartedly with his candidate, and he was a fierce political competitor.
Most important though, Reggie believed in his Lord and Savior, and he looked forward to the time when he could meet those who he loved, in Heaven. And with this, we know that he is rejoicing!
Reggie is survived by his daughters, Katie McKinney McGowan of Ruston and Christi McKinney Permenter and husband, Chris, of Hodge; two grandchildren who were lights to his life, Hunter Alexander of Quitman and Bridget Alexander of Hodge; sister-in-law Cindy McKinney; and niece, Mallorie McKinney, all of West Monroe.
Reggie is also survived by a host of friends, all of whom he counted as family. If you were ever a part of Reggie McKinney’s family, then you always were. Surviving Reggie, as well, his “grandbaby” dachshunds, Coco and Pearl.
The family wishes to express their eternal gratitude to the amazing staff at Forest Haven Nursing Home, who have loved, and taken such good care of him over the last 8 years. We would also like to thank Charlotte and the staff at Ascend Hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; online at stjude.org/donatetoday or to the Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro, the church he was raised in. Their address is 773 Walker Road, Jonesboro, LA, 71251 or Text to Give at 318-351-2529.
Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Golden, Russ Golden, Andrew D’Avy, and Hunter Alexander. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Johnson, Floyd Miles, Dane D’Avy, John Golden, and Chris Permenter.
Exciting news was announced on Tuesday, February 11th, for residents and schools of nine parishes in the state of Louisiana, including Jackson Parish, when Optimum declared that 1 Gig Fiber Internet would be made available to over 13,000 homes and close to $30,000.00 would be donated to schools.
A couple of quick highlights on the news:
Optimum has donated nearly $30,000.00 to fund 39 “Donors Choose” projects across 9 parishes. These classroom projects were fully filled for teachers with open requests allowing them to tools and experiences they need for the classroom.
Optimum has also completed a $30+ million network expansion across the same nine parishes in Louisiana, providing 1 Gig Fiber Internet to over 13,000 homes and businesses that previously lacked high-speed broadband access.
This investment is part of the state’s GUMBO (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) program, which is helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Louisianans have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
The newly-served parishes include Beauregard, Bossier, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vermillion, and Webster. This expansion is crucial for fostering economic growth, enhancing educational opportunities, and improving public safety in these communities.
For more details click here.
Optimum is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.6 million residential and business customers across 21 states.
Ever hear of the old game show, Who Am I? It was played with the show host giving a stat or characteristic and then asking the player who that person was. Lets play a round! Ready?
I am averaging in double figures for the 2024-25 Quitman Wolverine boys basketball team. Who Am I?
In reality you could say this was a “loaded” question. As in the answer is loaded with possibilities as four of the five players that head coach Mike Black routinely starts would be a correct response. One would be the young man who is featured on the banner above as Brayden Martin leads the Wolverines in scoring with a 14.9 points per game (ppg) average. Then there is Noah Leach and Gavyn Caskey who check in at 11.6 and 11.0 ppg respectively followed by Brayden Smith, who rounds out the “fab four” with an 10.8 average.
It would be safe to say that Quitman has a “balanced attack”, the kind that every coach who treads the sidelines dreams about. That balance will have to be on full display this Thursday if Quitman hopes to beat Simsboro and gain a share of the district 1B title.
By virtue of their 85-60 victory over Quitman on January 28th and riding a season best 10 game winning streak, Simsboro, has a 17-8 overall record and a perfect 7-0 mark in district competition. Quitman stands at 22-4 overall after dropping am 89-75 decision on Monday and is 5-1 in IB play. Regardless both teams are in prime shape heading into the upcoming Class B playoffs with at least one home game promised. Quitman currently holds a #5 ranking while Simsboro is just one spot behind.
It has been a tough year for both neighboring Jackson Parish schools separated by less than 10 miles. Both boys teams have at least twice as many losses than wins and both are in desperate need of a victory to stay in the postseason picture. JHHS enters with an 8-18 record and a #25 ranking in Division IV, where only the top 24 make the playoffs. Weston’s record is worse at 7-22 but is in a similar situation as they have a #23 rating in Class B with only the top 20 moving on to postseason play.
Editorial written by: Angela Burton, Acting Regional Administrator, USBA
Just like any meaningful relationship, managing a small business requires effort, care,
and the right resources. In the spirit of appreciation, we’re sharing the small business
resources we love this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, these resources will help you blossom.
SBA Resource Partners
The U.S. Small Business Administration has built an extensive support network of
resource partners that provide a wide range of services for entrepreneurs at every stage of business. SBA’s network of Resource Partners provide free or low-cost training, coaching, and mentorship to entrepreneurs in communities across the country. Resource Partners include SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). Entrepreneurs at any stage of business, including ideation or growth phases, can search mentor profiles on the SCORE website to find a mentor with experience in their industry or field of interest.
Boots to Business Training
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program that
provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and military spouses. B2B is available free of charge. Through this training, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts and how to develop a business plan.
APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, PTAC) provide technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local governments. APEX Accelerators can help businesses determine if they are ready for federal contracting, see if they are eligible for small business certifications, and assist with researching contract opportunities.
Entrepreneurs can take advantage of all these resources to reach success! Wander
Staffing in San Antonio, Texas, for example, utilized each of these programs to start and grow. After transitioning from the Army, Gabriel Wander, founder of Wander Staffing, participated in the B2B program, which connected him with the University of Texas at San Antonio APEX Accelerator for help navigating the System for Awards Management (SAM) website. Wander also tapped into SCORE mentors for assistance with identifying contracting opportunities that matched his company’s capabilities.
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Angela Burton is the SBA’s Acting Regional Administrator overseeing the agency’s programs, offices, and operations in serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
This past spring, Quitman High School won their first ever state championship in baseball. Fast forward to February 10th and a flurry of other firsts took place in advance of the Wolverines playing their first regular season game of the 2025 baseball season.
The day started with first year head coach, Chris Womack and the Wolverines baseball team “cutting the ribbon” on their brand new, locker room that is situated by the baseball field on campus.
“Quitman High School Baseball would like to extend a huge thank you to Thurston Allen and Jonesboro State Bank for their generous donation to help complete our baseball locker room! Your support means the world to our team,” said Womack. “We also want to recognize and thank Rod Potts with ProCar Products for the incredible State Championship sign, and Barry Dodson with Dodson Enterprises and Brent Pullig for their contributions. Additionally, we truly appreciate all the volunteers who donated their time, skills, and supplies to make this project a reality. Your generosity and dedication to our program do not go unnoticed! We are beyond grateful for the support of our community!”
After the ribbon cutting ceremony the Wolverines took the field at QHS for their first regular season game of the year. They will have to wait at least a few days before they get their first official win of the 2025 season.
Calvary Baptist 11 Quitman 0: The expectation for Calvary Baptist out of Shreveport, which was a 2024 Division III “select” school quarterfinalist, was that a deep run in the 2025 playoffs was expected. One thing is for sure. Their pitching staff has a bonafide “ace”. Continually hitting close to 90 miles an hour on the “jugs gun”, Justin Funderburk kept Quitman at bay, allowing only one hit that being a first inning double by team captain Maddox Duck. It would be the only hit QHS would get until the bottom of the 7th innning when Kace West stroked a line shot to right field. In between Funderburk struck out 12 QHS batters before getting relieved in the 6th inning, including striking out the side in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th innings. Hudson Pullig also got on base for Quitman by drawing a walk. Zach Smudrick took the loss for the Wolverines.
Chris Womack, who is now in his first year at the helm for Quitman after being an assistant on the 2024 Division V “non-select” state champion Quitman squad, expected the Wolverines might have trouble putting the ball in play against the Calvary hurler.
“We expected that Funderburk would present a challenge for us,” said Womack. “He is one of the better pitchers in the state and seeing him in our first game after having to replace six starters from last year was a tall task for sure. We get them again later in the year though and I would think that we may have better fortunes then as our new guys will have gotten more seasoned.”
NEXT UP! The Wolverines will hope to get into the victory column on Thursday, February 13th, when they travel to Zwolle for a mixed double-header. Quitman will play Florien at 4:00 pm and then turn around and take on Zwolle at 6:00 pm. A Friday contest at Red River in Coushatta follows with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 pm.
The Lady Wolverines will open defense of their 2024 Division IV “non-select” school state championship on Friday, February 14th when they host Glenbrook Academy and D’Arbonne Woods in the 2025 Quitman Jamboree.
All members are invited to attend the regular monthly members meeting of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) that will take place on Wednesday, February 12th. The session will take place at 12:00 pm (noon) at the JPCC Office, located at 601 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro.
Weston High School head baseball coach, Joey Kemp, believes that to be able to beat the best often, you have to play the best often. Since taking over the reins of the Wolves baseball program in 2022, he has annually put together one of the toughest schedules to be found, regardless of classification. His belief has proven to be a good one as the Wolves have made the Division IV state tourney in two of his three years at the helm.
This season Kemp has stayed true to the form, maybe even having his Wolves face the strongest schedule yet. Certainly the first two games couldn’t have been any tougher as Weston faced Class 4A Brusly High School and Class 5A Natchitoches Central. Not only were the two squads from much higher classifications, they both also boaster a D1 college prospect as the ace of their staff.
Brusly 12 Weston 0: Hits came few and far between for the Wolves against Braden Ray, who has drawn interest from virtually every state university, including LSU and Louisiana Tech. In six innings, the Brusly “ace” allowed only three singles and two walks while Brusly roughed up three Weston pitchers to the tune of 8 hits and 8 walks, while also getting the benefit of 4 WHS errors. Drew Browning, Jase Borders and Colton Blundell, who also coaxed a free pass along with Jacob Gill were the only baserunners for Weston. Sawyer Watkins got the loss for the Wolves.
Natchitoches-Central 12 Weston 0: While the Brusly pitcher was good, the two Natchitoches-Central hurlers, Ross Lindsey and Owen Smith were even better. The pair combined to no-hit the Wolves while combining to strike out 12 in only five innings. Cole Tolar and Jase Bord did coax walks for Weston. Liam Weaver took the loss for the Wolves.
Christian McGuire of Jonesboro-Hodge High School will be one of nine elite senior football players from north Louisiana to be honored with a college scholarship at the National Football Foundation (NFF) S.M. McNaughton Chapter’s North Louisiana Awards Dinner set for Feb. 20th.
Two from the group that includes McGuire, Cole Cory – North DeSoto, Carter Doyal – Loyola College Prep, Jaydan Gladney – Airline, Sam Greer – C.E. Byrd, Landon Hall – Cedar Creek, Cooper Russell – Ouachita Christian, Parker Todd – West Monroe, and Abram Wardell – Calvary Baptist Academy, will also have the opportunity to be selected for additional awards.
One will be designated as the McNaughton Chapter’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, where he will be recognized throughout 2025 at the NFF’s College Football Hall of Fame Museum in Atlanta, and will be eligible for the NFF’s national honors. Another will also be presented by KTBS-TV of Shreveport and Johnny’s Pizza as the Johnny’s Pizza/Griffin’s Game Ball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Reservations for the gala event that will be held at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport, will be available through Thursday morning, February 13th. Tickets, table purchases and sponsorship opportunities for the festivities are available by calling
318-347-4453 or emailing 318nffchapter@gmail.com.
Tickets for the banquet are $45.00 each or $360.00 for a table of eight. Sponsorships are $1,000.00 with all revenue going to fund the scholarships for the nine deserving scholar-athletes announced last month. An extensive silent auction of college and professional football gear, memorabilia and other items will also be conducted during the evening.
Also being recognized after being chosen by the McNaughton Chapter’s board of directors will be, Shreveport businesswoman Toni Goodin with the 2025 Distinguished American award, Ruston High School football coach Jerrod Baugh, named the North Louisiana High School Football Coach of the Year, and retired
West Monroe High School athletic administrator James Remedies, who will be presented with the Contribution to Amateur Football award.
The chapter’s Distinguished American award going to Goodin is presented to an outstanding person who has maintained a lifetime of interest and who, over a period of time, has exhibited enviable leadership qualities and made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football.
Previous winners include Leo Sanford, Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, Mike McConathy, Denny Duron, Orvis Sigler, Bo Campbell, Carl Miklovich, Tim Brando, James Davison, Terry Slack, Billy Montgomery, Dr. George Bakowski, John Manno Jr., Ivan Smith Jr. and George Sirven, and the namesake of the local NFF chapter, Milton McNaughton.
Goodin, a former Logansport High School cheerleader, has been a dynamic influence on local and area high school and college football while serving in a variety of community service roles.
Owning an accounting degree and two master’s degrees from LSU Shreveport, Goodin became involved with the Independence Bowl in 1986, first serving as the game’s official mascot “LeGeneral” and rising through the ranks to become the Bowl’s Chairwoman in 2009. She continues to serve on the board as a lifetime member and is a team host each December, among other roles.
Goodin has been the McNaughton Chapter’s secretary and was recently elected president of the board after the passing of the legendary Leo Sanford. Her involvement with the NFF’s North Louisiana chapter began in 2000 and she became board secretary in 2005. Goodin is the glue that holds the chapter together as she spearheads fundraising activities to assure the success of the annual Scholar-Athlete
Banquet, which she has coordinated for years. She also serves as a member of the NFF Chapter Council that helps select the National High School Scholar-Athlete Award winners.
“Being a part of such an amazing organization on the local and national level is a great honor and privilege,” said Goodin. “Football has long been a passion of mine and being able to help young student-athletes pursue a college education and building leader through football is truly an honor.”
She has over 30 years in healthcare expertise across finance, operations, and human resources with executive roles as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer and currently serves as Director of Business Development at Holy Angels, a residential care facility for those with Intellectual disabilities.
Baugh is being honored for his superior abilities in coaching, sportsmanship, integrity and character in amateur football. This country is marked with remarkable individuals who work tirelessly out of pure love for the game and a desire to help youth play it well and Baugh exemplifies that model.
Baugh has led the Ruston football program back among the state’s best since taking over as the Bearcats’ head coach in 2016. They have played in the LHSAA Division I Non-Select state championship game each of the past two seasons, winning in 2023, and have been highly-ranked in the LSWA’s Class 5A top 10 poll and the LHSAA’s power rankings throughout his tenure.
Baugh’s Bearcats program has produced many college football competitors and he has generated tremendous community involvement and support for the program and school, and impressive facility upgrades. His remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity has been an inspiration for all who encounter him.
The coach of the year honor was last presented to three-time state champion Jess Curtis of Many High School in 2022, and previously to Jason Brotherton of Haughton and Bo Meeks of Airline in recent years.
The Contribution to Amateur Football Award
The Contribution to Amateur Football honor for James Remedies is given to an individual whose efforts and activities in support of the game of football and the Foundation have been local in nature. This individual works tirelessly out of the pure love for the game and a desire to help youth play it well.
Among the distinguished list of prior recipients are Eddie Robinson, Lee Hedges, Bert Jones, Joe Ferguson, Alton “Red” Franklin, Stan Humphries, Doug Williams, Jimmy “Chick” Childress, Alan Carter, Mike Suggs, Rodney Guin, Broderick Fobbs, Joe Raymond Peace and Sam Goodwin.
Remedies has been engaged with the McNaughton Chapter’s scholar-athlete awards program, submitting outstanding candidates from West Monroe and encouraging other northeast Louisiana schools to do the same, since 1997. A native of Converse in Sabine Parish and a Zwolle High School graduate, he ran on two Southland Conference champion cross country teams at Louisiana Tech. After beginning his coaching career there as a graduate assistant track coach, he entered the coaching ranks in north Louisiana high schools in 1983.
In his five decades in high school sports and as a history teacher, he has been a head coach in track and field and basketball, an assistant football coach and for 20 seasons (2003-2022) was athletic administrator for West Monroe’s powerhouse sports programs. He still helps coach the Rebels’ track and cross country teams.
At Winnsboro, Remedies coached state championship basketball (1992) and track (1986) teams, winning state coach of the year honors in both sports. He became assistant football and boys basketball coach at West Monroe in 1997 and helped the Rebels to a pair of football state titles on Don Shows’ coaching staff. Among the athletes he coached were future NFL standouts and current network TV personalities
Anthony “Booger” McFarland (Winnsboro) and Andrew Whitworth (West Monroe).
Eleven Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members from Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) of the 26 who to the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference held at Grambling State University on January 30, 2025 have qualified for the State Conference in Lafayette. after earning Superior scores or winning first place at the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference held at Grambling State University on January 30, 2025.
Earning the right to compete at the State Convention that will be held in the Lafayette Cajundome and Convention Center on March 24-26 by earning Superior scores or winning first place are Houston Cox, Sa’Tavia Qualls, Jaidon Venzant, Mallorie Ashcraft, Kynnedi Aaron, Christian McGuire, Victoria Leonard, Ethan Johnson, Skyliah Dill, Landon Boston, and Hayden Walker.