On Monday January 20, 2025, the Jonesboro community gathered in recognition and celebration of the39th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The holiday was passed by Congress in 1983. The crowd gathered in honor of the many accomplishments by King that changed life for African Americans and people of color throughout the nation.

The theme of the program was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.” A Parade of vehicles proceeded from the American Legion Hall to the Boyer Bell Association Center where the program was hosted. The Parade Grand Marshall was local retired educator Mr. Lee Edward (LE) Joe.
Attorney Zachary O. Simmons was the keynote speaker for this event.

Simmons is Lead Attorney for Pro Bono Programs for the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in New Orleans, Louisiana. Most of his young life was spent growing up in Jonesboro. He graduated from Cedar Creek School in Ruston and enrolled at Xavier University of New Orleans and later Loyola University Law School.

The title of his message was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence. He captivated the audience with words that challenged that there is work to do as freedom for marginalized communities is not guaranteed but must be defended and expanded. He used the work of the Deacons for Defense and Justice started here in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He reminded the audience that the Deacons were a group of courageous men, leaders of the community who refused to sit idle as the KKK unleashed terror against African Americans.

“The Deacons armed themselves, not out of hatred, but out of love,” said Simmons. “Love for their families, their neighbors, and the principle that freedom must be defended. The Deacons exemplified what it means to defend freedom against all odds.”

Simmons also said that Dr. Kings North Star, the principle which guided his mission, was justice. He said “justice is not a static concept. It is alive and active, something we must work toward every day.”

He said that everyone has a role to play in creating justice. For some it may be fighting in courtrooms, marching in the streets, or advocating for policies to protect the vulnerable. He talked about Democracy being a dream under threat and indicated that democracy, like justice, is something we must continually nurture and defend. He said Dr. King believed in the transformative power of democracy. King knew that a true democracy is one where every voice matters and every vote counts.

Simmons reminded the audience that Dr. King once said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” He went on to say that “Democracy is that boat- it carries us all and we have a shared responsibility to ensure that it remains strong and steady, even in stormy seas.”

Simmons reminded us that in the face of today’s challenges, we must embrace the spirit of nonviolence for it is the path that leads not only to justice but to reconciliation. He reminded us that we are called to act out of hope, not out of fear.

“We are called to fight with love, not anger, to stand together knowing that the arc of the moral universe only bends toward justice when we are working together, pulling it with all our might. Simmons said that our courage, dedication and belief in the transformative power of nonviolence and working together can and will make the dream live on. He challenged us to fight for freedom in the words of author Toni Morison who reminds us that our freedom is bound to the freedom of others. Our words have the power to shape history, and democracy is only as strong as the communities that sustain it.”

A community choir provided renditions of spiritual songs and songs from the Civil Rights movement. Refreshments were served for all attendees.

The NAACP’s mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons and to end race-based discrimination. The vision is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race. For more information on the NAACP, please contact Ms. Windy Callahan at 318-680-5511.

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The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control elected officers for 2025 at their regularly scheduled quarterly meeting that was held on January 21st at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. 

2025 JPL Board of Control Officers

President – Carol Massey
Vice President – Ann Standley
Paula Essmeier – Treasurer
Judy Cooper – Trail Blazer Representative 

Board meeting dates and the holiday schedule for 2025 were also adopted as well as amending the job description for the Bookmobile Supervisor by adding the wording “or 4 years of direct bookmobile experience” and decreasing the “Pay Rate/Hour” minimum by $2.00 per hour.

In the final move before the session was adjourned, Emily Webb was promoted to Bookmobile Supervisor, which increased her pay to the Bookmobile Supervisor level 5 tier minimum.

NOTE: The entire minutes of January meeting, can be accessed by going to the Classifieds section of the Jackson Parish Journal. 

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Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. However, underserved communities often face unique challenges in accessing support and resources to escape abusive situations. Addressing domestic violence in these areas requires a comprehensive approach that considers economic barriers, cultural stigmas, and systemic inequalities.

Many underserved communities—whether rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, or marginalized populations—experience significant obstacles in seeking help for domestic violence.

Some of the key challenges include:

Limited Access to Resources: Many victims in underserved areas lack access to domestic violence shelters, legal assistance, or counseling services. Geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and insufficient funding for local support programs exacerbate the problem.
Cultural and Social Stigmas: Cultural beliefs and societal norms may discourage victims from seeking help. Fear of community backlash, religious expectations, or traditional gender roles can prevent individuals from reporting abuse or leaving an abusive relationship.
Economic Dependence: Financial instability is a major factor that traps victims in abusive relationships. Many survivors lack employment opportunities, affordable housing, or childcare support, making it difficult to gain independence.
Lack of Legal Protection and Awareness: Many victims are unaware of their legal rights or find the legal system inaccessible. Language barriers, distrust of law enforcement, and bureaucratic red tape can prevent individuals from obtaining restraining orders or other legal protections.

Addressing domestic violence in these areas requires targeted efforts to overcome the unique barriers victims face.

Some key strategies include:

Expanding Access to Support Services: More funding is needed for domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, and mobile advocacy units to reach victims in remote or underserved areas. Telehealth services can also help provide counseling and legal consultations for those who cannot travel to physical locations.
Community Education and Outreach: Raising awareness about domestic violence through community workshops, schools, and faith-based organizations can help break cultural stigmas and empower victims to seek help.
Economic Empowerment Programs: Providing job training, financial literacy education, and micro-loans can help survivors gain financial independence and break free from abusive relationships.
Improving Legal Accessibility: Simplifying legal procedures, offering multilingual legal assistance, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community can help ensure victims receive the protection and justice they deserve.

Organizations like the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) play a crucial role in supporting victims in underserved communities. By offering crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and educational programs, these groups help bridge the gap between victims and the resources they need.

Domestic violence in underserved communities is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy organizations. By addressing economic barriers, cultural stigmas, and systemic inequalities, we can create a safer environment where all survivors have access to the help they need.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact DART’s local office at 395-8006 or the 24-hour crisis hotline at (318) 251-2255 for confidential support and assistance.

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Under the tutelage of Ms. Angela Shows, the Ag students at Jonesboro-Hodge High School have utilized various resources, including the Careers Connections Curriculum,  to earn various certifications.

An outstanding total of 65 students are now certified in the Carpenters International Training Fund (CITF) Core, including 31 that  are certified in CITF Level 1, and 24 who are certified in CITF Level 2. In addition, another 54 were certified in National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Congratulations to Ms. Angela Shows and students enrolled in Agriculture.

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Demie McCurdy, and her trusty steed “Star”, won 1st Place in the 3D youth 5th Annual Mardi Gras 5D Barrel Bash held at the North Louisiana Exhibition Center on February 2, 2025.

The daughter of Tyler & Kenzie McCurdy of Quitman, La. is a 7th grade student at Quitman High School and is a member of the Louisiana Jr /High School Rodeo Association. Her mount, officially named TNT SHINING SMOKE “Star”, is a  3 year old quarter horse that her and her dad broke and trained themselves.

Congratulations to Demie on winning this prestigious event. Her future in barrel racing looks to be bright as it is obvious that her horse isn’t the only “STAR” that is competing. 

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There is no better way to make Valentine’s Day special than to say it with flowers! And to make that a possibility that won’t break the bank, owner Terri (Liles) Jones and the staff at Always Eva’s Flowers is offering a Valentine’s Day Special on all floral arrangements and other gifts that will help say “I Love You” to that special person in your life. 

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To place your order come to Always Eva’s Flowers, located at 215 Jimmie Davis Blvd. in Jonesboro or call (318) 395 – 5162. Delivery is available upon request. Of special note, all Valentine’s Day school orders requested to be delivered will be brought to the schools on Thursday, February 13th due to Jackson Parish schools beginning Winter Break on Friday.

Competition was abound at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School this past week as the school participated in a Louisiana State Float Project. the JHMS Softball team had tryouts and the Cheerleading team for 2025-26 was announced. 

Winners of the Louisiana State Float Project

1st Place: Demirrio Jones
2nd Place: Carter Sanders
3rd Place: JaLonah Amos

 

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The Northwest Louisiana 4-H Challenge Camp was held on February 6-7 in Bossier Parish. Around 80 campers from the ages of 12-14 along with roughly 20 teen counselors were in attendance including five from Jackson Parish, three who were campers and two more in the capacity of teen counselors. 

Representing Jackson Parish were:
Carter Norris – QHS – Camper
Eliza Guin – QHS – Teen Counselor
Emma Guin – QHS – Camper
Jake Potts – QHS – Teen Counselor
Rhys Hall – WHS – Camper

The two day camp provided campers with a large variety of activities that covered everything from outdoor cooking, food prep, drone flying and safety, rock climbing,  service projects, learning how to dress professionally and how to know what to wear and when, to creative writing and table etiquette. They even got a chance to meet “Bigfoot”. 

“The Challenge Camp was a great success for our 4-H group,” said Jackson Parish 4-H Director Kristina Bourgeous. “Our 4-H’ers jumped right in as counselors and campers, while also helping with problem solving and leading groups. It was a great learning experience.”

 

 

 

ay 2 of Challenge Camp…
With about 80 campers in the 12-14 year range plus about 20 older teen counselors, this day was made to be a blast! From outdoor cooking and food prep, to drone flying and safety, to rock climbing, to service projects, to learning how to dress professionally and how to know what to wear when, to creative writing and table etiquette, these Jackson 4-Hers have had a camp to remember forever. Shoutout to our campers and counselors for a great learning experience at Challenge Camp 2025 – 4-H: Where Legends Are Made…
Carter Norris – QHS – Camper
Eliza Guin – QHS – Teen Counselor
Emma Guin – QHS – Camper
Jake Potts – QHS – Teen Counselor
Rhys Hall – WHS – Camper

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by: Brad Dison

In the winter of 1907-1908, Prefect of Police Louis Lépine employed dog auxiliaries to patrol the lonely beats in and around Paris, France. Having the dogs patrol the lonely beats would free up human police officers to concentrate their efforts in areas with higher crime rates.

On one lonely beat along the Seine River just outside Paris, a young boy fell into the river. Unable to swim, the boy flailed in the water in panic. He was barely able to let out a yelp. Suddenly, one of the police dogs who lived nearby, a large Newfoundland dog, leaped over the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the struggling boy to safety.

Everyone, especially the young boy’s father, was jubilant that the dog had saved the young boy from drowning. The crowd gathered to take turns caressing the Newfoundland hero. The boy’s father rewarded the dog with a large, juicy beefsteak. Two days later, another young boy fell into the Seine a short distance away and struggled to tread water. Again, the Newfoundland hero jumped the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the child to safety. The people rewarded the dog as they had earlier, with caresses and another large, juicy beefsteak.

The following day, another child fell into the water and the Newfoundland came to the rescue again. After this third time, police began to look more closely at the incidents. They questioned the three children separately. The first child to be rescued said he slipped and fell into the river, but the second and third child said they were pushed into the Seine. Police worried that a disturbed criminal was stalking the neighborhood and pushing children into the river so that they would drown. This same scenario happened several more times. Hardly a day went by that a child was not pushed into the river. Luckily, all were within earshot of the Newfoundland hero.

Catching this individual proved to be a difficult task. None of the children had seen who had pushed them into the river. It was normal for people to casually walked along the banks of the Seine. A uniformed policeman began patrolling the area in an attempt to catch the serial “pusher” in the act. It was obvious that the serial “pusher” was aware of the police presence because no children were pushed when he was around. Children were still being pushed in the river and rescued by the dog, but it always happened when the policeman was not looking. There were no witnesses either.

The policeman dressed in plain clothes, but children were still being pushed into the river and rescued by the Newfoundland hero, who by this time had become somewhat of a local celebrity. Still, the policeman was unable to witness the crime. The policeman began watching from a concealed location. He watched as children played by the river’s edge but the serial “pusher” only pushed children who were alone presumably so there would be no witnesses. Then, the hidden policeman noticed a child alone by the edge of the river. Moments later, he saw the serial “pusher” calmly walk up and push a child into the river.

His mouth dropped as he saw the Newfoundland hero spring into action and pull the child to safety. The policeman knew the serial “pusher” well. He had seen him nearly every day since his investigation began, but he never suspected that the serial “pusher” was… the Newfoundland hero whose only motivation was the reward of caresses and beefsteak.

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Despite missing four players who were out with the flu, the Quitman Elementary boys continued to make their inaugural season a successful on by taking a 29-12 victory over Simsboro. With the victory the Wolverines have improved to 7-3 on the year.  Khyree Boston paced QES in scoring with 9 points, followed closely by Kutter Blalock who scored 8. Bentley Ponder finished with 5, Luke Davis tallied 3 and both Carter Kelley and Koplen Taylor had a basket each.

Quitman Elementary girls fall in defensive struggle

Points were at a premium as the baskets at both ends seemed like they had lids on them in Quitman’s 12-8 loss to Simsboro, that is for all except Lily Tolar, who scored all of 8 of the youthful Lady Wolverines points. The QES girls record for the year now stands at 3-6.

Next game will be Saturday the 15th at the Arcadia Tournament when the girls play Lincoln Prep at 10:30 am and the boys play Choudrant at 11:30.

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God Knows Better

Packed and ready to go!

After 57 years of marriage, I can’t remember most of our wedding gifts. We received the customary china and silver. Yet, an inexpensive set of luggage holds special significance because the gift was from Mom and Dad. I think Mom may have redeemed several books of S & H Green Stamps to purchase the suitcases. My husband Norm was leaving his WNDR Syracuse DJ job to fill a position at WDDT, Greenville, MS. We’d need that luggage for the move.

My journey of faith had begun a few months earlier as I moved from unbeliever to Christ follower. God has provided everything I’d need.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:2-3 NASB).”

God knows better than I what I really need.

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you (Matthew 6:31-33 NASB).”

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

JOB OPPORTUNITY

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Library Board of Control Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular scheduled quarterly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Ann Standley, Board Vice-President.
Members present: Paula Essmeier, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, Vickie Jenkins, and Robin Tew.
Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson.
Members absent: Judy Cooper, Carol Massey, and Lewis Chatham
Vickie Jenkins led the invocation.
There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Lisa Nunn made the motion to approve the minutes for the October 24, 2024 Board meeting. Paula Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Vickie Jenkins made the motion to accept the 4th quarter financial reports. Lisa Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Paula Essmeier made the motion to accept the October, November, December, and 2024 statistical reports. Vickie Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Vice-President opened the floor for nominations of officers of the 2025 Jackson Parish Library Board of Control.
Ann Standley made the motion to nominate Carol Massey as President. No other nominations were made. Paula Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Paula Essmeier made the motion to nominate Ann Standley to be Vice President. No other nominations were made. Lisa Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Lisa Nunn made the motion to nominate Paula Essmeier as Treasurer. No other nominations were made. Ann Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Vickie Jenkins made the motion to nominate Judy Cooper as Trail Blazer representative. No other nominations were made. Paula Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Paula Essmeier made the motion to set the 2025 Library Board meeting dates, time, and location as follows: quarterly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month or the day after if a holiday (April 21, July 21, October 20 for 2025 and January 20, 2026) at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch in Jonesboro. Vickie Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Vickie Jenkins made the motion to adopt the 2025 holiday schedule as presented. Lisa Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Vickie Jenkins made the motion to amend the job description for the Bookmobile Supervisor by adding “or 4 years of direct bookmobile experience.” to the “Experience” section and decreasing the “Pay Rate/Hour” minimum by $2.00 per hour. Paula Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Paula Essmeier made the motion to promote Emily Webb to Bookmobile Supervisor increasing her pay to the Bookmobile Supervisor level 5 tier minimum. Robin Tew seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Lisa Nunn made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Vickie Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Ann Standley, Board Vice-President
Mr. Floyd Knox, Secretary

 

 

Randy McKinney
July 18, 1961 – February 8, 2025

Randy McKinney, 63, of West Monroe passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 14, 2025 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe. Visitation will be held at Noon until time of service. A committal service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens, under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe.

Randy was born on July 18, 1961, and was raised in Jonesboro on “Sixth Street hill” and at his Grandfather’s grocery store in the black community of Jonesboro. When Randy was 16, he went to work at Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Randy always felt that his being raised around people of other color and his work at the funeral home during his youth, helped him to work well with and around all people, and to help others during some of life’s most difficult circumstances.

At age 18, Randy went to work for the Town of Jonesboro Police Department and soon thereafter went to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department where he served as a Criminal Deputy under Sheriff Van Beasley. As a part of his work as a Deputy, Randy was one of the first law officers in Jackson Parish to complete a law enforcement training academy.

Completing the academy introduced Randy to a love for college-level work, and he soon began pursuing an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at (then) Northeast Louisiana University, where he graduated in 1984. Randy served in the sheriff’s department until being elected as Louisiana’s youngest police chief at age 25, having served as Chief of Police for the Town of Jonesboro through 1990. It was during this time that Randy met his wife, Cindy, then a deputy in Ouachita Parish, and they were married on December 3, 1988.

During this time, as well, Randy completed the 12-week Louisiana State University Law Enforcement Institute, a specialized school for criminal Justice leaders and investigators, where he was elected class president. In addition, Randy served as President of the North Louisiana Police Chief’s Association. Even though Randy left law enforcement and his beloved hometown, he continued to love Jackson Parish and friends and acquaintances there throughout his life, and he never lost his affinity for the Criminal Justice Profession, nor for those who serve in it.

Randy and Cindy were introduced to large city life when they moved to Dallas in 1991. During this time, Randy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Dallas Baptist University, and just over a year later, he graduated from the University of North Texas’ Master’s Degree Program in Public Administration.

After returning to Louisiana, Randy began a career in healthcare, eventually retiring from the Louisiana Department of Health and from the Louisiana Primary Care Association. He became a licensed nursing facility administrator in 1994. Randy continued his education at Grambling State University, where he received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2002. Randy returned to Jackson Parish in 2003, where he, as a part of God’s plan for him, ran an unsuccessful election bid for Sheriff of Jackson Parish. From 2004-2008, he served as Criminal Justice Department Chair for a small technical college for approximately 4 years, prior to going to work for the Louisiana Department of Health as a Medical Practice Management Consultant.

Randy served for just under seven years as Administrator at Bienville Family Clinic, where he was instrumental in working with school and other community stakeholders in developing the first School-Based Telehealth program provided through a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-certified Rural Health Clinic in the nation. The program was recognized as the Outstanding Rural Health Program by the National Rural Health Association in 2019.

Randy served as President of the Louisiana Rural Health Association in 2019, and again in 2023. Randy worked as Healthcare Technology and Innovations Manager for the Louisiana Primary Care Association from 2021 through 2024, and he served as a consultant to many healthcare administrators, project managers and facilities. Randy was also a Louisiana State Police Registered Handgun Concealed Carry Instructor for many years.

Randy loved Gospel Music, and he enjoyed playing, especially old church hymns as well as patriotic and “old school” black gospel music. Never having received formal training in music, Randy played, “by ear,” the harmonica, piano and other keyboard instruments, the accordion and a Hammond Organ throughout the years.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, James Ernest McKinney and Dora Jean (Costin) McKinney; Paternal Grandparents, Ernest and Maebelle McKinney; Maternal Grandparents, Viola Copeland Upchurch and Charlie Costin; Step-Grandfather, R. G. Upchurch; Paternal Great-Grandmother, Ida Seymore McKinney; as well as by his Mother-in-Law, Andrea Griggs; along with numerous aunts and cousins.

Randy is survived by his wife, Cindy McKinney of West Monroe; daughter, Mallorie McKinney of West Monroe; brother, Reggie McKinney of Jonesboro; nieces, Katie McKinney McGowan of Ruston, Christi McKinney Permenter of Hodge and husband Chris; great-niece and nephew, Bridget and Hunter Alexander; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Lisa Heckford of Calhoun; step-brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wade and Kay Bishop of West Monroe; step-sister-in-law, Kathy Sadler of West Monroe and husband Brian; step-brother-in-law, Jay Griggs; numerous nieces and nephews, step-nieces and nephews, cousins, step- cousins; and close friends that were like extended family that Randy loved.

Randy leaves this advice for his fellow man: “First and foremost, Love everybody; never engage in any behavior, nor in any conversation, that is indefensible, refrain from cheating, even if it results in loss, and always treat those with whom you come in contact along life’s path in such a manner so that they see God’s Love, exemplified through you.”

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Bowman, Shawn Murphy, Chris Young, Jerry Garner, Scott Garner, Matt Reardon, Mark Treadway and Steve Lowery.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro, the Church that he was raised in.

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Residents of Chatham, and surrounding area were treated to a much anticipated treat on Friday, February 7th when the newest edition to their local cuisine offering got a tremendous boost with the opening of El Patio Bar & Grill.

Located at 6542 Hwy 34 in Chatham, the Mexican Restaurant looks forward to “putting a little spice in the life” of locals through the ownership’s offering of a warm and inviting atmosphere, decorated with colorful Mexican art and traditional décor. 

The dine in or take out menu features Mexican dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, from sizzling fajitas, savory enchiladas, tacos to refreshing margaritas and homemade guacamole.

Hours of operation are:

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

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Do you know the answer to the following algebraic equation – up 3 with 2 to go = ……? Give up? While possibly seeming complex, the answer is really quite simple.

It is a District Championship!

That is what the Lady Wolverines basketball team from Quitman High School accomplished this past Friday when they demolished Doyline by the score of 55-11 to clinch the District 1B,  setting a new season best in point differential in the process. 

Back to the equation, here is the explanation. By virtue of their victory, Quitman improved their district record to a perfect 6-0 mark. With Weston being the next closest competitor at 4-3 and only two district games left in the regular season, the Lady Wolverines have clinched the 1B title for the 2024-25 season. 

How they accomplished the feat was not quite so simple though and at the beginning of the season thoughts of a district title, while being a goal of the team, looked more like a hope and a prayer than what became a reality.  

The Lady Wolverines, started the season slowly, dropping half of their first eight game that included lopsided losses to a pair of Class C schools, albeit good ones. Even up until the end of the 2024 calendar year, Quitman was sitting with only a 10-8 record. 

Then the calendar flipped to 2025 and with it the Lady Wolverines flipped their season around. From December 20th to January 3rd, Quitman took a 14 day hiatus from the schedule. While they didn’t play any regulation games, the girls didn’t quit playing during the Christmas break, but instead went to work to improve through rigorous practices.

The result was that when the calendar flipped to 2025 the Lady Wolverines flipped their season around. Quitman embarked on a four game winning streak, all against teams with a winning record, including a Class 5A school. A trip to another Class 5A school in Benton, who has won just one short of 20 games this season, resulted in a loss, the only loss absorbed in the new year. Four more straight one sided victories, all in District 1B play followed leading up to the convincing trouncing of Doyline that improved the Lady Wolverines overall record to 18-9 and bolstered their impressive climb up the power ratings where Quitman now sits at #5, the highest of any north Louisiana school in Class B.

QHS head coach, Kyle Leach, who in his always humble way refused to take credit for the incredible job he did in orchestrating the turnaround was quick to express his pride and pleasure in what his Lady Wolverine squad has accomplished this season. 

“The girls have have improved so much from the beginning of the year and have worked really hard to get to where they are,” beamed Leach. “We learned how to play with a level of physicality that we didn’t have early in the year and all credit goes to this group of girls who have been unselfish, great teammates and who simply love to compete. They make playing and coaching fun, which is how it should be. Winning district was one of our goals and April (Assistant Coach Simonelli) and I are so very proud of them for accomplishing one of the goals we set at the beginning of the year which was winning district. They have earned it!”

Quitman 55 Doyline 11: It was a classic case of the have’s vs the have nots and it didn’t take long to determine who was who. By the time hapless Doyline finally scored by hitting a single free throw, Quitman had exploded for 13 straight points that ballooned to a 21-2 first quarter advantage and an insurmountable 36-5 lead at the half. As has been the case virtually all season, the duo of Anna Leach and Cali Deal led the Lady Wolverines with 14 and 12 points respectively. Jaleigh Burns and Allie Robertson chipped in with 8 points each, while Emma Walker scored six, Hallie Kate Pullig finished with four and Brooklyn Brown tallied two. Braelyn Patton also added a free throw. 

Wolverines Stay Just One Back in Title Chase

The focus for head coach Mike Black and his band of Wolverines is now on the Thursday, February 13th rematch with Simsboro that will be played at Quitman High School. And well it should be. With a victory over the front running Tigers from Lincoln Parish, Quitman will have kept their hopes of winning at least a share of the District 1B championship alive. 

The Wolverines put themselves in this position by turning in their second best scoring performance of the season on Friday in the 84-74 victory over Doyline. It wasn’t easy, but in the end it was the balanced offensive attack that Black preaches that proved to be the catalyst leading to the impressive victory over the perineal small school power. A season best six Wolverines scored in double figures led by Taden Thomas, who entered the contest with a 7.3 points per game scoring average but exploded for a career high 18 points, bolstered by hitting three of six shots from the three point line. The two Brayden’s (Martin and Smith) also came up big with 16 points each with Gavyn Caskey checking in with 14 points and both Larsen Thomas and Noah Leach tallying ten points apiece. By virtue of the victory, Quitman secured their #4 ranking in Class B and improves to 22-4 on the year and 5-1 in district play while Doyline falls to 20-6 on the year and 2-3 in 1B play. 

JHHS and Weston win and lose in district play

The other two Jackson Parish schools, Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston High also saw success on Friday by taking victories in their respective district contests. The JHHS boys team and the Weston girls walked out of the gyms with smiles on their faces a contrast to the Lady Tigers and Wolves boys team that suffered defeats. 

JHHS 59 Plain Dealing 19 (boys): The Tigers haven’t been able to enjoy many nights like this one and as the old saying goes it was just what the doctor ordered to fix the ailments of the 2024-25 season. In the battle between district cellar dwellers, JHHS turned in their best performance of the season to gain their first 1-1A victory of the year in tremendously impressive fashion, scoring the second most points of the 2025 portion of the schedule and clamping down on defense to set a new season best points allowed mark. Channing Gray led the offensive attack for the Tigers by posting a new career high 19 points that included three bombs from behind the three point line, another career best. Ariy’un Bradford also had a big game, chipping in with 10 points while both Pierce Ulloa and Dylan Hayes scored six points apiece. Derrimie Malone finished with four and Tyson Burks, Samuel Combs, G. Howard and Skylar Stickland all tallied two points each. With the victory JHHS improved to 1-4 in district play and 6-18 on the year, doubling the amount of wins from last year in head coach Fred Hearne’s first season at the helm. Plain Dealing fell to 0-5 in 1-1A play and 0-19 on the season.

Weston 79 Castor 62 (girls) After Castor shocked the Lady Wolves on Thursday by a 62-59 score, Weston came back the next night to get back on the winning track and regain sole possession of second place in district 1B play. With the victory, Weston improved to 19-10 overall and 4-3 in district  while Castor came away from the back-to-back games at 14-13 on the year and 2-4 in 1B play. No individual scoring was available. 

Castor 53 Weston 48 (boys):  Nathin Wages scored 12 of his team high 15 points in the fourth quarter on Thursday but it wasn’t enough to stop Castor from keeping Weston winless in district 1B play. Lajavion Harris and Brody Tidwell also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively while both Abram Toms and Dawson Clifton finished with five each. 

Castor 80 Weston 49 (boys): After playing the makeup game that was originally slated for January 21st but cancelled due to the inclement weather of the day, the two teams squared off again on Friday, with the result being the same. Castor took a second victory in two days, that dropped Weston to 7-22 on the year and 0-7 in district 1B play. Four players reached “double digits” in points scored for Weston led by 12 points from Nathin Wages and 11 points by Dawson Clifton with Daniel Williams and Brody Tidwell chipping in with 10 points each. Abram Toms, Aiden Faulkner and Aiden Dowd all scored two points apiece as well. 

Plain Dealing 45 JHHS 32 (girls) At the half, JHHS was seemingly in control as they took a 22-10 lead into the break. Then suddenly everything changed. JHHS scored only 10 points the entire second half while Plain Dealing exploded for 35 to send the Lady Tigers to the defeat that dropped their record to 2-3 in district play and 11-16 overall. Plain Dealing improved to 3-2 in 1-1A competition and 13-13 on the season. On the strength of three first half three pointers, Jaylena Jackson led JHHS in scoring with 11 points while both Sanaa Tatum and LaKayla McGuired finished with five each. Nesha Johnson and Tyya Davis scored four each and Angel Moss added a fourth quarter three pointer for the Lady Tigers. 

 

 

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The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office announces that names have been drawn for those subject to serve on the 2nd Judicial District Court 2025 PETIT JURY scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 18th. Individuals listed should receive an official summons in the mail from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

As always, events may occur whereby a Jury will not be needed. Please call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office over the weekend of FEBRUARY 15-17 at (318) 259-2424 and listen to the RECORDING to find out if it is necessary for you to appear. 

Names of Those Subject to Serve on February 18, 2025 Petit Jury

(LAST NAME, FIRST NAME)

ANDERSON, ALEC
ANDERSON, JACKIE WAYNE
ANDERSON, TONGA WILLIAMS
ANTHONY, BRIELYN NICOLE
ASMUSSEN, AMBER LYNN
ATKINS, ROYKETRIA COTREACE
AUDIRSCH, JENNIFER HUGHES
AUSTIN, STEVEN ALAN
BANDA TOCTO, ANTONIO
BANES, THOMAS MONROE
BARNES, YOLANDE ROSHAY
BARRON, PENNY ANN
BATES, SARAH ELIZABETH
BAYLES, AMY ELIZABETH
BEAL, JANIE W
BEARDEN, KAYLA DYAN
BELTON, KEIRRA MONAE
BILLIOT, ROLAND JOSEPH
BILLMAN, KORTNEY SMITH
BLACKBURN, DENNIS MARK
BLALOCK, KELLIANN VIRGINIA
BLUNDELL, ALEX JOSEPH
BOOKER, CALVIN COOLIDGE
BRADFORD, THERESA JENINE
BRADLEY JR, JOHN WAYNE
BRADLEY, ROBERT L
BROWN, ABIGAIL JOY
BROWN, MARY SAULSBERRY
BRUNSON, WILLIAM JOSEPH
BRUZEAU, COURTNEY
BRYANT, LINDA GRAY
BRYANT, MELANIE COOK
BURNS, BRITTNEY ARLENE
CABLE, CATHERINE MICHELLE
CAIN, KERRICK JARROD
CARPENTER, JEFFERY ALAN
CHATHAM, CODY HAYES
CHESTNUT, DAVID L
CLARK, JULIANN KELLY
COCKERHAM, JAMES PHILLIP
COLEMAN, EUREL LADON
COLEMAN, MELINDA ASHLEY
COLEMAN, ROY WILLIAM
COLLINSWORTH, BILLIE CRUELL
COMBS, SHERMAN BENARD
COOPER, MARTIEL
COUSINS, JEREMY HEATH
COWSER, SHARON BARTLETT
COX, CANDIE LEANN SMILEY
COX, NANCY MARLENE
CROTHERS, DAVID EDWIN
CRUMP, SYBLE GAIL
CULPEPPER, ELIZABETH W
CULVER, MICHELLE DIANE
DANIELS, BOBBIE ANN LEONARD
DARK, STACY DELANE
DAVIS, BRYAN
DAVIS, KEVIN TODD
DAVIS, STEPHEN G
DAVIS, SUSAN CHATHAM
DECOU, HEIDI MARIE
DELANCY, RONALD STEVE
DIBENEDETTO, LISA ANN
DRAGO, VIRGINIA PARKER
DUCK, DAVID RILEY
DUCK, KAREN GIBBS
DUKE, DERRICK CHARLES
EDWARDS JR, EARNEST
ELKINS, HUNTER
ETHRIDGE, JALISSA LEANN
EVANS, ADA SHARNELL
FIELDS, ALLEN ROY
FLOWER, DEREK BOND
FLOWERS, RITCHIE
GERMANY, CARIN LAWRENCE
GIBSON JR, JAMES ANDREW
GIBSON, MARY JANE W
GORHAM, CLARENCITA ALICIA
GOSS, DELORES DEAN
GRAHAM, DOUGLAS WADE
GREEN, JACKIE WAYNE
GREER, CANDY BAILEY
GRIGGS, ANGELA NELSON
GUEYDAN, GLORIA BENKE
HAIRSTON, JEFFREY K
HALL, CHAD STEVEN
HALL, COLLIN
HAMPTON, JULIE JONES
HARRELL, GENEVA LENORA
HARRELL, STACEY NASH
HART, JAMESINA CHARAE
HARVEY, CAROLYN HINTON
HARVEY, MARK ROBERT
HASSEN, TYMEKA MICHELLE
HAVARD, TERESA PONDER
HAYES, SHIRLEY BALLARD
HENDERSON, JOSHUA LEE
HERMAN, JEFFERY DAVID
HICKS, BETSY ANN
HIGHTOWER, BRENDA HEAD
HOBSON, MELVIN DALE
HOLDEN, JIMMY LEE
HOLLY, RONANDEZ ROMMEL
HOPKINS JR, ERIC CHARLES
HOWARD, BRADLEY KYLE
HUGHES, DANNY WAYNE
HUNT, ASHLEY BARCOMB
IRVIN, COURTNEY LEANN
JACKSON, MARLON L
JACKSON, ROWDY ALLEN
JACOBS, NICOLE ANNETTERA
JOE, FREDERICK DEANGLEE
JONES, JAYLAN HATTAWAY
JONES, SAMANTHA
JOWERS, AARON TYLER
KENNARD, LAURA NICOLE
KENNEY, NANCY P
KNIGHTEN, CHARLES EDWARD
KNOX, BEVERLY WOMACK
KORNEGAY, CHARLES DAVID
KUHN II, WILLIE DURWOOD
LEBLANC, RANDON ANTHONY
LEBLANC, SAVANA P
LEMAIRE, DAVID JAMES
LEONARD, IRVIN UNDRA
LESLIE, PRISCILLA MASON
LESTER, ROBERT LEE
LEWIS, FREDERICK EARL
LIVINGSTON, ANTOINETTE D
LIVINGSTON JR, CARLOS MONTEZ
LOCKETT, DAVID ANDREW
LOFTON, LYNDA KNOX
LOWE, EVELYN KAY
LOWE, PRANCE J
LOWREY, BARBARA JEAN
LOYD, LAVERT
MAGEE, RACHEL HATTEN
MALLETT, TIAH ANTWINETTE
MASON GARNER, ONTERYL S
MATHEWS, CLARA WINTERS
MATHEWS, VIRGINIA R
MATLOCK, STEPHEN LOUIS
MAXWELL, PATRICIA PONDER
MCCURDY, SHERRY FARNELL
MCDONALD, AMARI DUSHAE
MCELDUFF, CYNTHIA WEBB
MCHUGH, ROBERT ARTHUR
MCMANUS, COLBY LYNN
MCMILLAN, TYLER PAUL
MERRITT, CONNIE LABREA
MILLER, NYA REIGN
MOBLEY, MARK ANDREW
MOORE, MELINDA NEWCOMB
MORGAN, CHERYL LYNNE
MORGAN, ELIZABETH STUCKEY
MORRIS, BETTIE JACOBS
MORRIS, HOLLY LEE
MOSLEY, CHERYL STEWART
MOSS, DAION DEMECO
MURPHY, BRIAN NICHOLAS
MYERS, KEVIN RAY
NEATHERLAND, JEFFERY SCOTT
NEGROTTO JR, BRIAN JULES
NEWTON, JESSICA
NICHOLS, WILLIE EARL
NORRED, TANNER BLAINE
PARKER, ROSA ELIZABETH
PERRY, BOBBY VANCE
PESNELL, BRIDGET SAVANNAH
POLAND, HONESTY UNJINQ LA QU’
POOLE, CHARLES BRIAN
PORTER, MICHAEL AARON
PRESLEY, TIFFANY TANNESSA
PRICE, DUANE
PROCELL, LAWANDA MURPHY
QUALLS, CARRIE LOIS
QUALLS, SHAFTEVIA LORENZO
RAAB, JOHN BAKER
RAY, COREY LAMAR
RICHARD, TINA MARIE
RIVET, JOHNNY GORDON
ROBERTSON, MICHAEL BRANDON
ROBINSON, ALICE BLANKS
ROBINSON, DONAVAN GUNNER
ROBINSON, JEREMY WAYNE
ROWE, AMY MICHELLE
ROWE, DANNY H
RUSHING, CAMERON ELLEN
RUSHING JR, TRACY HAROLD
SANDERSON, LINDSAY BURTON
SAULSBERRY, SHARONE
SCOGGINS, RANDLE TODD
SCOTT, ALYIAH
SHACKELFORD, CURNELIOUS
SHOEMAKER, TANYA GEORGE
SHOWS, CATHERINE BROOKE
SHOWS, DREW MATTHEW
SIMPSON, LINDSEY BLAKE
SMITH, DAPHNE DUNHAM
SMITH, GRACI CALYNN
SMITH, KAREN FUTRELL
SMITH, LUCILLE JACKSON
SMITH, MARY HAMPTON
SMITH, ZACHARY WILLIAM
SPIRES, RAYMOND SIDNEY
SPRINGFIELD, KAITLIN PATRICIA
STEVENSON, MATTHEW RANDALL
STEWART, CLINT EDWARD
STEWART, KELVIN GERARD
STEWART, WENDY NORRED
STREETS, JOEL
STRINGER, DANIEL WALTER
STRINGFELLOW, RONNIE MONTEZ
STROUD, SCARLETT LAUREN
SULLIVENT, HUBERT RAY
THOMAS, BRIAN K
THOMAS, KATHLEEN H
THOMPSON, HALEIGH ALEXIS
TOMPKINS, JAMES A
TREADWAY, MARLIN WILLIAM
TREADWAY, STACEY NICOLE
TUBBS, MICHAEL ERNEST
VERMILLION, DRAKE C
VILLARREAL, ERIC ALLEN
WAGGONER, MARY LANDERS
WALKER, ALEXIS DANIELLE
WALKER, CHARLES MARQUIS
WALKER, MARK LEN
WALKER, SHANON LARAE
WALLER, AIMEE NICOLE
WALSWORTH, TERRY DALE
WATERS, JAMES C
WEBB, EMILY ELIZABETH
WEEKS, DONOVAN CASEY
WEST, KIM RUTH
WHITE, DON JOSE
WHITE, MARY GIE CHAVEZ
WHITE, VIRGINIA
WILEY, BEVERLY LILLIESHAKE
WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER G
WILLIAMS, NORA FAY
WILLIAMS, ROBERT JERONE
WILLIAMS, STEPHEN MICHAEL
WILSON, CHANSE
WITHERINGTON, BRITTANY HIGHTOWER
WOMACK, ANGELA MURPHY
WOMACK, BRANDI LESHA
WYATT, DANIEL BRIAN
WYATT, LINDSEY JAYNE
YATES, VIVIAN ANN WALKER

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF PETIT JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA. ON , DECEMBER 10, 2024, TO SERVE AS PETIT JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 21st DAY OF JANUARY, 2025.

LAURA H. CULPEPPER, CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH

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Caney Lake is going to be featured in a special televised production on February 10th. Tune in at 6:00 pm CST to the Pursuit Channel which is located on channel 393 for Dish subscribers and channel 604 on Direct TV.

Thanks to the Visit Jackson Parish Tourism Board, Off the Hook Production company came and filmed a show on Caney Lake but instead of focusing on the Florida bred Bass as most do they did a production just on the wonderful crappie fishing that is one of the best kept secrets of the fishery. 

 

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Cali Deal of Quitman High School has been selected to represent the East team at the 2025 Girls Basketball All-Star Game that will be played at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, LA on March 22nd.

The standout post player, who has led QHS to a second straight district 1B championship this season, earned the spot on the elite team, comprised of 15 players from all classifications in the LHSAA after averaging 18.2 points per game. Adding to the impressive honor is the fact that Deal is the only player from Class B to be chosen.

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, February 10th. The session will take place at 5:30 pm in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

An agenda of 18 items awaits decisions by President Todd Culpepper and Police Jury members Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, Sheketia Combs, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Keith Burris.

 

While several of the agenda items are more perfunctory in nature such as approving the previous months minutes, purchase orders, and payment of all bills along with hearing Management and Engineering Reports there are a couple of items that are unique including:
(A) Consider paying Edko $25,180 Edko for roadside spraying for asphalt only.
(B) Consider charging municipalities a flat fee of $100 per hour with a minimum of 4 hours for road department work.
(C) Consider acting on the preliminary plat for Pelican Pointe Subdivision.
(D) Consider authorizing the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Road Department Operator II and General Laborer vacancies.
(E) Consider authorizing 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.
(F) Consider accepting a bid for Solid Waste dumpsters.
(G) Consider accepting a bid for a Coroner’s van.
(H) Consider acting on Recreation Board Appointments for expired terms

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Nia Evans, Secretary-Treasurer at (318) 259-2361 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Official Agenda for February Meeting of Jackson Parish Police Jury

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments

Approve Minutes
1. Adopt the minutes of the January 13, 2025, Regular Police Jury Meeting, January 15, 2025, Special Called Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and payment of all bills.

Approve Committee Reports:

Road Committee
2. Adopt the minutes of the January 23, 2025, Road Committee meeting
3. Consider and approve the 2025 Maintenance list
4. Consider and approve the 2025 Road program and 3-year plan
5. Consider and approve paying $25,180 to Edko for roadside spraying for asphalt only

Finance Committee
6. Adopt the minutes of the January 29, 2025, Finance Committee meeting
7. Consider and approve charging municipalities a flat fee of $100 per hour with a minimum of 4 hours for road department work.

Management Reports
8. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
9. Road Superintendent Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
10. Solid Waste Superintendent Report – Mr. Robin Sessions

Other Business
11. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
12. Consider and act on preliminary plat for Pelican Pointe Subdivision
13. Consider and authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Road Department Operator II vacancy
14. Consider and authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to advertise for the Road Department General Laborer vacancy
15. Consider and 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
16. Consider and accept bid for Solid Waste dumpsters
17. Consider and accept bid for Coroner’s van
18. Consider and act on Recreation Board Appointments for expired terms (names in packet)

Announcements and Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn

 

 

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NATCHITOCHES – Jonesboro native and Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate, Doug Ireland, is being honored by the establishment of an endowed scholarship totaling $100,000 at Northwestern State University. The NSU Foundation will host an announcement ceremony Saturday, Feb. 15 for the official creation of the Doug Ireland Endowed Scholarship.

Natchitoches attorney Robert “Skeeter” Salim is making a $100,000 gift to
the Northwestern State University Foundation to create the scholarship
endowment. It is the latest in a series of $100,000 scholarship endowments
Salim has made honoring friends who have served the university.

Friends and Northwestern supporters are invited to join Ireland, Salim and
Northwestern’s president. James T. Genovese, at a brief 11:00 am ceremony on
Feb. 15 in the Office of Development Conference Room, 520 University
Parkway in Natchitoches.

Former Louisiana State Sen. Louis Bernard will be the master of ceremonies.
Speakers will be Genovese, longtime NSU Lady Demon basketball coach James
Smith, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey, Salim and Ireland.

To RSVP, contact Courtney Thompson at (318) 357-4430.

Contributions to supplement the scholarship can be made by visiting the
https://northwesternstatealumni.com/ireland-scholarship/ link.

Later on Feb. 15, Northwestern will officially name its basketball court at
Prather Coliseum in honor of coaching legend Mike McConathy during a
halftime ceremony at the Demons’ 3:30 home game against Stephen F. Austin.
Ireland and McConathy worked together from 1999-2019 and McConathy concluded
his career after the 2022 season with a state record 682 collegiate coaching
victories.

Salim has previously established four $100,000 endowments over the past two
years, scholarships in memory of Jerry Pierce, Richard Ware, Jack O. “Britt”
Brittain Jr. and H.N. & Inez Towry.

Salim and Ireland were among six people inducted last October in the
university’s Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line, raising the
total to 158 graduates receiving the honor over the past five decades.

Last fall, Salim was appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to the Board of
Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, which oversees operation
of nine state universities including Northwestern, Grambling, Louisiana Tech
and ULM in north Louisiana.

He is a former member of Board of Governors of the Association of Trial
Lawyers of America. Since 2007, he has been selected as one of the 100 Top
Trial Lawyers as determined by The American Trial Lawyers Association. Salim
is a founding member of The Class Action Trial Lawyers Association and was
recently named to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators.

Salim’s support of Demon baseball has been pivotal for over two decades,
resulting in significant facility enhancements and more. He has also been a
significant supporter of men’s and women’s basketball through the years. In
2019, he was inducted into the N-Club Hall of Fame as a winner of the
Distinguished Service Award.

Ireland was sports information director and assistant athletic director at
Northwestern when he retired in 2019 after 30 years serving his alma mater.
He has been chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame since 1990, just
over a year after he left the Alexandria Town Talk sports staff to launch an
acclaimed career as NSU’s SID.

Ireland spearheaded efforts leading to construction and the 2013 opening of
the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in
Natchitoches.

During his career, Ireland has earned numerous awards from the Louisiana
Sports Writers Association, setting an LSWA writing contest record in 1987
with six first places and nine prizes overall. In 2021, he was enshrined in
the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a winner of the LSWA’s Distinguished
Service Award in Sports Journalism.

In 2008 the North Louisiana National Football Foundation S.M. McNaughton
Chapter gave him its “Distinguished American Award” and in 2016, he received
the Southland Conference’s Louis Bonnette Sports Media Award for career
accomplishment. In 2021 the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame honored him
with a Distinguished Service Award. He was named 2022 “Mr. Louisiana
Basketball” by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.

Ireland was named one of the 100 most impactful members of the Greek
community at Northwestern for his service from 2007-22 as advisor for the
Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In 2022, he was honored by
NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts as a
Distinguished Communications Professional.

Since 2021, Ireland has been the sports director for Online Journals LLC,
which encompasses 14 parish journals in northwest and central Louisiana.

The 1978 JHHS graduate was student body president in his senior year. He was
an all-district baseball player and a member of the Tigers’ 1977 state
runner-up football team coached by Don Shows.

Ireland, 65, has returned on a part-time basis to serve Northwestern as a
special advisor to Genovese since the new president assumed office Aug. 5.

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The honorees for the “Student / Athlete of the Week” Award for the week of February 2-8 have been selected. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes an outstanding student/athlete chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each of the three Jackson Parish School District high schools. 

The selectees are chosen for best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is recognized by the Jackson Parish Hospital through social media and receives a special commemorative shirt.

Earning accolades this week are Baylee Caskey, a Cheerleader at Quitman High School, Brody Tidwell, who is on the Weston High School boys basketball team and Neshya Johnson, a member of the Jonesboro-Hodge High School girls basketball team

Join the Jackson Parish Hospital and the Jackson Parish Journal as we congratulate and applaud these athletes for their dedication and achievements in the classroom and through their athletic endeavors!

Student-Athlete of the Week

Baylee Caskey (11th grade) – Quitman High School Cheerleader

Brody Tidwell (10th grade) – Weston High School boys basketball team

Neshya Johnson (10th grade) – Jonesboro Hodge High School girls basketball team

Slideshow of Award Winners

(to change picture hit arrow at side)

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Congratulations to Chris and Colby Bowman and the team at Bowman Law Office in Jonesboro for being recognized as the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Month for February 2025.

At the location of 330 East Main Street in Jonesboro, Chris Bowman has been a licensed Criminal Defense Lawyer in Jonesboro for 37 years, specializing in the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury.

If you are in need of top quality representation then make an appointment with Bowman Law Offices by calling (318) 259 – 6200 or toll free at (877) 259-6201 

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On Tuesday, February 4th, delegates from Quitman High School proved their incredible talent in voice and piano when they competed in the RAMTA Solo Competition. 

The QHS team, not only competed but came away with an incredible total of 14 awards during the recitals that included the following:

Superior in Piano:
Kaleigh Webb and Emma Kate Toms, who also performed in the Honor’s Recital 

Superior in Voice:
Charley Linton, Harley Jordan, Gracelynn Lowery, Jayd Giddens, Lexie Tippen, Chloe Lee, Anna Pardue, Amelia Staggs, Shyla Giddens, Bethany Webb, Joann Walker and Jaxon Harvey. 

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