For his dedication and service, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) shines the Employee Spotlight for the month of February on Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Jessie Morris.

Beginning his EMS career in 2023 and joining JPASD in 2024, Morris brings with him an extensive background in public service including being in law enforcement where he held such roles as deputy, SWAT office, diver and Assistant Chief of Police in Mangham, LA. His passion for public safety extended beyond law enforcement, as he also served as Fire Chief for the Winnsboro Fire Department for three years. 

Jessie is highly certified in emergency response and education, holding multiple instructor-level credentials including: 
Louisiana Bureau of EMS Instructor
American Heart Association BLS Instructor
NAEMT Prehospital Trauma Life Support Instructor
Certified Fire Instructor

Since joining JPASD, Jessie has been an active an dedicated team member responding to 271 calls for help this past year while serving his community  and responding to major disaster events. 

As part of the JPASD Hurricane Disaster Strike Team, being deployed to assist in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, where he provided critical aid in areas of most need. Jessie is also an active instructor at the JPASD Training Center, located at 107 Watts Avenue in Jonesboro. He is also currently enrolled in the School of EMS where he is actively advancing his EMS career by pursuing his Paramedic Degree. 

Beyond his career, Jessie has been married to his wife, Nicole, for 15 years and together they have two children, Aaron (age 14) and Allie (age 12). In his free time, Jessie enjoys woodworking, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. 

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Caitlin Fursov, Radiologic Technologist in the Radiology Department, has been named the recipient of the WOW Award presented by the Jackson Parish Hospital. Certified in CT and currently training in MRI, Caitlin was nominated by her colleagues for her positive attitude, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help others. Her patient-focused care and dependability make a lasting impact on both her team and the patients she serves. Congratulation to Caitlin! 

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This past week, the administration of Quitman High School recognized three outstanding team members as Staff of the Week for February 1-7. Congratulations go to the following:

Elementary – Cherie Odom
Secondary – Donna Bergeron
Support Staff – Betsy Watts

Thank you for your undying dedication and tremendous work ethic that helps Quitman High School continue to be one of Jackson Parish’s top facilities of learning. 

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The 2025 Louisiana 4-H Scholarship Application is now available! A total of 40 scholarships (and growing!), ranging from $250.00 to $3500.00 is being offered statewide.

Important Details:
Deadline: All completed applications must be submitted to the Louisiana 4-H Foundation by Friday, February 28, 2025, by close of business.
Parish Deadline: Please set your parish deadlines accordingly to allow time for review before submission.

To learn more, reach out to the Jackson Parish 4-H office located at 182 Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro or by calling 318-259-5690.

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In a contest played at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, the boys basketball team from Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School (JHES) evened their season record at 4-4 with a thrilling 30-29 victory over Gibsland-Coleman Elementary this past Wednesday.

The Tigers, under the direction of first year coach, Carlos Hicks, were led in scoring by Addarren Amos with 13 points. Caiden Jackson added 8 points, Tyson Brown finished with 5, and both Lawson Williams and Courtney Adams tallied two points each. 

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The land of north Louisiana is described as rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests. I ride the route between Ruston and Gibsland almost daily. I estimate that I have driven 72,000 miles coming to work and going home over my time at Trinity Methodist Church. I very much enjoyed the drive on I-20. In that drive I experience rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests.

Of late, DOTD has a project on I-20 from Tarbutton Road to the Bienville Parish line. That is approximately eleven miles. Since early in the fall of last year contractors have been clearing the right of way on both sides of the Interstate. They have also removed the trees from the median of the Interstate.

They are efficient and organized when it comes to tree removal. The trees have been ground up. On colder mornings, the mounds of wood chips and mulch appear to be smoking. Or as we used to say, “they can see their breath.” By the afternoon, those mounds of wood chips were hauled off. I wonder what those wood products will become.

Over the course of these months my driving has changed.

The woods were growing remarkably close to the edge of the Interstate. There were multiple trees, that if blown over, would have landed on the roadway. I know it was done for safety. But it has changed my view of the drive. I can see fields not previously seen. I can see cars headed in the opposite direction. I can see the road ahead and how it curves. Strangely the drive seems more spacious. Once the grass grows this spring, it will be a more pleasant drive.

It is also the time of year that I have started trimming things in the yard getting ready for spring. The rose bushes will be introduced to my trimming shears this week. I’m not going to talk about murdering crape myrtles, but you do it if that is your thing.

There are cases where growing things need to be trimmed back or cut down!

The resulting margin allows the plants to grow more fully or the driver to experience new vistas. For you overworked workaholics out there, I’m talking about creating a margin in your life. I’m hinting about taking a day off, getting some rest, cutting back, or going on vacation. For some of you I’m suggesting driving to work another way. You need to see different roads.

If you cut back and trim away some of the stuff you are busy about, you might discover some of the beauty and blessing that God has created for you.

You have noticed that even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds and spend time being with God. If he did it, why do we have such a tough time trying it?

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A full week of activities, informational and educational opportunities are on tap for young and old patrons alike of the Jonesboro and Chatham Branches of the Jackson Parish Library  during the week of February 10 – 15. 

Monday, February 10th
Jonesboro Branch: Gina Martinez Elderly Fraud Prevention (1:00 pm)
Chatham Branch: Adult Connect Fitness (9:00 am)
Chatham Branch: Council on Aging at Chatham Meal Site (10:45 am)

Tuesday, February 11th
Jonesboro Branch: Children’s Art Class (4:00 pm)
Chatham Branch: Play, Grow, Read Blot Heart Art (10:30 am & 4:30 pm)

Wednesday, February 12th
Jonesboro Branch: Storytime (10:00 am)
Jonesboro Branch: Adult Book Club (2:00 pm)
Chatham Branch: Adult Connect Fitness (9:00 am)

Thursday, February 13th
Jonesboro Branch: Children’s Art Class (4:00 pm)
Chatham Branch: Teen’s and Tween’s Bird Feeder Craft (4:30 pm

Friday, February 14th
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!!!!

Saturday, February 15th
Chatham Branch: Movie Mania featuring The Wild Robot (10:00 am)

Jonesboro Branch Events – February 10-14

Chatham Branch Events – February 10-15

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Hi, my name is Carla Peters and I am the Office Manager for Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. I started working for Southern Funeral Home 35 years ago where I handle the bookkeeping and assist with life insurance claims.

Prior to my tenure with Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home, I worked or Old South Life Insurance Company in Jonesboro for about 14 years. When Old South Life was sold I came to work for Southern Funeral Home-Jonesboro office. Bill Staples was great to work with and I still miss him every day.

People ask me often, when I am going to retire. My answer always is: Why retire?

I work with great people, get to help people, and I enjoy that.

My husband Mike (Pete) and I are members at Jonesboro Assembly of God and we have 2 children, Shane (wife Holly) and Sunni (husband Aaron); six beautiful granddaughters: Kaleigh, Preslie, Eden, Mercy, Cana, River, and one precious grandson, John Avery.

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Haunting Memories of the Old Home Place

(This is a chapter from the new book, “Fathers, Sons and Old Guns” by Glynn Harris. The book is now available from Amazon.com.)

It’s been a long time since I last visited the home place where I grew up. I remember what it was like soon after my mom passed away; it was like the cord that had bound our family together had snapped after she was no longer there.

My sister, Linda, lived next door to our house and I remember one Christmas when I visited Linda soon after mother had died, I was not prepared for the feeling of loneliness that swept over me when I looked across her yard to the simple frame house where we grew up. On other Christmases, this would have been the scene of laughter, of sweet and tangy aromas wafting from mother’s kitchen. This day however, it seemed cold and dark.

The years have soothed the pain of that first Christmas without my mother but my memories of the old home place linger like the spicy aroma of her applesauce cake. The old house is gone now, somebody bought it and moved it and there was nothing there but the cedar tree in the front yard, the crepe myrtles that formed a ring around the yard and the pecan tree growing just out of the yard.

Until the house was purchased and moved, a young family rented it for awhile and I remember feeling sad and resentful that somebody else was living in what had been our family’s home where we all grew up.

As I paused to reflect on the spot where our house had been, I remembered things like drawing water from the well in the back yard. The water bucket, a slender cylinder that went “gulp…gulp” when it filled and when you pulled the bucket from the well hand over fist by the rope to which it was attached, you pulled a trigger at the top to release water into the water bucket.

I remembered things like calling our old milk cow from the pasture late in the afternoon, dumping cans of Acorn cow feed into the trough and pulling up the stool to sit and milk the cow, hoping she hadn’t gotten into bitter weeds that day.

I remembered things like watching dogs with names like Boots, Rusty and Tippy waiting outside the back door for scraps from the kitchen.

I remembered how the cool green grass felt to tender feet the first time shoes were shucked in spring.

I remembered hoping it was my turn to lick the bowl after mother made a cake, and sitting on the front porch on a summer afternoon making the churn dasher slap up and down in the sour milk as it separated from the globs of butter and watching mother work the golden mound until all the buttermilk was gone and pure, sweet butter remained.

I remembered things like listening to my uncle Sam cuss his mule over on the hill across the way as he plowed his field.

I remembered making sling shots out of slices of inner tubes and old shoe tongues attached to just the right fork of a branch you had cut for the handle.

I remembered things like digging earthworms from beneath the cow patties at the cow barn and my brother Tom and me heading for Molido Creek with bamboo poles, hook, line and sinker to fish for goggle-eyes and sun perch.

I remembered fingering the etched wooden stock on my old double barrel shotgun as I sat with my back against a beech down on Molido, listening for the scritch-scratch of a squirrel’s claws on oak bark, getting out of a warm bed early fall mornings, grabbing my shotgun and heading for the Sand Flats along Saline Creek hoping for a shot at a squealer duck that flew from their roost to wing their way up the creek to feed.

Somebody else now owned our house and I knew I could never go back home again. That’s how it should be, I suppose, and that’s okay. I have my memories and I can take them down from time to time, dust them off and for a moment, become the little barefoot boy again.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs out in front of the spillway. Some big bass are hitting jigs and deep diving crank baits and soft plastics fished in deep water. 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 – Anglers are 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 are being caught on 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 have been best fishing the deeper areas on deep diving crank baits. 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 should crest and start a slow fall in a week. A few catfish are being caught. Others are slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

 

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The Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) Drama Club members, along with Mr. Jon Sorenson’s Theatre , Fine Arts Survey I, and GT music Classes took a field trip to on Friday where they attended the play, Kings of Harlem, at Dixie Theater in Ruston.

Special thanks is given to Coach Terrance Blankenship for providing the transportation, and to Mr. Mackenzie Chamblee for assisting Mr. Sorenson as a chaperone.

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But God

‘But Mom, all the kids are going.’

‘But Dad, I’ve already spent my allowance.’

‘But, you promised to keep it a secret.’

‘But, I thought I had unlimited credit.’

‘But, I’m too old to change my ways.’

‘But, what I do is nobody else’s business.’

Sound familiar?

‘But God’…

That sounds like deliverance and mercy!

“So God sent me ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt (Genesis 45:7-8 NASB).”

Joseph didn’t whine; he worshiped and relied on God’s providence.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7 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 School Board Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a regular scheduled meeting at 11:00 a.m. on February 3, 2025 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.
The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Wade McBride, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner
Absent: Gerry Mims
Calvin Waggoner gave the Invocation.
Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Mary Saulters.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on January 13, 2025.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to approve the School Board Member Training Resolution.

School Board Member Training Resolution
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction, as required by ACT 705 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislature; and
WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy; and
WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association, or training provided at the national level; and
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish board shall receive one hour of ethics training, per year, of their tenure as board member;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it become public record that Dennis Clary, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Wade McBride and Mary Saulters, members of the Jackson Parish School Board have successfully received and exceeded the six hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana and all board members have fulfilled the mandate of one hour of ethics training for the year 2025.
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned Superintendent of Jackson Parish Schools, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted at its regular School Board meeting on February 3, 2025.
David Claxton, Superintendent
Jackson Parish Schools
The 2024 CLU’s for Board Member were reviewed.
• Rick Barlow – 12.5
• Paulette Belton – 24
• Dennis Clary – 8
• Wade McBride – 17
• Gerry Mims – 18
• Mary Saulters – 16
• Calvin Waggoner – 11.5
Paulette Belton was recognized as a Certified School Board Member for the year 2024 by attaining twenty or more CLU’s.
Amy Hay, Assessment & Accountability Supervisor provided information on the 2023-2024 Test Scores.
Paulette Belton reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to approving to pay Employer’s Share of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums from General Fund for the March 2025 sales tax distribution.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve payment to New Directions Educational Solutions in the amount of $15,000.00 for 10 days of curriculum coaching at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from Title V.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to approve payment to SHI in the amount of $17,979.35 for the renewal of Microsoft Campus License 3/1/2025 – 2/28/2026, to be paid from General Fund.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve payment to ZOHO Corporation in the amount of $12,890.00 for the renewal of the Manage Engine Endpoint Addons, to be paid from General Fund.
Kristi Bass, Business Manager presented the Financial Report.
Rick Barlow reported to the Board on the meeting of the Transportation Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to approve payment to Ross Bus Sales in the amount of $141,063.08 for the purchase of a Type C: 71 Passenger, Gasoline bus, to be paid from Parish Wide District funds.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to adjourn at 11:45 a.m.

Melba Dean Beaird
December 30, 1938 – February 3, 2025

Funeral services for Ms. Melba Dean Beaird, age 86 of Spearsville, LA, were held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Mt. Union Baptist Church in Spearsville, LA with Bro. Marcell McGee and Bro. Stan Elkins officiating. Interment followed at Mt. Union Cemetery in Spearsville, LA under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home.

Melba’s greatest joys were going to church and spending time with family and friends. She dedicated her life to serve Christ and was a member of Mount Union Baptist Church in Spearsville. In the past Melba taught Sunday School and helped with the youth. She chaperoned and helped raise funds for several trips to Florida and Eureka Springs. Melba also attended Liberty Baptist Church for many years where she loved to sing soprano in the Gospel group.

In the last few years Melba was a resident of Alpine Nursing Home in Ruston, LA where she never missed a service or Bible Study. She enjoyed fishing in ponds and hunting deer and squirrels in the woods behind her home. Melba was a bookkeeper and worked at Montgomery Ward for several years and later she retired from Arkla Gas in Farmerville. After her retirement, Melba took care of her parents as she was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, and aunt. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Dean” to many who loved her and knew her well.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents: Earl and Delta Odom Beaird; and her brother: Paul E. Beaird.

She is survived by her sister-in-law: Evelyn Beaird Elkins (Hez); nieces: Paula Beaird Jimmerson (Bill) and Cheryl Beaird; and great nieces and nephews: Jessica McClung (Jake), Tyler Jimmerson, Drew Jimmerson, Tanner Booth, and Adeline Booth.

Serving as pallbearers was Bill Jimmerson, Tanner Booth, Tyler Jimmerson, Stan Elkins, Bryan Elkins, and Mike Holly. Honorary pallbearers were Hez Elkins and Jim Rhodes.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Mt. Union Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Alpine Rehabilitation Center in Ruston for the attentive and loving care she received during her years there.

Linda (Melton) West
December 4, 1952 – January 31, 2025

Linda Gale (Melton) West, age 72 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home on January 31, 2025. Linda was born in Ruston Louisiana and attended Lincoln Parish schools until her family moved to Jackson Parish and she finished out her high school days at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. Linda enjoyed playing softball in high school and she played third base and did it well. Following high school, she was employed by Louisiana Power and Light Company and retired out as a meter reader. Linda also liked playing games with friends and family such as spades and dominos. She also loved to dance, cooking for her loved ones, and fishing. Linda loved her family dearly and you could always find a sweet smile on her face. She will be missed. Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Those left to cherish her precious memory is her husband, Robert Lee West; sons, Louis Russell, Ricky Melton; brothers, Thomas Baldwin, Jr., Ronnie Melton and wife Rose; sister, Abby Baldwin; nieces, Marilyn Pope, Angel Melton; nephews, Willie Melton, Kihia Melton, Mahinda Melton; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father, Thomas James Baldwin, Sr.; mother, Nennie Bell (Melton) Gans; sisters, Josephine Davis, Odessa Melton, Bonnie Melton; brothers, Michael Gans, Charlie Davis, Jr.

Friends may visit with the family in the Chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 10, 2025 until time of funeral service which is set for 11:00 AM.

Gregory Alan Hemphill
October 9, 1967 – February 6, 2025

Mr. Gregory Alan Hemphill of Quitman, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Visitation for family and friends will take place from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, LA and again from 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Monday, February 10 at Zion Baptist Church in Georgetown, LA followed by the funeral service. 

Mae Doris Williams
January 14, 1947 – February 2, 2025

Mae Doris Williams, age 88, earned her heavenly wings on February 2, 2025. After visitation with family and friends on Friday, February 7, at Mr. Eria CME Church in Jonesboro, LA her Celebration of Life Service was held with Interment following at Ebenezer Cemetery in Chatham, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

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The Jackson Parish School Board held their regular scheduled monthly meeting on February 3rd in the conference room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office located at 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.

Board members Mary Saulters, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Wade McBride, Dennis Clary, and Calvin Waggoner were present with Gerry Mims being absent. 


After Calvin Waggoner gave the Invocation and Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order by Mary Saulters and the minutes from the January 13th meeting was approved. 

As the first order of business the board members approved the following School Board Member Training Resolution.

School Board Member Training Resolution

WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction, as required by ACT 705 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislature; and

WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy; and

WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association, or training provided at the national level; and

WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish board shall receive one hour of ethics training, per year, of their tenure as board member;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it become public record that Dennis Clary, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Wade McBride and Mary Saulters, members of the Jackson Parish School Board have successfully received and exceeded the six hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana and all board members have fulfilled the mandate of one hour of ethics training for the year 2025.

Next the 2024 Continued Learning Units (CLU’s) for the Board Members were reviewed with units earned shown below. 

• Rick Barlow – 12.5
• Paulette Belton – 24
• Dennis Clary – 8
• Wade McBride – 17
• Gerry Mims – 18
• Mary Saulters – 16
• Calvin Waggoner – 11.5

Paulette Belton was then recognized as a Certified School Board Member for the year 2024 by attaining twenty or more CLU’s.

Amy Hay, Assessment & Accountability Supervisor, then spoke to the board and provided information on the 2023-2024 Test Scores 

The bills of the General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills, and payment of the Employer’s Share of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums from the General Fund for the March 2025 sales tax distribution were approved. 

Additional payment approval was given for the following:

Payment to New Directions Educational Solutions in the amount of $15,000.00 for 10 days of curriculum coaching at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from Title V.

Payment to SHI in the amount of $17,979.35 for the renewal of Microsoft Campus License 3/1/2025 – 2/28/2026, to be paid from General Fund.

Payment to ZOHO Corporation in the amount of $12,890.00 for the renewal of the Manage Engine Endpoint Addons, to be paid from General Fund.

Payment to Ross Bus Sales in the amount of $141,063.08 for the purchase of a Type C: 71 Passenger, Gasoline bus, to be paid from Parish Wide District funds.

 

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Round two of the Jackson Parish rivalry between Quitman and Weston proved to be no contest as QHS made a “senior statement” in the 62-38 victory by the Lady Wolverines and the 80-45 victory by the Quitman boys. 

Before the contest, Quitman celebrated “Senior Night” by honoring the nine 12th graders in the basketball program in Cali Deal and Jaleigh Burns from the girls basketball team, Amaurion Thompson, Payton Nomey, Grant Williams, Case Sims, Noah Leach and Gavyn Caskey from the boys team and bookkeeper Marissa Mobley. 

With the impressive win, the Lady Wolverines, now 17-9 overall and more importantly a perfect 5-0 in district 1B play has virtually sewed up the district title. Quitman now has a two game lead over second place Weston (18-9, 3-2) with only games against Doyline, who is 1-20 on the year and Simsboro, needing only one win to secure the title. Quitman took early control by running off 13 straight points in the first quarter after an opening basket by Weston setting the stage to a commanding 36-13 lead by the Lady Wolverines at the half.

In regard to the boys, Quitman moves to 21-4 overall and 4-1 in 1B, staying just one game back in the loss column of district leader Simsboro who beat Doyline on Friday to improve to 6-0 in district play. Weston fell to 7-20 on the year and dropped to 0-5 in district 1B play. Much like in the girls game, the Quitman boys took away any thought of a Weston upset early on as they raced out to an 18-4 first quarter lead that blew up to 37-19 at the half. The Wolverines then put the game away in the third period by scoring 30 points. 

Senior Statement! The scenario played to perfect form as the two seniors on the Quitman girls roster, Cali Deal and Jaleigh Burns led the Lady Wolverines in scoring and shooting percentage. Deal put her imprint on what is most likely a second straight district 1B MVP performance by scoring 27 points while Burns turned in her second highest scoring output of her career with 12 points that was bolstered by a career best four 3-pointers. Allie Robertson and Anna Leach both chipped in with 9 points, Emma Walker and Taylor Borland scored scored four each and Hallie Kate Pullig added a free throw for Quitman. 

It was a special night for the boys seniors as well, especially Noah Leach who celebrated the special event by scoring a career high 25 points. Payton Nomey scored five, which represents his second highest scoring total of the year while Case Sims scored 3, also a second best season high. Gavyn Caskey chipped in with 7 points, Amaurrion Thompson had 2 points and 4 rebounds and Grant Williams gave a tremendous defensive effort. 

The play of Anslee Aldy was a bright spot for Weston as she led the Lady Wolves with 8 points and 9 rebounds. Carly Jo Griffin also contributed with 6 points as did Nadia Siadek who added 3 blocks to her stat sheet. Briley Peterson was limited to just four points before fouling out and Olivia Otwell, Rachel Bandy, Ada Claire Tidwell and Carlynn Waters all made two points. 

No individual statistics for the WHS boys were available at press time. 

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This Friday evening, Weston High School will celebrate “Senior Night” at the final home game of the regular season vs Castor. Being honored will be girls basketball players Briley Peterson, Raelynn Shell, Nadia Siadek and Anslee Aldy and boys basketball players Nathin Wages, Daniel Williams, Lajavion Harris, and Dawson Clifton. Tip off for the first game between the Lady Wolves and Castor girls is scheduled for 6:00 pm. 

Slideshow of Weston High School Senior Girls Basketball Players

1. Briley Peterson
2. Nadia Siadek
3. Anslee Aldy
4. Raelynn Shell

to move from one picture to next click on the arrow on the side

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Quitman travels to Doyline for key boys district battle

Quitman High School will travel to Doyline for a girls and boys district 1B battle. While the girls game doesn’t seem like it should be much of a challenge for the Lady Wolverines to grab a victory considering Doyline has won only 1 of 21 games this season the boys contest promises a much different story. Both QHS and Doyline come into the contest having won over 20 games each and both desperately need a victory to stay in the district 1B title race with Quitman looking to stay just one game behind district leader Simsboro and Doyline needing a win to try and get back into the race after falling two games back following a loss to Simsboro on Tuesday. The two girls squads will begin the night’s play with tip-off slated for 6:00 pm.

JHHS boys look for first district win vs Plain Dealing 

Jonesboro-Hodge, 5-17 on the year, after a loss at Ringgold on Tuesday will be hoping that form holds true as they look for their first district win of the season when they host Plain Dealing on Friday. Both boys squads are 0-4 in 1-1A play but the difference is that Plain Dealing is also winless on the season, lending hope to the Tigers of claiming a victory.  With both girls teams losing on Tuesday, the matchup between the homestanding Lady Lions and visiting Plain Dealing isn’t as important to either for district 1-1A title hopes as now both sit at 2-2 in district play and are two games behind Cedar Creek and Arcadia, who are both 4-0 in 1-1A but a victory by either moves the winner into sole possession of third place in the district race. 

Quitman High School recently sent a large delegation of high school students to the Louisiana State BETA Convention with three coming back having qualified for the National Convention in Orlando, FL later this summer. 

Congratulations go to Madison Taylor – Division II Recyclable Arts, Jana Potts – Division I Color Photography, and Ellie Mae Ray – Division 1 Digital Art for earning the right to represent QHS at nationals. 

The BETA Program – (Behavior, Emotion, Transition, Academics, and Attendance) supports students in all of our member district high schools and students enrolled in our regional middle schools. The club’s goal is to promote academic excellence, leadership, character, and service. 

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After two periods of play on Monday night it looked like homestanding JHHS was in prime position to shock Class 5A Ruston in the girls contest. Unfortunately for the Lady Tigers a prep basketball game goes four quarters. 

Bolstered by a pair of three pointers from Morgan McGee and six points from Nesha Johnson, along with four points each from Jaylena Jackson and Tyya Davis, JHHS went into the halftime break with a 22-21 lead. The second half proved to be a different scenario though as Ruston held JHHS to just 11 points while scoring 33 to take the 54-33 victory. With the loss, JHHS dropped to 11-13 on the year while Ruston improved to 10-12 on the season. 

McGee would lead J-H in scoring with 13 points, with Johnson chipping in with 8. Jackson finished with five, Davis with four and Angel Moss ended with hitting a third quarter three pointer. 

Both the JHHS girls and boys traveled to Ringgold Tuesday for a pair of district 1-1A tilts but no results were available as of press time. Complete game results will by posted in the Sunday, February 9th edition of the Jackson Parish Journal.

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Amber Kornegay is a dedicated and accomplished member of the Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center team, exemplifying the facility’s mission of “Improving Quality of Life” through her extensive experience and leadership.

valueWith 26 years of tenure, Amber has demonstrated remarkable growth, beginning her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and advancing to obtain her nursing license. Today, she serves as a Senior Leader, specializing in infection prevention and education, making significant contributions to the health and safety of residents.

Her commitment to the facility’s core values is evident in her daily work. Our first value of “FAITH IN GOD”, guides her actions and interactions with both staff and residents.

“TEAMWORK” is another cornerstone of Forest Haven’s values, and Amber’s collaborative spirit fosters a positive environment where staff work together effectively to provide the best care possible. Her long-standing tenure with the facility, reflected in her 26 years of service, showcases her dedication to our third value of “COMMITMENT”.

In her role as the Senior Leader in charge of infection prevention, Amber prioritizes accurate care, ensuring that all protocols are followed to maintain a safe environment for residents and staff alike. Her expertise in infection prevention is crucial in upholding our facility’s fourth value of “QUALITY CARE”.

Lastly, Amber’s “INTEGRITY” shines through in her professional conduct and ethical decision-making, aligning perfectly with the facility’s fifth value. Her leadership not only enhances the quality of care at Forest Haven but also inspires her colleagues to uphold these essential values in their daily practice.

Join the Jackson Parish Journal in congratulating Amber on her commitment to Forest Haven Nursing Home and its residents. Thank you for all you do. 

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The 2024-25 Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Tournament Fishing Trail continued on Saturday, February 1st with 53 two-person teams competing, including 10 teams hailing from schools in Jackson Parish.

Fishing in the waters of Lake Claiborne proved to be difficult as only one team managed to catch the five fish limit, two others caught four and only 45 fish in all were landed. 

Leading the local contingent in the overall standings was the team of Addison Ledford of Weston High and Brody Halbrook of Gracepoint Christian Academy in Jonesboro, who caught two fish that had a total weight of 3.66 pounds to come in 13th place. 

As a result of the 3.00 lb. bass caught, Shepard Norred and Jackson Ables of Quitman High was one spot behind in the overall standings and finished in 2nd place in the Junior Division. Hailey Chatham and Ben Ramsey of Weston High were the final local Top Twenty representatives after their one bass that weighed 1.50 lbs. placed them 18th. 

Final Standings

Team Davis / Duck Near Top of Angler of the Year Standings

Despite the team of Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman High catching only one fish this past weekend to finish in 22nd place overall, the defending NELAHS Angler’s of the Year (AOY) runner-up is still near the top of the 2025 AOY standings. 

 With only the three tournaments left on the 2024-25 NELAHS tournament schedule Davis and Duck have 391.85 points and sit in 4th place overall, just 13.21 points off the pace of 404.06 set by Peyton Bennett and Brandon Pye of Choudrant High School. Hailey Chatham and Ben Ramsey are also in striking distance at 9th place with Addison Ledford and Brody Halbrook sitting at #15 overall. 

In the Junior Divison Angler of the Year chase, Shepard Norred and Jackson Ables are in 4th place with 322.90 points trailing the leaders Nate Sylvestri and Hinton Carroll, who have 380.77 points. Gage Guyotte and Hunter Williams (Weston High) are in 8th, Chance Lemoine and Jaxen Culpepper (Quitman High) are 10th with Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood (Quitman High) one spot behind in 11th place overall. 

2024-25 NELAHS Year-To-Date Top 15 

2024-25 NELAHS Junior Division Year-To-Date Standings

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The Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Committee would like to congratulate the following for earning the February Awards.

PBIS Award Winners

Students of the Month: Miya Ray (Hightower), Aniylah Calahan (Johnson)
Faculty of the Month: Mrs. Graeson Tobolka, 4th Grade Math/Sci./S.S.
Support Staff of the Month: Ms. Jennell Joe, Receptionist

Each was selected through their exemplary display of the PAWS Principles of:

Prepare yourself
Act Respectfully
Work Together
Safety First

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social-emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and well-being. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. 

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Registration for Jackson Parish Recreation Department 2025 youth baseball and softball seasons is now underway. See below for the form to use or go online to the JPRD website at jprec.org to complete the sign-up form. 

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

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The Jackson Parish Library invites you to take advantage of an enjoyable and educational series of events for young and old alike scheduled in February at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches. This week from Wednesday to Saturday, the featured activities are:

Jonesboro Branch 

Wednesday, Feb. 5: (Adult) Cardio Drumming  w/ Shannan Chevallier @ 2:00 pm 
Wednesday, Feb. 5: (Ages 0-5) Storytime in Multi Purpose Room @ 10:00 am
Thursday, Feb. 6: (Children) Art Class @ 4:00 pm
Friday, Feb. 7:  (Teens & Tweens) Alcohol Ink Abstract Print Craft @ 4:00 pm
Friday, Feb. 7: (Adults) SNAP Assistance @ 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Chatham Branch

Wednesday, Feb. 5: (Adult) Connect Fitness Gym Class @ 9:00 am
Friday, Feb. 7: (Adult) SNAP Assistance @ 9:30 – 11:00 am

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Schedule of Activities for Month of February

Bookmobile Schedule