The Jackson Parish Bowhunters Archery Club is hosting their first tournament of the year on Saturday, February 8th at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex on the Steven Morgan Archery Range,  located at 5454 Hwy 4, east of Jonesboro. 

The tournament will serve the dual purpose as an ASA Qualifier and also an Arklatex 3D Archery Trail qualifier. Registration time will be 8:00 – 9:30 am with the “Shotgun Start” set for 10:00 am. To pre-register call or text Heath Hall at (318) 245-3136.

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It will be “Senior Night”, to honor the 5th graders on the Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School girls and boys basketball team, this Thursday, February 6th, when JHES hosts JS Clark Elementary at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School gymnasium. Tip-off for the first game is set for 6:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 per person. 

Come and show your support for the “stars of tomorrow”!

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Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members at Quitman High School participated in the Northeast Regional Leadership Conference held at Grambling State University on January 30th. From the large contingent of junior high and high school students representing QHS, a total of 19 competitors earned the right to move on to state competition by placing either 1st – 4th place or earning a Superior rating. 

QHS FBLA State Qualifiers

Fourteen FBLA members earn Excellent designation

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I’m not sure where to start to describe the impact bass fishing has had on my life. I think it’s safe to say that I have gotten a lot more out of bass fishing than probably any of my other hobbies combined. It’s a sport that has provided me a lifetime of great memories and has allowed me to make some of the best friends a man could ever ask for.

Let’s start by going way back to my early days of fishing on our ranch in East Texas. What a great training ground it was! I was basically self-taught after being introduced to bass fishing by my best friend’s dad (who also sparked my interest in hunting as well).

By the age of 10 (in 1972), I was a subscriber to Bassmaster Magazine which really lit my fuse for basic bass fishing information. What a great publication full of tips and tricks with full scale color drawings on how, when and where to catch fish. I would literally sit by the mailbox with excitement, waiting on each issue.

For a young boy who was not an avid reader and struggled with dyslexia, if it wasn’t for Bassmaster Magazine, I’m not sure I would have learned how to read at all. This magazine gave me a purpose and a reason to learn how to read!

I remember the first tackle box I ever saw; it belonged to my Dad. I was enthralled with going through it and handling all the funny-looking baits. Some I had learned about through my Bassmaster Magazine, while there were other baits I had never seen before.

Now many of these baits never made it back to Dad’s tackle box because I lost most of them on a stump or a log in one of our stock ponds on the ranch. Dad was never much of a fisherman, but he would do inventory occasionally to see just how many of his lures I had lost.

He never really got upset about the lures lost in action, but I could tell he was disappointed that some were missing. I guess he was just happy I found something I was passionate about other than baseball.

Well, baseball did take up much of my time up until 1985. It was then, during a routine physical, that my doctor randomly asked me what I was going to do to fill the void of my baseball playing days. I told him that I would probably play a little softball, a lot more golf, and bass fish.

Little did I know, it would be a friend of mine who would introduce me to tournament fishing by asking me to fish a night tournament on Lake Bistineau. This was life-changing for me and ignited my passion for competitive bass fishing.

After fishing local and regional team trails up until 1998, I decided to take my fishing to the next level by fishing at the highest level on the FLW Tour as a co-angler. But I also jumped in the BFL’s (the lowest level of FLW) and fished as a boater/pro while also entering the FLW Everstart Series (now Toyota Series) and Bassmaster Opens, which for the last 20 years has been my passion.

For the last eight years, I’ve basically been dedicated to a couple of tournament trails within the American Bass Anglers Organization: one called the Solo 150’s (their highest level) and the other called the new Pro League. I have truly enjoyed both and still look forward to fishing.

Over the years, I have made some lifelong friends and connections with some of the biggest names in the bass fishing world. These people, who have achieved so much, also introduced me to others who have had a huge impact on me as an angler and a person.

There’s something about the bond anglers have that is so special. These are guys who will come to your rescue in time of need on and off the water. Guys you can share information with and that you can trust to keep that info to themselves.

At each tournament, memories are made. Stories are told over and over of situations we have been in before along with stories of great days on the water both during practice and tournaments. But understand, anglers tend to exaggerate or stretch the truth occasionally.

But the bonds you share with other anglers is what makes bass fishing such an enjoyable sport.

‘Til next time, keep on fishing and keep on setting the hook as you never know, the next fish you catch just might be the fish of a lifetime.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

 

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LP Saw Shop, located at 2612 Hwy 4 in Jonesboro, reminds you that warmer weather means the grass will begin to grow and that means that it is time to get your mowers in shape for the duties of cutting the grass this upcoming spring. 

In order to assist you with this, LP Saw Shop is offering a Spring Tune-Up Special on all and any brand of zero-turn mowers for only $129.00 through March 31st. Pickup an delivery is also available. To schedule  service call (318) 259 – 4056. 

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Head Coach Van Osborne announces that a registration meeting for the JP Tigers Travel Football team will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8th in the Conference Room of the Jonesboro City Hall located at 128 Allen Avenue.

If your child is of the ages 7-12 years old is interested and/or if you are interested in helping develop young boys into football players as a coach you are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register your child early, call Coach Osborne at (318) 243-8711. 

The JP Tigers are looking forward to a great year in 2025 with the help of our great community. GEAUX TIGERS!

 

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By Brad Dison

The Four Tops were one of the most commercially successful pop music groups of the 1960s. The members of the Four Tops, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, and Lawrence Payton, were propelled to stardom with their hits such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch), “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette,” “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got),” and many more.

In 1988, the Four Tops, still with its original lineup, released an album of new material called “Indestructible.” To promote their album, the Four Tops went on a world tour. The album proved more successful in the United Kingdom than in the United States, and by the end of the year had climbed into the UK Top 10. By the third week of December 1988, the Four Tops were homesick.

They had completed their live shows and had one more contractual obligation to fulfill before they could return to their homes and families in Detroit, Michigan for Christmas. On December 21, 1988, they went to film two of their songs for the British music television program called Top of the Pops. The Four Tops had planned to film both songs, their number one hit from 1966, “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” and their newest single “Loco in Acapulco,” at the same session. They were so sure that they would film both songs at the same session that the Four Tops had already purchased four first class tickets for Pan Am’s flight 103 which was scheduled to depart London’s Heathrow Airport at 6:00 that evening.

The producer of Top of the Pops had other ideas. “Loco in Acapulco” was scheduled to be broadcast on the following day, December 22, 1988, and “Reach Out I’ll Be There” was scheduled for New Years Eve. To make it appear that the songs were filmed at different times, the producer required the Four Tops to wear different suits for each performance and the stages would be decorated differently for each performance.

The change of suits required only a few minutes, but the stage transformation would take several hours. Despite their best efforts to persuade the producer to film both songs in the same session, which began with friendly requests and progressed into a cursing match, the producer would not budge. He held their contract. They had no choice but to film one song on December 21 and return the following day to film the other. This meant that they would have one less day to spend with their families during the holidays.

The homesick Four Tops’ anger had not diminished that evening when Pan Am Flight 103 took off without them. At 7:02 p.m., as Flight 103 was flying over Lockerbie, Scotland, a terrorist’s bomb exploded in the baggage compartment beneath the first class section of the airliner. All 259 people on the jet and 11 people on the ground perished in what has become known as the Lockerbie bombing.

This article is dedicated to the 270 people who lost their lives in that disaster. Had the Four Tops gotten their way, that number would have been 274.

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Attention all 5th grade students (moving to the 6th grade next year) who are interested in playing softball at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS)! Tryouts will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at the Jonesboro Hodge High School (JHHS) softball complex, which is located near the Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School on Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro.

All levels of experience are welcome. 

Bring your glove and come show your skills!

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Boundaries

We live 3 miles outside of the village of Epps, Louisiana; just before reaching the main road we pass a fenced cow pasture. We often see cattle that have managed to get through the fence and out into the road. Now I know how ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ became a country western classic.

God created natural boundaries.

“When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth (Proverbs 8:29 KJV).”

I’d guess most tend to rebel against restraints and boundaries.

Yet, a world without restraints would allow man (is his depravity) to perpetrate evils beyond comprehension. I submit to my Savior’s constraints.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 KJV).”

Admittedly, I was dead in sin. Praise the Lord; he gave me life everlasting!

“But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)(Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV).”

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This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Joshua Aucoin (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
Kasey Turner (Jonesboro, LA) – Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Pay Child Support, Possession of Schedule II CDS
Harley B. Martin (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery
Lawrence Tatum Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Parish Probation Violation
Brandon L. Bellmore (Chatham, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
Sadie Mixon (Quitman, LA) – Controlled Dangerous Substance in Presence of a Juvenile, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
Lakardo Bryant (Jonesboro, LA) – EOS Warrant on Possession of Schedule II, Parish Probation Warrant
Marcus Henry (Jonesboro, LA) – Public Intoxication
Aymoni Booker (Houston, TX) – NCIC Warrant, Illegal Carry of a Weapon
Jarrius K. Kimble (Winnfield, LA) – Winn Sheriff Office Warrant on Tag Light Violation, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, Synthetic Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Illegal Carry of Weapons, Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine
Gary Adkins (Jonesboro, LA) – Parole Violations
Tasha Knox (Quitman, LA) – Probation and Parole Warrant
Terry T. Gray (Jonesboro, LA) – Probation and Parole Warrant, Resisting an Officer
Timothy Holifield (Jonesboro, LA) – First Offense DWI, Improper Lane Violation  

 

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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.

Billy Raymond Brown
December 5, 1951 – January 27, 2025

Billy Raymond Brown, age 74, of Hodge, LA gained his heavenly wings on January 27th. Public viewing has been set for 2:00 -5:00 pm on Friday, February 7th at Galilee Baptist Church in Hodge with family hour to follow from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Homecoming Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 8th at Galilee Baptist Church with Interment following at the St. Rest Baptist Church Cemetery in Bienville, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that, effective immediately, the LA 505 Bridge over Halfway Creek in Jackson Parish is closed for necessary bridge repairs. The bridge is located just before Blankenship Road, approximately 2.0 miles south of LA 4, south of Jonesboro. The closure is anticipated to last 1 week, and should be open Friday, February 7, 2025.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

Safety reminder: DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

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The Jackson Parish School Board will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, February 3rd. The session will take place at 11:00 am in the Conference Room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro. 

School Board Meeting Agenda

1. Invocation – Calvin Waggoner
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Wade McBride
3. Call to Order
4. Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on January 13, 2025.
5. Consider approving the School Board Member Training Resolution.
6. Review 2024 Creative Learning Units (CLU) for Board Members
Rick Barlow – 12.5
Paulette Belton – 24
Dennis Clary – 8
Wade McBride – 17
Gerry Mims – 18
Mary Saulters – 16
Calvin Waggoner – 11.5
7. Recognize Board Member Paulette Belton as Certified School Board Member for the year 2024 by attaining twenty or more CLU’s.
8. Recognize Amy Hay, Assessment & Accountability Supervisor – Information on 2023-2024 Test Scores.
9. Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto.
10.Superintendent’s Comments
11.Adjourn

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact David Claxton at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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Call it the game of the year. Quitman is hosting Weston in round two of the fiercely contested Jackson Parish rivalry that carries much more importance than bragging rights for both girls teams ranked in the top ten of Class B but is very important in regard to the district 1B title chase. 

Quitman, ranked #4 stands at 16-9 overall and more importantly 4-0 after the first round of district play. Weston enters with an 18-8 mark and 3-1 in 1B, their only loss an earlier  and #9 Weston 56-47 loss to Quitman back on January 16th. 

Even though both teams will have three district games left to play the contest carries great importance as to who will have the upper hand in 1B play. If Quitman wins the Lady Wolverines will take a commanding two game lead whereas a Weston victory pulls the Lady Wolves into a tie for the top spot. 

Not only are two of the better “small school” teams in north Louisiana going to square off but also two of the top post players, regardless of classification in a pair of 18 point per game scorers Cali Deal of Quitman and Briley Peterson of Weston, the last two district 1B MVP’s. 

Both squads also sport strong supporting casts with Anna Leach of Quitman scoring at a 14.3 ppg rate and Weston having two “double digit” scorers in Carly Jo Griffin (13.0 ppg) and Anslee Adly (10.0 ppg)

Both teams enter the contest playing their best ball of the season with Quitman having won 6 of their last 7, the only loss being to Class 5A Benton and Weston on a season-tying best 4 game winning streak.

The opening tip is set for 6:00 pm but it is recommended to get there early as a sell out is expected. Following the girls battle the Quitman boys (20-4, 3-1) will face Weston (7-19, 0-4).

Friday Results

Quitman 56 Castor 31 (Girls): Cali Deal recorded a “double-double” of 19 points and 10 rebounds as Quitman concluded the first half of the district 1B schedule with a perfect 4-0 record. Anna Leach also had a big game with 16 points followed by Hallie Kate Pullig scoring seven. Jaleigh Burns added five, Allie Robertson finished with three and Emma Walker, Taylor Borland and Brooklyn Brown all scored two points apiece. 

Weston 62 Simsboro 38 (Girls): Briley Peterson hit 10 of 13 free throws and turned in one of the more dominant performances of her career as she scored 33 points and pulling down 13 rebounds to pace the Lady Wolves. Carly Jo Griffin and Ansell Aldy also reached “double digits” in scoring with 13 and 12 points each as the three scored all but four of the Weston points. Jakayla Fourd and Nadia Siadek, who added 8 boards scored two points each. 

Quitman 83 Castor 79 (boys): The Wolverines reached the 20 win mark for the third year in a row with the victory but it wasn’t easy as Quitman outscored Castor 13-9 in overtime to grab the win. The Wolverines had five players reach double figures in scoring paced by Brayden Martin equaling his career high with 29 points. Noah Leach and Gavyn Caskey had 15 and 14 points respectively. Taden Thomas, who tied the game for Quitman at the end of regulation with a basket, added 10 as did Brayden Smith who also pulled down 11 rebounds for a “double-double” effort.  

Simsboro 82 Weston 43 (boys):  The Tigers from Lincoln Parish made it a clean sweep of the two Jackson Parish district 1B schools offsetting a career best performance by Abram Toms, whose 12 points was one more than he had scored in Weston’s previous 25 games combined. Weston trailed by only a 15-13 deficit after one period but a 37 point outburst by Simsboro, powered by a 12/12 showing at the free throw line and 3 three-pointers in the second quarter put the game away. Dawson Clifton also reached double figures with 10 while La’Javion Harris and Nathin Wages scored seven points each. Daniel Williams finished with four and Ashad Harris tallied three for Weston. 

Girls District 1B Standings 

TEAM	DISTRICT RECORD	OVERALL RECORD
Quitman	4-0	16-9
Weston	3-1	18-8
Simsboro	2-3	11-12
Castor	1-3	11-12
Doyline	0-3	1-19

Boys District 1B Standings

TEAM	DISTRICT RECORD	OVERALL RECORD
Simsboro	5-0	14-8
Quitman	3-1	20-4
Doyline	2-1	20-4
Castor	0-4	14-8
Weston	0-4	7-19

A Jonesboro woman was one of three that were arrested in Winn Parish following a undercover narcotics operation conducted by narcotics officers from the Winn and Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Departments.

Charged with one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine was Kesha Parker of Jonesboro. Also charged was Daniel Bearden of Winnfield, charged with three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and Brandon Sullivan of Castor who was charged with one count of Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of Schedule I Marijuana.

The three individuals have been booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center, where they will await further legal proceedings.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers beat Union Parish on Thursday and Haynesville on Friday to continue their impressive surge that has seen J-H win 6 of their last 8 games since the calendar switched to 2025. With the back-to-back victories, JHHS neared the .500 mark at 11-12 in head coach Shan Jackson’s second year, who has now led the Lady Tigers to more victories this season than in the last two years combined. 

JHHS 39 Union Parish 37: led by Tyya Davis scoring 8 of her team high 12 points in the first half, the Lady Tigers opened up a 23-14 lead at the break that held up to give JHHS their first win of the season over a team with a winning record. Sanaa Tatum scored 8 and both Jaylena Jackson and Morgan McGee chipped in with five points each. Nesha Johnson finished with four, Angel Moss added three and LaKayla McGuire tallied two to round out the scoring. 

JHHS 42 Haynesville 16: The Lady Tigers held Haynesville to just 2 points in both the first and third quarters to improve to 2-1 in 1-1A competition and stay just one game behind the district 1-1A leaders. Tyya Davis continued her impressive scoring outburst with 16 points to lead the JHHS offense for a second straight game. Morgan McGee and Nesha Johnson also reached double figures with 12 and 10 points respectively while Jaylena Jackson and LaKayla McGuire chipped in with two points apiece. 

JHHS boys drop 4th straight

After winning three out of four, the Tigers have now dropped their last four, three coming to the district leaders to saddle JHHS with a 5-16 overall record and an 0-3 mark in 1-1A play.

Union Parish 52 JHHS 43: Pierce Ulloa scored a career best 11 points on the strength of three 3-pointers, which also set a new career mark and JHHS had three reach double figures in scoring but it still wasn’t enough to upset 16-9 Union Parish. Ariy’un Bradford led the Tigers with 14 points and Dylan Hayes added ten. Samuel Combs scored three, Derrime Malone and D.J. Palmer tallied two each and Tyson Burks added a free throw. 

Haynesville 71 JHHS 50:  The Tigers continued to struggle against the district 1-1A gauntlet of games that has seen JHHS fall against the #5 and #8 teams in Division IV among “non-select” teams and the #3 ranked “select school” Division IV team. No individual game totals were available

NEXT UP: The road doesn’t get any easier for the JHHS boys on Tuesday, February 4th, as they travel to district leader Ringgold, who despite an 8-15 overall record is 3-0 in 1-1A play. In regard to the Lady Tigers, optimism is high to reach the .500 mark for the first time in over two years as they will take on the Lady Redskins who have a 4-14 mark and are 1-2 in district 1-1A play.

Girls District 1-1A Standings

TEAM	DISTRICT RECORD	OVERALL RECORD
Cedar Creek	3-0	22-3
Arcadia	3-0	19-3
Plain Dealing	2-1	12-12
Jonesboro-Hodge	2-1	11-12
Ringgold	1-2	4-14
Lincoln Prep	1-2	2-13
Haynesville	0-3	2-12
Glenbrook Academy	0-2	1-11

Boys District 1-1A Standings

TEAM	DISTRICT RECORD	OVERALL RECORD
Ringgold	3-0	8-15
Haynesville	2-1	9-1
Lincoln Prep	2-1	17-7
Arcadia	2-1	12-5
Cedar Creek	2-1	12-5
Glenbrook Academy	1-2	3-12
Jonesboro-Hodge	0-3	5-16
Plain Dealing	0-3	0-17

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Weston High School recently sent a large contention to the Louisiana State BETA convention with 15 qualifying for the national convention that will be held in Orlando, FL later this summer, including seven who were named as Service Learning Showcase Champions

National Convention Qualifiers

Megan Walker Division 1: 2nd place sculpture
Brianna Moffitt Division 1: 4th place mixed media
Anna Shows Division 1: 3rd place pottery
Makayla Johns Division 1: 2nd place recyclable art
Abram Toms Division 1: 2nd place quilling
Marcela Gonzalez Division 1: 3rd place photography
Alley Hines Division 2: 2nd place quilling
Molly Beaubouef Division 2: 4th place mixed media

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Teen dating violence is a critical issue that affects millions of young people across the country. February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention efforts to stop abusive relationships before they start.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 12 high school students in the U.S. experience physical dating violence, and 1 in 12 report sexual dating violence. The issue is just as prevalent in Louisiana, where a 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 9.1% of high school students reported being physically hurt by someone they were dating.

Teen dating violence is not limited to physical harm. It includes emotional abuse, sexual violence, digital harassment, and stalking. These experiences can have long-term effects on a teenager’s mental and emotional health, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Louisiana has taken legal measures to address teen dating violence and protect young victims. In 2010, Louisiana passed Act 321, which requires public schools to provide age-appropriate education on dating violence, including warning signs and available resources.

Under Louisiana law, domestic abuse protective orders can be issued to minors experiencing dating violence. Additionally, the state defines dating violence as a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Louisiana Revised Statute 17:81 mandates school boards to develop policies for preventing and responding to teen dating violence. These policies must include training for school staff, procedures for reporting abuse, and resources for students in abusive relationships.

Teen dating violence can be difficult to identify, especially when victims are afraid to speak out. Some warning signs include:
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Isolation from friends and family
• Controlling behavior, such as monitoring phone use or social media activity

Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing teen dating violence. Teaching teens about healthy relationships, consent, and the importance of mutual respect can help reduce abusive behaviors before they start.

For those experiencing dating violence, help is available. Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is a vital resource in Louisiana that provides support to victims of domestic violence, including teens.

Andrea Malone, the Rural Advocate for DART in Jackson Parish, is available to speak to schools, youth groups, and organizations about teen dating violence. She provides crucial information on recognizing abuse, seeking help, and fostering healthy relationships. Her outreach efforts aim to educate young people and empower them with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others.

Schools, parents, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by hosting discussions, sharing educational materials, and inviting advocates like Andrea Malone to speak. Raising awareness can help break the cycle of abuse and ensure a safer future for Louisiana’s teens.

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

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Jackson Parish native and Weston High School graduate, Scott Carter, was inducted into the Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor on January 25th following an outstanding 37-year career.

Carter retired from Port Neches-Groves High School where he had been the head baseball coach for the past 12 seasons and led the school to it’s first baseball state championship in school history in 2017. 

As a head coach for 34 of his 37 year career that included winning state championships in Louisiana and Texas, Carter garnered an incredible 643 wins, made the playoffs 27 times and led his teams to 16 district titles. Included are 10 regional quarterfinal appearances, 5 times a regional finalist, a state semi-final showing in 2012 and being a three time state champion, two at Sacred Heart in Ville Platte, LA in 1992-93 and at Port Neches-Grove. 

Added accolades include being named Coach of the Year at the district, parish/couny and state level as well as being honored to be the head coach at the Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star game in 2005 and as an assistant coach in 2008 and 2018. Carter was also selected to be the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBA) All-Star coach in 2009 and as the Class 5A Regional Director for the THSBA in 2022.

He and his wife Bridget, who hails from Winnfield, currently live in Port Neches, TX spending time with daughters Candyce and Chelsea and grandchildren Reagan and Carson Milian. 

Coach Carter Quote:

“There have been so many players, coaches, teachers, and administrators that have had an influence on my life that I can’t personally thank each one. Please accept this as my appreciation for you all. To my wife, children, and grandchildren, you have been my motivation, and I thank and love you. No one understands the coaching profession and all that is gained and sacrificed more than a coach’s family. Thank you for the past 37 years and the memories.”

 

 

 

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The Quitman High School Junior Varsity girls basketball team competed in the Choudrant Tournament recently winning both games. The JV girls beat West Ouachita 39-35 in their first game and then made it a perfect 2-0 performance by besting tourney host Choudrant by a 42-32 margin. 

Quitman 39 West Ouachita 35: After spotting West Ouachita to a 22-14 halftime lead, the Lady Wolverines came storming back to outscore the Lady Chiefs 25-13 in the second half to take the victory. Hallie Kate Pullig led the offense with 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting followed by 8 and 7 points by Allie Robertson and Kinsley Ponder respectively. Brooklyn Brown and Lily Jones scored two points each and Braelyn Patton added a free throw. 

Quitman 42 Choudrant 32: Once again, Hallie Kate Pullig was a force on the inside as she pace Quitman with 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Allie Robertson also reached “double digits” in points with 12 while Kinsley Ponder scored five and got 8 boards. Braelyn Patton chipped in with four points, Hall scored two and Boone hit a free throw to round out the scoring. 

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The Jonesboro Study Guild held its January meeting on January 27, 2024. After President Joann Teat called the meeting to order, Mary Cryer introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Randy Layfield, Director of His Hands Ministry, a ministry supported by First Baptist Church of Jonesboro.

Attending  were Study Guild members: Donna Avery, Jolene Carson, Mary Cryer, RoseMary Ewing, Paula Jimmerson, Dawna Keys, Lisa McConathy, May Saulters, Wilda Smith, JoAnn Teat, Marilyn Walker, Glo Weaver, Christie Weeks and guest, Michelle Breeding.

Layfield shared key information about His Hands Ministry impact in 2024, including:

• An average of 137 families served per month, which equates to 337 individuals, including 61 seniors.

• The ministry operates with the help of volunteer workers from various churches and faith-based organizations in the community.

• For January, they are collecting donations of crackers and peanut butter and donated items.

• The His Hands clothing ministry allows individuals in need to receive 15 pieces of clothing at no cost.

· Donations are made by: Quitman Beta Club, 4-H, Club Scouts, Loopers, many Church’s

Randy also expressed his willingness to speak to other organizations and clubs to share more about His Hands Ministry.

Following the program, Christy Weeks served a delicious King Cake from Briarhill Farms.

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Over the past several weeks, our scouts have been learning about community, being a good neighbor, and American flag etiquette. Our Wolf and Bear dens, which include 2nd and 3rd graders, held a flag retirement ceremony on January 27. Many members of the community donated worn and faded American flags, which have proudly flown in our area, to our pack to be retired appropriately.

Cubmaster, Brian Hurt, led members of the Wolf Den in properly folding the flag and preparing it for disposal by burning it and burying the ashes. The scouts were reminded of the honor that our flag holds, as well as the respect it deserves. Each scout in attendance was given the opportunity to personally retire a flag.

Meanwhile, our older scouts, who are Arrow of Light (AOL) and BSA members, were busy carefully cutting embroidered stars from flags to be retired, as part of the Stars for Our Troops program. These stars will be sent to military service members as tokens of appreciation for their times of service.

In total, Jonesboro Pack 523 retired 142 flags and sent 46 star panels. More importantly, these youth gained hands-on experience and a new level of respect for our flag and troops that will not soon be forgotten.

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