Hi, my name is Ken Jones. I am a funeral director at Southern-Edmonds and I enjoy helping others. My job allows me to provide guidance and comfort to families who are grieving. I am committed to making sure every detail is handled with care and respect so families can honor their loved ones in the way they deserve.

I have a master’s degree in education. As a retired teacher and coach, I bring 33 years of experience in communicating and building meaningful connections with people. My background in education has given me the ability to effectively manage situations and provide thoughtful solutions.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and I love to duck hunt and bass fish. As a member of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro, my faith is an important part of my life.

I am married to Terry (Liles) Jones, and we own Always Eva’s Flower Shop in Jonesboro. Our family is a close-knit and active one. We have two sons, Rhen and Rhett, who both teach at Weston High School. Rhen is married to the former Rebecca Hightower who is also a teacher, and they have two beautiful daughters, Emmalyn and Ella Grace.

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Quitman Elementary traveled to Dubach and Simsboro this past week with the boys beating Dubach 50-29 and Simsboro 33-3. The girls also won at Simsboro by a score of 12-6.

Against Dubach, Boston led all QES scorers with 12, Blalock had 9, Norred and Ponder each added 8, Reed had 4, Davis had 3, and Taylor, Tolar and Vail added a basket each. In the Simsboro game, Points were spread evenly with Boston again leading with 8, Reed, David and Ponder all had 6, Norred had 4 and Seymore with 3.

In the girls contest, Tolar led the way with 6, Mixon scored 4 and Watkins made a basket.

The next game will be Monday at Choudrant with the girls starting at 6:00 pm followed by the boys game. Admission will be $5 at the door.

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The washing machine at the Gibsland house is one of those front-loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry.

Sometimes that is better than what is on television.

I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get through to the NFL-pre-season in August. I am rapidly running out of football season. I have tried to watch the new spring pro football games, but they have not caught my football fancy completely.

I remember the old-fashioned load it from the top type washing machines. I owned one that had a clear lid so I could stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. It was a newer model that was missing something, more on that soon.

If you have never seen laundry in the machines, you might try it. It is hypnotic.

You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!

What both washing machines were missing was that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.

That thingy is called the agitator.

The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:
“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”

The new washers have an agitation feature, but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!

Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.

I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ, I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.

The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.

Sunday, I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.

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The Jackson Parish Youth Basketball League has entered the halfway point of the 2025 season. A total of 30 teams consisting of players from the ages of 5-14 are competing in 8 divisions. 

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

In this edition of the Jackson Parish Journal the games of the fourth week of play are shown. In the Wednesday edition, the schedule for the upcoming Saturday games will be posted.

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

 

Game Results of February 1, 2025

Age 5-6 Boys and Girls

Warriors 15 Pelicans 9
Warriors Scoring: Thiago 8, Colton 2, Ashton 1, Landry 1, Parker 2, Tanner 1,  Asher 1
Pelicans Scoring: Doliyah 3, Eva 1, Jaceon 1, Braxton 1, Noah 1, Kristopher 1, L’master 1

Bulls 19 Bucks 12
Bulls Scoring: Tegan 9, Gentry 3, Ryker 1, Rilynn 1, Dallas 1, Kacen 1, Reyton 1, Hazel 1, Harper 1
Bucks Scoring: Synovia 3, Christon 3, Dredyn 2, Dawson 2,, Ella Jo 2 

Age 7-8 Girls

Aces 14 Sparks 12
Aces Scoring: Mercedes 6, Caylee 4, Korea 2, Lennyn1, Emma 1
Sparks Scoring: Cassidy 8, Karlie 2, Kaylee 2

Age 7-8 Boys

Magic 27 Thunder 8
Magic Scoring: Jeremiah 10, Duke 5, Sam 4, Brennon 4, Mozzie 2, Tate 2
Thunder Scoring: Ashton 2, Levi 2, Lamar 1, Oliver 1, Rylon 1, Kaden 1

Hawks 15 Celtics 6
Hawks Scoring: Jackson 9, D.J. 4, Ryker 2
Celtics Scoring: Case 5, Cole 1

Kings 23 Thunder 11
Kings Scoring: Ayden 11, Reece 4, Pistol 4, Xavier 2, Kaden 2, 
Thunder Scoring: Levi 4, Ashton 2, Lamar 1, Oliver 1, Rylon 1, Kaden 1, John  1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Ayden 11, Jeremiah 10

Age 9-10 Girls

Mystics 15 Fever 10
Mystics Scoring: Delilah 6, Miriam 4, Marlee 3, Natalie 2
Fever Scoring: Isabel Morris 4, Kylee-Ann Allen 3, Landrie Watson 2, Ryleigh Puffer 1

Age 9-10 Boys

Raptors 26 Rockets 11
Raptors Scoring: Carson 19, Mason 6
Rockets Scoring: Clay 6, Cruze 4, Bentley 1

Jazz 22 Grizzlies 11
Jazz Scoring: Colton 7, James 7, Jacob 4, Cameron 2, Gabe 1, Lian 1
Grizzlies Scoring: Grant 6, Jase 5

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Carson 19

Age 11-12 Boys

Bulls 33 Bucks 18
Bulls Scoring: Noah 18, Caden 8, Kaleb 3, Eli 2, Cane 2
Bucks Scoring: Ryder 5, Thatcher 5, Grant 4, Kash 4

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Noah 18

Age 11-13 Girls

Dream 23 Sun 6
Dream Scoring: #1 – 12, #2 – 4, #7 – 4, #5 – 2, #9 – 1
Sun Scoring: #8 – 2, #5 – 2, #2 – 2

Star 21 Wings 19
Stars Scoring: Kate 8, Mallory 7, Tessa 3, Teegan 2, Hannah 1
Wings Scoring: Audrina 10, Addison 3, Saniyah 2, Skylar 1, Raylie 1, Elliot 1, Jaylen 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): #1 – 12, Audrina 10

Age 13-14 Boys

Lakers 30 Warriors 26
Lakers Scoring: Leyton 7, Kobie 7, Eli 6, Mason 5, Jacolby 3, Ryder 2
Warriors Scoring: Colton Otwell 9, Lucas Leach 7, E.J. Jackson 5, Luke Rowe 3,  Eli Rowe 2

Heat 37 Blazers 21
Heat Scoring: Levi 9, A.J. 6, Quantavius 6, Raylon 5, Malachi 4, Kypin 3, Jasen 2, Jensen 2
Blazers Scoring: Hayden – 9, Cason 7, Aiden Reed 5

 

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Snow Storms Adds Extension To Some Hunting Seasons

We in north Louisiana did not get to enjoy all that takes place when we get snow, which we didn’t get this time around. Folks in the southern portion of the state were busy making snowmen, having snowball fights, making snow ice cream and in one of the most extreme things I have ever heard, skiing and ice skating on Bourbon Street in downtown New Orleans of all places.

There is one thing, however, we upstate folks can share with our snow-bound neighbors to our south. We all get some hunting seasons extended.
According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, because of unusual weather conditions that put a stop to hunting for a few days, it noted that maximizing hunting opportunities is a priority of LDWF and according to Secretary Madison Shehan she has extended certain seasons.

Quail, rabbit and squirrel seasons always end on the last day of February. This year, those hunters who go after quail, chase bunnies in the briar patches or follow a squirrel dog to the tree he says the squirrel is hiding have a couple of extra days to pursue their sports. This year only, these seasons are extended to March 2.

Also, deer hunters who prefer to pursue their quarry with stick and string usually see archery season come to a close at the end of January. This year, the archery season is extended to February 2.

Since this year rabbit hunters get a couple of extra days to do it, let’s talk rabbit hunting for a second. Have you ever hunted rabbits with a pack of beagles? I have and it’s one of the most fun hunting ventures you can be part of. Here’s how it works; someone with half a dozen or so of those miniature dogs invites you to join friends on hunt rabbits.

How do you hunt rabbits? Do you sneak around trying to spot a cottontail or swamper and take a shot before it vamooses? No, that’s not how you do it. You and your partners surround a spot, usually the thickest briar patch in the area, and let the beagles do their work.

When the little dogs are released, they get to use what the Good Lord gave them, and that’s sets of lungs that produce squeals and yaps and bawling that seem impossible for dogs that small. Just when you marvel at the volume of sound beagles make as they search for the scent of a rabbit, just wait until they locate and jump a rabbit. The volume of sound and level of excitement intensifies ten-fold.

When a rabbit is jumped, it usually makes a big circle with the bawling beagles on its tail and then returns to near where it was first jumped. Those who are seasoned experienced hunters aren’t tempted to try and get ahead of the bounding bunny but wait until it circles back to the area from where it left.

When a rabbit has a bawling beagle on its tail, these little fellows are fast as lightning and it takes being ready should the streak of brown dash through the opening you’re watching. You might get him but there’s a chance you’ll be shooting at the spot he just vacated.

Rabbits make great table fare. The meat is not gamey and a meal of chicken fried rabbit, rice and gravy can be hard to beat. Thankfully this year, hunters have an extra two days to follow the beagles and hopefully get a chance at a bounding bunny.

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FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs out in front of the dam. Some big bass are hitting jigs and deep diving crank baits 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 best flipping soft plastics. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is rising. A few catfish are being caught. 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. No report on bream or 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 fair on the south end fishing mostly with shiners in 18-20 foot water. No report on bass. Catfish continue to bite. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall. A few catfish are being caught. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

The Jonesboro-Hodge High School Band has received a memorial donation from Christie Weeks in memory of Patricia Byrd, Mr. Barry Cannon, and Mr. Pat Cone. On behalf of the “Tropical Thunder” marching band and director Trey Porchay, much thanks is given to Mrs. Weeks and all those who have assisted in the bands growth.  

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Not to be Ignored or Excused

If you’re a frequent flyer you know the drill.

I’ve flown many cross country trips and twice to England visiting family. Safety instructions are shared in three ways: demonstrations by trained attendants, leaflets in the pockets of seats or by video messages. Passengers learn the proper use of seat belts, oxygen masks and bottom seats as flotation implements.

I find it very interesting; that in the case of emergency, parents or care givers are directed to put an oxygen mask on themselves first.

That seems selfish. It’s not. Breathing freely, the parent is then able to properly care for their children by securely placing masks on them.

Are you a frequent judge?

You know the drill. You recognize sin in the life of another Christian. You’re inclined to point the finger of guilt; instead, you or I should first do serious self inspection.

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with the judgment you use,you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5 HCSB).”

No sin should be ignored or excused. It must be dealt with.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 HCSB).”

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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.

LEGAL NOTICE

VF Properties LLC d/b/a Caney Lake Landing and RV Park is applying to the Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in Jackson Parish at the following address:
7777 La Hwy 4
Jonesboro, La 71251
VF Properties LLC
Caney Lake Landing and RV Park
Members: Nicholas P. Vondenstein

Ralph Walker, Jr.
November 2, 1945 – January 28, 2025

Ralph Walker, Jr. passed away at his residence near Weston, Louisiana on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was 79 years old. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He proudly served 4 years active duty in the United States Air Force as a B-52 Bomber crew chief. He was stationed on the island of Guam and was a Viet Nam Veteran. Ralph worked for Stone Container for 40 years. He was a very generous person who loved helping people. His most memorable trait was his ability to make people laugh. He was a big prankster and enjoyed joking with everyone.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Judy Alexander Walker; son, Nicholas Walker; daughter, Noelle Walker Otwell (Robby); grandchildren, Jude and Livi Otwell, Steven and Austin Walker; brother, Robert Walker (Connie); sisters, Barbara Toms, Geraldine Ayres (Jerry), Patsy Nix; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Walker, Sr.; mother, Ima Walsworth Walker; brothers, Herman, Herbert and Gordy “Pete” Walker; and son, Todd Walker.

The funeral service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church near Weston, on Friday, January 31, 2025 with Bro. Chris Lee and Bro. Fred Dowden officiating. Burial followed in the Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Serving the family as pallbearers was Lex Walker, Linc Walker, Luke Walker, Lance Walker, Waylan Alexander and Cass Alexander. Honorary Pallbearers were Chet Tidwell, Jimmy Greer, Paul Trosclair, Kevin Taylor, Chris Taylor, Richard Morris, Glen “Skeeter” McBride, Donald Franklin and “Sambo” Lowery.

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