Jackson Parish voters were in the same accord as the rest of the state of Louisiana as they resoundly said NO to the four proposed constitutional amendments that were being proposed on Saturday, March 29th. Also failing locally was the request to continue the PW Law Enforcement District Millage for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for the next ten years. 

According to the GeauxVote.com portal of the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, roughly 25% of voters registered in Jackson Parish went to the polls with the final tabulations from all 31 precincts reporting being…..

CA No. 1 (ACT No. 2, 2024-3ES – SB 1) – To provide for disciplinary proceedings over attorneys and to create courts of limited jurisdiction
Yes – 938  (38%)
No – 1,500 (62%)

CA No. 2 (ACT No. 1, 2024-3ES – HB 7) – To provide with respect to the power of taxation including limitations thereon
Yes – 879 (36%)
No – 1,545 (62%)

CA No. 3 (ACT No. 3, 2024-3ES – SB 2) – To provide relative to crimes committed by juveniles and to special juvenile proceedings
Yes – 913 (38%)
No – 1520 (62%)

CA No. 4 (ACT No. 4, 2024-3ES – SB 5) — To provide for election dates for newly-created judgeships or vacancies in office of judge
Yes – 924 (38%)
No – 1,502 (62%)

PW Law Enforcement District — 9.23 Mills Continuation – Sheriff – 10 Yrs.
Yes – 935 (39%)
No – 1,452 (61%)

Statewide, the roughly 630,000 people who cast ballots of the 2,980,382 registered in the state were even more against the four proposed amendments as the average vote received was 34-36% for and 64-66% against.

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You will never find two more “team” oriented players than Cali Deal and Noah Leach, the two leading scorers on the girls and boys basketball teams that helped Quitman High School to their first ever season where the both teams made the quarterfinals in the same year. 

As result the pair have both been named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Class B All-State second team. Briley Peterson of Weston High School also received Honorable Mention designation. 

Deal, listed as a 6’1″ forward, averaged 19.0 points per game to lead the Lady Wolverines to an undefeated district 1B championship and a 21-10 overall record while reaching the LHSAA quarterfinal round in the playoffs for only the sixth time in school history. 

Leach, also shown to be 6’1″, was a standout player and floor leader for the 24-7 Wolverines averaging 14.7 points per game, that included a 27 point, 15 rebound effort in the LHSAA Class B quarterfinal contest against Zwolle, the fifth time ever that Quitman gone that far and for only the second time in the last 50 years.  

Peterson earns Honorable Mention designation after averaging 18.2 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Lady Wolves, who finished 2nd in District 1B and reached the regional round of the Class B playoffs, ending the year with a 21-11 record.  

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The greatest baseball coach in Jackson Parish history and one of the best in the state of Louisiana will be honored on Tuesday, April 1st, when Weston High School officially names the new on-campus baseball field after former coach Mike Staples.

All former players, coaches, and fans are encouraged to attend the dedication ceremony that will take place in the school gymnasium at 6:30 pm following the WHS vs Castor game that will be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex at 4:30 pm.

An alumni of the WHS Class of 1964, Staples guided the Wolves to four state championships and two state runner-up finishes in eight years during the span of 1977-84, including winning three straight LHSAA Class C titles from 1982-84.

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From 1:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 30th, come and enjoy a special afternoon of fun and shopping with the merchants of the town of Jonesboro in celebration of the annual Spring Fling.

Find that perfect Easter gift, get prepared for upcoming spring celebrations such as Proms and High School Graduations or just shop for that “just because” gift for your loved on or significant other. 

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Quitman High School proved to be the “host with the most” in LHSAA track and field competition  this past Thursday winning both the girls and boys team titles against the 16 team field made up of schools from all over north central Louisiana. 

Emayshia Wiley and Kaleigh King, were the queens of the track as both won two events each with Wiley taking the 100 and 200 meters and King winning both the 100 and 300 hurdles, while also finishing 4th in the pole vault. Megan Kelley also won gold in the 3200 meter run while also claiming 2nd place in the 1600 meters and 4th in the 800 meters. Rylee Kelley grabbed 2nd in the 400 meters as did the girls 4×200 and 4×400 meter relay teams. Laina Hartfield and Maggie Guyotte earned bronze medals by third place finishes in the high jump and javelin respectively. Jana Potts and Kaleigh Webb finished 4th in the shot put and discus while Kinley Walker came in 4th in the 300 hurdles.

In boys’ competition on the track, Nathan Harvey ruled the hurdles, taking the 110 and 300 hurdle events. Joseph Horton won the 1600 meters and came in 2nd in the 800 meters, while the 4×400 relay team won gold and the 4×200 relay team earned silver for their second-place finish. Mathew Odom won third in the 3200 meters. 

In the field events, Quitman saw Asher Shultz and Abel Leach finished one-two in the javelin, Connor Davis won the discus, and Jayden Harts came in second in the long jump. 

Wages wins two gold medals for Weston

Nathin Wages staked his claim to being one of the top competitors from district 1B by turning in an impressive “double gold ” performance by taking the 400 meters and winning the high jump. Nadia Siadek also  became a “podium placer” with her third place effort in the shot put. 

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It seems that about every 20 years or so, over the last half century, a female athlete who is often described as “generational” or a “phenom” graces the halls of Jonesboro-Hodge High School. 

First, it was Clotee Cowans, who set school records in the 100 and 200 meters in 1980, that still stand today. Next, it was Kaprecia “Shy” Cowans, (yes they are related) to set school standards in the long jump and triple jump in 2018. What makes each so special, other than owning two school records each, is that they also won state in all four events to lead the JHHS girls track team to top finishes. Both also competed in college, with Clotee at Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), now the University of Louisiana- Monroe  (ULM) and “Shy” taking her talents to the University of Louisiana – Lafayette (ULL).

Jonesboro-Hodge High School has another budding superstar in Ciara Gray, who burst on the state scene this past week when she won all four events she entered in at the prestigious Hoss Garrett Relays that was run at Ruston High School on Thursday. Not only did Gray eclipse a strong field of primarily Class 5A competitors in the 100 and 300 hurdles along with winning the long jump and triple jump, she also earned Elite Performance Silver Medal Standards by MileSplit LA in the 300 hurdles and both jumping events. 

The Tigers also had another excellent performance turned in on the boys side as Christian McGuire proved he is one of the fastest men in north Louisiana not once, but three times over as he won bronze medals for his third place finishes in the 100 and 400 meter dashes and came in 5th in the 200 meters. 

The time of 52.17 in the 400 meters puts McGuire’s name in the JHHS record books as second best in school history, trailing the the mark of 48.6 set in 1983 by Greg Briggs. McGuire’s 22.22 in the 200 meters also now ranks him third all-time in the event behind the 21.20 ran by Thyron Anderson in 1998 and the 21.38 posted by Marvel Robinson in 1971.

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As reported by Andrew Greenstein of the Louisiana Radio Network, authorities have announced the indictment of 14 people who they say took part in a plot to distribute methamphetamine including a Jonesboro man. 

Charges were brought forward against Ladavid Hunter of Jonesboro, along with 13 others, after an investigation that took place for a period of almost three years, running from January of 2022 through November of 2024.

All are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and face a minimum of ten years up to life in prison according to Alexander Van Hook, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

“While the indictment primarily focuses on drug trafficking in Ruston, the methamphetamine came from outside the state,” said Van Hook. “This case was brought as part of Operation Take Back America, which is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners.”

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The honorees for the “Student / Athlete of the Week” Award for the week of March 23-29 have been selected. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes an outstanding student/athlete chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each of the three Jackson Parish School District high schools. 

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

Earning accolades this week are Marquis Baker, a member of the Jonesboro-Hodge High School baseball team, Hudson Pullig of the Quitman High School baseball team and Carly Jo Griffin, who is on the Weston High School softball team,

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

Student-Athlete of the Week

Marquis Baker (11th grade) – Jonesboro Hodge High School baseball team

Hudson Pullig (11th grade) – Quitman High School baseball team

Carly Jo Griffin (9th grade) – Weston High School softball team

Slideshow of Award Winners

(to change picture hit arrow at side)

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It was “Senior Night” this past Friday, March 28th for the Quitman High School baseball team as Hayden Davis and Jake Potts were recognized prior to the QHS vs Choudrant game. 

The celebration was dampered a bit as Choudrant opened the game with a pair of infield hits that led to two runs that held up to saddle the Wolverines with a 2-1 loss as Quitman left men on base in four of the seven innings. The loss dropped the Wolverines to 10-12 on the year, while Choudrant improved to 9-12 overall.

Hudson Pullig scored the only Quitman run in the bottom of the third when he hit single and scored on a two-out double by Potts, which incidentally was the only two hits the Wolverines would muster against Choudrant hurler, Cash Camp. Davis absorbed the hard luck loss after pitching the first two innings before being relieved by Zach Smudricks, who turned in a brilliant performance over the final five innings, striking out 6 and allowing only hits. 

Next Up! Quitman will resume their district 1B schedule on Tuesday, April 1st when the Wolverines host Doyline for a 6:00 pm matchup. 

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On Friday, March 28th, the administration of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School recognized three retired teachers who will be teaching interventionists during the end-of-year LEAP/DIBELS testing and expresses gratitude for their support towards the school’s academic goals.

Being honored through the gifting of flower baskets were: 
Mrs. Ethel Drayton – 38 years of experience (Jasper-Henderson, Weston, and Quitman)
Mrs. Jackye Belton – 40 years of experience (Union, Hodge, and J-HES)
Mrs. Marie Tucker – 30 years of experience (Hodge, J-HES, Quitman, Bienville and Red River Parishes)

“On behalf of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Retired Teachers who have returned to teach our youth in the role of Interventionists. As we head into the end-of-year LEAP/DIBELS testing, these ladies will have fulfilled their obligations. We thank them for working diligently with our students during the state-mandated W.I.N. time within the master schedule. We greatly appreciate their support towards our school-wide academic goals and hope to partner in the future.” – Ms. Copeland, Principal

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On the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning in Game 1 of South Arkansas College’s Region 2 doubleheader against Southeast Arkansas College on Thursday, Ty Simonelli drilled a solo home run.

It was the beginning of a monster day for the sophomore center fielder, who helped lead the Stars to a sweep of the Sharks by scores of 13-0 in five innings and 14-3 in eight innings.

“It started off with the first pitch of the game,” SouthArk coach Cannon Lester said. “They threw a little cutter in, and he gets a little excited on those sometimes and tries to hook them, but he stayed through that one and hit a no-doubter to right-center on the first pitch of the game.”

In Game 1, Simonelli went 2 for 3 at the plate, adding a double along with his aforementioned home run. He drove in two runs. After hitting in the leadoff spot in the opener, Simonelli moved down to the sixth spot in the batting order and had one of the best individual performances any player has had in the history of the program.

In the night cap, the Quitman High School graduate who is now a sophomore at SouthArk, went 3-for-4 with three home runs and seven RBIs to finish 5-for-7 with four home runs and nine RBIs in the sweep.

“Ty had one of those banner days that you’re always going to remember as a coach and a player,” Lester said.

But it wasn’t Simonelli’s leadoff home run in Game 1 that was the precursor to his huge day.

“I knew the day would go well because in his second or third at-bat, he hit a double off the net in left-center,” Lester said of the left-handed hitting sophomore. “When he’s hitting the ball to left-center, that’s when you know he’s really going. That’s the first time he’s done that in a while. I think that set up the rest of his day.”

Simonelli, who has signed with Northwestern State (La.), is now hitting .363 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs this season heading into the final two games of the series with the Sharks on Saturday.

“Ty’s an explosive player,” Lester said. “He can handle the good arms too. I think he hit one about 430 feet on a 95 mile-an-hour fastball earlier in the year.

“He can handle the good arms that we’re really going to see down the stretch when it really means something. Of the four home runs, I think two were to center field, and that’s good. The last one, he stayed on a breaking ball and hit it right down the line. If he can stay in the big part of the field, that’s big.”

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Three outstanding young men from Jonesboro-Hodge High School have qualified for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference that  will be held from June 29 to July 2 at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, California. 

California bound is Ethan Bradford, Pierce Ulloa and Houston Cox who earned the right by Ulloa and Bradford placing 2nd in Public Service Announcement and Cox coming in 3rd in Advertising competition. 

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March 26th was just like any other day where Jackson Parish residents could come to see the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Shawn Murphy State Farm for their Auto, Life, And Homeowners Insurance needs – ONLY IT WASN’T!

No, Wednesday was no ordinary day at all for Murphy and crew at their 826 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro location, as that day was  celebrated as the 10th year working anniversary for Latonya Moss. 

“It is with great joy that we celebrated Latonya’s ten fantastic years with our agency'” said Murphy. “She has been the best and we greatly appreciate her dedication and tireless efforts for our team.”

The outpouring of love and appreciation was not lost on Moss who posted the following on Facebook. 

Time flies when you’re having fun!!! 10 years down and I’m so excited to see what the future holds. Shawn Murphy State Farm said “yes” when all odds were against me! I’m forever grateful!!! Thank you Shawn Murphy and team! – Latonya Moss

 

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Reverend Dr. Reginald L. Staten and the congregation of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908 Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, LA, invite you to join them in celebration of their 131st Anniversary at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 6th. 

Bringing the special message themed “From Generation to Generation: Declaring God’s Glory” (Psalm 145:4) will be Dr. Ricky E. Carter from Good Hope Baptist Church in Lafayette, LA. 

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For Anglers, Great Time To Be Alive in Louisiana

In sitting and thinking of what I love so much about living in Louisiana, high on my list is the distinct season changes we have here. One of my daughters lived in Hawaii for a few years and although I enjoyed wearing tee shirt, shorts and flip-flops when visiting there in January, I’d soon tire of Hawaii’s perpetual summer.

I have friends in New England who live for summer – all three weeks of it. They’re encased in ice and snow and sub-zero temperatures much of the year, and I’d hate living like that.

Louisiana has it all. Every ten years or so, we get to see snow falling and on those rare occasions when it covers the ground, the whole area briefly takes leave of its sanity as we romp and play and make leaf-flecked snowmen. Schools dismiss and overpasses close as old guys slip-slide their Fords and Chevys into ditches and power poles.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are our summers. Folks not native to our part of the country suffocate in the humidity which comes close to matching the triple digit temperatures. We who live here, though, know how to deal with it; we sit under air conditioning, sip iced tea and keep our eyes on the calendar, knowing that the refreshing chill of October is not that far away.

Springtime in Louisiana, though, is a special reward all its own. Granted, it’s a roller coaster ride for much of the season. We’re lulled by the azaleas and dogwoods and tender green grass into thinking spring is here to stay. Then the weatherman throws us a sucker punch and sends a spring cold snap. We fret over the peaches – will they be able to withstand a frost so late in the year? When will these storms and winds ever stop?

But they do and we get to enjoy a sweet special few weeks when we can sit on the porch late afternoons without a wrap or air conditioning. For the angler, this is an ideal time to be on the water somewhere nearby to fish in comfort with the knowledge there’ll be a fish fry tonight.

What’s your pleasure? Are you interested in catching bass? What about crappie? Do bluegills and chinquapins tickle your fancy? How about a good mess of freshly caught catfish? This time of year in our neck of the woods, you can do it all.

Bass fishermen who missed out on the spring spawn where big sway-bellied bass deposited their eggs often in water barely deep enough to cover their dorsal fins know where the fish are headed after leaving the shallows. They’ll be fishing deep water points at daybreak and watching for schools of shad to dimple the surface, knowing that bass could be exploding on the hapless school at any moment.

Crappie fishermen will be looking around submerged brush in deep water for their quarry. Innovative anglers outfit their boats with multiple poles, each set at different depths and offering a shiner or jig of a different color and/or weight.

Catfishermen armed with no more than a little bucket of worms and a big bucket to sit on will be lining the shores along Lake D’Arbonne knowing that this lake’s teeming population of eating-sized channel catfish are there for the taking.

It is the bream fishermen, however, who knows this time of year was made for him. Bluegills and chinquapins are on the beds on every lake and pond across our area and while they’re as fun to catch as they are tasty on the dinner table, they’re also one of the easiest to catch. Toss a cricket or red wiggler into a bream bed along the shore and it’s a pitch ‘til you win proposition.

It’s springtime in Louisiana. Go for it….before the next storm blows through.

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FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has improved in the back of the creeks as they prepare for the spawn. Shiners and jigs are bringing some in. Bass are moving to the shallows and soft plastics and crank baits are starting to pick up fish. Chinquapins are just now starting the bite cold worms. No report on 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 – The bass have moved up shallow around the windrows with some double digit fish reported on soft plastics and spinners. One report of someone catching 5 fish that weighed 54 lbs. Crappie are starting to move toward the banks and hitting shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is high and rising. No fishing report. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –Crappie have moved to the banks and have been good on shiners and jigs. Bass are on the shallow flats and hitting spinners and soft plastics. Bream are just beginning to hit crickets and worms and catfish are biting. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has improved as the fish are moving to the shallows in back of the creeks and hitting shiners and jigs. Males are on the beds with big females hanging back just a bit. Bass are also moving in and are being caught on Bandit crank baits and soft plastics. Bream are beginning to respond to crickets and worms in shallow water. No report on catfish or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing is starting to improve as the fish begin their move to the shallows to spawn. Catfishing is good and a few bream are starting to show up. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – Water is on a slow rise. Lots of catfish caught on noodles and trotlines. No report on crappie or bass. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

On Wednesday, March 26th, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary and United Way of Northeast Louisiana held its annual Pen-Pal Reveal Parade. Since October, respective 2nd-graders have participated in monthly correspondence as a “pen-friend” with 20 community volunteers.

“The pen-pal program through United Way’s READ.LEARN.SUCCEED program has not only helped our students sharpen their reading and writing skills but has created positive community connections and empowered our community to get involved in our school. Special thanks to the following: Ms. Micheller Saucer of United Way, Smurfit-WestRock, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Origin Bank, and ULM Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.” – Ms. Copeland, Principal.

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Elder abuse and domestic violence among seniors are pressing but often overlooked issues. As our population ages, it is crucial to address the dangers many elderly individuals face, often at the hands of family members, caregivers, or trusted individuals. Raising awareness, strengthening laws, and promoting community involvement are key to ensuring their safety and dignity.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and even sexual abuse. Neglect and abandonment are also common but underreported. According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse, though many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or cognitive decline.

Domestic violence in elderly relationships is another area of concern. Some seniors have been trapped in abusive relationships for decades, while others experience new forms of mistreatment as they age. Health issues and financial dependency often make it harder for elderly victims to seek help.

Warning Signs to Watch For:
Recognizing the signs of elder abuse is crucial for prevention. Some red flags include:
– Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
– Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or communication
– Unpaid bills or sudden changes in financial situations
– Poor hygiene or signs of malnutrition
– Withdrawal from social activities and isolation

Preventing elder abuse requires a collective effort from families, communities, and policymakers. Here are key strategies to combat this issue:
1. Strengthen Legal Protections – Advocating for stricter elder abuse laws, harsher penalties, and better reporting mechanisms can help protect victims.
2. Education and Awareness – Public awareness campaigns and training programs for caregivers can help people recognize and report abuse.
3. Community Support Programs – Establishing local resources, such as senior centers and domestic violence programs, ensures that elderly individuals have access to help and safe spaces.
4. Financial Safeguards – Encouraging seniors to have trusted financial advisors and ensuring power of attorney arrangements are in place can protect them from financial exploitation.
5. Encouraging Open Communication – Families should regularly check in with elderly relatives, encourage them to express concerns, and create a safe space for open discussions. If you suspect elder abuse or domestic violence, it’s important to take action. Contact local authorities, adult protective services, DART (395-8006) or organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116).

No one deserves to live in fear, especially our elderly population. By taking proactive steps, we can ensure they receive the care, respect, and safety they deserve. It’s time to break the silence and stand
up for our seniors.

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In the 1980’s, Jay Winsten, a public health professor at Harvard got interested in the idea of a “designated driver.” He’d picked up the concept in Scandinavia where it was the norm. At the time, the concept did not exist in the US. None of us knew what a designated driver was.

Winsten and his team at Harvard made it a goal to create a social norm in the United States: If you are going out drinking, you would pick a designated driver who would commit not to drink for the evening. How do you create a social norm out of thin air?

Winsten’s inspiration was that you could make the behavior contagious by repeatedly exposing people to it, in many different contexts, even if those contexts were fictional.

Winsten and his team collaborated with producers, writers, and actors from more than 160 prime time TV programs, sprinkling designated-driver moments naturally into the plots. Segments featuring designated drivers appeared on Hunter, The Cosby Show, Mr. Belvedere, and Who’s the Boss? On one episode of the smash-hit L.A. Law, the heartthrob lawyer played by Harry Hamlin asked a bartender to call his designated driver. A designated-driver poster appeared in the bar on Cheers.

Winsten’s plea to the media was for “five seconds” of dialogue about a designated driver. He didn’t want a full episode or even a whole scene. He simply wanted the words mentioned repeatedly. Grant Tinker said about it, “Considering the simplicity of it all, it was very hard for us to feel our independence was being challenged.”

In 1991, three years after the campaign launched, nine out of ten people were familiar with the term designated driver. And they were behaving differently as a result. Thirty-seven percent of all Americans reported having acted as designated drivers, and 54% of frequent drinkers had been driven home by one. The behavioral change saved lives. Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined from 23,626 in 1988 to 17,858 in 1992.

I want you to ponder this under the rubric of “words create reality.” A new reality was created when two words were used repeatedly in the media. This is a positive story about words creating reality. I’m sure you can think of the other side of this issue where words create another reality when they become a constant drumbeat in the media.

What words have created your reality?

Better yet, whose words have created your reality.

Those words are changing your life.

 

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Quitman High School officially opened defense of their 2024 LHSAA Division IV state championship in golf this past Tuesday at Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course in Monroe.

Despite missing four golfers who were playing baseball, the Wolverines made an impressive showing, placing 4th overall in team competition behind OCS, Neville, and Cedar Creek. 

Individually, Payton Nomey’s led the Wolverines contingent with a 4th place finish after firing a round of two-over par, 38, over nine holes, just two strokes behind individual champion, Will Porter of Neville High School. Noah Leach shot a 44 to finish in 12th place, with Grant Williams coming in 16th after shooting a 46. Abel Leach came in 29th with a 51. 

Cooper Lancaster also had a good day for the Wolverines, as his round of 53 was good enough for 7th place in the Junior Varsity Division. 

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Just Begun

The role of radio announcer was any easy one to fill; I actually made money for playing records. Radio station music directors selected the top 45-rpm hits and placed them in rotation. I simply played what they had placed there in the stations control rooms. We played listeners’ favorites repeatedly (and on purpose).

Back in the 1970’s, when I had just begun in radio; the Carpenters were very popular. Karen and Richard were among my favorite recording artists. The sister-brother act had 31 singles during their career.

Their hit singles included 3 that ranked at #1 and five at #2. The Carpenters have the notoriety of having received 2 award nominations for their song ‘We’ve Only Just Begun.’ It was nominated both as 1971 Song of the Year and Best Contemporary Song.

Only just begun? On that line of thought, I believe that the Lord has only just begun.

Hold your hat; you’ve got a ticket to ride!’ Moses shared a personal message with his people as he prepared them for the adventure of entering the Promised Land. God had only just begun to reveal His plan, power and purpose. He was revealing Himself to a rebellious and lost world.

“At that time I begged the Lord: Lord God, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can perform deeds and mighty acts like Yours (Deuteronomy 3:23-24 HCSB)?”

Truly, the LORD has only just begun and as His children we see Him working in marvelous ways.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY 

PUBLIC NOTICE

Advertisement to Bidders

This Saturday, March 29th, voters will go to the polls to decide on five ballot items, that consist of four constitutional amendments choices and the call for renewal of the Law Enforcement District millage for the next ten years. 

In an effort to give you as much information as possible in order to help you make an educated choice,  shown below is an explanation of what a “yea” or “nay” vote means for each ballot item.

Continuation of PM Law Enforcement District Millage

You are being asked to agree to continue a 9.23 millage rate for the next 10 years. This is not a new tax and is vital to the Sheriff Offices across the state to continue to provide services that the public is accustomed to. 

Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown hopes that local residents understand the importance of renewing this measure and will continue to support the Sheriff’s Office and their programs through their vote of continuing the millage. 

“The amount of money generated by this measure is equivalent to roughly 40% of our operating budget,” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown. “Without these funds, not only will the public suffer as many of the services that the JPSO performs will have to be cut back but according to projections up to 60 jobs could also be lost, which would be very detrimental to many of our citizens.”

CA No. 1 (ACT No. 2, 2024-3ES – SB 1)

To provide for disciplinary proceedings over attorneys and to create courts of limited jurisdiction

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Add to the constitution the Louisiana Supreme Court’s authority to discipline out-of-state lawyers for legal work in the state and expand the Legislature’s authority to create specialty courts not limited to parish and judicial district boundaries.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Retain the current provisions governing the Louisiana Supreme Court’s oversight of lawyer discipline and keep the Louisiana Legislature’s authority to create specialty courts limited to parish and judicial district boundaries.

CA No. 2 (ACT No. 1, 2024-3ES – HB 7) 

To provide with respect to the power of taxation including limitations thereon

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Rewrite large portions of the Louisiana Constitution article dealing with revenue collections, the state budget process, savings accounts and taxation rules.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Enact new tax rules, place limits on the enactment of tax breaks, lower the cap on individual income tax rates and allow more severance tax money to flow to local government.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Create tighter limits on annual growth in Louisiana’s state general fund spending on ongoing programs and services, with tougher rules for changing the limit.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Dissolve three education trust funds and use the money to pay down retirement debt and give public school teachers and support workers a permanent raise.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Increase the cap on deposits into the Budget Stabilization Fund, transfer additional cash into the account and eliminate the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund, giving lawmakers more money in the general fund to spend.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Remove several protected trust funds from the constitution and place them in state law, giving lawmakers more ability to change the rules governing them.

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Allow local governments to lessen property taxes on business inventory or get a onetime payment if they stop charging those taxes; remove some property tax breaks from the constitution (not the homestead
exemption); and make it tougher to enact new property tax exemptions.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD –  Continue the current provisions governing revenue collections, budgeting procedures, savings accounts and taxation limitations.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD- Keep the current rules and limitations on taxes and tax breaks and continue a cap on the severance tax money that flows to local government.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Keep the current limits on annual growth in state spending, which can be changed with support from two-thirds of lawmakers.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Keep the two state savings accounts, the Budget Stabilization Fund and the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund, with their current deposit rules and spending limitations in place.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Maintain the three education trust funds and continue to distribute their investment earnings for public school and higher education programs.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Continue to provide constitutional protections to existing trust funds, so it remains harder for lawmakers to change the rules
governing them.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Continue the current system for local governments to charge property taxes on business inventory, maintain constitutional protections for property tax breaks and avoid any new hurdles for enacting property tax exemptions.

CA No. 3 (ACT No. 3, 2024-3ES – SB 2)

To provide relative to crimes committed by juveniles and to special juvenile proceedings

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Remove the list of 16 crimes for which people under the age of 17 can be charged as adults from the Louisiana Constitution, allowing lawmakers to
more easily expand the list of felony offenses in law.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Maintain the limited list of 16 crimes for which people under the age of 17 can be charged as adults.

List of Crimes

First-degree murder.
Second-degree murder.
Manslaughter.
Aggravated rape.
Armed robbery.
Aggravated burglary.
Aggravated kidnapping.
Attempted first-degree murder.
Attempted second-degree murder.
Forcible rape.
Simple rape.
Second-degree kidnapping.
A second or subsequent aggravated battery.
A second or subsequent aggravated burglary.
A second or subsequent offense of burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
A second or subsequent felony-grade violation involving the manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances as defined in the law.

CA No. 4 (ACT No. 4, 2024-3ES – SB 5) 

To provide for election dates for newly-created judgeships or vacancies in office of judge

A VOTE FOR WOULD – Change the timing requirements for filling a judicial vacancy or newly created judgeship, so the special election coincides with the regular elections calendar.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD – Keep election rules for filling a judicial vacancy or newly created judgeship that require the special election to be held and a judge to be seated within 12 months after the vacancy began.

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After spotting Quitman a 7-2 lead, Weston came storming back to score six in the bottom of the fifth inning and three more in the sixth to win a 14-12 back and forth, slugfest on Tuesday that saw the two teams swap the lead four times and combine to put 41 runners on base.

With the victory the Wolves, ranked #1 in Class B with a 12-7 official record according to the LHSAA that doesn’t include 3 wins against out-of-state opponents, zoomed to the top of the District 1B standings with a 2-0 record. Quitman fell to 10-11 overall and 1-1 in district play. 

Fast Start! Quitman came out stroking as Conner Moak, Kace West, Jacob Potts and Maddox Duck all rapped singles and Hudson Pullig drew a walk to score three runs before the first out was made. The Wolverines kept pouring it on in the top of the second with four more runs, three coming on Jacob Potts first home run of his career, a three run shot that scored Pullig and West who had reached on an error and a fielders choice respectively to open up a 7-2 lead. Tucker Newton and Moak combined for singles to score the first run of the inning. 

Rally! Two base hits, two walks, two Quitman errors and a hit batter led to the six runs that rallied Weston from a 7-5 deficit to an 11-7 lead the bottom of the fifth inning. The big inning started with Jacob Gill coaxing a walk, and both Jace Borders and Sawyer Watkins reaching on errors. Luke Weaver and Drew Browning then sandwiched singles around Bryce Zehr, who reached base in all five at bats, getting hit by a pitch. Cole Tolar drew the third free pass of the inning setting up a pair of sacrifices off the bats of Colton Blundell and Gill. 

Respond! The Wolverines responded in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 11-11 when Pullig, West, Cail King and Hayden Davis all singled and both Duck and Newton drew walks. 

Taking control! Ty Henderson  walked and scored on Bryce Zehr’s second “two bagger” of the contest to put the Wolves up once again. Browning then stretched the lead to 14-11 with a single that plated Liam Weaver and Zehr.  

Stranded! Quitman shaved a run off the deficit and had the tying runners on base with two outs as Pullig and West drew walks to open the frame setting up a Duck single and a King sacrifice fly  Borders slammed the door with a three pitch strikeout to secure the victory. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (10-11, 1-1)	3	4	0	0	0	4	1	12	13	3
Weston (12-7, 2-0)	2	0	2	1	6	3	x	14	9	2

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