Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise” with good reason. Although we’re not at the top for deer, turkey and duck hunting, we hold our own rather well. With our proximity to the Gulf and its great salt-water fishing along with top-notch lakes and rivers within the state, we often turn heads when it comes to fishing.

An organization, Fishmasters.com, recently did a yeoman’s job in selecting the top 30 lakes in states across the country. These lakes were chosen after talking with local anglers and followers on social media. The list was compiled not just about popularity but about where people actually go to fish and what they catch.

Louisiana’s top 30 lakes, as compiled by Fishmasters.com, cover lakes all over the state. What attracted my attention was how the organization shined the spotlight on lakes in north Louisiana. A few of note included Bussey Brake, a lake that has recently caught on fire for the number of lunker bass it is producing. It sits at number 16 and if the list were more recent, Bussey might be higher.

Black Lake in Natchitoches Parish was listed as number 12 and Bistineau at number 11. What especially caught my attention was the top ten lakes that included those in north Louisiana.

Number 1 was no surprise, Toledo Bend with Caney Lake coming in at number 2 and D’Arbonne at number 3. What really pleased me was the lake sitting at number 7, Lake Claiborne.

When I lived in Homer during the late 1960s, the big news was that a new lake was being planned and drawn up for the hills of Claiborne Parish. State Senator, Danny Roy Moore, a civil engineer working with Representative John S. Garrett drew up plans for the lake and were able to secure funds to construct the 6500 acre lake. The lake was completed and water coursed over the spillway for the first time on May 17, 1968.

Before the lake filled, I would drive out before work and enjoy some exciting early morning duck hunts on the potholes that would eventually be inundated by 30 feet of water.

Once the lake filled, Lake Claiborne became a school bass paradise and fishing for bass that churned the surface chasing shad became my go-to sport.

A lot has happened to Lake Claiborne over the past 57 years since it filled. The lake’s popularity started waning somewhat with the construction of Caney Lake, which became known as the big bass capitol of Louisiana.

The state record 15.97 pounder was caught by Greg Wiggins on Caney, a record that has stood for over twenty years. Catching a four or five pounder on Claiborne was about the high standard.

Over the past decade, Lake Claiborne has quietly and steadily been making a comeback and much of the success today has to do with the introduction of Tiger Bass, a hybrid cross between native largemouth bass and Florida strain largemouth bass. Tiger bass are known for their faster growth rates compared to pure strains of largemouths. During a recent tournament held on the lake, the top eight fish averaged nearly 8 pounds each with the largest weighing in at over 11 pounds.

“Lake Claiborne doesn’t try to impress,” quoting Fishmasters.com. “It delivers, especially for those who know how to read the water and come ready to fish.”

Area fishermen should be proud to know that four of our north Louisiana lakes are in the top ten for the state, Toledo Bend, Caney, D’Arbonne and rather surprisingly, Lake Claiborne.

---

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are best early morning around the grass on topwater lures. Later in the day, soft plastics and crank baits are taking some fish on secondary points. Some schooling activity is being noted with fish hitting shad imitations. Crappie are around the deep tops and jigs and shiners are taking some big ones. Bream both chinquapins and bluegills are on the beds and hitting crickets and worms. 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 – Bass have been good with several fish weighing in double digits caught early mornings on topwaters and on soft plastics and spinners later. Crappie are on the flats and some big ones are biting on shiners or jigs. The bream are bedding around the edges of the brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – High water but on a slow fall. Some bass caught in the cuts and in the back water on buzz baits and spinner baits. Crappie are fair; bream are biting in the backwaters. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Water is high with lots of current. Gates are open. Bass fishing has been best up Corney Creek on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are suspended on the flats and taking jigs and shiners. Bream are bedding shallow and hitting worms and crickets and catfish are good fishing off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good on jigs and shiners. Bass are around the banks and hitting topwaters early while later hitting hit jigs, spinners and soft plastics. Bream are on the beds and worms and crickets are working on them. Stripers are schooling and hitting shad imitations. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are biting. No report on others. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is scheduled to crest this weekend but is still too high for access to landing. No fishing this week. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

 

For survivors of domestic abuse, finding a safe place to escape violence can be a matter of life and death. Shelters and crisis services play a crucial role in providing immediate safety, emotional support, and long-term stability for those seeking to rebuild their lives.

Providing Immediate Safety
Domestic violence shelters offer survivors a secure and confidential space where they can escape abuse. These shelters not only provide a physical refuge but also offer essential resources such as food, clothing, and medical assistance. Many shelters operate 24/7 hotlines, ensuring that help is available at any hour for those in danger.

Emotional and Psychological Support
Leaving an abusive situation is often just the first step in a long journey toward healing. Crisis centers offer counseling services, support groups, and therapy sessions designed to help survivors process trauma and regain confidence. The presence of trained professionals and peer support groups fosters a sense of community, helping survivors feel less alone in their experiences.

Legal and Financial Assistance
Many survivors face legal and financial barriers when trying to escape their abusers. Shelters and crisis services often provide legal advocacy, helping survivors obtain restraining orders, file police reports, and navigate the court system. Financial assistance programs help survivors regain independence through job training, education programs, and housing assistance.

Impact on Long-Term Recovery
Beyond immediate support, these services play a critical role in long-term recovery. Transitional housing programs offer survivors a stable environment where they can work toward self-sufficiency. By providing essential life skills training, shelters help individuals regain control of their lives and reduce the risk of returning to abusive situations.

A Call to Action
Despite their life-saving impact, many shelters and crisis services struggle with funding and resource shortages. Community support, donations, and volunteer efforts are essential in ensuring these programs continue to operate and expand their reach. Policymakers and advocates must also work together to strengthen protections for survivors and increase funding for domestic violence services.

A safe haven can be the difference between suffering and survival. By supporting shelters and crisis services, we help create a future where no survivor has to face domestic abuse alone.

 

---

Doug McGuire was the Senior Minister of Trinity Methodist Church through the 1960’s. He was a great guy. In his retirement he acquired his private pilot’s license. Years ago, I was known to spend hours in the air with Doug.

Doug has gone on to his reward. He was filled with preacher aphorisms. His advice was wise. He encouraged, “Always enter the pulpit with a full heart and an empty bladder. And don’t get them reversed!”

He also said, “If a sermon is worth preaching once, it is worth preaching again.” I wonder if that holds true for these articles.

To wit.

A dog was on a safari with this master, but he got lost chasing butterflies. He then noticed out of his peripheral vision that a lion was slowly sneaking up to attack him. He saw a pile of bones nearby. Pretending not to see the lion, the dog started chomping on a bone. He hollered, “Boy, the lion sure tasted good!” The lion decided that this must be a very ferocious dog, so he left.

But a monkey watched all of this. He chased down the lion and told him the truth. Furious, the lion turned around to go eat the dog. The monkey jumped on the lion’s back, intending to watch the whole thing unfold before him. Realizing what had happened, the quick-thinking dog grabbed another bone and hollered, “Where is that stupid monkey? He should have brought me another lion by now!”

It is a great story. Don’t you wish you could be like that dog and be that quick-witted?

Sure you do!

When someone zings you at work, you stew about it all that night, and you finally figure out what you could have said to that person. Or after an argument, you stew until you finally think of what you should have said.

In my line of work, I want to be comforting and Godly when someone seeks my wisdom or advice. Often, I am neither,r and I toss and turn until I come up with a better answer to a person’s question or concern.

Most of us wish we could think faster and say the right word at the right time.

I wonder how many of us read this story and thought, “Maybe it is best not to get lost in the first place.”

I think that was the ultimate point.

---

The Dixie Youth District tournaments started well for both the 7U and 9U All Stars from Jackson Parish, but in the end, both were eliminated from state tournament consideration. 

Jackson Parish 7U got the closest after beating Sabine Parish 11-7 and Pineville 14-2 earlier in the week, but then the bats went quiet resulting in a 17-0 loss to Winnfield on Wednesday and a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Alexandria, in a contest that the winner would advance to the state tournament on Saturday.

Representing JP7U was Krewe Blalock, Cole Burton, Sawyer Fair, Samuel Henderson, Jaxon Johnson, Samuel Jones, Kolton Laffitte, Oliver Lee, Jackson Linton, Lex Walsworth, and Matthew Whitman. Coaches were Timothy Burton, Josh Henderson, Dan Laffitte and Chris Lee. 

The Jackson Parish 9U team also got off to a good start by beating Tioga 6-4 on Friday by scoring five runs in the bottom of the third inning to erase a 4-1 deficit. The big rally got started when Carter Wiliams got hit by a pitch, Jeremiah Jones reached on an error, and Reece Johnson walked. A single by Austin West came next, followed by walks to Isaac Sessions, Tate Hall and Abram Thrower. Stetson Kennedy then got plunked, and Joedy Wiggins Jr. singled.  

In game two, Jackson Parish scored single runs in the first three innings, but it wasn’t enough in the 5-3 loss to Sabine Parish. Jeremiah Jones walked and scored on an Austin West double in the first but that only made a small dent in the three run lead that Sabine had established in the top half of the first inning. After Sabine had scored another run in the top of the second, Abram Thrower reached on an error and stole his way around the bases to narrow the margin to 4-2 setting up the third where both teams once again scored a run each for the final margin. Carter Williams scored the final run after walking stealing second and third base and scoring on a ground out by Reece Johnson. 

A three-run fourth inning proved to be too big a hill to climb for JP9U in game three as Tioga took a 5-2 victory that ended the locals’ postseason tournament experience. Jackson Parish knotted the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second as Carson Knox and Tate Hall drew walks and Joedy Wiggins Jr. drove in a run on a ground out. It would be the only run JP9U would score until the bottom of the fourth when Hall and Abram Thrower walked, and Lex Walsworth singled and Carter Williams walked to load the bases with the tying runs that unfortunately were left stranded. 

Representing Jackson Parish was Taten Hall, Reece Johnson, Jeremiah Jones, Stetson Kennedy, Carson Knox, Isaac Sessions, Abram Thrower, Lyndon Walsworth, Austin Wet, Jeody Wiggins Jr. and Carter Williams. Coaches were Josh Jones, Trevor Hall and Lee Johnson. 

 

---

Faithful or Fickle?

I can forget my house keys or cell phone. That’s understandable.

Forgetting that the LORD is my first love? How could I?

Why would I?

God loved us first.

“We love him, because he first loved us 1 John 4:19 NASB).”

God’s love is beyond my comprehension; it goes against logic.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8 NASB).”

Young love is often fickle. One in the relationship jilts the other leaving them brokenhearted. Am I faithful or fickle?

Was Jesus Judas’s first love? We do know that Judas betrayed Jesus; Peter denied Him.

“I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent (Revelation 2:2-5a NASB).”

Judas didn’t repent; guilty of betrayal, he took his own life. In contrast, Peter demonstrated his love with repentance, endurance, and faithfulness to Jesus.

How could I forsake Him?

Jesus is my first love; He never fails me.

---

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.

Alfred J Newman (Jonesboro, LA) – Bienville Parish Warrant on Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Jurail Camel (Jonesboro, LA) – Taking Contraband to/from Penal Facility, Possession of Suboxone
Thomas W. Woods (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Jeffery D Heyl (Eros, LA) – Speeding
Shawn J. Lassere (Jonesboro, LA) – Stalking
Laddarious Grice (Jonesboro, LA) – Child Support
Kavin Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Kyowa Reynolds (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft, Probation Violation
Brandon Mardis (Ruston, LA) – Execution of Sentence x2, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Driving Under Suspension, Expired MVI
Thomas Richardson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Jeremy Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Kristin Vines (Quitman, LA) – Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Warrant 
Rachel Ougel (Choudrant, LA) – Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Trespassing, Resisting an Officer
Ranita Harrell (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Battery, Disturbing the Peace
Eddie Washington (North Hodge, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Brandon Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Reckless Operation with Child Endangerment
Morris Clifton Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
Donald Stover (Columbia, LA) – Criminal Trespass
Quinton Zeno (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, Taking Contraband to/from Penal Institution
Turin Williams (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, Taking Contraband to/from Penal Institution
Christopher Rogers (Tickfaw, LA) – Attempted Second Degree Murder
Brandon Bellmore (Chatham, LA) – Execution of Sentence on Domestic Abuse Battery
Christopher Ross (Jonesboro, LA) – Negligent Injury
Shyanna B. Caples (Quitman, LA) – Possession of Schedule II
Dalton C. Redl (North Hodge, LA) – Tail Lamp Violation, Possession of Schedule II
Lain Trosclair II (Jonesboro, LA) – Distribution of Fentanyl 

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.

CAREER 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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School is hiring custodians for the 2025-26 school year. To apply, go to the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Smurfit Westrock Paper Mill – Full-time and Part-time Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are needed at the Smurfit Westrock Paper Mill in Hodge, LA. Expected compensation will be $18.00 per hour and benefits. If interested, please call (318) 259-5331 and speak to Irma Ashcraft or the EMT on duty.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce – currently seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to serve as Chamber Manager.
Schedule: Part-time position
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Occasional additional hours required for planning and overseeing special events
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in Public Relations, Fundraising, and/or Sales
Strong organizational and communication skills
Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Comfortable interacting with local businesses, community leaders, and the public
The ideal candidate will help promote economic growth, coordinate community events, and support the mission of the Chamber to serve and strengthen our local business community.
To apply or request more information, please email jacksonparishchamber@gmail.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF LOUISIANA, PARISH OF JACKSON,
SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DOCKET NUMBER 5086
VERDIE CHRISTINE JOHNSON

FIRST NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Administratrix of this succession has filed a petition for authority to sell immovable property belonging to the deceased at private sale in accordance with the provisions of Article 3281 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure for $133,500.00 Dollars cash. The immovable property proposed to be sold at private sale is described as follows:

A 0.834 acre tract of land situated in the NW¼ of SE¼, Section 23, Township 15 North, Range 2 West, Jackson Parish, Louisiana and being more particularly described as follows, to-wit:

Commencing at a 2½” aluminum post (found) marking the Southeast corner of Section 23, T15N, R2W, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, as per plat of survey by Virgil T. Collins, P.L.S., and run West 2110.50 feet to a point; thence proceed North 1778.31 feet to a P.K. nail (found) marking an intersection with the centerline of Haven Loop Road and the East Right-of-Way line of Hancock Haven Road; thence leaving said centerline proceed the following two courses along the aforementioned East Right-of-Way; N08°01’34″E 56.19 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found) and N04°20’32″W 180.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found) marking the Southwest corner and POINT-OF-BEGINNING of the 0.834 tract of land hereinafter described; thence continue N04°20’32″W along said East Right-of-Way 125.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (set); thence leaving said right-of-way proceed N88°35’27″E 291.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (set); thence proceed S04°20’32” E 125.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found); thence proceed S88°35’27″W 291.00 feet to the POINT-OF-BEGINNING containing 0.834 acres and being subject to all servitudes of record or of use. All as is shown on that certain plat of survey dated May 27, 2003 by Walter Glen Kirkland, Professional Land Surveyor, Louisiana Reg. No. 4759 together with a Cavalier Model A5010 Mobile Home Serial No. BC03AL0132820A/B.

Municipal Address: 407 Hancock Haven Rd., Jonesboro, LA 71226

Any heir or creditor who opposes the proposed sale must file their opposition within seven (7) days from the day on which the last publication of this notice appears.

Sylvia Dianne Walters, Administratrix

 

 

Rocky Shane Davis
February 9, 1971 – June 16, 2025

Rocky Shane Davis, 54, passed away at his home in Quitman, Louisiana, on June 16, 2025. A talented and hardworking carpenter, Rocky spent many years in construction, earning a reputation for his excellent craftsmanship. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in deer and squirrel hunting with family and friends at Jordan Mountain Hunting Club, along with fishing with his grandparents and his dad on Black Lake — the woods and the water were his favorite places to be.

Rocky had a generous spirit and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved his family and friends and recognized the best in others. His adventurous nature, his contagious smile, his laughter, and his big heart will be missed by all who knew him.

Rocky is survived by his daughter, Amber Spangler; his mother, Glenda (Miller) Davis; and his sister, Dena Keller, along with her husband, Nathan Keller.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Davis, and his sister, Melanie Davis.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana, from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM in the chapel, with Pastor Nathan Keller officiating. Burial will follow in Gayla Traina Cemetery near Jonesboro, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Jason Davis, Jed Estes, Dusty Jordan, Logan Keller, Talmadge McConnell, and Curtis Preece.

Terri “Jeannie” Caples
May 14, 1953 – June 19, 2025

---

Terri Jean Caples, age 72 of Quitman, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in her home. Jeannie, as her family and friends called her, was born in Kennewick, Washington, in 1953. Jeannie was raised in Quitman, where she graduated from Quitman High School. She retired from the Jackson Parish School system as a cafeteria worker at Quitman High School. She was an animal lover and especially loved her dogs. Jeannie loved going on vacation with her granddaughters, Donyelle and ShyAnna.

Jeannie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ronnie Caples; daughter, Chasity Caples; granddaughters, ShyAnna Caples and Donyelle Atkins; sisters, Sherry Carpenter and husband Joe of Brewtons Mill, LA, Rhonda Mosley and husband Max of Pace, FL, and Melissa Waldrip and husband Ed of Quitman, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rhode and Winnie (Anderson) Turner; children, Christopher, Kristie, and Tiffany Caples; niece, Caitlin Mosley Bishop.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from noon until the time of service. Funeral services are set to begin at 2:00 PM.

The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

Karissa “Kris” Normand
September 29, 1981 – June 17, 2025

Karissa “Kris” Normand, age 43 of Chatham, was called home by her Lord and Savior for a grand reunion on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Kris had a big heart and loved her family and friends dearly. She grew up the apple of her grandparents’ eyes. Her Papaw Pete would do anything to see her smile. She was born the spitting image of her beloved Mamaw Odell. Kris was a sports fan; she loved baseball and was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. She enjoyed many things, such as gaming. She loved to play Fort Nite, card games, or any games that were fun with her loved ones and friends. Kris loved animals, music, and making people smile. She loved to smile so much that she could even manage to smile through the pain she faced. That precious smile will no doubt shine on in memory, cherished by all who love and miss her.

She leaves behind her parents, Louis and Debbie (Fuller) Normand; sister, Olivia Normand; wife, Tiffany Truelove; stepdaughter, Delilah Truelove; aunt, Kaye Fuller; fur babies, Riley and Clyde; a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Louis A. and Joyce (Moreau) Normand; maternal grandparents, Pete and Odell (Coleman) Fuller; aunt, Rhonda (Fuller) Davis; uncle, Elton Fuller; and beloved fur baby, Chandler.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Eros United Pentecostal Church with Bro. Ernest Twiner, Bro. Adam Dugger and Bro. Wally Marcum officiating. Burial followed in Chatham Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Randy Diffy, Casey Desoto, Pedro Reynoza, Roger Truelove, Brendan Brunson, Brandon Scarborough, Wally Marcum, and Justin Green. Sara Dugger served as an honorary pallbearer.

(Sheryl Robinson Holder) – After two decades of unwavering commitment and leadership, Wilda Smith has announced her resignation as Director of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce.

Her departure marks the end of an era defined by passionate advocacy for local businesses, tireless community service, and a steadfast dedication to the growth and prosperity of Jackson Parish.

Since assuming the role 20 years ago, Wilda has been the face and heart of the Chamber, guiding countless initiatives that have strengthened the local economy and brought the community closer together.

Under her leadership, the Chamber has not only grown in size but in impact, establishing itself as a cornerstone of support and innovation for the businesses and citizens of Jackson Parish.

While Wilda is stepping down from her formal role, she is far from stepping away from community life. She looks forward to spending more cherished time with her family and friends—something she deeply values and has long looked forward to.

Even in retirement from the Chamber, Wilda will remain an active and vital member of numerous committees and boards throughout the parish, continuing her legacy of service.

Additionally, her faith remains a guiding light. Wilda will continue to devote her time to volunteer work and to her faithful service at the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, where she has long been a dedicated member.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce expresses its deepest gratitude for Wilda’s decades of exemplary leadership and selfless dedication. Her influence will continue to shape the future of the Chamber and the community for years to come.

Plans to honor Wilda’s service and legacy will be announced in the coming weeks. The Chamber encourages the community to join in celebrating a woman whose heart for Jackson Parish has touched so many.

---

Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ)-Family Resource Center (FRC) has partnered with Humana and Allegiance Healthcare to host Jonesboro Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm. The event will be held at the VFW located at 620 E. Main St., Jonesboro, La. 71251.

Families in rural areas are often unaware of the resources available to them. We are seeking vendors who provide services to families in the Jonesboro/Jackson Parish area. We are asking that you join us to help address the barrier to services for rural families.

Help us inform our families of the resources available for them. If your agency/organization services extend into Jackson Parish, please complete the attached vendor registration link.
https://forms.gle/GHpCJqa2sL4qRBt46

---

On Tuesday, June 17th, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) in Jonesboro joined with Pafford Air / EMS and Troop E of the Louisiana State Police to help combat the ongoing Opiod Crisis by supplying Narcan to Troopers in the central Louisiana region. 

The opioid crisis is a serious public health issue characterized by the widespread misuse of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs, leading to significant increases in addiction and overdose deaths. Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication used to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. 

JPASD has pledged to address both the opioid crisis and mental health challenges through the strategic use of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with grant-funded programs.

---

Jackson Parish youth softball All-Star fans are in for a very special treat this weekend as all four Little League District 5 Tournaments will be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex this weekend, beginning Friday, June 20th, and ending Sunday, June 22nd. 

Five teams from Jackson Parish, including two in the 8-Under division, will be in action in the four tournaments, representing the Tee Ball (age 5-6), Coach Pitch (age 7-8), Minors (age 9-10), and Majors (11-12) divisions of Little League of Louisiana. 

Action for local teams begins at 6:15 pm on Friday, when the Jackson Parish 8U American Coach Pitch team takes on DeSoto Parish on field 3. At 6:20 pm, two games are scheduled as JP10U and JP12U both take on Sterlington on field 2 and field 4, respectively. JP8U National plays against Bossier in the nightcap on Friday, with their game starting at 7:45 pm on field 3. The JP6U Tee Ball team plays their first game on Saturday at 9:00 am on field 3, where, after drawing a first-round bye, they will play the winner of DeSoto and Sterlington.

Jackson Parish Softball All-Star Rosters

Jackson Parish 6U (Tee Ball)

Coaches: Allison Johnson (head), Josie Greer, Berry Dodson, Justin Dodson
Players: Lylah Johnston, Delilah Johnston, Avery Dodson, Ella Jo Greer, Eva Martin, Rosalie Williams, Margot Shuler, Randi Roberts, Scarlett Hatten, Harper Gandy, Emberly Greer, Rilynn Johnson

Jackson Parish 8U American (Coach Pitch)

Coaches: Matt Otwell (head), Jamie Otwell, Magen Taylor, Jacob Otwell
Players: Mercedes Taylor, Parker Kate Long, Caylee Mauthe, Matilyn Otwell, Kaylee Hammons, Gracelynn Greer, Ava Kohler, Londyn Tilley, Brenliegh Whitman, Mary-Kathryn Malone, Raegan Hall, Rey Wiggins, Natalie Futrell

Jackson Parish 8U National (Coach Pitch)

Coaches: David Lindor (head), Lana Horton, Jack Williams, Gavin Gresham
Players: Bella Cannady, Maylee Gresham, Olivia Williams, Harlei McCardie, LaNiyah White, Klark Lowery, Jaxsyn Williams, Karlie Bradford, Nora Kenney, Halley Lindor, Nyla Johnson

Jackson Parish 10U (Minors)

Coaches: Kyle Allen (head), James Conn, Dustin Siddon
Players: Aubrie Allen, Kylee-Ayn Allen, Marlee Bates, Cadie Conn, Delilah Hudson,  Autumn Kohler, Charley Linton, Ryleigh Puffer, Miriam Shuler, Ella Siddon, Natalie Sullivan, Landrie Watson

Jackson Parish 12U (Majors)

Coaches: Corey Aldy (head), Patrick Staggs, Tamila Kieffer
Players: Hannah Aldy, Emma Gray, Brylee Ingles, Brooklyn Keiffer, Kate Keiffer,  Charlee Mauthe, Ryleigh McCormick, Charleigh Newton, Elliott Savage, Amelia Staggs, Lizzie Sullivan, Jessie Walker

Little League District 5 “Tee Ball” (6-Under) Bracket

---

Little League District 5 “Coach Pitch” (8-Under) Bracket

Little League District 5 Minors (10-Under) Bracket

Little League District 5 Majors (12-Under) Bracket

Louisiana Tech University has announced its 2025 Spring Quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists, which include 24 students who call Jackson Parish home. 

Students (shown below) whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible.

LA Tech Spring 2025 Honor Roll

Chatham: Shelby Mccarty*, Amya Myers*, Jamorian Turner
Hodge: Anna Worthington*
Jonesboro: Renae Adams, Bryceton Aranda*, Olivia Carter, Kaylee Davis*, Mary-Catherine Hay, Gabriel Mcmillan*, Madison Patton*
Quitman: Laura Arnold, Ansley Folks*, Kaylee Ford*, Brittany Fowler*, Elizabeth Hollis*, Nicholas Kliebert*, Jake Patton, Grace Robinson, Laycie Sanders, John Scharr, Ryan Walker*, Elijah Walker*, Hunter Williams*

 

---

Want to get a “sneak peek” at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School boys and girls basketball teams that will be taking the floor during the 2025-26 LHSAA basketball season? Then the JHHS boys’ gymnasium is the place you want to be every Thursday evening during June, as both squads will be in action weekly, taking part in the JHHS Summer League. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to see the locals play, but also Union Parish, Lincoln-Prep, D’Arbonne Woods, Rayville, and Winnfield High Schools in the girls division, and the same six, along with Homer, Ringgold, and New Living Word on the boys side.

“We are excited about getting the opportunity for our girls and guys to practice and play this summer which not only will help our teams in the upcoming season but also gives the kids something to do and keeps them focused on things that are good for them and provide positive reinforcement,” said JHHS head boys basketball coach Fred Hearne.

 In last week’s action, the Tigers split a pair of games beating New Living Word 55-49 behind 19 points from D.J. Palmer and dropping a 25-22 slugfest to Rayville. The Lady Tigers got 13 points from Jalenya Jackson but fell 45-22 to Rayville. 

Six games are on tap for Thursday, June 19th, including three contests involving Jonesboro-Hodge. The Lady Tigers will play Union Parish at 3:00 pm following a boys’ matchup between New Living Word (Ruston) and Homer High. After Lincoln Prep plays Homer and D’Arbonne Woods takes on Union Parish in a couple of boys’ battles, the JHHS girls will take to the floor once again at 6:00 pm against Winnfield. The session will end with the JHHS boys team taking on arch rival Winnfield, that will pit the new JHHS coach in Fred Hearne, against the old one, Allen Tew. 

“We’ve had a really good turnout from our fans, and I hope that we continue to see more come out as the league continues,” said Hearne. “It means a lot to the kids to see that the school and community is supporting them.”

Schedule of Games (June 12)

2:00 pm – New Living Word vs Homer (boys)
3:00 pm – JHHS vs Union Parish (girls)
4:00 pm – Lincoln Prep vs Homer (Boys)
5:00 pm – D’Arbonne Woods vs Union Parish (Boys)
6:00 pm – Winnfield vs JHHS (Girls)
7:00 pm – Winnfield vs JHHS (Boys)

A summer pass that provides admission to all games played each Thursday is available for $20.00, and individual tickets can be purchased for $6.00 apiece. To purchase either the summer pass or tickets, scan the barcode shown below. 

---

(Sheryl Robinson) – The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers as the Business of the Month for June 2025. Renowned for its exceptional patient care, innovative treatment methods, and commitment to community wellness, FYZICAL continues to set the standard for physical therapy and fitness in the region.

As a medically and scientifically based physical therapy and fitness organization, FYZICAL stands out for its comprehensive approach to health and healing. Their highly trained team of Physical Therapists possesses advanced clinical education, specialty certifications, and years of hands-on experience. This expertise enables them to provide effective, personalized care for a wide range of conditions—from orthopedic injuries and neurological disorders to sports-related issues and balance dysfunction.

FYZICAL’s facility is equipped with state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, allowing them to offer cutting-edge treatments in a welcoming, supportive environment. Their focus is not just on recovery but on helping patients thrive—empowering them to expand their boundaries, revitalize their health, and feel younger through guided, holistic care.

Whether it’s alleviating chronic pain, restoring mobility after an injury, or improving overall physical performance, FYZICAL is committed to helping every client achieve the pinnacle of healthy living.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce congratulates FYZICAL on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their continued dedication to improving lives and strengthening the well-being of our community.

---

It ain’t over till it’s over!

In 1973, legendary Major League Hall of Famer Yogi Berra uttered the iconic phrase that emphasizes perseverance and the idea that a game, or any situation, is not lost until it’s truly finished. 

Many have often quoted the “Yogism” but few have truly experienced the euphoria that is brought by staying focused and maintaining a positive attitude until the very end. 

One group that has is the Jackson Parish 10U Dixie Youth All-Stars.

In an improbable turn of events, JP10U shocked the Monroe 10U All-Stars 13-11 in extra innings to win the pre-district tournament being held in Sterlington this past weekend by scoring 10 runs in the final two innings of play that included overcoming a five-run deficit in the last inning of regulation play.

With one at bat remaining, it looked bleak for the locals who had managed only five hits and three runs against Monroe pitching while giving up 8 runs to trail by a seemingly hopeless margin.

Bolstered by the positive reinforcement given by manager Dusty Nomey and coaches Railey Garrett and Lance Seymore, JP10U took advantage of an early pair of walks to Ryder Gray and Maddox Graham and two Monroe miscues on balls hit by Clay Burton and Cruz Nomey to narrow the deficit to 8-6. That led to a clutch triple by Andrew Seymore that tied the score and a single by Sutton Vail to give Jackson Parish the lead at 9-8. 

“We told the boys to keep their heads up, stay focused, and keep battling,” said Nomey. “We have a saying we do before the game and in between innings where we all say 1, 2, 3, GRIND, and that is what they did. I can’t tell you how proud I am of them.”

Monroe would come back to tie the score in the bottom of the fifth, but it would only delay the completion of the rally as Jackson Parish continued to pour it on as the first five batters of the extra inning reached base.  Gray and Asher Cooper hit back-to-back doubles after Garrett had reached on an error, and both Nash Moak and Burton singled, giving JP10U a 13-9 lead that held up to give Jackson Parish the title. 

The victory was the fourth in a row for the locals who dropped the first game of the tourney by a 9-4 margin to West Carroll Parish before coming back to beat West Ouachita by scores of 11-16 and 9-8 before gaining revenge over West Carroll 8-2 to set up the title tilt. 

Jackson Parish ended up with 13 hits, led by three from Nash Moak and two each by Burton and Seymore. Five of the hits went for extra bases with Hunter Williams hitting an inside-the-park home run, Burton and Seymore stroking triples, and both Gray and Asher Cooper slapping doubles.

JP10U will now turn their attention to the Dixie Youth District 8 tournament that will be played in Natchitoches with teams from Sabine Parish, Buckeye, Jena, Winnfield, Alexandria, Tioga, Pineville competing. JP10 will open against Alexandria on Friday, June 20th at 7:30 pm on field one of the Natchitoches Parks and Recreation Complex.  

---

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Jackson Parish	2	0	0	1	6	4	13	12	2
Monroe All-Stars	1	0	3	4	1	2	11	9	4

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration’s Round Table Luncheon is the most exclusive, yet casual, opportunity for the public to enjoy hearing from the Class of 2025 inductees.

It’s next Saturday, June 28, at noon at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, in Natchitoches. There are still a few seats available among the 300 guests for the seventh annual Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Registration is available for the luncheon and can be made by visiting LaSportsHall.com, or by calling 318-238-4255. It is a ticketed event and only a few dozen seats are still open to see and hear from 2025 inductees including Nick Saban, Andrew Whitworth, Vickie Johnson, Danny Granger, Danny Broussard and Joe Scheuermann.

Festivities begin next Thursday evening, June 26, at 5 with the free of charge Welcome Reception open to all, no registration necessary, at the Hall of Fame museum facing the traffic circle at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The Friday, June 27 slate begins with the BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Friday evening is the free Rockin’ River Fest concert on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches, from 6-10:30, with the Class of 2025 introduced at 9:15 right before a sports-themed fireworks show over the water.

Events Saturday include the free for kids Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp, the Round Table Luncheon, and the Induction Reception and Ceremony, which is sold out. A waiting list is being compiled.

The Round Table Luncheon starts with tremendous Louisiana cuisine and quickly kicks into gear with Fox Sports announcer (and 2020 LSHOF inductee) Tim Brando interviewing small groups of inductees on stage in a very informal and fast-moving setting.

A poignant scene at the 2019 luncheon unfolded before the program when Peyton Manning, being inducted later that day, stopped by to greet LSU legend Johnny Robinson, who was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame two months later.

Scenes like that, up-close access and the fun-filled dialog between Brando and the Hall of Fame inductees combine to provide a memorable 90-minute event.

The Hall of Fame Round Table Luncheon shapes up as a highly entertaining opportunity for guests to have a up-close-and-personal experience and be entertained and well fed in a casual setting, with a touch of elegance at Riverside Reserve on the banks of Cane River Lake just a mile from downtown Natchitoches.

 

 

---

Bring it on! That is the mindset of the Jackson Parish 10U Girl All-Star team regarding their upcoming Little League District Tournament after smashing their way to the title of the Sterlington Pre-District Tournament this past weekend. 

Under the guidance of head coach Kyle Allen and assistants James Conn and Dusting Siddon, JP10U outscored their competition by an aggregate score of 55-9 to win four games without a loss, which included ending three of the contests early via the “ten-run rule”. The dominance was portrayed at the plate and in the field as Jackson Parish collected 36 hits and the pitchers struck out 32 batters in just 13 total innings. 

“I am very proud of these girls,” said Allen. “To think that less than 3 weeks ago these 12 girls were all on different teams playing against one another, and have been able to come together and bond as a team the way they have speaks volumes of each and every one of them!”

JP10U now looks forward to the Little League District 5 Tournament that will be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department on June 19-22 with the local playing their first game at 6:00 pm on Thursday. Teams expected to compete for the district title along with Jackson Parish are Bossier, DeSoto Parish, Shreveport, West Ouachita, Vivian and Sterlington.

Sterlington Pre District Tourney Recap

(Pool Play – Saturday) Jackson Parish 13 West Monroe 1 – Miriam Shuler struck out six batters in two innings of work, including the first four batters she faced, and JP10U sent 14 batters to the plate to score 10 runs in the first inning to “run rule” West Monroe in just three innings. Kylee-Ayn led the offensive onslaught with three runs scored, followed by Natalie Sullivan, Charley Linton, and Autumn Kohler with two runs each. Also scoring were Cadie Conn, Shuler, Aubrie Allen, and Landrie Watson. 

(Pool Play – Saturday) Jackson Parish 16 East Ouachita 1 – Once again it took only three innings to dispatch the competition via the “ten run rule” as every batter scored at least once. Natalie Sullivan starred both offensively and defensively as she led the team with three runs scored and struck out six batters in two innings of work in the circle. Cadie Conn, Aubrie Allen, Autumn Kohler and Ella Siddon all scored two runs each with Kylee-Ayn Allen, Miriam Shuler, Charley Linton, Ryleigh Puffer and Landrie Watson contributing with a run apiece. 

(Bracket Play – Sunday) Jackson Parish 11 West Monroe 5 – After spotting West Monroe a 5-1 lead, JP10U came storming back to score six runs in the bottom of the second inning and four more in the third to take the five-inning victory. Charley Linton got the rally started with a double, followed by Autumn Kohler, Delilah Hudson, and Ella Siddon all coaxing walks. Ryleigh Puffer and Landrie Watson then sandwiched singles around Aubrie Allen’s double. JP10U broke the game open in the bottom of the third with Natalie Sullivan, who earned the save by blanking West Monroe over the final three innings, opening with a walk. Winning pitcher Miriam Shuler and Linton followed with singles, and both Cadie Conn and Hudson doubled. 

(Championship Game – Sunday) Jackson Parish 15 Sterlington 2 –  The locals left no doubt as to who was the best team in the tourney by smashing the tournament host in just two innings. Natalie Sullivan, Kylee-Ayn Allen, Miriam Shuler, Charley Linton, and Ella Siddon all scored two runs each. Autumn Kohler, Delilah Hudson, Ryleigh Puffer, Aubrie Alle,n and Landrie Watson also scored a run apiece.  

---

In May, Jonesboro-Hodge High School won the 2025 LHSAA Class 1A girls track and field state championship. The title was not only the first ever won by the girls track team but also the first ever state championship earned by any female athletic program in school history.

To help celebrate this historic achievement and honor these student athletes who, through their dedicated effort, have etched their names in the all-time JHHS sports annals, assistance is being asked for help with the purchase of commemorative championship rings and individual replica trophies for all who were involved.

What is being asked is that each graduating class of JHHS show their “Tiger Pride” by sending $25.00 to help offset the costs of the rings and trophies. Donations by others who would like to participate would be greatly appreciated as well.

The following link or QR code (shown below) may be used to send payment.
https://square.link/u/9aW54fCG

For questions or more information, please send an email to tblankenship@jpsbschools.us.

Thank you for your consideration

To answer the question of where the big bass craze started, all we need to do is look at our neighbor to the west — Texas! No state has done more for bass fishing than Texas, and the people largely responsible work at the Texas Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (TDWF).

Texas has led the way, showing how all other states should manage their fisheries, especially when it comes to producing huge largemouth bass.

In the 1970s, tournament bass fishing was starting to take root, and anglers wanted to catch more and bigger bass. The first lake that started producing huge bass was a power plant lake, Lake Monticello, near my hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

By the mid-1970s, this is where the big bass fever infected Texas and the bass fishing world. Monticello was a hot water power plant lake, which gave bass a long and productive growing season. Here, bass started spawning in December, and as word spread about the size of bass being caught, Monticello became a destination for all bass fishermen.

Then, in 1980, one of the greatest bass fisheries in America was impounded … Lake Fork. This lake was a game changer and lit the fuse for an explosion of huge largemouth bass. Every bass angler who has ever wet a hook has dreamed of catching either a new world or state record bass, and most felt Lake Fork was the place that would give anglers the best opportunity.

It presently holds 12 of the top 20 bass ever caught in the state of Texas! It recently showed out this past May when the Bassmaster Elite Series showed up. It took a four-day total of over 128 pounds to win this event. The winner, with his best five, had a daily average of just over 6 pounds per fish!

Today, there are other lakes in Texas that are starting to produce record-size bass, with the most recent being Lake O.H. Ivie, located just south of Abilene. There, double-digit bass are becoming the norm, with 8-10 pound bass not even turning heads.

In the last three years, O.H. Ivie has produced 39 bass weighing 13 pounds or more, all caught between the months of January and March. In Texas, all fish caught over 13 pounds become a part of what is called the Legacy Class Program.

This is all part of the Texas ShareLunker Program. Biologists retrieve these huge bass from around the state and take them back to the hatchery in Athens. There they will breed these lunker fish with other lunker bass over 10 pounds, which in turn will be used as a part of their stocking program for other lakes.

In 2023, bass caught in O.H. Ivie made up 83 percent of the Legacy Class Bass caught in the state of Texas. Today, this lake continues to produce lunker bass like no other. This calendar year, the lake has produced eight Legacy Class Bass over 13 pounds and 14 bass over 10 pounds as part of the ShareLunker program.

To visit lakes in Louisiana where an angler might catch a double-digit bass, you may want to check out Toledo Bend, Caddo Lake, Caney Lake, or Bussey Break.

‘Til next time, remember, the only way to catch big fish is if your lake has big fish!

 

---

Full-time and part-time Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are needed at the  Smurfit Westrock Paper Mill in Hodge, LA. Expected compensation will be $18.00 per hour, along with benefits. If interested, call 259-5331 and speak to Irma Ashcraft or the EMT on duty. 

---

Edi was pregnant with her first child. Her pregnancy was considered normal until she started experiencing severe pains in her abdomen. She feared for her unborn child. Her husband rushed her to the hospital, and doctors diagnosed her with appendicitis. As part of her treatment, they put ice on her stomach. The doctors feared the treatment was unsuccessful and advised Edi to abort the child. They explained that abortion would be the best solution because they knew the child would be born with some kind of disability. You see, the doctors had misdiagnosed Edi and feared their odd treatment had jeopardized the fetus. Despite the dangers to herself and her child, and despite the possibility of the child being born with a disability, Edi refused the doctors’ advice. She was determined to have her baby.

On September 22, 1958, Edi gave birth to a son. As the doctors predicted, the child was born with a disability, congenital glaucoma. Edi’s son was born with damaged optic nerves which were responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. The boy was only partially blind. The extremely short-sighted boy could see everything but only from up close. By the time the boy was three-and-a-half years old, he had undergone 13 operations to try to improve his eyesight, but none of them worked. When he was seven, his parents sent him to a boarding school for visually impaired children because no local school would allow him to enroll. His family visited him at the boarding school once a month, and the boy returned home for holidays. Then, an incident happened which Edi’s son said was the worst moment of his life. The boy was playing the position of goalkeeper in a game of football — you and I would call this soccer — at the school for the visually impaired. It was Edi’s son’s first time as a goalie, and it would be his last. One of the players kicked the ball and it struck Edi’s son directly in the face. The force of the strike caused a hemorrhage and darkness fell over the boy forever.

Edi’s son may have lacked sight, but his hearing was perfect. At the young age of six, the boy began taking piano lessons. His interest in music led him to learn to play the drums, flute, guitar, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Following high school, Edi’s son went to college where he studied law. He supported himself through college by playing in piano bars. Once he earned his law degree, he worked as a court-appointed attorney. Edi’s son could have continued his occupation as an attorney and his story of achievement would certainly have been impressive, but, to our benefit, another career came calling.

Had Edi taken the advice of her doctors, we would never have heard a voice which has been on 15 solo studio albums, three greatest hits albums, nine complete operas, and has sold more the 75 million records worldwide… so far. Celine Dion once said, “If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like…Andrea Bocelli.”

---

For the second straight time, Jackson Parish beat Sabine Parish by rallying late. This time, the 14-13 victory in seven innings kept JP8U alive in the Dixie Youth District 8 tournament being played in Tioga, LA, and sent Sabine home. 

Like the first time the two met in the first round of the tourney, a 15-14 JP8U victory this past Friday, where it was the JP8U offense that won the game in “walk-off” fashion, the locals rallied late. On Monday, though, it was the defense that took center stage in the final inning to leave the bases loaded and stem a determined Sabine rally, despite being bombarded by seven straight hits. 

Got to give both teams credit as more than once, JP8U or Sabine Parish fell behind only to come back to tie or take the lead, including in Jackson Parish’s last at bat in regulation where they entered trailing 10-6 only to score four runs to tie the score, with two of the runs coming after two outs. 

Kaden Blewer and Levi Norred got the rally started by hitting back-to-back doubles, followed by Matthew Buchan and Uriah Hall each slapping singles to narrow the deficit to 10-8. Down to their last out, Pistol McCurdy then hit the third “two-bagger” of the inning, and Rowen Sampey singled to tie the score. 

After Buchan got three outs on just five pitches in the bottom of the sixth to send the game into extra innings, JP8U put the game away by scoring again scoring four runs. D.J. Hudson and Kase Mathews opened the extra frame with singles before Blewer and Levi Norred smashed a double and a triple, respectively, with one out to put JP8U up 13-10. Hall then plated the final run with a two-out single. 

With their backs against the proverbial wall in the bottom of the seventh, Sabine got four straight hits with two out after getting two more on earlier in the inning to narrow the margin to 14-13. Buchan then knuckled down to coax a ground ball to first and send JP8U into a rematch with Jena, who bested the locals in the second round. 

It was the third time in the game that Sabine had been forced to rally from at least three runs down. The first was when JP8U went up 3-0 thanks to hits by Rafe Lewter, Hudson, Mathews, Smiley and Blewer. 

Jackson Parish upped the lead to 6-2 in the next frame when Buchan and Hall got singles that set up a Sampey triple, Lewter single and Hudson double, all coming with two outs. 

JP8U collected 24 hits in the game, led by Hudson with 4 and Blewer, Norred, and Hall all getting three “knocks” apiece. Sampey, Rafe Lewter, Mathews, and Buchan got two hits apiece, and Anderson Smiley, Emmett Thomas, and Pistol McCurdy got a base hit each. 

With the victory, JP8U advanced to play Jena Tuesday evening in a rematch of the 16-1 Jena victory on Saturday that put the locals in the elimination side of the bracket. The winner of that game will then play for the right to earn a shot at reaching the state tournament that will be played in Jefferson Parish on July 10-13.

---

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Jackson Parish	3	3	0	0	0	4	4	14	24	0
Sabine Parish	2	3	4	0	1	0	3	13	23	1