Many work out crossword puzzles, word search and jigsaw puzzles. My Mom was a whiz at the first two but do not remember her ever doing the jigsaw puzzles. As a family, my husband and I along with our daughter and son often did. It takes determination and time to work jigsaw puzzle pieces into place. It’s not a good pastime for the impatient.
It seems that the manufacturers deliberately try to make finding certain pieces difficult. Maybe that’s why it works so well as a group project; what one person doesn’t see as a fitting piece, another in their searching does.
God is actively involved and working in my life. He makes the pieces fit.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13 KJV).”
With the Holy Spirit’s leading I’m able to work out (put into practice) the salvation that God is working in me. I don’t see the whole picture yet but can rest assured that the LORD does.
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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Annual Meeting
An annual membership meeting will be held at 5:30 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Jackson Council on Aging Robert Riddle Senior Center, located at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro, LA. There will be a regular board meeting immediately following the membership meeting.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Jackson Parish Library Board Jonesboro, Louisiana Regular Board Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025
The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the rescheduled quarterly board meeting which had been originally scheduled for April 21, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Standley, Ms. Jenkins, Mrs. Massey, and Mr. Chatham. Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson. Members absent: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, and Mrs. Tew. Mrs. Jenkins led the invocation. There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to approve the minutes for the January 21, 2025 board meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Tew joined the meeting. Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to accept the 1st Quarter financial reports. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to accept the January, February, and March statistical reports. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Massey made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Carol Massey, Board President Mr. Floyd Knox, Secretary
Rocky Shane Davis February 9, 1971 – June 16, 2025
Rocky Shane Davis passed away at his residence in Quitman, Louisiana on June 16, 2025. He was 54 years old. Rocky was a gifted carpenter and did residential construction for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved deer hunting, squirrel hunting and 4-wheeler riding. Rocky also loved bass fishing, especially on Black Lake. He enjoyed helping others and loved his friends unconditionally.
Arrangements are pending at this time. A complete obituary will be posted at a later date.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that construction will begin on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, on LA 147 in Jackson Parish.
According to LA DOTD, the exact distance will be from the junction of LA 147 with US 167 in Hodge to the Bienville Parish line. Lane closures are to be expected at different points along the highway as crews will be conducting tree trimming, milling, and patching of asphalt concrete, pavement overlay, and other work.
Hudson Pullig, from Quitman High School, was named Most Valuable Player for the North Team at the 2025 Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association (LBCA) Underclassmen State Games, hosted at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
At the plate, Pullig showcased his batting power with consistent, hard-hit balls against some of the state’s top arms. In the field, his hustle and playmaking skills were on full display, always backing up plays and covering ground. In the dugout, his energy and leadership earned the respect of his new teammates. These efforts and baseball instincts caught the attention of coaches and scouts throughout the 3 day event.
Pullig was nominated by his coach, Chris Womack, after having an outstanding junior season where he compiled a .467 batting average with half of his hits going for extra bases and only had eight strikeouts all year while leading QHS to the Class B state quarterfinals.
“All of our 1B players represented our district well at the games – Harrell from Simsboro, Blundell and Browning from Weston, and of course Hudson,” said Womack. “I’d take a team of nine Hudsons any day. He caught some great barrels at the plate and goes all out in the field. He gave us a scare on a diving play in the last game, but that’s who he is; he never holds back. You won’t find a player with a better attitude, he’ll accept blame faster than he would an MVP trophy.”
Congratulations to Hudson Pullig on earning MVP honors and representing Quitman High School and Jackson Parish with grit, class, and leadership qualities.
The Thomas family proudly announces that the 2025 Pat Thomas Memorial Scholarship winner is Lily Kate Odom. Lily Kate was presented with a one-time $1,000.00 scholarship during the Quitman High School graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in communications. Lily Kate dreams of being a news anchor one day.
The Thomas family would like to thank those who served on the selection committee this year and in the past. Choosing a recipient each year is a challenging task. We would also like to express our gratitude to Principal Carter and the staff at QHS for the continued support every year during this process.
Following the 2016 death of our mom, Pat Thomas, our family established the Thomas Family Scholarship Fund. We wanted to honor her legacy of service to God, her Church, her community, and to Quitman High School. In addition to the scholarship, our family also makes donations to special projects, an athletic team, an activity, or a club at the school.
As part of the selection process, all scholarship applicants are screened based on the following characteristics that were present in the life of our mom: • Honor • Character • Integrity • Humility • Willingness to serve others without the expectation of recognition or personal attention.
The scholarship committee found Lily Kate Odom encompasses all of Mom’s attributes. The committee was particularly impressed by Lily Kate’s humility, compassion, and gratefulness. The letters of recommendation we receive each year on behalf of the applicants always provide great insight.
The comments below are just a sample of the comments written about Lily Kate:
“It is rare to find a young person so well-rounded, not only with their internal strength of character, but by their outward signs of humility and a willingness and desire to serve others with enthusiasm and generosity.”
“Lily Kate’s servant leadership and dedication to making the world a better place are qualities that set her apart as a young woman of great promise.”
“Her Christian values are evident in all areas of her life. She lives with integrity, honesty, and humility, seeking to make a difference in the lives of those around her.”
The Thomas family believes Lily Kate will make a meaningful impact on the world while continuing to add to the legacy of our family and the winners that have come before her.
Lily Kate herself wrote:
“I am nowhere near perfect, and I never will be, but I always try to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.”
Let us all strive to be like Lily Kate, displaying God’s love while serving others with integrity, compassion, and humility.
Congratulations, Lily Kate! We pray God blesses you! – The Thomas family
The Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers (NELAHSA) tour held their 2024-25 season banquest on Thursday, June 12th with several Jackson Parish prep anglers being recognized.
Earning Big Bass of the Year was Hayden Davis of Quitman High School for his 10.89-pound lunker. Davis and fishing partner, Maddox Duck as well as Hailey Chatham and Ben Ramsey, representing Weston High School, also received recognition for qualifying for the 16th annual High School Fishing National Championships to be held June 24-28 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma.
Also being honored were Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood of Quitman High School for earning a spot in the Junior World Championships that will take place July 30 – August 1 on Lake Oahe in Pierre, South Dakota.
NELAHS Anglers Banquet Award Honorees
Big Bass of the Year: Hayden Davis – Quitman High School (10.89 lbs.)
National Championship Qualifiers: Hayden Davis/Maddox Duck – Quitman High School Hailey Chatham/Ben Ramsey – Weston High School
Jr World Championship Qualifiers: Jake Vail/Jaxon Cheatwood – Quitman High School
Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about text message scams that have the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees.
In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions.
The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in scam text messages falsely claiming to be from the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). These messages often state that you owe traffic fines or penalties and urge you to take immediate action.
These scams are fraudulent. The scammers are directing individuals to fake websites designed to closely mimic the official Louisiana OMV site using similar names, designs, and logos to deceive users.
The Louisiana DMV / OMV offers the following tips to avoid being scammed.
Do not click on any links in suspicious text messages. Do not provide any personal or payment information. Be skeptical of urgent messages demanding immediate action or threatening legal consequences.
Important Reminder: The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening legal action for unpaid traffic tickets or fees. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org
Jackson Parish 8U All-Stars scored 8 runs over the final three innings to come storming back and take thrilling “walk-off” 14-13 victory over Sabine Parish in the first round of the Dixie Youth District 8 tournament being played in Tioga, LA.
The climatic game ender was delivered by team offensive MVP, Kaden Blewer, whose fourth hit of the game in four at-bats, was a scorching two-out, triple to centerfield in the bottom of the sixth inning that plated Rafe Lewter who had come in to pinch run after D.J. Hudson had started the final inning with a single.
To have a chance at victory, the locals coached by Nick Sampey, Darion Hudson, Jacob Norred, and Raimey Hall had to muster tremendous fortitude as Sabine Parish scored 13 runs in their first four at-bats of the “coach-pitch” contest to put JP8U in a 13-7 hole.
Undaunted, the locals, who collected a whopping 27 hits in the contest and scored in every inning, didn’t blink and started pecking away at the large deficit. JP8U closed the gap to 13-9 in the bottom of the fourth frame when Uriah Hall singled and then scored when Rowan Sampey smashed a clutch two-out double to left field before coming around himself thanks to Rafe Lewter’s single.
Bouyed by the uprising in the inning before, JP8U knotted the score at 13-13 in the bottom of the fifth inning by rattling off seven hits, including a pair of doubles by Levi Norred and Matthew Buchan. Blewer, Hall, Emmett Thomas, and Sampey also came up big with base hits.
The contest started with Sabine Parish scoring two runs in their first at-bat, only to see JP8U take a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to seven straight hits. Lewter got the fireworks started with a single, followed by a double by Hudson. Then Kase Mathews, Anderson Smiley, Blewer, Norred, and Buchan all followed through with singles.
Sabine came right back to see saw the lead back in their favor at 8-4 in the top of the second only to see JP8U close the gap to 8-6 in their at bat thanks to singles by Thomas, Pistol McCurdy and Hudson and two baggers from Sampey, who was voted the team Defensive MVP for his stellar play at shortstop and Mathews.
Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, has announced that 1,915 students have been named to the President’s, Dean’,s or Honor list for the Spring 2025 semester. Included are eight who reside in Jackson Parish.
Two were named to the President’s List, meaning they ended the semester with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA), five earned Dean’s List designation after compiling a 3.50 – 3.99 GPA while one qualified for the Honor’s List having finished the semester with a 3.00 – 3.49 GPA.
NSU Presidents List
Bryan Lay – Jonesboro Kaitlyn Williams – Quitman
NSU Dean’s List
Anayah Allen – Jonesboro Amber Melton – Jonesboro Georgia Robinson – Jonesboro Aysia Leonard – Quitman Bailey Welch – Quitman
Facing a “do or die” situation, the Jackson Parish 7U All Star team scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning to pave the way to an 11-7 victory over Sabine Parish and stay alive in the Dixie Youth District Tournament being played in Jena as eight of the nine batters that went to bat got hits.
Refusing to see their district tourney experience end in early fashion, JP7U came out swinging as the first five batters reached base via singles by Duke Henderson, Sammy Jones, Cole Burton, and Krewe Blalock that sandwiched a double by Oliver Lee. After an out was made, Jackson Linton, Lex Walsworth and Sawyer Fair continued the onslaught with additional base hits.
The JP8U lead was upped to 9-2 when Kolton Laffitte, Henderson and Jones all singled in the second inning to score a run and Blalock singled and scored in the third.
Jackson Parish plated single runs once again in both the fourth and fifth innings when J Johnson singled and scored on a Henderson single, followed by Burton tripling to right to open the bottom of the fifth inning and then circling the bases on the throw in.
JP7U, coached by Dusty Burton, Chris Lee, Dan Laffitte, and Josh Henderson, will now play Pineville at 5:30 pm on Monday, June 16th, with the winner putting themselves in position to qualify for the state tournament that will be played July 3-6 in Shreveport.
All Smiles! Gracie Bourgeois was named the Senior Division Overall High Point Champion
When Gracie Bourgeois looked up at the camera while sitting in the saddle atop her trusty steed, she couldn’t help but break out in one of those “ear-to-ear” smiles. And why not?
You would too if, after months and months of practice, you had accomplished a goal you had been dreaming of by turning in a perfect performance at one of the most prestigious horse show competitions there is in north Louisiana.
Bourgeois wowed the judges at the Northwest District 4-H Horse Show on Friday, June 13th to earn the Senior Division Overall High Point Champion in both the Halter and the Performance classes. Next stop, State Horse Show in July!
The Jackson Parish Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the Jackson Parish Golf Course is officially joining the Louisiana Golf Association. Become a member today by scanning the QR code (shown below) or by clicking the link below.
The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) shines its employee spotlight for the month of June on Evan Springfield. A native of Jackson Parish, Evan has been a valued part-time member of the JPASD for the past 15 years.
Evan began his EMS journey as an EMT, and through the years of hard work, passion, and perseverance, has risen through the ranks to not only become a Paramedic, but also a Registered Nurse (RN).
In addition to his longstanding service with JPASD, Evan has served full-time with the Ruston Fire Department for the past 10 years, where he currently holds multiple roles, including that of Captain/Paramedic.
He also works part-time with Caddo Parish Fire and as an RN at the Jackson Parish Hospital, further demonstrating his incredible work ethic and commitment to public service. Just at JPASD alone, he has answered the call to help 233 people in need.
Evan’s career is filled with notable achievements, having earned his Paramedic certification in 2018, completed his Associate’s Degree in 2019, and fulfilled a long-held goal by becoming an RN in 2023.
In 2015, Evan was named JPASD Employee of the Year, a testament to the profound impact he had had on the team and community. What truly sets Evan apart is not just his impressive resume, but the heart he brings to every role he serves.
He is a fierce advocate for patients, a dependable and supportive colleague, and a respected leader who leads by example. His integrity, humility, and commitment to excellence make him someone both peers and patients admire.
Outside of his professional life, Evan treasures his role as a family man, having been happily married to his wife Megan for nearly three years and together sharing a beautiful daughter, Keely, who clearly has daddy wrapped around her little fingers.
When he’s not working or serving the community, you’ll likely find Evan enjoying the outdoors, hunting, or spending quality time with his family and loved ones.
Evan Springfield, thank you for your unwavering service, leadership, and the example you set for all of us. We are proud to work alongside you and even prouder to call you one of our own. – JPASD
Who knows what the future holds for the eleven lads that represented Jackson Parish at the Dixie Youth 6U District Tournament this past weekend in Olla, La. One thing is for sure, though. They will be forever remembered as the first ever group of six-year-olds to represent the Jackson Parish Recreation Department in postseason All-Star competition.
No, the group didn’t win the two games they played in the tournament, falling 16-0 to Alexandria on Friday and 4-1 to Winnfield on Saturday, but so many positives came from the experience the guys gained that you can’t help but count the weekend as a victorious effort.
If you can remember when you were six years old (LOL), imagine the feeling of traveling long miles through the woods to a place that is a long way off and one that you probably have never even heard of before.
Either your eyes would be glued to the window the whole way, gawking at all the new sights or you would be sitting there hardly able to focus from all the nervous energy you contained that had you nearly trembling.
Suddenly, you arrive at your destination and are thrust under the glowing lights of a ballfield containing kids you have never seen before, which is surrounded by more people than you have ever played in front of in your life.
Think it would be maybe just a little intimidating?
One can only imagine that it took several innings just for the shock of the situation to wear off. By then, any chance of winning the game was gone, but still, a victory was had.
The “win” was the experience that the young guys came away with. The feeling of what it is like to play in an All-Star environment. It can only be classified as a “win” because of what took place next, which was a newfound determination by each player to do better next game.
And boy did they ever!
Through the quality assistance of coaches Conner Stokes, Adam Pardue, Alexis Johnson and Darenta Gilbert, who expertly captured the team’s focus, JP6U turned in a tremendous performance to almost come away with a win on the field
“Our boys brought their A-game today,” said Stokes after the great effort given against Winnfield. “They took note of the mistakes they made and prevented them from happening again.”
That is a victory in any book!
“We could not be more proud of these boys and how far they have come in such a short time,” continued Stokes. “In the end, this team has created the best friendships and walked off the field with smiles. We really look forward to next year!”
The players that made up the Jackson Parish 6U All-Star team was Thiago Dominguez-Jackson (named team MVP of the Friday game), Dredyn Gilbert, Christon Gray, Ashton Hebert, Harold Hogue IV, Dawson Otwell, Alan Palmer, Parker Pardue (Saturday game MVP), Makhail Raborn-McCarter, Tanner Ross, and Kohen Stokes
Why? What makes a normal, law-abiding person do some incredibly stupid things when it comes to wildlife?
I can’t point a finger at anybody else until I confess a crime I committed as a pre-teen on a beautiful oriole. This handsome black and orange bird was singing its heart out from atop a big oak in my grandparent’s yard when I raised my Daisy Red Ryder to my left shoulder – I shoot right-handed – didn’t even aim, and fired off a pellet. I was mortified when the oriole tumbled out and hit the ground dead at my feet.
Why did I do it? To this day, seven decades later, I still don’t know. How was I able to put a pellet into the little bird so high in the tree from my left shoulder without aiming? Maybe it was allowed to happen to teach me a lesson; songbirds must never be shot, even by 10-year-old boys with BB guns. It was a lesson that stuck because I never shot another songbird. That, however, didn’t bring the oriole back to life.
There are some people today who do stupid things when it relates to wildlife, and they’re not ten-year-olds.
I think of a good friend who lived outside Monroe, a dedicated hunter, although he was confined to a wheelchair by a degenerative disease that later took his life. Jimmy had been granted approval to keep deer in a pen next to his house. One night, someone slipped up to the fence, shot his prized buck with an arrow, cut the fence, and hauled the buck away, undoubtedly boasting to his friends about the fine buck he had taken. Why? How in Heaven’s name could he brag about bagging a big buck when he knew in his heart the dastardly circumstances under which the deer was slain?
The shooter was later arrested and had to make restitution for his act. That was little solace, however, for Jimmy and his pet buck.
Former NBA star and Ruston resident Karl Malone had something similar happen to him. On his big buck sanctuary in Union Parish, he has deer with superior bloodlines, capable of producing Boone and Crockett antlers. Someone shot one of his prized bucks, cutting the fence and making off with the deer. He, too, was caught and had to make restitution. Again……why?
If you have read many of my articles, you know of my love for hunting wild turkeys. I was literally thrilled to my soul one morning when driving by a woodlot a mile from my house, I saw something that caused me to stop and back up for a closer look. At the back of the woodlot on private property with “No Hunting” signs, a gobbler in full strut was displaying for two hens. Right here close to my house…..I couldn’t believe it. Two granddaughters came for a visit a few days later and I was able to show them the gobbler and hens as they were on display just about every morning.
As much as I enjoyed watching the turkeys, a gnawing feeling began creeping in because the turkeys were so visible. Folks would stop and watch the turkeys that were undisturbed by vehicle traffic. I hoped that nobody with the stupidity of a ten-year-old boy with a BB gun would do as I had done years ago. My fears escalated when the gobbler suddenly disappeared. He had been there every day for a week or more and abruptly vanished.
I was talking with a neighbor later who mentioned that during the time the turkeys were so visible, he heard a gunshot one morning. After the shot, the turkeys simply vanished, not to be seen again. I don’t know what happened, but I can hazard a guess. Some opportunistic person with the stupidity of a ten-year-old with a BB gun probably saw the gobbler, rolled down his window, shot, and made off with his prize.
We have plenty of wild game to be hunted during legal hunting seasons, so the question as to why some people resort to cheating begs for an answer……why?
“Boys with BB guns should never shoot songbirds, such as this beautiful orchard oriole.” Glynn Harris photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE –. Bass have moved up around the grass and topwater lures are working early while Texas rigged plastic worms 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 some nice fish up to 12 lbs 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 – Some really nice bass were caught during last weekend’s Majestic tournament. A couple over 10 pounds were weighed in.. 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 good on suspended fish 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 and bream are best bets this week. Bass and crappie are fair.. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101. LAKE YUCATAN – The water is high with another rise on the way. Still over the road to the Landing and too high for fishing. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
Shawn Murphy State Farm Agency is pleased to announce that Ethan Bradford has been hired as the new front desk team member who will be greeting you when you call at (318) 259 – 2311 or come into the office, located at 826 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro.
Ethan is a recent graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School and will begin his studies soon at LSU in Baton Rouge. When you see him, you will always see a smile on his face and genuine concern to do his best to assist you!
You read these articles days after I send them. My habit is to write and send them on Monday morning before noon. So, I start thinking about them on Sunday afternoon. I had the greatest idea in the history of these articles for an article. The idea was brilliant. It was illuminating. It was humorous. It was less than six hundred words.
I remember exactly where I had the idea. I was sitting in traffic at Walgreens. I was on my way to Tractor Supply to look at things I will never use in my life. I call this “expanding my horizons.” I smiled to myself and asked myself if I should write the idea down. Somewhere in my brain, the voice told me that this idea was so brilliant, illuminating, and humorous that there would be no way I could ever forget the idea.
Never ever trust that voice in your head.
The voice lies.
I have no idea what I was going to write.
I do not have a clue. I do not know if it was animal, mineral, or vegetable. I lost it. The idea is gone or has landed in someone’s Instagram feed, and they are claiming it as their very own idea. Today, if you read something brilliant, illuminating, and humorous, it was probably my idea!
The idea for the article had something to do with a Yiddish proverb. The Yiddish proverb teaches, “If one man calls you an ass pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass—go and buy a saddle.” I thought it was brilliant, illuminating, and humorous. I forgot what else went with it.
Do you forget?
As I grow more mature and notice all the physical stuff that does not work anymore, I have noticed that my mind is not as quick as it once was. I forget things. I just remembered that I forgot to read an Internet article on remembering not to forget.
Here is the truth in all this.
God remembers you!
He loves you, knows you, and remembers you as if you were His only child!
When you confess your sins to Him, He forgets them. Since God has forgotten your sins, why do you keep carrying them around?
Anyone who is associated with high school organizations and athletic programs knows that the cost associated with a school providing an opportunity for student/athletes has skyrocketed over the past several years. The result is that school organizations and athletic programs are now almost required to raise money for their programs through fundraisers to help offset costs.
Show your support for your favorite school, organization, or athlete by participating.
To donate click here or go to the Weston High School Baseball Facebook Page
Caira Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge Fundraiser
In an effort to help Ciara Gray raise money to sponsor 2 trips to compete in national track and field meets this summer raffle tickets are being sold for $5.00 per ticket with a chance to win $200 in cash. Please consider purchasing a ticket to help sponsor her trips. Your support will be greatly appreciated!
Raffle tickets can be purchased through Cashapp, or Venmo! Cashapp – $LatonyaAustinMoss Venmo – @Latonya-Austin-Moss
You can also purchase tickets by seeing Latonya Moss at State Farm Insurance Agency, located at 826 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro.
Quitman High School FBLA Raffle
Quitman High School Cheer Team Bake Sale
Weston High School Publications
Support your favorite Weston High School athlete… One athlete will win Action Shot photos for the 25-26 school year. Drinks will be available for pickup at the WHS Gym. To place your orders, click here or go to the Weston High School Facebook page.
Hailey Chatham / Ben Ramsey Fundraiser
JHHS Lady Tigers State Championship Rings Fundraiser
For the first time in school history, the Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers Track team is the LHSAA Class 1A state champions. These student athletes worked hard to earn this prestigious title, and we are proud of them. We are asking that each graduating class of JHHS send a $25.00 donation to assist with the purchase of state championship rings as well as individual replica trophies. The following link or QR code may be used to send donations. https://square.link/u/9aW54fCG
For questions or more information, send an email to tblankenship@jpsbschools.us. Thank you for your consideration
Jonesboro Christian Fellowship announces that registration is now going on for “Camp Chaos” Vacation Bible School, the wildest, most joy-filled week of the summer for children aged 4-12 years old that will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 pm nightly from June 23-27.
Located at 899 Walker Road in Jonesboro, Jonesboro Christian Fellowship is offering five unforgettable days of hilarious skits, games and crafts, worship and Bible adventures and tons of laughter, snacks and most importantly Jesus centered joy.
Tuesday Scramble Winners! (l-r) Grant Talley, Jacek Karczewski, Guy Stere, Buddy DeBeaux, Jeff Conville (Not Pictured)
One team had five players, the other had six, and they both shot 11-under par over at the Tuesday Scramble played at the Jackson Parish Golf Course on June 10th to finish in a tie that a scorecard playoff decided that Grant Talley, Jacek Karczewski, Guy Stere, Buddy DeBeaux, and Jeff Conville were the winners.
Relegated to second place was Layton Garrett, Bryan Garrett, Grant Williams, Payton Nomey, Reggie Hall, and Derrick Fleming. The team of Snook Harrell, Roby Surber, David Chestnut, Glen Kirkland, David Broadway, and Tommy Cruse took third place in another scorecard playoff over Brad Porter, Savannah Porter, Peyton Mitchell, Bretton Williams, CJ Barron, and Parker Bailey after both group of six golfers ended their round at 10-under par.
Tuesday Scramble Final Results
(-11) Grant Talley, Jacek Karczewski, Guy Stere, Buddy DeBeaux, Jeff Conville (-11) Layton Garrett, Bryan Garrett, Grant Williams, Payton Nomey, Reggie Hall, Derrick Fleming (-10) Snook Harrell, Roby Surber, David Chestnut, Glen Kirkland, David Broadway, Tommy Cruse (-10) Brad Porter, Savannah Porter, Peyton Mitchell, Bretton Williams, CJ Barron, Parker Bailey (-9) Robert Price, Matt Barham, Sawyer Barham, Cecil Barham, James Myers (-8) Joshua Smith, Riley Duck, Ben Westbrook, Easton Searcy, Will Scott (-8) Michael Reeves, Mikey Reeves, Charlie Rogers, Thomas Rogers, Garrison Hill, Justin Morris (-7) Jake Pieri, Hunter Kendrick, Hayden Means, Jackson Mock, Drew Brendon (-7) Hunter Wells, DJ Harrell, David Calhoun, Luke Waldron, Landon Hall
Parents not only goo goo ga ga and make silly faces; they tickle infant’s feet, tummies and under arms. It’s because we like to hear the sweet sound of their laughter. We want our children to be happy and contented.
I’m not too grown up or refined to have spontaneous outbursts of laughter. Give me corny jokes, one-liners from comedians of yesteryear and shared humorous events. Tickle my fancy.
At 76, I want my face to show laugh lines that reveal my age as circles in a cut tree. I remember that one…
It happened when I was a teenager; dropped a bottle of milk, slipped in the spilled milk and fell on our kitchen floor. I remembered something. ‘Don’t cry over spilt milk’ and burst out in laughter.
The LORD makes me happy; He tickles my spirit and gives me the gift of joy.
“I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing (John 15:9-11 AMP Bible).”
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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Annual Meeting
An annual membership meeting will be held at 5:30 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Jackson Council on Aging Robert Riddle Senior Center, located at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro, LA. There will be a regular board meeting immediately following the membership meeting.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 1151
Sealed bids will be received by the Procurement Section of the Division of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the following:
RFx No. 3000024830, *Rebid* Electrical Equipment for CRT, 6/17/25
Bid proposal forms, information, and specifications may be obtained by accessing the bid number in LaPac at www.doa.Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.
Tom Ketterer Director of State Procurement FAX (225) 342-8688
PUBLIC NOTICE
Jackson Parish Library Board Jonesboro, Louisiana Regular Board Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025
The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the rescheduled quarterly board meeting which had been originally scheduled for April 21, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Standley, Ms. Jenkins, Mrs. Massey, and Mr. Chatham. Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson. Members absent: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, and Mrs. Tew. Mrs. Jenkins led the invocation. There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to approve the minutes for the January 21, 2025 board meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Tew joined the meeting. Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to accept the 1st Quarter financial reports. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to accept the January, February, and March statistical reports. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Massey made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Carol Massey, Board President Mr. Floyd Knox, Secretary
