In a collaborative effort to make outings at Caney Lake a little safer, and in their effort to take more preventative initiatives for the community, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) in Jonesboro has installed a life jacket loaning station at Jimmie Davis State Park. 

Made possible through a grant received from the SeaTow Foundation, the loaning station will hold 15 life jackets, ranging from infant to adult extra-large sizes. All visitors have to do to borrow a life jacket is take one from the stand and return it at the end of the day. 

“We hope this new initiative will prevent future disasters,” said JPASD EMS Director Aaron Johnson. “We’ve had drownings, we’ve had near drownings, so there’s a need out there, and this is a significant way to make an impact, with just a life jacket.”

Per a report by the CDC, drowning deaths are on the rise after decades of decline, and JPASD Director of Operations, JoLynn Smith, says that to completely prevent accidental drownings, it takes everyone to make sure safety always comes first.

“You know, it takes everybody coming together, not only SeaTow, but Jackson Parish Ambulance, to the Wildlife and Fisheries, Jimmy Davis State Park, to lake people spreading the word to help prevent accidents from happening. It’s a collaboration between everybody.”

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On June 4th, the 2025 Class B All-State Softball team, as chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA), was released, featuring five players from state champion Quitman High School.

Headlining the elite squad was Cali Deal, who was selected as Most Outstanding Player for a second straight year and a Class B first team selection for the fourth year in a row. Also earning first team honors was Maggie Guyotte for the third straight year and Hallie Kate Pullig, coming on the heels of her being an Honorable Mention designee in 2024. 

Kinsley Ponder and Zoee Williams rounded out the all-state honorees, as each earned an Honorable Mention designation. 

LSWA 2025 Class B All-State Softball Team

Cali Deal Quitman Sr. .378/9-4
Maggie Guyotte Quitman Jr. .418
Hallie Kate Pullig Quitman Fr. .396
Paige Campbell Stanley Fr. .430
Jade Jones Stanley Jr. .488
Riley Palmer Stanley Jr. .475
Taylor Faust Zwolle Jr. .398
Natalie Meshell Zwolle Sr. .396
Rylee Guillot Grace Christian Sr. .326
Sydney Avery Grace Christian Sr. .489
Ava Davis Anacoco Jr. .494
Courtlyn Dousay Hicks Fr. .544
Lauren Landrum Holden Sr. .467
Jadyn Hutchinson Family Community Jr. .472
Zoey Smith Choudrant Sr. .506
Carlei Wheeler Simsboro Sr. .483

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: CALI DEAL, QUITMAN
COACH OF THE YEAR: JOSH FOSHEE, STANLEY

Honorable Mention

Bella Acree, Grace Christian; Brooklyn Bryant, Anacoco; Katie Grace Quinn, Hicks; Tori Haymon, Anacoco; Kraegan Jordan, Stanley; Hallie McLaren, Zwolle; Jacoya Lewis, Simsboro; Kinsley Ponder, Quitman; Aubrie Richard, Bell City; Zoee Williams, Quitman.

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(Reprint from Lincoln Parish Journal) A Quitman woman was arrested recently after she was found in possession of documents stolen from several victims.

Amy Marie Kelly-Lopez, 47, was arrested by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on May 24 after deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle near Ruston.

Deputies were called to an Oak Alley Drive residence off Douglas Road regarding a woman asleep inside a damaged vehicle. Kelly-Lopez was found in the vehicle. She said she had gotten lost in the middle of the night while driving from Arkansas and headed to Quitman. She said she accidentally ran over an object on the side of the road, which disabled her vehicle.

A criminal history check showed prior arrests for possession of stolen property. A search of the vehicle located multiple Social Security cards, passports, and checks belonging to other people. Deputies were able to contact several people who confirmed the items were stolen.

Kelly-Lopez was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for seven counts of identity theft and illegal possession of stolen things.

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

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The top 100 underclass baseball players in the state of Louisiana will descend on Lou St. Amant Field on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) for the 4th annual LBCA Underclass State Games. 

Chosen as representatives on the North Team will be three players from Jackson Parish in Colton Blundell and Drew Browning from Weston High School, and Hudson Pullig from Quitman High. 

The three-day event slated for June 9-11 will feature four teams of 25 players each, designated as North, South, East, and West, showcasing their skills in a round robin format competition. 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division arrested 13 boaters statewide for alleged driving or operating a vessel while impaired (DWI) from May 24 to May 26, including a Jackson Parish man.

Joseph Howard of Quitman was one of two people arrested over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend on Caney Creek Reservoir in Jackson Parish, being cited on May 25th. Ryan Feirn of Goldonna was also arrested for DWI on May 24th.  

Ensuring boating safety laws to help protect those enjoying time on the water is a top priority for the LDWF Enforcement Division. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes, whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

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

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce held its annual Two-Man Scramble tournament on Saturday, June 7th, which saw 34 teams vie for victory over the 18-hole Jackson Parish Golf Club course.

Chalk one up for the “Old School” – A pair of JPGC “veterans” in Rex Johnson and Leigh Cathey won first prize in the championship flight by taking a scorecard playoff victory over “young guns” Eli Walker and Jensen Melancon after both teams fired a round of 60, which was equivalent to 12-under par. Reeves Pullin and Jacek Karsheski came in third in another scorecard playoff with Peyton Mithcell and Brad Porter.

The team of Farque and Broussard won the first flight over two others in a scorecard playoff after all three shot rounds of 66 with Jimmy Robinson and Ken Martin coming in second and Shane Rollins and Jack Lyles settling for third place.

Three teams shot a 72 in the second flight with Dan Reeves and Tommy Thorpe being declared the scorecard playoff winner over Ben and Bill DeCou and Ray Walsworth and Wayne Hay. 

Championship, first and second flight winners brought home $800.00 per team, with second place finishers earning $480.00 per team and third place netting $250.00 per team. Additional prize winners were Bill Decou – Putting Contest, and both Eli Walker and Joshiah Freeman, who won the two closest to the hole prizes. 

We would like to give thanks to all the players and hole sponsors for helping make this a great event.  Special mention goes to Glen Kirkland, Randy Layfield, Tommy Cruse, Sheriff Andy Brown, Brent Barnett, Donovan Schultz, Jimmy Walker, Cheryl Holder, Carla Smith, Sandra Plunkett, Vernie Meeks, Barbara Johnson and Scrap Iron Barbecue for their efforts. – Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith

2025 JPCC Two-Man Scramble Results

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(Baton Rouge) – Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has 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.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:
· DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
· DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text
· Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
· Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources
· Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
· Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.

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For the past several years, Nathin Wages of Weston High School has worked diligently to clear new heights, resulting in him winning the LHSAA Class B state championship in the high jump for two years in a row. 

The bar has been set even higher for Wages now as his prowess caught the eye of Lagrange University, where he will now continue his track and field career after his star-studded years at WHS.

Lagrange University is the oldest private college in Georgia, offering more than 55 academic and pre-professional programs, including graduate degrees in education. The Panthers athletic program competes in NCAA Division III and is a member of the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).

 

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Love Em or Hate Em, Warm Weather Puts Snakes In Motion

I have never, not once, been harassed by a snake when there is frost on the ground. Let the weather start to warm up and I have to watch where I step, sort of like it was when I was a barefoot boy growing up and we had chickens in the yard. You’re much more likely to step in a chicken dab than one left by a snake.

I’m not even sure if snakes do Number Two.

The fact that we’re in the time of year when snakes make their appearance got me to thinking and remembering a close call I once had with a snake.

My most memorable encounter occurred when I was a kid and for the first time in my young life, I was sure I was facing death when a snake bit me. I was down at the creek with my brother, Tom and two cousins, Doug and Sambo when it happened. We had a puppy that enjoyed a swim and I was paddling around the swimming hole with the pup when I felt a sharp pain behind of my knee.

My first thought was that one of the boys had sneaked up and pinched me on the leg. Glancing shoreward, all three were on the bank so I knew something else had attacked me. Reaching down, my fingers wrapped around a snake almost as long as I was tall. Hurling it aside and screaming like a little girl, the pup and I scaled the bank and my mouth went dry and I’m sure I was pale as a ghost when I saw blood streaming down my leg.

There I was, down in the woods a mile from home and I was sure my final resting place would be here on the bank of our swimming hole.

After the boys joined me to help me formulate a plan, cousin Doug reached in his pocket and pulled out his rusty Barlow pocket knife and was prepared to do his part in saving my life by making a cut to extract the deadly venom from my body.

Glancing at the rusty knife, I didn’t know if I would rather die from snake venom or from blood poisoning from a knife blade that had been used recently to skin a squirrel and dig a splinter out of a toe.

Studying my snake bite closely, I noticed that there were not the two telltale fang marks of a venomous snake but a row of teeth marks letting me know I might die of fright but to Doug’s disappointment, I was bitten by a non-poisonous water snake and wouldn’t need his knife.

Today, there are two schools of thought regarding snakes. One says that snakes serve a useful purpose and they should be left alone. The other says if it’s a snake, any snake, get the hoe and whack that sucker.

I’m somewhere in between.

If I happen to see a venomous snake, especially in my yard, I’ll whack him. Otherwise, I generally give snakes a pass, with one exception.

Rat snakes are said to be good snakes relieving your yard of rats and mice. I usually let them go except when my bird box has a clutch of baby blue birds and a rat snake shifts focus from rats and mice to baby birds. If I catch him anywhere near my bird box, he’s history.

For the past four springs, I have been able to watch only one batch of baby bluebirds fledge. The other three years, they hatched but rat snakes got ‘em before they were able to leave the nest.

Whichever camp you’re in, the love em and leave em alone or the grab the hoe and whack ‘em group, your time is now because it’s warm and snakes are out and about.
Just be sure, if you’re bitten by a snake, check for fang marks versus a row of teeth marks, and watch out for your cousin wearing an evil grin opening the blade on his rusty pocket knife.

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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 caught early mornings on topwaters and on soft plastics and spinners later. Crappie are on the flats suspended 4 feet in 12 foot water 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. Crappie and bream are biting in the backwaters. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are scattered with some along banks early on topwater lures and some on the secondary points on crank baits, spinners and Rapalas. 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 beginning to school 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 but on a slow fall. Still over the road to the Landing and too high for fishing. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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.

See below for the following fundraisers that are now going on.

1. Jonesboro Hodge High School Girls Track Team – Sale of State Championship T-Shirts to raise money for championship rings

2. Weston High School baseball team  – Summer fundraiser to offset costs for next season

3. Ciara Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge  – Selling raffle tickets to help defray the costs of competing in national track and field meets this summer

4. Quitman High School FBLA  – Selling raffle tickets to help defray national competition expenses. 

5. Quitman High School Cheer Program – Bake Sale to raise money for 2025-26 Cheerleader dues 

Jonesboro-Hodge High School Girl Track Fundraiser

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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

“Run.”

What does the word mean?

We must consider the connotation and the denotation of the word. When speaking we encode the message, and the hearer decodes the message. The encoding and decoding of the verbal message is run through several filters including gender, culture, educational and regional morphology. Do you want a pop? Or would you rather have a Coke?

When I moved to New Orleans I heard frequently, “I am running to Schwegmann’s to make groceries.”

The opportunities for miscommunication are astronomical.

One Sunday I was waxing eloquently in a sermon and said, “The children of Israel followed Jezebel into idolatry.”

One of my dearest church members told me later that she heard me say, “The children of Israel followed Jezebel into Dollar Tree.” With my southern drawl, I’m sure I made idolatry and dollar tree sound very close. She was wondering for the rest of my sermon, why the children of Israel went to Dollar Tree. Everyone knows they are Jewish and are looking for the best deal on Dial Soap. The remainder of the sermon was lost because of a misheard or poorly pronounced word.

How many marital fights have been caused by a misunderstanding of a word? How many wars, by poor translation of words across languages?

So, I have stalled, do you know the meaning of the word, “run?”

Run is what you did as a child as the teacher opened the door for you to go outside on the playground for recess. I understand recess has been permanently recessed.

A person runs for a political office.

On a muggy summer day, like this one, you want your air conditioning running.
I find myself running to the store for ingredients for a cake.

In preparing for retirement, my financial adviser wanted to run some numbers before our conference.

In High School we were warned about the run on sentence. I am quite sure I have violated that edict several times.

“Honey, there is a run in your stockings.”

The Bible warns us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

One last thought from the book of Proverbs:

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”

Are we running from the truth?

 

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The Pine Belt Mult-Purpose CAA, Inc. – Class of 2025 Summer Youth Work Experience Program has begun with over 20 youth from Jackson Parish being introduced to the world of work. 

The annual program helps students prepare with the necessary skills for job searches, interviewing, learning employer expectations, and gaining basic money management skills.

“We wish to express our gratitude for the funding and ongoing partnership with the Jackson Parish Police Jury. In addition, special thanks to Jackson Parish Ambulance Service for use of the training facility and to every local host employer. Most of all, thanks to every parent and/or guardian for entrusting your child into our care for this valuable experience. Your contributions are truly appreciated.” – Pine Belt Multi Purpose CAA Director, Conchita Malone-Doyle 

 

How Fast is That?

‘Let’s go get popcorn.’

The crowd leaves a show during intermission giving time for a stage crew to change sets behind the curtain. Privately, performers quickly change their costumes and prepare for the next act. Quick changes might be an asset in everyday life.

I’ve been in cold doctor’s offices; perched on the end of an examination table and wearing nothing but one of those open back gowns. The faster I can get out of the revealing gown and back into my regular outfit the better.

I anticipate a promised change.

“Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul said the promised change will take only a moment; the amount of time to see the twinkling in some ones eye.

Now, how fast is that? A real quick change!

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

Andrew Richmond (Jonesboro, LA) – No lights on bike, Possession of Schedule II
Freeda Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Aggravated Second Degree Battery
Dusty McConathy (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for Improper Telephone Communication
Roderick M Nash (Winnfield, LA) – Winn Parish Warrant Failure to Appear on No Driver’s License,  Possession of Schedule I, Prohibited Acts Schedule II
Richard A Pardue (Chatham LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
Kelsey S Hall (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Gage W Paulk (Monroe, LA) – Operating Vessel while Impaired 2nd Offense
Trevor Stewart (Jonesboro, LA) – Morehouse Parish Warrant on Child Support
Fredrique Langley (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Schedule I
Kameron Cottonham (Jonesboro, LA) – Remaining After Forbidden 

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 

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

Jackson Parish School Board Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2025

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a regular scheduled meeting at 11:00 a.m. on
June 2, 2025 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.
The following were present for roll call: Dennis Clary, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Mary Saulters and Wade McBride
Absent: None
Rick Barlow gave the Invocation.
Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Gerry Mims.
The Board recognized Quitman Softball Team and Coaches as 2025 LHSAA State
Softball Champions.
The Board recognized 2025 LHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Class 1A:
Ciara Gray -1st place in Girls 100 Meter Hurdles
Ciara Gray – 1st place Girls 300 Meter Hurdles
Ciara Gray – 1st place Girls Long Jump
Ciara Gray – 1st place Girls Triple Jump
The Board recognized Jonesboro Hodge High School Girls Track Team and Coaches
as 2025 LHSAA State Track Champions – Class 1A.

The Board recognized Quitman High School Boys Track Team and Coaches as 2025
LHSAA State Track Champions – Class B.
Sunni Altheimer – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – 4 X 400 Girls Meter Relay
Rylee Kelley – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – 4 X 400 Girls Meter Relay
Kaleigh King – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – 4X400 Girls Meter Relay
Lindsey Woods – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – 4X400 Girls Meter
Asher Shultz – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys Javelin Throw
Nathan Harvey – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 110 Meter Hurdles
Nathan Harvey – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 300 Meter Hurdles
Nathan Harvey – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X400 Meter Relay
Nathan Harvey – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X200 Meter Relay
Nathan Harvey – Most Outstanding Athlete
Jayden Harts – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X400 Meter Relay
Gage Horton – 1st place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X400 Meter Relay
Brayden Smith – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X200 Meter Relay
Brody Cotten – 1st Place LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys 4X200 Meter Relay

The Board recognized:
Weston High School
Nadia Siadek – 1st place 2025 LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Girls Shot Put
Nathin Wages – 1st place 2025 LHSAA Track and Field Meet – Boys High Jump
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow, and carried to approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on May 5, 2025.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve Ruston Daily Leader as the Official Journal for Jackson Parish School Board.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to
approve the Contract of Employment for Temporary Promotional Appointment pursuant to L.R.S. 17:444.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to
grant Superintendent David Claxton permission to sign the State of Louisiana
Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Act 776 for materials, supplies and labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, and Quitman High School, for and on behalf of the Jackson Parish School Board.
Item # 9 was tabled.
Mary Saulters reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance
Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary , seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried
approving payment of $55,935.00 to Imagine Learning for the subscription renewal at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Quitman High School and Weston High School, to be paid from the 2025-2026 General Fund.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried
approving payment of $31,170.00 to Renaissance for the subscription renewal at
Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Jonesboro Hodge
Elementary School, Quitman High School and Weston High School, to be paid from
2025-2026 General Fund.

A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried
approving giving Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson
Parish Sheriff’s Department for the 2025-2026 school year, to be paid from General
Fund.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried
approving to add Administrators pay of $8,000.00 to the Business Manager salary.
Roll call vote: Yeas – Wade McBride, Paulette Belton, Gerry Mims and Rick Barlow
Nays – Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary and Calvin Waggoner
Abstained – None
Absent – None
Kristi Bass, Business Manager presented the Financial Report.
Wade McBride reported to the Board on the meeting of the Building and Grounds
Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried
accepting low quote of $14,188.00 from Rainey Electronics, Inc. for two (2) indoor
scoreboards for Weston High School gym, to be paid by Jonesboro State Bank.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried accepting low quote of $14,500.00 from Susie’s Floors by Design for materials and labor to paint Jonesboro Hodge Middle School gym, to be paid from Jonesboro Hodge District funds.
Rick Barlow reported to the Board on the meeting of the Transportation Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried
approving out of state travel for the Quitman Junior High School fishing team, Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood, July 30 – August 1, 2025 in Pierre, SD. The fishing team will be responsible for expenses.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Wade McBride and carried
approving out of state travel for the Quitman High School fishing team, Maddox Duck
and Hayden Davis, June 24-28, 2025 in Grove, Oklahoma. The fishing team will be
responsible for expenses.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to adjourn at 11:40 a.m.

Ora Qualls
July 17, 1937 – June 1, 2025

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Friends and family celebrated the life of Ora Qualls on Saturday, June 7th, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro after she was called to the Lord at the age of 87. Interment was at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Betty (Mason) Huckaby
April 21, 1930 – June 3, 2025

Betty Jean Mason Huckaby of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 95. Betty was born on April 21, 1930 in Jonesboro to Lawrence and Leona Mason. She went home to be with God on Tuesday June 3, 2025.

Born and raised in Jackson Parish, Betty’s life was filled with hard work, love, and generosity. A graduate of Weston High School, she dedicated herself to raising her family in the same community. Throughout her career, Betty held various jobs, including positions at the paper mill in Hodge and Horton’s Grocery Store. However, her most cherished role was that of Momma and Mamaw, titles she held with immense pride and unwavering love.

Betty is survived by her three children: David (Shalene) Huckaby, Pam Huckaby North, and Jeff (Anita) Huckaby. She is also a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Jason Huckaby, Daniel Nalley, Cody Huckaby, Jennifer Faust, Justin Huckaby, and Mandy Huckaby. Additionally, she is a great-grandmother to Machen Huckaby, Anna Huckaby, Bryant Huckaby, Asher Huckaby, Felicity Faust, and John Faust. Her sister, Doris Gordon, and a host of nieces and nephews who cherished her as a second momma also mourn her loss.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Rawford “Red” Huckaby; her son-in-law, Wayne North; her grandson, John Machen North; her parents; and nine brothers and sisters.

One of the greatest reflections of Betty’s love and devotion was the life she cultivated with her hands—both in the soil and at the quilting frame. Year after year, she grew a large vegetable garden so abundant it was lovingly referred to as “the fields.” With a green thumb and tireless determination, she nurtured rows of potatoes, greens, onions, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, peas, beans, melons, and more. She also tended fruit trees and picked berries for canning. Nothing went to waste—what wasn’t eaten fresh was shared, traded, preserved, or frozen to carry her family through the winter. Her garden fed not only her household but her neighbors and friends, reflecting a quiet generosity that defined her life.

That same spirit of care was stitched into the quilts she pieced and gifted over the years. Like the women in her family before her, Betty learned to quilt from whatever fabric was on hand—often salvaging material from well-worn clothes that had outlived their use. These early quilts offered warmth during cold winters and bore the mark of her resourcefulness. In time, quilting became a lasting expression of her creativity and love. She hand-embroidered beautiful blocks and created quilts of all sizes, gifting them to family, friends, and neighbors. Her handmade baby quilts were especially cherished, making her a favorite guest at baby showers throughout the community.

Whether working in her garden or at her sewing table, Betty gave the best of herself to others. With hands that planted, preserved, pieced, and stitched, she built a legacy of love—quiet, steady, and enduring—that will continue to warm hearts and homes for generations to come.

She was humble, yet strong—grounded in quiet grace and unwavering faith. Her belief was not loud, but lived, present in every gentle act and every steady step. Like her mother before her, she moved through her days with purpose, often humming the hymns that comforted her soul. What a Friend We Have in Jesus was among her favorites, a song that echoed her trust in God’s presence through all

Born during the Great Depression, Betty developed a strong work ethic early in life, which she passed down to her children. Her life was a testament to love, sacrifice, and the quiet dignity of caring for others.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Louisiana, with Bro. Lance Huckaby officiating. Burial followed at Springhill Cemetery in Jonesboro, Louisiana, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Jason Huckaby, Cody Huckaby, Daniel Nalley, Jordon Huckaby, Jackson Huckaby,and  Mark Gordan.

Betty will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the home she created—a place where no one ever left hungry and where everyone felt loved.

 

ATTENTION ALL ANGLERS, especially those who don’t have a Louisiana Fishing License. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invites you to take part in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license.

“Each year, we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our state’s most beloved pastimes,” explained LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions, will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

LDWF reminds the public that, at any time outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license to fish in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.

 

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Residents of the Town of Jonesboro are invited to attend a Public Meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Room in the Town of Jonesboro City Hall, located at 128 Allen Ave in Jonesboro.

Sponsored by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris, the session will feature Ron Calhoun as special guest speaker, with residents, business owners, churches, and community organizations alike receiving an exciting opportunity to hear how new housing, business ventures, and grant funding can be brought to Jonesboro.

Additional knowledge will also be gained on the topics of Homebuyer Education, Credit Repair & Financial Coaching, Home Rehabilitation & Repairs, Mortgage Lending, General Contracting, and Community Revitalization.

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It was a festive occasion on Monday, June 2nd, when the Jackson Parish School held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, as all individual and team LHSAA state championship winners from local schools of the Jackson Parish School District were honored. 

The session started with school board members Dennis Clary, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Mary Saulters, and Wade McBrid,e along with JPSD Superintendent David Claxton, recognizing the Jonesboro-Hodge High School girls track team and both the Quitman High School Softball and Boys Track squads for winning state championship team titles.

Recognition was then given to thirteen individuals for the state titles, which they claimed at the LHSAA state track meet, including two who were named Most Outstanding Athlete in their respective classes.  

LHSAA Individual Event State Champions

Ciara Gray (JHHS) -1st place in Girls 100 Meter Hurdles, Girls 300 Meter Hurdles, Girls Long Jump, Girls Triple Jump, Most Outstanding Class A Girls Athlete
Nathan Harvey (QHS) – 1st Place Boys 110 Meter Hurdles, 1st Place Boys 300 Meter Hurdles, 1st Place Boys 4X400 Meter Relay, 1st Place Boys 4X200 Meter Relay, Class B Most Outstanding Athlete
Sunni Altheimer (QHS) – 1st Place in 4 X 400 Girls Meter Relay
Rylee Kelley (QHS) – 1st Place in 4 X 400 Girls Meter Relay
Kaleigh King (QHS) – 1 st Place in 4X400 Girls Meter Relay
Lindsey Woods (QHS) 1st Place in 4X400 Girls Meter Relay
Asher Shultz (QHS)– 1st Place Boys Javelin Throw
Jayden Harts (QHS) – 1st Place Boys 4X400 Meter Relay
Gage Horton (QHS) – 1st place Boys 4X400 Meter Relay
Brayden Smith (QHS) – 1st Place Boys 4X200 Meter Relay
Brody Cotten (QHS) – 1st Place Boys 4X200 Meter Relay
Nadia Siadek (WHS) – 1st place Girls Shot Put
Nathin Wages (WHS) – 1st place Boys High Jump

The board then agreed to the following:

1. Approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on May 5, 2025.
2. Approve Ruston Daily Leader as the Official Journal for Jackson Parish School Board.
3. Approve the Contract of Employment for Temporary Promotional Appointment pursuant to L.R.S. 17:444.
4. Grant Superintendent David Claxton permission to sign the State of Louisiana
   Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Act 776 for materials, supplies and labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School and Quitman High School, for and on behalf of the Jackson Parish School Board.
5. Approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, and District Maintenance bills.
6. Approve payment of $55,935.00 to Imagine Learning for the subscription renewal at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School, to be paid from the 2025-2026 General Fund.
7. Approve payment of $31,170.00 to Renaissance for the subscription renewal at
   Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School, to be paid from the 2025-2026 General Fund.
8. Approve giving Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department for the 2025-2026 school year, to be paid from the General Fund.
9. Approve to add Administrator’s pay of $8,000.00 to the Business Manager’s salary. (Roll call vote: Yeas – Wade McBride, Paulette Belton, Gerry Mims, and Rick Barlow; Nays – Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary, and Calvin Waggoner)
10. Accept the low quote of $14,188.00 from Rainey Electronics, Inc. for two (2) indoor
    scoreboards for Weston High School gym, to be paid by Jonesboro State Bank.
11. Accept low quote of $14,500.00 from Susie’s Floors by Design for materials and labor to paint Jonesboro Hodge Middle School gym, to be paid from Jonesboro Hodge District funds.
12. Approve out-of-state travel for the Quitman Junior High School fishing team, Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood, July 30 – August 1, 2025, in Pierre, SD. The fishing team will be responsible for expenses.
13. Approve out of state travel for the Quitman High School fishing team, Maddox Duck and Hayden Davis, June 24-28, 2025 in Grove, Oklahoma. The fishing team will be responsible for expenses.

Official minutes of the Jackson Parish School Board meeting can be found in the Classifieds Section of the Jackson Parish Journal. 

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The Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association (LBCA) has announced its 2025 Class B All-State team, which includes four players from state semifinalist Weston High School and one from state quarterfinalist Quitman High School. 

Representing Jackson Parish on the 28-member squad, whose players are chosen from schools whose coaches are members of the LBCA are:

Hudson Pullig – Quitman High School (outfielder)
Cole Tolar – Weston High School (catcher)|
Drew Browning – Weston High School (infielder)
Ty Henderson – Weston High School (infielder)
Bryce Zehr – Weston High School (outfielder)

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Nathan Harvey will be featured at 6:00 and 10:00 pm this Wednesday, June 4th, on KNOE-TV, Channel 8, sports segment after being named the recipient of the coveted Aaron’s Ace Award, given weekly to a top northeast Louisiana athlete by award-winning sports broadcaster, Aaron Dietrich.

Harvey is the third Jackson Parish athlete to earn an Aaron’s Ace Award in the last six weeks, joining softball player Cali Deal of Quitman High School and Jonesboro-Hodge girls’ track and field athlete Ciara Gray. 

The senior-to-be next fall at Quitman High School was selected after being named the Class B Most Outstanding Boys Athlete at the LHSAA State Track and Field Meet in May, where he won four individual gold medals and led Quitman to the Class B Boys Track and Field team title. 

To view the segment in its entirety, click here. 

 

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Want to watch some high school basketball this summer? Then the Jonesboro-Hodge High School boys’ gymnasium is the place you want to be every Thursday during the month of June.

Beginning on June 5th, the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Summer League will begin play, featuring six varsity high school girls and boys teams from north Louisiana squaring off against each other beginning at 2:00 pm. 

Schools that will play in the girls division are: JHHS, Union Parish, Lincoln-Prep, D’Arbonne Woods, Rayville, and Winnfield High Schools. The boys’ division will consist of the same six, along with Homer, Ringgold, and New Living Word. 

“We are excited about getting the league started and hope our fans will come out and support us this summer,” said JHHS head coach Fred Hearne. “Having the opportunity for our guys to practice and play as a team in a structured environment will only make us better this coming school year.”

Schedule of Game (June 5)

2:00 pm  – Ringgold vs New Living Word (Boys)
3:00 pm –  Union Parish vs Choudrant (Girls)
4:00 pm – Winnfield vs Lincoln Prep (Girls)
5:00 pm – Winnfield vs Lincoln Prep (Boys)
6:00 pm – Choudrant vs Jonesboro-Hodge (Girls)
7:00 pm – D’Arbonne Woods vs Jonesboro-Hodge (Boys)

A summer pass that provides admission to all games played on June 5, 12, 19, and 26 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. 

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Madelyn Freeman recently graduated from Louisiana State University – Shreveport (LSUS) with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology where she earned the designation of Summa Cum Laude for having the highest grade point average (GPA) in the Psychology program. 

The 2021 Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate, where she was the Valedictorian of her class, not only completed her collegiate undergraduate requirements in just four short years but was also awarded the University Award for the 2024-25 school year at LSUS for her leadership, academic performance, and discipline.

Chasing a dream she has had since the 9th grade in high school, Freeman will now study to pass the 8-hour-long Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exam required to get into medical school with a focus on becoming a Neuropsychiatrist.

This is a medical specialist who focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior, evaluating and treating disorders that affect both neurological and psychiatric aspects. They provide care for individuals with a range of conditions, including emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual difficulties.

 

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