Sorrow in the Stillness

Why oh why can’t we still our minds?

Sorrow and loneliness tightens its grip in the stillness.

Jesus understands.

He prayed in the stillness of a Gethsemane night.

“And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners (Matthew 26:37-45 KJV).”

Sorrowful in the stillness…Take your rest.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety (Psalms 4:8 KJV).”

---

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.

Will Smith (Olla, LA) – DWI Second Offense
Mark Fenn (Eros, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
Willie L. Nash (Jonesboro, LA) – Speeding, Driving Under Suspension, Warrant on Non-Support x2
Fayez Ayesh (Alexandria, LA) – Theft, Identify Theft
Sadauonte Livingston (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Modified Exhaust, Signal Lamps
Daniel Frost (Natchitoches, LA) – Simple Escape
Gerald L. Griffin (Monroe, LA) – Criminal Trespass, Theft less than $1,000.00
Isaiah Gray (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II
April D. Jiles (Jonesboro, LA) – No Registration, No Proof of Insurance
Joseph E. Spillers (Eros, LA) – Driving While Intoxicated
JaQuayalon Tatum (Chatham, LA) – Domestic Abuse x3
Mika T. Henderson (Quitman, LA) – DWI 1st Offense, Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Careless Operation
Murry Chelette (Alexandria, LA) – EOS Warrant, Possession of Schedule II
Tamya T. Caldwell (Jonesboro, LA) – Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Possession of Marijuana, No Driver’s License
Marcus D. Williams (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant from Outside Agency
Jarrett D. Hurst (Jonesboro, LA) – Misdeamenor Theft 
Drake P. Griffin (Quitman, LA) – Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Handgun
Tasha N. Williams (Bienville, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving on roadway laned for traffic
Izian Bryant (Jonesboro, LA) – Obstruction of Justice, Failure to Register
Jarnon Peels (Hodge, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm 
 

 

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

Jackson Parish School District is seeking two elementary school teachers for the upcoming school year at Quitman High School. Those interested should apply at www.jpsb.us 

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Winn Parish School Board is seeking qualified and passionate educators to join our team for the 2025–2026 school year. We are committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for our students.

Open Teaching Positions
– English Language Arts
– Science / Mathematics / Social Studies
– Elementary Education
– Special Education

How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resumes to the Winn Parish School Board. Please submit your application through our website: winnpsb.org



Winn Parish School Board

304 East Court Street
Winnfield, LA 71483
Phone: (318) 628-6936

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Quitman Store, LLC is seeking three applicants to work from 3:30 am – 12:00 pm or 12:00 – 8:00 pm each day. To apply or learn more, go to the Quitman Store at 8562 Quitman Hwy. in Quitman, call (318) 395-1062, or send an email to quitmanstorellc@gmail.com

Faye Evelyn Cox
February 8, 1927 – July 16, 2025

Faye Evelyn (Clay) Cox, age 98, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Faye was a vibrant and social soul who never met a stranger. She especially loved her morning routine of sharing breakfast and conversation with friends at McDonald’s. An avid reader, Faye found great joy in books and was always eager to discuss her latest read.

Her curiosity and sense of adventure extended to the skies—Faye was a lifelong aviation enthusiast. She even took flight training and came within one class of earning her pilot’s license, a testament to her fearless spirit and determination.

Throughout her life, Faye wore many hats, working at the Minden Ammunition Plant, Walmart, and later with His Hands Ministry in Jonesboro, where she touched many lives with her kindness and service.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her love of people, and her zest for life.

Faye is survived by her daughter, Sheri Ann Peel Taylor; granddaughters, Susan Louise Culpepper Davison, Tisha Mays and Stacy Collins; grandsons, Jerry Taylor, Jr., Tracy Taylor and Samuel Taylor; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-granddaughters, Elizabeth Arwen Litton and Amelia Rayne Davison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fredrick Hunter Clay; mother, Hazel Ann Kennedy Clay; siblings, Basil Clay, Ruth Eaton, Hazel Smythe, Fred Clay, Jr., Margaret Stanks and Merna Brashear; son; Lewis Alton Peel, Jr.; husband, Henry Eugene Cox; and her first Husband, Lewis Alton Peel, Sr.

As per Faye’s wishes, she will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Tonga “Chattie” LaCava Anderson
May 9, 1970 – July 12, 2025

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, July 19th, at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA for Tonga “Chattie” LaCava Anderson, who passed away on July 12, 2025 at the age of 55 years old. Interment followed at the New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Rubye Mae (Worley) Utley
January 15, 1969 – July 2, 2025

Rubye Mae (Worley) Utley, age 56, of Jonesboro, was called up to her Heavenly home early Wednesday morning on July 2, 2025. Rubye enjoyed many things throughout her life. She adored angels and had collected many figurines and angel decor. She was a talented crafter who could make almost anything she set her mind and her glue gun to. She also enjoyed painting and was skilled at painting ceramics and lawn ornaments, just to name a couple. She loved to create wreaths, each one was as unique and special as she was.

Rubye was also gifted with a green thumb that was passed down through the generations within her family. Just like her parents before her, she passed the gift of her green thumb down to her children. Rubye loved her K-9 four-legged fur-babies, Sasha, Maggie, and Bull. She lost her beloved furry-feline she had loved for 15 years, named Little Man, earlier this year. All of her fur-babies gave her many years of loyalty and unconditional love. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren consumed heart and were the apple of her eye. She loved and cherished any time she was able to spend with them.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Joshua Worley Walker & Rosanna, Shannon Walker & Tracy Johnston, Marcus Walker, Ashley Walker. Grandchildren, Dakota Walker, Logan Walker, Dianna Walker, Madelynn (Walker) Wheat, Brianna (Garner) Gilbert, Adrianne Garner, Sydney Anderson, Marie Anderson, Alex Lewis, Hunter Williams, Emma Williams, and Layla Kelley; great grandchildren, Brylee Michelle Gilbert, Liam Joseph Garner, and 4 more great grands on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Andrew James Worley.

Rubye was preceded in death by her grandsons, John Francis Garner III, Jasper Todd Williams; parents, Charles and Dianne (Harper) Worley; infant siblings, Nathan Worley and Dee Dee Worley.

The family is planning a memorial in her honor at a later date.

Mary Jewel Cottonham Shallowhorn
August 25, 1934 – July 17, 2025

Mary Jewel Cottonham Shallowhorn was called to be with the Lord on July 17th, 2025, at the age of 90 years old. Those who wish to gather with the family, friends, and well-wishers will be able to congregate from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 23rd at St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman.

Her Life Celebration Service will be held at the Church at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 24th, with Interment following at the New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Reba Michael
November 26, 1941 — July 14, 2025

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Reba Michael was held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia, with burial following at Mt. Mariah Cemetery. Bro. Matthew Murrell and Bro. James Oddo officiated the service. 

Reba Deloris Privett Michael was born on November 26, 1941, in Truman, Arkansas, to Floyd and Ibby Honey Privett. She passed away on July 14, 2025, in Quitman, Louisiana, with her loving family by her side. Reba was an attentive and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She was a faithful follower of Jesus and prayer warrior. Her heart was most content when she was worshipping and praising her Savior. She loved her family and was devoted to caring for them her entire life. Her Red Bird meetings were also something she greatly enjoyed.

Reba is preceded in death by her husband Ruben Michael, son Timothy Michael, grandson Joshua Michael, parents Floyd and Ibby Privett, sisters Joanne Dean, Charlotte Ingle, Lavern Morts, Shirley Parish, and brother Travis Privett.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Shirley Wilson and husband Bobby, Tammy Robertson and husband Lynn, sons Mark Michael, David Michael and wife Judi, grandchildren Dennis Robertson, Stephen Giddens, Tiffany Davila, Kasey Eubanks, Adam Coldiron, Leslie Frasier, and Hannah Coldiron, 12 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, sister Kay Coldiron, brother Donnie Privett, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.

Honoring Reba as pallbearers ere Dennis Robertson, Stephen Giddens, Adam Coldiron, Blake Robertson, Gavin Sherman, Travis Frasier, and Donnie Eubanks.

Our heart felt thanks goes out to Magnolia Home Health and Premier Hospice for helping us take care of our precious mother during our most difficult time. We absolutely would not have made it without you.

---

The Jackson Parish Police Jury narrowly adopted the 2025 Tax Millage Rates Resolution at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that was held on July 14th in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building in Jonesboro. 

Adopted through a roll call vote the Tax Millage rate was passed by a 4-3 margin with Jurors Todd Culpepper (District 1), Lewis Chatham (District 2), Amy Magee (District 3),  and Keith Burris (District 7) voting YEA and Sheketia Combs (District 4), Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans (District 5) and Regina Rowe (District 6) voting NAY.

During the session, jury members handled the perfunctory business of adopting June meeting minutes, approving monthly purchase orders, payment of all bills, and approving Committee, Engineering and Management Reports while also taking care of the following:

1. Approving the 2nd quarter budget amendments.
2. Entering into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $147,014.75 for their opioid request and the Jackson Parish District Attorney’s office for $45,000 for their PTI program. 
3. Approving the purchase of a new stretcher for the Jackson Parish coroner’s office.
4. Approving a 5% across-the-board increase in salary for the Jackson Parish Police Jury employees.
5. Accepting the 2024 Quietus tax roll.
6. Accepting the bid from TLT Enterprises for the Old Road Barn property.
7. Adopting the revised Sexual Harassment Policy as advised by the auditors.
8. Requesting an Attorney General’s opinion on Hospital Board vacancy.
9. Acting on Parish Board appointments

 

---

Quitman High School is pleased to announce that Kyle Leach will join new Principal Chris Cavin’s administrative staff, having been promoted to the position of Interim Assistant Principal for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Entering his 25th year as an educator, including the last 21 years of being a teacher/coach at Quitman High School, Leach will continue to be the girls’ varsity basketball coach, where he has demonstrated for over two decades an uncommon ability to communicate and relate with his players, a characteristic that now the entire student body and faculty will benefit from. 

---

Recently, Wilda Smith resigned her position as the Director of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce, but that hasn’t changed her desire to keep helping make the town that she worked hard for so many years stay beautiful. 

This past week, Smith called on Jonesboro business leaders and residents to continue a project that she had wonderfully spearheaded for many years by adopting a hanging basket or flower urn in downtown Jonesboro or at least making a monetary donation to the Keeping Jonesboro Beautiful effort. 

Specific areas needing donations at are: 
The north side of Jimmie Davis Blvd. at Hudson Avenue
The south side of Jimmie Davis Blvd. at Hudson Avenue
The north side of Jimmie Davis Blvd. at Polk Avenue

“If you are unable to purchase and plant flowers yourself, monetary donations are also welcome. We’ll use those funds to buy the plants and get them planted.
Thank you to the businesses that have kept the urns so attractive.
Let’s all work together to keep our boulevard looking attractive, just as it has in years past. Your help makes a big difference! Thank you for your continued support.” – Wilda Smith

---

The experience of competing in the 2025 Little League and Dixie Youth state tournaments came to an end for the five All-Star teams from Jackson Parish this past week.

While the local 8U, 10U, and 12U girls teams, as well as the 8U and 10U boys teams, were naturally disappointed that they didn’t bring home a state championship banner, the thrill and enjoyment of being in such a grand atmosphere, many for the first time, will far overshadow the results of the game as time goes on. 

For the record, the Jackson Parish 12U girls team and the JP10U boys had the most productive tournaments with each winning their first two games before falling in the next two. The JP10U girls won one of the three close battles they had, while the JP10U girls dropped their first two games, and the JP8U boys fell in all three of their “pool” play games. Overall, Jackson Parish had a combined 5-11 record in the games played in Broussard and Metairie, LA. 

It isn’t the “record” achieved in the 2025 state tournaments that matters, though. Ask anyone next summer what the record of this year’s all-star contingent was, and no one will know other than the few who actually played.  

What will take “front and center” and forever stay in the memory banks of not only the players and coaches but the families and friend as well is the experiences shared that will last a lifetime. 

Sure, there will be that hit, catch or throw that was important to the team, maybe even being the play that brought home a victory, that the one who achieved it will always remember.  

What will be recalled over time more often, though, is the friendships made and camaraderie developed by the players that they will build on next year and the years to come. Also, the bond that is established by the union of mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who came together to join in support of the kids develops a much larger “family”. Then there is the relationship forged between the players and coaches that will last forever, as each will always remember the sacrifice, love, and care that was held for the other.  

There is a thought regarding sports competition that the only thing that matters is who wins or loses. Otherwise, why do they keep score? It is important to keep score so that there is a winner and a loser of a game, but that is only so that a young person can learn how to win and how to lose, as they will have to deal with that all their lives. Winning or losing a game never defines who a person is, but how they handle that situation does. 

It is the experience and knowledge gained from all the “intangible” things that sports competition brings that is most important. The kind of “life lesson” that is learned that doesn’t have the first thing to do with scoring more runs or points than the other team or person. 

Things like learning to play with honor, to compete with pride, to be a good sport, to be a good teammate, to put your team above your individual desires, to listen to instruction, to practice your skills when no one is looking, simply because you want to be better at what you do. 

Those are the things that will stay with a person forever and be important no matter what they do or how old they are, and the ones who perfect those skills will be successful in life no matter what they do. 

Fortunately for the residents of Jackson Parish, the youth of the area are taught these “life lessons” at a young age by the tremendously dedicated men and women who sacrifice their time and money to help educate the boys and girls. They don’t get the accolades they should, but ought to be highly commended for what they do. 

That is why when you look at all the players who have competed in the Jackson Parish Recreation Department program over the past two decades, you see many who won state championships when they got to high school or went on to college success.

Even more important you see men and women who have become great moms and dads, tremendous team members at their job and step up to take on important roles in their communities. 

Congratulations to all the players who were a part of league play, district and state tournaments, as well as the coaches who gave the instruction and family members who made sure that the girls and boys got to the practices and games on time. You all played an important role in developing a winning legacy. 

 

---

Practice makes perfect! It doesn’t matter what task you are taking on; the more you practice at it, the better you will be. That is especially important when you are dealing with possible life-threatening and/or very dangerous situations where being less than your best can have a tragic result. 

This past week, the Jonesboro Fire Department, under the guidance of Fire Chief Aaron Blalock, honed their skills in putting out a fire when they conducted a training burn on a dilapidated building that was on Hwy 4 West of Jonesboro. 

“I was pleased with the response and ability our firefighters showed in controlling this burn,” said Blalock.

Blalock also reminds residents that if you have a dangerous or dilapidated structure, building, or home that you would like to have burned down to contact the Jonesboro Fire Department at (318) 259-5028 or come by the Fire Station located at 104 4th Street in Jonesboro. 

---

On July 17-20, the Ruston Community Theatre will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Featured as Narrator of the sung-through musical based on the character of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis will be Ashton Thomas, the daughter of Kari and Wayne Thomas of Quitman.  

Tickets are on sale at the box office located at 504 East Georgia Avenue in Ruston, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Monday – Thursday, and can also be purchased online at rctruston.org/tickets

---

In the ever continuing effort to provide patrons with as many outreach opportunities as possible the administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library announces that a special event entitiled Recovery Movie Morning featuring the movie My Name is Bll W. has been scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at the Jonesboro Branch.

Funded by Northeast Delta Human Services Authority or HSA, and managed by Second Chances Addiction Recovery, the showing is the inspiring true story of Bill Wilson and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This event that will take place at 9:30 am is free and open to the public so whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in stories of resilience and hope, this screening offers something meaningful for everyone. Popcorn and soft drinks will also be provided.

Free transportation to the 614 South Polk Avenue location in Jonesboro is available by Good News Counseling by calling 318.789.9910 to schedule a ride. To learn more go to the following link: https://recoverymoviemorningjacksonlibrary.eventbrite.com/ . You can also RSVP by using the scanner code shown below. 

---

To say that the past four months have rendered a life-changing experience for Jackson Parish native Kallie (Davis) Forte is an understatement. Beginning with celebrating her last birthday as a “single” in March, Kallie completed her first year as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for the Jackson Parish School District in May. 

Then things really got busy as the month of June was spent preparing for her wedding to Michael Forte, which was followed by the newlyweds packing up and heading to their new home in Edmond, OK (along with new addition “Benny”).

The reason for the daughter of Jason and Michelle Davis making the move to Edmond is that Kallie is now the newest member of Edmond Speech Therapy. There she will specialize in pediatric outpatient speech and language therapy in the areas of Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation, Phonology, Apraxia of Speech), Early Language Delays (Receptive and Expressive Language Delays), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Congratulations, Kallie, on the beginning of your newest chapter in your life.

 

---

Along with the vessel that contained Grand Marshal, Tammy Gunter, a bevy of decorated boats and festive riders made the circuit of the 2025 Caney Lake Freedom Flotilla route on July 5th.

 As is usual with the annual event, the best-decorated boats were selected by a group of judges, with the top winners this year being:

First Place Winner: Viva Las Vegas Boat (Renea Wells)

People’s Choice Award Winner: The Turkey Boat (Kelli and Quinn Wall)

Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in making the event a great success. 

---

The administration and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge High School are pleased to announce that the JHHS Apparel Store is now open and will remain operational until August 11th.

All shirts that are available in the store have been approved by the school for wear, and all purchases must be made through the apparel store app. To make a purchase, please go to https://jonesboro-hodge-high-school.square.site.

The link to the store app can also be found on the Jonesboro-Hodge High School website or Facebook page. If you have questions or request more information, contact JHHS Assistant Principal Kris Cash at (318) 259-4138. 

---

Gracie Bourgeois, representing Jackson Parish 4-H, was named the Overall Reserve Champion High Point Western Rider for the Senior Division at the 2025 Louisiana AgCenter State Horse Show.

The Grace Christian Academy student and daughter of Jackson Parish 4-H director Kristi Bourgeois won the overall championship by garnering six top ten finishes, including three first-place awards in the event held July 8-11 at the Beauregard Parish Covered Arena in DeRidder, LA.

State 4-H Horse Show Division Results

1st Place – Showmanship
1st Place – Western Pleasure
1st Place – Horsemanship
7th Place – Quarter Horse Gelding Halter
9th Place – Open Trail
10th Place – Reining

---

Gary Mark Gilmore’s life of crime began when he was in his early teens. It started with petty theft and soon evolved into Gary leading a car theft ring. Gary was in a seemingly endless rotation of crime and prison. After his father died of lung cancer, news which he received from a prison guard, the speed of Gary’s downward spiral increased exponentially. When Gary was released from prison, he became more erratic and became an alcoholic. In his mid-twenties, Gary was convicted of assault and armed robbery and sent back to prison. Eight years later, he was released on a conditional parole. Within a month, he was arrested for armed robbery. After his conditional parole from prison in 1976, 35-year-old Gary moved to Provo, Utah, to live with a distant relative.

At about 11 p.m. on the night of July 19, 1976, three months after his release from prison, Gary robbed 25-year-old Max David Jensen, the night attendant at a service station in Orem, Utah. Max was a graduate of Utah State University and was working at the gas station to pay his way through Brigham Young University Law School. Max had married 14 months earlier and had an infant daughter. At the end of the robbery, Gary told Max to lie down on the floor. Then, Gary shot Max twice in the head with a .22 caliber pistol. Max lost his life for $150.

Just before 11 p.m. on the following night, Gary robbed 26-year-old Bennie Jewkes Bushnell, the night clerk of the City Center Hotel in Provo, Utah. Like Max, Bennie had been married a short time, had an infant child, and was working his way through Brigham Young University. Gary forced Bennie to lie down on the floor and killed him in the same manner as he had Max. Bennie lost his life for $125.

Gary had parked his truck at a nearby service station and walked to the motel. Following the robbery, an attendant at the service station saw Gary return to his car, noticed he was bleeding, heard about the shooting at the motel, and called police. The service station attendant knew Gary and told police where he was living. With that information, officers arrested Gary without incident within three hours.

On October 7, 1976, after a two-day trial, a jury found Gary guilty of murdering Bennie and sentenced him to death. After hearing the verdict, Judge J. Robert Bullock asked Gary if he preferred to be hung or shot. Gary replied, “I prefer to be shot.” On January 17, 1977, as he stood before the six-man firing squad, Gary told the warden his last words. At 8:07 a.m., Gary’s sentence was carried out.

In 1988, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising company Wieden and Kennedy, was hired to come up with a catchy slogan for a struggling company. Dan remembered Gary Gilmore’s last words and tweaked it slightly. A killer’s last words, “let’s do it,” which Dan tweaked to “just do it,” became one of the most successful slogans in advertising history and transformed the fortunes of a struggling shoe company called Nike.

---

Jackson Parish Recreation Director Justin Dodson and Jackson Parish Golf Course Manager Clay Williams are pleased to announce a BodyArmor Golf Bag giveaway promotion sponsored by Coca-Cola. 

Every time you buy a BodyArmor product at Jackson Parish Golf Course, you can enter your name for a chance to win an awesome BodyArmor Golf Bag!
The drawing will take place on August 29th!

Piney Woods Shootout Results

July 12, 2025

---

Principal David Huckaby and the faculty staff of Weston High School have released the updated student supply list for the 2025-26 school year. See below for what is required for each grade indicated. 

---

Southern A’Chord, Ruston’s new women’s a cappella chorus, will present its first community performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston. The program, which the group hopes will become a twice-yearly tradition, will feature a mix of patriotic, gospel, and pop songs.

Formed in late 2024, and led by musical director Candice Bassett of Grayson, LA Southern A’Chord exists to bring music and joy to the community through song and the rich tradition of unaccompanied vocal harmony.

Southern A’Chord welcomes new members, at this time especially those who sing in the alto range, to fill the dynamic and harmony-rich baritone part. Interested singers can attend a rehearsal at 6 p.m. on July 17th at the Presbyterian Church of Ruston or contact membership chair Sallie Rose Hollis at sallierose@mail.com.

Admission to “Southern A’Chord: Songs of Summer” is free, and refreshments will be served following the performance. Donations will be accepted from those who wish to support the group’s musical mission.

“Our goal is to uplift, entertain, and create connection through the joy of singing,” said Judy Sisson, of Monroe, the group’s newly elected president and a longtime a cappella singer. “We hope our music brings a smile and maybe even inspires others to sing with us.”

For more information, visit the Facebook page Southern A’Chord Chorus or the website www.southernachordchorus.org. 

---

A Good Cry

Go ahead; have a good cry.

Flash back to the 60’s and remember your favorite hit records. Lesley Gore scored in 1963 with ‘It’s My Party.’ Brokenhearted teenage girls listened to lyrics and sang along. They were having their own pity parties and cried if they wanted to.

Boy meets girl… boy breaks the girl’s heart… girl cries her heart out.

Guys might not want to admit it but they can cry too. Roy Orbison pulled heartstrings in 1961 with ‘Crying.’ The popular record went to #2 on the charts and Orbison cried all the way to the bank.
When was the last time you had a good cry? It may be long overdue.

Is the sin in your life breaking your heart?

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you (James 4:8-10 HCSB).”

God is merciful; He forgives.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Am I pleasing my Father?

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.
God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart (Psalm 51:17 HCSB).”

---

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.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

SECOND 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 this date.

Sylvia Dianne Walters, Administratrix

 

Currently, the Public Works Department of the Town of Jonesboro is in the middle of replacing old and non-working water meters with new electric meters. The project is the byproduct of the $1.6 million grant provided by the state of Louisiana and will allow the Town of Jonesboro to accurately read the amount of water consumption at each location. 

For over a decade, the Town of Jonesboro has been billing water rates on estimated gallons of usage per month due to water meters not working correctly. This has caused a serious shortage in funds that are supposed to be generated. 

At present, a little over 600 of the expected 2700 water meters to be replaced have been installed and are online. This has resulted in some consumers receiving bills that are, in some cases, extremely different from what has been received in the past, prompting calls to City Hall as to why the increase. 

To put it simply, the reason for the increase in water bills is that consumers are now being billed for actual usage and not the estimated usage as has been the case in the past.

There have been several instances where the new billing has reflected large increases, which, after investigation, have been proven to be the result of locations having either internal or external leaks at their property that are causing unwarranted water usage.

In an effort to help residents be proactive in getting these issues resolved, Mayor Harris has issued the following statement. 

Statement by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris

Dear Jonesboro Residents and Business Owners,

As our new water meters are being installed and read electronically, please be aware of the following to help prevent leak-related issues:

Electronic Meter Reading
Your new meter will be read remotely—no on-site visits required.
If you notice an unexpected spike in usage, please contact City Hall at 318-259-5025 to speak with our staff.

Leak Detection Support
We are dispatching crews to inspect for leaks in and around your home or business.
Should we discover a leak, we will work closely with you until the issue is fully resolved.

What to Watch For
Running Toilets: Continuous water flow or silent leaks at the base.
Dripping Faucets: Check both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
Wet Spots: Look for damp areas on floors, around walls, or in your yard.
Unusual Water Bills: Compare bills before and after meter installation for anomalies.
I am proud of this upgrade, which will enhance our billing accuracy and support water conservation throughout Jonesboro. By moving to remotely read, truly metered consumption, we accomplish several important goals:

Fairness and Transparency
Every homeowner and business will now pay precisely for the water they use—no more estimating or flat‐rate assumptions. This ensures that you are only billed for the water you consume, fostering trust between the Town and our community members.

Early Leak Detection and Cost Savings
With real‐time usage data, our staff can spot unusually high flows immediately and dispatch crews to investigate. By catching leaks in toilets, faucets, or underground lines early, we help you avoid unexpectedly large bills and prevent costly property damage.

Empowering Residents to Conserve
Access to accurate, timely meter readings will allow you to track your daily or weekly water use and make simple changes—like fixing drips or installing low‐flow fixtures—that can lead to significant savings over time.

Strengthening Town Infrastructure
The data collected will guide our maintenance priorities, allowing us to target areas with recurring leaks or inefficiencies. By proactively addressing trouble spots, we extend the life of our water mains, reduce waste, and lower long‐term repair costs for the Town.

Environmental Stewardship
Every gallon of water we conserve helps protect our local aquifers and reduces the energy required to treat and pump water. Together, these savings translate into a smaller carbon footprint for Jonesboro and a healthier watershed for future generations.

Economic Resilience
More precise billing and lower system losses keep our utility fund stable and predictable. That financial strength means we can reinvest in upgrades—like new water lines or pressure management systems—without passing unexpected costs on to you.

By embracing this modern meter technology, we are not just upgrading equipment—we are investing in a fairer, more efficient, and more sustainable future for every resident and business in Jonesboro. Thank you for joining us in this important step forward.

Dr. J. Spike Harris
Mayor
Town of Jonesboro

 

 

---

The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office announces that names of those subject to serve have been drawn for the JULY 14, 2025, PETIT JURY. Individuals listed should receive an official summons in the mail from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. As always, events may occur whereby a Jury will not be needed. You are instructed to please call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office (318) 259-2424 over the weekend of JULY 11-13 and listen to the RECORDING to find out if it is necessary for you to appear. Information will be updated as well on the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Facebook page. 

To see if your name was one of those drawn click here or see below.

Persons Subject to Service as Petit Jurors
2nd Judicial District Court, Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Monday, July 14, 2025, at 09:30 AM

ALDY, BRENDA SHELL
BABERS, BRIANNA RENEE
BATTERTON, DAVID A
BELL, HANNAH MADDEN
BLEWER, JAYDAN COLE
BOYD, JOSEPH KIM
BRADFORD JR, IVORY
BRADFORD, JEFFREIUNA TRACHELL
BRADFORD, WILLIAM MARCELLUSS
BRIDGES, CHARLES KENNETH
BROWN, AMANDA NICOLE
BRYAN, JERRY DONALD
BUN, KANHA
CHIPMON, CALEB WILLIAM
CHISHOLM, GARY KEITH
COLEMAN, MARY ELLA
COLEMAN, MICHAEL B
COLLEY, GLENN LOUIS
COOLMAN, MICHAEL A
COOPER, TODD HARVEY
COTTEN, BRYCE ALLEN
COX, MICHELLE RANAE
CROSS, JESSIE LEE
CUMBEE, CATHY JANE
DAILEY, TYREESE LAQUARAN
DARK, TONI ROBINSON
DAVIS, KAYLEE SUSANNAH
DELANEY, KIMBERLYN SHAY SNEED
DILLON, DEBORAH MAXWELL
ESSMEIER, PAULA SHOEMAKER
FAIRCLOTH, GLENN E
FANCHER, CURTIS SMITH
FERGUSON, AMIEE ELIZABETH
FERGUSON JR, HENRY D
FOWLER, BRITTANY KAILYN
FUTRELL, ERIC CADE
GARRETT, BRAD SCOTT
GATLIN, LYNDA KIRKLAND
GAUBERT, SETH PAUL
GORDON, ASHLEN CIERA
GRAY, JONATHON SCOTT
GREEN, MICHAEL WAYNE
GRIFFIN, DANIEL RYAN
HALL, ANGIE KIRKENDOLL
HAMMONS, REBECCA DURRETT
HARRELL, CINDY BRINSON
HARRELL, DAYILE CARYSE
HARRELL, GREGORY
HART, INDIA RUJAE
HARVESTON, CHERI JO
HARVEY, TYLER JAMES
HEISLER, EARLINE HAGAN
HENDERSON, PATRICIA ANN
HICKS, TERESA WALKER
HIGHTOWER, TABITIHA SUEANN
HILL, GARY L
HILL, LAVON
HOGAN, RONALD E
HUDSON, NICKI
HUGHES, JESSICA THOMAS
HUMPHRIES, SANDRA GAIL
INGRAM, JASON RYAN
JACKSON, IAN JARQUE’
JACKSON, IREE POCHE
JEANE, MATTHEW TATE
JONES, KENNETRIA K
JONES, MELIKA TENE
JONES, SHIRLEY LOWE
KENNERSON, DMARCUS
KILSON, LAKESHA MICHELL
LAFFITTE, STEPHANIE DEANN
LAMKIN JR, JEFFREY TODD
LEWIS SR, BILLY JOE
LEWTER, CASEY THOMAS
LOWE, KAYE PARKER
LOWREY, WILLIAM T
MACK, CHRISTENE H
MARTINEZ, SAVANNAH
MCNABB, NATHAN DELAYNE
MEDEARIS, DALE DOUGLAS
MILLER, JODY WAYNE
MIMS, SHANTA LASHAY
MOORE, LANA RICHARDSON
MOSS, JEROLYN HARRIS
MOTT, GERALD WAYNE
MYERS, CHRISTINA BOLES
NASH, LONZO MARTEZ
NORRED, DANIEL KENNETH
ODENBAUGH, CAMERON WADE
OLIVER, CHRISTOPHER LANE
OYETUNDE, MATTIE CHERE
PACE, ASHLEY CARPENTER
PENDER, DEBRA HOGAN
PERKINS, LUCAS BENJAMIN
PETERSON, JOSHUA WAYNE
PICKERING, HAROLD L
PORTER, MICHAEL LAVOE
PYLES, LYDIA RASBERRY
QUALLS, DALARIUS D
RAMSEY, CLIFFORD CARL
REED, RAJA EMANUEL
RICHARDSON, BARBARA CONN
ROBINSON, GRACE MARIE
ROBINSON, LISE’ LI
RODDEN, LAURA
RUDD, GLENDA MCGREW
SCOTT, LINDA JANE
SESSIONS, ROBIN LEE
SHAVERS, SHELIA SULLIVAN
SHIELDS, REBECCA ANN
SLAUGHTER, GARY D
SMITH, CHAD WESS
SMITH, ELIZABETH SAENZ
SMITH, HAKEELAH LASHAY
SMITH, SONJA MCMAHAN
SPEARS, LOGAN CHUCK
SPILLERS, JESSICA LYNN
SPILLMAN, KENNETH BRADLEY
STADTLANDER, STACY LYNN
STEVENSON, SHARON NELL
STEWART, MYRA AVERY
STOKES, CATHERINE SILK
STRINGFELLOW, MARQUETTA B
SUSAN, DAVID JOSEPH
SWANNER, PHYLLIS EUSEY
TASSIN, ROBBY JOSEPH
TAYLOR, JAMES AUSTIN
THOMAS, ALTESHA SHANEE
THOMPSON, DESHIKO D
TIDWELL, GARY DALLAS
TOLAR, KAREN HAY
TOLER, DEYA
TUMLIN, TAMELIA
WAGES, JAMIE LEE
WALKER, MARILYN BEDGOOD
WALKER JR, RALPH
WALSWORTH, MICHAEL GLENN
WARREN, CANDICE KIMBELL
WATERS, CATHERINE PATRICIA
WHITMAN, KIM DENISE
WILKERSON, JUDY TILLEY
WILLIAMS, RANA RENEA
WILLIS, TANYA MARIE
WINANS, NANCY RUTH
WOMACK, CASEY M
WOODALL, CALVIN LAMAR
WOOLDRIDGE, DEBORAH WALKER
WOOLDRIDGE JR, HARRY EARL
WYATT, BARBARA FAYE
ZEHR, BRYCE CLAYTON

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF PETIT JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA. ON DECEMBER 10, 2024, TO SERVE AS PETIT JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 12TH DAY OF JUNE, 2025.

LAURA H. CULPEPPER, CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH, JONESBORO, LA

---