Your one-stop shop for all home building, repair, and improvement materials is now assisting all “white tail” hunters with feed as Pardue Builders in Jonesboro announces they have received a new shipment of deer corn and persimmon rice brand.
Located at 705 South Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro, you can pick up your deer feed along with hunting and fishing supplies, as well as any hardware, paint, and/or lumber supplies from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday-Friday. Same-day delivery is also available.
The Clampetts left hills and hollers and hightailed it to Beverly Hills. The sitcom comedy was corny and clean; receptive viewers quickly connected to the family that struck oil and struck it rich. Jed Clampett, as patriarch, solved the problems of family members sharing his mansion. Each had personality quirks adding to the humor and enjoyment.
Writers cleverly moved Jed one-step higher on the rung of success and notoriety. He inherited a large estate in England; the Beverly Hills hillbilly became the Earl of Clampett.
‘Weeeell, doggies!’
Christ followers will inherit God’s kingdom.
“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection].
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 35:31-34 AMP).”
‘I reckon!’
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18 KJV).”
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.
Jackson Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 d/b/a Jackson Parish Hospital is seeking a Full-Time Pediatrician. Qualifications include Board certification in Pediatrics, a minimum of 10 years of experience, proficiency with EPSDT, experience with Rural Health Clinics, and an initial term of service of 3 years.
Please mail CV to:
Jackson Parish Hospital
165 Beech Springs Rd
Jonesboro, LA 71251
Attn: John Morgan, CEO
Jackson Parish School Board – Seeking a Custodian for work at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School, located at 440 Old Winnfield Hwy (167 South) in Jonesboro. To apply, contact JHMS Principal Brent Carpenter at (318) 259-6611.
Jackson Parish School Board – Seeking substitute bus drivers for Jackson Parish School District routes. Applicants must have a CDL license with a passenger/school bus endorsement. If interested, contact Jackson Parish School District Transportation Director David Brown at (318) 259-4456 or send an email to david.brown@jpsbschools.us
The Jackson Council on Aging announces they are seeking a Nutrition Site Kitchen Aide. Applications will be accepted at the Jackson Council on Aging office located at 120 Polk Ave, Jonesboro, LA 71251 between the hours of 8:00 am -12:00 pm on Monday – Friday.
Key responsibilities are:
Assist in packing and serving meals, snacks, and beverages.
Clean and sanitize the kitchen area and tables, wash dishes and utensils.
Monitor supplies and make sure they are ordered through the Site Manager daily.
Adhere to standards by following all safety, hygiene, and sanitation guidelines.
Educational Requirement: Must have a high school diploma
The Jackson Parish School Board met in a regular scheduled meeting at 11:00 a.m. on August 4, 2025 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.
The following were present for roll call: Gerry Mims, Mary Saulters, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Wade McBride, Dennis Clary and Calvin Waggoner.
Absent: None
Dennis Clary gave the Invocation.
Paulette Belton led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Gerry Mims.A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on July 7, 2025.A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to adopt the 2025 Millage Rates.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to approve the Guidelines and Procedures for Crisis Intervention and Implementing Seclusion/Restraint Techniques required by Louisiana Act 479.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to approve the teaching of the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program (30-minute instructional time frame) in 2nd and 3rd grade, as required by La. R.S. 17:282:5. The program will be taught during the first week of school in the 2025-2026 school year and each year thereafter.
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 Wade McBride, 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 Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving to pay Employer’s Share of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums from General Fund for the September 2025 sales tax distribution.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving payment of $16,750.00 for the renewal contract with Career Compass for 12th grade students at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Quitman High School and Weston High School, to be paid from 2025-2026 Career Development funds.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried granting permission for Superintendent Carter to sign the Cooperative Agreement between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and Jackson Parish School Board effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving a pay increase from $100.00 to $125.00 an hour for the yearly contract with Ellen Brocato, School Psychologist, to be paid from General Fund.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried approving the distribution of Certificated and Support Staff Stipends, with a payment of $2,000.00 for Certificated and $1,000.00 for Non-Certificated personnel. In addition, consider paying the Pre-K Teachers $2,000.00 stipend, Pre-K Paraprofessionals $1,000.00 stipend, and Support Supervisors – $2,000.00 stipend. Funding Sources: Certificated and Support Staff Stipends Allocation and General Fund. (Pending LDOE approval and release of funds)
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving payment of $11,400.00 to Dyslexia Resource Center for Dyslexia Training for three (3) employees, to be paid from the General Fund.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving payment of $12,000.00 to Bailey Education Group to provide eight (8) onsite coaching sessions to Special Education teachers district wide, to be paid from IDEA 611 Set Aside funds.
A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried granting permission for Superintendent Carter to sign the Sharing Agreement between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The terms of the agreement shall be August 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving payment to Louisiana Delta Community College in the amount of $20,467.68 for Jump Start Summers tuition, to be paid from 2024-2025 Supplemental Course Allocation funds and/or Education Excellence funds.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving the Job Description for Central Office Payroll/Grants Data Coordinator.
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 Wade McBride, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving payment of $62,500.00 to Culpepper Backhoe Service, LLC. as follows: $35,000.00 down payment on materials cost, $27,500.00 upon completion of the work, for water line extensions to Weston High School baseball and softball fields, to be paid from Weston District funds.
Rick Barlow reported to the Board on the meeting of the Transportation Committee.
A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving out of state travel for Weston High School Baseball to travel to Frisco, Texas, March 19-21, 2026. The travel dates are during Spring Break. All expenses to be paid by Weston Baseball. The baseball team will be competing in a two-game series against Pitkin High School.
Paulette Belton reported to the Board on the meeting of the Policy Committee.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving to revise the following policies:
• IDDFC – Cameras in Special Education Classrooms
• JGCF – Behavioral Health Support for Students
Bonnie Buckelew presented additional information on these revisions.
A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to adjourn at 11:30 a.m.
Bella Ann Roy, age 9 of Ruston, LA, passed away on August 9, 2025. She was born on October 21, 2015, in Alexandria, LA. She attended school at Ruston Elementary. Her unexpected passing has left a tremendous hole in the hearts of many.
To know Bella was to love her. Her sparkling smile and vibrant blue eyes made it hard to ever tell her no. Her daddy could attest to this as she was daddy’s girl and had him wrapped around her little finger. Not only was he a victim of her dazzling personality, but so were her mama and siblings.
Bella and her daddy had a secret handshake, and she loved being outside with him riding four wheelers. But it was her mama and sisters she wanted to be like with her passion for makeup and dressing up. And her little brother was her best friend that she dearly loved, when they weren’t squabbling.
In addition to Bella’s smile that lit up every room she entered, her larger than lifer sassy personality left an imprint on the hearts of her family. She was a free spirit and a true diva, loving anything sparkly. She danced with energy and bounced on her trampoline as if she could reach the sky.
Though her time with us was short, Bella’s impact was immeasurable. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, her tender heart, and fierce love she has for her family.
Bella is Survived by her loving parents, Jonathan and Emily Roy; her siblings, Libby, Haylen, Lathan, and Ava; paternal grandparents, Keith and Stacey Ferguson; maternal grandparents, Wendy and Scott Alexander and Rickey and Tonia Allen; great grandmother, Inez Roy Taylor; great grandparents Marsha and Raymond Allen and Nelda and John Alexander; Aunt Tori (Darrell) Thomas; Uncle Rickey Allen (Jensine); best friend Evie and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her paternal great-grandfather, James Roy; maternal great-grandmother, Carolyn Lafield; grandmother, Connie Reed; Aunt Debra Roy Hill; and cousin Emily Thomas.
The family will receive friends at the Paradise Building, located at 127 6th Street, in Jonesboro, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Winnfield, with viewing from 11:00 AM until the time of services. Rev. Chad James and Rev. Craig James will be officiating. Interment will follow at Atlanta Methodist Church in Atlanta.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Dan Ferguson, Benjamin Smiley, Rickey Allen, Nick Davis, Justin Barr, and Justin Harsted. Honorary pallbearers include Logan Lafield and Seth Harvey.
In honor of Bella, the family encourages everyone to wear bright colors and sparkles – just the way she would have wanted.
Fly high, sweet Bella. You will forever be our sunshine.
On Wednesday, August 6th, a 911 call was received of a shooting that had taken place on North Polk Avenue in the town of Jonesboro, which resulted in the death of a local resident.
According to a report of the tragic event, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Jonesboro Police Department Officers arrived on the scene to find that 24-year-old Darrell Fisher had been shot multiple times, which proved to be fatal injuries.
JPSO officials confirmed that the shooting is currently being ruled as self-defense, and no charges have been filed at present. No further information is available at this time, as a joint investigation by the JPD and JPSO is continuing.
The Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, August 11th. The session is expected to begin at 5:30 pm in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.
Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
Approve Minutes
1. Adopt the minutes of the July 14, 2025, Regular Police Jury Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and payment of all bills.
Approve Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Adopt the minutes of the July 29, 2025, Finance Committee Meeting
Management Reports
Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
Assistant Operations Manager Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
Solid Waste Supervisor Report – Mr. Ed Howard
Other Business
Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
Consider and approve the final Change Order for the 2025 Road Program
Consider and approve Substantial Completion for 2025 Road Program
Consider and approve Edquado Howard and Walter Johnson to attend LSWA, October 28-29, 2025 in Lake Charles
Consider and act on approving the Sole Provider Ordinance (04-0409-2007) for the Jackson Parish Ambulance System.
Consider and act on approving resolution 0111-2025-008 authorizing the President, Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer to sign legal documents. (Titles, Deeds, etc.)
Consider and act on approving the CEA from the LSU AG Center in the amount of $12,000.00.
Presentation by Ms. Kendall Talieje of Globe Life Liberty National
Consider and act on Parish Board appointments
Announcements and Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Nia Evans, Secretary-Treasurer at (318) 259-2361 describing the assistance that is necessary
Jonesboro-Hodge High School Athletic Director and head football coach Terrance Blankenship announces that a change has been made to the upcoming 2025 Tiger gridiron schedule.
Where before the Tigers were scheduled to play at Lincoln Prep (Grambling) in a District 1-1A contest on Friday, September 26th the game has now been moved to Thursday, September 25th. Kickoff time remains at 7:00 pm.
The new playing date now gives JHHS four Thursday playing dates on the 10 game schedule, by far the most games slated to be played on a Thursday in the history of JHHS football competition.
“The reason we have so many Thursday games this year is that each school in north Louisiana has to schedule a game on that day during the season due to a shortage of referees in both the Monroe and Shreveport Officials District,” explained Blankenship. “For our Thursday home game, we will play Haynesville, and three other schools (Lincoln Prep, Plain Dealing, Glenbrook) designated us to be their Thursday opponent.”
When William “Billy” Carter was a coach at Quitman High School, he continually stressed the importance of setting and reaching goals to his team, which led him to become one of the most successful coaches in QHS history.
Years later, after advancing to become the Principal of Quitman High, that thought process laid the groundwork for the school to be recognized as one of the best in the state in both academic and athletic endeavors.
Through the wisdom of the Jackson Parish School Board, Carter now leads the entire Jackson Parish School District as Superintendent of Schools, where his proven method of leadership is now expected to benefit all the students of the local public school system.
As the beginning of the 2025-26 school year nears, Carter has issued what is dubbed a “Mission Memo” that outlines the expectations and goals hoped to be reached and celebrates the incredible work happening across the district.
In each edition, the “Mission Memo” will shine a spotlight on student achievements, school events, community partnerships, and district news to keep everyone informed and inspired. See below for the August issue, which includes Open House dates, back-to-school highlights, and a look at what’s to come this year.
District Attorney Daniel W. Newell recently announced the dispositions of cases that were heard by the Second Judicial District and for the Parish of Bienville over the past six months. Included was the notice of a Jonesboro man who appeared before the court in July 2025.
Included among the 33 people that were sentenced was Kevin Bernard Crawford of Jonesboro, LA, who pled guilty to a second offense of Domestic Abuse Battery. He was sentenced to 1 year in the Bienville Parish jail.
The Jonesboro Sanitation Department enjoyed a successful first week of working diligently to collect waste for local residents. As pickup locations have been added an updated route list has been created as shown below.
NOTE: In order to help the pickup of waste at your location be most efficient, you are asked to make sure to have your recepticle on the curb on the day garbage is to be picked up on your street.
Weston High School is pleased to announce that a Computer Science course will be offered during the 2025-26 school year. This is made possible by Mrs. Rachel Waggoner, who will be the course instructor, passing her Computer Science Praxis test!
“We are incredibly proud of Rachel’s hard work and dedication. Because of her efforts, WHS will now be able to offer a Computer Science course to help prepare our Wolves for the future. This is a big win for our students and our school! The future is coding, and thanks to you, Weston is ready!” – Weston High School Administration
Earlier in the year, JHHS graduate Christian McGuire accepted an academic scholarship totalling nearly $300,000.00 from Tulane University, long known as one of the most respected institutions of higher learning in the United States.
As a testament to McGuire’s unique blend of tremendous aptitude combined with extraordinary athletic ability, the MileSplit LA All State sprinter has now also been asked to run track for the Green Wave.
“We are all very happy that Christian has this opportunity to continue his athletic career while also being able to pursue his chosen career path at such a prestigious university,” said JHHS head football and track coach Terrance Blankenship. “Kids like Christian don’t come around very often. He left a great legacy for not only our athletes but our student body in general to attempt to achieve.”
The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) announces that the Yumeaka Washington Law Firm has been selected as the Business of the Month for August. With friends, family, employees, and a host of JPCC members on hand, the presentation was made at her Washington Law Firm location of 227 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro on Thursday, August 7th.
Washington, who also serves as the Assistant District Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District, has been a stalwart in the local legal system since beginning to practice law in 1994. Her wealth of experience also includes having served as Judge for the Town of Jonesboro City Court and being a candidate for District B Judge serving Jackson, Bienville, and Claiborne Parishes.
The present helped prepare the future this past week, as the Weston High School baseball team hosted a three-day youth camp that ran from Monday, August 4th to Wednesday, August 6th.
During the first two days of camp, dozens of youth enjoyed learning the basics of baseball under the tutelage of many members of the Weston High School baseball team. The final day of camp was packed FULL of FUN! Wiffle ball, water games, and sliding practice! Not only was top-flight instruction given but each day, skill competitions were held in different age groups with awards given to the campers as shown below.
Hustle award (voted by Wolves players): Emmett Thomas
Farthest hit ball:
Group 1 Jude Jones
Group 2 Emmett Thomas
Group 3 Duke Henderson
Group 4 Oliver Lee
Group 5 Eli Jones
Quickest time:
Kaine Stassen
Furthest throw:
Cutter Whisonant
Hustle award (voted by Wolves players): Sawyer Fair
Furthest hit ball:
Group 1 Kohen Stokes
Group 2 Cutter Whisonant
Group 3 Jackson Johnson
Group 4 Thomas Johns
Group 5 Brax Neatherland
Bullseye Contest:
Uriah Hall
Jackson Jones
Brax Neatherland
Kohen Stokes
Cutter Whisonant
Bunting Contest:
Thomas Johns
Fastest time (home to second):
Kaine Stassen
Day Three Award Winners
Hustle award (voted by Wolves players): Cole Cotton
Reverend Dr. Reginald L. Staten, Pastor and the congregation of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908 Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, LA, invite you to join them in celebrating their annual Homecoming Revival.
Featuring Dr. Robby D. Williams, Pastor of St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden, LA as Homecoming Speaker and Dr. R. Timothy Jones from Peaceful Rest Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA as Guest Revivalist, the anointed session will begin with worship at 10:00 am on Sunday, August 17th. Evening services will also be held each night at 7:00 pm on August 18-20.
The copier at Trinity Methodist Church is named “Grace.” She is a busy girl. Printing church newsletters, bulletins, posters, letters, reports, and the miscellaneous Sunday school handout. She prints in color. She collates. She staples. She prints various sizes of paper. She also lies!
There is a moment in every office worker’s life when they stare at a blinking printer screen that boldly declares, “Paper Jam in Tray 2”—even though Tray 2 is empty, pristine, and untouched. You open the compartment, check every roller, and still the printer insists, “Paper Jam.” You sigh, mutter something unholy under your breath and wonder if church office machines can be possessed.
Welcome to the modern workplace, where technology lies, coffee spills, and emails are sent to the wrong “John.” But what if these everyday mishaps were just annoyances? What if they are subtle reminders of a deeper truth—of God’s mercy and forgiveness in the midst of our human error?
Let’s start with the class: knocking over your coffee just minutes before a big meeting. The puddle spreads across your desk like a slow-motion disaster movie. Important papers are soaked, your keyboard is sticky, and your nerves are frayed. You feel foolish, clumsy, and frustrated.
But then a coworker walks by, grabs paper towels and helps you clean up. No judgment. Just grace.
This is mercy in motion. Just as we make messes in life—through poor decisions, careless words, or selfish actions—God doesn’t stand over us wagging a finger. He kneels beside us, offering help, restoration, and a fresh start. The Psalmist reminded us, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” Even when we spill, he stays.
Our printer, Grace, lied to the Membership Secretary. She was printing a report for me, and it is a very large report. The printer sent her a message that the report could not be printed. She hit the button twice and the same response appeared on her computer screen. She walked down the hall to look Grace in the face and there on the printer tray were both reports.
I guess Grace just wanted some personal attention.
Jesus’ message was consistent, the expectation for His followers is righteousness. We are to live rightly related to God and rightly related to fellow human beings. In this task, we all fail. In essence, we lie!
The remedy for our sins, past, present and future is the grace of Jesus Christ. It is a costly grace paid by Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a free grace given to those who seek that grace through faith.
The words are still true.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
No lie!
Creativity was abound this past Wednesday when the Heritage Quilt Guild of Jonesboro held what is always their most entertaining meeting of the month as the talented ladies displayed their wares during “Show and Tell” time.
Each week, the HQG meets at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church to provide a means for quilters and guild lovers to promote the appreciation and preservation of quilts. The guild is a forum in which the skills of the quilt makers are shared so the art will be handed down to others.
With a focus normally on the making of quilts, this week the ladies exhibited a truly inspired array of many unique stitched items such as handbags, pillows, placemats, throws, and of course, the beautiful quilts that drew “oohs” and “aahs” from the patrons in attendance.
See below for a beautiful display of the time-honored tradition of quilting that is being kept alive and providing an inspiration for future generations.
The dream of one man was the trigger point for the formation of one of the most successful fund raising events this area has ever seen. That man is Glenn Scriber.
“I was sitting on my couch one Sunday afternoon checking my computer for anything having to do with whitetail deer and the site, Whitetails Unlimited popped up,” said Scriber.
“There was a name and phone number of the state representative for Whitetails Unlimited, Brian Andrews in Jena so on a whim, I decided to give him a call. Andrews told me that coincidentally, he had Ruston on the radar for a site for a future chapter.”
Quoting an often used expression, the rest is history.
The first banquet was held ten years ago and this writer attended to check out this new kid on the block. I have been to annual fund raising banquets for several other worthwhile and valuable groups and have been impressed that this area supports the efforts of these groups
Frankly, I have never attended one that featured the enthusiasm and burst of energy of that first one of Whitetails Unlimited. In fact, the following year, the president and founder of Whitetails Unlimited flew down from national headquarters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to present the local chapter with awards, citing the local group for proceeds raised by a new organization, focus on youth and banquet attendance which, incidentally, maxed out the capacity of the Ruston Civic Center several years in a row.
A couple of weeks ago, the Lincoln Parish Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited met for its 10th annual banquet and like the nine previous banquets, the level of energy and enthusiasm this year had not been dampened at all.
Different members have directed the banquet each year and this year, it was Brandon Williams’ turn.
“I put together a team of local folks who had the same commitment as I did to make it work again as it has over the past ten years,” said Williams.
The question has to be asked; why is the Whitetails Unlimited banquet been so successful for the past decade?
Both Scriber and Williams believe one reason is the commitment of the guys who work tirelessly on the committee to produce such successful results. Another reason has to do with the critter being honored, the whitetail deer. There are probably more deer hunters in north Louisiana than those passionate about hunting turkeys, squirrels or waterfowl.
The big kicker, though, may have to do with the way proceeds from Whitetail Unlimited banquets work. Half the proceeds raised stay right here in the community to assists such groups as the 4-H club shooting team, Cross Trail Outfitters and those physically challenged youngsters participating in med-camps.
Final figures are in for the 2025 banquet that reveal that some 400 enthusiasts attended, which was the largest crowd since the 2020 banquet. Funds raised totaled around $75,000, half of which stay right here in the community.
“If you want to be successful in such an endeavor,” said Scriber, “surround yourself with quality people who are not going to be satisfied with mediocracy.”
If you really want to know what enthusiasm and high energy really feel like, you don’t need to chugalug a power drink. You should plan now to attend next year’s Whitetails Unlimited banquet. I guarantee you’ll feel it.
CANEY LAKE – Bass are best at night on soft plastics and dark colored crank baits. Some are caught early morning around the grass on topwater lures. Some bass are chasing shad on the surface and are schooling. Shad imitation lures are working best.. Crappie are suspended with shiners and jigs taking some nice fish. Bream both chinquapins and bluegills are moving off the beds but can still be caught on 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 fishing continues to be good with some big fish still being brought in. Topwater lures early and soft plastics working best later. Crappie are on the flats and are biting on shiners or jigs. The bream bite is fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is falling and is quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Lazarre ramp is now open with better catches of fish downstream. A good many catfish are being caught and crappie fishing is best around submerged tops in the river. Bass are hitting shad imitations in the cuts. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Some bass are schooling and hitting topwater lures. Wobbleheads are picking up some fish around the grass. Best fishing is for fish suspended 4-5 feet deep above 12-14 foot water. Crappie are on the deep flats and fishing has been best at mid-day on shiners and jigs. Bream are fair. Catfish are good fishing off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good on jigs and shiners. Bass are around the banks and hitting topwaters early while later hitting hit jigs, spinners and soft plastics with some schooling reported on the surface. Night fishing has improved around lighted piers and boat docks on soft plastics and crank baits. Bream are scattered. Stripers are schooling and hitting shad imitations. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while bass and crappie are rather slow. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow rise and fishing is fair for crappie. Plenty of yearling bass being caught on a variety of lures. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
The Jackson Parish School Board is seeking a Custodian and substitute bus drivers for the 2025-26 school year.
The Custodian position is at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS), located at 440 Old Winnfield Hwy (Hwy 167 South), in Jonesboro. Interested applicants should contact JHMS Principal Brent Carpenter at (318) 259-6611.
To be eligible for the substitute bus driver position, applicants must have a CDL license with a passenger/school bus endorsement. For more information or to apply, contact Jackson Parish School District Transportation Director David Brown at (318) 259-4456 or send an email to david.brown@jpsbschools.us
The Jackson Council on Aging announces they are seeking a Nutrition Site Kitchen Aide. Applications will be accepted at the Jackson Council on the Aging Office at 120 Polk Ave, Jonesboro, LA 71251 between the hours of 8:00am-12:00pm Mon.-Fri.
Key responsibilities are:
Assist in packing and serving meals, snacks and beverages.
Clean and sanitize kitchen area and tables, wash dishes and utensils.
Monitor supplies and make sure they are ordered through Site Manager daily.
Adhere to standards by following all safety, hygiene and sanitation guidelines.
Educational Requirement: Must have high school diploma
The Natchitoches Parish School Board is actively seeking a highly qualified, ethical, and results-driven professional to fill the role of Director of Finance. This key leadership position is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the district and ensuring strong fiscal management in support of
academic excellence.
The Director of Finance will play a critical role in managing the district’s budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting, and audits. As the chief financial officer of the district, this individual will work closely with the Superintendent and School Board to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds
and support long-term financial planning aligned with the district’s strategic goals.
Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in public finance, proven leadership, and a deep understanding of governmental accounting practices and Louisiana school finance regulations. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of financial management experience—preferably in an educational or public sector setting. A CPA or master’s degree is preferred.
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and managing the district’s annual budget
Overseeing payroll, purchasing, grants, and financial reporting
Ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local financial regulations
Supervising business office staff and maintaining effective internal controls
Supporting district-wide planning and resource allocation
Interested candidates can view the full job description and apply online at: www.npsb.la/page/careers.
I’m susceptible to bouts of goose bumps…
A firefighter rescues trapped children from a raging house fire and it makes headlines. He saved their lives.
A boat capsizes on raging seas and the Coast Guard reaches passengers in the nick of time. They were saved from drowning.
A traffic accident occurs on a busy interstate and the woman is unable to free herself from her burning car. Firefighters and EMS personnel painstakingly use the Jaws of Life to pull the trapped victim free. They saved a life.
Jesus saves!
“The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’
They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house (Acts 16:29-31 ERV).”
Have you been saved from sin?
“If you openly say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved. Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in him, and so we are saved (Romans 10:9-10 ERV).”
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.
Tony Shively (Hodge, LA) – Careless Operation, Possession of Schedule II
Harry E. Wooldridge (Jonesboro, LA) – Molestation of a Juvenile, Sexual Battery, Aggravated Crime Against Nature
Justin Faulkner (Jonesboro, LA) – Sexual Battery, Aggravated Crime Against Nature, 1st Degree Rape
Austin Rogers (Hamburg, AR) – Fugitive from Justice
Kerrick D. Brown (Avondale, LA) – Criminal Trespass, Resisting an Officer, Criminal Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband
Brandice L. Farmer (Winnfield, LA) – Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Speeding
Raymond Mayhugh (Jonesboro, LA) – Littering, Battery of a Police Officer
Felix Santos (Wisner, LA) – Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I CDS
Tiana Holmes (Hodge, LA) – Aggravated Battery
Barbara D. Williams-Lard (Hodge, LA) – Aggravated Battery, Resisting an Officer
Brandon Gray (Saline, LA) – Possession of Schedule I, Driving Under Suspension, No Registration
Joe G. Benavidez (River Oaks, TX) – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon