A Boil Advisory has been issued for the Village of Quitman water system until further notice. The advisement was put in place on Friday, August 1st, after it was discovered that the pressure in the water system was dropping too low. 

According to Village of Quitman officials, the reason for the pressure drop was due to the wells and tank not communicating with each other properly, which is believed to be caused by recent storm damage to the electronic controllers. Chlorine levels are good throughout the system now.

Water samples will be collected on Monday, August 3rd, and submitted to the State Health Department lab for testing, with results expected to be received back on Tuesday. 

During a boil water advisory, it’s crucial to prioritize safety by avoiding consumption of tap water until it has been boiled for at least one minute or using bottled water. This precaution is necessary because a boil water advisory indicates a potential contamination risk in the water supply.

Precautions To Take While Under a Boil Advisory

Drinking and Food Preparation:

Boil water: Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
Use bottled water: If boiling water is not feasible, use commercially bottled water for all drinking and cooking purposes.
Discard contaminated items: Throw away ice cubes, beverages, and food prepared with tap water during the advisory.

Hygiene:

Handwashing: Use boiled or bottled water for handwashing, especially before handling food.
Bathing/Showering: Be careful not to swallow any water while bathing or showering. Consider a sponge bath for babies and young children to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion.
Toothbrushing: Use boiled or bottled water to brush your teeth.

Other Considerations:

Pets: Provide pets with boiled or bottled water.
Laundry: Laundry can be done as usual.
Washing Dishes: If possible, use disposable plates and utensils during the advisory. Otherwise, sanitize dishes thoroughly, according to Natura Water Systems.
Dishwashers: While dishwashers typically reach high temperatures, it’s still recommended to sanitize dishes with boiled or bottled water if possible.
Home Water Filters: Do not rely on home filtering devices as a substitute for boiling or using bottled water.

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Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris announces that the newly formed Jonesboro Sanitation Department will begin providing in-house trash collection services for residents on August 4th.

This was made possible by the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen passing a resolution that broke ties with Waste Connections, which was formerly contracted to pick up waste locally, and approving the lease of a new garbage truck that allows the town to collect its waste, meaning faster and more cost-efficient service without any extra financial burden being placed on residents. 

“We are very happy to move forward with this action as it represents a symbol of progress and self-reliance for our town while also saving a considerable amount of money each month and creating additional jobs for our local residents,” said Harris. 

To make sure your garbage will be picked up, residents are asked to have their new waste bins out on the curb early in the morning on the day their street is scheduled for pickup. See below for the day your street is scheduled for pickup.

Weekly Pick Up Schedule 

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When the calendar turned to August 1st, there was a bevy of new state laws and directives that went into effect that you need to be aware of. Shown below are several of the changes that will most likely have the largest effect on residents. For more information on all the new laws that went into effect click here.

Beginning on August 1, any voter who is registered as Independent will automatically have their party affiliation changed to “No Party.” Many voters registered as Independent, believing that they were choosing not to affiliate with any party; however, they were affiliated with the Independent Party.

Changing voters’ registrations from Independent to “No Party” will help eliminate voter confusion heading into the Closed Party Primaries and will ensure that those who wish to be unaffiliated with a political party can participate in the party primaries.

Beginning in 2026, Louisiana will be transitioning to the Closed Party Primary system, which was created by the Legislature in Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session. In party primaries, Democrats can only vote in the Democratic primary, Republicans can only vote in the Republican primary, and No Party voters can choose which party primary they participate in, but these voters must stick with that party through the first round and the party primary runoff, if one occurs.

To learn more, or to check your party affiliation, visit GeauxVote.com or download the
free GeauxVote Mobile App.

Illegal To Use a Handheld Cell Phone While Driving

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This doesn’t take effect until August 25th, but you need to start practicing the calling procedure shown below now in order to be ready for when 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory. 

You must dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code, when making local calls within the 318 area code in Louisiana starting August 25, 2025. This change is part of an area code overlay, which is adding the new 457 area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 318 area code. If you dial only 7 digits after this date, your call will not go through, and you will receive a recording instructing you to redial with the area code.

Why is this change happening?
The reason for the area code overlay is that the 318 area code is running out of available numbers. The addition of the 457 area code ensures that new phone numbers are available to meet the growing demand in the region.

Important things to remember:
Your current 318 phone number will not change.
You will need to dial the area code + the 7-digit number for all local calls, even those within the same area code.
The price of calls, coverage area, and other services will not change due to this overlay.
Emergency numbers like 911 and 988 will still be reachable by dialing just 3 digits.
You may need to update equipment that relies on automatic dialing, such as life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems, fax machines, etc., to include the 10-digit number.

Left Lane Loiterers BEWARE

If you’re the type to cruise slowly in the left lane, Louisiana is officially cracking down. Act 24 increases the fine for driving too slowly in the passing lane from $100 to $150. Repeat offenders can expect even stiffer penalties. The law is part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and reduce road rage incidents.

Darker Window Tints Now Street Legal

As of August 1st, Louisiana residents will be allowed to have a darker tint on the front side windows of their vehicles than has been allowed in decades as lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to reduce the amount of light that tinted front side windows allow inside a vehicle from 40% to 25% through Act 143.  A 25% tint level is already allowed on rear side windows, and 12% is allowed on back windows. Tint is not allowed on most of the front windshield.

A person driving a vehicle that violates the state’s current or future window tinting restrictions can face a $150 fine for a first offense and a $350 fine for a third or subsequent offense.

The Jackson Parish School Board will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, August 4th. The session will take place at 11:00 am in the Conference Room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. 

Featured on the agenda, along with approving minutes from the July meeting and action recommendations from the Executive / Financial, Building and Grounds, and Transportation Committees, will be the following:

(A) Consider adoption of 2025 Millage Rates
(B) Consider approving the Guidelines and Procedures for Crisis Intervention and Implementing Seclusion/Restraint Techniques required by Louisiana Act 479.
(C) Consider approving 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.

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact William “Billy” Carter at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.

 

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The Jackson Parish School District reminds that Early Childhood and Pre-K registration is now ongoing. If you are interested in having your child enrolled, you are encouraged to start the process immediately, as availability is limited at each school, and once all seats are filled, students will be placed on a waiting list.

If you have a child who will be four no later than September 30, 2025, and would like them to attend Pre-K at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, Quitman High School, or Weston High School, the first step in getting them enrolled is completion of this Google form: https://forms.gle/oGFnarBmhPnCmp7D6.

You can also scan the QR Code shown below, and you will receive an email within 5 days notifying you  of availability and your next steps to complete enrollment 

Registration is not considered complete until all the required steps have been completed. Students who have completed registration and have been assigned a slot have been notified by email as of July 30, 2025.

If you have submitted your child’s application but have not received a letter or if you have any other questions regarding the registration process, please send an email to emily.smith@jpsbschools.us

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On August 20th, students in Jackson Parish will begin classes for the 2025-26 school year, meaning that once again school buses will be picking up and delivering students back home in the mornings and afternoons. 

With that in mind, Jackson Parish School Board Transportation Supervisor David Brown has issued the following statement to all residents. 

Attention, parents, guardians, drivers, and community members

Be mindful of school buses on our roads. Our district’s buses run every school day, servicing students across the community. Typically, buses begin morning routes around 6:00 a.m., with afternoon routes completing by approximately 4:30 p.m. Please remain alert—especially during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up hours.

Stop for school buses. When a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop-arm, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop, unless they are separated by a raised center median.

Use alternate routes or extra caution during these times. To ease congestion, consider adjusting travel times or routes during bus-heavy periods.

Be especially cautious at bus stops. Use caution when driving through residential neighborhoods and school zones. Children may be waiting or gathering near the street, especially in low-light conditions.

Drive at appropriate speeds. Observe school zone speed limits, posted signs, and flashing lights near bus stops and schools.

Wait for children to board and disembark safely. Do not proceed until students have fully crossed the street or boarded, and the stop-arm is fully retracted.

Parents/guardians: prepare students in advance. Ensure children arrive at designated bus stops at least 5 minutes early. Encourage lining up safely away from the road, boarding in single file, and staying visible to the bus driver at all times.

Respect bus drivers and follow their instructions. They work to keep our children safe. When loading or unloading students, be considerate and follow directions to avoid distractions.

Thank you for adhering to these safety precautions so that we can help ensure that our children remain as safe as possible while being transported to and from school. 

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An update to the fall schedule at the Jackson Parish Golf Course (JPGC) has been announced by Jackson Parish Recreation Department Director Justin Dodson and course manager Clay Williams. 

On Saturday, August 2nd, the first of a newsletter JPGC members will be receiving on a quarterly basis from now on, outlined several changes that have been made for the fall season.

Included is a notice of required tee times to be made for weekend and holiday play, a change in weekend and holiday play green fees for non-members, and the tournament schedule for the next couple of months.

This newsletter is available to be received by email by contacting the JPGC at jprecgolf@gmail.com.

JPGC Fall Schedule Updates

(1) All players MUST sign in at the Pro-Shop before teeing off
(2) Players MUST reserve a tee time for playing on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and holidays. Mondays and Tuesdays will be reserved for members to make weekend tee times. Starting on Wednesday, anyone can reserve a weekend tee time.
(3) Beginning on the weekend of August 15-17, 2025 weekend and holiday green fees will be changed for any NON MEMBERS to the following prices:
* 7:30 – 9:50 am:  $30.00 for 9 holes, $40.00 for 18 holes
* 10:00 am – 3:20 pm: $25.00 for 9 holes, $30.00 for 18 holes
* 3:30 pm until close: $20.00 for 9 holes, $25.00 for 18 holes

August / September Tournament Schedule

August 9 & 10: Pineywoods 3-Man Scramble (Course will be closed both days)
September 6: Smurfit Westrock Mill Tournament (Course will be closed)
September 13: Quitman High School Softball Tournament
September 27 & 28: JPGC Club Championship

 

 

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The top junior angling teams from all over the nation converged on Lake Oahe in Pierre, South Dakota, from July 29 – August 1 to compete in The Bass Federation 2025 Junior World Championship.

Included in the elite field of top prep anglers were Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood from Quitman High School, who qualified via a top finish in the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers tour.

With boat captain Richie Vail providing the transportation across the northern watery expanse, the local contingent made an impressive showing by catching their three-bass limit on the first two days to come up just short of qualifying for the final day 15-team field. 

Fishing for smallmouth bass for the first time, Vail and Cheatwood finished the first day in 39th place among the 69 competitors with a stringer of three fish that weighed 8.05 pounds. Showing their resiliency, the pair tenaciously worked to snag a second-day total of three fish that weighed 9.08 pounds, which vaulted them into 27th place overall. 

For complete results of all three days of the TBF Junior World Fishing Championship, click here. 

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Kamerius Palmer, a 2021 graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School and recipient of the first Paula Jones Williams Memorial Scholarship, has completed all the requirements and will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University.

Palmer also completes his collegiate experience as a member of Call Me MiSTER® (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program, which is an award-winning teacher recruitment and retention program with a 25-year track record. Participants make a commitment to teach in hard-to-staff, underserved communities for as many years as they received financial and programmatic assistance. One hundred percent of graduates have fulfilled this obligation, and 99% have stayed in the education field.

MiSTER Palmer will continue to honor Mrs. Williams’ legacy by educating future generations, a career that he knew she loved and was deeply passionate about. Mr. Palmer would like to thank his family, the Williams family, his Call Me MiSTER family and all of those who helped him reach this incredible milestone.

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Friends, family, and local dignitaries joined the local administration and staff of ACG Hospice to commemorate the grand opening of the new location at 726 Peshing Hwy in Jonesboro, LA, on July 29th with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

Specializing in end-of-life care for patients in the final phase of illness while also offering counseling, support groups, and other resources to facilitate a safe and healing environment, the new Jonesboro location becomes the fourth site in Louisiana and joins offices in seven states. 

ACG Hospice’s mission is to serve with love, providing comfort and support through compassionate care and meaningful experiences brought to fruition through the dedicated staff of:
Medical Director: Dr. Portacci
Team Coordinator: Mrs. Andie McDaniel
RN: Mrs. Shalene N David Huckaby
RN/Clinical Supervisor: Mrs.Tasse Bentsen
Chaplain/Hospice Liaison:
Mrs. Stacey Pitre

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If you have an appreciation for the history and heritage of Jackson Parish, we warmly invite you to visit the Jackson Parish Museum & Fine Arts Association. Our organization is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and promoting the artistic and cultural legacy of our community.

Located at 515 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro, the museum is open to the public on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, or by special appointment upon request.

Inside, you’ll find a wealth of history that highlights the people, places, and events that have shaped our parish. It’s an incredible educational experience for both children and adults, and a meaningful way to connect with our local heritage.

One of the museum’s most impressive exhibits features former two-term Governor Jimmie Davis, a native son of Jackson Parish and an important figure in Louisiana history.

We encourage you to join us in honoring the past while inspiring future generations through the arts. Your visit and support help us continue our mission to enrich the cultural life of Jackson Parish. Bring your family, your students, or just yourself. There’s something inspiring for everyone.

To schedule a special tour outside of regular hours, please contact the museum directly at  (318) 450~5561  or (318) 426-6511.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the stories and artistry that make our community truly special.

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Members of the Jonesboro-Hodge High School “Tropical Thunder” Marching Band are currently involved in a two-week mandatory camp that runs from July 28th – August 8th. 

Under the direction of JHHS / JHMS Band Director Trey Porchay, the camp enhances the marching technique, skill, and endurance of members, which is pivotal in preparing the band for a successful season of performances, competitions, and school-spirited events. 

As a community-focused program, the band is reaching out to partners, supporters, and individuals to sponsor meals during the camp by either providing lunches or through monetary donations. If you desire, you can also purchase items at Walmart for pickup (Trey Porchay – name of pickup person) or purchase items and drop off at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. 

If you or your organization is interested in participating, please call Trey Porchay at (318) 259-4138 or send an email to trey.porchay@jpsbschools.us. Thank you for your support of these musically inclined scholars at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. 

 

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With school starting back up, the administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library want to remind all patrons of the wealth of resources available that are designed to help your child maximize his or her educational experience. 

Each month, the JPL also offers a plethora of in-house events and activities for children and adults alike, and August is no exception. To see all that is scheduled for the month at the Jonesboro and Chatham branches, see below. 

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A total of 40 golfers teed off for the Tuesday Scramble held on July 29th at the Jackson Parish Golf Course, but it was one that stole the show after being the first female to be a part of a winning team during the 2025 scramble season. 

Hydi Boyd earned the designation when she combined with Carson Carrico, Reggie Hall, Kyler West, Logan Ponder, and Hayden Evans to fire an 11-under par round of 25 over the nine-hole layout to grab first place among the seven teams that competed. 

The team of Dwayne “Snook” Harrell, Tommy Cruse, Glen Kirkland, Roby Suber, David Chestnut, and Bretton Williams came in second with a 10-under par round, with Hunter Wells, Cody Donaldson, Jason Statham, Jeff Conville, Grant Williams, and  Chris Williams shooting 9-under par to come in third. 

Tuesday Night Scramble Results 

1st Place (-11): Carson Carrico, Hydi Boyd, Reggie Hall, Kyler West, Logan Ponder, Hayden Evans

2nd Place (-10): Snook Harrell, Tommy Cruse, Glen Kirkland, Roby Suber, David Chestnut, Bretton Williams

3rd Place (-9): Hunter Wells, Cody Donaldson, Jason Statham, Jeff Conville, Grant Williams, Chris Williams

4th Place (-8): Jonathan Long, Caden Meadows, Peyton Howard, Tate Meadows, Walker Williamson

5th Place (-8): Blake Smith, Ian Tilley, Layton Garrett, Riley Hayes, Ethan Brunson

6th Place(-7): DJ Harrell, Gage Heard, David Calhoun, Spencer Duck, Daniel Rollinson, Tanner Stark

7th Place (-7): Cecil Barham, Sawyer Barham, Jase Martin, Matt Barham, Josh Williams, Cooper Williams

 

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The Christmas season came early for Forest Haven and Nursing Home residents as the annual “Christmas in July” celebration was held on August 1st at the long-term care facility located on 175 Thrasher Avenue in Jonesboro.

Always one of the most popular events for the residents, the 2025 edition was made extra special thanks to the tremendous effort by the administration and staff to provide the “Christmas Spirit”, assistance from Always Eva’s Flower Shop, who helped with decorations, Louisiana Gator Country, and a special appearance from the “Grinch”. 

Scenes from “Christmas in July” 

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Summer Bass Go To School 

Summertime and the living is easy. In our part of the world, most of the “easy living” takes place behind four walls under air conditioning. It’s just too hot and muggy for outdoors activities and we resolve to wait for the first cool days of fall before taking to the woods and waters again.

This can be tough on the bass fisherman who likes nothing more than practicing the art of “chunkin’ and windin’”. If you knew where you could catch some bass and be home before the sultry meltdown begins, would you be interested? I thought so.
On many of our area lakes, summertime is bass schooling time. Pick a lake, river or stream that has bass and chances are, you’ll find bass chasing shad somewhere on the water.

I cut my teeth on school bass fishing while growing up in Goldonna. Someone clued us in that there was a place on Black Lake where the bass were just tearing up the water. There was an old abandoned railroad trestle that had traversed the bottom before the lake filled and we found the bass schooling like crazy next to the old trestle. It turned out to be the easiest bass fishing I ever encountered. Toss out a topwater lure and the game was on.

Here’s how to begin a good day of summertime bass fishing…plan to be on the water at first light armed with a topwater lure – chugger, floater/diver or buzz bait. Cast next to brush, stumps, or grass and give the lure some enticing twitches. You won’t hit many spots before you’re likely to see an explosion around your lure as a largemouth sucks it in.

Once the sun starts up, shallow-feeding bass you fished for at dawn will have retreated, but their more active cousins will be out chasing shad. Any shad imitation such as a Rat-L-Trap, Pop R, or larger lure such as the Zara Spook will usually entice a bass into hitting. If this doesn’t work, tie a small jig, such as the Goin’ Jesse, three feet behind a chugger and give it a try. Bass will often jump all over the smaller lure.
Another excellent school bass lure is a smoke colored grub on a 1/8 ounce grub head. Cast to breaking schools or toss the lure where a school broke the surface a few minutes earlier. You’ll often nab a bigger bass waiting in ambush beneath the breaking schools. A shad look-alike fluttering down in front of his nose is often more than he can take.

If you can stand the heat, head for submerged cover in deeper water and fish a plastic worm. You’ll sometimes find bass hanging around such structure looking for an easy meal.

If you absolutely don’t want to fight the heat, sleep late; take care of honey-do’s around the house during the day and head for the lake at dusk. Take plenty of mosquito repellant and arm one rod with a dark colored plastic worm, another with a big black spinner with a pork or plastic trailer and another with a black buzz bait.
Ease along the shoreline and fish the black spinner first. If you hear surface feeding activity, try the buzz bait. When you approach a lighted boathouse, or you know where a shallow submerged hump is located near deep water, toss out the plastic worm or spinner. A slow retrieve works best at night since the fish have to first locate the lure and then home in on it.

Some of the largest bass of the year can be caught at night as heavyweights drop their guard under the cover of darkness for a late night snack.

Don’t let hot, steamy weather keep you from going after bass. During times like this, you have to do it on their terms. The dividends, though, are well worth the effort.

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FISHING REPORT

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 is best early mornings on topwater lures and soft plastics working best later. Some big fish continue to be brought in. Crappie are on the flats and are biting on shiners or jigs. The bream bite has slowed a bit. 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. Some ramps are closed. A good many catfish are being caught and crappie fishing is fair. 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. 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 fair while bass and crappie are rather slow. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is slowly falling and the road to the landing is open and camps are set up. Fishing has picked up with lots of crappie and catfish with plenty of yearling bass being caught. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

Jackson Parish Schools’ Career and Technical Education Program is proud to recognize two outstanding students, Trinity Davis and Vanessa Clifton, for their dedication and hard work during this summer’s Agriscience Internship Program!

Under the mentorship of Ms. Angela Shows, both students from Jonesboro-Hodge High School gained valuable hands-on experience in the field of agriscience—exploring topics like sustainable agriculture, plant science, and soil health.

“We are incredibly proud of Trinity and Vanessa for embracing this opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. Way to go, ladies!”  – Angela Shows, JHHS Agriscience Director

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Years ago, I admitted my age and the ever-increasing number of conversations I was missing. I blamed it on soft talkers. The truth was the promise of my mother that if I don’t turn that noise down, I’ll go deaf, came true. Years of loud music, loud concerts, and loud lawn equipment have taken their toll.

The household mantra has become, “You don’t listen to me.” If Alabama has the football and it is third and seven on the LSU twenty-yard line, it is true I am not listening, I’m holding my breath to see what happens. Talk to me after the play!

I did give up a couple of years ago and bought hearing devices.

Speaking of hearing, I hear the sounds of football returning. I am rejoicing greatly. The dark period is almost over; we are less than a month away from kickoff. I don’t care who, we are going to be playing football again.

If you want your team to win this year, come to Trinity Methodist. I am offering the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and fervent prayer for your team. You must be present to receive the football prayer.

I had a secretary once who could not hear. I was told by church members that when Ellen smiles it means she is not hearing a word you are saying. It seemed that Ellen smiled all of the time. When she would leave messages for me that involved phone calls they were always amusing and often incorrect.

I served a church with an associate pastor who was decades past retirement. He couldn’t hear even with his hearing aid. One day, he forgot the name of the dearly beloved we were burying. I couldn’t bail him out by whispering in his ear. I had to say loudly, “Her name is Helen Jones.” From then on, I made sure he had the name of the dearly departed written down.

The takeaway in this noise is that I have concerns that I am not hearing God. There is often too much noise in daily life. Even in prayer, we have such a long prayer list that by the time we tell God everything that is on our minds, we don’t have time to be quiet and listen to Him. I’m great at telling God stuff, I’m not so good at listening to His “still small voice.” The Hebrew behind that English phrase is better translated “the sound of utter silence.”

Ponder that phase in your heart.

God speaks, most clearly in Jesus. He speaks. I confess that I need to do a better job of finding ways to listen for the “sound of utter silence.”

How is your heart hearing?

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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.

Jaclyn Duncan (Jonesboro, LA) – Violation of Protective Order
Nathaniel Saterfield (Eros, LA) – First Offense DWI, Improper Lane Usage
Donald Mitchell (Baton Rouge, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Speeding
LaTrayvion Merritt (Monroe, LA) – Possession of Marijuana
Dalton C. Redl (North Hodge, LA) – Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Improper Lane Usage, Expired MVI 
Travis Fugler (Jonesboro, LA) – Careless Operation, Suspended License, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Justice, Resisting an Officer
Byron Mathis (Wisner, LA) – Distribution of Synthetic Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
Dakota Brewer (Jonesboro, LA) – Monetary Instrument Abuse, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II CDS
John B Stewart (Hodge, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
James Martin Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Schedule II CDS x2, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper License, Improper Plate Display
Christopher Moss (Quitman, LA) – JPSO Warrant, Home Invasion, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Billy Fisher (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
Justin C. Faulkner (Jonesboro, LA) – First Offense DWI, Reckless Operation, Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer, Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle against a Peace Officer x6
Jamarcus Jackson (Winnsboro, LA) – Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I CDS
Tori M. Rivet (Gray, LA) – Possession of Schedule I CDS, Possession of Schedule IV CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance
Michael Smithpeter (Shreveport, LA) – Theft, Identity Theft
Jordy Askins (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I CDS
Landon L. Tyler (Jonesboro, LA) – Child Desertion
Jacob Horn (Ruston, LA) – FOS Warrant from HPD
Kerrick J. Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II CDS x2, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding 

Receiving Help

Help for you…

Help for me…

Help for others…

“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

Will you receive the LORD’s help; will I?

Are we praying for others in their time of need?

“A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much (James 5:16b NASB).”

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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 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

 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Jackson Parish Library Board Meeting Minutes
Jonesboro, Louisiana
July 21, 2025

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the scheduled quarterly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President.
Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Tew, Ms. Jenkins, Mrs. Massey, and Mr. Chatham.
Also present were Floyd Knox, Judy Robertson, and Police Jury President Todd Culpepper.
Members absent: Mrs. Standley and Mrs. Jenkins.
Mrs. Tew led the invocation.
There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to approve the minutes for the May 19, 2025, board meeting. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the 2nd quarter financial reports. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the April, May, and June statistical reports. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mr. Culpepper took a few minutes to discuss and answer questions from the Library Board about 2025 millage rates.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

Neva (Roden) Gray
May 31, 1926 – July 30, 2025

Neva (Roden) Gray, born May 31, 1926, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 99. A devoted homemaker throughout her life, Neva poured her heart into caring for her family, who lovingly called her “Princess.” She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren with unwavering love and cherished every moment spent with them.

Neva had a joyful spirit and loved to go places—especially when surrounded by family—and she never passed up the chance to enjoy a good meal out. In her younger years, she was an accomplished bowler and participated in a league in Jackson Parish. She also shared many happy days camping and fishing with her beloved husband Dois Lee Gray on Lake Claiborne, making memories that would be treasured for generations.

Neva is survived by her daughters, Gwendolyn Lowrey (Jimmie) and Patti Smith (Alton); grandchildren, Greg Blackstock, Scotty Blackstock (Gena), Amy Duck (Patrick),Tena Stevenson (Randall) and Pam (Thomas) Blackstock; great-grandchildren, Samantha Rich (Jake), Shelby Chandler (Connor), James Gregory Lebrun, Trevor Blackstock, Cam Blackstock, Colby Duck (Reagan), Colin Duck (Katelyn), Audrey Duck, Sawyer Stevenson and Thiessen Stevenson; great-great grandchildren, Emersyn Rich, Eli Chandler, Jordyn Duck, Wesley Duck and Wyatt Duck.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus R. Roden; mother, Elvie Roden Walsworth; husband, Dois Lee Gray; and grandson, Jeff Blackstock.

The funeral service was held at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Burial followed in Old Bethel Cemetery near Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers were Cam Blackstock, Greg Blackstock, Scotty Blackstock, Trevor Blackstock, Connor Chandler, Colby Duck, Colin Duck, Patrick Duck, Jake Rich, Randall Stevenson and Sawyer Stevenson.

Christopher A. Moore
July 10, 1952 – July 25, 2025

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Christopher A. Moore received his heavenly wings on July 25th at the age of 73 years old. A Life Celebration service was held on Saturday, August 2nd at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Interment immediately following in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

Theotis “Peg” Bradley
July 15, 1951 – July 30, 2025

After being born on July 15, 1951, Theotis “Peg” Bradley went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2025. Friends, family, and well-wishers are invited to convene at 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025, for a Public Viewing at the Paradise Building in Jonesboro. 

The Life Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 4th, at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, with Interment following at the Shady Grove Cemetery in Saline. LA>