Taylor Witherspoon, a Class of 2014, Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate, made her debut in an opera performance on January 16-18 at the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans. The Verisom Opera that was titled “Maid of Orleans – Tchaikovsky’s Joan of Arc, Resurrected” featured Taylor singing in Russian. 

After graduating from JHHS, the daughter of Katie Witherspoon gained her degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) in 2019 before completing requirements for a Master’s of Music Degree, specializing in Vocal Performance / Opera at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA in 2022.

In March of 2023, Witherspoon became a vocalist for Opera Festa Singers, with whom she has made many performances in the New Orleans area. while also working for the National World War II Museum. In February of 2025, she also began performing as a vocalist at St. Rita Catholic Church.

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Gym

9:00 am – Warriors vs. Bulls (5-6 b/g division)
9:45 am – Tigers vs. MLC (5-6 b/g division)
10:30 am – Lakers vs. Mustangs (7-9 girls division)
11:15 am – Sparks vs. Dolphins (7-9 girls division)
12:00 pm – Magic vs Nets (7-8 boys division)
12:45 pm – Lakers vs. Pelicans ( 7-8 boys division)

JHHS High School Girls Gym

9:00 am – Bulls vs. Magic (9-10 boys division)
9:45 am – Thunder vs. Pelicans (9-10 boys division)

JHHS High School Boys Gym

9:00 am – Pelicans vs. Lakers (13-14 boys division)
9:45 am – Tar Heels vs. Spurs (13-14 boys division)
10:30 am – Lakers vs. Pelicans (11-12 boys division)
11:15 am – Warriors vs. Bucks (11-12 boys division)
12:00 pm – Fever vs. Wings (11-13 girls division)
12:45 pm – Sparks vs. Bobcats (11-13 girls division)

Youth Basketball League Standings

Age 13-14 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Spurs	4	0
Tarheels	3	2
Lakers	1	3
Pelicans	1	4

Age 11-13 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Fever	5	0
Wings	3	2
Bobcats	2	3
Sparks	0	5

Age 11-12 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Warriors	4	1
Lakers	3	2
Pelicans	3	2
Bucks	0	5

Age 9-10 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Thunder	4	1
Bulls	4	1
Magic	2	3
Pelicans	0	5

Age 7-10 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Dolphins	4	0
Mustangs	2	2
Lakers	1	3
Sparks	1	3

Age 7-8 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Pelicans	3	0
Lakers	3	1
Nets	1	3
Magic	0	3

Age 5-6 Division (Boys & Girls)

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES	TIES
Bulls	3	0	1
Tigers	3	0	1
MLC	1	3	0
Warriors	0	4	0

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Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death, studying fine arts.

He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time, he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other, they bickered, as most siblings do, but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive.

He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting.

When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.”

In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist.

Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely.

For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

 

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Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

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Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mousetrap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are always looking to make improvements and advancements with regard to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s a great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan, and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Steve Graf

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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.

Robert Harmon (Chatham, LA) – Battery of a Dating Partner
Robert S. Banks (Chatham, LA) – DWI Second Offense, Careless Operation
April Brooks (Jonesboro, LA) – Misdeameanor Theft, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
James Hill Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule III with Intent to Distribute
Jaleel E. Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
Latherrio D. Gray (Jonesboro, LA) -Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Ju’Korian Andrews (Jonesboro, LA) – 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy
Russell Tucker (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on Theft Charge
Zachary Boone (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of more than $1,000.00, Identity Theft
Dolester Magee (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Taking Contraband to/from a Penal Institution
Brandon M. Werner (Springfield, MO) – 1st Degree Rape, Child Sexual Abuse Materials under the age of 13, Involving a juvenile offender over the age of 17
Jimmie D. Amos (Jonesboro, LA) – 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Distribution of Methamphetamine
John R. Burgess (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Monterio Amos (Jonesboro, LA) – Outside Agency Warrant on Failure to Appear on Resisting an Officer Charge
Raymond Caldwell (Choudrant, LA) – Burn Ban Violation

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 the content.

SHERIFF’S SALE

Parish of Jackson
State of Louisiana

GUARANTY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF DELHI
vs 37958
ADMC PROPERTIES, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21st day of JANUARY 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property, to wit:

LOT ONE (1) OF BLOCK “B” OF THE J.D. JEFFRESS ADDITION NO. TWO (2) TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO AS PER PLAT OF RECORD IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash, WITH the benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

SHERIFF’S SALE

Parish of Jackson
State Of Louisiana

GUARANTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY OF DELHI
vs 37878
AM PROPERTIES & INVESTMENTS, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21ST day of JANUARY, 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

THOSE CERTAIN PIECES, PARCELS OF TRACTS OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS SITUATED THEREUPON, ALL APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS SITUATED AND LOCATED IN THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEARING THE MUNICIPAL ADDRESS OF: 869 FIREWOOD ROAD, JONESBORO, LOUISIANA 71251, AND BEING MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

LOT 22 OF THE SOUTH HIGHLAND SUBDIVISION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, AS MORE FULLY SHOWN ON THAT SURVEY SHOWING SOUTH HIGHLAND SUBDIVISION, PREPARED BY U.S. ROANE, C.E., DATED OCTOBER 26, 1956, RECORDED AT CONVEYANCE BOOK 90, PAGE 428, ACQUIRED AND FILED ON JULY 29, 1970, IN COB 136, PAGE 202, RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.
ALSO:
BEGINNING AT THE SW CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4, SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AND RUNNING DUE EAST 243 FEET TO THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD RUNNING NORTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST THROUGH SAID FORTY, THENCE RUN N13 DEGREES 45' EA DISTANCE OF 350 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING THENCE RUN DUE EAST 150 FEET; THENCE RUN IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION PARALLEL WITH THE ABOVE ROAD 100 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE WEST 150 FEET OR A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO INTERSECT THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE ABOVE ROAD; THENCE RUN IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION ALONG AND WITH THE RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO
INTERSECT THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
ALSO:
LOT NUMBER SIX (6) OF BLOCK ONE (1) OF THE J.D. JEFFRESS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, LOUISIANA.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendants and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash, WITH the benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Business Services

BUSINESS SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Chatham Regular Call Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2026

The Village of Chatham held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order, and a roll call was taken. The following were present: Mayor Gregory Harris, council members Bernadine James, Sue Proffer, and Toni Malone
Motion to approve minutes from regular meeting held on December 09, 2026, was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to pay monthly bills was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to postpone Ordinance 2026-0, rezoning, was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to Postpone Building Permit was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to accept financial statements was made by Toni Malone, seconded by Bernadine James, and approved by all.
Motion to adjourn was made by Bernadine James and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.

A BOIL ADVISORY has been issued for those on the Jonesboro Water System east of Leon Drive, effective immediately. The notice was issued at 3:34 pm on Monday, January 19th, by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike Harris, after it was discovered that a six-inch water main on Holley Drive was broken, causing a possible problem in microbiological quality.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System. It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means: Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise. The Water System will rescind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.

Thank you, Town of Jonesboro

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(JPSO Report) – As a result of continued investigative efforts by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jonesboro Police Department, additional information and evidence were developed in the homicide case of a local juvenile.

Based on that information, arrest warrants were obtained for the arrest of Jimmy Don Amos of Jonesboro for First Degree Murder (La. R.S. 14:30) and Criminal Conspiracy (La. R.S. 14:26).

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Amos was arrested pursuant to those warrants. He was also additionally booked on a separate warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, with a bond set at $200,000.00. He is being held without bond on the homicide-related charges.

This investigation remains ongoing. No further details are being released at this time. Updates will be provided if additional information becomes available and appropriate for release.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact authorities by coming to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, located at 150 Old Winnfield Road in Jonesboro, or by calling (318)259-9021.

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through:
Crime Stoppers of North Delta
(318) 388-CASH (2274)
• Crime Stoppers of North Delta website
• P3 Tips mobile app

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

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce held its regular monthly meeting, where new officers and board members for 2026 were elected. Incoming officers and board members for the new year are as shown below.

Director – Kim Whitman
President – Eric Borland
Vice President – Danielle Copeland
Secretary – Lana Smith
Treasurer – Sandra Plunkett
Board Member – Charlotte Odom
Board Member – Austin Ballot

“We are excited to have you serving with us and helping lead the Chamber forward.
Your time, support, and dedication to our businesses and community are truly appreciated. We look forward to working together to strengthen Jackson Parish and support growth across our parish.” – Kim Whitman, Director

Acknowledging Departing Members

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce thanks John Williams, Carla Smith, and Randy Layfield for their many years of service on the Chamber Board. Their dedication, leadership, and hard work have helped shape the Chamber and strengthen our community.

“We are grateful for their countless hours, guidance, and passion for Jackson Parish,” said Director Kim Whitman. “Their initiatives and programs have left a lasting impact on local businesses and residents. They mentored new leaders and built collaboration among members and their positive energy and commitment to service set a standard for excellence within the Chamber. We wish them success in all future endeavors and hope they remain engaged with the Chamber as friends, supporters, and members.”

Thank You for Your Service! 

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The Village of Chatham Council members held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13th, in the conference room of the Chatham City Hall, located at 1709 Oak Street in Chatham. 

After Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris called the meeting to order, a short agenda was discussed and acted on by council members Bernadine James, Sue Proffer, and Toni Malone.

The session began with minutes from the regular meeting held on December 09, 2025, being approved and monthly bills being paid, followed by the decision to postpone the adoption of Ordinance 2026-0 (rezoning) and a building permit. 

In a final act, the acceptance of the financial statements was made before the meeting was adjourned

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It was “break out the broom” time for area high schools in the Jackson Parish Journal coverage area during the latter part of the past week. For Quitman and Saline High Schools, the “sweeps” were on the positive side as both the girls and boys squads won their contests. For JHHS and Weston High School, they would have liked it better if the brooms had stayed in the closet.  

Quitman wins District 1B Openers

Both the girls and boys teams set new team season standards in the District 1B opening wins over Doyline, with the girls holding Doyline to a new defensive points allowed mark in the 46-11 victory, and the boys scored their most points of the year in the 97-80 win. With the “double-dip,” the Lady Wolverines’ fourth game in the last five to improve to 14-7 on the year, while the QHS boys stretched their winning streak to 12 in a row to up their season mark to 16-4, which gives the Wolverines a #4 ranking in Class B. 

Quitman 97 Doyline 80 (boys): Three players topped the 20-point mark, led by Brayden Martin with 28 points. Close behind were Taden Thomas with 26 points and Brayden Smith, who had a “double-double” with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Abel Leach chipped in with 9 points and 10 boards, and Asher Schultz added 8 points. Shane Reed also scored 4 points to round out the scoring, where the two teams combined for 177 points, one of the highest combined point totals in north Louisiana this year. 

Quitman 62 Doyline 11 (girls): A new season high, 14 players scored as head coach Kyle Leach emptied his bench after the Lady Wolverines scored the first 13 points of the game, which led to a 51-7 advantage at the end of three quarters. Hallie Kate Pullig led the way with 10 points, followed closely behind by Anna Claire Leach and Allie Robertson, who scored 8 points each, bolstered by a pair of three pointers. Emma Walker scored 7, Kalisa Hall added six, and Taylor Borland scored four points. Lily Jones made her first three-pointer of the season, and Keely Davis equaled her season high with three points. Avery Halsey scored her first two points of the year, while Sophia Kleibert, Ella Simonelli, Breelyn Boone and Kinsley Ponder all added a basket each. 

JHHS Loses Pair to Mangham

In their next-to-last games before district 1-1A play begins, both the Jonesboro-Hodge girls and boys fell to visiting Mangham, with the Lady Tigers falling 61-36 and J-H boys losing by a 64-38 margin. With their 3rd loss in a row, the JH girls saw their season record drop to 9-13 and their power ranking dip to #21 in Division IV among “non-select” schools. For the Tigers, who fell to 3-17 on the year, it was their fourth loss in a row and 9th in the last 10 games.

Mangham 64 JHHS 38 (boys): After JHHS played Mangham close to a 25-21 deficit after two quarters of play, the Dragons outscored the Tigers 39-17 in the second half to run away with the easy victory. King Campbell and Dylan Hayes led JHHS in scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Jaquan Qualls finished with 9 points. Derrimie Malone finished with five and Gregory Howard added a basket. 

Mangham 61 JHHS 36 (girls): Playing their third straight game against schools with a winning record resulted in three losses in a row after five straight victories, as the Lady Tigers continued to struggle to find points. Neesha Johnson led JHHS with 13 points, while Samone Mallard had 9 and both Sanaa Tatum and Jalenya Jackson had 8 points each as only four Lady Tigers scored in the contest. 

Weston Winless in Bossier City

The longest road trip of the year proved to be a tough one for Weston as both the girls and boys teams fell to Providence Classical Academy on Thursday, with the girls losing 47-35 and the boys losing a heartbreaker by a 50-49 margin. With the pair of defeats, the Lady Wolves saw their record drop to 13-8 while the WHS boys saw their two game winning streak go to the wayside and fall to 9-13 on the year. 

PCA 50 Weston 49 OT(boys): Colton Otwell gave Weston a 49-47 late lead, but after a timeout, Providence Classical Academy made a three-pointer as time was winding down to steal the victory in the Wolves first overtime game of the year. After being behind  13-10 after the first period and 23-22 at the half, the Wolves took a 34-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter, which ended with the two teams tied at 44 apiece. 

PCA 47 Weston 35 (girls): Despite winning the 4th quarter by a 16-11 margin, scoring troubles early turned out to be too big a hill to climb as Weston managed only 19 points in the first three quarters, which was the same number of points Providence Classical Academy scored in the third quarter alone. Kate Keiffer scored 12 points and Gracie Gray added 9 on the night that the Lady Wolves hit only 12 of 45 shots (27%) and missed all five of their 3-point attempts. Teegan Hall finished with 7 points while Rachel Bandy, Carlynn Waters, and Carly Jo Griffin all scored two points each. Ada Claire Tidwell hit a free throw to round out Weston’s scoring. 

Saline Sweeps Georgetown

In a battle of two of the 4th and 5th-ranked teams in Class C,  Saline was the host with the most in the 56-43 victory that stretched the winning streak to a season best four games and improved the Bobcats record to 15-10 while saddling Georgetown with just their 4th loss in 24 games. The Lady Bobcats also set a new season best winning streak at three straight and climbed above the .500 mark with a 13-12 record by turning in a season best defensive performance in the 47-16 victory. It was the “dynamic duo” of Eli Ferguson and Gavin Dailey, both of whom have eclipsed the 1000 career point barrier in the past couple of weeks, who led the Bobcats in scoring with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Jackson Bougues also came up big with 8 points, Hayden Laborde added 6, and both Conner Roberts and Elijah Calloway finished with three points apiece. Brayden Robinson sank a free throw to round out the scoring for Saline, which is now #4 in the Class C power rankings. No individual scoring was submitted for the Lady Bobcats. 

Local Elementary Action

Quitman 18 JHES 6 (girls): Lily Tolar scored 10 points, and Savannah Porter added 8 as Quitman Elementary won for the fourth time in six games. D’Allyua Boston and Addison Evans scored two points each, and both Ava Palmer and Jonnailah Anderson sank a free throw for Jonesboro-Hodge, which fell to 0-3 on the season, having lost twice to Quitman and once to Weston Elementary. 

Quitman 47 JHES 11 (boys): Bently Ponder poured in 18 points to lead QES to their 6th straight victory to start the season. Sutton Vail chipped in with 8 points and both Andrew Seymore and Koplen Taylor finished with 6 points each. Ja’Mikal  Hall scored 5 points while Clay Burton and Jaycob Rogers tallied two points apiece. Messiah Beard paced the JHES scoring attack with 4 points followed closely behind by Noah Martin who finished with three points. Bryce Martin and Carson Knox scored two points each for the Tiger Cubs who fell for the third time in three games. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The month of January is recognized as National School Board Recognition Monday and in celebration, the Jackson Parish School District is spotlighting Rick Barlow, District 3 Representative and current Vice President of the Jackson Parish School Board.

In his 2 years of service, Mr. Barlow has brought a thoughtful perspective and a strong work ethic to the board, helping guide decisions that support student success and strengthen our school district.

“We appreciate his commitment to the future of public education in Jackson Parish. Thank you, Mr. Barlow, for your time and service to our community!”
– Jackson Parish School District

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Main Street Nutrition, located at 520 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro as the Business of the Month!

Shane and Amy Kelley (owners) bought the business in June 2023, and they have been thriving ever since. They have a great menu to choose from, which includes breakfast and daily specials, and you definitely want to try one of their loaded teas!
Stop in and visit with Mrs. Amy and her staff—Main Street Nutrition also has a sitting area for you to enjoy your order.

Hours of operation are:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

 

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The Jackson Parish Library Board of Controls will hold its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday. The session will begin at 4:30 pm in the McBride Room of the Main Branch, located at 614 South Polk in Jonesboro.

Items on the agenda for board members Paula Essmeier, Paula Jenkins, Judy Cooper, Robin Tew, Lisa Nunn, Carol Massey (President), Ann Standley and Jackson Parish Policy Jury Ex-Officio representative Lewis Chatham to discuss and consider are as follows. 

Approval of Minutes
Review and adopt the minutes from the November 7, 2025 board meeting.

Report of Director: Statistical and Financial
Review and adopt the 4th quarter financial reports
Review and adopt the October, November, December, and 2025 statistical reports

New Business
Discuss and act on electing officers for the 2026 Library Board of Control
Nominations for President
Nominations for Vice-President
Nominations for Treasurer
Discuss and act on adopting resolutions for the elected officers’ signatures to be added to the signature cards for the Library’s special fund bank accounts (if changes are necessary)
Discuss and act on appointing a Trail Blazer representative for Jackson Parish Library
Consider and act on setting 2026 meeting dates, time, and location
Consider and act on the adoption of the 2026 library holiday schedule
Consider and act on accepting bids for internet (2026-2027 ERATE proposals)
Discuss and act on staffing needs

Unfinished Business

Other Business/ Announcements
Committee assignments will be sent out by the Board President
Ethics and Sexual Harassment

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Floyd Knox at (318) 259-5697.

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The standard of excellence portrayed by the Quitman High School softball team over the past several years has drawn attention not only among players and coaches across the state but also the media as well. 

This past week, QHS head coach Justin Dodson sat down with 446 Sports out of Alexandria, LA, for a segment that was aired on The Pelican Softball Report that previewed the upcoming 2026 high school season.

In the interview, Dodson, who has led the Lady Wolverines to back-to-back state championships, spoke about his team’s chances of making it a “three-peat” and discussed how the team has reached the pinnacle of “small school” softball, including speaking about the players on the team and those who have helped QHS become the power it is today.

To see the segment that was aired on January 14th, click here.   

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The Jonesboro-Hodge High School Agriscience Department thanks Weyerhaeuser Industry in Dodson, Louisiana, for graciously donating 2x8x16 and 2x4x16 lumber for projects they are working on.

“Special thanks to Rodney Watts, his bosses, and the fabulous crew at Weyerhauser!
Also, thank you to Kernel Brown and Ivan Dalgaard for picking up the second load,” said JHHS Ag Dept. Director Angela Shows.

Pictured below are some students unloading the wood.

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In a time when the cost of running a school program has skyrocketed, organizations must find ways to raise money to help cover the associated costs. One way schools help offset these costs is by hosting fundraising events, and you are asked to show your support by participating in the fundraisers shown below. By participating, it is a win-win proposition as the schools benefit, and you may win a tremendous prize. 

Weston High School Softball Team Fundraiser

Quitman High School FFA Fundraiser

The Quitman High School FFA Chapter is conducting a 1/2 steer fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be held on February 27th. Processing is scheduled for early March, and the winner will be able to have it custom-processed. This is a great value to feed the family, friends, etc. Tickets are available by going to the QHS office or by contacting a QHS FFA member.

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The 2025-26 LHSAA prep basketball season has brought many highlights for fans of high schools in the Jackson Parish Journal coverage area. Among those are the never-before-accomplished achievements of having four area prep basketball players reach the 1000 career point milestone in the same season. 

Earlier this month, Gavin Dailey of Saline High School was recognized for reaching the rare mark. Now, three more area players, Anna Claire Leach and Brayden Smith of Quitman High School and Eli Ferguson of Saline High, are being recognized for joining the 1000-point club. 

With all three having scored over 300 points this season alone, Leach actually eclipsed the magical 1000 point mark back in November 2025, while Ferguson and Smith became “new millennials” on January 10th and 13th, respectively. 

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This past week, the Shawn Murphy State Farm Agency recognized local pharmacists through a Facebook post, in celebration of National Pharmacy Day, which took place on January 12th.  

“Please note that all of us at the Shawn Murphy – State Farm Insurance Agency – Shawn, Debra, Latonya, Kaitlyn, and Alexis – appreciate you, your long hours, and your dedication to serving our people. You are needed and loved!”

Murphy and staff also recognized another pharmacist from South Louisiana as well. Why would an insurance agency from Jonesboro pay homage to a Pharmacist from South Louisiana, and why is this news relating to Jackson Parish?

The reason is that Prejean is the brother-in-law of Shawn Murphy, having married his sister Shana, and son-in-law of Martha Murphy and the late T.D. “Doc” Murphy of Jonesboro.

Murphy not only was paying homage to “kin folk” but also noted that Prejean deserves recognition for his recent act of benevolence and compassion, going above and beyond the call of duty, as reported in a Drugstorenews.com article, which is shown below. 

Keith Prejean Gives His Time to a Lonely Patient in Need

The retail pharmacy is full of stories about pharmacists who go the extra mile for their patients. Keith Prejean, a pharmacist at an Albertsons in Lake Charles, La., went about 147 miles—each way—for one of his.

When Prejean learned that the patient had an appointment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and no way to get there, Prejean rented a car and drove him there himself on his day off. (Prejean drives an older truck and had planned on using his wife’s car, but she was going to be out of town that day, and he wanted the patient to be comfortable.)

“I could see he was in a tough spot,” said Prejean. “My sister always says, ‘Keith, you just can’t say no to someone who needs help,’ and that’s something I’ve taken to heart.”

Prejean, who credited his Catholic upbringing with teaching him to be of help to those in need, said he turned down the man’s offer to pay for the ride. The patient, who is elderly and uses a motorized cart to get around, did make him some cheese-wrapped peppers as a gesture of appreciation, however.

The patient has family members in other parts of the country, and his network of friends in the Lake Charles area has either died or moved away, Prejean said.

“Loneliness can affect many people, especially those who live alone,” said Prejean.

Prejean has since taken the man to the hospital a second time, he said, and he has heard from the patient’s sister, who thanked him for helping out.

“This is just something that happened, and I’m thankful I could do it,” said Prejean. “For me, this wasn’t about doing something extraordinary. It was simply the right thing to do.”

Prejean, who has been a pharmacist since 1987 and has been with Albertsons for 23 years, said getting to know his patients is one of the things he enjoys most about being a pharmacist.

“We often chat with customers about everything from their families and friends to their pets; it’s part of what makes the job so rewarding,” he said. “I truly value the opportunity to be helpful, whether it’s discussing potential drug interactions, recommending over-the-counter products, or looking up information to support their health needs.”

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Jackson Parish School District Administrators descended on Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School on January 14th to judge the entries for the state float project by the 6th and 7th-grade classes taught by Mrs. Wimberly.

The hoe box-sized entries prove the incredible creativity and talent that the local junior high students possess. Congratulations to all the entrants. See below for a sample of the floats that were entered. 

 

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One of the great joys of ministry is baptizing infants. We Methodists believe that God does the baptizing—we’re just the human instruments of His gracious activity. And because we’re Methodists, we’re so laid back about it that we offer the full buffet: immersion, sprinkling, and the mysterious middle option known as affusion.

If you’ve never seen affusion, imagine a college prank that somehow wandered into the sanctuary and got canonized. For the uninitiated, affusion is simply pouring water over the candidate’s head. It’s the liturgical equivalent of someone saying, “Hold still, this won’t hurt… probably.”

Most babies are adorable, and I love holding them for those few sacred moments. But sometimes the baptismal waters are troubled. One Sunday, little Junior had a pacifier in his mouth. Before I took him from his mother, she reached in and pulled the pin.

Now, taking a pacifier from a baby and pulling the pin on a grenade share certain similarities. In both cases, you brace yourself, because the next sound you hear will not be angelic.

Some infants, on the other hand, fall asleep in my arms mid-baptism. They’re so peaceful and precious. I’ve been in ministry long enough that those sleeping cherubs are now full members of the church—and they still fall asleep in my arms, only now it’s during the sermon.

So the next time you see a brother or sister snoozing in the pew, feel free to wonder whether they slept through their baptism too. And remember: every one of them was once a cute baby… or at least someone said they were.

But here’s the part that stops me in my tracks: many of the infants I’ve baptized recently will live to see the year 2100. I will not. They will witness things we can’t imagine.

Think of the changes you’ve seen in your lifetime. Technology evolves so fast that it makes your head spin. A decade ago, we were introduced to the smartphone. Before that, our phones were not very bright. They were basically pocket bricks that could call your mama and maybe play Snake if you were lucky. Now they can do everything except fold the laundry—and I’m sure that’s coming.

So the next time you see an infant, be amazed. You are looking at someone who will experience a century you will never see. Pray for them. Pray that they inherit a world shaped more by compassion than conflict. Pray that our technology builds community instead of tearing it apart. Pray that they grow up knowing peace and knowing the astonishing power human beings have to love one another.

Because the future they will live in is the future we hand them. Through them, you and I get to touch a world beyond our years. That’s worth pondering the next time you’re in the presence of a child.

Maybe that’s why this story is in the sacred text:

Parents brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them. The disciples tried to shoo them away—because apparently, even in the first century, church people were good at gatekeeping. But Jesus was having none of it. He said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. The Kingdom belongs to such as these.” And then He gathered them up, placed His hands on their tiny heads, and blessed them.

Pray for a child.

They hold the keys to the kingdom.

And they hold the future we will never see—but God will.

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On Wednesday, January 14, the JHES 2025-26 Elementary Student of the Year and the 2026-27 Prospective Elementary Student of the Year candidates traveled to the University of Louisiana at Monroe for post-secondary insight.

The college experience included a glance at various areas of study, organizations, and athletic programs, as well as meeting ULM President Carrie L. Castille. The campus tour ended with a tasty lunch in the dining hall!

Representing JHES was:
Tytus Campbell, 4th Grader, Prospective 26-27 Student of the Year
Oliver Cox, 4th Grader, Prospective 26-27 Student of the Year
Tyler Newton, Jr., 4th Grader, Prospective 26-27 Student of the Year
Sophia Higgins, 5th Grader, 25-26 J-HES Student of the Year

“It is an honor to partner with United Way Region 8. I appreciate their efforts to expose our students to post-secondary pathways so that they can make informed and purposeful choices in their pathway to adult success. Preparation begins as early as the elementary level!” Ms. Copeland, Principal.

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