Standing in line for more than two hours in a receiving line at the funeral home, not just standing in line but moving in line and sharing in line and encouraging in line — living in line — gives you time to think.
For starters, even though you don’t know everyone in line and they don’t know you, you feel a part of a greater good, a part of the force that was this life and this family you are here to honor. This one life, in ways special to each of us, touched all these people and hundreds more who couldn’t be here.
The emotional mix is stunning: the uncomfortable feeling of loss and unfairness, and at the same time gratitude for being able to count among your friends this life that radiated a deep and unselfish goodness.
It’s early spring and yet so many are going through a storm. There will always be storms but if you live long enough, they will now and then come one right after the other and you can’t keep the pieces all picked up, for yourself or for your friends. You are tying but more pieces keep falling. Breaking.
Mercy at the loss lately, and the threat of more loss. It all combines to remind me how little control we have, and how I am blind at times to things I do have control over. Which is pathetic. Sad. I am waiting in line to hug the family of a friend who was a master of doing the little things. I’m not sure he even thought so much about it. He just did them. He was aware that he had control over these little actions. He knew they made the difference.
And the difference is real, because all these people are around me. To thank him.
You can make someone happier today. You can. It might be paying for coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive-thru, or it might be calling an old friend, or thanking your Sunday school teacher, or the custodian who keeps your building clean, or the boss who signs the checks.
You ever color a picture and send it to someone for no reason? I do. It’s stupid. But it’s a surprise, and they’ll always call to thank you, because for one moment an ordinary day held a silly surprise for them, and only heaven knows how those kinds of things make a difference, but they do.
I’ve heard these things called “the smallest acts of love.” Remind someone how strong they’ve been. Compliment them for whatever makes them them. Praise. Encourage. Smile. These little things add up.
Our friend we lost, he did lots of big things. Beautiful things. He made the world prettier, literally. But when I think of him — and this has been for years, not just now — I am always left with how he made me feel. He had plenty to do but when we were together, he was present. Honest. Funny without meaning to be because he was just him. A friend.
We are all just people but somehow, we have the gift inside that, if we share it, has the potential to help a sister or brother over the next hill. The smallest thing, if it’s real, can be the thing that holds up, can be the stuff that works. The smallest thing can make a difference.
And that’s when, in the middle of the storms, the miracles show up. In the smallest, most sincere acts. One thoughtful moment, one honest ear to listen or hand to hold. Be present and be ready. We need you. You can make the difference that makes the difference for someone today, and the difference for today can make the difference for forever.
The local long arm of the law and the Harrell gang combined to claim the second Tuesday Scramble of the year, setting a new low scoring total along the way.
Tim Ducote, RD Johnson, Paul Trosclair, all current or former members of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office along with DJ Harrell and Dewayne Harrell, better known as “Snook,” fired a round of 9-under par (27) to take the victory.
Each Tuesday throughout the spring and summer, the Jackson Parish Golf Course (JPGC) will be hosting the always entertaining event that is played in scramble format by four, five or sometimes six man teams depending on the number of entrants.
To register in advance call the JPGC at (318) 259 – 7247 or visit the course located at 524 Club House Drive in Jonesboro, which is just off of Hwy 147 North. Registration must be receive at least 30 minutes prior to tournament tee time.
The Jackson Parish School District will host a 30-hour, pre-service training for school bus drivers on June 12-15. This course is required in order to become a licensed/certified school bus driver. Anyone interested in applying for a position as a substitute, activity, or regular route driver must have this training.
The course will begin at 8:00am and end at 4:00pm each day at Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS). There is no cost to current Jackson Parish School Board (JPSB) employees or those seeking employment with the JPSB. The cost for the training for individuals out of the parish is $125.00.
For more information or to register please contact:
David Brown david.brown@jpsbschools.us Jackson Parish School Board 315 Pershing Hwy Jonesboro, LA 71251 (318) 475-1910
Many have become enthusiastic and loyal viewers of Jeopardy.
You might think Jeopardy is a TV game show of whit, knowledge, memory and trivia.
That’s accurate; yet, playing on Jeopardy and being in jeopardy have little in common.
Jeopardy brings to mind another old television program.
Lost in Space had a close knit relationship between a talking robot and boy Will Robinson. Each time the robot sensed Will was in jeopardy it cried out; ‘Danger Will Robinson!’
Put yourself in the place of Jesus’ disciples. They were in danger of capsizing their ship.
“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him (Luke 8:22-25 KJV).”
To have published your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Advertisements for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Public Notices, and Legal Notices – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates!
HELP WANTED
Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – Full time Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic and EMT positions available. For more information call JPASD Director Aaron Johnson at 318-259-2877. Resumes can be emailed to: jacksonparishambulance@jpasd.com or sent by regular mail to: JPASD, attn: Aaron Johnson, 115 Watts St., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Jackson Parish Police Jury – Openings for an Operator 1 position at the Solid Waste Department and a Mechanic 1 position at the Road Department. Applications can be found on the Jackson Parish Police Jury Website, or by visiting the Administration Department at 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be accepted through March 24, 2023. (For description of jobs see below in Public Notices)
Globe Life Insurance – Sales position available for motivated self starter to represent the Family Heritage Division that offers supplemental Life, Cancer, Heart, Stroke, ICU and Accident policies. To learn more contact Regional Director, Jamie Antley, at 318-488-1218 or send email to jamiefamheritage@gmail.com
FOR SALE
Book – “100-year history of JHHS football” Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206.
Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REQUEST FOR BIDS: The Jackson Parish Recreation District is looking for a vendor to run the concession stand for the upcoming baseball season. If you want to submit a proposal or have questions, contact Tommy Smith at 318-737-8493.
Veteran’s Affairs Office Open: The Veteran’s Affairs Office, located at 322 6th Street in Jonesboro, is open on Tuesday and Wednesday each week from 9:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Representative, Mr. Gary Poole, can be reached at 318-259-2100 or by email at gary.poole@la.gov
PUBLIC / LEGAL NOTICES
The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position
Please submit all applications to Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.
POSITION: Mechanic I DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department
Description: Under close supervision, the Road Department Mechanic I is a skilled position responsible for performing minor and major repairs on automobiles, trucks, heavy trucks, tractors, heavy equipment, and related departmental equipment. Assignments are made orally or in the form of written work orders.
Minimum Qualifications: • Must be 18 years of age. • High school diploma, or equivalent, required. • Class A Commercial Driver’s License preferred. • ASE certified or two (2) years experience at the journey level, working with diesel engines, heavy trucks, and equipment, or three (3) years experience as an auto mechanic. • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently. • Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions. • Can understand and follow oral and written instructions. • Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders. • Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Basic Responsibilities: • The Mechanic is responsible for performing all types of routine maintenance and service duties on equipment, including repair work on engines, transmissions, differentials, electrical systems, front ends, and minor tune-ups. Arc welding, Mig Welding, and Acetylene Cutting with torch and plasma cutting. • Road tests vehicles and confirms complaints, checks malfunctions, and determines necessary repair needs using experience and the use of various testing equipment and tools. • Changes oil and oil filters, air filters, hydraulic filters, etc. on gas and diesel equipment. • Greases truck chassis, wheel bearings, and end equipment moving parts. • Performs repair work on small gasoline engines. Able to operate a chainsaw and weed eater. • Repairs and adjusts brakes and clutches; replace brake linings and cylinders. • Performs hydraulic systems repairs on trucks and equipment. • Repairs flat tires and performs all related tasks incumbent to this endeavor. • Uses manual and power equipment for breaking down and balancing of tires. • Operates service/lube truck and performs maintenance duties on equipment. • Performs routine maintenance work of vehicle air conditioning systems. • Inspects and repairs suspension systems on automobiles and trucks. • Tracks all warranty work available for equipment. • Maintains all shop records, work orders, purchase orders, shop inventory, and shop work scheduling. • Performs proper pre-start and daily maintenance and service of equipment including lubrication, changing tires, making minor adjustments and repairs, and cleaning. • Requires a thorough knowledge of general maintenance requirements of various pieces of light to heavy motorized equipment. • Services, changes tires and cutting blades, cleans machines including trucks, and makes minor adjustments. • Recognizes and diagnoses equipment malfunctions or complicated services needs and reports to Supervisor. • May be required to lift equipment, tools, or any combination in excess of 100 pounds. • Skilled in the use of tools and the operation of machines and equipment used in automobile repair and maintenance. • Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Police Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures. • Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury. • Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety • Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.
Detailed Job Description available upon request.
The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position.
Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.
POSITION: Operator I DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department
Description: Under close supervision, the Solid Waste Department Operator I is a semi-skilled to skilled position consisting of equipment operation, manual labor, and maintenance repair of various pieces of light and heavy motorized equipment and trucks used in solid waste management, maintenance, inclement weather, and other generalized work. Incumbent may be used as a relief operator on equipment of a higher class if qualified and trained.
Minimum Qualifications: • In good standing as an employee in current position • Class B CDL Driver’s License required; progression towards Class A CDL a plus
Basic Responsibilities: • Primarily operates trackhoe/packer located at the Solid Waste Landfill. • Directs compact trucks and the public to the proper dumping areas in the landfill. • Packs and tarps the garbage in the trailers and prepares the trailers to be transported to the Union Parish Landfill. • Keeps the wall area washed and clean. • Cleans out drains and bins, when necessary. • Monitors the water transport and hauls and empties, when necessary. • Picks up general litter and debris around the landfill, keeping it clean and organized. • Cross-trained on all Operator II positions; prepared and able to operate any and all equipment used at the landfill. • Serves as a backup for the Specialty Equipment Operator (Compact Truck), if qualified, trained, and licensed and Operator I and II positions, if necessary (at the appropriate set-up rate). • Physically present to perform the duties of the position. • Performs walkaround safety checks at the beginning of every day noting any deficiencies found on equipment and report to Supervisor. • Complete daily paperwork noting equipment and materials used each day and daily equipment forms. • Must have good working knowledge of equipment and safety habits. • Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and cleanup of the solid waste landfill and off-site bin sites in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
Detailed Job Description available upon request.
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply Notice
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply Noticeis currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the HAA5 standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly HAA5 sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the first quarter of 2023 show that the system’s current HAA5 LRAAs are 69 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 66 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of HAA5 standards.
Water Sector Program has approved UIL to receive grant funding for the design improvements to the water system. The upgrades include the installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter to reduce HAA5 concentration. The project is in the bidding process. Construction and purchasing materials will begin once the public bid and contract are complete. UIL continues to work with the engineering firm and has kept LDH informed of our progress.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.
NOTICE OF PERMIT TO SALE
VILLAGE OF EAST HODGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2023
On the above date Mayor Hal Mims and Council met at 6:00 P.M. Present: Mayor Hal Mims, Council Members Robert Bradley and Preston Traxler. Absent: Council Member Gloria Moore The meeting was called to order by the Mayor with Prayer and Pledge. Visitors: None Amendment to Agenda: Authorize Mayor to use money from the American Rescue Fund to pay Cherokee Contracting $6,383.00 and Industrial Research $1,085.00. Approval of Agenda: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler Approval of January 2023 Minutes: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler Old Business: None New Business: Authorize Mayor Mims to use money from the American Rescue Fund to pay Cherokee Contracting $6,383.00 and Industrial Research $1,085.00: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler Adjournment: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler.
In a close race, Eric Borland beat Deanna McGee Carter by a 111-93 margin to claim the seat of District D Justice of the Peace. The election that was held on Saturday, March 25th, was the only race to be decided in Jackson Parish.
In other elections in neighboring parishes, all five propositions on the ballot was voted in by residents of the city of Ruston and Winn Parish voters overwhelming voted to approve a 1% S&U Tax Renewal for the next 10 years
The Quitman softball team has had many “feel good” wins this season. After all when you are 21-4 on the year, obviously most of the season has gone your way. As good as the 2023 campaign has been, no stretch of games has proved the uplifting dividends and emotional feedback as the five days just completed has.
Not to discount the many victories over top-ranked opponents from higher classifications and almost every expected contender for the Division IV title, it is hard to top beating a team coached by a Jackson Parish softball legend, winning a district title and then sweeping through the tournament that you hosted in front of your fans.
The super stimulating stretch started this past Tuesday with Quitman smashing a solid Minden team, ranked #12 in Division II and coached by former Weston star Shelby Leach, 13-1 on the road. (recap in Jackson Parish Journal, March 22nd edition)
The next day Quitman won their third straight district title by dominating Doyline 12-2 and then followed that up by outdueling Oak Grove 3-1, who sports one of the better pitchers in north Louisiana and a #5 ranking in Division IV in Quitman’s opening contest of the QHS Tourney.
On Saturday, the Lady Wolverines put the icing on the cake by trouncing Class 4A Evangel 12-1 and coming back a few hours later to pounce on Class 5A Parkway by an 8-4 margin. The five victories in five days not only cement Quitman’s claim to the top ranking in Division V but also ran their north Louisiana-best winning streak to 20 in a row.
Quitman 12 Doyline 2: Madison Chaplin walked to first base four times and then sprinted around them all in the bottom of the sixth inning for a three-run homer that put the finishing touches on Quitman’s 12-2 victory over Doyline. The fourth straight “ten run” rule victory and 7th in the last 8 games, clinched a third straight district title for the #1 ranked Lady Wolverines as they ran their current winning streak to 17 in a row and improved their record to 18-4 on the year. Doyline fell to 4-8 with the loss. The four free passes, three coming the hard way after getting plunked, and the second home run in the last five days resulted in Chaplin scoring four runs in a game for the second time this season and driving in four, which is a new season best. The contest featured several players who have gotten limited playing time this season taking advantage of the opportunity to set new milestones this season. Kinsley Ponder walked three times and scored her first run of the year, Katie Lynn Roberts got her first hit of the season and scored a run and Addison Fenn also scored her first run of the year after drawing a base on balls. Quitman batters reached base 21 times by virtue of six hits, 12 walks, and the three-hit batsmen. Marley Bell hit a double and drove in three while Karley Huckaby, Maddie Kay Brymer (RBI), Anna Leach (2RS), and Skylar Hall (RS, SB) all slapped singles. Averie Williams also walked three times, stole two bases, and scored a run as well as pitching the final five innings to earn her first victory of the season. Doyline (4-8, 0-1) 0 1 0 0 0 1 x 2 6 1 Quitman (18-4, 3-0) 1 4 0 2 2 3 x 12 6 1 WP – Williams (1-0), LP – n/a 2B – Bell HR – Chaplin RBI – Chaplin 4, Bell 3, Brymer RS – Chaplin 4, Leach 2, Ponder, Pullig, Fenn, Williams, Hall, Roberts SB – Williams 2, Hall
Quitman 3 Oak Grove 1: (Friday) Head coach Justin Dodson felt that the Lady Wolverines’ opening contest of their tournament played at the JPRD Sports Complex this past weekend would be a low-scoring affair as two of the top pitchers in north Louisiana would be facing each other. He was right.
The vaunted Lady Wolverines offense was held to their second-lowest run total of the year but with Cali Deal striking out 16 and limiting Oak Grove to just one run, Quitman won for the 18th straight time. With the victory, District 1B’s champion and Division V’s top-ranked team improved to 19-4 on the year. Oak Grove, winner of District 2-2A and ranked 6th in Division V, fell to 11-6 overall.
After Deal struck out the side, Madison Chaplin singled to open the Quitman half of the first inning, went to second on a wild pitch, and advanced to third on a groundout. Maggie Guyotte followed with a sacrifice fly to record her north Louisiana leading 45th RBI to give Quitman a 1-0 advantage.
Quitman added two more in the bottom of the third, which proved to be all they would need in the battle between the 2-2A and 1B district champions. Seventh-grade sensation, Hallie Kate Pullig, stroked a double to get the decisive inning started, Chaplin walked and Deal helped her own cause with a single that scored Pullig and advanced Chaplin to third, who later scored on a Maddie Kaye Brymer ground out.
In one of her most proficient exhibitions in the circle this season, Deal threw 80 of her 120 pitches, both new season highs, for strikes leading to her fourth straight game with 10 or more strikeouts and her 12th victory in a row without a loss.
Quitman 12 Evangel 1: (Saturday) Who said 13 is an unlucky number? With Cali Deal striking out 13 and winning her 13th game without a loss, the Lady Wolverines reached the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2015. Quitman put the game away early by scoring six in the first and four in the second as Maggie Guyotte, Madeline Vail, Averie Williams, and Skylar Hall all collected two hits apiece over the four innings of at-bats.
To give Evangel some credit they did manage to keep Quitman from “going yard” for one of the few times this season but the Lady Wolverines still smashed five doubles with Deal hitting a pair and Vail who scored twice also hitting a two-bagger. Hall and Guyotte, who both had 3 RBI in the contest, also joined in the extra base parade. AJ Gray also chipped in with a season-best three runs scored and Karly Huckaby crossed home plate twice.
Quitman 8 Parkway 4 (Saturday) If you followed Quitman this season, you could have predicted what happened. After all when a player has hit 17 home runs in 24 games and had gone four straight without “touching them all” it was bound to happen. And it did! Not once but twice.
Freshmen phenom Maggie Guyotte hit her 18th and 19th home runs of the year and drove in four to give her 52 RBI, both nation-leading totals among 9th graders according to MaxPreps.com, to boost the Lady Wolverines to their 20th straight victory. Her second bomb was not only impressive but timely as the three-run shot in the bottom of the fifth inning broke a 4-4 tie.
That was all Cali Deal, who came on in relief of Guyotte to strike out 8 in 4 2/3 innings, would need to win her 14th straight without a loss this season and third in two days. Madison Chaplin also went deep for her second of the year, scored three runs, stole a base, and had two RBI and Hallie Kate Pullig got a pair of hits. Madeline Vail and Anna Leach scored runs as well.
It was the weekend that wasn’t. Offensive woes continued as Weston got outscored 42-2 and managed only six hits in their three losses in the Quitman Tourney. Sitting at 5-14 on the year, the Lady Wolves are now ranked #28, the final playoff qualifying spot, and need a strong finish over their last five games of the regular season to make the postseason.
Montgomery 15 Weston 0: (Friday) Twelve straight batters reached base before the first out was made and the 3rd ranked team in Division IV batted around twice in the first inning to score 14 runs and ice the game. Weston, which fell to 5-12 on the year, had two batters reach base in the three-inning affair with Josie Irvin hitting a single and Raelynn Shell, who also stole a base, drawing a walk. Montgomery, who later beat Forest 11-0 in their second game of the day for a fourth straight victory, saw their record improve to 16-7.
Parkway 11 Weston 1 (Saturday) Not only did the Lady Wolves have trouble hitting, collecting only three hits on the day, but Weston also had a bad day in the field, committing 11 errors in the five-inning contest. Jacie Ledford’s single drove in Faith Beamesderfer, who also got a hit and stole two bases in the contest, in the top of the third for Weston’s only run. Gracie Mudge had Weston’s other base hit and hard luck losing pitcher Ansley Aldy, who gave up only seven hits and three earned runs, drew a walk as Weston managed to get only four batters on base.
Oak Grove 16 Weston 1: The Lady Wolves played much better defense but Oak Grove was too strong offensively, collecting 16 hits and scoring 9 in the top of the fourth to “ten run” rule Weston. Alaina Trosclair slapped a double and scored, while Ansley Aldy, who took the loss, got Weston’s only other hit in the contest, got hit by a pitch twice, and drove in a run. Oak Grove 3 1 3 9 – 16 11 0 Weston 0 0 1 0 – 1 2 2 WP – Phelps, LP – Aldy (3-11) 2B – Trosclair RBI – Aldy RS – Trosclair
Optimum announces that, due to a significant network and infrastructure upgrade, the company has launched up to 1 Gig internet service in Jonesboro, Hodge, Quitman, North Hodge, and East Hodge, Louisiana. With this launch, Optimum’s full portfolio of products, including internet, mobile, TV, and phone, is available to residents and businesses in these areas for the very first time.
“Optimum is committed to being the connectivity provider of choice in the markets we serve, and we are pleased to launch our full suite of products, backed by our newly built 1 Gig internet network, in Jonesboro, Hodge, Quitman, North Hodge, and East Hodge,” said Leroy Williams, Chief Growth Officer for Optimum. “With ultra-fast internet up to 1 Gig paired with mobile, TV, and home phone services, residents and businesses can rely on Optimum to meet all their connectivity and entertainment needs.”
Optimum’s award-winning internet comes with 99.9% reliability, whole home WiFi coverage with Smart WiFi 6 for seamless streaming, working, gaming and more, built-in security, as well as 24/7 tech support. The company’s Optimum Mobile service is delivered over America’s most awarded 5G network and offers plans starting as low as $15 per month per line. Customers who pair Optimum Internet with Optimum Mobile not only enjoy a seamless connection at home and on the go but can also save up to $15 each month on their internet bill.
Optimum offers a wide range of internet speeds to meet all needs and budgets and also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a subsidy of up to $30 per month to help qualifying households pay for Internet or mobile service.
Residents can visit the Optimum store in nearby Ruston located at 1001 Cooktown Rd., Ruston, LA 71270, call 866.9.OPTIMUM or visit Optimum.com for more information on Optimum products and services.
There’s gonna be a showdown! Quitman and Weston High Schools both won on Thursday to set the stage for a pair of crucial contests against each other this week that will have great bearings on who wins the District 1B baseball title.
The first battle will take place at Quitman on Monday, March 27th. Whoever loses that one will get a chance at redemption just two days later (March 29th) in a rematch at the Jackson Parish Recreation Dept. Sports Complex.
The pair of parish rivals both blasted their respective foes for a second time on Thursday with Quitman crushing Castor 14-3 and Weston whipping Doyline 11-0 to improve to 2-0 in 1B play while dropping both of their opponents to 0-2 and out of the race. The victories were similar to the results from two days before when Quitman beat Castor 11-1 and Weston topped Doyline 13-0.
Jonesboro-Hodge will also be in action on Tuesday, March 28th for the first time in eight days when they will host winless Wossman (0-5), looking to gain their third victory of the season and put an end to a three-game skid.
Weston 11 Doyline 0: Tait Henderson struck out four of the first five batters he faced and allowed only a fourth-inning single to lift Weston to their second straight shutout and third “ten run” rule victory in a row. Offensively the Wolves had 18 batters reach base in four innings via eight hits, eight walks, and two hit batsmen leading to four runs in the first and six more in the second to blow the game open.
Drew Browning led the onslaught with two hits that included a double, stole a base, scored a run, and knocked in a season-best five runs. Bryce Zehr also came up big, scoring three runs, stealing two bases, and collecting two hits for a third straight game that has lifted his batting average from .294 to .344 over the period.
Cole Blundell also contributed by getting on base three times with a single and two walks, scoring a run and knocking in two more. Cole Tolar got a two-base hit and also got hit to reach twice as did Sawyer Watkins who singled and walked and drove in a run. Braden Theriot walked twice, scored twice, and got an RBI and a stolen base while Jacob Gill also coaxed two free passes and scored a run. Cooper Delaney and Henderson, who also added an RBI, both scored a run as well after walking and getting a hit respectively. Drew Williams also crossed home plate to round out the scoring. Doyline (2-12, 0-2) 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 1 0 Weston (10-10, 2-0) 4 6 1 0 x – 11 8 0 WP – Henderson 3-1, LP – Mingo 2B – Browning, Tolar RBI – Browning 5, Blundell 2, Henderson, Theriot, Watkins RS – Zehr 3, Theriot 2, Browning, Blundell, Henderson, Gill, Delaney, Williams SB – Zehr 2, Browning, Henderson, Theriot
Quitman 14 Castor 3: Saddling the home team with their worst loss of the season by hitting eight singles, reaching base on eight errors, and getting eight free passes, Quitman saw every starter either get a hit or score a run. What was most impressive was what the Wolverines did once they reached base. Led by a career-high five stolen bases by Maddox Duck and four thefts each by Logan Ponder and Ian Tilley, Quitman ran wild to setting a new season standard of 17 steals in a game.
Cam Deal drove in three runs, Ponder and Duck scored three times while John Reagan Hasley and Riley Duck added two more. Blake Carter, Tilley, Kase West, Hasley, Jake Potts, and Pete Simonelli all drove in a run as well as Quitman posted a five spot in the third and fifth inning to win going away. Tilley ran his record to 2-1, striking out 8 over four innings before giving way to Ponder, who closed the game by striking out the side in the fifth and final frame.
Shelby Cumpton, of Quitman, won the prestigious Kimberly S. Hanger Award, given to the top undergraduate research paper presented at the state meeting of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society on March 17th in Alexandria.
The LCU history major’s paper entitled: “Why Should Not Woman Seek to Be a Reformer?: The Relationship Between the Abolitionist Movement and Women’s Rights,” examined the connections between the women who advocated for the end of slavery and the advancement of women’s rights.
By virtue of her victory in the competition which included all Louisiana chapters from private and public universities across the state Cumpton took home a cash prize and a book award from the Phi Alpha Theta National Office.
The Hanger Award honors Dr. Kimberly Hanger, a history professor at the University of Tulsa from 1993 to 1999, when she died of leukemia at age 37. Her research focused on slavery in New Orleans, and she published two books before her death: “Bounded Lives, Bounded Places: Free Black Society in Colonial New Orleans” and “A Medley of Cultures: Louisiana History at the Cabildo.”
LCU Debate Team to compete at National Competition
Five members of the Louisiana Christian University (LCU) Debate Team which includes Shelby Cumpton, a senior history major from Quitman, will travel to Boise State University this March 22-26 to compete in the final contest of the season. Four national champions will be crowned at this event, and debaters from LCU have a chance to win the top spot in the novice, junior varsity, varsity and professional divisions.
“Debate at the national level is both high-level and intense,” said Wildcat Debate Coach Brian Manuel. “These students that are traveling to represent LCU are seasoned debaters that have proven themselves in the trenches of competition. I know they will do well and all of them have the potential to return home with a national award.”
Also representing the LCU team which will compete against over 30 universities across the nation is Misty Tanner, Toriance Fontenot, Phoebe Lim and Madison Clarke.
“There are much larger programs that we will be facing, but in the realm of debate that doesn’t matter,” Manuel said. “ The quality and caliber of our LCU debaters are second to none. We don’t shy away from competing against anyone. All it takes is persuading the judge in the room to win the round, and our team is ready to compete.”
The Jackson Parish Tourism Board held their regular monthly meeting in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administration Building this past Monday, March 20th where they attended to several items on the agenda involving the upcoming Major League Fishing (MLF) Tournament on Caney Lake.
After approving the minutes of the February meeting, agreeing to accept the financial statement for the month and paying all bills, attention turned to several items of old business.
First was the announcement that only four pictures of the original founders of the Department of Defense was lacking to complete the Civil Rights Trail. This was followed by learning that the Police Jury was working on a location for a rental space and that the LA High School fishing tournament was deemed a success.
Board members Deneise Barlow, Kelly Spangler, Christie Weeks (Chairperson) and Yumeaka Washington were then informed that the welcome signs for MLF were finished and on display, billboard designs had been selected and the gift cards were finished. Discussion on the Banner Contest was tabled.
It was also learned that the LTA Fishing / Recreation Guide had been completed and a list was being compiled in regard to promotional item ideas.
In final action up to but not to exceed $700.00 was approved for Chairperson Weeks to attend the Rural Tourism Conference and $500.00 was to be given to the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce for promotion of the Sunshine Festival.
Before the meeting was adjourned board members were reminded about the Jackson Parish Clean Up Day scheduled for April 22nd.
The next meeting of the Tourism Board is slated for Tuesday, April 11th.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On a 213-208 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Ph.D. (LA-05).
“As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for children to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Letlow said. “After spending nearly a year and a half working to pass this bill, I’m grateful that we’re finally able to advance this critical legislation.”
The Parents Bill of Rights is built on five, common-sense principles. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught. Parents have the right to be heard. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. Parents have the right to keep their children safe. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it will await further action.
A downloadable version of Letlow’s floor speech can also be accessed HERE.
A transcript of her remarks can be found below.
Mister Speaker, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5 – the Parents Bill of Rights Act.
H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle – parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their child’s education.
We believe that learning is a partnership between a family and their child’s teachers. This bill is the vehicle by which we can put parents and educators together at the same table to have a productive dialog.
This bill is not complex or complicated, nor should it be partisan or polarizing. And contrary to what you may hear from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it is not an attack on our hardworking teachers, who will always be the heroes in my eyes.
It is not an attempt to have Congress dictate the curriculum or determine the books in the library.
Instead, this bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to education, allowing parents to be informed, and when they have questions and concerns, lawfully bring them to their local school board.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen too many instances where rather than opening their doors to welcome parents in as partners, some schools instead slammed them shut and said government bureaucrats know what is best for our children.
Parents across this country have overwhelmingly spoken out – they have had enough. They want a seat at the table because at the end of the day, these are our children, not the government’s.
Mister Speaker, I worked in education before I came to Congress, and I’m also a mother. I’ve seen firsthand how when you educate a child, you give them a future.
We know that when parents are involved, it is the students that succeed. We also know that when a family is shut out of their child’s education, it can lead to disastrous results.
Mister Speaker, let us give parents that voice in the learning process, let schools open the doors and welcome them in as partners, and let us work together to build a brighter future for America’s children.
On Friday, March 24th, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s received the “Celebrating Excellence” Award presented by the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Partners from Lincoln, Jackson, and Union Parishes came together at the Davison Athletic Complex located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University to recognize volunteers who went over and beyond during the 2022 United Way campaign.
“The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of “Team United” as we stand together to facilitate and support education, financial stability, and health of every person in our communities.”
Shown in banner above accepting the awards on behalf of Sheriff Andy Brown are (L-R) Investigator Terry Brister, Retired Chief Deputy Paul Trosclair, Chief Deputy Brent Barnett, Deputy Bobbi Trosclair, Deputy Alayna Walsworth, and Chief Investigator Donovan Shultz.
JPSO visits Weston Elementary Classes
Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kelly Staples visited Weston High School recently to meet with the Pre-K and 3rd grade classes. While there Deputy Staples read the iconic children’s classic Dr. Seuss to the rapt audience.
In front of television crews from KNOE-TV8 and KTVE – Channel 10 and with many patrons in attendance the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) dedicated their new Bookmobile on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
“We are pleased that through this new addition that we will be able to continue the long standing tradition that dates back to 1938 of providing bookmobile service to Jackson Parish,” said JPL Director Floyd Knox. “Amber (Paggett) and Emily (Webb) do a tremendous job and this bookmobile that has an exterior designed from art submitted by local kids is a great reflection on the pride they and our staff has for the parish.”
Local artists who contributed to the design are: LaKerria Austin, Camden Flynn, Addisyn Garrett, Rainy-Estelle Harrison, Ronnecia Kimble, Cadence Kinman, Hannah McDowell, Anthony Paggett, Zoee Williams, Marcie Nelson, Emily Webb and the late Ms. Aline Pate.
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 
Book – “100-year history of JHHS football” Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206. 
Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511. 
