Growing up where I did in the red clay, pine tree expanses of Ward 2, Natchitoches Parish, we lived off the land for the most part. A big garden with corn, peas, potatoes, tomatoes and such was supplemented by the wild game we were able to glean from the woods.
If you lived in areas near lakes, there was plenty of fish to be had along with roasted mallards and pintails. Where I lived, there were fish in the creeks but our ducks were limited for the most part to a single species of duck. City folks called them wood ducks; I called them squealers.
These fast flying, diving and darting little ducks were things of beauty, especially the colorful male. Its head was a kaleidoscope of color of red eyes and bill, iridescent green cap that swooped down in a crest in the back, white striped throat and mottled brown breast while the less gaudy-colored female sported a gray-brown coat with a prominent eye ring of white.
These ducks, unlike most other species, have the distinction of nesting in hollow tree cavities or in man-made nesting boxes.
The nickname, squealer, comes from the fact it doesn’t “quack” like other ducks; it’s sound is a loud “hoo-eek” or “jeweeep” these colorful ducks make to communicate with each other and to let hunters know to get ready; here they come.
My introduction to hunting wood ducks started when I was just a youngster and my dad would roust my brother and me from our bed early fall and winter mornings for a twenty minute drive from our home to the “Sand Flats”, a section of woods adjacent to Saline Bayou where stunted scrub oaks grew.
The ducks would leave roosts somewhere in the swamp and without fail, headed to feeding grounds to the north where acorns were plentiful. Passing over the Sand Flat, we waited with shotguns at the ready to hear that whistling squeal as ducks passed over.
The action lasted less than half an hour but if you were lucky, you might down one or two as the ducks whistled by.
Other times, we would all drive down to Saline swamp with hip boots where we would wade out into the shallow water to try and entice squealers to pass by close enough for a shot. It was there one morning when I killed my very first duck, a squealer that came squealing and careening through the timber so close it was almost self defense. When I fired, the duck fell at my feet; it’s head several steps away.
One morning as a teen, I was standing in water a couple of inches below the top of my boots when a squealer was headed my way, I got ready, took aim and fired a shot with my double barrel 12 gauge. I missed the duck but the recoil rocked me back, I was unable to balance and I settled down in water up to my armpits. By the way, it was 22 degrees when we left home that morning.
To put the crown on any squealers we brought home was how my mom converted the ducks to one of the most delicious meals to be had. Using her old cast iron pot, she would brown the ducks, add a little water and seasoning, put the lid on the pot and slowly simmer the birds until they were tender. What I most remember is the rich dark brown gravy that resulted. Spooning that on a bed of rice with a slice of squealer breast was a meal the most tender ribeye steak couldn’t match.
I don’t know if squealers still fly over the Sand Flats but for a youngster getting a taste of duck hunting for the first time, those few minutes of hoping one would come squealing over where I stood still occupy a special niche in my memory.
“Wood ducks, aka Squealers, come careening through the flooded timber.” – Courtesy photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are in the deeper holes with soft plastics and crank baits picking up some nice fish. Crappie are in the deeper holes with just out from the spillway a good bet. They are best on shiners and jigs. 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 –Crappie fishing has slowed down a bit with fair catches fishing jigs or shiners near the bottom. Bass fishing has been best flipping jigs and soft plastics around brush. OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Bass are best fishing shad imitation in the run-outs; crappie are around the tops in the river in 14 foot water using shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are best over deeper water in the channels. Jigs and crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are near the bottom in 20 foot water on jigs and shiners. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are best just out from the spillway in deep water on jigs and shiners. Bass are hitting crank baits and soft plastics in deeper water. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498. LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while crappie have improved fishing around the with jigs and shiners on the south end. Bass are slow. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101. LAKE YUCATAN – The lake level is up 3-4 feet with a slow fall on the way. Catfishing is good, buffalo are being caught in nets while bass and crappie are slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
JHES students showing books provided by ULM/KEDM Public Radio
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary proudly partnered with ULM/KEDM Public Radio on Friday, December 12. Representatives from the station helped to “Give the Joy of Learning” by hand-delivering books to the entire 2nd-grade class. Special thank you to Mr. Jay Curtis, General Manager, and the Monroe Community for recognizing the importance of literacy and making this donation possible.
KEDM is a public service radio station of the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), airing NPR News, the Music of the Delta, classical, and other entertainment from studios in Sandel Hall and streaming online at KEDM.org. The station relies on funding from listeners, local businesses, ULM, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Listen and give online at KEDM.org and follow the station as KEDM Public Radio on Facebook, @90.3kedm on Instagram, and on YouTube.
Earlier in the week, J-HES partnered with Mrs. Salter, representative of Sabine State Bank (Many location), for a reading of “Princess Mackie Buys a House” to students in Grades 3-5.
The story is about a little girl named Mackie who dreams of having a home with her very own room, and the process it took her and her mother to become homeowners. Through this story, children gained a better understanding of the path to homeownership and also learned valuable lessons about other financial concepts, such as generational wealth-building, saving money, budgeting, and goal setting.
“We recognize that it is important to plant seeds of home ownership and financial literacy early and often so that children can understand this as a true possibility for them in the future.”– Ms. Copeland, JHES Principal.
J-HES thanks Sabine State Bank for their time and donation of a classroom copy for each section. “Princess Mackie Buys a House” can be found on Amazon.
Author requests article critique: The wrapping of Christmas presents; is it an act of love or drudgery? I’m terrible at gift wrapping; I definitely didn’t inherit Mom’s flair for detail. Though I don’t have her ability, I do cherish memories of helping her wrap our Ford family presents.
Mom often asked me to place my finger where streams of ribbon intersected.
She tied the ribbons and added scotch tape while I applied pressure with my index finger. The process wasn’t complete until Mom added colorful bows. She sometimes crafted curls in ribbons with a swipe of the ribbon along the blade of a pair of scissors. It was an act of love.
Jesus’ birth was the Father’s act of love.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:1-7 KJV).”
To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy, and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on the content.
SHERIFF’S SALE
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
BOKF, N.A. VS 37927 CHRISTOPHER LEE RICE
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 Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 7th day of JANUARY, 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EAST LINE OF THE SE 1/4 OF NW 1/4, SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST AND THE WEST LINE OF THE U.S. HIGHWAY 167 AND RUN SOUTH 40 DEGREES 45′ WEST ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY FOR A DISTANCE OF 80 FEET FOR A STARTING POINT. FROM STARTING POINT RUN SOUTH 39 DEGREES 00′ WEST ALONG THE WEST LINE OF U.S. HIGHWAY 167 FOR A DISTANCE OF 210 FEET, THENCE NORTH 51 DEG 00′ WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 210 FEET, THENCE NORTH 39 DEG 00′ EAST PARALLEL TO THE WEST LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY FOR A DISTANCE OF 210 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 51 DEG 00′ EAST TO STARTING POINT, A DISTANCE OF 210 FEET. ALL IN THE SE 1/4 OF NW 1/4, SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, CONTAINING 1.0 ACRE. LESS AND EXCEPT A 0.171 ACRE TRACT TRANSFERRED BY DEED FILED IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 333, AT PAGE 213 OF THE RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING. A 0.131 ACRE TRACT OF LAND DESIGNATED TRACT “2”, ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY FOR MR. TROY JOHNSTON DATED JULY 15, 2008, BY W. G. KIRKLAND, P,L.S., SITUATED IN THE SE 1/4 OF NW 1/4 SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, LAND DISTRICT NORTH OF RED RIVER, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA AND BEING MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT:
COMMENCE AT A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET) ON THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT #023-06-0050 (U,S. HIGHWAY NO. 167) SAID IRON ROD BEING 2880.69 FEET NORTH AND 2395.87 FEET EAST OF A 2″ IRON SHAFT MARKING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST,
THENCE LEAYING SAID WEST LINE PROCEED NORTH 57 DEG 49 MINUTES 54 SECONDS WEST 233.08 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET); THENCE PROCEED NORTH 30 DEG 48 MINUTES 14 SECONDS EAST 126.32 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET); THENCE PROCEED NORTH 53 DEGREES 26 MINUTES 31 SECONDS EAST 158.09 FEET TO A 3/4″ REBAR (FOUND) MARKING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE 0.131′ ACRE TRACT OF LAND HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED; THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 80 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 01 SECONDS EAST 89,70 FEET TO A 3/4″‘1RON ROD (SET); THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 53 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 52 SECONDS EAST 97.47 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET) ON THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT #023-06-0050 (U.S. HIGHWAY NO.167); THENCE PROCEED ALONG THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT #023-06-0050 (U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 167) SOUTH 36 DEG 31 MINUTES 08 SECONDS WEST 41.86 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (FOUND) MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 53 DEG 05 MINUTES 52 SECONDS WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY, 177.08 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING 0.131 ACRES AND BEING SUBJECT TO ALL SERVITUDES OF RECORD OR OF USE. ALL AS PER PLAT OF SURVEY DATED JULY 15, 2008 BY WALTER GLEN KIRKLAND, PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR, LOUISIANA REGISTRY NO. 4759.
A 0.428 ACRE TRACT OF LAND, DESIGNATED TRACT “1” ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY FOR MR. TROY JOHNSTON DATED JULY 15, 2008, BY W.G. KIRKLAND, P.L.S., SITUATED IN THE SE 1/4 OF NW 1/4, SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, LAND DISTRICT NORTH OF RED RIVER, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA AND BEING MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT:
BEGIN AT A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET) ON THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT #023-06-0050 (U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 167) SAID IRON ROD BEING 2880.69 FEET NORTH AND 2395.87 FEET EAST OF A 2″ IRON SHAFT MARKING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 17 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, THENCE LEAVING SAID WEST LINE PROCEED NORTH 57 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 54 SECONDS WEST 233.08 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET); THENCE PROCEED NORTH 30 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 14 SECONDS EAST 126.32 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (SET) ; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 53 DEGREES 26 MINUTES 31 SECONDS EAST 158.09 FEET TO A 3/4″ REBAR (FOUND) MARKING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY; THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 37 DEG 31 MINUTES 24 SECONDS WEST ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY 210.00 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (FOUND); THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 53 DEG 05 MINUTES 51 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SHANNA LYNN STROZIER PROPERTY 180.77 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON ROD (FOUND) ON THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT (#023-06-0050 (U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 167); THENCE PROCEED ALONG THE WEST LINE OF STATE PROJECT #023-06-0050 (U.S. HIGHWAY NO.167) SOUTH 36 DEG 31 MINUTES 08 SECONDS WEST 2.50 FEET TO A RIGHT OF WAY MONUMENT
(FOUND) AND SOUTH 10 DEG 52 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST 50.56 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING 0.428 ACRES AND BEING SUBJECT TO ALL SERVITUDES OF RECORD OR OF USE. ALL AS PER PLAT OF SURVEY DATED JULY 15, 2008 BY WALTER GLEN KIRKLAND, PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR, LOUISIANA REGISTRY NO. 4759.
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
FIRST HORIZON BANK vs 37730 DARRY LAMAR NELSON AND JUDITH ANN HUMBYRD NELSON
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 Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 14th day of JANUARY, 2026 Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
ALL THAT PART OF THE NE 1/4 OF SW 1/4 OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 30, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, LAND DISTRICT NORTH OF RED RIVER, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, LYING SOUTH OF THE CENTERLINE OF LOUISIANA HIGHWAY 146, CONTAINING 1.3 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS. AND A TRACT OF LAND IN THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE SW 1/4 OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 30, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, LAND DISTRICT NORTH OF RED RIVER, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: COMMENCING AT AN ANGLE IRON FOUND MARKING THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 30, THENCE ALONG THE SOUTH LINE THEREOF NORTH 89 DEGREES 51 43″ WEST 2635.82 FEET TO THE UN-MONUMENTED SOUTH QUARTER CORNER; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SW 1/4 OF SE 1/4, NORTH O DEGREES 17 ’30” WEST 658.48 FEET TO THE UN-MONUMENTED NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE THEREOF, SOUTH 89 DEGREES 54′ 07” EAST 467.28 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE GLADYS NELSON ESTATE 2 ACRE TRACT; THENCE CONTINUE ON THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, AND ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID 2 ACRE TRACT, 295.68 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON PIPE SET MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER THEREOF, AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SW 1/4 OF SE 1/4, SOUTH 89 DEGREES 54′ 07” EAST 208.71 FEET TO A 3/4″ IRON PIPE SET; THENCE DUE SOUTH 208.71 FEET TO A 3/4′ IRON PIPE SET; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 54′ 07” WEST 208,71 FEET; THENCE DUE NORTH 208.71 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 1.00 ACRES OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS, SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.
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
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
PUBLIC NOTICE
Village of Chatham Regular Call Meeting Minutes December 09, 2025
The Village of Chatham held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 09, 2025, at 6:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order and roll call was taken and the following were present: Mayor Gregory Harris, council members Bernadine James and Sue Proffer and Toni Malone
Motion to approve minutes from regular meeting held on November 11, 2025, and Special Call Meeting November 19, 2025, was made by Bernadine James and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.
Motion to pay monthly bills was made by Bernadine James and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.
Motion To amend Collection Policy and Procedure to include no cut offs are done on Fridays and no cutoffs for owing twenty dollars or less on past due amount was made by Bernadine James and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.
Motion to amend personal policy holiday schedule to adopt the state holiday schedule was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Bernadine James 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 Sue Proffer and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.
ITEMS FOR SALE
LeBlanc Cypress Works – A stand-alone cooler box with a hinged top, complete with logo and/or exterior picture add-on capability, along with an outdoor chair and end table, is featured this month at LeBlanc Cypress Works. Other custom-made cypress or oak items, including benches, swings, gates, and fences, are available as well. Cost depends on the type of material used. For an estimate or to place an order, call Don LeBlanc at (318)-475-1161.
Cooler Box
Outdoor Chair
End Table
ITEM FOR SALE
History of JHHS Football – Looking for that special Christmas gift to give a former Jonesboro-Hodge High School football player? Present him with a copy of the “History of JHHS Football”. This comprehensive review of the first 100 years of Tiger football (1919-2019) features a separate chapter for each year that includes a season summary, game recaps, names of players, and highlights of that year. Included are JHHS team and individual records, a coach’s summary, and a large number of historical pictures. The cost of a book is $25.00, which includes shipping and handling. To place an order, send a text to (318) 480-1206 or email the Jackson Parish Journal at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
(Report Submitted by Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office)
The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two people found inside a residence at 178 Shows Lane in the Weston/Caney Lake area of Jonesboro on December 8, 2025. The two subjects were located during a welfare check at the residence, where deputies found both individuals deceased.
The deceased have been identified as Gayla Smith, 62, and James Bradford, 62. Both individuals exhibited injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Autopsies will be completed by the medical examiner, who will issue the official cause and manner of death.
At this point, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, and investigators have found no evidence suggesting there would be a suspect at large. Investigators have developed a preliminary understanding of the incident, although the case remains active.
“We offer our condolences to the families and community members affected by this incident. To respect the families and protect the integrity of the investigation, no additional information will be released at this time, and the final assessment of the events will not be released until the investigation is complete.” – Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 259-9021.
(JPSO Report) – A lengthy and comprehensive narcotics investigation by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of Dewayne Woods (DOB 1/31/74) and the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and cash. Evidence recovered throughout the investigation indicates activity consistent with large-scale narcotics distribution.
“This appears to be the largest narcotics seizure of its kind in Jackson Parish history. We would like to recognize and thank the Jonesboro Police Department for their assistance and cooperation throughout the case. Their support played a vital role in the success of this investigation.” – Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett
During the execution of a search warrant, investigators recovered: – 7.9 lbs of marijuana – 2.2 lbs of synthetic marijuana – 649 grams of crack cocaine – 3.8 lbs of methamphetamine -2.8 lbs of powder cocaine – Over 3,000 Ecstasy (MDMA) pills – Suboxone and M30-type pills – Large quantities of unidentified pills and powder – Multiple firearms and ammunition -$13,510.00 in cash
Woods was booked on the following charges: LA R.S. 40:979 — Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Bond: $100,000 LA R.S. 14:95.1 — Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (3 counts) Bond: $300,000 LA R.S. 14:95(E) — Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of CDS (3 counts) Bond: $225,000 LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:969 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Xanax (Alprazolam) Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:969 — Prohibited Acts, Schedule IV w/ Intent to Distribute Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute MDMA Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Synthetic Marijuana Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:967 — Distribution / Manufacturing of Crack Cocaine Bond: $75,000 LA R.S. 40:968 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Suboxone Bond: $75,000 Total bond assessed to date: $1,675,000.
No further details will be released at this time as this remains an active investigation. Additional charges may be considered pending laboratory analysis of the unidentified substances. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fans of Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, Weston, and Saline will need to gas up their vehicles and make plans to hit the road this Thursday – Saturday if they want to see their favorite schools’ girls and boys basketball teams play.
For three out of the four area schools, this Thursday – Saturday equates to “Tournament Time” again as JHHS plays in the Lakeview Tourney, Saline is in the Zwolle Tourney, and Quitman has the shortest distance to travel as they take part in the Neil Kilgore Invitational at Cedar Creek High School in Ruston. Each will play in a “round robin” format. Weston High School is the only local school that is not playing in a tournament, as they will travel to Stanley High School for girls’ and boys’ games on Friday, with action beginning at 5:30 pm.
Lakeview Tourney (JHHS)
Neil Kilgore Invitational (QHS)
Zwolle Tourney (SHS)
Games of Monday, December 8 (Girls)
Weston 39 Castor 34: Kate Keiffer nailed a three-pointer, and Carly Jo Griffin sank a pair of baskets late as Weston scored the last seven points of the game to overcome a two-point Castor lead in the back-and-forth game. With the victory, Weston improves to 8-4 on the year, while Castor fell to 6-7 overall. Both teams made runs early on as Castor jumped out to a 15-4 lead to open the game, only to see Weston take a 13-1 second-quarter advantage to hold a 21-16 lead at the break. Griffin led the Lady Wolves with a season-best 12 points. Gracie Gray and Teegan Hall added 8 and 7 points, respectively, while Ada Claire Tidwell finished with four, and both Carlynn Waters and Kate Keiffer scored three points each. Addison Faulkner also made a basket for WHS.
Choudrant 49 Saline 42 (OT): The Lady Bobcats dropped their second in a row after winning two straight to fall to 6-7 on the year, while Choudrant improved to 10-3. No individual scoring was available.
Games of Tuesday, December 9 (Girls)
Quitman 54 Calvin 53: Anna Claire Leach made three free throws down the stretch to break a 51-51 tie and help the Lady Wolverines stave off a second-half rally by Calvin. The Lady Wolverines bolted to a 34-20 halftime lead, but Calvin, ranked #3 in Class C, made a strong rally in the second half before losing their first game of the year after 12 victories. Quitman improved to 10-4 this season with the impressive victory. Leach led QHS with 16 points, with Allie Robertson adding 14 and Hallie Kate Pullig chipping in with 10 points and a team-best 8 rebounds. Kalisha Hall scored 7, Taylor Borland finished with four points, Sophia Kleibert tallied two, and Kinsley Ponder sank a free throw to round out the scoring for Quitman.
Choudrant 55 jHHS 18: The Lady Tigers lost their seventh straight after opening the season with a victory to all to 1-7 on the year. Choudrant won for the second straight day to improve to 10-4 this season. No individual scoring was available.
Castor 47 Saline 33: The Lady Bobcats fell to 6-8 on the year and saw their losing streak go to a season worst three straight. Castor improved to 6-7. Individual scoring was not available.
Game of Monday, December 8 (Boys)
Castor 69 Weston 48: The Gators jumped out to a 21-8 first-quarter lead and never looked back to saddle Weston with their fifth straight loss that dropped the Wolves to 4-9 on the season. Castor improved to 10-4. The loss put a damper on the effort by Colton Otwell, who scored a season-high 14 points. Brody Tidwell also reached double digits in scoring with 11 points, followed by Ty Henderson and Eli Henderson, both scoring six points. Malachi Harris and Abram Toms finished with four points each, while Jacolby Lowe made a basket and Aiden Faulkner sank a free throw to round out the Wolves’ scoring.
Saline 59 Choudrant 33: Gavin Dailey scored 22 points, and Eli Ferguson chipped in with 14 as Saline evened their record at 6-6 by upending Choudrant, who fell to 10-4 on the year. Conner Roberts added 8 points, Elijah Calloway made 7, and Jackson Bougues nailed a three-pointer for the Bobcats, who also got two points each from Braydon Robinson and Hayden Laborde and a free throw by Jay Nash.
Games of Tuesday, December 9 (Boys)
Quitman 81 Calvin 20: A season-best first-quarter advantage that saw the Wolverines bolt to a 30-2 lead paved the way for the most lopsided win of the season to date. Quitman has now won five games in a row to improve to 9-4 on the year, while Calvin fell to 6-7. Shane Reed and Jack Thomas set new career highs in scoring with 14 and 11 points, as head coach Mike Black emptied his bench to lead to a season-best 12 Wolverines scoring. Taden Thomas also reached double digits with 12 points, while Brayden Smith and Brayden Martin scored 8 and 7 points each in limited action. Asher Schultz had six points, with Abel Leach and Larsen Thomas scoring four points. Eli Jackson tallied three points, and Kaleb Maxwell made a basket. Three more players got in the scoring column for the first time this year, paced by Luke Rowe with 4 points and both Jayden Harts and Mason Howard with 3 points each.
Saline 56 Castor 51: Again, it was the one-two punch of Gavin Dailey and Eli Ferguson who scored 19 and 10 points respectively as Saline beat a 10-win team for the second day in a row to move past the .500 mark at 7-6 on the year. Castor dropped to 10-4. Hayden Laborde chipped in with 7 points, and both Conner Roberts and Jackson Bougues scored six points each. Elijah Calloway finished with five, and Braydon Robinson made a basket for the Bobcats.
Choudrant 61 JHHS 55: The Tigers got closer to securing their first win of the season in four tries, but Choudrant proved to be too strong down the stretch to improve to 10-4 on the year. Individual scoring was not available.
JHMS Takes Two From Union Parish
Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School swept visiting Union Parish on Monday, December 8th, with the boys winning 65-35 and the girls taking a 22-2 victory. Jason McNeil led four Tigers in double figures with 21 points, followed by Levi Martin scoring 14, Quantavius Campbell adding 12, and Addarren Amos scoring 11 points. Kemarion Heard chipped in with four points, and Kyrn Jackson made three to round out the scoring for JHMS.
In the girls’ game, it was a staunch defense by the Lady Tigers that allowed only two points all game that spelled the difference. Jazzeria Ellis led JHMS with 9 points, followed by Aubree Jackson and Jeniah Mays scoring four each, and both Timberly Wilson and Naakyah Jackson tallying two points apiece.
The new is the old. That is the summary of the selection of officers voted on by the Jackson Parish Police Jury during their monthly meeting for December, which was held on Monday, December 8th.
The session began with nominations and a roll call vote where incumbents Todd Culpepper and Amy Magee were selected to remain in their positions as JPPJ President and Vice President for 2026.
A pair of Ordinances was then adopted by jury members, Culpepper, Magee, Lewis Chatham, Sheketia Combs, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe, and Keith Burris as follows.
Ordinance # 01-1208-2025 – Amendment of Ordinance #02-1209-2024 annual operating budgets of revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Project Funds for the fiscal year 2025.
Ordinance # 02-1208-2025 – Adoption of operating budgets of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026, for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Project Funds.
After the minutes of the November meetings, monthly purchase orders and payment of all bills were agreed upon, Committee Reports and Management Reports of the Operation, Road Department, and Solid Waste Department were approved, as well as the Engineering Report given by Mr. Paul Riley of The Riley Company of Louisiana.
The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court’s Special Election Proclamation, 2026 JPPJ regular meeting schedule, 2026 holiday schedule, and 2026 material bids were then approved, as well as suggestions for Parish Board appointments.
The session adjourned after alcohol permits to the Lazy Gator for 2026 were approved, and it was announced that the registration for the 2026 Police Jury Association of Louisiana (PJAL) convention set for March 4-6, 2026, has opened.
The Board of Aldermen for the Town of Jonesboro held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting for December this Tuesday evening in the Conference Room of Jonesboro City Hall.
Following the approval of minutes of the November 2025 meeting and financials for the month of October, board members Robbie Siadek, Devin Flowers, Tracy Ginn, Robert Hunter and Nia Evans-Johnson introduced Ordinance 2025-014 amending Chapter 32 of the Town of Jonesboro Code of Ordinances to add Section 32-105 RTO Estimated Fees for Tampering with Water. Per the new language adopted, anyone found tampering with the water supply or water meters would be subject to a fine in the amount of $250.00 per offense.
It was also agreed to allow the Jonesboro Police Department to hire a new part-time officer, and the heads of the Police, Compliance, Fire, and Public Works departments gave their reports.
Following comments by each member of the Board of Aldermen and Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris, the session was adjourned.
To view the Board of Aldermen meeting in its entirety, you can go to the Town of Jonesboro, LA, Facebook page.
The Hwy 167 lane resurfacing project, where the asphaltic road material is being replaced with a concrete mix overlay in front of Smurfit Westrock in Hodge, LA, is nearing completion.
After completing the resurfacing on all but one lane of traffic, construction is now being done on the outside southbound lane from the railroad crossing to just past Smurfit Westrock.
Both sides of the highway are still narrowed to one lane of traffic beginning at the intersection of Hwy 147 and Hwy 167 to around East Street in Hodge, with speed being restricted to 35 mph in the construction zone.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists to observe posted speed signs and continue to remain on the lookout for construction equipment and personnel while the road construction continues.
LA Hwy 4 East Now Open To Thru Traffic
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that as of Monday, December 8th, the section of LA Hwy 4, located approximately 0.2 miles east of LA 811, near Weston, has now been reopened to thru traffic.
The road closure, which was posted on Saturday, December 6th, was necessary to allow for the replacement of a cross-drain pipe that was impacting the integrity of the roadway.
(Sheryl Robinson Holder) – The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the Town of Jonesboro has been selected as the Business of the Month for December 2025—a well-earned honor that celebrates the extraordinary dedication, teamwork, and community spirit poured into this year’s holiday season.
Each December, residents and visitors eagerly await the moment when Jonesboro transforms into a sparkling Christmas wonderland. This year, the town has truly outdone itself. From the first switch flipped to the final strand of lights carefully secured, the Town of Jonesboro’s employees have devoted countless hours to creating a holiday experience that is nothing short of magical.
Millions of twinkling lights illuminate Main Street and beyond, bathing the town in a warm and festive glow. Hand-painted signs line the streets, holiday scenes adorn the boulevard, and beautifully crafted displays can be found on every corner. These enchanting touches did not appear by chance—they are the result of long days, late nights, and an unwavering determination to bring joy to our community.
This remarkable effort was a true team achievement. Mayor James Harris, Town Hall staff, Road Department, and Public Works employees worked side by side, each contributing their talents to ensure that Jonesboro shines brighter than ever. Their shared commitment has created a place where families can make cherished holiday memories, where visitors feel welcomed, and where the spirit of the season is alive in every detail.
The Chamber of Commerce extends its deepest gratitude to each person involved. Their hard work not only enhances the beauty of Jonesboro but also strengthens the sense of pride and unity that makes our community so special. Their assistance to the Chamber throughout the year and especially during the holiday season has been invaluable, and their dedication continues to inspire.
As you drive through town, stroll down Main Street, or admire the dazzling displays, take a moment to appreciate the hands that made it all possible. Tell them how beautiful their work is. Thank a worker when you see them.
And above all, let us join together in gratitude for their extraordinary loyalty to making Jonesboro a beautiful place to live, work, and celebrate.
This December, Jonesboro doesn’t just sparkle— It shines with the heart and hard work of its people.
Jimmie Davis State Park, located at 1209 State Park Road in Chatham, invites you to “A Night in Bethlehem,” from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, this Friday, December 12th, and Saturday, December 13th. Cost to enter is $5.00 per car or $20.00 per bus.
Visit the nativity scene and hear the story of the miraculous birth of Jesus while also enjoying the magnificent re-creation of the streets of Bethlehem. Featured are at least 25 booths that depict sites like the Potter’s Wheel, Blacksmith Shop, Fish Net Shop, and general stores containing plants and oils. Also see the Armor of God and Prophet Tower while enjoying the music of the day.
According to the Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) website, there are 1,956 students enrolled in the school system and 176 faculty members at the five public schools in the parish.
In an effort to honor the outstanding educators who toil tirelessly to give our young men and women the best education possible, the JPSD is pleased to introduce “Who We Are Wednesday.”
Each Wednesday, one of the faculty members of the JPSD will be recognized for their tremendous commitment and dedication that helps our local youth prepare for their future endeavors. This week, the JPSD is pleased to recognize Kimberly Shows, math teacher at Weston High School, as “Staff Standout”.
The Pentecostals of Jonesboro invite you to join them for their annual Live Drive-Thru Nativity presentation scheduled for December 12-14 at the church located at 1011 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro.
Come between 6:00 – 9:00 pm each night to see sights you will never forget as you experience the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, complete with music, live animals, and people in costume.
The production is free of charge to attend, but you are asked to bring canned goods and/or non-perishable items that will be given to the local food bank to be distributed to needy families in the area. Simply drop them in the collection box as you drive through.
Also available for purchase will be homemade brittle (Jalapeno Peanut, Peanut and Pecan) and other items.
The Pentecostals of Jonesboro would like to give a special thank you to sponsors, Mitchell’s Pharmacy, Shawn Murphy State Farm, Pardue Builders, and Jonesboro State Bank.
The year was 1925. Significant events that took place in the United States were the dedication of Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, the debut of the silent horror film “The Phantom of the Opera,” Lou Gehrig’s “Ironman” streak started, and the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting, helping elevate radio to a mass medium.
Locally, another event took place that has been a blessing for many residents of Jackson Parish, and the surrounding area took place as well, when on December 7th of that year, Addie Pearl “Pep” Turner Lynde was born.
This past Saturday, a host of family and friends gathered at the Quitman Community Church to honor “Pep” as she reached a rare milestone, the celebration of her 100th birthday.
Born to Bill and Addie Turner of Quitman, LA, “Pep” graduated as valedictorian at Quitman High School in 1942. Two years later, she married Lowell F. Lynde, which led to the birth of four children: Lowell F. Lynde Jr., Gerald David “Sharkey” Lynde, Linda Particia Lynde, and Audrey Phyllis Lynde.
For 16 years, beginning in 1950, “Pep” owned and operated Quitman Valley Grocery before becoming a driver for the Jackson Parish Council on Aging in 1969. This led to her spending as much time as possible with family, as she enjoyed the birth of her seven grandchildren: Angela Diane Lynde, Mary Christina Love Harper, Christopher Love, Addie Love, Ronnie “Cowboy” Huckaby, Michael Lynde, and Kimberly Lynde Williams.
Nine great-grandchildren: Blain Walsworth, Bailey Walsworth, Solomon Harper, Zoee Williams, Rodney Williams, Declyn Williams, Max Toms, Joey Toms, and Scarlett Toms, and six great-great-grandchildren: Lyndon Walsworth, Lex Walsworth, Beckham Huckaby, Emmett Huckaby, Barrett Huckaby, and Evangeline Toms followed.
In 2002, along with her son Lowell Jr., sister Bettye (Pate), and brother-in-law Aylon, “Pep” took the first of 17 cruises she has made and still takes a yearly family trip with her sons and daughters to Branson, MO.
Still very active, “Pep” currently enjoys gardening, taking care of her grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, riding her 4-wheeler, watching her bluebirds, searching for her fortune on lottery scratch-offs, cooking and sewing.
The Jackson Parish School Health Advisory Committee will meet at 1:00 pm on December 16, 2025, at the Jonesboro Middle School Library. The public is invited to attend, where topics of the School Health Index, the Annual Safe School Report, Flu Clinic, Telemed, Narcan, Epi Pens, and other school health initiatives will be discussed.
A School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a school board-appointed group of parents, staff, community members, and students that advises on student health programs, creating a healthier school environment by recommending policies for nutrition, physical activity, mental health, ensuring community values are reflected in health education, and more. These councils are vital for linking health to learning, often focusing on areas like health education, services, physical education, nutrition, and staff wellness, serving as a bridge between the school and community.
SHAC Key Functions
Policy Development: Recommending health-related policies for the school district, keeping them updated with local and federal guidelines. Program Guidance: Advising on health education, physical education, nutrition, and mental/social health programs. Community Connection: Ensuring local values are part of health instruction and promoting wellness to the wider community. Needs Assessment: Evaluating the school’s health status and identifying areas for improvement in programs. Support & Advocacy: Acting as a liaison for health initiatives and supporting school-level wellness
The congregation of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge, LA invites you to join them in the celebration of the 6th Pastoral Anniversary of Dr. Gavin R. Hamms and Sister Quaneshia Hamms. The festive event will take place at 11:00 am on December 14th, with G. Tomell Hamm of New Zion Baptist Church in Winnfield as special Guest Speaker.
“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.” – Psalm 117
The Jackson Parish Hospital announces that the hours for the “Saturday Clinic” have been updated to 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Located at the JPH Family Care Clinic Office at 107 Watts Street in Jonesboro, patients of all ages are welcome, walk-ins are accepted, and no appointment is necessary. This is a family practice clinic where one of JPH’s many great healthcare providers will take care of you and/or your family.
Holiday Fun at Jackson Parish Hospital
The Jackson Parish Hospital always has a blast spreading Christmas cheer through festive activities! Celebrating the season, JPH held a “Guess How Many Ornaments” game as well as a “Wreath Contest,” among the staff.
A big congratulations goes to: Zerada Nears – Champion of the “Guess How Many Ornaments” game! Acute Care Team – Winners of the Wreath Contest with their stunning white wreath!
Lincoln Parish Firefighter of the Year Dr. Shawn Murphy Jr.
Dr. Shawn David Murphy, Jr., of Ruston, LA, was recently selected as Firefighter of the Year by the Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District No. 1. David is the son of Donna Kay and Shawn Murphy of Quitman, LA and is a partner with Johnston & Murphy Dental of Ruston. He is married to Sidney White Murphy, and they are the proud parents of Caroline Elizabeth and twins, Julia and Trip.
Front Row (l-r) Coach Khaalid Hakeem, Offensive MVP Ayden Chatman, Coach Matt Smith (Back Row) Head Coach Van Osborne
The JP Tigers, the 10U youth football team from Jackson Parish, celebrated their recent season as a member of the Louisiana Youth Sports League (LYSL) with an awards ceremony at Excalibur Family Fun Center in Ruston this past Saturday, December 6th.
While every member of the team was recognized for their effort and dedication, three members received special awards from Head Coach Van Osborne and assistants Khaalid Hakeem and Matt Smith for their exemplary play this season.
JP Tigers Award Winners
Ayden Chatman – Offensive MVP Tytus Campbell – Defensive MVP, Ironman Beast Mode Kaden Smith – Most Improved
Coach Van Osborne and Tytus Campbell
Kaden Smith and Coach Van Osborne
Award Winners Selected to Play in All-Star Game
It was also announced at the banquet that the three-year-end award winners, Ayden Chatman, Tytus Campbell, and Kaden Smith, have been selected to play in the 31-Gr8s All-Star game that is scheduled to be played in Independence Stadium in Shreveport on January 3rd, 2026
During the holidays, we spend a lot of time and effort on what we eat. One mandatory item on most of our tables is bread, one of the oldest prepared foods. In 2018, scientists discovered the earliest known evidence of bread-making, including a bread oven and 24 charred bread crumbs, from a 14,400-year-old dig site in the Black Desert in Jordan.
The Stone Age bakers ground flour from wild wheat and barley, mixed it with the pulverized roots of plants, added water, and then cooked it. This was before the advent of farming, when people were hunter-gatherers. The bread they made looked similar to modern flatbread because it contained no rising agent, such as yeast, and tasted like today’s multi-grain bread.
Professor Dorian Fuller of University College London said, “This is the earliest evidence we have for what we could really call a cuisine, in that it’s a mixed food product.”
Dr. Amaia Arranz-Optaegui of the University of Copenhagen, who discovered the remains of the bread, said, “Bread is a powerful link between our past and present food cultures. It connects us with our prehistoric ancestors.”
Fluffy loaves of bread that look like the bread most of us eat today came several thousand years later.
In 2017, archaeobotanist Lara González Carretero studied the remains of unbaked, leavened bread found at the ancient Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in southern Turkey. They dated back to 6600 BCE, making it the oldest evidence of leavened bread found to date.
Through the ages, people bartered for bread rather than bake it themselves. The barter system had a major disadvantage in that the two parties involved each had to want what the other party was offering to trade.
Sometime around 640 BCE, people in China began to mint the oldest known standardized forms of metal coinage. As money became the more common medium of exchange, bakers sold their bread.
The problem was that money was standardized but bread was anything but standardized. It came in a variety of sizes, qualities, and prices. Unscrupulous bakers took advantage of the situation and sold poor-quality bread for premium prices.
In 1266, the Parliament of the United Kingdom created the “Assize of Bread and Ale” to regulate the production and sale of bread and ale. Under this law, the weight and quality of a loaf of bread were specified, and the price was set according to the fluctuating price of wheat.
Bakers whose bread did not meet the standards set forth by the law were subject to the wrath of King Henry III. This law slowly began to weed out the dishonest bakers, but honest bakers became worried that a simple mistake could get them into trouble. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, they could be fined, placed in a pillory (where the community was expected to throw things at them), jailed, or have their trade taken away.
Honesty was the best policy. They were able to make bread that was of good quality and sold it according to the law, but getting a standardized weight for each loaf was difficult.
To ensure that they were well within the weight limit prescribed by law, bakers began adding a bonus loaf, what they called the “vantage loaf,” when someone bought 12 loaves of bread.
That is why when visiting a bakery, you sometimes get a baker’s dozen.
9:00 am – Warriors vs. Tigers (5-6 b/g division) 9:45 am – Bulls vs. MLC (5-6 b/g division) 10:30 am – Dolphins vs. Mustangs (7-9 girls division) 11:15 am – Sparks vs. Lakers (7-9 girls division) 12:00 pm – Pelicans vs Nets (7-8 boys division) 12: 45 pm – Lakers vs. Magic ( 7-8 boys division)
Jonesboro-Hodge High School Girls Gym
9:00 am – Pelicans vs. Magic (9-10 boys division) 9:45 am – Thunder vs. Bulls (9-10 boys division)
Jonesboro-Hodge High School Boys Gym
9:00 am – Spurs vs. Lakers (13-14 boys division) 9:45 am – Tar Heels vs. Pelicans (13-14 boys division) 10:30 am – Bucks vs. Pelicans (11-12 boys division) 11:15 am – Warriors vs. Lakers (11-12 boys division) 12:00 pm – Bobcats vs. Wings (11-13 girls division) 12:45 pm – Sparks vs. Fever (11-13 girls division)
Do you look forward to Christmas? Strange as it might seem, some people dread it.
Simeon looked forward to the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah (the promised Christ). He could hardly wait.
“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:25-26 KJV)
Seeing Christ, Simeon believed.
“And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:27-35 KJV)
