Preachers read. I read because I’m not very smart—and because I’m terrified of being boring. Let’s be honest: some sermons are so dull they could be used as sleep aids. I’ve heard paint dry with more enthusiasm.
Sorry, colleagues, but we might be the reason folks choose brunch over the Body of Christ. Jesus told stories that made people lean in, not nod off. So, I read, hunt, and scavenge for stories that make the Gospel feel like a live wire, not a library whisper.
The other day, I went trolling for a story in one of my Bible commentaries. I glanced at my shelf and noticed something odd. One of the volumes looked… moist. Not “anointed” moist. Just suspiciously soggy. The one next to it looked like it had been baptized by a leaky roof. I thought, “Well, that’s interesting. Maybe the Holy Spirit is hydrating my theology.”
I pulled the books down and—surprise!—termites.
Not just a few.
A full-blown theological buffet.
These bugs had eaten the entire guts out of two volumes. I mean, they didn’t just nibble—they feasted.
Paper to termites is what McDonald’s fries are to me: irresistible, regrettable, and always followed by a need for repentance.
My preacher friends had a field day. One said, “Well, at least they were feasting on the Word.” Another asked, “Were they Old Testament termites? Maybe they skipped the New Testament because they couldn’t handle grace.”
Someone else suggested I start a new ministry: Exegesis for Insects.
The exterminator came out, gave me a price, and looked at me like I was the weirdest theologian he’d ever met. I’ve got carpentry repairs to make, commentaries to replace, and a new sermon illustration that’s practically begging for a pulpit.
But here’s the real question: Do you have termites?
Not cellulose kind. I mean the soul-chewers. Anger, bitterness, jealousy, revenge, those little varmints that sneak in through the cracks of your spirit and start munching on your joy. They don’t knock. They just move in, set up a recliner in the lobby of your heart, and start gnawing away like it’s a buffet.
So, what’s the treatment? Grace. Not the kind you say before meals. The kind that fumigates your soul. The kind that kicks out the termites and replaces them with peace, purpose, and maybe a little laughter.
Go to church on Sunday. Your preacher’s been reading all week, dodging termites, and praying for a story that’ll wake you up, shake you up, and maybe even make you laugh while Jesus does His deep work.
This past week, the girls and boys cross country teams from Quitman High School participated in the LHSAA Division IV Cross Country State Meet held on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.
After qualifying by the girls winning the regional meet and the boys coming in third, the two squads both compiled top ten finishes, with the girls coming in 6th place and the boys checking in with a 10th place finish.
This is on the heels of both teams coming in 23rd place in last year’s meet, prompting QHS head cross country coach Cindy Pardue to praise her teams for their improved showings and reflect on the past season.
QHS Girls Cross Country recap:
“We had three varsity girls, Megan Kelly, Addi Faber, and Kaleigh King, who were all running strong this season, and in the race before Regionals, we were able to pull up two 8th graders, Anna Pardue and Audrina Martin, who turned out to be two key runners that helped us secure 1st place at Regionals and had personal bests at the state meet as did Megan, who finished in 15th place.”
QHS Boys Cross Country recap:
“On the boys’ side, Gage Horton and Luke Sims ran well all season but we had trouble pulling together a whole squad. About mid-season, we were able to add Mason Thomas and move up 8th-graders Carson Savana and Josiah Ramsey. Their addition allowed us to earn our way to the state and finish in 10th place.”
Pardue also thanked Jessica Sims for her help with the teams and gave appreciation to graduating seniors Megan Kelley, James Brown, Jayden Harts, Gage Horton, and Sean Henry for their effort and help with the younger members of the team.
“The boys and the girls worked very hard this year and learned how to run together as a team. With Jessica Sims helping me along the way, I cannot wait to see how these kids continue to improve in the future.”
I’ve been out of school for so long it’s hard to remember things I learned at Goldonna High School and Northwestern State. The years have erased or toned down much of the “book learning” I was exposed to way back then.
There is one thing, however, that as a writer, I keep at the forefront of my mind and that’s working with my A, B, Cs. More specifically, I’m talking about writing Articles, Books and Columns.
I recently did an article for this publication about my 53-year career in writing columns for newspapers. That’s where my journalistic endeavors began. Later, I started dabbling into writing articles for magazines and thankfully have experienced some success in convincing magazines that I could produce material their publication could use.
I look forward to this time of year for the past dozen or so years when LA Sportsman magazine asked me to locate, interview and write articles about big impressive bucks that deer hunters take around the state.
This has been, frankly, a bunch of fun. Someone informs me about a big buck taken, I contact them and in most cases, they are anxious to get their story told. I find out the hunter’s name and contact number, schedule the interview and then write the story. My main source of locating such hunters has been the Internet as I daily scroll the pages of Facebook searching for successful hunters who are proud to post photos of the big buck they got.
Two years ago, I decided I wanted to complete my ABCs and decided to try my hand at writing books and here’s how that got started.
For a year, my daughter had asked me questions every month about my life – how I grew up, how I got into writing and such and unknown to me, had my answers published in a publication she gave me for Christmas. This triggered something in me that I could take what I had told her, add some stories to it and the end result was my book, “Bamboozled by a Bobcat” that was released two years ago.
With good results from this book, it occurred to me that I had 53 years of newspaper columns sitting dormant and I thought about turning some of these favorite columns into a book, and as a result, “Fathers, Sons and Old Guns” became a reality.
For the past several years, I had contributed to an on-line topic called “E-thoughts”, where I wrote daily devotionals with scriptural references to things related to the outdoors. Again, another light came on in my brain as over the years, I had saved the devotionals I had written and thought why not put what I had written into a book. The result was my newest book, “Seasons – Connecting with God through the Year in His Great Outdoors.”
I still write weekly columns for several newspapers and during deer season, I am kept busy chasing down big bucks for LA Sportsman magazine. The fun thing for me now is promoting and selling my books, all of which are available at Amazon.com. I suppose you’re never too old to get excited about still getting good use of what I learned early on in school, and that was my A, B, Cs.
”All three books written by the author were available for sale at a recent book signing.” Courtesy photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best early morning around the grass on topwater lures. Crank baits are picking up some as well. Crappie are best along the channel edges 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 been good fishing jigs or shiners near the bottom. Bass fishing has been best fishing topwater lures early and pitching jigs around brush later. Some double digit fish are being caught. For best.information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707. OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Bass are best fishing shad imitation in he run-outs; crappie are around the tops in the river in 14 foot water with some big slabs caught on shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are best early mornings along the banks on topwaters and spinners. Later in the day, look for them over deeper water in the channels. Jigs and crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are around the channel edges next to deep water and are best on jigs and shiners. Catfish are good fishing off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are along channel drops with shiners and jigs picking up some nice fish. Bass are around the banks and hitting topwaters early while later 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 low. 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.
The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) is pleased to introduce the newest members who completed of the recently held EMT Class held at the JPASD Training Center located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro.
Congratulations go to:
Melanie Manning – Advanced EMT Passed the NREMT Cognitive Test to become a licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
Jinina Wilson – Advanced EMT Passed the NREMT Cognitive Test to become a licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
Audrey Perry – EMT Passed the NREMT Emergency Medical Technician Cognitive exam.
Walter Brown – EMT Passed the NREMT Emergency Medical Technician Cognitive exam
Jacob Carlton – Advanced EMT, Paramedic Passed EMT and Advanced EMT Courses, Gained License as Paramedic
Ethan Zuckerman is a name you are probably unfamiliar with, but there is little doubt that you have interacted with his invention. Almost everyone on the planet has had to deal with Ethan’s invention. Let me explain.
In 1993, Ethan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1994, Ethan dropped out of graduate school and focused on what was the newest technological craze, the World Wide Web. These days, we call it the internet. Until mid-1993, there were only about 50 websites in existence, but it snowballed shortly thereafter. Within a year, the number of websites grew into the thousands. (In October 2025, there were over 1.2 billion websites worldwide, and a new website was built about every three seconds.)
In the first year of the internet boom, Ethan and a couple of his friends in Williamstown began building an internet-based company called Tripod. Their intention was to provide content and services for graduates, what Ethan described as “tools for life.” The website was popular, but it was not making enough money to cover expenses. At its peak in the mid-1990s, about 15 million people visited their website daily. Although the number of visitors was certainly impressive, few people bought anything from the company. Ethan and his partners switched from trying to sell products to trying to get customers to pay for a subscription to gain access to their content. It was not successful. They tried to sell content in an online magazine format, but that failed too. As a last resort, they turned to advertisers, just as many other popular websites had done. Finally, they were making a hefty profit.
Then, a problem arose. A major car company which he refused to name purchased an ad that was placed on numerous websites indiscriminately. Executives at the car company were surprised and angered when their company’s ad appeared at the top of a popular pornographic website. They feared that the public would think that they were promoting pornography which could have destroyed the company’s reputation. Ethan began working to find a way to continue to have advertisements for websites but in a way that they seemed somewhat disconnected from the content on the website. After a period of trial and error, Ethan invented something the world had never seen before. Within a short time, his invention became almost inescapable. It also became one of the most hated inventions in history. In 1999, Ethan and his partners sold their company, and Ethan began to regret his invention. In August 2014, Ethan apologized to the world by saying, “I’m sorry. Our intentions were good.” Once opened, Pandora’s box is not easily closed. Ethan’s invention still pops up on computer screens across the world. You see, Ethan was the inventor of pop-up ads.
Sarah Harrison (l) of Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church with Randy Layfield (r) of His Hands Ministry
Pastor Gary Green and the congregation of Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church showed their Thanksgiving spirit this past week through a pair of donations made to local organizations.
On November 16th, Sarah Harrison of JHMC presented vouchers for 40 turkeys to Randy Layfield of His Hands Ministry, allowing the charity organization to give 40 turkeys to less fortunate families to enjoy during the upcoming holiday.
This was followed by Pastor Gary Green presenting Forest Haven Nursing Home with prayer shawls for residents on November 18th to help keep them warm during the winter weather that is ahead.
Have you ever been asked, “Can you keep a secret?” Sure, you have but there’s probably not another group of people on earth who have more secrets than tournament bass anglers. Secrets that they will take to their grave! Let’s dive into the secret world of tournament bass fishing and look at the mental side — how anglers think.
It’s absolutely amazing how anglers won’t ever give up any of their secret baits or locations where they catch bass. I don’t care how long you’ve been fishing, there are just certain bits of information a tournament bass angler will never reveal, not even to his best buddies.
This is why it’s hard for one angler to trust another! It’s like opening a closet door and revealing everything you never wanted anyone to find out. Every angler thinks they know something no one else does, but if the truth be told, there are no secret baits or secret locations any more on any body of water.
Anglers, as I have said so many times in the past, are a funny bunch. Every single tournament angler on the water is always looking for that ONE bait that no one else is throwing. That one bait that they have the utmost confidence which no matter the conditions, will catch fish. Anglers are always searching for anything that will give them a leg up on their competition.
This is where the mental side of tournament bass fishing comes into play. Bass fishing, as so many pro anglers will tell you, is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. This is actually what separates the average anglers from the great ones.
The greatest angler of all time, Kevin Van Dam, once told me that if you believe in the bait you’re throwing, you’ll fish that bait totally different than one you don’t believe in. Confidence in bass fishing goes a long way in catching bass!
That’s another key word in tournament bass fishing — confidence. It’s funny how this one word is crucial for anything we do in life. It’s a word that can make you average, or great.
Again, I reference a conversation I had with Kevin Van Dam when I asked if he believed in adding scent to the bait he’s fishing? His answer was not what I was expecting when he reversed the question and asked me if I believed in adding scent to my baits?
My answer was “yes.” I do think it makes a difference in the number of bites I get in a day. He then said, “That’s all that matters; if you believe in it, use it! Because the more you believe in what you’re doing, the better you ‘ll fish that bait! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it only matters what you think.”
So, I guess you could say that the best-kept secret of any angler is not a certain bait or location on any body of water, but it’s the confidence they have in what they’re doing!
Director Angela Shows and the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Agriscience Department invite you to come to their Christmas Spectacular that will be held December 8-10 on the JHHS campus located at 225 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro.
Come from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm each day to see all the tremendous Christmas-themed creations for purchase, such as yard signs, wooden totes, and decorated pine cones found under the big white tent. Also available will be jellies of all flavors, including cranberry, pomegranate, cran-pomegranate, grape, and cran-grape, along with bake sales.
I once read a short article about sunken treasure from a pirate ship. The riches were discovered in waters near Cape Cod. Be it buried treasure, lottery, Publishers Clearing House winnings or pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; man seeks wealth and fame.
True treasure; lasting treasure, is found by diligent seekers. It’s worth the search.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells everything that he has, and buys that field (Matthew 13:44 NASB).”
God has given me the treasure and testimony of everlasting life. I testify today; He buried my transgressions and sin in the sea.
“Who is a God like You, who pardons wrongdoing And passes over a rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again take pity on us; He will trample on our wrongdoings. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19 NASB).”
How deep is His love?
Don’t you know?
God’s love and forgiveness is deeper than the deep blue sea!
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
ONSLOW BAY FINANCIAL vs 37903
SHAWN ETHAN BARR A/KIA SHAWN E BARR A/KIA SHAWN BARR
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 10th day of DECEMBER, 2025. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
LOT 2 OF THE DEERFIELD SUBDIVISION, SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.
ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
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.
ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO AUCTIONEER
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
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
The Jackson Parish School District – If you have the skills and enthusiasm to make a difference, there is an opening for the following positions.
Grade 3-5 Special Education Teacher at Weston High School Substitutes – All Areas
Apply today through the Jackson Parish School District website at www.jpsb.us or contact the central office at (318) 259 – 4456 for more details.
James Harold “Buddy” Stevenson March 3, 1946 – November 16, 2025
James Harold “Buddy” Stevenson passed away in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 79 years, 8 months, and 13 days. A devoted Christian, Buddy loved his Lord and found great joy in attending church, a joy made even greater knowing that all four of his sons and their families also worship the Lord.
Known for his kind heart and generous spirit, Buddy found happiness in doing for others, whether treating friends to supper—especially if catfish or steak was on the menu—or simply offering a helping hand. He was an avid fan of westerns and a faithful supporter of every sport his grandchildren played, cheering them on with pride and love.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 49 years, 7 months, and 20 days, Nancy (Ingram) Stevenson; sons, James Stevenson (Brandy), Adam Stevenson (Lindsay), Jared Stevenson (Kayla) and Abel Stevenson (Janae); grandchildren, Trey, Ryan, Max, Steele, Bella, Bryce, Barrett, Landry, Addison, Aden, Abram, Ainsley, Isaac, Ruby and Eli: and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Stevenson; mother, Geraldine Nunn; step-father, Bob Norred: siblings, Douglas Norred, Bobby Norred, Francis Norred and Patricia Stevenson.
The funeral service was held on November 21st in the Southern-Edmonds Chapel with Bro. Casey Fenn officiating. Burial followed in Antioch Cemetery near Quitman, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers were Trey, Ryan, Adam, Bryce, Jared, Aden, Abel and Isaac Stevenson.
Roy Dee Smith March 19, 1934 – November 18, 2025
Roy Dee Smith, age 91 of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was born on Monday, March 19, 1934 to the union of Jonnie and Pearlie (Anderson) Smith, along with his twin brother, Troy. Roy was a Baptist that loved the Lord and his country. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy. He also enjoyed fishing in his free time. He liked riding the roads and stopping in to sip on some McDonald’s coffee or stopping to treat himself to a bite at Southern Classic.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Bonita Abedi and Cathy Warren; grandchildren, Joshua Etheridge (Angela), Amber Swanner (Joseph); great grandchildren, Bryce Etheridge (Savanna), Kaylee Etheridge, Oliver Swanner, Seth Lowe, Kayla Lowe, Haley Lowe Strong, Mikayla Puckett; great-great grandchild, Stetson Etheridge; sister, Nellie Bartlett; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by grandson, Samson Lowe; parents, Jonnie and Pearlie (Anderson) Smith; brothers, Dudley Smith, Troy Smith; sister, Launa Hogan.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home starting at noon until time of funeral service. His funeral service is set to begin at 1:00 PM with Bro. Joey Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Roy was a resident of Forest Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for 17 years. The family would like to thank all of the Forest Haven staff and Charlotte Odom for the tender, loving care that they provided to Roy through his stay.
Taking Oath of Office! (l-r) Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Laura Culpepper, Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett, wife Jhela Barnett, sons Braxton and Camden Barnett
With his wife and two sons alongside, former Chief Deputy, Brent Barnett, took a ceremonial Oath of Office administered by Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Laura Culpepper on Tuesday, November 18th, commemorating his becoming the 72nd Sheriff in the history of Jackson Parish.
Barnett, who was officially appointed to the office on Friday, November 14th, following the retirement of six-term Sheriff, Andy Brown, followed by thanking those in attendance at the North Hodge Assembly of God sanctuary, which included many representatives of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, local dignitaries, and family members that included his mother, Lori, and father, Dewain Barnett.
“Our mission is to protect and serve our parish with integrity, courage, and unity through lawful, professional service that builds trust, strengthens one another, and safeguards our community,” said Barnett in an address to the audience.
“This is a responsibility that we bear, not only to the parish and one another, but a responsibility that has been given to us by God himself,” continued Barnett to fellow JPSO members.
“Together we move forward as one parish, one team, and with one mission,” concluded the new Sheriff.
Barnett assumes the prestigious office of public service after over 32 years in law enforcement in Jackson Parish, having held positions of Criminal Patrol, Shift Supervisor, Canine Handler, SRT Coordinator, Criminal Investigations, jail operations, and, most recentl,y Chief Deputy.
A lifelong resident of Jackson Parish, Barnett graduated from Weston High School before receiving a degree from Louisiana Tech University. He is also a U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy graduate.
Barnett also served our country with honor, being a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, before retiring from the Louisiana National Guard in 2015 as the 225th Engineer Brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) President Todd Culpepper announces that May 16th, 2026, is the date deemed by the Louisiana Secretary of State Office when the general public of Jackson Parish will get the opportunity to elect a Sheriff in Jackson Parish. If a runoff is necessary, that will take place on June 27th, 2026.
Culpepper also stated that a Special Called Meeting of the JPPJ will be held later this week (Thursday or Friday) to draft a Proclamation to be delivered to the Secretary of State announcing the intention to hold the election.
“As soon as Sheriff Brown’s retirement was made official, we contacted the Secretary of State office for guidance on how we should move forward with the required election,” explained Culpepper. “The morning of Tuesday, November 18th, we received a call stating that the earliest the election could take place was on May 16th, 2026, so we are now moving forward to be prepared for that event.”
The “Road to the Dome” gets a little tougher for the Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers as they will make a long journey to the southwest corner of the state to take on Vinton High School in a #8 vs #9 Division IV battle among “non-select” schools.
The Tigers, who were runner-up in District 1-1A, come in with an 8-3 record after winning their opening round game over North Central by a 44-20 score. Vinton, the District 4-2A champion with a 9-2 mark, earned the right to play host by dispatching DeQuincy 28-0.
“We have our work cut out for us,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Vinton is a well-coached team, and we will have to play well in order to win.
One thing Blankenship said should be an advantage for the Tigers is that Vinton runs the Veer offense, very similar to the scheme run by Cedar Creek, which JHHS completely shut down two weeks ago.
“They aren’t going to hit us with anything we haven’t seen before,” said Blankenship. “If our defense responds like they did against Cedar Creek, we should be in good shape. But if we give them any running room, they have a pair of backs that are really good and could hurt us.”
Offensively, the Tigers will look to continue with what has been working well of late, with quarterback Dakota Knox and tailback Landon Boston providing a punishing rushing attack assisted by the deep receiving corps of Jaquan Qualls, Tyson Burks, Tre Burns, Channing Gray, and Jamarlon Johnson making plays.
Listen on 102.3 FM!
For those not able to make the roughly three and a half hour trip, or who just want to hear the game analysis while watching the contest, you can follow the Tigers by tuning to ROUX102, found at 102.3 FM on the radio dial, where Ben Ledbetter and Clay Williams will be bringing all the play-by-play, insights, and highlights.
The Tigers’ pre-game show will begin at 6:30 pm, which will include a segment of the JHHS coaches’ show where coach Terrance Blankenship will talk about the contest and season to date, followed by the kickoff slated for 7:00 pm.
For those who are outside the 102.3 listening area, you can also catch the contest by downloading the ROUX102 app or by going to the http://www.roux102.com website. As an added feature, you can also livestream the game by downloading the HudlFan App and following the prompts.
How to get there!
Google Maps shows that the fastest way to get to Vinton High School is to take Hwy 167 to Alexandria and then take Hwy 165 to I-10. From there, stay on I-10 until you reach Vinton, take Exit 7 north onto West Street exit, and then turn right on Grace Avenue, with the school being located at 1603 Grace Avenue. The estimated distance is 192 miles, with the time of travel being shown at 3 hours and 16 minutes.
Louisiana Tech University conferred degrees upon 325 graduates in the Class of Fall 2025 — a group of students who join nearly 118,000 Tech alumni worldwide — during commencement on Saturday, November 15th, in the Thomas Assembly Center on the LTU campus in Ruston.
Misti S. Cordell, chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents, owner COR Consulting, LLC, and a 1997 Human Resources Management graduate of Louisiana Tech, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
Jackson Parish residents earning Undergraduate Degrees
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE NURSING Olivia G Borland, Quitman
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Travis Wayne Cobb, Hodge
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES Grace Oliver DeCou, Jonesboro
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MASTER OF SCIENCE Erin Jane Dearman, Quitman
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Cameron M Hollis, Quitman
Weston High School will host the Wolves 2025 Varsity Basketball Tournament on Thursday, November 20, through Saturday, November 22, with Dodson, Stanley, Pitkin, Beekman Charter, and host Weston, whose girls and boys teams will play all three days, participating.
Quitman, JHHS in Saline Tournament
The girls and boys teams from Quitman High School and the Lady Tigers from Jonesboro-Hodge will take part in the Saline High School Tournament that will be played on Thursday – Saturday. The JHHS girls will play Saline at 6:30 pm on Thursday followed by a boys matchup between Quitman and Lakeview. On Friday it is the Lady Wolverines that play the host team at 6:30 pm followed by an all Jackson Parish girls matchup between Quitman and JHHS at 3:30 pm on Saturday and the QHS boys playing Class 5A Haughton at 4:45 pm.
To help record the event for future generations to remember it by, and to have the shots displayed in the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH), photographers of all experience levels are being asked to submit images that capture the magic of the recent Northern Lights right here in Louisiana for the 4th Quarter Community Photography Contest.
Whether it’s a rare glow over our pine trees, reflections of the lights above local landmarks, or peaceful night scenes illuminated by the sky, this is your chance to share these extraordinary moments with our community.
There’s no limit to the number of entries you can submit. Four winners will each receive $250 for the copyright of each photo that meets the necessary guidelines.
Submissions are being taken now. Terms and conditions apply. For more info go to https://bit.ly/3EwzYRZ
Purple pins show the location of the proposed District 3-1A schools
If the recent proposal by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) is ratified, Jonesboro-Hodge High School will remain in Class A but move into a new District for the 2026-28 school years.
Every two years, the LHSAA does a reevaluation of member schools based on the current number of students in each school and applies that to the classification model used for each division of Class 5A – Class C. Often, schools will have gained or lost students from the previous two years, which requires a move up or drop in classification. As a result, reconfigurations of the districts within that classification are required.
According to the master plan developed for the 2026-28 period, 64 schools fell within the Class A model, resulting in ten districts being formed. The Tigers are shown to be one of six schools that will make up District 3-1A, along with Logansport, Lakeview, Montgomery, Ringgold, and St. Mary’s of Natchitoches.
“Basically, the new plan is good for us, as other than one school, the district is in more of a consolidated area all within an hour away. That makes for easier travel considerations,” said JHHS athletic director Terrance Blankenship. “In one respect, you hate to lose the rivalries that have developed with nearby schools like Lincoln Prep, Arcadia and Cedar Creek, but on the other it gives us the opportunity to play schools that before we have never really had the chance to play.
Schools had until Friday, November 14th to file an appeal with administrators scheduled to appear before the LHSAA classification committee in Baton Rouge on November 17, to make their case. The final classification meeting is scheduled for December 3rd where districts will also be finalized for the 2026-2028 school years.
In regard to Quitman and Weston High Schools, the new plan keeps their current District 1B intact, other than adding Providence Classical Academy, located in Bossier City, to the group of Castor, Doyline, Simsboro, Quitman, and Weston.
Schools in proposed District 3-1A
Jonesboro-Hodge Logansport Lakeview Ringgold St. Mary’s Montgomery
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) held a meeting on Monday, November 17th in the Auditorium on the campus of Jonesboro-Hodge High School. Highlighting the session was the awarding of certificates to 20 exceptional Jackson Parish School District students who turned in superior performances during the LEAP 2025 testing period.
Those in attendance were also given an overview of our Title Programs and how they, as stakeholders, could contribute. Ms. Lori Rash also shared about her work with Career Compass, which helps high school seniors with interest inventories, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion, and college applications. For more information, students can follow up with their school counselors.
Council members remind students, parents, and all interested parties to mark their calendars for the next scheduled PAC meetings to be held at 6:00 pm on January 12 and April 22 in the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Auditorium.
2025 Superior LEAP Testing Performers
Bottom Row: James Otwell (English I), Ray LeBlance (English I, Algebra), CarlyJo Griffin (English I), Madelyn Ramsey (English I, Algebra), Carlynn Waters (English I), Avery Dark (Geometry), Kari Gates (English II), Ty Henderson (Geometry), Ayden Treadway (English II, Geometry), Braedyn Turner (English II, Geometry, Biology), Mr Billy Carter, Superintendent Top Row: Amber Spangler (English II, Geometry, Biology), EllieMae Ray (English 1), Evelyn Moore (English I), Jacob Williams (Algebra), Ranaijah Wyatt (Algebra), Luke Rinehart (Algebra), Sunni Altheimer (English I), Klea Blalock (English I), Evie Hasley (American History), Easton Borders (English I, Algebra)
The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) is pleased to announce that Cole Stevenson has been selected as the winner of the “Miracle on Main St.” Christmas Wonderland in the Pines T‑Shirt 2025 design contest.
“We received many beautiful entries, and judging was truly difficult. After much consideration, we are pleased to announce this year’s winner is Cole Stevenson,” said JPCC Director Kim Whitman.
Ryan Kate Wyatt, who preps at Weston High School, has been named the USSSA Fall State Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP), after leading her Bombers team to the tournament title.
Chosen by the opposing team in the championship game, Wyatt earned the honor for her incredible contribution to a last-inning rally that saw the Bombers overcome a six-run deficit and her pitching during the game.
With the Bombers facing the seemingly insurmountable deficit, Wyatt started the rally by hitting a double. That started a streak of eight hits by Bomber batters that brought Wyatt up again with runners on second and third base, now with the team down by only one run. Finding a pitch she liked, Wyatt stroked her second double of the inning to plate both runs and give the Bombers the “walk-off” victory.
It was the second prestigious award of the tournament for Wyatt, who was also voted Offensive MVP of Pool Play, chosen by the umpires who stated the reason for her selection was that Wyatt continued to hit “bombs” game after game.
On Friday, November 14th, the Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary Faculty and Staff proudly inducted 23 members and recognized 3 existing members into the 2025-26 National Jr. Beta Club (NBC).
National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. For more than 80 years, NBC has prepared today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. The mission of the organization is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.
“Betas, we encourage you to always be a leader, demonstrate good character, work hard in your academic endeavors, and serve others before yourself. We look forward to seeing how membership in this prestigious organization will impact you and how you, in turn, will impact the National Beta Club.”– Sponsors: Mrs. Rahn, 5th Grade ELA Teacher, Mrs. Manning, Assistant Principal, Ms. Copeland, Principal
There’s no place quite like Ruston, LA for the holidays. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston produces all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays.
Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a holiday season full of festive fun, making it the perfect time to make the drive and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family. From parades and performances to light displays and shopping events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Thursday, November 20, kick-start the holiday season in the heart of Ruston. Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas invites you to shop and stroll downtown’s special promotions, get your pictures with Santa, and see the downtown tree lighting.
While you’re around for Kickoff to Christmas, stroll Ruston’s quarterly Art Ramble happening from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Local artists will be displaying and selling artwork and curated creations, perfect for finding your loved ones that one-of-a kind gift.
Thursday, December 4, Ruston’s Annual Christmas Parade will hit the streets. This parade fills Ruston with festive floats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bring your blanket, grab a warm drink from a local coffee shop, and enjoy one of the merriest events of the season.
December 4-7, experience the timeless story of A Christmas Carol brought to life at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Ruston Community Theatre brings you Ebenezer Scrooge, the three Spirits of Christmas, and musical adaptations by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynee Ahres.
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines is a Ruston holiday staple and a can’t-miss event. Pack up the whole family and come experience Ruston’s only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park, happening December 4-6 and 11-13. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor all from the warmth of your vehicle as you take in the glow of the season.
December 5-7 is a big weekend in Ruston, LA, and full of holiday adventures. You can shop Big Creek Trade Days on December 5-7, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items, and more to help you knock out your holiday shopping list. December 6, visit the OWL Center for their Christmas on the Farm. This holiday event brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, pictures with Santa, a rock wall, a zip line, games, and so much more. Also on December 6, you can visit downtown Choudrant for Christmas in the Village, featuring a parade, bounce houses, cookies with Santa, a movie in the park, and more.
On December 12, the Dixie Center for the Arts presents A Christmas Blues. This benefit concert is full of holiday spirit and down-home blues, bringing together some of the area’s most gifted musicians for an unforgettable night of music.
Downtown Ruston hosts the Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 14. Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season and sign up to get a delicious holiday cookie at each participating local business, all while you shop the local holiday deals and specials. While you’re in town, step into the holiday spirit with the Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center, happening on December 14. Tour beautifully decorated homes and gather festive inspiration for your own holiday decor.
Ruston has it all – late night shopping, downtown deals, cookie crawls, parades, live music, light displays, and of course, the annual holiday5K race. On December 18 the Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will take place at the Ruston Sports Complex. Grab your holiday running gear, strap on your Santa Claus hat, and get ready for the most festive race of the year.
End the holiday season on a high note. The Ruston Sports Complex brings you Christmas at the Complex on December 20. Spend a festive day with friends and family and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, take your picture with Santa, watch a Christmas movie, and go ice skating.
This is just a quick look at the holiday adventures you can go on this year in Ruston, LA. Recurring events throughout December include artificial ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex and the Ruston Farmers Market happening every Saturday – perfect for finding your holiday gifts and festive flavors all while enjoying some live music.
Come experience the holidays in Ruston, LA, where small town charm and big holiday spirit bring you back to those nostalgic feelings of Christmas when you were a kid.
