October is traditionally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the nation, and in observance, the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) is issuing a challenge to Jackson Parish business owners to “Paint the Town Pink.”

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so in honor and support of those who have gallantly fought the battle and those who are survivors, the JPCC has come up with this creative idea to bring better awareness and show unity in the fight against breat cancer.

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Jonesboro-Hodge, missing two of its offensive backfield starters, took a sluggish 38-18 victory in iover hapless Arcadia, which was celebrating Homecoming 2026. In its final non-district contest of the season, the Tigers improved to 4-1 for the first time since 2009, while Arcadia dropped to 0-5.

With quarterback King Campbell and running back/defensive back Lon’Trevious “Tre” Burns sidelined for the contest, the Tigers had trouble moving the ball until 5:48 in the second quarter; JHHS scored three times in a little over 3 minutes to take a commanding 22-0 lead into the half.

The Tigers’ offensive fireworks got started when JuQuan Qualls, who came in at quarterback midway through the first quarter, ran around right end on a 4th-and-goal play from 10 yards out, capping a 5-play, 75-yard drive. On the same play, but this time to the left, Qualls ran in for the two-point conversion to put JHHS up 8-0.

JHHS quickly scored again after Reginald Hemphill forced a fumble that J-H recovered, leading to Qualls connecting with Jamarlon Johnson on a 60-yard strike on the third play of the possession to go up 14-0. The score would balloon to 22-0 on the Tigers’ next possession when, on the first play from scrimmage after taking over at the Arcadia 20-yard line following Dylan Hayes running down the Hornet punter, who had mishandled a low snap, Qualls found Johnson again, this time from 20 yards out. Qualls would then run in his second 2-point conversion of the contest.

Arcadia, who had come in scoring just 6 points in their first three games and had not attempted a pass in the first half, shocked J-H in the second half by completing all 8 passes tried, leading to a 5-yard touchdown run by Jaiden Kelly and a Darien Baxter to Khalil Abney to close to within 22-12 early in the 4th quarter.

The Tigers reassumed total control of the contest in 23 seconds, scoring twice from long distance on their first play from scrimmage.

Johnson, who etched his name in the all-time JHHS record book with 197 yards receiving, the second-best single-game reception yardage total in JHHS history, was first to score, when he grabbed his 3rd touchdown of the game from 45 yards out. Qualls ran in his third 2-point conversion to put J-H up 30-12. On the Tigers next possession, Qualls sprinted 41 yards to complete the one play drive followed by Kodan Atkins plunging over for the 2-point conversion for the Tigers final points. Arcadia would make it a little closer late in the game, when Abney scooped up a J-H fumble and returned it 46 yards for a score, the first defensive touchdown of the year by Arcadia.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Jonesboro-Hodge (4-1)	0	22	0	16	38
Arcadia (0-5)	0	0	12	6	18

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Rolling Hills Ministries, one of North Louisiana’s finest thrift stores, has opened its Jonesboro location at 735 Pershing Hwy., the 8th store of the non-profit organization offering a tremendous array of items ranging from clothes to indoor and outdoor furniture and appliances. Under the direction of store manager Tommy Smith, Rolling Hills is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.

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When Xavier Atkins finished his sophomore season at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, where he set a new school record and led the state with an incredible 219 tackles, many thought he was the best high school linebacker in Louisiana.

Now, as a junior at Auburn University, he is considered to be the best college linebacker in the nation.

That is not just an opinion by local or university fans but by the prestigious Pro Football Network, which this past week ranked the top collegiate linebackers in the nation and gave Atkins the top billing with a 95.0 mark, a full 1.60 points better than second-place TJ Dottery of LSU.

In five games, Atkins, who was voted Defensive Player of the Game for his 8 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and one sack effort against Vanderbilt, has recorded 37 tackles in five games, including 7.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks, as well as making an interception and 3 quarterback hits

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Once a teacher, ALWAYS a teacher!

That is what the Jackson Parish School District believes, and now it is asking retired teachers to share their valuable experience to help with its High-Dosage Tutoring Program. Help support student success by continuing to make a difference by providing focused, small-group academic support.

If interested in signing up or for more information, visit the Jackson Parish School District Central Office located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro or call (318) 259-4456.

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The administration, faculty, and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School congratulate Tytus Campbell for being selected as the 2026-27 Student of the Year.

“Tytus Campbell is a proud 5th grader at J-HES. He has maintained the Principal’s List, scored Mastery across content areas, and is active in National Jr. Beta Club, 4-H, United Way, Basketball, and Football. He is also an active member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church of East Hodge, where he serves on the Youth Ministry and is on the Youth Council for the Jackson Parish NAACP Branch #6309.

“On behalf of the Jonebsoro-Hodge Elementary School community, I congratulate Tytus Campbell on this outstanding achievement. Your exceptional academic record, extracurricular involvement, and leadership skills have truly set you apart. May this achievement be the beginning of many more successes in your academic journey and beyond.” -Ms. Copeland, Principal

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With only the 33rd annual Spooky 50 race left on Friday, October 16th, in the first season under the ownership of Matt and Casey Takewell, the Super Bee Speedway in Chatham announces the top three in track points in the seven divisions of racing.

“After a full season of racing, it’s time to recognize the drivers who finished in the top 3 in track points in each class,” said Takewell. “These guys have shown up, battled week after week and earned their spots at the top.”

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The Jackson Parish Library has released its activity schedule for October at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches, as well as the Bookmobile schedule for the final three months of the year. See below for all the events and activities scheduled to take place.

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Quitman High School has won the Jackson Parish School District Cleanest Campus Award. Celebrating the hard work of the school’s maintenance and custodial team of Cheryl Love, Jenny Hayes, Derrick Pery, Wyatt Timm, and Mac Cooper, a special lunch was provided by Stassen’s Catfish Inn.

“I am so very proud of the work our maintenance crew at Quitman High School does,” said QHS Principal Chris Cavin. “Each one goes above and beyond. We have a large campus with almost 700 students, and yet our five custodians are able to maintain their daily tasks and do anything else needed to keep our campus looking beautiful and running efficiently. I am very thankful for all their hard work.”

If you would like to support this project in the months ahead, please reach out to Ashley Cotten at (318) 259-6611, ext. 6103, or send an email to ashley.cotten@jpsbschools.us

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Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School is pleased to present the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) award winners for October. PBIS is an evidence-based, three-tiered framework used in schools to prevent problem behaviors, teach positive social expectations, and improve overall school climate

PBIS Award Winners for October

Student of the Month: Declan Williams, 5th Grade
Faculty of the Month: Abigail Pepper, Kindergarten
Support of the Month: Johnel Woodard, Custodian

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The Weston High School administration and staff are pleased to announce the winners of the annual Fall Festival Poster Contest held among elementary students representing grades 2-3 and 4-5.

Fall Festival Poster Contest Grade 2-3 Division Winners

1st place: Wilder Myers
2nd place: Kenzie Billman

Fall Festival Poster Contest Grade 4-5 Division Winners

1st place: Allie Palmer
2nd place: Maddy Palmer
3rd place: Liam Lowry

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Why October Is A Favorite Month

Of the twelve months that constitute a calendar year, one month stands out as my favorite. October can be rather interesting. The temperature, as it likely will be this year, might tend to be on the warm side. Other Octobers, we can get chilly temps, maybe even an occasional frost.

Before delving into why this month is a favorite, I decided to do a little probing to learn the history of the month of October.

October is the 10th months of the year in our modern calendar but interestingly, it’s name comes from the Latin word “octo”, which means eight.

The ancient Roman calendar began in March, making October the eighth month of a 10-month year.
October always had 31 days in the Roman system and this length never changed. Then somewhere along the way, calendar reforms added January and February to the start of the year, moving October to the 10th position while keeping it’s original numerical name.

The Anglo-Saxons had a name for it because winter was believed to start at the full moon in October. Old England called it “Winmonath” because it was the time for making wine.

How did Halloween get its start? Ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31 to mark summer’s end and welcome winter. This festival later turned into modern Halloween.

As a side note, Christopher Columbus reached the Americas on October 12, 1492 and the United Nations was founded on October 14, 1945.

Okay, that’s enough history. Why is October so important to me? If I had to name one reason, it has to do with squirrel hunting which always begins in early October.

When I was just a kid growing up, I admired my dad when he would come home with a sack of squirrels he had bagged and I secretly longed for the day when I could go hunting with him.

That time came when I was probably five or six years old when one day as dad gathered his gear to head for the woods, he stopped before heading out the door and asked me, his oldest son, how would you like to go with me. Oh boy, it didn’t take me but a second to say yes sir!

I probably had on blue jeans and tennis shoes as we piled in dad’s car and headed for the woods, a dad and an extremely excited youngster.

As dad stepped into the woods with me at his heels, he paused and cautioned me about something of utmost importance if you’re going to sneak up on a squirrel. Be quiet; watch where you step and avoid stepping on dry leaves because of the noise it created. I did a fair job of keeping quiet although I had to be cautioned several times to watch where I stepped.

I don’t remember if dad killed a squirrel on that first foray with me along but on trips when he took me, there were a few times when he cautioned me to be particularly still because he had spotted a squirrel and was trying to sneak up on it.

Finally, dad thought I had progressed enough that he placed a little .22 rifle in my hands as we headed out. I’ll never forget the first time he let me sneak up on a squirrel, take the shot and rush to the squirrel as it tumbled to the ground.

The look on his face as he watched his son bag his first squirrel is still etched in my memory.

Why do I love October? I think by now, you know.

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FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Reports are that bass are schooling early mornings and late afternoons and hitting shad imitations and soft plastics. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. 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 are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and later using soft plastics and crank baits around deeper brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early with some schooling activity noted. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream are slow. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just 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 suspended where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters with some reportedly schooling. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is slightly rising. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and noodles and buffalo caught in nets. No reports yet on crappie and bass. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

Nothing New Under the Sun

“There is nothing new under the sun,” says the writer of Ecclesiastes. Clearly, he never had to update the software on his phone while waiting in the Walmart pickup lot.

Surely the Internet has changed everything. We order groceries from the couch, clothes from the kitchen table, and things we did not know we needed while brushing our teeth. By the time a package arrives, I sometimes have to open it to find out what I bought.

But perhaps the writer of Ecclesiastes knew more about us than we think.

A century or so ago, you went to the general store and told the clerk what you needed. The clerk gathered your order from the shelves. In some places, the store even delivered it to your home. If you wanted something special from the Sears catalog, you ordered it and waited. And waited. The catalog was full of wonders, but “arriving tomorrow” was not one of them.

Then came the shopping cart. Store owners wondered whether customers would really fetch their own groceries. They did. Soon we were pushing carts down aisles, filling them ourselves, and choosing among forty-seven kinds of breakfast cereal. Progress had arrived, though nobody had warned us we would eventually have to steer a cart with one bad wheel.

Now we tap a screen, tell someone else what we need, and wait for that person to gather it from the shelves. They may even deliver it to our home. Or we park at Walmart, check in on our phones, and wait for the groceries to appear. We have used astonishing technology to return to telling the clerk what we want.

There is nothing new under the sun.

Of course, Ecclesiastes was saying something deeper than “the general store will make a comeback.” Human life has a way of circling around the same needs. We find new ways to shop, work, and communicate, but we still know disappointment. We still make mistakes. We still lie awake worrying about someone we love. We still long for peace when the day has worn us thin.

Maybe you need a second chance. Maybe life has been so crowded with responsibilities that joy has quietly slipped out the back door. Maybe you are carrying a regret you cannot undo, or you have managed to look fine in public while feeling anything but fine at home.

For those needs, I have one word: Jesus.

Not because speaking his name makes every problem disappear by Thursday. It doesn’t. Jesus offers something better than a quick fix. He meets people who have failed and calls them forward. He welcomes the weary. He gives forgiveness where shame has settled in, and hope where we thought nothing could grow again.

The shopping cart may keep changing. The human heart still needs grace. And the good news of Jesus is that grace is available to you, right where you are—even if right where you are happens to be the Walmart pickup lot.

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To publish Public/Legal Notices, Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for Sale, and Wanted-to-Buy items, email jpjjacksonla@gmail.com jpjjacksonla@gmail.com  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on the content.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

L P Saw Shop
2612 Hwy 4
Jonesboro, LA
(318) 259 – 4056

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

Pardue Builders Supply
705 South Hudson Avenue
Jonesboro, LA
(318) 259 – 2529

ATTENTION HUNTERS! Pardue Builders Supply in Jonesboro is now offering Camo Paint in Olive, Green, Black, and Tan for $21.99 per gallon. Also available are Tactacam 3.0 Field Cameras at $119.00 each.

BUSINESS SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Police Jury Special Called Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2026

The Jackson Parish Police Jury held a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr., meeting room, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mrs. Amy Magee, Ms. Regina Rowe, Mrs. Sheketia Combs, President Todd Culpepper, and Mr. Lewis Chatham. Absent: Mrs. Tarneshala Cowans and Mr. Keith Burris. Also present: Mrs. Nia Evans Watkins, Secretary-Treasurer.
President Mr. Culpepper called the meeting to order. Mrs. Magee gave the invocation and Mrs. Combs led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Culpepper called for public comments. There were no public comments. There was no public present.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded Mr. Chatham to approve upholding and affirming the 2025 tax assessment as presented by the tax assessor.
Roll Call Vote
District 1- Yea, District 2-Yea, District 3- Yea, District 4- Yea, District 5- Absent, District 6- Yea, District
7- Absent
YEAS: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT: 2
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mrs. Combs to approve, allowing Mr. Wayne Anderson and Mr. Ed
Howard to attend the LSWA Conference to be held October 27-28, 2026, in Lafayette, LA. Motion
carried.
Motion- Mrs. Magee, seconded Mr. Chatham to call for a public hearing for the amended subdivision ordinance to be held at 5:15 on October 13, 2026, in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr., Meeting Room, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA.. Motion carried.
Motion- Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mrs. Combs to adjourn. Motion carried.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish School Board Special Called Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2026

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a Special Called Meeting on October 1,2026, 11:00 a.m. at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.
The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Rick Barlow, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Wade McBride and Dennis Clary
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
Motion by Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to enter into Executive Session pursuant to La.R.S. 42:17 (A) (4).)
Motion by Gerry Mims, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to return to open session with no action taken.
Public Comments were heard at this time in support of Superintendent Carter.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to bring charges against Superintendent Carter.
Ayes: Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary, Rick Barlow, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton and Wade
McBride
Nays: None
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to place Superintendent Carter on Administrative Leave pending outcome of hearing.
Ayes: Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary, Rick Barlow, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton and Wade McBride
Nays: None
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to appoint Dr. Robin Potts as Acting Superintendent until the regular scheduled Board Meeting, October 5, 2026.
Ayes: Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary, Wade McBride, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton and Rick Barlow
Nays:
None
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
Motion by Gerry Mims, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to adjourn at 1:30 p.m

PUBLIC NOTICE

RESOLUTION OF THE JACKSON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CALLING A HEARING IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. R.S. 17:54 TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT WILLIAM CARTER SHOULD BE DISCIPLINED OR REMOVED AS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE JACKSON PARISH
SCHOOL SYSTEM

WHEREAS, La. R.S. 17:54 provides that if a superintendent is found incompetent, unworthy, or inefficient or is found to have failed to fulfill the terms and performance objectives of his contract or to comply with School Board policy, the superintendent shall be removed from office; and
WHEREAS, the Jackson Parish School Board (“School Board”) retained special counsel to conduct a thorough investigation of complaints regarding the job performance of Superintendent Carter; and
WHEREAS, following the investigation, the School Board received information suggesting that Mr. Carter exhibited conduct that was unworthy, inefficient, and in violation of State Law and School Board Policy; and
WHEREAS, the School Board further received information suggesting that Mr. Carter breached his employment contract; and
WHEREAS, after considering the information received, the School Board has determined that it should call a hearing in accordance with the provisions of La R.S. 17:54 for the purposes of determining whether or not Mr. Carter should be disciplined, including removal as Superintendent or otherwise disciplined; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by theJackson Parish School Board in a regularly called session duly convened on the 1st day of October, 2026, that a hearing be called and held in accordance with La. R.S. 17:54 to determine the truth or falsity of such allegations against Mr. Carter
and to determine whether or not such allegations, if true, warrant his removal or other discipline.
AND NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution signed and certified by the President of the Board be forwarded to Mr. Carter informing him that this Board will hold a hearing
in Jonesboro, Louisiana to consider the charges and to determine whether or not he should be removed or otherwise disciplined. Further, special counsel is directed by the Board to inform Mr. Carter through his counsel in writing of the charges, specific reasons for charges, and potential witnesses against him at least 20 days before the hearing to determine the truth or falsity of allegations against Mr. Carter and to determine whether or not such allegations, if true, warrant his removal or other discipline.
AND NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that special counsel is hereby authorized to retain such expert witnesses as may be necessary to assist the Board in determining the truth or falsity of the allegations against Mr. Carter and to determine whether or not such allegations, if true, warrant his removal or other discipline.
AND NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that special counsel is hereby directed to inform Mr. Carter that the hearing may be public or private at his option and that he may be represented by legal counsel and may present witnesses or other evidence that he desires on his behalf, all in accordance with La. R.S. 17:54.
AND NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mr. Carter is to remain on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the hearing held in accordance with LA R.S. 17:54 to determine the truth or falsity and whether or not such allegations, if true, warrant his removal or other discipLine.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Eros Community WS Failed to Take Corrective Action Following Identification of a Significant
Deficiency

On 5/19/2026, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) performed a detailed inspection and engineering of our water system called a sanitary survey. During this sanitary survey, they identified one or more significant deficiencies in our system. According to EPA’s Ground Water Rule, we were required to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies) or work with the State to develop a plan to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies). However, we failed to correct the deficiencies or contact the State before the established deadline and have therefore violated a requirement of the Ground Water Rule.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a
situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will notified within 24 hours.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency, you would have been notified with 24 hours.
This significant deficiency has the potential to result in lack of proper treatment and oversight of the water
system. Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms.
These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches.
While we have not detected any evidence of contamination or other health threats related to our source
water, we are still committed to correcting the deficiency to eliminate the threat of contamination.
What was done?
We are currently working to address and resolve the identified violations. The pressure tank is currently in
use, although it was previously believed to be out of service. We are in the process of arranging for the tank to be painted and inspected and will ensure that the pressure tank and all associated piping and
connections are properly configured and maintained to protect the safety of the drinking water supply. We
are also working to bring our cross-connection control records up to date. Cross-connection questionnaires have been distributed, and we are following up with customers whose questionnaires have not yet been returned. Any connections identified as posing a potential cross-connection or contamination risk will be evaluated and addressed appropriately to protect the public water supply.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not
have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and other
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
For more information, please contact Heather Lewis at 318-417-6700 or PO Box 154, Eros, LA 71238

Dee Ann McDonald Zeno
March 25, 1942 – September 17, 2026

Dee Ann McDonald went to be with the Lord on September 17th, at the age of 84. The Celebration of Life service as held on Saturday, October 3rd at Traveler’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

Eunice Burris
November 14, 1938 – September 28, 2026

Eunice Burris, 87, was a woman whose love could be felt in the little things—the way she cared for her family, the meals she lovingly prepared, the time she spent tending her garden, the peaceful moments she enjoyed fishing, and the countless memories she created with the people she loved.

To know Eunice was to know a woman who loved deeply and gave of herself freely. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and, above all, a woman who loved Jesus with all her heart. Her faith was not simply something she talked about; it was woven into the way she lived and loved.

Eunice was the beloved wife of Jackie Burris. Together, they built a life filled with family, love, and memories that will be treasured forever.

She was born to Vera and Willie Smith and was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Burris, her parents, Vera and Willie Smith, and her brother, Billie Smith and her son-in-law, Johnny Hall.

Eunice leaves behind her children, who will forever carry her love with them: Keith Burris (TC), Red Burris (Lisa), Teri Hall, and Nadia Starks (Henry).

She was blessed with grandchildren who brought so much joy to her life: Shane and Suzanna Burris; Shannon and Jonathan Boudreaux; Emily and Adam Jones; Ethan and Katie Hall; Natalie and Deveon Brister; Harley and Chance Williams; and Breylan Starks.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Ellie and Mollie Burris; Jackson and Anna Kathryn Boudreaux; Briley, Taylor, and Charlea Jones; Hinley and Emmett Hall; Piper, Ranger, and Jessie Brister; and CJ, Mady, and Addi Williams.

One of the ways Eunice showed her love was through her cooking. She loved to cook, and there was something special about gathering around a table and enjoying food that she had prepared. Cooking was more than just something she did—it was one of the ways she cared for the people she loved. Her kitchen was a place where love was shared, memories were made, and family could come together. The meals she made and the love she put into them will be remembered long after the last plate has been cleared.

There are so many things her family will miss—the sound of her voice, her presence at family gatherings, her cooking, the stories and memories, and simply knowing she was there. They will miss watching her enjoy the garden she loved and remembering the peaceful times she spent fishing. Most of all, they will miss the love that only Maw could give.

But even in their grief, her family can be grateful. Grateful for every hug, every conversation, every meal, every laugh, every lesson, and every moment they were blessed to share with her. Her life touched more people than she may have ever realized, and the love she gave will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Eunice loved Jesus more than anything in this world. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now home with Him, free from earthly cares and surrounded by the peace she believed in so deeply.

She may no longer be here for us to hold, but she will forever be held in our hearts. The garden she tended may one day fade, the kitchen may grow quiet, but the seeds of love, faith, and family that she planted will continue to grow for generations to come.

Until we meet again, we love you, and we will miss you more than words can say.

The Life Celebration Service was held on Friday, October 2nd, in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA. Interment followed at Fellowship Baptist Church ini Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Shane Burris, Ethan Hall, Breylan Starks, Jonathan Boudreaux, Deveon Brister, Chance Williams, Michael Bucha, and Tommy Goss. Honorary Pallbearers were Lonnie Lowe and Russell Garter

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The 2026 JPSHOF Induction Banquet will be held in the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, located at 500 South Cooper Street. The gala event will begin at 5:00 pm with a “meet and greet” social hour, followed by the Induction program and dinner, where five local legends will be enshrined as the “Class of 2026” and another will receive the prestigious Meritorious Service Award.

The Class of 2026 includes Lowell Mize (JHHS football), Shelby Green (Quitman High boys basketball), Steve Treadway (JHHS football), and Joey Pender (JHHS coach). Bill DeCou (Rundell Junior High Coach) will be honored with the Outstanding Meritorious Award. Cynthia Loyd Stampley was also selected for induction as a member of the “Class of 2026,” but because she had hip replacement surgery last week, she will now be enshrined next year.

Also being recognized as the 2025-26 High School Male and Female Athletes of the Year are:
Dakota Knox and Ciara Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Brayden Smith and Maggie Guyotte of Quitman High School
Livi Otwell and Drew Browning of Weston High School.

Seats for the ceremony and dinner are now being reserved for $25.00 per person and $225.00 for a table of eight. Reserved tables for induction members are $200.00. To make your reservation, contact Harrell Bond at (318) 243-5266 or Wilda Smith at (318) 426 – 6511. You can also email wsmithcoc@aol.com. Reservations will be taken until noon on Friday, October 2nd. Payments can be made at the door or by mailing a check or money order to:
Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame
c/o Wilda Smith
PO Box 192
Jonesboro, LA 71251

The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame was created from a vision held by Mr. Henry Kimp of a venue to recognize athletes, coaches, and administrators who have lived or worked in Jackson Parish and who have made a great impact in the arena of sports. In 2008, the first meeting of a loosely formed board of Henry Kimp, Bobby Culpepper, Leslie Thompson, Nathaniel Belton, and Raymond Jeffress took place and declared that the primary function of the Hall of Fame would be to create a venue of outstanding individuals and their accomplishments so that future generations would know more about the tremendous history of athletics in Jackson Parish and the people who helped make it great.

In 2009, the inaugural induction ceremony took place with John Garlington, Bob Hopkins, Jo Ann Jackson-Buckner, Dr. Arnold Kilpatrick, and Edgar Walker being the first class to be enshrined. With the inclusion of this year’s class, the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame will now boast 88 inductees and seven Meritorious Award winners.

To learn more about the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame and the ones enshrined, click here or visit https://www.jpsportshalloffame.com/

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announces that squirrel and rabbit season opens 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯, statewide!

These hunts are an affordable way to spend time outdoors and introduce young people to hunting. Squirrel and rabbit hunting are relatively inexpensive, and many LDWF public lands offer hunting opportunities.

Hunters 18 and older need a basic hunting license. If you’re heading to an LDWF Wildlife Management Area (WMA), remember that visitors 18 and older need a qualifying license or WMA Access Permit, and hunters must check in and out.

Find season regulations and places to hunt: https://buff.ly/Kb9CN7P
Get your license: https://louisianaoutdoors.com/

The season runs through 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳.

For more information on squirrel and rabbit hunting in Louisiana, go to the LDWF small game webpage: https://buff.ly/tlQp5Fk

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The Governing Board of Directors of Jackson Parish Hospital announces that a Public Hearing on the proposed hospital budget for the year ending September 30, 2027, will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, in the Jackson Parish Hospital Board Room, located at 165 Beech Springs Road in Jonesboro.

Board Chairman Chris Bowman will call the hearing to order and open the floor for public comments, limited to 5 minutes each. Afterward, the session will adjourn for the regularly scheduled meeting of board members Bowman, Dr. William J. Slusher, LPN Shontae Mims, and Kim Hutchinson. Also expected to attend are CEO John Morgan, COO/CIO Dr. Jason Thomas, CFO Bill Stansbury, Dr. Edward Mariano, RN Jerry Allen, and Shelley Malsam.

Jackson Parish Hospital Board Agenda

1. Call to Order and Invocation – Chairman
2. Notice of Meeting and Quorum – Chairman
3. Approval of Agenda – Chairman
4. Approval of Minutes – Chairman
   4.1 Minutes from August 26, 2026 Business Meeting
5. Public Comments (5-Minute Limit)
6. Chief of Staff Report – Dr. Edward Mariano
   6.1 Chief of Staff Report
7. Chief Executive Officer’s Report – John Morgan, RN, MBA
   7.1 Audit Compliance Questionnaire FYE 9/30/2025
   7.2 Resolution 2026-6 Adopting Audit Compliance Questionnaire FYE 9/30/2026
   7.3 Approval of 2026-2027 Paid Holiday Schedule
   7.4 Construction Update
   7.5 Reminder to Complete Annual Ethics Training
8. Chief Operating/Information Officer’s Report – Dr. Jason Thomas
   8.1 3D Mammography Equipment Lease
   8.2 RHTP Telehealth Application Funding – Year 1 Approval Received
9. Chief Financial Officer’s Report – Bill Stansbury, CPA
   9.1 Resolution 2026-7 Adopting Operating Budget FY27
   9.2 Check Register, Special Checks, and ACH Debits for August 2026 – September 2026
   9.3 Hospital Financials
10. Clinical Report – Jerry Allen, RN
    10.1 JPH FCC August 2026 Statistics
    10.2 Jonesboro FCC August 2026 Statistics
    10.3 Chatham Medical Clinic August 2026 Statistics
    10.4 ED Patient Arrival to First Documentation – August 2026
11. Revenue Cycle Director’s Report – Shelley Malsam, RHIT, CRHCP
    11.1 Hospital Statistics – August 2026
12. Executive Session to discuss Strategic Planning
13. Contracts
14. Status of November Board Meeting and Date of December Meeting
15. Board Comments
16. Announcements – Chairman
    16.1 The next regular business meeting will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Noon in the hospital boardroom
17. Adjournment – Chairman

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please
contact John Morgan or Dr. Jason Thomas at (318) 259-4435, describing the assistance that is
necessary.

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Last year, Arcadia came to Jonesboro-Hodge and almost spoiled the Tigers’ homecoming before J-H pulled out a thrilling 49-44 victory. On Friday, JHHS will face the Hornets in their homecoming game, with the Tigers looking to complete the mission of spoiling things for the home fans.

J-H enters the contest as a prohibitive favorite, as the Tigers have won three of four games played, including a sound 42-20 thumping of Lincoln Prep last Thursday. In Coach Aaron McDaniel’s first year at the helm, Arcadia is still looking for its first win of the year after four contests. Last week, the Hornets got run over by Ringgold 48-0.

On paper, the contest looks like a total mismatch. The series that began way back in 1923 finds JHHS with a 22-3 advantage, with the Tigers winning the last 16 times the two have met. Arcadia’s last win came way back 80 years ago in 1946. JHHS comes in having scored 156 points for a 39-point-per-game (ppg) average while giving up 82, with 48 of those coming in the Winnfield loss. Meanwhile, Arcadia, which has only 26 players on the roster, has scored only 6 points all year and given up a whopping 184, an average of 46 points per game.

“We are looking forward to spoiling their homecoming like they almost did ours last year,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Hopefully our guys will stay focused and get things done.”

A victory will improve the Tigers’ record to 4-1 for the first time since 2009 and for the first time in Blankenship’s tenure as head coach, now in his 14th season, where he has compiled a 70-74 record, becoming last week, only the second coach in JHHS history to have won 70 games.

JHHS has been impressive on offense, averaging 288.75 yards per game. Quarterback King Campbell has been very effective as a passer, having completed 32 passes in 51 attempts for 617 yards and 8 touchdowns, while Lon’Trevious “Tre” Burns has powered the ground game with 421 yards on 53 carries and 6 touchdowns. The Tigers’ deep receiving corps is led by JuQuan Qualls with 8 catches for 159 yards and a score. Tysen Burks has 6 receptions for 124 yards, while Channing Gray has also caught 6 passes for 98 yards and a team-leading 3 touchdowns. Just one catch behind are Tre Burns and Jamarlon Johnson, who both have 5 catches, with Burns accounting for 146 yards and a score and Johnson rambling for 77 yards and a touchdown. Kodan Atkins also has 2 catches for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Tre Burns has gathered a team-leading 39 tackles, including 5 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble, while Reginald Hemphill has 22 stops, a sack, 2 tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery. Dylan Hayes is close behind with 18 tackles, 2 sacks, three tackles for a loss, and a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery, and Kodan Atlkins has 16 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a fumble recovery. Jamarcus Dozier checks in with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and a safety, while Tyson Burks has an interception and Michael Malone has 2 fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

In special teams play, JuQuan Qaulls has returned a punt for a score , while King Campbell has been handling kickoff and extra point duties where he is 2/3 on the year. Jamarlon Johnson is the Tigers’ punter, averaging about 34 yards a boot.

Game to be broadcast on 102.3 FM

If you can’t make the short trip up Highway 147, you can catch the contest on Roux102 at 102.3 FM. The broadcast will begin at 6:30 pm with the Tigers pregame show, featuring the “Coaches Show,” where JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship will sit down with Ric Godley of Roux102 to talk about the Tigers’ fortunes so far this season and the game between Arcadia and JHHS.

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury held a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. meeting room of the Jackson Parish Administration Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana.

Members present were Amy Magee, Regina Rowe, Sheketia Combs, President Todd Culpepper, and Lewis Chatham. Absent were Tarneshala Cowans and Keith Burris. Nia Evans Watkins, Secretary-Treasurer, also attended.

After the session was called to order, the JPPJ approved, by roll call vote, the 2025 tax assessment as presented by Tax Assessor Glen Kirkland.
Roll Call Vote
District 1- Yea, District 2-Yea, District 3- Yea, District 4- Yea, District 5- Absent, District 6- Yea, District 7- Absent
YEAS: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT: 2

Following, police jury members approved, allowing Mr. Wayne Anderson and Mr. Ed
Howard to attend the LSWA Conference to be held October 27-28, 2026, in Lafayette, LA.

Before adjournment, the Council agreed to hold a public hearing on the amended subdivision ordinance at 5:15 on October 13, 2026, in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr., Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administration Building.

For complete and official minutes of the Special Called Meeting, visit the Classifieds Section of the Jackson Parish Journal.

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NOTE: This is the sixth in a series recognizing Joey Pender (JHHS), Steve Treadway (JHHS), Lowell Mize (JHHS), Cynthia Loyd (JHHS), and Shelby Green (QHS), who were selected to be inducted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame (JPSHOF) as the Class of 2026, along with Bill DeCou (Rundell Jr. High), who will receive the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. The JPSHOF banquet is scheduled for 5:00 pm on October 3rd in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. This week: Coach Bill DeCou

In 1977, Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) won 13 games in a row and played in the Class 2A state championship game. While that is impressive in its own right, JHHS’s 1-9 season the year before makes the achievement almost unbelievable. That kind of “rags to riches” success doesn’t come around often, as verified by the fact that the turnaround is still a Louisiana High School Athletic Association record for the biggest reversal from one season to the next.

How was such an improbable feat accomplished? Some point to the fact that the season was made possible because legendary Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member Don Shows became head coach at Jonesboro-Hodge. Others say it was due to the large number of tremendous athletes on the team, several of whom went on to productive college careers.

Ask virtually anyone on that team what drove their success, and they’ll say you have to go back to 1973, when they were in the 8th grade at Rundell Junior High School, and William “Bill” DeCou became their head coach.

“It all goes back to Coach DeCou and the belief he instilled in us. The way he was always encouraging made you believe in yourself and your teammates,” said Terry Cowans. “We were his first team at Rundell, and we went undefeated that year. I remember him telling us that we were a special group and that we would play for a state championship before we were through, and we did.”

Another player on that team, All-State running back Ricky Johnson, was also effusive about the impact that Coach DeCou had on him and the team.

“Coach DeCou proved to us quickly that he was a great man of character, and he gained our respect almost immediately. He taught us so many values like how important it was to be disciplined on and off the field, be dedicated, be a good teammate, and put the team first. Those were things that not only helped us become better players but also something that we carried with us as we became adults,” reflected Johnson. “Even more, it wasn’t just the things he said, but the way he lived his life, and the way he carried himself that set such a great example. He was the most positive person I have ever known.”

It wasn’t just the 1977 football season or the players on that team that Coach DeCou had an impact on, far from it. Those he coached on the Rundell Junior High football and basketball teams played at Jonesboro-Hodge High School from 1977 to 1984. During those years, the Tiger football team compiled a 66-25 record, won a district championship, played in two state championship games, and reached the quarterfinals once. The Tiger basketball program was even more successful, winning district championships, making the playoffs every year, making two quarterfinal appearances, and adding a state championship in 1981.

William “Bill” DeCou was a devoted husband to his wife, Betty, for 52 years until her passing in 2023. He is a beloved father of two sons, five grandchildren, and countless “adopted” children he has taught, tutored, coached, and/or disciplined throughout his life. If you ask him, he will tell you he is a man of many blessings, but his greatest blessing is his relationship he has with his Savior, Jesus Christ. The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame is honored to bestow the special Meritorious Service Award on a truly special man.

NOTE: This is the fifth in a series recognizing Joey Pender (JHHS), Steve Treadway (JHHS), Lowell Mize (JHHS), Cynthia Loyd (JHHS), and Shelby Green (QHS), who were selected to be inducted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026, along with Bill DeCou (Rundell Jr. High), who will receive the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. The induction banquet is scheduled for October 3rd in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. This week: Shelby Green

From 1970 – 72, the Quitman High School (QHS) boys basketball team won three straight district titles, two Class B state championships, and had a quarterfinal playoff berth, posting season records of 40-8, 43-5, and 39-7 for an overall record of 122-20. To put that in perspective, the 43 and 40 wins rank #1 and #2 in all-time single-season wins at QHS, and the 39 wins tie for 3rd all-time with the 2006-07 Wolverine team. The three-year overall record of 122 – 20 is also the best in school history and second best in Jackson Parish history, behind only the 1950-52 Jonesboro-Hodge High School teams that compiled a 145-23 mark.

When thinking back to the “glory years” of QHS basketball, names like Graylon Davis, Lee Humble, who both went on to play collegiately, and legendary head basketball coach Stuart Toms immediately come to mind, but there was another who was instrumental to the school’s success that hasn’t received the recognition that he deserves.

Until now!

On Saturday, October 3rd, Shelby Green will be inducted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame, joining his two aforementioned teammates and coach in the local hallowed hall. For those unfamiliar with the contribution the son of Hazel and Webb Green made to the success of the team, Shelby, who played power forward for the Wolverines, was a two-time All-District First Team selection his junior and senior years.

“I was blessed to have two great role models in my parents, both of whom played basketball in high school,” recalled Green. My mom, who also played at Quitman, was probably my greatest inspiration, and I always thought it was really cool to play in the same gym that she did.”

While Davis and Humble seemed to always get the headlines and most acclaim from the sports pundits across the state, it was Green, who was the “glue-guy,” the one who did the “dirty work” down low that helped Quitman control the paint, game in and game out.

Standing at 6’5″, Green was a ferocious low post player; a great defender and rebounder even when facing great challenges like the time he was matched up against future NBA Hall of Famer Robert Parish.

“I will never forget the first time I saw Parrish,” recalled Green. “We were matched up against Woodlawn High School out of Shreveport in a tournament, and while we were taking the court for warm-ups, they walked in the gym. Parrish, who stood close to 7 feet tall, immediately stood out as he was a head taller than everyone else and actually had to duck to come in the door. When Coach Toms came over and told me that was who I would be guarding, I knew I had my hands full,” laughed Green.

While perhaps better known for his rebounding prowess, averaging a little better than 10 rebounds a game over his last two years, Green could “fill it up” as well. Behind his “sky hook,” which he patterned after Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the muscular forward averaged close to 16 points a game, which included a game against Saline where he poured in a career-high 29 points.

Green’s ability did not go unnoticed among college coaches, as he received several offers to play at the next level, but a fluke injury, where he landed awkwardly while doing “dunking drills” after practice one day late in his senior year, which ended up rupturing two discs in his back, ended his career prematurely.

Showing the same desire to succeed off the court, Green earned a college degree in Nursing from Louisiana Tech, which led him to work for 8 years in emergency services as a First Responder before a very successful 25-year career as a veterinarian pharmaceutical territory sales manager.

Today, Green lives in Choudrant, LA, and still keeps up with his alma mater, old classmates, and teammates, all of whom are certainly overjoyed that the “Glue Guy” is finally cementing his position as being recognized as one of the all-time best local athletes in the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame.

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Another month. Another big event. That is what’s been happening at the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District ever since partnering with Living Well Foundation and launching the Care360 Community Health Program (CHP). Since receiving funding, JPASD has launched several programs designed to create a healthier, safer, and stronger Jackson Parish.

The CHP began in June with the New & Expectant Mothers Program. Next came the Safe Sitter Course in July, followed by the Street Outreach and Resource Navigation Program in August. Early in September came the Senior Fall Prevention Program, which included JPASD being the first EMS agency in the state to earn the ZIBRIO Balance Specialist certification. Shortly thereafter, the Community Overcoming Obstacles Program (C.O.O.P.) started, and thanks to a generous donation from Dixie Medical in Winnfield, a fully stocked medical closet of items such as wheelchairs, rollators, canes, nebulizer bases, and more is available for use. Just 4 days ago, the final CHP was launched, which is an Autism & Awareness Program that has already supplied one fortunate young man with a new communication tablet, weighted animal, fidgets, body compression vest, and noise-canceling headphones.

To learn more about the Community Health Programs being offered, call the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District at (318) 259-2877 or visit the JPASD Facebook page, where detailed information on each program is given.

June 2026 – New & Expectant Mothers Program

July 2026 – Safe Sitter Program

August 2026 – Street Outreach and Resource Navigation Program

September 2026 – Senior Fall Prevention Program

September 2026 – Community Overcoming Obstacles Program

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