(By Linda Horn) – Saturday, September 26th, Super Bee Speedway fans welcomed the return of ASCS Gulf South Region Sprints, as well as Sportsters, Factory Stock, CRUSA Crate Late Models, USRA Limiteds, Tuners, and ProMods. The Super Bee Speedway staff prepared an excellent track surface for the racers, giving fans an outstanding night of racing action.

The Sportster class saw Dewayne Turner (Jonesboro) and Newt Cowan (Swartz) take Heat Race wins, earning them front-row spots in the Feature starting order. Turner proved to be the driver to beat, leading the field from start to finish, claiming victory at the checkers. Robby Jones (Bastrop) finished second and also earned bragging rights as the “Hard Charger,” advancing 7 spots from his 9th-place starting position. Third place went to Austin Wright (Eros), followed by Matt Driskill (Ruston) in 4th and Cody Womack (Jonesboro) in 5th.

The Factory Stock class Heat race winners Ben Merchant (Ruston) and Logan Gordan (West Monroe), made up the front row of the Feature starting order for the 20 lap show. The name “Merchant” on any North Louisiana dirt track puts race fans on the edge of their seats, and Ben Merchant is following in his daddy’s (Kenny Merchant) footsteps to the winners circle. At the checkered flag, Merchant finished first, followed by Wayne Patton of Ruston (2nd), Logan Gordan (3rd), David Smith of Ruston (4th) and Justin Cook of Sterlington (5th).

ASCS Sprint Heat race wins went to Hayden Martin and Zach Pringle. After 20 laps of racing action, the top 5 finishers were: 1st Hayden Martin (Olive Branch, MS), 2nd Cody Gardner (Benton, AR), 3rd Zach Pringle (Benton, AR), 4th Lee Moore (Moundville, AL) and 5th Brandon Blendon (Gulfport, MS)

CRUSA Crate Late Models are always a crowd pleaser at any dirt track, and Saturday night was no exception. During qualifying, Seth Traweek (West Monroe) turned the fastest lap time with a 15.27-second trip around the clay oval. Heat race wins went to Darin Patrick and Dakota Smith. The Top 5 finishers in the 20-lap Feature event were: 1st Darin Patrick (West Monroe), 2nd Waylon Morris (Bienville), 3rd Rob Litton (Alexandria), 4th Dakota Smith (Tullos), and rounding out the Top 5 was Dewayne Estes (Sturgis, MS).

The Limited Modified class may have had a lower-than-normal car count, but it still delivered strong racing. Jarred Wallace (Calhoun, LA) took the Heat and the Feature win. Randy Thompson (Farmerville, LA) finished 2nd, followed by Brian Shoemaker Jr. (Monroe, LA) in 3rd, Chris Keiffer (West Monroe) in 4th, and Brandon Florence (Winnfield) in 5th place.

Billy Smith (Rocky Branch) won the Tuner class heat, while Zachary Riddick (West Monroe) won the feature race. Smith finished the Feature in 2nd, with Daryl Williams (Ruston) trailing in 3rd, Serenity Edmonds (West Monroe) came in 4th, and Dee Harris (Quitman) in 5th.

The final class of the night brought ProMods to the track. In their Heat race, Jaxon Cook (Monroe) seemed to be the car to beat, and the 20-lap Feature proved him to be just that. Cook secured the 1st-place finish, followed by Wayne Patton (Ruston) in 2nd place, Stevie Howard (West Monroe) in 3rd, Willie Neal (Winnfield) in 4th, and Chuckie Robertson (Jonesboro) rounded out the Top 5.

Next up at Super Bee Speedway is the 33rd Annual Spooky 50. This race ends the 2026 racing season in Chatham, LA, but has a history of being the biggest and best race of the year. It’s surely one any true race fan will want to see in person. Friday, October 15th, Night One, will include the Awards Presentations to the Points Champions in each class. Saturday, October 16th, will be a night full of side-by-side racing action that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury Veteran’s Committee will meet at 12:10 pm on Wednesday, September 30th, in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

During the session, the committee of Chairperson Taneshala Cowans, Amy Magee, and Sheketia Combs will discuss the 2026 Veteran’s Brunch and any other business pertaining to the Veteran’s Brunch.

While a quorum of the Police Jury may be in attendance, the Police Jury as a whole will take no action

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Mrs. Nia Evans Watkins at (318) 259-2361, extension 3 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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The Jackson Parish Golf Course held its annual Championship this past Saturday and Sunday, crowning victors in the Open, Ladies, and Senior Divisions after two days of vigorous competition. Brad Porter won the Open Division shooting 66-69 for a two-day total of 135. JD Tretton came in second with rounds of 70-69 (139), and Pete Simonelli finished in third after firing 145 (75-70).

Jack Lyles won the Senior Division after scoring 74-76 for a 150 total, beating Dwayne “Snook” Harrell (76-77) by three strokes, who took second on a scorecard playoff over third-place finisher Wayne Hay, who also shot an aggregate total of 153. April Simonelli won the Ladies Division with rounds of 96 and 97.

JPGC Championship Results

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Jackson Parish native, Charles “Chase” Garrett II recently celebrated his retirement from United States Military Service after 25 years of distinguished service in the Louisiana and West Virginia National Guard.

Currently living in Hurricane, West Virginia, and married for 18 years to Ashley Renee Garrett, the decorated son of Chuck and Melinda Garrett of Jonesboro is also the father of son Gavin, now a senior at Marshall University, and daughter Alyssa, a senior at Hurricane High School.

Upon graduating from Quitman High School in 2001, Garrett joined the Louisiana National Guard one month later, embarking on a quarter-century career that saw him rise to Production Recruiter, Battalion Operations, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), and finally Section Chief, a position he held over the final 7 years of his distinguished career.

Reflecting on his early years, Garrett was quick to express how fortunate he feels to have grown up in Jackson Parish and how much he appreciates his family and friends for their guidance and support.

“It was a blessing growing up in rural Louisiana and working on the family farm with my father and mother. It really grounded me in understanding what a full day’s work looks like. I left Jonesboro with a strong work ethic and the understanding that nothing in life is free and working hard is the only way to get ahead,” said Garrett. “There was also a very solid spiritual foundation set by Beech Springs Baptist Church and Jonesboro United Methodist Church. I was fortunate enough to have many, many family members teach me those bible verses, the fruits of the Spirit, and what it means to be an ambassador for Christ.”

During his military career, Garret was selected as Support Staff Soldier of the Year in 2017 (Operations); promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant in 2018; selected Section Chief of the Year in 2021 and 2023; and spent the last 18 years serving within the Recruiting and Retention Battalion in numerous leadership positions such as Senior Recruiting and Retention NCO, Operations NCO, Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Guidance Counselor, and Section Chief.

“Serving with both the Louisiana Guard and West Virginia Guard has been an absolute blessing and a very rewarding career,” said Garrett. “There are so many strong, loyal, and patriotic Soldiers I had the blessing of serving beside. They will be truly missed!!

After retiring, Garrett stayed close to his career roots and lifelong passion by continuing to serve his country as an Army contractor training Army National Guard recruiters.

“I really didn’t want to try my hand in a new civilian career after retirement. So I chose a role in training all ARNG (Army National Guard) recruiters as an Army contractor,” said Garrett. “The job helps me feel as though I’m still a part of something bigger than myself. Soldiers take care of Soldiers! …. And I’ve been blessed to have that opportunity to continue serving in a different capacity.

Charles “Chase” Garrett
Education and Professional Experience

CIVILIAN EDUCATION

Quitman High School (2001)
Louisiana Tech University – Bachelor of Science in Business Management (2008)
Mountain State University – Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (2011)

MILITARY EDUCATION

Fort Leonard Wood, MO – Technical Engineer School (2002)
Fort Lee, VA – Petroleum Specialist (2004)
Camp Robinson, AR – Non-Career Recruiter Course (2009)
Fort Indian Town Gap, PA – Warrior Leader Course (2009)
Camp Robinson, AR – Career Recruiter Conversion Course (2011)
Camp Robinson, AR – Recruiting and Retention Senior Leaders Course (2012)
Camp Dawson, WV – Instructor Facilitator Course (2016)
Camp Robinson, AR – MEPS Guidance Counselor Course (2017)
Fort Campbell, KY – Master Leader Course (2018)
Camp Robinson, AR – Recruiter Leader Course (2023)
Fort Bliss, TX – U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (2025)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Louisiana Army National Guard (Traditional Reservist) 2001 – 2008: Served in various technical and operational roles, building a strong foundation in leadership and logistics. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005), contributing to mission success in a high-stress, combat environment

West Virginia Army National Guard (Active Guard Reserve) 2008 – 2026: Production Recruiter (2008-2015) – Led recruitment efforts to meet and exceed monthly enlistment goals, fostering strong community engagement and candidate pipelines. Developed and executed targeted recruitment campaigns, resulting in an increase in qualified candidates. Trained and mentored new recruiters and recruits, enlisting over 100 Soldiers in order to build high-performing teams and enhance overall production efficiency

Battalion Operations NCOIC (2015-2018): Oversaw and coordinated battalion operations, ensuring operational readiness and mission success across multiple units. Managed logistics, personnel, and equipment requirements, optimizing resources to meet operational goals. Played a key role in the planning and execution of training exercises, improving battalion readiness

Section Chief (2018-2025): Supervised and mentored a team of 8-13 recruiters throughout the last seven years, leading them to consistently meet recruitment quotas and set new performance standards. Implemented innovative recruitment strategies, increasing overall enlistment rates
Served as a liaison between senior leadership and recruiters, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and optimizing resource allocation. Developed and facilitated training programs to enhance recruiter performance and retention across three diverse teams / geographical AOs within West Virginia

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The Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) is excited to introduce a new faculty recognition program this school year called “Cheer From a Peer,” celebrating the incredible teachers who make Jackson Parish Schools special! This week, JPSD recognizes Terrance Blankenship of Jonesboro-Hodge High School, who was nominated for the award by Karen Wimberly and Yuorntia Belton through the submittals shown below.

“He is truly one of a kind. There is no other like him. As my classmate, coworker, and the Athletic Director of our school, I’ve gotten to know him in many ways. Not only is he blunt and direct, but he’s a comedian without officially being a comedian. But underneath all of that, he genuinely cares about our students, especially his players. He may be brutally honest, but his care is real.”

“He is an awesome role model for our kids. They not only look up to him but they respect him. He’s an awesome person for young males to look up to and he invests his time to keep them out of trouble.”

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Recently, students from Gracepoint Christian Academy (GCA) had the opportunity to step into the “real world” of employment. Students were challenged to create a resume, participate in a professional interview, and then wait to be called for the job.

The GCA administration extends a huge thank you to Mr. Michael McDonald from Jackson Parish Bank for interviewing each student and providing valuable, individualized feedback to help them grow in professionalism, confidence, and communication.

And the results are in!
Best Resume: Emma Walsworth
Best Professionally Dressed: Makenzie Stewart
Best Interview & Most Likely to Be Hired: Gracie Bougeois
Special Recognition: Samuel Fontenot

Mr. McDonald was so impressed with Samuel’s interview that he actually created a back-office job for him! Talk about making an impression!

Experiences like this remind us that education is about more than what happens inside a textbook, and GCA is helping its students prepare to step into the world with confidence, character, skills, and a strong work ethic.

GCA appreciates the community members who give support to the students and help the school live out the mission of Educating for Eternity!

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Everyone has heard the expression “Perfect 10” used. The Weston Junior High girls basketball team is a “Perfect 20,” as in having won all 20 games they played this fall without a loss. The Lady Wolves capped off their unbeaten season on Tuesday, beating Dodson 49-6 on the final day of the junior high basketball season.

“I am so proud of my girls,” said Weston Junior High girls coach Matthew Herring. “They worked hard all season and summer, and they deserve the success they had this year. I’m really excited about the future of the girls’ program at Weston.”

In other season-ending action, the Weston boys beat Dodson 45-35 to finish the season on a positive note with a 6-14 record and give WJH a sweep of the two games. It was an opposite story for Quitman, as both the girls and boys both fell to Choudrant, with the girls dropping a 15-12 defensive battle that saw their record dip to 7-11, while the QJH boys lost 45-42, the sixth time Choudrant has beaten QJH, who won every other game this year and finished the season with a 15-6 record.

Tuesday Tilts

Weston 49 Dodson 6 (girls): The season-ender was another example of the primary game plan that led to the perfect season. By playing aggressive and tenacious defense, WJH limited their opponent to single digits for an incredible 17th time this year. Offensively, Saniyah Salsberry led the way with 18 points, with all but one coming in the first half when WJH broke out to a commanding 33-3 lead. Chipping in with new career highs were Carrington Bond and Cadie Conn, both of whom scored 6 points, while Isabel Morris, Shelby Johns, and Bailey McCurdy scored 4 points apiece. Brooklyn Keiffer scored 3, and Kylee Allen added a basket to round out the scoring.

Weston 45 Dodson 35 (boys): The Wolves continued their late-season scoring surge and outscored the Panthers 31-19 after Dodson led at the half by a 16-14 margin. For the first time all season, the Wolves had three players score in double figures, led by 13 from “Hawk” Snuggs and 12 each by Kaine Stassen and Eli Jones, who hit 3 three-pointers, as both players set new career highs. Mason Greer finished with 4, and both Ashton Paggett and Grant Griffin contributed a basket each as well.

Choudrant 15 Quitman 12 (girls): Points were a premium in the contest, where the score at the half (5-4) was more reminiscent of a baseball game. Elliot Savage scored 5 for QJH while Jaicee Hall scored 4 and Brelaina Hall hit her first 3-pointer of the year.

Choudrant 45 Quitman 42 (boys): The Wolverines got as close as they have all year to Choudrant but it still wasn’t enough despite storming back from a 28-13 halftime deficit. Aiden Reed scored 13 to lead QJH, including 9 in the 4th quarter that saw Quitman outscore Choudrant 19-12. Jaxen Culpepper chipped in with 9, Bentley Ponder added 8, Khyree Boston scored 6 and Luke Davis finished with 4.

At Weston, the boys of summer, as baseball players are called, took to the diamond on Monday, with WJH sweeping Simsboro 9-3 and 3-1 to get the “Fall Ball” season off to a great start. In game one, the Wolves scored 3 runs in each of the first three innings by rapping out 6 hits and coaxing 9 free passes, 8 on walks and the other by getting hit by a pitch. Eli Jones (run scored, RBI) and Remi Davis (2 runs scored, RBI) led the way with two hits each, while Carter Powell ripped an RBI triple and scored twice, and Grant Griffin slapped a 2 RBI double and scored a run. Brett Rasbury, Bradley Kenney, and Beaux Gandy each scored a run. Ashton Paggett and Hayden Jones chipped in with an RBI each.

While it was the Wolves’ offense that made the difference in game one, it was the pitching of Carter Powell and Eli Jones that paved the way to the 3-1 victory in game two. Both pitched two innings of no-hit ball, with Powell striking out six of the seven batters he faced and Jones K’ing three. Grant Griffin swung the big bat for WJH, hitting a triple and a single, scoring two of Weston’s three runs while knocking in another that scored Bradley Kenney.

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The congregations of Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church (JHMC) and Quitman Community Church (QCC)invite you to come to their annual Rummage Sale that is scheduled for the first week in October.

The opportunity to make great purchases on all kinds of items and support local ministry programs begins on Thursday, October 1st through Saturday, October 3rd, at Quitman Community Church, located at 146 Brooks Chapel in Quitman. That same Saturday, Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church, located at 402 Fourth Streetin Jonesboro, will hold their sale from 8:00 am till 12:00 pm.

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“Luck To Have Forgotten”

Quincy Jones was a record producer and composer whose awards include a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and 28 Grammy Awards. The list of albums, films, and television shows he worked on from the 1960s until his death in 2024 would be lengthy, but many of them would not have come to fruition had he remembered something.

On August 8, 1969, Steve McQueen, the actor who earned the nickname the “King of Cool,” called Quincy and wanted his, Quincy’s, hairdresser Jay Sebring to meet Peter Yates. Peter had just directed what has become one of Steve McQueen’s most notable films, Bullitt. Quincy recalled, Jay Sebring “was my barber and the most famous hairstylist in Hollywood.” Quincy agreed and picked Jay up.

As they were driving to meet Peter, Jay invited Quincy to a small get together later that evening at 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles. Quincy was familiar with that residence because he had almost bought the house a year or two earlier. Quincy was working on the musical score and soundtrack for the comedy film The Out-of-Towners starring Jack Lemmon but said he would stop by after he finished work for the day. Quincy dropped Jay off and returned to work. Hours later, Quincy went home and went to bed. He completely forgot about meeting Jay and his friends.

On the following morning, August 9, 1969, Quincy’s friend, actor Bill Cosby, called him from London. “Did you hear about Jay?” Quincy replied, “What about Jay? He was with me last night.” Bill told him, “He’s dead.” Quincy was in shock. In disbelief, he called Sebring International, Jay Sebring’s company. When Quincy asked about Jay, the person on the other end of the line asked, “Who’s this?” Quincy replied, “Quincy Jones.” The person said, “Jay Sebring is dead,” and hung up. Quincy turned on the television and saw “all the bodies spread out on the lawn with sheets covering them.”

Quincy was lucky because that slip of memory saved his life. Jay Sebring was just one of the unlucky people to be at 10050 Cielo Drive that fateful night. Quincy said, “I knew them all, man. I knew them all. Heavy scene.” The others who were unlucky to be at that home were Wojciech Frykowski, Steven Parent, Abigail Folger, and Sharon Tate and her unborn child, all victims of a murder spree led by Charles Manson. Quincy Jones was lucky to have forgotten about the party invitation, though he never forgot the horrible event that took place that night. It troubled him for the rest of his life.

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

Brandon J. Mallard (Jonesboro, LA) – Probation and Parole Administrative Sanction
Tarus A. Weatherford (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Gerald L. Layfield (Jonesboro, LA) – Jonesboro Police Dept Warrant on Driving Under Suspension and Signal Light Required
John P. Hopfinger (Calhoun, LA) – Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
Cornelious Thurman (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Stolen Firearm, Security Required, Driving Under Suspension, Improper Display, Outside Agency Warrant on Failure to Appear
Courtney Adams (Jonesboro, LA) – 2nd Degree Murder
Curtis Woodard (Jonesboro, LA) – Accessory After the Fact
Billy J Temple (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Bicycle Lighting Requirement
Joe Wayne (Ruston, LA) – Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
Zaharias Bolds (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance
Jesse J. Sims (Calhoun, LA) – No Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Alteration of Motor Vehicle Identification, Switched Plates
Jordan M. Sampson (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of a Motor Vehicle
William A. Baker (Odessa, TX) – Warrant for Execution of Sentence
April J. Foster (Natchitoches, LA) – Speeding, Disturbing the Peace, Criminal Trespass, Winnfield Police Department Warrant for Active Affidavit
Zaoson Johnson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine, Bicycle Front and Rear Lamps
Kasey L. Williford (Winnfield, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule III, Possession of Schedule I
David Patton (Jonesboro, LA) – Driving While Intoxicated, Hit and Run, Open Container
Jordan Sampson (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on Simple Criminal Damage to Property and Simple Burglary
David E. Gragg (Jonesboro, LA) – Negligent Injury
Aaron Heacock (Choudrant, LA) – Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance
Carlos Traylor (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of Marijuana more than 3 Grams, Resisting by False Name, Obstruction of Justice, Probation Hold

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.

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.

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As a result of the continuing investigation into the September 14, 2026 homicide of Dmarqueon Rashad Nash on Cynthia Street in Jonesboro, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has made arrests in connection with the case.

Courtney Adams has been arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder. Curtis Woodard Jr. has been arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact to Murder.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 259-9021.

Information may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of North Delta at (318) 388-CASH (2274), through the Crime Stoppers of North Delta website, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

All persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The United States doesn’t have a king, but Jonesboro-Hodge High School does, and just like the definition of his surname implies, this past Friday night in the 42-20 enthusiasm-building victory over Lincoln Prep, quarterback King Campbell was a tremendous leader.

In the victory that improved JHHS to 3-1 on the season for the first time since 2021, Campbell turned in one of the all-time better passing efforts, completing 11 of 15 attempts for 178 yards and, more importantly, 4 touchdowns and a pair of 2-point conversions, while also running for 47 yards in just 7 carries.

While the touchdown passing total goes down as a tie for second-best in JHHS all-time annals, it was his decision-making and leadership that caught the eye of 14-year JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship.

“King played the kind of game that we knew he was capable of, and we have been waiting on to emerge,” said Blankenship. “It wasn’t so much the number of touchdowns he threw for, but his decision-making that made the difference in this game, and if he continues to play like this, we have the chance to be a very good football team.”

If you aren’t excited about the possibilities of this Tiger team, you either haven’t seen them yet or you need your pulse checked. It is just pure fun to watch this team play, as JHHS is loaded with “game breakers”, including a deep receiving corps that is rare among “small schools.”As an example of how effective the pass catchers for the Tigers are, five different players – Jamarlon Johnson, Tysen Burks, Channing Gray Jr., Kodan Atkins, and Tre Burns scored touchdowns, including four of the receivers.

“We knew coming in that our depth at receiver was one of our biggest advantages,” continued Blankenship. “They all have done a very good job to date, and I am happy that I don’t have to prepare for them. They all are similar in that they catch the ball and block well. Along with Tre Burns developing into a very good running back, it gives up a lot of options and forces a defensive coordinator to pick his poison.”

Shootout Start! The first quarter was an offensive-minded fan’s delight as both JHHS and Lincoln Prep put up 14 points and scored on each of their possessions. JHHS got things started by going 56 yards in just six plays, scoring a touchdown when Campbell found Johnson for a 4-yard TD strike. Lincoln Prep came right back to tie the score, going 50 yards in six plays. Starting this time from the Panthers’ 44-yard line, JH regained the lead when Tre Burns, who ran for 114 yards on 16 carries, found paydirt from one yard out on a second consecutive 4th-down conversion. Campbell then hit Kodan Atkins for the two-point conversion to put JHHS up 14-6. Back again came Prep, scoring on an impressive 83-yard drive that took only six plays. The two-point conversion made it 14-14 heading into the second quarter.

Scary Scenario! Lincoln Prep has a good quarterback too. Jabari Livingston is a tremendous athlete, verified by the fact that earlier this year, he was named Most Valuable Player of the Class A state basketball championship game, playing a huge role in L-Prep winning the state championship. Livingston had already thrown for two scores in the opening half and led the Panthers to paydirt with his third TD of the contest on L-Preps opening second-half drive to put Lincoln Prep up 20-14.

Second Half Surge! The concern of the Tiger coaching staff quickly turned into confidence as JHHS suddenly began to dominate the game on both sides of the ball. After falling behind for the first time in the contest, JHHS quickly tied the game when Campbell found Atkins for a three-yard score, capping off a 7-play, 56-yard drive.

Getting Defensive! On Lincoln Prep’s next two possessions, JHHS forced punt attempts, neither of which was executed by the Panthers. The first time, Dylan Hayes ran down the punter after the snap was low and mishandled, leading to a King-to-Channing Gray Jr. touchdown pass and a King-to-Johnson 2-point conversion that put JH up 28-20. On L-Prep’s next possession, the Tiger special team struck again. Deep in their own territory, the Panther punter mishandled the snap. Tysen Burks made them pay by hitting the punter as he attempted to kick the ball, causing the ball to come loose and give JH possession on the Lincoln Prep 17-yard line. JHHS would fumble to give the ball right back at the Panther 7-yard line, but the defense forced a fumble of its own, and starting from the 44-yard line for the 4th time in the game, JHHS scored its 4th touchdown when Campbell found Burks across the middle for a 21-yard score and a now commanding 34-20 lead.

Safety! A good kickoff by Campbell put Lincoln Prep at their own 7-yard line, leading to the Tiger defense recording their second safety of the year, when Jamarcus Dozier ran down the Panther QB on a beautifully timed blitz from his cornerback position.

“After we didn’t stop Winnfield a single time last week or Lincoln Prep in the first quarter, it was good to see the defense step up and not only shut down their offense but score as well,” said Blankenship. “We challenged the group at halftime, and I am happy with the way they responded.”

Burns Blast! In every game prior, Tre Burns had broken off at least one long run. It took 3 1/2 quarters to do so, but he did it again on the Tigers’ next possession as he sprinted down the left sideline for a 46-yard score to put JH up by 22 points, with time nearly gone.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Jonesboro-Hodge (3-1)	14	0	6	22	42
Lincoln Prep (2-2)	14	0	6	0	20

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Yard Stick

	JHHS	LPHS
First Downs	15	10
Rushing Yards	161	142
Passing Yards	176	121
Total Yards	337	263
Third Down Efficiency	2-6 (33%)	4-9 (44%)
Fourth Down Efficiency	2-2 (100%)	2-3 (67%)
Turnovers	1	1
Penalties – Yards	6-34	15 – 78

JHHS Individual Statistics

Passing: King Campbell 11/15, 176 yards, 4 TDs, 2 two-point conversions
Rushing: Tre Burns 16-114, 1 TD, 1 two-point conversion, King Campbell 7-47
Receiving: Jamarlon Johnson 4-69, 1 TD, 1 two-point conversion, Tysen Burks 2-43, 1 TD, Channing Gray Jr. 2-43, 1 TD, Juquan Qualls 1-11, Tre Burns 1-5, Kodan Atkins 1-5, 1 TD, 1 two- point conversion
Tackles: Tre Burns – 7 tackles, 2 assists, Dylan Hayes – 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, Reginald Hemphill – 3 tackles, 1 assist, Tysen Burks – 3 tackles, Jamarcus Dozier – 2 tackles, 1 assist, 1 Safety, Cameron Jackson – 2 tackles, 1 assist, 1 tackle for a loss, Kodan Atkins 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 fumble recovery, Michael Malone – 1 tackle, Channing Gray Jr. – 1 tackle, Jason McNeil – 4 assists, Noah Murphy – 3 assists, Jamarlon Johnson – 1 assist

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NOTE: This is the fourth 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: Cynthia Loyd Stampley

The picture above shows Cynthia Loyd Stampley holding her puppy. As an adult, the cute dog is one of the loves of her life, but there was a time when basketball was what she was most passionate about.

It was the “Queen of the Court” in Jackson Parish passion for the game and for her team to succeed that is the main reason the 1979 JHHS graduate is now a member of the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame “Class of 2026.”

The Jonesboro-Hodge High School basketball enthusiasts who were around in the mid-to-late ’70s will always remember the lanky Lady Tiger adorned with her customary “pigtails” streaking down the court for basket after basket. It was her incredible athletic ability that led her to be the leading scorer for four straight years from 1975 – 1979 and JHHS to one of its best all-time team performances in LHSAA competition, which included three straight district titles and two straight state quarterfinal appearances.

As a freshman during the 1975-76 season, only the second since JHHS reinstated the program after decades of being non-existent, Stamply was the leading scorer for JHHS with a 14.0 points- per-game average. Three years later, she led JHHS by scoring 29.9 points per game, still the best all-time single-season scoring average in Lady Tiger history. When she ended her high school career, she finished with 2698 points, also still the best in JHHS girls basketball history.

She was very passionate about the game of basketball. That passion is shared today by Jackson Parish Hall of Fame board members, who are overjoyed that she will make the trip all the way from Minnesota, where she now resides, to be inducted into the local sports Hall of Fame.

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Briley Bowers of Quitman High School has received an offer to play softball collegiately from Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK). Located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, SEARK is a Division II school and a member of the Bi-State Conference.

Bowers exploded on the LHSAA softball scene by going 2/4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and an RBI in the Class B state championship game that helped Quitman High School win its third straight state championship. The outstanding effort earned Bowers the Most Valuable Player of the Game honors. During the 2026 season, Bowers batted .319 with 36 hits in 113 at-bats that included 14 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 21 RBI, and 22 runs scored

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Each week during the school year, Jackson Parish Hospital recognizes select student-athletes from the Jackson Parish School District high schools and presents them with the Student/Athlete of the Week Award. The recipients are chosen by select faculty from each of the representative institutions of learning: Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School.

Award Overview

Sponsor: Jackson Parish Hospital

Participating Schools: Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School

Selection Criteria: Chosen by select faculty and staff members at each institution for providing the best example of balancing academic achievement and athletic accomplishment.

Recognition: Weekly recipients are featured in the Jackson Parish Journal and on social media. They also receive a commemorative T-shirt from Jackson Parish Hospital.

Student/Athletes of the Week
September 20-26

Jonesboro-Hodge High School:

Quitman High School:

Weston High School:

Quitman High School hosted its annual cross country meet on Saturday at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex. Before the meet began, which saw 32 schools participate, QHS honored its three seniors: Lindsey Woods, Syerra Lewis, and Kaleigh King, who celebrated by helping lead the Lady Wolverines to the varsity girls team title, one of five Quitman teams that took first place in their respective divisions along with the K-2 girls, 3-4 boys, 5-6 boys, and 7-8 girls teams. The Quitman 3-4 division girls came in second, and the QHS varsity boys team came in third overall as well.

Individually, QHS had several runners earn top-ten finishes, led by Clay Burton winning in the 5-6 boys division, and Anzlea McGee (7-8 girls), Emmett Thomas (3-4 boys), and Madilyn Spillman (5-6 girls) all coming in second place. Hadlee Tolar (K-2 girls), Mia Gonzalez (5-6 girls), and Mason Caldwell (5-6 boys) all came in third place in their races.

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The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library not only provides the youth and adults of Jackson Parish a wonderful place to gain educational and entertaining resources, as well as many activities, but also takes great pride in being involved in programs that benefit the parish.

This was exemplified by their participation in the “Love Our Waterway” Clean-Up initiative, originally launched as part of “Keep Louisiana Beautiful” under the direction of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, where they helped clean up locations in and around Jonesboro and Chatham.

Louisiana has 14,400 miles of waterways, according to statistics provided by the “Keep Louisiana Beautiful” initiative. The organization says roughly 80% of litter and debris found in the water starts on land, washing into ditches, streams, bayous, rivers, and lakes before eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

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Cornerstone Christian Academy in Jonesboro is in its first year as a member of the Association of Christian Educators League (ACEL). As a result, the school, located at 773 Walker Road in Jonesboro, on the campus of Full Gospel Temple Church, is not eligible for league honors this year; however, the girls and boys volleyball teams are proving to be a thorn in the side of those who are battling for the league titles.

This past week, the CCA Lady Eagles continued to show that they are one of the top teams in the league by taking wins over The Brighton School out of Baton Rouge (25-22, 25-10, 25-18) and Mt. Olive Christian School from Athens, LA by scores of 25-9, 25-6, and 25-7. The two victories improved the girls’ season record to an outstanding 10-1 mark. The CCA junior varsity girls team also won their match over Mt. Olive by scores of 25-6 and 25-17. In boys’ action, CCA beat First Baptist Christian School from Shreveport 25-11, 25-22, and 26-24 to move to 3-4 on the year.

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Gracepoint Christian Academy

It has been a historic year at Gracepoint Academy in Jonesboro, as this fall they introduced an athletic program for the first time in the school’s history, with girls and boys volleyball teams. Like Cornerstone Christian Academy, the Guardians are first-year members of the ACEL sports league.

As always, when starting a sports program, GCA has taken its lumps this season but is playing competitively and continuing to show improvement each week. GCA lost to Mr. Olive Christian School earlier in the week in girls varsity action to fall to 1-8 for the season, but the promise of future success was shown through the junior varsity as they beat MOCS 20-25, 25-18, and 15-13 in the tie-breaking set.

Upcoming Schedule

Both of the Jonesboro, LA, based schools will head to Natchitoches, LA, this coming Tuesday for girls varsity volleyball contests as GCA will play Freedom Life Academy and CCA will visit Psalms Christian Academy for the only games scheduled this week. ACEL play will conclude on October 9th.

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A Hunter Education Safety Course will be held October 3-4 at Gracepoint Christian Academy, located at 1490 South Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro, LA. Sponsored by Jackson Parish Shooting Sports, the two-day class made possible by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), will take place from 8:00 am – 5 pm on October 3rd and from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on October 4th.

To enroll go to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries webpage at https://lousianaoutdoors.com/events

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One season is drawing to a close, and another is beginning for local Junior High athletic programs from Quitman and Weston High Schools as the 2026 basketball season ends on Tuesday, September 29th. Now both schools are turning their attention to “Fall Ball,” as the junior high softball and baseball season is scheduled to begin play this week.

Weston Junior High is having a second straight stellar season. Coming off the heels of the Wolves boys basketball team going undefeated in 2025, this year it was the girls that are running the table this year, laying claim to being the best in the parish in girls’ play, after winning two games last week to run their season-long unbeaten streak to a perfect 19-0 by beating Dodson and Quitman this past week. This includes winning the championship of all five tournaments played. The WJH boys team stands at 5-14.

Quitman Junior High has earned the title as best in the parish in boys competition, having the best record of the two local teams after splitting two games to move to 15-5 on the year, while the girls team is 7-10 after winning one and losing two this past week.

Tuesday, September 22

Weston 32 Quitman 5 (Girls): The Lady Wolves put forth yet another suffocating defensive effort as they won their 6th of the year against their parish foe. Kate Keiffer and Ashlyn Petre led the scoring attack with 8 points each, followed by Bailey McCurdy chipping in with 6 and Hannah Aldy finishing with four. Saniyah Salsberry, Brooklyn Keiffer, and Shelby Johns all tallied two points each. Lily Tolar and Mia Gonzalez-Ulloa scored two points each, and Elliot Savage made a free throw for Quitman.

Quitman 44 Weston 36 (boys): Jaxen Culpepper and Luke Davis registered new career highs in points scored with 19 and 12 points, respectively, to give QJH a sweep of the season series between the neighboring Jackson Parish schools. Bentley Ponder chipped in with 5, Sheppard Norred finished with 4, and Kutter Blalock tallied 3. For Weston, “Hawk” Snuggs and Ashton Pagget led the way with 8 points each. Grant Griffin and Eli Jones both set new career highs in scoring with 6 points each, while Kaine Stassen finished with 5 and Mason Greer made a 3-pointer.

Thursday, September 24

Quitman 34 Plain Dealing 28 (girls): QJH spotted Plain Dealing a 14-2 lead midway through the second quarter and then came roaring back to take the opening game of the Simsboro Tournament. Elliot Savage put the Lady Wolverines on her shoulders to fuel the rally, pouring in 23 points, just one shy of her career best. Aaliyah Mixon and Brelaina Hall finished with 4 points each, and Jaicee Hall tallied 3.

Friday, September 25

Weston 48 Dodson 4 (girls): It was the same ole’ story that has led to 19 straight wins without a loss this season as Kate Keiffer and Saniyah Salsberry led the team in scoring and the Lady Wolves held their opponent to single digits. The pair finished wth 13 and 12 points, pacing 9 players who scored. Hannah Aldy finished with 5, and Isabel Morris, Ashlyn Petre, and Shelby Johns all had 4. Brooklyn Keiffer, Bailey McCurdy, and Kaylie Hall had 2 points apiece.

Simsboro 33 Quitman 26 (girls): The host had the most in the second-round tournament victory. Elliot Savage led the Lady Wolverines with 7 points, followed by Lily Tolar and Brelaina Hall with 4 each. Charlea Jones had a basket as well.

Dodson 44 Weston 43 OT (boys): “Hawk’ Snuggs, who led WJH with 15 points, made 4 in overtime, but it wasn’t enough to keep Dodson from taking the thrilling victory. Ashton Paggett made a basket in the extra period as well to cap off his new career-high 13-point performance. Kaine Stassen and Grant Griffin finished wth 6 points each, Jordan Young made a basket, and Eli Jones hit a free throw.

Choudrant 56 Quitman 26 (boys): If it wasn’t for Choudrant, the Wolverines would have had an unbeaten season, but once again the neighboring parish foes beat QJH for the 5th straight time. Bentley Ponder led the team with 8 points, and Aiden Reed scored 7, with Jaxen Culpepper and Sutton Vail tallying 2 points apiece and Khyree Boston adding a free throw.

Upcoming Games: Weston and Quitman will close out the season by taking short road trips on Tuesday as WJH goes south to Dodson and Quitman heads north to Choudrant. First game tip-off for WJH is 4:30 pm, while the Quitman games will begin at 5:00 pm.

The 2026 softball and baseball seasons for Quitman and Weston Junior High will begin this week, with Weston hosting Simsboro on Monday, September 28th for a baseball game. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 pm. The two Jackson Parish junior high baseball teams will play a doubleheader at Weston on Thursday, October 1, beginning at 4:30. pm followed by the WJH softball team closing out the week by hosting Calvin at 4:30 pm.

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Locals Dwayne “Snook” Harrell and Tommy Cruse shot a 10-under-par 62 to win the inaugural Gracepoint Christian Academy “Fairways for Faith” two-man scramble held at the Jackson Parish Golf Course on Saturday, September 19th.

In the tourney that saw 16 teams, divided into two flights, compete, Harrell and Cruse ran away with the Championship Flight, winning by four strokes over the teams of Ritchie Stewart/Jeff McBride, who won second place in a scorecard playoff, and Mitchell Haddox/Steven Sanders.

Winners of the First Flight were Michael McDonald and Scott Hall, who shot a round of three-under-par 69, which was one better than Paul Trosclair and Billy Moore and two ahead of Blll DeCou and Ben DeCou.

The Gracepoint Academy administration and tournament volunteers would like to thank all who played and those who showed their support through donations and assistance.

“Fairways For Faith” Tournament Results

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The congregations of Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church (JHMC) and Quitman Community Church (QCC)invite you to come to their annual Rummage Sale that is scheduled for the first week in October.

The opportunity to make great purchases on all kinds of items and support local ministry programs begins on Thursday, October 1st through Saturday, October 3rd, at Quitman Community Church, located at 146 Brooks Chapel in Quitman. That same Saturday, Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church, located at 402 Fourth Streetin Jonesboro, will hold their sale from 8:00 am till 12:00 pm.

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