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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“The Dancing Bears”

Hans Riegel was born in Bonn, Germany, in 1893. After completing primary school, he began an apprenticeship as a confectioner, a candymaker. During World War I, Hans fought for the Germans. After the war, he returned to candy making and was hired by the Heinen confectionery company in Kessenich. On December 13, 1920, Hans left the Heinen company and founded his own candy company. His capital for his new venture included one sack of sugar, a marble slab, a chopper, a masonry stove, a copper kettle, and a roller. It was a small operation compared to what he was used to at the Heinen company. Working out of his small home at Bergstraße 37 in Bonn, Hans was only able to make about 110 pounds of hard candy per day. As soon as a batch was ready to sell, Hans’s wife Gertrude loaded the candy into a basket on her bicycle and hand-delivered the sweets to customers. Business was not growing as quickly as Hans had hoped. He knew he needed a unique product to bring in funds to allow him to expand his business. But what?

Hans’s target demographic was children, so he thought back to the things that made him happy as a child. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, showmen brought captive bears into towns to perform for passersby who would give them coins. The bears were street performers. The bears walked upright and performed numerous tricks, but the one the children enjoyed most, according to the number of coins taken in, was when the bears would dance as the showmen kept a beat on the tambourine. They were called Tanzbären, or dancing bears. In 1922, Hans used his fond memories to mold his candy into the shape of a dancing bear. Hans shaped his bears with four outstretched limbs so they could sit upright or could stand on all four paws. Children often played with the bears before eating them. Hans created an edible toy.

Sales of the dancing bears quickly exceeded Hans’s expectations. By 1923, Gertrude could no longer keep up with demand on her bicycle, so Hans purchased the company’s first delivery automobile. Hans’s candy went on sale in nearby shops and gradually expanded outward. By 1930, Hans’s candy was available throughout Germany. By 1933, Hans employed 400 people. Production stopped during World War II due to the lack of supplies.

Hans died in March 1945, six months before the war ended. Following the war, Gertrude managed operations until two of her sons, Hans Jr. and Paul Riegel, took over management of the company. They built the company into a worldwide enterprise who employs about 8,500 workers in 16 factories in 11 countries who make more than 1,000 different sweet treats. Their top seller is still the product Hans designed after the dancing bears that he remembered from his childhood.

Earlier I said Hans produced hard candy, but the dancing bears were something altogether different.

You may not have heard the word Tanzbären, but it is likely that you or someone you know has enjoyed Haribo’s gummy bears.

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Dupree Keeps Catfish On The Menu

If you like to catch and eat catfish, there is nobody anywhere more fortunate than Roy Dupree. He lives with his wife on the shores of Clear Lake in Natchitoches Parish and two of his sons and their families live next door. He discovered awhile back that the lake was teeming with one of his and his family’s favorite things to have for dinner.

Catfish.

Clear Lake is full of channel catfish and Dupree has mastered the technique of being sure, no matter the time of year, that his family has plenty of catfish filets all fried and crispy on the table.
Dupree has figured out the best times of year to use certain techniques and he explained how and when they work best.

“Beginning September and October, I’ll use trotlines, but I don’t fish them like most folks do. I sink the trotlines and let them lie on the bottom; that’s where catfish like to feed anyhow and trotlines suspended above the bottom can be inadvertently snagged by passing boats,” he explained. “I use small hooks on my trotlines because I want to catch and keep smaller fish in the one to two pound range. These small hooks are all that are necessary and if a bigger fish gets on them, he’ll get off which is fine with me because I only want the smaller ones,”

There is a time when trotlines are taken up and put in the shed until next fall. Catfish and low oxygen aren’t compatible, according to Dupree.

“With my lines on the bottom, when it gets too warm, oxygen levels drop to nothing and fish die, so I take my trotlines up until it turns cool again,” he said.

Does this mean that Dupree turns to other exploits and forgets about catfish until next fall? Not a chance; he just switches to another method of catching catfish that works as well as using trotlines. He switches to fishing with noodles.

I’m not talking the kind of noodles you eat; I’m talking about pool noodles. Dupree explained what they are and how and why they work.

“Look outside the front of any dollar store and there will be a barrel of pool noodles displayed. I’ll get these and cut them into 18 inch sections, run a line through the section with a small weight to keep the noodle in place on one end and a baited hook on the other end. I experimented with the noodles at first and set them out weightless and I’d spend too much time chasing them down. Now, I’ll pour concrete in a paper cup and use that as a weight and the noodle is not going anywhere, even with a decent sized catfish on it,” he explained.

What’s the best bait for catfish? Dupree has experimented with several baits including chicken livers, gizzards and pieces of weiner soaked in garlic.

“I found that chicken hearts are the absolute best baits. Catfish like them and they stay on a hook better than any of the others,” he said.

It has become a tradition that Sunday after church, the whole family, sons and spouses and grandkids gather at Roy and Linda’s home for lunch. What’s on the menu?

If you guessed fried catfish, you’re right.

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 not many anglers are trying it later because of the excessive heat. Fishing overall has slowed because of air and water temps continue to be so warm for the past month. 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 around and above the thermocline where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters with some reportedly schooling. Not many are trying them later because of excessive heat. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. 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 still fallingwith a little bump coming next week. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and noodles and buffalo caught in nets. Nobody is trying the crappie and bass because it’s too hot. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

God Never Gives the Future

I met a sentence the other day that has been bothering me—in a good way.

“God, the master of time, never gives the future.”

Read that again. Did your mind immediately go to the future? Mine did.

I have plans for today. Plans for tomorrow. Appointments, meetings, deadlines, things I need to remember, and several things I have already forgotten. All of them are carefully placed on my calendar. Notice the possessive pronoun.

My calendar.

That is how we talk, as though we own Tuesday. We look at a little square on a screen three weeks from now and say, “I have something that day.”

Maybe.

As we say in the South, “The Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”

Calendars are good things. Planning is responsible. But putting something on a calendar does not mean we possess the day. God has given us this moment. The next one remains in his hands. One of the hardest skills in life is learning to be fully present in the moment we have. We have two favorite ways of avoiding it.

The first is the past.

We call them “the good old days.” The funny thing about the good old days is that when we were living through them, we complained about them too. Personally, I vote for the late 1970s—but only after the leisure suit phase. There are some things even nostalgia cannot redeem.

We remember our younger years as simpler times, conveniently forgetting that we were younger, considerably less wise, and occasionally wearing polyester. Sometimes we look backward because we regret mistakes. Sometimes because we miss people. Sometimes because we realize we were standing in a wonderful moment and didn’t recognize how wonderful it was until it was gone.

Our other escape route is the future. We worry about everything we have to do. We stare at our calendar and wonder who put all that stuff on there, conveniently ignoring the fact that most of the appointments were made by us.

Or we are waiting for something wonderful.

At one point, I was looking ahead to the possibility of praying the invocation at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That was exciting. So there I was, supposedly contemplating the spiritual discipline of living in the present while simultaneously thinking about the 1970s, imagining a future event, examining my calendar—and receiving texts from church staff reminding me of a couple of things I needed to do. I was apparently fully present in about four different decades at once.

It was a busy moment. And now it is gone. That may be the spiritual lesson.

The only moment in which you can love somebody is this one. The only moment in which you can pray is this one. The only moment in which you can notice grace is this one. The only moment in which you can actually live is this one.

We remember the past. We prepare wisely for the future. But we receive life from God now.

So try something. For the next two minutes, be completely present. Don’t revisit yesterday. Don’t rehearse tomorrow. Don’t check your phone. Don’t mentally reorganize your calendar. Just be here.

Now.

If you make it the full two minutes, congratulations. You may already be more spiritually mature than I am. If you don’t, notice which direction your mind traveled.

Did you go backward or forward?

I have a theory that I can come pretty close to guessing your age by which direction you went. When we’re young, we keep asking, “What’s next?” As we get older, we increasingly ask, “Remember when? “Faith may teach us to ask a different question:

“God, what are you doing right here?”

Because God, the master of time, has not given us tomorrow.

But he has given us this moment.

And this moment is enough.

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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

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford in Jonesboro has openings for two Oil/Lube Techs who will also serve as direct apprentices to certify for service technician positions. Pay plan depends on experience. Benefits are included. To schedule an interview, call (318) 259-9881 and ask for Jordan Benoit.

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.

Nedra Dee Gaulden
October 17, 1939 – September 22, 2026

Nedra Dee Gaulden, age 86, of Quitman, LA, peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on Tuesday,
September 22, 2026.

Born on October 17, 1939, in Chatham, LA, Nedra is preceded in death by her loving husband of
60 years, Robert Lane Gaulden; parents, Elsie and W.N. “Bob” Heflin; and her sisters, Norma
Jean McKnight and Nelda Hollis.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Lisa Jones (Kenneth) of Clay, Terri Adams
(Jeff) of Arcadia, Lori Howard (Ricky) of Quitman, and Craig Gaulden (Rami) of Forney, Texas.
Mrs. Gaulden was blessed to have ten grandchildren: Mitchell Jones (Misty), Philip Jones (Kelly),
Amy Rowe (Corey), Caitlin Fursov (Michael), Danica Norred (Jerry), Jennifer Howard, Chelsea
Moore (Isaac), Tanner Howard, Katie Staton (John), and Blake Gaulden. She was also blessed
with fourteen great-grandchildren: Bryce Jones, Sarah Jones, Lily Jones, Kenzlie Jones, Ruger
Jones, Shane Rowe (Sadie), Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe, Emma Rowe, Benjamin Fursov, Hannah
Fursov, Ari Fursov, Gatlin Moore, and one Moore on the way. She will also be lovingly
remembered by her brother Roger Heflin (Sue) of Quitman, and a host of nieces, nephews, and
extended family and friends.

Mrs. Gaulden was a homemaker who wholeheartedly devoted herself to her husband and
children. Nelda was a faithful member at Hodge Baptist Church for 60 years, where she was a
long-standing member of the Character Builder’s Sunday School Class, served in Hearts of Light
ministry, where she cooked and delivered meals, served on the kitchen and decor committees,
as well as assisting with arts and crafts during VBS.

Nedra had a self-proclaimed black-belt in shopping, and she enjoyed reading, crafting, listening to music from a variety of artists (namely Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Wayne Newton), cutting up with her best friend Jo Ann Brinson, and trying out new recipes. Her culinary skills were vast, and her made-from-scratch chicken & dumplings, fried peach hand pies, fried chicken, and holiday dressing will be especially missed.

Never did a holiday go by where leftovers weren’t sent home in cool-whip or butter containers
she saved specifically for that purpose. She loved to see her food enjoyed by her family. Nedra
herself loved partaking of her favorite food, Johnny’s Pizza, and getting as many toppings as she
could.

Mrs. Gaulden enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg, TN, Branson, MO, and Asheville, NC alongside her
husband Robert, where she enjoyed shopping, museums, watching a variety of music shows,
and visiting Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and the Biltmore Estate multiple times throughout the
year.

The children would like to especially thank Anna Abney for taking such wonderful care of
Mother. Anna was a source of blessing and joy to her and made the days pass in comfort with
her presence.

The visitation and funeral was held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Hodge Baptist Church,
with Bro. Craig Stephens officiating. Burial followed at Antioch Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Serving as pallbearers was Tanner Howard, Mitchell Jones, Philip Jones, Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe,
Shane Rowe, Corey Rowe and Blake Gaulden.

If you would like to leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit:
www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Sherri Dian Mathews
February 1, 1949 — September 19, 2026

Sherri Dian Mathews passed away in West Monroe, Louisiana, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Sheri was a woman who found great joy in the things she loved most, especially her beloved dogs, Zoe and Sierra, who were very special companions in her life. She was a devoted Elvis Presley fan and enjoyed his music throughout the years. Sheri was also an enthusiastic New Orleans Saints fan and could always be counted on to cheer for her team. Her love for her pets, her music, and her Saints brought her many happy moments and reflected the simple pleasures she treasured in life.

Sherri is survived by her brother, Lester M. Henning (Nannie Sue); nieces, Martie Lawrence (Ben), Marcie White and Lee Ann Henning; nephews, Ashley Henning (Crystal), James R. Henning, Jr., Christopher R. Henning, Slade Henning (Tracy), Malcolm Henning (Tina), and Justin Pool (Kim); as well as a host of great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lester R. Henning; mother, Avis (Walker) Henning; brothers, James R. Henning and Jerry D. Henning; nephews, Scotty J. Henning, Michael C. Henning and Ellis L. Henning.

The funeral service was held on Friday, September 25 at 11:00 AM in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA. Burial followed at Walnut Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Wilfred Lee Williams
December 1, 1937 – September 19, 2026

Wilfred Lee Williams gained his heavenly wings on September 19, 2026 at the age of 88. A public viewing took place on Friday, September 25th and the Life Celebration service was held on Saturday, September 26th, both at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA

Marline Davis Dray
February 12, 1975 – September 24, 2026

Marline Davis Dray, 51, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, fiancé, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 24, 2026.

Born on February 12, 1975, Marline was a loving and devoted woman whose greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She especially treasured the moments she shared with her son, Dustin, and her granddaughter, Layla, who held a very special place in her heart.

Marline enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and had a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord, which was an important part of her life. She found comfort and strength in her faith and carried that love with her throughout her life.

|She loved cooking, and she was always ready for a good shopping trip. More than anything, she valued being surrounded by the people she loved. Her warmth, love, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Marline was preceded in death by her parents, Bobbie and Freddie Davis; two brothers, Tommy Davis and Tony Davis; and two nephews, Austin Roberts and Christopher Pardue.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Dustin Spangler and wife Cassie of Jonesboro, Louisiana; her beloved granddaughter, Layla Spangler; two sisters, Donna Davis of Jonesboro, Louisiana, and Carla Roberts and husband David of Jonesboro, Louisiana; one brother, Ricky Davis of Jonesboro, Louisiana; her fiancé, Steven Coker; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Though she is no longer with us, Marline’s love will continue to live on through her family, the memories they shared, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.

A public viewing will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Monday, September 28th, at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA. The Life Celebration service will follow.

D’Marqueon “Poohman” Nash
April 18, 2002 – September 14, 2026

D’Marqueon “Poohman” Nash went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2026 at the tender age of 24. After a public viewing was held at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA on Friday, September 24th, the Life Celebration service took place on Saturday, September 26th at Rivers of Joy MInistries in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that, beginning on Monday, September 28th, the LA 810 Bridge over Brown Creek, near Weston, in Jackson Parish will be closed for necessary bridge repairs.

The bridge will be closed approximately 1.5 miles south of LA 4.

The closure is anticipated to last 2 weeks and should be open Friday, October 9, 2026.

Restrictions/Permits:

Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to drive with caution through the construction site and watch for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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On September 16, 2026, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office hosted the annual True Blue Drew Criminal Law Update, presented by Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jeff Cox and Attorney Tammy Jump.

The True Blue Drew Criminal Law Update has been an important part of annual law enforcement training in our area for many years. The program continues the work of the late Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge R. Harmon Drew Jr. and his wife, attorney Jean Talley Drew.

Together, Judge Drew and Jean co-authored the True Blue Drew Law Book and spent many years providing criminal law and procedure training to law enforcement officers across Louisiana. The book has been updated annually to reflect changes in Louisiana law and court decisions and continues to serve as a practical resource for law enforcement officers.

Keeping officers current on changes in the law is an important part of professional law enforcement. Legislative changes and court decisions can affect criminal offenses and penalties, arrest procedures, investigations, search and seizure, and many other areas officers encounter in their duties.

Louisiana POST-certified officers covered by the state’s annual in-service requirements must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing training each year, including firearms training, officer survival, legal updates, and elective training.

The annual True Blue Drew Criminal Law Update helps fulfill the legal-update requirement while giving officers information they can immediately apply in the field. It also provides an opportunity for agencies to discuss how changes in the law affect day-to-day decisions, from initial investigations and arrests to evidence collection, report writing, case preparation, and courtroom testimony.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office was pleased to welcome officers from the Jonesboro Police Department, Hodge Police Department, North Hodge Police Department, and Eros Police Department.

Sheriff Brent Barnett would like to thank Judge Jeff Cox and Attorney Tammy Jump for providing this important training and for their continued commitment to keeping Louisiana law enforcement officers informed of changes in the law.

Thanks also goes to Jonesboro Police Chief Israel Smith, Hodge Police Chief Travis Reed, North Hodge Police Chief Robert “Bobby” Dillon, and Eros Police Chief Walter Kotz for supporting the continued training and professional development of the law enforcement officers in Jackson Parish.

“We appreciate the opportunity for law enforcement agencies throughout Jackson Parish to train together,” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett. “Continued training helps ensure officers share a common understanding of changes in the law and are prepared to apply those laws properly, consistently, and professionally. It also strengthens communication between agencies and promotes a more consistent approach when officers work together across jurisdictional lines.

One Important Change for 2026: Marijuana and School Zones

One example of why these annual legal updates matter involves a recent change to Louisiana law concerning marijuana and drug-free school zones.

Effective August 1, 2026, Act 305 of the 2026 Regular Session strengthened penalties for certain controlled-substance violations occurring on or near school property.

Under Louisiana law, possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana outside these protected areas may ordinarily carry a fine of no more than $100. However, the consequences can be significantly greater when the offense occurs within areas covered by Louisiana’s drug-free school zone law.

For marijuana-related violations covered by the new law, a person may face up to one year of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $1,000 when the offense occurs on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property, or on a school bus.

Act 305 also expressly addresses smoking, vaping, or otherwise using controlled dangerous substances within these protected areas.

That distinction is important.

As marijuana laws and penalties have changed, some may assume that possession of a small amount carries little consequence. That should not be assumed in schools and school zones.

The issue also extends beyond traditional marijuana. THC oils and concentrates can be contained in small vape-style devices that are easily concealed and difficult to distinguish from ordinary vaping products. Concentrated THC products can contain very high levels of THC, and products from unregulated sources may contain other additives or contaminants.

These changes strengthen the penalties associated with controlled substances in and around schools and reinforce the importance of keeping drugs away from school campuses and areas where students are present.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue working closely with the schools we serve and our law enforcement partners throughout the parish. Violations involving marijuana, THC products, and other controlled substances on or around school campuses will continue to be taken seriously and closely monitored.

“Our goal is not simply enforcement. It is also prevention, education, and helping provide a safe environment for students, teachers, and school personnel,” continued Barnett. “That requires awareness from officers, school officials, parents, and students alike, particularly as new products and changing laws create additional challenges.”

“Training such as the annual True Blue Drew Criminal Law Update helps ensure that our deputies and law enforcement partners understand the laws they are entrusted to enforce and are prepared to apply them properly, consistently, and professionally,” Barnett said in closing. “Continued training makes better officers, strengthens cooperation between our agencies, and helps us better serve and protect the people of Jackson Parish.”

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Ever think about working the polls on Election Day? Want to earn $200.00? If this sounds like you, contact the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court’s Office at (318) 259-2424 to register for the General School for New Commissioners, which will take place at 5:00 pm on September 28th in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Jackson Parish Library, located at 614 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro,

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North Hodge Assembly of God, located at 5254 Quitman Hwy. (Hwy 167N), sends an invitation to attend the Praise Women’s Conference scheduled for Saturday, September 26th. Two sessions are on tap, featuring Evangelist Kathy Wampler: the first at 10:00 am and the second at 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided during the break. For more information call (318) 259-3609.

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When we think about responding to domestic violence, we often think of law enforcement officers, advocates, counselors, or other professionals. But in a rural community, the first person to notice that something is wrong may be much closer than we realize.

It may be the neighbor who hears yelling through the wall.

It may be the coworker who notices someone becoming increasingly withdrawn.

It may be the friend who keeps hearing excuses for bruises or missed events.

It may be the family member who notices that someone is afraid to answer their partner’s phone calls.

Or it may simply be the person who says, “Are you okay?”

In a small rural community, neighbors often know one another. We see familiar vehicles, recognize voices, know family members and sometimes know what is happening in someone’s life before they ever tell us. That closeness can be a challenge when it comes to domestic violence—but it can also be one of our greatest strengths.

Domestic violence does not always look like a physical fight. Abuse can include intimidation, threats, emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, stalking, monitoring, and controlling where someone goes or who they are allowed to see.

Sometimes the warning signs are subtle.

A person who used to attend community events may suddenly stop coming. Someone may seem nervous whenever their partner is nearby. A neighbor may repeatedly hear arguments late at night. A friend may begin asking permission before making plans or seem unusually concerned about upsetting their partner.

One sign by itself does not necessarily mean someone is experiencing abuse. But when we notice changes in someone we care about, it is worth paying attention.

For someone experiencing domestic violence in a rural area, getting help may not be as simple as making a phone call and leaving.

Transportation may be limited. Services may be miles away. Housing options may be scarce. Employment opportunities may be limited. A survivor may be worried about children, pets, finances, or losing access to transportation.

And then there is something unique to small communities:

Everybody may know everybody.

A survivor may worry about running into someone they know when seeking help. They may fear that their situation will become community gossip. They may worry that their abuser has relationships with people in positions of authority or is highly respected within the community.

These concerns can make reaching out incredibly difficult.

That is why the people around survivors matter.

Being someone’s first responder does not mean you have to investigate the situation, confront the abuser, or have all the answers.

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is listen.

If someone tells you they are being abused, try saying:

“I believe you.”

“This isn’t your fault.”

“You don’t deserve to be treated this way.”

“I’m glad you told me.”

“How can I support you?”

Avoid telling them what they *have* to do. Saying “Why don’t you just leave?” may seem like a simple solution, but leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated and dangerous. A survivor needs support, information, and the ability to make decisions based on their own circumstances and safety.

Don’t put yourself—or the survivor—at greater risk

If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, confronting the suspected abuser may make the situation more dangerous.

Instead, look for safe opportunities to connect the person with a domestic violence advocate or other appropriate resources.

You don’t need to prove that abuse is happening before offering support.

You don’t need to know every detail.

And you don’t need to wait for a crisis.

Domestic violence is not simply a private family matter. It affects children, families, workplaces, schools, churches, businesses, and the entire community.

In rural communities, where people often depend on one another, we have an opportunity to create a culture where asking for help is met with compassion rather than judgment.

The next time you notice that something doesn’t seem right, don’t assume that someone else will step in.

Check on your neighbor.

Listen to your friend.

Believe someone when they tell you they are afraid.

Know the resources available in your community.

You may never know how important that simple act of kindness can be.

Because in a rural community, the first responder isn’t always the person arriving in a uniform.

Sometimes, the first responder is the person living next door.

submmitted by: Andrea Malone
Rural Advocate
DART – Jackson Parish Office

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A Change In The Weather Much Needed

I don’t know about you but I’ve about had a belly full of this incessantly hot and dry weather.

I checked my weather notes and noticed that we have had about 20 straight days of no rain and temperatures near or above 100 degrees.

We have had some predictions that I have come to doubt, that we might see a lowering of temperatures sometime in the next week or so along with maybe a shower. As much as I’d like to believe that it won’t be long before we get some relief, I’m still skeptical of such predictions. I think I will have to see it to believe it.

There is a prediction shared with me by my friend Neil Shaw, meteorologist, who doesn’t always have to rely on his computer and maps to predict weather. Shaw said he received this information from an old gentleman who, like my mom, didn’t need a weatherman to tell him when changes would be coming; he just looked at the natural order of things and when they happened, you could mark it down.

Shaw told me that the gentleman’s prediction was that when you begin seeing yellow butterflies flitting across the road, there will be a frost some 30 days later. He added that he has watched this for the past several years and it has proven to be basically true.

Taking note, I saw my first yellow butterfly September 10, so I have marked my calendar to see what the weather will be like on October 10. That should be the second Saturday of squirrel season, so you can bet I hope that’s right; nothing is more special to a squirrel hunter than to feel the chill in the air and the absence of mosquitoes.

Shaw noted that the reason for this may have something to do with the lessening of daylight hours and cooler nights in September that trigger the little butterflies to begin their flight, the same criteria that causes hummingbirds to begin their migration across the Gulf to spend the winter away from the cold temperatures.

My mom never had to rely on butterflies to predict changes in weather. She had inbuilt system that proved to be true just about all the time.

I grew up in the country and was blessed with a mama who was as good at predicting weather as some of our meteorologists. If mama said something was going to happen, it usually did just as she said.

A favorite is one that I have watched down through the years that has proven to be basically right on the money…. ”If it thunders in February, it will frost on that same day in April”. To be honest, it doesn’t always frost on the predicted day but in nearly every case, there will be a significant cool down around that date. She also predicted, usually correctly that there will be chilly weather around Easter.

Between the arrival of the yellow butterflies this time of year coupled with my mama’s finger-to-the-wind prediction, I’m not sure I need to listen to long-range weather reports to get an accurate reading of what the weather is likely to do in the coming weeks.

All I do know is that my lawn has turned to crispy brown duff instead of the luxurious green it’s supposed to have. I am saving money on having someone mow my yard because basically, there is nothing to mow.

This time of year, what I really like to do is to be able to sit on the porch, cup of coffee in hand and enjoy the nice rather brisk weather. I may even need to slip on a jacket for comfort.

If I tried to do the same thing this week, the heat would creep in and I’d soon head inside for the air conditioning.

Let’s hope the yellow butterflies I’m seeing now know what they’re predicting.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Later if you can stand the heat, they’re around deep drops. Soft plastics and cranks baits are working fair. 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 not many anglers are trying it later because of the excessive heat. Fishing overall has slowed because of air and water temps being so warm. 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. 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 around and above the thermocline where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters. Not many are trying them later because of excessive heat. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. 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 still falling. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and buffalo caught in nets. Nobody is trying the crappie and bass because it’s too hot. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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