It was a tremendous weekend for the Jackson Parish 13U All-Stars as they won three of four games at the Dixie Boys World Series played in Sterlington, LA. The tourney started with Jackson Parish splitting a pair of games on Saturday and then fighting back to win two straight in two days.

Jackson Parish 13 Chapel Hill, TX 0 – JP opened with Cooper Delaney and Dawson LaComb limiting Chapel Hill, TX to just one hit in a 13-0, four inning skunking. Braden Theriot led the offense with 2 hits and three RBI’s followed by Jacob Gill and Bryce Zehr with a hit apiece.  Cole Tolar knocked in a pair of runs and John Reagan Hasley reached twice on walks. The locals also took advantage of six Chapel Hill errors.

Fairhope, AL 20 Jackson Parish 3 – The tables were turned in the second contest played by the locals in three hours as Fairhope, AL scored 20 runs on 14 hits in the contest that was called after four innings of play. Jackson Parish managed only four hits and committed three errors in the contest that dropped them into the consolation bracket.

Jackson Parish 8 Springhill, FL 6 – it looked bleak for the locals after Springhill, FL put up three in the bottom of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead. By the time Jackson Parish had finished batting in the top of the sixth the locals had not only erased the three run deficit but had a two run advantage.

Dawson LaComb then made the lead hold up by blanking the Floridians the rest of the way to earn the complete game win. Braden Theriot, John Reagan Hasley and Cooper Delaney each had a pair of hits in the back and forth game that saw the lead change six times.  Theriot, Delaney and Kenden Freemen also knocked in a pair of runs each.

Jackson Parish 9 Sterlington 2 – The consolation finals was an all north Louisiana affair with Jackson Parish ripping home standing Sterlington by putting up a four spot in the second and never looking back. Cooper Delaney and Tait Henderson combined to give up just three hits while striking out ten.

Bryce Zehr led the way at the plate with three hits and two RBI’s followed closely by Peyton Dearmon who had two hits and 2 RBI’s. Braden Theriot reached base four times with a pair of hits and two base on balls.

Leading the way for the successful venture was coaches: Chris Dearmon, Mark Delaney, Greg Hasley and Nick Tolar. Players included: John Reagan Hasley, Bryce Zehr, Cooper Delaney , Jacob Gill, Braden Theriot, Tait Henderson, Dawson LaComb, Peyton Dearman, Kenden Freeman, Sawyer Watkins, Gavyn Caskey and Cole Tolar.

On January 18, 1904, Archibald “Archie” Leach was born into a lower middle-class family in Bristol, England.  His father, Elias James Leach worked as a heat press operator in a garment factory.  His mother, Elsie Maria Leach, worked as a seamstress.  His parents’ first son, John, died from tuberculosis meningitis, commonly called TB, four years before Archie was born.  His parents struggled to cope with John’s death, even after the birth of Archie.  Archie’s dad tried to drown his sadness with alcohol and became withdrawn from everyone, even Archie.  His mother often suffered with bouts of deep depression where she was unable to function.  When Archie’s mother was not suffering from depression, she clung to Archie.  She filled young Archie’s head with hopes and dreams of one day being rich and famous.                 

When Archie was nine years old, he returned home from school to find his mother missing.  He asked his father where his mother had gone.  His father simply and vaguely replied that she had gone on holiday.  His father gave no other details and Archie knew not to press the matter.  Every so often, Archie would ask his father when his mother would return.  Archie wondered if he was responsible for driving his mother away.  Finally, his father told Archie that his mother had died.  Archie was stunned.  There had been no funeral and no grieving family members to console him or his father.  No one mentioned her at all.  She was just gone.  Archie was crushed.

Archie was not what teachers would call a good student.  He often acted out and was indifferent to his studies.  He had mood swings and was what some people called prickly.  Archie later described his early childhood with a hint of pain.  He described “the paucity of my own youth.  It lacked many advantages.”  Like his father, he was vague and evasive about the details.

In 1932, Archie invented an alter ego.  Archie said in later life, “I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be, and I finally became that person.  Or he became me.  Or we met at some point.  It’s a relationship.”  Through lots of practice, he somewhat Americanized his British accent.  He had always dressed nicely, at his mother’s insistence, but now he dressed impeccably.  He mastered etiquette and manners.  He was kind, polite, and courteous.  Now, his alter ego just needed a good name.  After some consideration, Archie chose the first name for his alter ego from a part he had once played in a stage production, and the last name from a list of one syllable last names prepared by a movie studio.  Pretty soon, people all over the world knew and loved Archie’s alter ego.

In about 1938, several years after Archie had created his alter ego, he learned that his mother had not died as his father had told him.  Archie’s mother had not gone on holiday.  She was overcome by clinical depression and Archie’s father had had her committed to a local mental institution.  To his surprise, Archie learned that his mother was still in the mental institution.  Archie found and reunited with his mother.  He later said of their meeting, “I was known to most of the world by sight and by name, yet not to my mother.”  By the time of their reunion, Archie’s alter ego had achieved fame and fortune, the dream his mother had filled him with when he was a child. 

Archie and his mother remained close for the rest of her life.  Once, while Archie and his mother were driving somewhere, she looked over at his graying hair.  She remarked that he should start dying his hair.  “Why?” he asked.  “You should.” She replied.  “It makes me look so old.”  She was 89 years old at the time.  Archie and his mother joined together in laughter.

In his 80s, some two decades after he had retired from acting, one reporter described Archie’s alter ego as having “thick, snow-white hair, lilting, affected accent, twinkling brown eyes, dimpled chin and a tan face that should be carved on Mount Rushmore.  He is terminally debonair, utterly witty, and smoother than a Brandy Alexander.”  Another reporter described Archie’s alter ego as “immortal—an ideal of sophistication…forever.” 

On November 29, 1986, Archibald Leach died from a stroke while preparing for a theater appearance.  Archie’s alter ego starred in many notable pictures including “His Girl Friday,” “The Philadelphia Story,” and the Alfred Hitchcock classic “North by Northwest.”  Archie was nominated for two academy awards but never won.  In 1970, the Academy of Motion Pictures presented him with an honorary Oscar for “his unique mastery of the art of screen acting.”  Women adored, and men wanted to be, not Archibald “Archie” Leach.  Everyone, including Archie, preferred his alter ego…Cary Grant.

For more real stories about real people with a twist, preorder your copy of “Remember This?” at www.BradDison.com or listen to his podcast “Brad Dison’s Remember This?”  Brad earned his master’s degree in the subject from Louisiana Tech University. He has written four history books and has been published in newspapers and scholarly journals. Keep up with Brad’s column through the Facebook group “Remember This? by Brad Dison.”

Sources:

1. The Greenville News, December 27, 1983, p.13.
2. The Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York), January 27, 1984, p.4.
3. The Springfield News-Leader, December 1, 1986, p.17.
4. YouTube.com. “Cary Grant: The Leading Man | the Hollywood Collection.” Accessed July 30, 2020. https://youtu.be/AhLR1SXjDmY.

Leagues Results and Standings (As of August 3rd)

7 & 8 Girls

No changes in the standings as all games were washed away.

1. Heyhunners 5-0-1
2. Leach’s Line Drivers 4-2-1
3. Johnny’ Pizza 2-4-0
4. Jonesboro State Bank 2-4-0

7 & 8 Boys

No change for the 7 & 8 boys as Mother Nature ruled the week by raining out all games.

1. SPS 4-2-1
2. Southern Kustoms 3-2-2
3. Traina’s Bakery 3-2-2
4. Mercy Medical 1-5-1

9 & 10 Girls

Leach’s Turf Divas knocked off Extreme Nutrition in the only game played last week due to rain cancelling the other. The victory gave the unbeaten Divas a commanding two game lead with only three left to play. Pro Car and Vanguard look to break into the win column.  

1. Leach’s Turf Divas 8-0-0
2. Extreme Nutrition 5-2-1
3. Pro Car Sparkle&Shine 0-5-2
4. Vanguard Realty 0-6-1

9 & 10 Boys

There are still two games left to be played but Rhode’s Farm has won the league going away after dropping only one of their first nine games. Second place Southern Kustoms sits a distant four game back with Hodge Bank one and a half games further behind.

1. Rhode’s Farm 7-1-1
2. Southern Kustoms 3-5-1
3. Hodge Bank 1-5-2

11-13 Girls

Catfish Inn continues to dominate with seven wins in a row. Next closest is Family Pharmacy sitting at four games back with Listle Real Estate two more behind.

1. Catfish Inn 7-0-0
2. Family Pharmacy 3-5-0
3. Listle Real Estate 1-6-0

11–13 Boys

Jonesboro Glass takes the league title by one game over Academy Mortgage. Pardue Builders and Six Point rounded out the standings

1. Jonesboro Glass 7-2-0
2. Academy Mortgage 6-3-0
3. Pardue Builders 3-5-1
4. Six Point 1-7-1

Summer sting results in multiple drug distribution charges

On July 31, 2020, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Louisiana State Police and Federal Agents in a task force conducted Federal Arrest Warrants on Chadrick Carter, Adriene Caesar, Meshach Conley, and Justin Goss all for distribution of illegal CDS and drug trafficking charges. They were all booked in at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center and then transported to Federal Facilities awaiting trials. The arrests were just a few of the over twenty made in Jackson Parish during the last week of July and the first few days of August. See below for a full listing.

1. Stephen Woodall (Winnfield, LA)- Possession of Schedule II drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Suspended Driver’s License, No Driver’s License, Cancelled Plates, No Insurance, No MVI
2. Kerskan Evans (Hodge, LA) – Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, a Schedule II drug and a Controlled Substance; Possession of Schedule I drug and Controlled Substance
3. Mark Maxwell Jr. (Bienville, LA) – Theft, Remaining after being forbidden to stay
4. Terry Richards (Jonesboro, LA) – DWI, Open Container
5. Tag Westbrook (Dodson, LA) – Criminal Damage to Property, Simple Battery
6. Phillip Andrews (Chatham, LA) – DUS (Winn Parish)
7. Chrissie Lebavon (North Hodge, LA) – Speeding
8. Cedrick Riser (Chatham, LA) – Aggravated Assault, Simple Battery
9. Ira Brooks (Baton Rouge, LA) – Failure to obey traffic control signals, No Driver’s License, Flight from an Officer, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule I, II, III and IV drugs
10. Barnabas Salsberry (Jonesboro, LA) – Felony Carnal Knowledge, Pornography including juveniles
11. Kendrick Tatum (Chatham, LA) – Simple Battery
12. Corey Hall (Natchitoches, LA) – Wreckless Operation of a motor vehicle, DUI, DUS, Possession of Schedule I drug, Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II and IV drug, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
13. Barnabas L Salsberry Jr. (Chatham, LA) – Second degree rape
14. Darius White (Jonesboro, LA) – Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, No registration in vehicle
15. Deantrius J. Capers (West Monroe, LA) – Simple Burglary (2 counts)
16. Jonathan P. Ashcraft (Hodge, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Simple Battery, Introduction of Contraband
17. Edwin Murphy (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery of an Infirmed, Domestic Abuse Battery
18. Ashley Reddoch (Chatham, LA) – Natchitoches Warrant for failure to appear on Possession of Schedule II drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer
19. Jasmine Bradley (Ruston, LA) – Resisting an Officeer, No headlight, Failure to appear Warrant for Possession of Schedule I drug, Improper Lane Usage, No Driver’s License
20. Christin Winzer (Homer, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
21. Virginia White (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
22. Matthew C. Sheldon (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
23. Mechiala T Hampton (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
24. Christopher C. Barr (Hodge, LA) Possession of Legend Drug, Possession of Marijuana, No Registration, Speeding
25. Kyle Sims (Eros, LA) – Possession of Schedule II and III drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No tag lamps
26. Ashley Scott (Eros, LA) – Possession of Schedule IV drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to add a new Classifieds section where you can post items for sale, offer job opportunities, professional services, etc… Cost per post is $10.00 per week and can be submitted by email at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or by text to 318-480-1206.

For Sale:

5.06 acres of land (Price Reduced) – located one mile East of Jimmie Davis Tabernacle on Hwy. 542, Beech Springs Road, Quitman, LA.  Call (706)745-3933 for more information.  

Church Bus – Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church is selling small Bus that is equipped with Handicap accessibility. Engine work needed. Contact Paul Sterns for more information at (360) 399-8347.  

Book for sale – “The 100 year history of JHHS football” – An in-depth, year by year review of each season that includes names of players from virtually every year and individual/school records. Cost is $25.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To place your order, call 318-480-1206.

Help wanted:

HODGE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY IS HIRING!!  BOTH EXPERIENCED AND ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS AVAILABLE. SALARY, BENEFITS AND GREAT HOURS.  PLEASE CALL 318-259-7362 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Organizations:

Boy Scouts of America – For boys in 6^th grade through 18 years old. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824-1772.

Cub Scouts of America – For boys and girls in Kindergarten through the 5^th grade. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824 – 1772.

Services offered:

Harris Yard Beautification – Professional Lawn Care provided at reasonable rates. Call Greg at (318) 245-2349

A1 Honey Do, LLC – Boat house, deck building and repairs. A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). For estimates contact Mark Droesser, Owner at 318-366-7598 “We do what your honey can’t do”.

Michael D. Schimmel     September 15, 1956 – July 26, 2020
Michael Douglas Schimmel, 63, passed away July 26, 2020 after a battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. He was born September 15, 1956 in Newton, New Jersey and passed away in his home in Ruston, Louisiana.  Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, July 29, 202 at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home-Chapel in Ruston.  Officiating was Bro. Olin McLaren. Interment followed at the Garden of Memories in Jonesboro, LA withTravis Napper, Jason Campbell, Travis Ables, John Ables, Richie Schimmel, Tim Nalley, Rusty Kelley, Kent Greer and Stover Napper serving as Pallbearers

Mike was a hard worker all of his life. Although many considered him meticulous, he was the one they called when they needed something done the right way. He married the love of his life, Sharron, in 1982 and spent his entire adulthood doting on her and reminding her that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was a master electrician and was very skilled in everything he did. He was loyal as well, having worked for 44 years and 4 months at the paper mill in Hodge, LA. He enjoyed taking his family on vacations and was an avid cruiser, having been on 14 cruises all over the Caribbean.

In 1986 he became a father to his only child, Brittany. He loved videoing her every move and continued to carry pictures of her in his wallet until the day he died. His love language was Acts of Service and could often be found adding and installing lights, plugs, T.V.s and more for everyone he knew. He had lots of plans for his upcoming retirement, but instead had to teach his wife of 37 years how to finally drive while taking him back and forth to treatments. He was an avid gun collector and loved old trucks. He also loved a good old dirty joke and always had one handy for a good laugh. Ultimately Papa was his favorite title. He loved Emory, Stover, and Millie Michael and, even while sick, always had a spot saved for them in his chair.

He is preceded in death by brother, Vincent Nalley; sister; Patsey Beck and Father-In-Law, John Travis  Ables. Mike was survived by his wife Sharron Ables Schimmel; daughter Brittany Schimmel Napper and husband Travis Napper of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren Emory, Stover, and Millie Michael Napper of Little Rock, AR; mother Ruth Nalley of Oldfield, MO; sister Cathy Schimmel Judd and husband Byron Judd of Ruston, LA; sister Laurie Schimmel Greer and husband Kent Greer of Dubach, LA; brother Richie Schimmel and wife Donna Schimmel of Quitman, LA; brother Tim Nalley and wife Kathleen Nalley of Oldfield, MO; sister Sandy Nalley Kinman and husband Marty Kinman of Jonesboro, LA; mother-in-law Laura Ables of Jonesboro; brother-in-law Travis Ables and wife Sherry Ables of Jonesboro, LA; sister-in-law Tina Kelley and husband Rusty Kelley of Jonesboro, LA; sister-in-law Shanda Ables Campbell and husband Jason Campbell of Bossier City, LA; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many extended family and friends.

Harvey Stephens      July 17, 1931 – July 26, 2020
Mr. George Harvey Stephens, age 88 of Jonesboro, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020 following a lengthy period of declining health. Mr. Stephens was a well-known retired plumber in the Jonesboro area.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Doruther Stephens; children, John Smith, Gary Smith, Jeannie Presley, Wanda Swanner, James Smith; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melody Morrow; parents Albert Marcellas Stephens and Ollie Amelia (Morris) Stephens.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Transport Cemetery, near Dodson, with Reverend Bill Staples officiating. Interment followed in the cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Emily Phillips August 14, 1912 – July 29, 2020
Mrs. Margaret Emily Phillips, age 107 of Jonesboro, was graciously ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 after a long and blessed life.  Mrs. Phillips was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a wonderful friend.  She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and hearing about all of the grandchildren’s activities.  As long as she was physically able she was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and worked in many of the church activities.  She had retired after many years in public education.

Those left to cherish her memory are daughters, Margaret Labit, Beth Beach & Tom; son, Joe Phillips & Carol; step-son, Phil Phillips; 6 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Mrs. Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Phillips; son, Alwyn Phillips; 6 grandchildren; parents, James Hardy Barr and Fannie (Jones) Barr; siblings, Murphy J. Barr, Woodard Barr, Truett Barr, Iris Curry, Edell Turner.

Funeral services were held at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Staples and Reverend Mike Staples officiating.  Interment followed in the Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Serving the family as pallbearers were grandsons, Glen Watkins, Scott Phillips, Tyler Phillips, Dana Labit, Mark Schexnaydre, Avery Schexnaydre, Travis Watkins.

Richard Vail, Sr. October 10, 1943 – July 31, 2020
Mr. Richard Vail, Sr., age 76 of Quitman, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020.  Mr. Vail grew up in Quitman and is a 1962 graduate of Quitman High School.  He worked as a welder for the paper mill and retired after 43 years of dedicated employment.  He will be fondly remembered for being an avid fisherman.  Mr. Vail could be found on the water fishing for bass and white perch.  He also enjoyed offshore fishing when the opportunity arose.  He was a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that will be greatly missed by family and many, many friends.

Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Connie Vail; daughter, Tina Vail Sutton (David); son, Richard Vail, Jr. (Melissa); stepsons, Jamie Beckham (Charity), Greg Beckham (Jeanette); 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brothers, Cotton Vail of Lake Placid, FL, Kenneth Vail of Farmerville, LA, Robert C. Vail of Quitman, La; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois (Kelley) Vail; brother, Donald R. Vail; sister, Lurline Vail Whitten.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 3, 2020 in the Edmonds Chapel with Reverend Stuart Toms officiating.  Burial followed in Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Katherine (Gray) Sones August 25, 1926 – July 29, 2020
Mrs. Katherine (Gray) Sones, age 93 of Jonesboro, joined hands with her Lord and Savior and went to glory Wednesday, July 29, 2020. She was fond of working puzzles and working in her yard, keeping the magnolia leaves and pine straw at bay. She was a member at Hodge Baptist Church and an active member of the Woodmen of the World Fraternal Society. Mrs. Katherine enjoyed her time best when it was spent with her beloved family and friends.
A graveside service took place in Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery, near Jonesboro, LA, on Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 with Reverend Norris Curry officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro, LA. Serving the family as pallbearers were Doug Peoples, Wilford Foster, Bruce Whitman and Mike Brown.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Edward Kenneth Sones; daughter, Lori Michelle Sones; grandson, Roger Lee Merrill; parents, Joseph Bass “JB” and Cora (Whitlock) Gray; siblings, Bobby Joe Gray, Fred Gray and Merlene, Dewey Gray and Dorothy, Mary Virginia Brinson and Wayne, Mildred Daniels and Danny, Lou Ann Allen and Lee.
Mrs. Katherine is survived by her son, Edward Lynn Sones (Katy) of Austin, TX; daughter, Patricia (Sones) Merrill (Carroll) of Ferriday, LA; grandchildren, Gabby Hudson of Tulsa, OK, Amanda Gaden (Matt) of Colorado Springs, CO, Dina (Merrill) Haines of Vidalia, LA, Jamie Lynn Merrill of Jackson, MS; great grandchildren,Daniel, Matthew, Luke Hudson of Tulsa, OK, Zoey and Willy Gaden of Colorado Springs, CO, Callon Daniel Haines of Vidalia, LA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marilyn June Hulett July 15, 1927 – July 30, 2020
Marilyn June Hulett passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 93 years of age, on July 30, 2020. Marilyn was born on July 15, 1927 in Beaumont, Texas, to Nettye and William Artis Mathews.  She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior while in elementary school in Beaumont, Texas.  She attended high school at Southpark High in Beaumont, where she was a majorette.  Following high school graduation she began working in the medical supply business.

In the summer of 1946 while working at at Taylor Surgical Supply she met Albert Dalton Hulett, Jr (A.D.) of DeRidder, Louisiana.  She continued working in this capacity until January 25, 1947 when she married A.D..  After their wedding they moved to Baton Rouge where A.D. was attending LSU on the GI Bill.  While at LSU they became the proud parents of June Marlane Hulett (born June 11, 1948) and Alan Dalton Hulett (born December 26, 1947).  A.D. graduated from LSU in May 1950 with a degree in Forestry and Civil Engineering.  Following A.D.’s graduation they moved to DeQuincy and then subsequently to Longleaf, Louisiana.  While in Longleaf they were blessed with a third child, Albert Gary Hulett (born October 28, 1952).  In 1960 they moved to Jonesboro where A.D. was employed by Continental Can Company.

Marilyn was the ultimate homemaker providing a stable and loving environment for her family.  She and A.D. provided Christian examples for their children and were faithful members of First Methodist Church in Jonesboro before joining Hodge Baptist Church in 1965.  She was involved in women’s ministries at church but her real passion was leading children’s choirs.

Marilyn loved sewing for herself and her family.  In particular she made some beautiful dresses for June for high school dances and proms.  She would later work at Lucille’s Fabric Shop in Jonesboro for several years.  She was also very active in the Jonesboro Garden Club and competed in numerous flowers shows.  She would eventually become a Master Judge of Flower Shows.

In 1968 Marilyn and A.D. moved to Ruston.  While in Ruston she worked for several hears at Lewis’ Department Store.  Always wanting to improve her skill set she took numerous business type courses at Louisiana Tech University.  She was subsequently employed at Departmental secretary for the Department of Botany and Bacteriology at Tech.  As departmental secretary she became acquainted with many students.  She was always willing to share some time, listen, encourage, support and even “Mother” the students a little.  She made many long lasting friends during her tenure at Tech that she kept up with for many years after their graduation.  She retire from Louisiana Tech University in the late 1990’s.

Prior to her retirements she and A.D. had moved to Caney Lake outside Jonesboro.  She remained active in garden clubs and was a sought after flower show judge.  You could catch heer most mornings sitting on her front porch overlooking Caney Lake, where she enjoyed viewing the wildlife and the flowers in her hard.  After A.D.’s passing in 2008 her health begin deteriorating necessitating her move to Baton Rouge in 2013 where she resided until her recent death.

Marilyn was pre-deceased by her husband of 61 years, A.D. Hulett, Jr. and her son, Albert Gary Hulett of Germantown, Tennessee.  She is survived by her daughter June Smith of Jacksonville, Florida and her son Alan Hulett (wife Debbie) of Baton Rouge.  She is also survived by five granddaughters, five grandsons, twelve great grandsons and six great granddaughters.

Her funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro 10:00 am on August 5, 2020.  Preceding the service visitation will be held at First Baptist from 9:00-10:00 am.  Following the service interment will be at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana at 3:00 pm.

On Sunday, July 26, shortly before 10:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a crash on Louisiana Highway 4 just west of Jonesboro in Jackson Parish that claimed the life of 49 year old Carlos Scott of Jonesboro.

The initial investigation revealed the 2001 Ford F-150, driven by Scott was traveling west on LA 4. For reasons still under investigation the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned several times. Scott, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle onto the roadway. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On November 3^rd local residents will have the opportunity to make their choice of whom they want to not only become President of the United States but 23 other positions as well including who they want to see hold local offices. Of the sixty-six candidates that qualified for all the national, statewide and local offices up for grabs more than half of those are residents of Jackson Parish.

Statewide voters will select a United States Senator, 5^th Congressional District Representative, Associate Justice of the 4^th Supreme Court District and Public Service Commissioner while residents of Jackson, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes will make their choice for Judge of the 2^nd Judicial District Court in Divisions A, B & C and District Attorney.

In local elections residents will elect a Justice of the Peace and Constable  in Districts A thru E while in Chatham and Eros a Mayor and five Aldermen will be selected along with Chief of Police in Chatham.

See below for candidates who qualified for each election:

1. S. Senator (1 to be elected)
2. Beryl Billiot -No Party – Kentwood, LA
3. John Paul Bourgeois -No Party -Gretna, LA
4. “Bill” Cassidy –Republican – Baton Rouge, LA
5. Reno Jean Daret – No Party – Metairie, LA
6. Derrick “Champ” Edwards –Democrat -Harvey, LA
7. “Xan” John –Other – Lafayette, LA
8. David Drew Knight –Democrat – New Orleans, LA
9. V. “Vinny” Mendoza –Independent – Ponchatoula, LA
10. Jamar Montgomery -No Party – Shreveport, LA
11. Dustin Murphy –Republican – Eros, LA
12. Adrian Perkins – Democrat – Shreveport, LA
13. Antoine Pierce –Democrat -Baton Rouge, LA
14. Melinda Mary Price – Other – Luling, LA
15. Aaron C. Sigler- Libertarian – Hammond, LA
16. Peter Wenstrupt –Democrat – New Orleans, LA
17. S. Representative 5th Congressional District (1 to be elected)
18. Sandra “Candy” Christopher – Democrat – Alexandria, LA
19. Allen Guillory Sr. – Republican – Opelousas, LA
20. Lance Harris – Republican – Alexandria, LA
21. “Matt” Hasty – Republican – Pineville, LA
22. Jesse P. Lagarde – Democrat – Amite, LA
23. Martin Lemelle Jr. – Democrat – Ruston, LA
24. Luke J. Letlow – Republican – Start, LA
25. “Scotty” Robinson – Republican – West Monroe, LA
26. Phillip Snowden – Democrat – Monroe, LA

Associate Justice Supreme Court – 4th Supreme Court District (1 to be elected)

1. Shannon Gremillion – Republican – Alexandria, LA
2. Jay McCallum – Republican – Farmerville, LA

Public Service Commissioner – District 5 (1 to be elected)

1. Foster Campbell – Democrat – Bossier City, LA
2. Shane Smiley – Republican – Monroe, LA
3. Scotty Waggoner – Republican – West Monroe, LA

District Judge 2nd Judicial District Court, Div. A (1 to be elected)

1. Darrell Avery – Republican – Jonesboro, LA
2. Walter May – Republican – Jonesboro, LA

District Judge 2nd Judicial District Court, Division B (1 to be elected)

1. Rick Warren – Republican – Jonesboro, LA
2. Yumeaka Robinson Washington – No Party – Quitman, LA

District Judge 2nd Judicial District Court, Division C (1 to be elected)

1. Glenn Fallin – Independent – Arcadia, LA

District Attorney 2nd Judicial District Court (1 to be elected)

1. Chris L. Bowman – Republican – Jonesboro, LA
2. Daniel W. “Danny” Newell – Democrat – Homer, LA

Justice of the Peace District A (1 to be elected

1. “Tommy” Faber – No Party – Quitman, LA
2. Ronnie Clay Madere – Republican – Quitman, LA

Justice of the Peace District B (1 to be elected)

1. Vincent Jackson – No Party – Quitman, LA

Justice of the Peace District C (1 to be elected)

1. Janet Hinton – Republican – Chatham, LA

Justice of the Peace District D (1 to be elected)

1. David D. Womack – Republican – Quitman, LA

Justice of the Peace District E (1 to be elected)

1. Sharon Satcher – Democrat – Jonesboro, LA

Constable – District A (1 to be elected)

1. “Tom” Goss – Republican – Quitman, LA

Constable – District B (1 to be elected)

1. Walter Kotz – Republican – Eros, LA

Constable – District C (1 to be elected)

1. John Mize – No Party – Chatham, LA
2. “Matt” Palmer – No Party – Jonesboro, LA
3. “Eddie” Waggoner – Republican – Eros, LA

Constable – District D (1 to be elected)

1. Daniel Ponder – Republican -Hodge,

Constable – District E (1 to be elected)

No candidates

Mayor Town of Chatham (1 to be elected)

1. Ashlay Blanco – Independent – Chatham, LA
2. Dwight Cooper- Democrat – Chatham, LA
3. Gregory Harris – Democrat – Chatham, LA

Mayor Town of Eros (1 to be elected)

1. Kelly Gryder – Republican – Eros, LA

Chief of Police Town of Chatham (1 to be elected)\

1. Brandon Myers –Independent – Chatham, LA

Aldermen Town of Chatham (5 to be elected)

1. Brian Blanco – Independent – Chatham, LA
2. Marvin A. Davis – Independent – Chatham, LA
3. Tonja “Toni” Malone – Republican – Chatham, LA
4. Laverne Mixon- Democrat – Chatham, LA
5. Sue Proffer – Independent – Chatham, LA
6. “Mike” Wilson – Democrat – Chatham, LA

Aldermen Town of Eros (5 to be elected)

1. April M. Hammett – No Party – Eros, LA
2. John David Howard – Independent – Eros, LA
3. Joseph E. Spillers – Independent – Eros, LA
4. Natalie Waffer – No Party – Eros, LA
5. Justin Webber – Independent – Eros, LA

If you look up the name Maggie you will find that it is of English origin and means Pearl. Nothing could be more definitive of Maggie Guyotte, the vivacious pre-teen from Quitman, who has become a rare jewel on the softball diamond.

If you are associated with youth league softball in Jackson Parish you readily recognize her name as well as being well versed in her accomplishments. The daughter of Brian “Shorty” and Paula Guyotte has already made a name for herself not only locally but statewide as well following her exploits in the regionals and state tournaments over the past couple of years that includes bringing home a state title.

If you thought she was incredible then, you should see what she is doing now. On the mound she is virtually untouchable. This is no exaggeration and is evidenced by the fact that in the Jackson Parish 11-13 year old softball league she opened the season by throwing FIVE no hitters in a row. This is no misprint. FIVE! Most pitchers don’t register five no hitters in a career. She has done it in five straight games.

Well, that is against local competition, you say. OK! How about this? In late May she was named MVP in a prestigious southern regional tournament for her travel ball team the Diamond Dolls. This led her to being named All-State in Louisiana.

She followed that up in June by pitching Demarini Express, a 14 year old and under travel ball team, to a Fastpitch America Softball Association (FASA) regional tournament title where she went undefeated on the mound.

Heard enough? Not hardly! Just two weeks ago Guyotte played for the Texas Glory out of Longview, TX in the USSSA Southern Nationals 12U division where she threw two shutouts in five appearances on the mound and incredibly went 10 for 14 at the plate with 8 RBI’s. Her performance on day two of the tourney led her to being named MVP which qualified her for the Texas All-State team.

To sum it up, in roughly eight weeks Guyotte has been named MVP in two nationally sanctioned fast pitch tournaments in two separate states for two separate teams and was named All-State in both Louisiana and Texas.

Obviously she is a truly special talent and best of all is that even though she is on the national stage you can see her play each week night at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department for her Catfish Inn 11-13 year old league team.

Take some advice and make plans to watch her soon as talent like this is rare indeed. You had better hurry though as the season is drawing to a close.

Southern Nationals USSSA.Great group of girls and coaches. She was chosen MVP of game 3

Tired of hearing the gloomy statistics that are constantly being broadcast concerning the COVID-19 epidemic? This is not to make light of the terrible disease that has gripped the nation since March but there is also some good news to report as well.

According to the report issued by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office as of July 27^th there has been 307 positive test cases reported in Jackson Parish. Of those, 208 of those infected have recovered.  That represents a 67.7% recovery rate, meaning two out of every three people who have become sick with COVID-19 have gotten over the disease. 

Further good news is that the Jackson Parish Correctional Center now shows there are no cases reported. It must be remembered though that 17 deaths have occurred and there are still 82 active cases shown in the parish with one remaining in the hospital. Please keep the in your prayers.

Statistics in Jackson Parish regarding COVID-19

Positive test cases – 307

Recovered – 208

Active cases – 82

Deaths -17

In hospital – 1

Cases at the JPCC – 0

 

By: Glynn Harris

            I joined the cadre of hunters who open hunting season in September rather late. When I was growing up, I didn’t hunt doves. I don’t know anybody who did and it could be that there wasn’t a season on these fast flying gray missiles back then.

            Years later I got in on the sport and really, it’s hard to call dove hunting dove “hunting”. It is more of a social gathering where friends get together in a field of bush-hogged sunflowers, millet or wild goat weed, have a barbecue beneath the shade of a big oak and scatter out, bellies full, to find a shade to sit under and take a crack at doves flying over.

            We’re a few weeks away from opening of dove season this year as it traditionally opens on Labor Day weekend. In the meantime, research is ongoing concerning doves to see what effect hunting doves has on the overall population.

            My friend Marty Edmonds, retired employee of the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is involved in research and he provided information about these popular game birds.

            “Mourning doves nest in every state except Hawaii. In Louisiana, nesting is observed throughout the year with peak nesting period being from May to July,” Edmonds wrote.

            “The male picks the nest site and both male and female doves incubate. The nests are poorly constructed with both males and females building nests that may take from a few days to a week to construct. The pair averages about five young per year.”

            According to information Edmonds furnished, doves feed almost entirely on plant seeds such as goat weed, rag weed, poke salad, foxtail, sunflower, corn and wheat.

            It is estimated that the mortality rate of doves is in the 70% range whether doves or hunted or not. Although they have the potential to live several years, most live only a year or so.

            A research program is on-going that is headed up by Jeff Duguay who is Dove Research Program Director for the LDWF. Doves are being trapped and banded not only around the state but nationwide at this time to determine the impact hunting may have on doves.

            “The trapping and banding program is part of an overall program to gauge mortality as banding and recovery of bands gives us information on hunting mortality,” said Duguay.

            “When a hunter harvests a banded dove, he goes on-line, reports the band number and this gives us an idea of what percentage of banded doves are bagged, which gives us an overall estimation of dove harvest not only in Louisiana but nationwide. It’s similar to the waterfowl banding program in this regard,” he said.

            How do you capture doves for banding and release? Duguay said that doves feed on bare ground and when suitable areas are located either on wildlife management areas or private acreage where permission has been granted for banding, feed such as milo, wheat or cracked corn is used to attract doves to the area, which can take a week or two before birds begin regularly coming to feed.

            “This is when we put out the wire traps which feature a funnel entrance that birds can readily utilize but can’t figure out how to exit. There is an opening on top where birds are removed for banding, recording band numbers and released,” Duguay continued.

            This coming season, I’ll not only be on the lookout for doves flying over my shade tree but just like in duck hunting, I’ll get an extra thrill should I be fortunate enough to hold in my hand, a dove when a silver band on its leg.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Editor’s note: I remember when I was 8 years old being so excited when my mother called out to me that my picture was in the newspaper. I quickly ran over and sure enough, there I was. My parents called everyone in the family and their friends to tell them. My friends called me to say they had seen it.  I was so proud.

What was the result? From that day on I would practice harder than I ever had before. It served as the best form of motivation than anything had ever done before or since. It is a goal of the Jackson Parish Journal (JPJ) to show as many pictures of the youth in our area as we can in hopes that they too may also gain the same motivation to be the best they can be.

With that in mind the JPJ asks for your help in achieving our goal.  If you have a picture of your child in game action and want to see them published in the JPJ so they can have their “15 seconds of fame” send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Please include the name of the child, what team they are on and the age group of the league. While it can’t be guaranteed that every picture sent will be published please know that the JPJ will show as many as we can. After all as the old saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

                                Leagues Results and Standings (As of July 26^th)

7 & 8 Girls

It was a big week for Jonesboro State Bank as they won their first two of the season after dropping their initial four games. Heyhunner opened up a big lead in league play with two more wins with Leach’s Line Drivers and Johnny’s Pizza falling off the pace with two losses each.

1. Heyhunners 5-0-1
2. Leach’s Line Drivers 4-2-1
3. Johnny’ Pizza 2-4-0
4. Jonesboro State Bank 2-4-0

7 & 8 Boys

Mercy Medical finally got in the win column and the race for the top spot got more crowded as Southern Kustoms lost a pair to drop into a tie for second with Traina’s Bakery. Both now trail SPS by a half game.

1. SPS 4-2-1
2. Southern Kustoms 3-2-2
3. Traina’s Bakery 3-2-2
4. Mercy Medical 1-5-1

9 & 10 Girls

Leach’s Turf Divas stayed unbeaten with two more wins with Extreme Nutrition sitting a game and a half back. Pro Car Sparkle & Shine tied one but they and Vanguard Realty are still searching for first win of the year.

1. Leach’s Turf Divas 7-0-0
2. Extreme Nutrition 5-1-1
3. Pro Car Sparkle&Shine 0-5-2
4. Vanguard Realty 0-6-1

9 & 10 Boys

Rhode’s Farm won one and tied one to open up a two and a half game lead over Southern Kustoms who split a pair of games. Hodge Bank, which still has a game to be made up due to rain tied one and lost one.

1. Rhode’s Farm 5-1-1
2. Southern Kustoms 3-4-0
3. Hodge Bank 1-4-1

11-13 Girls

Catfish Inn continues to dominate with seven wins in a row. Next closest is Family Pharmacy sitting at four games back with Listle Real Estate two more behind.

1. Catfish Inn 7-0-0
2. Family Pharmacy 3-5-0
3. Listle Real Estate 1-6-0

11–13 Boys

Jonesboro Glass won two to take over the top spot from Academy Mortgage who sits one game back. Pardue Builders and Six Point both tied one and lost one.

1. Jonesboro Glass 5-2-0
2. Academy Mortgage 4-3-0
3. Pardue Builders 2-4-1
4. Six Point 1-5-1

By Brad Dison

Miller was a tall, broad, outdoorsman.  His father wanted him to become a doctor.  His mother wanted him to become a cellist.  Miller, however, wanted a life filled with adventure.  He served in both World Wars and was an avid sportsman.  Some of his favorite sports included watching bull fights, deep sea fishing, and hunting in remote locations around the world.  

In the Winter of 1953-54, Miller and his fourth wife, Mary Welsh, enjoyed a vacation in Africa.  They spent the second week of January, 1954, at Amboselli National Park, whose main feature is Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the African continent.  As a late Christmas present to his wife, Miller chartered a 600-mile flightseeing trip from Nairobi, capital city of Kenya, over Lake Victoria and Lake Albert, with the main attraction being the breath-taking 400-foot Murchison Falls on the Victoria Nile River in Uganda.  Due to the length of the trip, a distance of over 1,000 miles, they planned to land at the halfway point, Masindi, to refuel the Cessna.     

On Saturday, January 23, 1954, Miller and Mary met pilot Roy Marsh, a former Royal Air Force pilot, at the airport in Nairobi.  After stowing their luggage in the small, single-engine silver and blue Cessna, Roy, Miller, and Mary set out on the beginning of what turned out to be an unforgettable, yet exciting, adventure.  The trio took in the beautiful scenery as they flew over 500 miles toward Murchison Falls.  They flew over some of the most inaccessible spots in Uganda.  From the safety of their airplane, they gazed at crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and a plethora of other wild game in their natural habitat.  

Within three miles of Murchison Falls, they ran into trouble.  Without warning, a flock of Ibises, large black and white jungle birds with long, down-curved bills, descended toward the Cessna.  Flying through the flock was not an option.  Just one of the birds was large enough to crash the plane.  Roy flew lower to try to avoid the birds, but they descended as well.  Roy quickly looked in every direction but the plane was surrounded by the large birds.  As they neared treetop level, Roy realized they would have to land the plane.  Roy had to choose between landing on a small sandbar which was teeming with crocodiles or on an area covered by thick shrubs surrounded by a herd of elephants.  Roy chose the better of the two bad choices, the elephant herd. 

Roy flew just over the shrubs and slowed the engine to just above stall speed.  Just before the tires on the Cessna touched the shrubs, Roy pulled back on the controls, which forced the front of the airplane into the air, and they struck the ground on the underside of the plane.  The Cessna sustained only minor damage, and Roy, Miller, and Mary were unharmed.  Their adventure had just begun as dusk approached.

The crash survivors assessed their situation.  They were unable to call for help because the Cessna was not equipped with a radio.  They knew it would be hours before anyone realized their plane was missing.  They had emergency supplies but no water.  They set up a campsite, and Roy and Miller took turns going to the river for water.  Elephants trumpeted warnings to Roy and Miller as they walked to the river bank, which was crowded with hippos and crocodiles.  That night, they built a fire for warmth and to keep predators away.  Several times during the night, wild animals ventured near their campsite.  Miller, being an avid outdoorsman, used a trick he had learned years earlier on one of his many jungle safaris.  He howled like a wild dog, which all other animals detested.  Each time he howled, the other animals answered and gave away their positions.  

Searchers began looking for the missing plane when they failed to land at Masindi for refueling.  A police boat left Butiaba, a small town on Lake Albert about sixty miles from Murchison Falls, but it would take several hours for it to reach the search area.  When the Cessna failed to return to Nairobi, the East African Airways ordered search planes from Entebbe to join the search on the following morning.  There was little anyone could do.  

The next morning, search planes scoured the hills and forests around Murchison Falls for the downed aircraft.  British Overseas Airways Captain R.C. Jude diverted his airplane off course and joined the search.  He began his search at Murchison Falls and made larger and larger spirals until he located the downed Cessna.  He radioed in the location of the crash and notified them that he saw no signs of life.  He pointed out that the plane had sustained only minimal damage and reported that he suspected that the trio had survived.  

Miller, Mary, and Roy did not wait around to be rescued.  After a weary night in the jungle, they walked to the river and saw a tourist boat heading back from Murchison Falls.  They yelled and waived to the boat and the captain sped to their location.  They explained their predicament and they joined the tourists for the remainder of their return trip to Butiaba. 

Miller jokingly told reporters at Butiaba that his wife’s snoring attracted elephants to their campsite.  “We held our breaths about two hours while an elephant 12 paces away was silhouetted in the moonlight, listening to my wife’s snores.”  Mary retorted, “I never snore.  You’ve got a fixation about it.”  To which Miller replied with a sly grin, “So has that elephant.”

As Miller’s adventure seemed at an end, another adventure was beginning.  At about dusk, Miller and Mary boarded a DeHavilland Rapide, a twin-engine bi-wing airplane piloted by T.R. Cartwright enroute to Entebbe, a town about 175 miles to the southeast.  The pilot taxied the plane to the runway and increased its speed for takeoff.  As they sped down the runway the airplane hit a bump, bounced, hit another bump, and veered off of the runway where it rolled over and burst into flames.  Miller forced the rear door of the airplane open and he, Mary, and T.R. scrambled from the burning plane.  Miller sustained cuts, burns, and bruises.  Mary suffered two cracked ribs, an injured leg, and multiple bruises.  T.R. was uninjured.  Miller and Mary went to a local doctor, who bandaged the cuts and burns on Miller’s head.  The doctor suggested they X-ray his injured arm, but Miller just shrugged him off because he thought the injury was minor.  

Through his entire weekend’s adventures, surviving two airplane crashes in two days, Miller kept his sense of humor.   Clutching a bunch of bananas in one hand and a bottle of gin in the other, Miller remarked with a smile, “My luck—she is running very good.”  Not wanting to test his luck further, he declined an offer for another airplane ride out of the jungle.  

Miller was one of only a handful of people who were able to read their own obituary.  Many newspapers around the world got the news that Miller was missing and assumed he had perished in the first crash.  They compared Miller’s might to those of the characters in his books “From Whom the Bell Tolls,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Old Man and the Sea.”  Miller was the middle name of…Ernest Hemingway.      

 

Sources:

1. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 24, 1954, p.1.
2. Standard-Speaker (Hazleton, Pennsylvania), January 25, 1954, p.1.
3. The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), January 25, 1954, p.1.
4. The Shreveport Times, January 26, 1954, p.1.
5. The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 27, 1954, p.4.
6. Corsicana Daily Sun, January 27, 1954, p.4.

The “Remember This” book is now available for preorder online at BradDison.com.

When it comes to catching big bass there has been no better place in Louisiana over the years than Caney Lake.  The roughly 5,000 acre fishing hole in Jackson Parish still holds the record for the largest bass ever caught (15.97 lbs.) and lays claim to having six of the top ten biggest bass caught in the state. udging by recent results the “Jewel of the Piney Woods” may be getting some competition soon for bragging rights.

Three years ago the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries staff from Monroe began working diligently on the Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area located in Morehouse Parish. Of top priority was getting the 2,200 acre reservoir ready for fishing for the public. On July 15^th Bussey Brake was opened and already a bass that weighed 10.01 pounds was caught.

Renovations included restocking important game fish species, the addition of boat lanes, and upgrades to the property. The public will also be able to utilize eight miles of levee surrounding the reservoir for hiking, biking and horseback riding.  The WMA features three fishing piers (including a new, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible fishing pier), a wave break for those without boats to fish from, as well as a three-lane concrete ramp for launching boats. There will also be a site at the south entrance to drag kayaks or small boats over the levee.

Though the reservoir is not yet at full volume, LDWF officials have determined it can be safely utilized at the current water level. It may not reach pool stage (100 feet above mean sea level) until sometime next year. The boat launch will be open, and boaters will be able to safely navigate around the lake utilizing the marked boat lanes and the canals that were dug out to form the levee.  Due to the lower water levels, the new boat mooring dock will not be available for use yet; instead, boats can be docked on the shoreline adjacent to the launch. 

Area Fishing report

CANEY LAKE – Bream are fair on worms and crickets. Bass are fair fishing around the deeper drop-offs and points on crank baits and soft plastics with some caught at night on dark colored worms or black spinner baits. Catfishing has been fair tight lining cold worms. Crappie fishing has fair fishing around the deep tops on shiners or jigs. Night tournaments are being held Thursday nights at Hooks Marina with a 3-fish limit. For latest information, contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249- 2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BUSSEY BRAKE – The lake opened for fishing July 15. Hearing reports of some big bass in the 9-10 pound range caught mostly on crank baits fishing edges of the lily pads. No report on crappie; bream are scattered.

BLACK BAYOU – Crappie are slow. Bream have been fair to good on crickets and worms. Bass are fair fishing soft plastics around the grass. Contact 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER –Crappie fishing is best fishing jigs or shiners in the river lakes. Bass are hitting shad imitations around the mouth of the run-outs. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie are fair on the flats fishing shiners or jigs. Bass have been best fishing up the creeks around grass beds on soft plastics and plastic frogs. Some are also being caught along the edges of the channel on crank baits and soft plastics. Bream are fair on crickets and worms but overall they’re slowing down a bit. Catfishing has been good fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Stripers are schooling and fishing has improved trolling bucktails and spoons. Bass fishing has been best at night with a few in the 6-7 pound range caught on dark colored Shaky Head worms. Bream are fair and are running medium sized. A good, many crappie are being caught fishing 12 feet deep in 20 foot water around submerged brush tops. Catfishing is fair on trotlines and tight lining with cold worms working best. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

Judge Jay McCallum qualified Wednesday, July 22, 2020, to run for the open Louisiana Supreme Court position, formerly held by retired Justice Marcus Clark. Judge McCallum received a big campaign kick-off boost with endorsements from law enforcement in 15 of the 20 parishes that comprise Supreme Court District 4. (See attached map)

Judge McCallum, who currently serves on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, is a much sought-after Continuing Legal Education (CLE) instructor, motivational and inspirational speaker, as well as law enforcement educational instructor. He is best known for using humor to instruct, inspire, and motivate his audience, including commencement audiences of Louisiana Tech University and University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Judge McCallum is a Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) graduate who received his Juris Doctor law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center.

Judge McCallum is the only candidate for Supreme Court who has experience as a Prosecutor, a State Representative, a District Court Judge, and a Court of Appeal Judge.

Judge McCallum has the most judicial experience with 18 years as a judge and the most legal experience with 35 years as an attorney.

For years, Judge Jay McCallum has enjoyed widespread support from the legal and the law enforcement communities. Judge McCallum has law enforcement endorsements from 15 of the 20 parishes that comprise the Supreme Court district, including the following:

Sheriff John Ballance, Bienville Parish
District Attorney John Belton, 3rd JD
Chief of Police Andre Benson, Junction City

Sheriff Clay Bennett, Caldwell Parish
Sheriff Andy Brown, Jackson Parish

Chief of Police Joe Bryan, Spearsville
Sheriff Sammie Byrd, Madison Parish
Sheriff Kevin Cobb, Franklin Parish
Chief of Police Bim Coulberston, Farmerville

Chief of Police Mark Dodd, Marion
District Attorney Penny Douciere, 5th JD  
District Attorney Brian Frazier, 37th JD
Sheriff Dusty Gates, Union Parish
Sheriff Gary Gilley, Richland Parish
Chief of Police Randal Hermes, Louisiana Tech

Chief of Police Eddie Horton, Bernice
Ret. Sheriff Wayne Houck, Lincoln Parish
Sheriff Rickey Jones, Tensas Parish
Sheriff Cranford Jordan, Winn Parish
Ret. District Attorney Mack Lancaster, 5th JD
Sheriff Scott Mathews, West Carroll Parish
Ret. Sheriff Steve May, Caldwell Parish

Chief of Police Van McDaniel, Homer
District Attorney Chris Nevils, Winn Parish
District Attorney Danny Newell, 2nd JD
Sheriff Jason Parker, Webster Parish
District Attorney Jimbo Paxton, 6th JD
Ret. Sheriff Jerry Philley, West Carroll Parish
Sheriff Jay Russell, Ouachita Parish
Chief of Police Lewis B. Russell, Oak Grove
Ret. Sheriff Gary Sexton, Webster Parish
Ret. Sheriff Mike Stone, Lincoln Parish
District Attorney Steve Tew, 4th JD
Sheriff Mike Tubbs, Morehouse Parish
Ret. Sheriff Ken Volentine, Claiborne Parish
Sheriff Stephen Williams, Lincoln Parish
Sheriff Wydette Williams, East Carroll Parish

Judge McCallum and his wife Deanna Dunham McCallum, a Franklin Parish native, have two children. Their daughter Sarah Katherine, a sophomore at LSU, was Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2016. Their son John, a Harvard graduate, and his wife Brooke live in Seattle, Washington and are expecting their first child in September.

On Friday July 17^th, the nation lost one of its great statesmen in the person of Congressman John Lewis from the State of Georgia.  Born the son of a sharecropper in Troy Alabama he grew up under times and conditions of oppression where people of color in the state of Georgia were marginalized.  John Lewis was well acquainted with poverty, racial injustice, discrimination, voter suppression and all the byproducts of segregation.  Nevertheless, he was filled with compassion and at an early age set out to make a difference and make some changes in the nation.  He became a towering figure and symbol for freedom, justice and equal rights all over the world.

In a letter written to himself as a teenager, he mentioned that in 1956 at the age of 16 he and some family members went to the local library and were met at the door and told that the library was for whites only, not for coloreds.  That was the spark that ignited a fire in Congressman Lewis’ belly that led to a long and storied career in the Civil Rights Movement.  Inspired by the work of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he later wrote a moving letter to Dr. King, Jr. and was invited by King to join in the none violent movement, a relationship that lasted throughout Dr. King’s life.

Congressman Lewis was well acquainted with the Civil Rights movement, struggles for freedom and justice, Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, systematic discrimination to keep African Americans bound to poverty and relegated to second-class citizenship.  He participated in Civil Rights marches and protests in the south, in sit ins at all white lunch counters where white citizens rushed and viciously attacked him and poured hot water and coffee down the back of his shirt.  Lewis became a freedom rider and was arrested more than 45 times for participation in marches and sit-ins at segregated facilities throughout the south.  With the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which Lewis was actively involved in drafting, he noted that he was proud to witness the moment when his mama and daddy could vote and to see the first black citizen elected President of the United States.  Sadly to mention, although the fifteenth amendment to the United State Constitution guaranteed African Americans the right to vote, this right was deliberately stripped away from them through the passage of a wave of Jim Crow laws that ultimately disenfranchised people of color (poll taxes, literacy tests, etc.) thus disallowing them to participate in the political process.

Emboldened by the non-violent movement, John Lewis was never deterred by the often violent and inhumane treatment he received from white racists and bigoted men.  Because of overt racism and discrimination in Alabama during the sixties, Congressman Lewis along with hundreds of civil right marchers set out to lead a Civil Right demonstration march from Selma to Montgomery (Alabama’s state capitol.)  As they descended from the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, marchers were met with a large contingent of white police officers (State Troopers) on foot and horseback, who called to the crowd of marchers to immediately disperse. When the marchers refused, the police began to push and beat them with billy clubs and trample marchers with horses.  John Lewis was severely beaten and injured along with hundreds of other marchers.  He commented, “I thought I was going to die that day.”  Bloody and injured bodies were left unattended to die.  Tested time and time again, brutally beaten by a mob of white police officers; Lewis never gave up on the human race.  He continued to maintain that we are “ONE”.  Fifty years later dignitaries from all over the nation gather each year to celebrate what has become known as “Bloody Sunday.”  His faith in God and country kept him going until; the very end.  Several weeks ago, (though with weakened and compromised body strength), Lewis stood with the mayor of Washington DC on the Black Lives Matter street sign that was painted in front of the White House and proclaimed “never to give up.”  

The “good troubles” his grandfather warned him not to become involved in, allowed him to see his mom and dad cast their vote in the state of Georgia.  Through his work he witnessed the removal of the “white only & for Colored signs” come down.  And many years later after releasing his book entitled “Walking in the Wind,” the same library that he was unable to enter because it was for “white’s only” invited him back for a book signing and presented him with a library card.  My, my, my what a story!

John Lewis served for more than thirty years in the U.S. Congress.  His ability to work across the aisle, and his propensity to continue getting in “good trouble” propelled him to the fulfillment of our ancestors “wildest dreams.”  As an early leader and one of the organizers of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNNC), as the youngest speaker to address the 1963 March on Washington, his work has inspired generations of men and women of color to become engaged in a national movement for justice and equality for all.  Though an incredibly courageous leader, he seems to have had a perfect pitch for the work that was set before him.  He was, often described as a man of humility, integrity and power.  In his speech before the 1963 March on Washington, he touted:  “we want our freedom, we want it now.”  Lewis continued to remind us to “Wake up, we cannot go back.”  John Lewis was often referred to as the conscious of the nation.  Our condolences go out to the Lewis family.  The nation thanks the Lewis family for lending The Honorable John Lewis to the world for the brief moment in time we call life.  Rest in peace good brother.

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Eddie Bonine, executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) posted a letter on Wednesday, July 22, intended to let parents and athletes know the association is committed to fall sports.

“The LHSAA is committed to conducting fall sports to the direct benefit of your student athletes however, we will not put schools in conflict or in harm’s way,” Bonine wrote. “We have no intention of cancelling fall sports unless schools are closed or the pandemic dictates that it is not safe to play.”

Bonine stated the letter was in response to the numerous emails received from the public asking that fall sports not be cancelled. He also had advice for people to help make fall sports happen.

“Gathering in large groups, not wearing masks, not staying home when symptoms are present, and not taking the appropriate steps to quarantine when symptoms are present will only delay and possibly drastically effect fall sports,” Bonine added.

Click here to read the full letter.

In a normal summer, every high school knows the timeline for fall sports and week one kickoff for football.  Although everything is staying on script as of right now in Louisiana, it could all change quickly. Even Bonine admitted Thursday, July 23, that it remains a very fluid situation in which time is closing in on them.

“We’re reaching the date where we need to make a final decision,” said Bonine. “If we’re going to have fall sports, what’s the date or dates going to look like if we establish a modification of the schedule and what’s this going to entail?’

Bonine added that the hope is that the football season will begin around August 10th which is near the normal time that fall season kicks off. Nationwide, decisions on when the prep season will begin varies greatly. As example the state of California announced the delay of fall sports until the spring of 2021 while the UIL in Texas announced a two-week delay to the football season for 5A and 6A schools.

Marvin Davis has been named assistant boys basketball coach at Class 5A Airline High School in Bossier City. The 1996 Quitman High and Louisiana Tech graduate is the son of Mertis and longtime Jonesboro-Hodge High School football coach Jimmie Davis who passed away in 2018.

Davis, who resides in Shreveport makes the move to Airline after spending the last five seasons as head boys basketball coach at Class 3A Mansfield. There the Louisiana Tech graduate compiled an overall record of 54-83 that includes a district championship in 2016-17.

The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to add a new Classifieds section where you can post your items for sale or services that you have available. Cost per post is $10.00 per week and can be submitted by email at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or by text to 318-480-1206.

For Sale:

5.06 acres of land (Price Reduced) – located one mile East of Jimmie Davis Tabernacle on Hwy. 542, Beech Springs Road, Quitman, LA.  Call (706)745-3933 for more information.  

Church Bus – Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church is selling small Bus that is equipped with Handicap accessibility. Engine work needed. Contact Paul Sterns for more information at (360) 399-8347.  

Book for sale – “The 100 year history of JHHS football” – An in-depth, year by year review of each season that includes names of players from virtually every year and individual/school records. Cost is $25.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To place your order, call 318-480-1206.

Organizations:

Boy Scouts of America – For boys in 6^th grade through 18 years old. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824-1772.

Cub Scouts of Amercia – For boys and girls in Kindergarten through the 5^th grade. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824 – 1772.

Services offered:

Harris Yard Beautification – Professional Lawn Care provided at reasonable rates. Call Greg at (318) 245-2349

A1 Honey Do, LLC – Boat house, deck building and repairs. A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). For estimates contact Mark Droesser, Owner at 318-366-7598 “We do what your honey can’t do”.

Patricia Nash                      April 17, 1958 – July 21, 2020

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Sadly, family and friends said their farewells to their beloved Patricia Nash (Bernice, Louisiana), who passed away at the age of 62, on July 21, 2020.

A graveside service for Ms. Nash, whose family hails from Jonesboro-Hodge, was conducted by the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Sunday, July 26^th at the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Simsboro, LA.

Betty Ann Hall                   September 11, 1947 – July 26, 2020

Betty Ann Masters Hall was born September 11, 1947 in Jonesboro LA to Oliver S Masters and Dorthy Boddie Masters. Betty passed away July 26, 2020 at Ochsner Medical Center in Monroe, LA. She was joined in marriage to Terry Gene Hall on September 27, 1962. In 57 years, their marriage was blessed with 5 children, Gayla Smith (Jim Bradford), Terry “Bubba” Hall, Melinda “Lindy” Hall, Michael Chad (Wendy) Hall, and Angela Hall. Her blessings continued with 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Betty was an operator at the bag mill and retired from Graphic Packaging.

She is proceeded in death by her beloved father (Oliver S Masters), her maternal grandmother (Vergie Mae Boddie), and granddaughter (Amber Hall). Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Terry Gene Hall, Children: Gayla Smith (Jim Bradford), Terry Bubba Hall, Melinda “Lindy” Hall, Michael Chad (Wendy), and Angel Hall. Grandchildren: Bradley Smith (Leslie), Chris Oncale, April Brooks, Ashley (David) Howard, Rebecka (Michael) Sellers, Brandon (Reva) Hall, and Brittany Hall (Warren), Siblings: James Sonny (Betsy) Masters, Patsy (Ed) Flores, and John (Pam) Masters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 28^th at the McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Reverend Randy Dark officiating.  Interment followed in the McDonald Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Sonja Shryock                    May 19, 1953 – July 21, 2020

Mrs. Sonja Shryock, age 67, of Jonesboro was escorted through the gates of Heaven Tuesday, July 21, 2020 following a lengthy illness.  Mrs. Shryock was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and was originally from Germany.  It was in Germany where she met and married her husband John Shyrock while he was stationed there in the U.S. Army.  Mrs. Shryock was an industrious and hard-working lady who had earned a nursing degree in Germany and held many varied jobs here.  She loved animals and was certified to work and train Therapy Dogs which she often carried to nursing homes and hospitals.  She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years, John Shryock; children, Helene Shryock, Lewis Shryock & wife Kacee; grandchildren, Brittiny Shipley, Alex Webb, Carley Perry, Emiley Shryock, Bradley Shryock, Elizabeth Maxwell, Emalee Maxwell and Christopher Maxwell, Jr.; brother, Roland Hartig.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Helene (Myre) Hartig.

Apparently Jonesboro is moving in the right direction in regard to financial stability.  This is evidenced by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor agreeing to temporarily remove the town from their non-compliance list. Now the town can move forward with attempting to fix the problems associated with the utility system.

In June Mayor Leslie Thompson sent a request to the Auditor’s office to take Jonesboro off the list so it would be eligible to apply for available grants so that the town’s utility system could be brought up to required standards set forth by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LEDQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“I am pleased that the Legislative Auditor has agreed that we taking better care of our finances” said Thompson. “There is still a lot of work to be done but this proves that the efforts we have made to be accountable have been well received.”

According to a correspondence received from the Auditor’s office the reprieve was granted under the following conditions.

1. The Town of Jonesboro can only seek funding necessary to bring the utility system into compliance with LDH, LEDQ and EPA regulations.
2. All grants received must be expended only in accordance with requirements set forth.
3. The Town of Jonesboro must report the use of the funding to the Legislative Auditor’s office on a monthly basis.
4. The Town of Jonesboro must continue to work with state auditors to complete the 2019 fiscal year as soon as possible.

A notice will be sent to customers that on August 31, 2020 the Recycling Program for plastic, aluminum and paper/cardboard materials will end in Jackson Parish. Included in the announcement will be a statement that the program may be brought back in the future.

President Amy Magee, John McCarty, Regina Rowe, Lynn Treadway and Todd Culpepper agreed on the suspension of the program at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury held on July 13th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. Tarneshala (Niki) Cowans and Lewis Chatham were not present.

“It is our hope that eventually we will be able to re-instate this but at present the cost of this program is simply too much to continue,” said Juror Todd Culpepper.

The meeting opened with public comments where Mr. Walter May addressed the panel and announced his candidacy for District Judge in Jackson, Bienville and Claiborne parishes. The approval of minutes from June meetings and payment of all bills followed.

Minutes of the Road, Finance, Operations, Policy and Personnel, Project and Economic Development Committee meetings were then approved and reports from the heads of the Road, Solid Waste, Maintenance, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Finance departments were heard.

In additional business Mr. Paul Riley of Riley Company in Ruston gave the June Engineering report and 2020 Road Program I & II was awarded to the successful bidders. Amethyst Construction Inc. won the Road Program I award with a bid of $789,470.00 while Dreher Contracting LLC nabbed Road Program II with a bid of $438,265.00.

Employment considerations were then taken with Mathew Conner, Paul Aldy, Jeremy Davis and Ju’Won Jack being hired as Level 1 General Laborers in the Road Department and Jack Williams being promoted from Operator Level 1 to Operator Level II. Lisa Nunn was also appointed to the Library Board for a five year term effective 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2024.

The meeting was adjourned following the announcement that the next JPPJ would be held on August 10^th and panel members providing their closing comments.

In the regular monthly meeting of the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen held on July 14^th at the Jonesboro City Hall the date of August 11^th was set for a Public Hearing to allow residents to discuss raises for the Town Council and Tax Collector.

Council persons Devin Flowers, Pete Stringer, Robbie Siadek, James Ginn and Nia Evans-Johnson agreed to introduce the Ordinances regarding the potential raises. Three additional Ordinances in relation to the Town of Jonesboro Water and Sewer Budget and the declaring of a Juneteenth Holiday were also introduced. Each will also be able to be discussed at the same Public Hearing.  

The meeting was opened by Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson bringing welcome news that the town has been temporarily removed from Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s non-compliance list. Thompson, who requested the action a month ago, said this was done so the town can move forward with attempting to gain funding to repair the utility system.

In other action the contract for Obstruction Removal at the Jonesboro Airport was awarded to Womack and Sons Construction Group, who submitted a bid of $136,032.00. Dr. Herbert Simmons was named Airport Manager and LOTT Oil was awarded the fuel purchase contract.  

Additional action taken was the agreement to allow Fire Chief Brandon Brown to pursue bids for two pre-owned fire apparatus’s and to declare two old fire trucks as surplus property pending the purchase of new fire trucks. David Thompson’s bid for two lots of surplus property was also agreed upon.

The normal paying of monthly bills, acceptance of meeting minutes from the prior month and approval of department head reports also took place as well as Public Works Director Calvin Wortham announcing a letter is set to be sent to town residents about infiltration issues in the utility system.