The nation is facing its share of major crises, 38 states now challenged with surging upticks in COVID cases, (more than 132,000 American deaths) a faltering economy where unemployment numbers continue to hover around 40 million Americans currently unemployed, police brutality against African Americans continues to haunt the nation, hundreds of police officers threatening to quit the job, and American citizens continuing to suffer from hunger as the food lines continue to grow.  States are having to push back on opening phases II & III as they experience over 60, 000 new COVID infection cases per day and the experts says the nation is heading to over 100 thousand new cases per day.  In Los Angeles, we have experienced a 75% increase in new infections over the past two weeks, more than 10, 000 cases per day.  New York is the only state that has flattened the curve in the number of COVID cases.  The state of California is headed for a shut down, closing restaurants, museums, movie theaters, inhouse dining, and beaches due to the surge in COVID cases.

Frightened senior citizens with comprised immune systems such as obesity, lung and heart disease, diabetes and other health challenges are fearful and are now forced to deal with yet another serious concern, young people going out without wearing masks, failing to practice social distancing, and ultimately bringing the virus home to them.  Seniors who are staying at home trying to avoid this deadly virus are now saying it is not a matter of if I will contract the virus but when I will become a victim and die from COVID 19.  If the current upward trend in COVID cases continues it expected that by the end of July 2020 the country will see up to 100,000 thousand new cases per day and an explosive death rate.  This virus is now killing young folks as well.  Young folks let’s get real, COVID is watching and has its eyes on you.  Young people you cannot outrun nor can you hide from COVID 19, it is out there and it is real and deadly.

Add to the predicament, President Trump is now embroiled in yet another explosive controversy over an alleged Russian bounty being paid to Taliban to kill US troops serving in Afghanistan.  Money is alleged to have been paid by Russian Government officials (Putin) to Taliban operatives to kill American troops with the president being aware of the tragedy.  Both Trump and Vice President Pence contend that they were never briefed on the matter.  President Trump in too many instances appears to be oblivious to these crises and is more concerned with and focused on reelection plans.  He refuses to wear a mask or to encourage American citizens to do so even after the medical and scientific communities clearly indicate that wearing masks help to quell the increase in numbers of COVID 19.  As the nation’s top leader, it is disingenuous for the president not to be setting examples for citizens to follow by personally wearing a mask at public gatherings.  Great leaders lead by example.

On top of these crises, President Trump is also threatening to veto and block a bill for funding military spending because the bill supports the renaming of military bases named for Confederate generals who fought in the Confederate Army against the United States during the Civil War; they fought to preserve the south and maintain the institution of slavery which is the most disgraceful chapter in American history.  Let’s be real, America cannot return to the 1960’s, the Nixon, George Wallace, Bull Conner, and David Duke era.  We must go forward with the hope and willingness to change the things that cause us to walk away from each other rather than towards one another.

In common street vernacular, the phrase “time to be real,” simply means, tell the truth, do the right things, forget the kidding, be for real (authentic).  It means that fake games are over, no more lies, no more excuses, no more deceptions, let’s be real.

During this pandemic, protesters across the world have been marching for days and weeks, fighting for justice for all people.  Protesters have taken to the streets demanding that statutes of Confederate generals be removed from town and city squares.  In several situations they have taken matters into their own hands and have torn down these demeaning statutes.  They no longer wish to honor and celebrate the names of racist soldiers, and generals who were the architects and purveyors of the move to keep Black Amerian citizens enslaved for over four hundred years.  It was slave labor that built America and white citizens today are still benefiting from this national tragedy.

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.

 

If you haven’t filed your 2019 Louisiana state income or Federal tax return today is your last day to do so. The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) reminds residents that the deadline to submit returns and payments is Wednesday, July 15.

This is the extended date from the normal April and May due dates for individual, corporation, fiduciary and partnership income taxes. The extension was provided because of the coronavirus pandemic which caused the shutdown of many state and federal facilities.

Will there be a high school football season this fall? If so, when will it begin? Will there be any restrictions involved? These questions and more were bantered recently byt the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) who came away saying they are fully committed to fall sports taking place.

According to multiples sources, the LHSAA football advisory committee met with LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine this past Thursday afternoon to discuss alternatives should the state remain in certain phases upon the scheduled start of fall sports seasons.

“Now, more than ever, we are reminded that our communities need high school sports,” said Bonine.  “Interscholastic competition supports the physical, emotional and mental well-being of student-athletes across Louisiana.”

It was stressed by Bonine that the football season may have to be pushed back due to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. There is also a possibility of pushing back each sports season three weeks to help satisfy certain key dates.

An update will be provided following a meeting Bonine has with the state legislature and with the Governor where he is expected to learn which phase the state is moving to. Most believe that Phase Two will likely be extended for at least 21 days due to the high number of cases across the state.

Should the fall season get pushed back to mid-September for football, there would still be options concerning openings to play state title games in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Those dates would fall shortly after Christmas around the second or third week in January.

During World War II, most Americans felt it was their duty to help the war effort according to their individual talents.  Factory workers retooled their machines and made a large variety of instruments of war such as airplanes, tanks, ships, and bombs, just to name a few.  School children led scrap metal drives to aid in the recycling and remanufacturing processes.  Actors sold war bonds to raise money for munitions.  Everyone, it seemed, had some special talent that could aid in the war effort.

Maitland had his own talent.  As a child, Maitland daydreamed about flying airplanes.  He had read newspaper accounts of Charles Lindbergh’s flying career as a U.S. Air Mail pilot and of his first solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis.  His father, however, had other plans.  Following high school, he wanted Maitland to attend Princeton University and to return home to take over the family’s hardware business.  When he graduated in 1932, rather than return to the family business, Maitland moved to New York and began a different career. 

War loomed on the horizon.  Maitland earned enough money from various jobs and he became a licensed pilot.  All of the hours he had spent daydreaming about flying had come true.  In November, 1940, Maitland tried to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps., predecessor for the Air Force.  The Army rejected him because, at 32-years-old, he was over the maximum age requirement for cadet training and his weight was lower than their minimum requirement.  Maitland’s father had fought in the Spanish-America War and World War I, and both of his grandfathers had fought in the Civil War.  Maitland was determined to do his part in the conflict. 

Maitland was not one to give up easily.  In February, 1941, he tried to enlist again.  The Army needed pilots, and Maitland was a college graduate and, more importantly, a licensed pilot.  The Army ignored his age and low body weight, and on March 22, 1941, enlisted Maitland as a private.  In January, 1942, less than a month after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the Army promoted Maitland to second lieutenant and sent him to train cadets at Kirtland Army Airfield in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  While stationed at Kirtland, Maitland was one of many soldiers who appeared in a recruitment film for the Army.  “Winning Your Wings” played in theaters across America, and the Army estimated that the film was responsible for an estimated 150,000 new recruits.   

Maitland trained pilots for nearly two years but he felt his talents could be of better use as a combat pilot.  In November, 1943, Maitland appealed to his superiors to be sent to active duty.  He had proven his worth as a flying instructor but the Army had many other good pilots who could train the new recruits.  His commanding officer reluctantly granted Maitland’s request and transferred him to England to join the 445^th Bombardment Group as a B-24 Liberator pilot.            

On January 7, 1944, Maitland led the 445^th Bombardment Group on a bombing mission to Ludwigshafen, Germany.  Maitland and the 445^th joined up with the 389^th Bombardment Group.  After bombing their targets, the two groups turned to join up with the main formation for their return to bases.  Maitland realized that they were flying thirty degrees off course, which meant that they were flying toward an area of German occupation and away from the protection of the main formation.  He radioed the leader of the 389^th and told him of the error.  The leader of the 389^th disagreed with his calculation and said he would continue on his heading.  Maitland had a tough decision to make.  He could make the thirty-degree correction and, if his calculations were correct, lead his men to the safety of the main formation.  His other option was to stay with the 389^th and face the German fighter planes.  Maitland realized that if he and his men abandoned the 389^th, they would have almost no chance of survival against the German Luftwaffe.  Maitland stayed the incorrect course.

Within minutes, German radar operators noticed that the two groups of bombers had become separated from the larger formation and scrambled fighter planes to intercept them.  When the men of the 389^th and 445^th saw the German planes, they tightened their formation.  The German fighters began firing at the American bombers and the B24 gunners returned fire.  Maitland could see most of the bombers of the 389^th in front of him.  He watched helplessly as German fighters destroyed the lead plane of the 389^th.  The pilot of the downed bomber was the officer who disregarded Maitland’s course correction.  Maitland took command of what remained of the 389^th and made the course correction he had suggested earlier.  Maitland was right.  Within a short time, they rendezvoused with the main formation.  Seeing the vast number of bombers and fighter escorts, the German fighters retired from the fight.  The 389^th lost seventeen airplanes and their crews.  The 445^th group, Maitland’s men, suffered no casualties.

Maitland’s actions, his superiors concluded, had saved the 389^th from what would have been total annihilation.  Maitland was promoted to major and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, and the Air Medal.  A year and a half later, Maitland earned the rank of full colonel and became one of only a few soldiers who rose from private to colonel in four years.  

On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally and the war in Europe ended.  On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  World War II, the deadliest conflict in human history, was over.  In the Fall of 1945, Maitland returned to the United States and to his pre-war career.  He continued to be an active member of the Army Air Forces Reserve.  On July 23, 1959, Maitland earned the rank of brigadier general.  In February, 1966, he flew as an observer in a B-52 on a bombing mission in Vietnam.  On May 31, 1968, Maitland retired from the Air Force when he reached the mandatory retirement age of sixty.  For his service, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.   

You probably know Maitland more for his non-military career.  Maitland became the highest-ranking actor in American military history with a career which spanned more than fifty-five years.  He starred in more than eighty films including such titles as “The Philadelphia Story,” “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,” “Vertigo,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” “Rear Window,” and the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Many airmen owe their lives, and we, Americans, owe our freedom in part to Maitland.  You see Maitland was the middle name of … Jimmy Stewart. 

Sources:

Matzen, Robert. Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: GoodKnight Books, 2016.

McGowan, Sam. “Jimmy Stewart’s Rise from Private to Colonel.” WarfareHistoryNetwork.com. Accessed July 10, 2020. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2016/10/19/jimmy-stewarts-rise-from-private-to-colonel/.

YouTube.com. “’Winning Your Wings’ – A USAAF Recruiting Film With James Stewart.” Accessed July 10, 2020. https://youtu.be/aqbErTgiqSY.

To no one’s surprise incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden won by landslides in the July 11th Louisiana Presidential Primaries. Trump won the Republication nomination by garnering 195,795 votes which amounted to 95.9% of all votes cast. Biden was the top Democrat with 212,267 votes or 79.5% of the ballots.

Five candidates ran for the Republican nominee with Bill Weld coming in second to Trump with only 3,318 votes (1.6%). The Democratic ballot was much more contested with 14 attempting to secure the nomination with Bernie Sanders coming in far behind Biden with 19,834 votes (7.4%). No other Democrat gained even as much as 2.5% of the votes.

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:

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

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.  

Services offered:

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

Public Notices:

Jackson Parish Recreation District Board Meeting Minutes

June 15, 2020 Jonesboro, Louisiana

The Jackson Parish Recreation District met in regular session on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Brent Barnett, Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Jeff Hairston, Mr. Brandon Lamkin, Mr. Rodney Potts, Mr. Sullivan Stevens and Mr. Chris Womack. Absent: None. Also Present, Mr. Steven Gatlin.

The President, Mr. Barnett, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Mr. Cash and Mr. Barnett led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Barnett opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments. Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Cash to approve minutes and financials (May). All in favor -Motion carried.

Mr. Nathan Crace, Watermark Golf, who was scheduled to be at the meeting but was unable to attend due to an illness, presented his findings about the golf course renovation program through zoom video conferencing. Due to technical difficulties, the presentation was cut short and Mr. Crace was asked to present his findings at the next board meeting.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Barnett to amend the previous quote from Kincade Recreation for the Village of North Hodge to include a merry-go-round and installation and minus the borders in the amount of $9,991.40 instead of $6716 pending verification of proper installation requirements. All in favor – Motion carried.

Mr. Smith gave board update on some of the ongoing programs at the sports complex including baseball/softball season and archery. Ms. Rebecca Williams gave board update on the golf course including membership and banquet rentals. Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Cash to advertise in the Jackson Parish Journal with leaderboard for 1 year at the cost of $146 per month.

Mr. Smith announced that a copy of the Presentation of Final Master Plan and Proposal for Renovation Program Regarding the Jackson Parish Golf Course Property will be available at the Jackson Parish Recreation office building for public view.

 Jamie Cockerham talked to the board about renovating the old rodeo arena located on the Jonesboro fairgrounds. Next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2020 at 12:00 noon at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, Jonesboro. Motion made by Mr. Potts and seconded Mr. Cash to adjourn meeting. All in favor -Motion carried.

Sue Ann Lawrence Stinson     Sept. 4, 1930 – July 6, 2020
Sue Ann Lawrence Stinson, age 89, passed away on July 6, 2020 at LandMark Nursing Center, West Monroe, LA. Sue was married to David Fletcher Stinson of Jonesboro, LA for over 60 years until the time of his death in 2012.

Sue graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport in 1949 and then went on to attend Centenary College where she and David sang in the renowned Centenary College Choir. She and David were active in the Jonesboro United Methodist Church for many years where she sang in the choir, served as pianist, visited nursing homes and sent cards to church members and nursing home residents.

She is survived by her sister Linda Sims of Plano, TX; Four children – Judy Young of Ruston, David Stinson (Jenny) of Vicksburg, MS, Reed Stinson of Cascade, IA and Kay Chung (David) of Federal Way, WA. She was Mimi to grandchildren – Melanie Worthington, Lindsay Owens, Leslie Shows, Ryan Stinson, Stacey Clark, Branda Stinson, Jamie Stinson, Erin Howard, Carrie Head, Tomas Stinson, Grace Chung and numerous great-grandchildren.

She is remembered by her family for her love of news and proper grammar. She was always interested in hearing about what was going on in the lives of family and friends and she clipped and shared articles and pictures about those she knew from area newspapers. Grandchildren stopped by Mimi’s house for ice cream with their friends. She was a kind and loving mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA on Wednesday, July 22 from 9:30 am to 11 am prior to the funeral at Edmonds Chapel. She will then be buried in the Jonesboro Cemetery.

***** Please wear a mask and follow proper social distancing at visitation and the funeral *****

Jennifer (Culpepper) Westbrook           August 25, 1973 – July 07, 2020
Ms. Jennifer Ann (Culpepper) Westbrook, age 46 of Jonesboro, gained her heavenly wings Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  She was employed by the Jackson Parish Correctional Facility and took pride in her work.  Jennifer enjoyed anytime she could get being outdoors.  She loved to hunt and fish.  Above all else, she loved time spent with her family; especially her children and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Keely Westbrook, Bailee Westbrook; grandchildren, Brantley, Macey, J.J., Arizona; siblings, Jeanie Nugent (Raymond), Mark Culpepper (Jennifer), Randy Culpepper (Telena); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, James Lee and Diane (Kirtley) Culpepper; brother, Steven Culpepper.

William Dan Bridges                 Nov. 10, 1934 – July 09, 2020
Mr. William Dan Bridges, age 85 of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 9, 2020.  Mr. Bridges enjoyed riding horses when he was young and this grew into a love for motorcycles as an adult.  He retired from Stone Container after 40 plus years of employment as a welder in 1998. 

He will always be remembered for his strong work ethic; which he carried with him throughout his life time.  Mr. Bridges loved to fish and he enjoyed mowing grass.  He just loved the outdoors and being in it!  After retirement he might have been seen out measuring the grass in advance of the next mowing. 

He began mowing grass for the town of Jonesboro and took as much pride in that as in mowing his own yard.  One may wonder if he started mowing for the town because of his love for the outdoors, for his love of mowing or perhaps it was both.  However, his biggest love was for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his family and friends!

Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Opal Bridges; children, Jimmy Carl Morris (Penny), Frank Morris (Rosie), Veda Diamond (Sam), Jerry Morris (Tina); 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; siblings, Sue Denton, Brenda Robison (Cleeve), Joan Howard (Randy); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ever “Deady” (Kirkham) Bridges; sisters, Janice Brown, Iriece Simpson.

A graveside service was held at the Gayla Traina Cemetery on Sunday, July 12, 2020 with Reverend Michael Whitman officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Ethel D. Combs                           July 20, 1945 – July 10, 2020
On July 10^th, 2020 Ms. Ethel D. Combs, age 74, left this earth to be with the Lord. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 15^th at Union Star Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Homes.

If you plan to attend please remember to practice social distancing and that masks must be worn at all times.

 

Governor John Bel Edwards is tightening restrictions on the public to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus just hours after the second coronavirus update in as many days reflected more than 2,000 new cases. Edwards is making masks mandatory for all people over eight years old unless they have a severe medical condition. The mask mandate includes the outdoors as well. Anybody within six feet of a non-immediate household member must wear a mask, whether outdoors or inside. The restrictions will be in effect beginning one minute after midnight Monday morning.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a rare Saturday press conference with relatively short notice to the news media. The announcement of the 2:30 news conference was only distributed to the media at 11:49 Saturday morning.

Red River, West Feliciana, and Grant parishes are the only parishes in the state with a low rate of virus spread. According to Edwards, these parishes may decide to notify GOSHEP that they will not require the wearing of masks.

Edwards will sign a new proclamation today to put in place these new restrictions. The new restrictions also mandate that all bars will be closed to on-premises consumption. Curbside service will still be available.

In addition, inside gatherings are to be limited to 50 persons. Edwards said,” A significant contributor to the spread is informal backyard gatherings like birthdays, wedding receptions, showers, and the like. Your close neighbors and friends still can get COVID. Keep gatherings small, physically distance, hold outdoors, and wear masks.”

Louisiana is now number 3 in the country for positive cases per capita behind New York and New Jersey. Today’s increase of, 2,167 new COVID-19 cases, is the third-largest since the outbreak began in Louisiana on March 9. “Yesterday, we had our highest day ever of new cases,” Edwards said. “It’s become clear to me, especially after the number we saw yesterday, that our current restrictions are not enough.”

The governor is still set to make an announcement later in July regarding whether the state will move on to Phase 3 of economic reopening.

The one who at one time was the youngest sheriff in the state of Louisiana is now the longest tenured sheriff in Jackson Parish history.  On July 1^st, Sheriff Andy Brown began his fifth term in office at a swearing in ceremony that was administered by Clerk of Court Laura H. Culpepper with his wife Suzanne standing by his side.

“I am thankful that you, the people, have trusted me to lead as Sheriff,” said Brown. “I could not do this job on my own and I want to thank all the men and women who work at the Sheriff’s Office for the great job that they do.”

“I also want to thank my wife and family for the support they give me. Most importantly, I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to be where I am today, and showing me the direction I need to go to lead this great department. I am truly humbled to be your Sheriff and look forward to serving you for the next four years as Sheriff.”

Also sworn in were members of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Parish Correctional Center.

While the rest of the state and nation bemoan the fact that the number of Coronavirus cases are on the rise since the re-opening of America here in Jackson Parish the numbers actually seem to be working in a more favorable direction.

As of July 6^th the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that the death total remains at 15 representing over a 30 day period since the last fatality to the disease. Also the actual cases shown are less than they were 30 days ago.

On June 6^th it was reported there we 96 actual cases with two people requiring hospitalization. This is compared to 82 active cases in the Parish on July 6^th with no one in the hospital. Additional information shows that 136 residents have recovered from the 233 that tested positive since the virus struck.

Jackson Parish COVID-19 cases as of July 6, 2020

233 – Positive cases tested

136 – Recovered

82 – Active cases in Jackson Parish

5 – Active cases at Jackson Parish Correctional Center

0 – Hospitalized

15 – Deaths

How important is it to know your judge? When it comes to electing one there is nothing that matters more. It is vital to know how a prospective judge thinks, what he or she stands for and how much experience in dealing with law and order a candidate has.

 Yumeaka Robinson Washington who has a heart to serve and the credentials to lead is a candidate for District Judge in Division B which is comprised of Jackson, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes. She recognizes the importance of knowing her potential constituents and just as important them knowing her. 

That is why she is asking for you to come to her Campaign Kick Off – Greet and Meet on the dates of July 13, 14 and 16 where you will have the chance to ask questions, learn of her credentials, hear her views on how law and order should be handled and show your support.

The three day event will begin on Monday, July 13^th at the Jackson Parish Golf Course meeting room, located at 524 Clubhouse Drive in Hodge. Next will be a session at the Arcadia Events Center in Arcadia on Tuesday, July 14th. The address is 630 Factory Outlet Drive. On Thursday, July 16^th you can go to Joe Michael Park at 925 North Main Street in Homer.  Each meeting will run from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

Each of the three events is sponsored by The Committee to elect Yumeaka Robinson Washington for District Judge of Division B. Paid Announcement

Although the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame will not hold an induction ceremony of new members this year due to the Covid-19 situation they did announce the 2020 boys and girls high school Players of the Year for Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools. Each winner was chosen not only for their athletic achievements but for the overall excellence in the classroom as well.

Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Xabrianna Jackson is now a two time selection in as many years in high school having won the award also as a freshman last year. Her credentials are impeccable as she was not only the district 1-2A MVP in basketball after averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and a school record 8 assists per game she also competed in four events in track all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

LaDamien Bradford is the boy’s selection after averaging 24.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game and leading JHHS to the district 1-2A title in basketball. He was selected first team All-District 1-2A as well as being name 1st team All State by the LHSAA and the LHSBCA in Class 2A and was selected to the Max Preps All-Louisiana first team 1^st team All-District. By signing a scholarship with Texas A&M University, Bradford became only the second basketball player ever to sign with an SEC school.

Quitman High School

Clara Womack was not only the top girls three point shooter in Jackson Parish and district 2B but one of the best in the state. The junior guard was named 1^st team All-District after averaging 15.6 point per game, 5.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists to lead Quitman to a 20 win season and a share of the district 2B title. She also competed in the 4×200 relay and pole vault in track and had a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Joshua Smith is also a dual-sport athlete competing in basketball and baseball while maintaining a 3.5 G.P.A.   After averaging 7.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists to garner 2^nd team All District honors.   Smith was also Quitman’s top pitcher but sadly saw his season cut short after only 10 games due to the season being cancelled due to the Coronavirus.

Weston High School

Grace Oliver maintained a 3.6 G.P.A. and was an outstanding track & field athlete competing in both the discus and the shot put event but didn’t get to compete in her senior season due to schools being shut down due to the epidemic.  She will be attending college at LSU in Baton Rouge.

Hunter Strickland, who at 6’7” was the tallest player in Jackson Parish averaged 16.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 6.8 blocks, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steal per game. The LSU-A signee earned 1^st team All District in 2B and was selected to the Prep Hoops All-North Louisiana team and Louisiana High School Coaches Association East all-star team.  Strickland also received the Louisiana Diploma of Excellence.

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See below for the people who were arrested and the crimes they were charged with by law enforcement officials throughout Jackson Parish from June 29 to July 4.

1. Nathaniel Lamkin (Montgomery, LA) – Simple criminal damage to property, Battery of an officer
2. Marcus Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Driving under suspension
3. Marcus Walker (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence, Speeding, No driver’s license, Possession of Schedule I drug
4. Hope Pittman (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft
5. Amy Kelley-Lopez (Quitman, LA) – High beams, Possession of stolen things
6. Roderick Abney (Ruston, LA) – Lincoln Warrant- Failure to register
7. Jarvis Qualls (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of a dating partner
8. Mark Fenn (Chatham, LA) – Execution of sentence, Violation of protection order, Aggravated assault with a firearm, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
9. Kale Robinson (Church Point, LA)- Probation Violation
10. Quiten Brooks (Jonesboro, LA) – Home Invasion, Remaining after forbidden
11. Shaun Lassere – (Jonesboro, LA- DUs, possession of drug paraphernalia
12. Christine Brown (Quitman, LA) – Warrant – Parole and Probation violation
13. Joseph Cole (Trout, LA) – Operation of a vehicle while intoxicated
14. Jeremy Maxwell (Jonesboro, LA) – DWI, Careless operation, No driver’s license
15. Jeremy Jones (Ruston, LA) – Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Careless operation, No driver’s license, Failure to report an accident
16. Byron Jones (Ruston, LA) – Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Careless operation, No driver’s license, Failure to report an accident

Batter Up! That was the cry heard from the umpires on the multiple diamonds at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department this past week as summer league play began on June 29^th for the six leagues competing.

No games were played for the 3&4 Wee Ball and 5 & 6 Tee Ball leagues with both leagues scheduled to begin this week. Of note is the fact that no extra innings are played in event of a tie after regulation.  Below are the scores and standings after games played from June 29 – July 3. 

For schedule of upcoming games go online to jprec.org.

Boys 7 & 8 Standings:

1. SPS 2-0-0
2. Southern Kustoms 0-0-2
3. Traina’s Bakery 0-1-1
4. Mercy Medical 0-0-2

Scores:  Southern Kustoms 16-Traina’s Bakery 16; SPS 7- Mercy Medical 3; Southern Kustoms 16 – Mercy Medical 6; SPS 7- Traina’s Bakery 5

Boys 9 & 10 Standings:

1. Southern Kustoms 1-0-1
2. Rhodes Farms 1-0-1
3. Hodge Bank 0-0-2

Scores: Southern Kustoms 9 – Hodge Bank 8; Rhodes Farms 8 – Southern Kustoms 8; Rhodes Farms 8 – Hodge Bank 7

Boys 11-13 Standings:

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

Scores: Six Point 6 – Pardue Builders 4; Academy Mortgage 8 – Jonesboro Glass 2; Academy Mortgage 12 – Six Point 5; Jonesboro Glass 15 – Pardue Builders 5

Girls 7 & 8 Standings:

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

Scores: Johnny’s Pizza 15 – Jonesboro State Bank 6; Heyhunner 9 – Leach Line Drivers 9

Girls 9-10 Standings:

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

Scores: Extreme Nutrition 19 – Pro Car Sparkle & Shine 11; Leach’s Turf Divas 11 Vanguard Realty 7; Leach’s Turf Divas 15 – Pro Car Sparkle & Shine 1; Extreme Nutrition 10 – Vanguard Realty 3

Girls 11-13 Standings:

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

Scores: Catfish Inn 2- Family Pharmacy 0; Catfish Inn 11 – Listle Real Estate 6; Family Pharmacy 3 – Listle Real Estate 1

On one side of the road was basically the entire Jonesboro Police Department (JPD). On the other were roughly twenty residents of Harvey Place. They were both armed a ready to do battle. Their weapons of warfare – WATER BALLOONS!!!

A fun time was had by all who participated, especially the young kids who seemed to get the best of the JPD judging by the soaked uniforms sported by the officers after the battle.  The event was put on by Jonesboro Police Chief James “Spike” Harris.

“It was just something that we as a department wanted to do with the kids of the neighborhood,” said Harris. “I feel it is important for them to learn at a young age that the Police is not their enemy but a group of adults who have their best interest at heart. By interacting with them in this way it allows them to get to know us a people and not just someone in a uniform.”

By: Glynn Harris

Although the sun had not yet appeared over the horizon, the air was already warm and sticky, typical of the onset of another hot July day in Louisiana. This would have been a good day to work on articles in my air conditioned office but fishing guide and friend Eddie Halbrook’s call the night before had a sense of urgency about it.

 “I don’t care what you have planned for tomorrow,” Halbrook said, “put it off. The bass are schooling on Grand Bayou and you need to come with me.”

The “Grand Bayou” Halbrook mentioned is Grand Bayou Reservoir, a small 2500 acre impoundment located 50 miles south of Shreveport. I don’t mind admitting a degree of skepticism when Halbrook mentioned that for the past week, he’d been catching at least a hundred bass a day. Skeptical or not, I found myself in the back of Halbrook’s boat as the bright, and soon to be hot, sun made its appearance in a cloudless July sky.

Somewhere around 7 am, Halbrook caught the first bass of the day. At a little past noon, I released bass number 100. We had, indeed, hit the century mark with bass in a half day of fishing that can only be described as “hot”…in more ways than one.

Grand Bayou Reservoir is like so many lakes around the country. The lake has a thriving population of baitfish, in this case, threadfin shad, that seek the highest levels of oxygen. In warm months, oxygen is more plentiful in the top of the water column. Wave action near the surface continues to replenish dissolved oxygen and huge schools of baitfish move about in comfort just beneath the surface.

For predator fish like largemouth bass, these roaming pods of baitfish are seen as a gourmet feast there for the taking. Slashing into baitfish schools, bass gorge themselves and in the process, make their presence known to alert bass fishermen from hundreds of yards away. Their feeding activity agitates the surface, often sending plumes of water flying in all directions.

Fishing for schooling bass can be at the same time exciting and frustrating. Here’s a typical scenario…a couple of anglers see a school of feeding bass erupt from 100 yards away. Starting the engine, they rush to within casting distance of the school only to see the surface become quiet again before the first cast is made. Looking back to where they just came from, they’re frustrated to see the fish thrashing the surface back there.

Thus, patience is one of the key ingredients in fishing for schooling bass. When the fish are active, the best bet is to avoid the temptation of dashing from school to school. Just be patient; they’ll soon be thrashing the water’s surface where you are. 

If you take a youngster along, there is no better way to spark an interest in bass fishing that could last a lifetime than to introduce him/her/them to fishing for school bass.

For starters, school bass are generally easy to catch, the fishing experience is filled with spine-tingling excitement, and the neophyte angler is almost always anxious to do it all over again another day. Equipment needs are simple and can be easily handled by a less-experienced angler.

As bass slash into baitfish on the surface, some of the bait will be injured or killed in the process and will likely be floating in the area. Scoop up a couple and determine their color but more importantly, the size. If they’re silver in color, as most baitfish are, and are two inches long, it’s not brain surgery to know what to do next. Simply dig in your tackle box and select a silvery lure, two inches in length. If you’re hungry for an ice cream cone, you’re not likely to head for the refrigerator and go slap-happy over a celery stick. Bass are no different; they want what they want when they want it.

If you get excited at the sight of bass exploding on the surface all around you; if you thrill to strike after strike; if you get pleasure at the look on the face of your youngster fighting a tenacious bass, then school bass fishing may be right up your alley.

If you are interested in learning what the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) and the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Jonesboro have on their agendas this month then you want to make sure you have no other plans for the evenings of July 13^th and 14^th.

This next week will kick off with the JPPJ holding their regular scheduled monthly meeting on Monday at 5:30 pm at the Charles H. Garrett Community located on Industrial Drive just south of Jonesboro. The next day the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen will convene at the meeting room of the Jonesboro City Hall at 6:00 pm.

Additional meetings scheduled for the dates from July 9^th-14^th are as follows:

July 9^th @ 12.00 pm – Ambulance Service District

July 9^th @ 5:30 pm – Quitman Fire Protection – District 1

July 14^th @ 7:00 pm – Fire Protection – District 2  

 

Don’t look now but a star is being born in Quitman. Actually her assent into stardom has been several years in the making but until this year her tremendous exploits had been recognized mainly just around Jackson Parish, with the exception being when she dominated a state tournament field a couple of summers ago.

That was when Cali Deal was playing for the Jackson Parish All-Stars in the 10U Little League state tournament in Vidalia, LA. It was there that the fire balling lefty so completely blitzed through the competition to lead her team to the state title that folks from all over north Louisiana took notice.

The Marucci Patriots 2025, an elite “travel ball” team based out of Jena, then came calling which fast-forwards to the last couple of weeks where the now 12 year old budding star has made herself known from Mississippi to Houston, TX.

It first began in Lake Charles, LA where Deal pitched a perfect game in the finals of the 12U Fastpitch American Softball Association (FASA) in mid-June leading her team to a 6-0 victory.  She also picked up three additional wins without a loss during the tourney.

In all she pitched 16 total innings, gave up six hits and three earned runs, walked two and struck out 26, an average of 1.625 batters per innings. Deal was impressive with a bat in her hand also as she hit .400 and drove in 7 RBI.

Proof that she was now the talk of the travel ball circuit was proven this past weekend when one of Mississippi’s elite travel ball squads, Mississippi Gold, reached out to Deal to ask her to pitch for them in the nationally recognized Premier Triple Crown Tourney held in Houston, TX.

How did Deal fare in against some of the best in the nation?  All she did was throw a no-hitter in the finals to once again pace her team to a title which would have been another perfect game were it not for a bobble made by a fielder that allowed a baserunner. For the tournament she threw 13 innings where she gave up just four hits and one earned run while striking out 20 and batted .385 with 8 runs scored and 7 RBI.

Overall, in the two tournaments that netted a state and regional title, Deal pitched two no hitters, gained five wins without a loss, tossed 29 innings and gave up only four earned runs. Offensively she hit .389, drove in 14 runs and scored eight. 

Among the nation’s riveting woes, uncertainties, and major challenges include a Pandemic, more than 50 million Americans unemployed, more than 120 thousand lives already lost to COVID 19, weeks of protests occurring throughout the nation, and worldwide marches and protests being held over the death of George Floyd. Floyd was needlessly murdered, vigilante style, at the hands of Dereck Chauvin, a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Against this dire backdrop, the nation, the Town of Jonesboro and every city USA could use some good news.

For several years, the town of Jonesboro has suffered greatly due to an inability to fix its financial situation The Town of Jonesboro has for several years been riddled with a number of financial audit findings that have stymied the town’s efforts in receiving state and federal funding. The town’ audits were at least two years in arrears when Mayor Thompson took office. The “breaking news”, is that after almost eighteen months in office and through much hard work and perseverance, Mayor Leslie Thompson announced that the Town of Jonesboro is no longer on the state’ non-compliance list. Once removed from the State of Louisiana’ non- compliance list the Town is now eligible to receive both state and federal support in the form of grants and other means to make improvements for the citizens of Jonesboro.

A letter written to The Honorable Leslie Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Jonesboro from Mr. Thomas H. Cole, CPA, CGMA, First Assistant Legislative Auditor states: “We have subsequently corresponded with the Louisiana Department of Health(LDH), Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the condition of the town’s utility systems. Based on the possible threats to the public safety, health, and welfare of the town’s residents, we will grant a conditional extension, temporarily removing the town from the Legislative Auditor’s noncompliance list, so that the town may pursue available grant funding to bring its utility systems into compliance with LDH, LDEQ and EPA regulations.”

Mayor Thompson and his staff are to be commended for this success and especially for their drive and determination to get the town off of the non-compliance list. The town has lost over a million dollars due to having been placed on the non-compliance list. We also commend Mayor Thompson and the town council for agreeing and coming to terms with passing the town’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The staff at town hall has played a vital role in addressing many of the unresolved audit findings left over from the Bradford Administration. For this the town’s people are grateful.

Readers must know that there is a back story that precedes the good news being shared with the citizens of the Town of Jonesboro. During Mayor Thompson’s first and second terms in office, he was inundated with a host of major problems left in the wake of previous Mayor Donald Essmeier. Thompson was scrutinized and condemned for any actions he took that were not blessed by a contentious town council bent on maintaining the status quo. Petty disputes between the Mayor and the Town council arose over who the mayor could hire, what color the mayor’s town car was to be and where it could go. There were major disagreements over itemized spending in the town’s budget and the list goes on.

Added to this list of frustrations, Mayor Thompson was left holding the bag in trying to run a town with an antiquated, neglected, water and sewerage system that should have been replaced years ago. Water pipes were bursting night and day all over the town. Mayor Thompson did the best he could do under a situation where there were little or no funds to handle these problems while at the same time he was hit with a rapid turnover in staff. White staff members, the brain trust at town hall (who had been there for many, many years), walked out of the door and left Thompson hanging to figure it out by himself.

Despite the critics and naysayers, Mayor Thompson was able to bring in several millions of dollars in state and federal grants to address some of the unmet needs of the Town of Jonesboro. In 2007 the town received $291,950 in grants. In 2008 the town received $4,683,200 in grants. In 2009, $815,503 was received in grant funding. In 2010, $1,372,000 was received. In 2012 $212,350 and in 2013, $2,017,340 was received in grant funding. This funding was directed towards water, sewer, airport, street improvements and other improvements throughout the Town of Jonesboro. I could not find anywhere in the history of the town where this amount of grant funding was applied for and received before or since then. From 2007 through 2013, a total of $9,179,993 was received from various funding sources such as LGAP, DRA, USDA, FAA, DOTD, Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, LCDBG, Capital Outlay grant, Community Water Enrichment Fund and local funds. This would be quite an accomplishment for any administration and deserves recognition for the effort and hard work it takes to achieve such.

After years of wrangling with the town council, Legislative Auditor Darrell Purpura’ office and local political operatives (who had a long running feud and a fundamental dislike with and for Thompson), began working together to have Mayor Thompson ousted from office. Due to several fiscal problems, the town was placed on a watch list and later on the State’s non-compliance list. The town was issued a disclaimer in the State’s audit report, which meant that the financial records were so inaccurate, or that records were missing or so badly out of order that an audit could not be performed.

When these facts became public, Mayor Thompson’s office was inundated with information requests from law enforcement that ultimately overran his office and confiscated records, and documents. Consequently, this action along with other acts of racial injustice and especially a petition being circulated by a band of white citizens to have Mayor Thompson removed from office, tensions in the black community began to rise, tempers began to flare up over the manner in which events were unfolding and citizens began referring to Mayor Thompson as having misappropriated funds. Ultimately Mayor Thompson was indicted, tried, convicted and sent to prison for 11 years for malfeasance in office.

Hold on, there is more to this back story, as reported in the Jackson Independent newspaper. On, Thursday August 30, 2018 the paper, cited a front-page story entitled: “Mayor Bradford holds special meeting to address audit allegations.” Many of the town’s people attended that meeting and were flabbergasted at the number of audit findings issued against a small town like Jonesboro. The list of audit findings for the year 2017 were more than just casual audit allegations, they were serious audit findings issued by the independent CPA firm of Bosh and Statham. The 121 page audit report (conducted on May 10th 2018) cited irregularities stemming from cash receipts not being properly maintained, pre-numbered cash receipts not used in order, issues with bank accounts being required and was not fully funded, noncompliance with public bid laws, liability for customer deposits exceeded restricted cash, utility fund accounts receivables includes bad debts, utility accounts of city employees and officials being paid late, failure in multiple elements of internal control, financial statement not being provided to Board of Aldermen, failure to publish minutes of Town’ meetings, and the list goes on. Factually there were 20 audit findings reported in the Jackson Parish story written by Ben Ledbetter.

What is more interesting, troubling and continues to haunt many concerned citizens is the fact that several years earlier Mayor Leslie Thompson was indicted and convicted for malfeasance in office and sent to prison for supposedly engaging in and committing some of the same offenses noted in the Bradford Administration’s audit reports. In a preliminary audit report issued by Bosch & Statham dated April 2, 2020, which was generated from the results and schedule of findings as of and for the year ended June 30, 2018, which occurred during Bradford’s tenure as Mayor, it was noted that; “The Town appears to have violated the Louisiana Audit law. The law includes the following: Whoever violates the provisions of this Section (K) shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and shall be deemed guilty of malfeasance and gross misconduct in office and shall be subject to removal”. The statements set forth in the preliminary report to the Town of Jonesboro were grounds for removal of any mayor who was in office in 2018. Sadly, most of the council members who were in office at that time never questioned the findings and looked the other way giving the Bradford Administration a pass on the 2017 audit findings that could have led to malfeasance in office. Additionally cited in the audit report was a note that the town “has been placed on the noncompliance list and will receive no funds from the state until the report is submitted.” Note that the 2018 audit was never completed by the Bradford administration but was completed under Mayor Thompson’s administration.

Wow!! This has to be one of the great tales of two men, where both men were cited for the same findings which could constitute malfeasance in office, but one goes to prison and the other was so protected that he has never seen the inside of a prison. Where is the justice in this scenario? The wheels of justice grind slowly but exceedingly fine. In 2018, Bradford ran for reelection and was defeated, by now, Mayor Thompson, thereby making Bradford a one term mayor. Nevertheless, it is this kind of miscarriage of justice that must come to an end and all people must be treated with dignity and allowed to live out the true meaning of justice and liberty for all. We must get rid of the dual justice system.

Every lake has a reputation. For most when you think of Caney Lake you think of catching the giant Florida bred bass. Think of Black Lake and those big slabs of white perch come into your mind. Start talking about D’Arbonne Lake and you hear people talking about finding the “schoolers”. Then there is Lake Claiborne where fishing for striped bass rules the conversation.

Fact of the matter all of the above are well known for providing tons of fun when it comes to ‘Perch Jerkin” it doesn’t matter where you go in north Louisiana, you are bound to catch a mess. Unlike bass fishing where you need rigged out boat, all kinds of artificial lures and high dollar rod & reels you can catch you a meal or two of Perch simply by putting some crickets, shiners or worms on a hook that is hanging on a line attached to a cane pole.

Sure it is always good to be able to move around from spot to spot in a boat but lots of Perch and bream are caught from the banks or even standing on a bridge that goes over the water. Best of all it is good, simple fun. Drop a line, watch a bobber (if you like to use one) and JERK when you feel a strikE
Also if you like to feel a good fight when you catch a fish then “Perch Jerkin” is for you. Nothing more fun that to see a 12 foot cane pole bend almost double and hang on for dear life while that big ole slab darts back and forth.

This time of year is great for catching a mess too. Want proof? Take a look below the area fishing report at the pictures of some of the “slabs” that found their way into the frying pans this past week.

FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Smaller bass are schooling and hitting shad imitation lures fished on top. Some bigger fish are locating around deep humps and ridges with oversized plastic worms and crank baits picking up a few. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the deep tops on shiners or jigs. Catfish have been biting using noodles or tight lining cold worms and liver. Bream fishing has been fair to good on worms and crickets. 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.

OUACHITA RIVER – There is a slight rise on the river. Best bets for bass are in the mouth of the river lakes on shad imitations. Crappie fishing is best in river lakes fishing shiners or jigs 10-12 feet deep. Bream are in the back waters and river lakes and hitting crickets and worms. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie are fairly shallow on the flats fishing shiner or jigs 6 feet deep in 8-10 foot water. Bass have been best fishing up the creeks around grass beds on Carolina rigs and plastic frogs. Some are also being caught along the edges of the channel on crank baits and soft plastics. Bream are still biting fairly shallow on crickets and worms around the lake. Catfishing has been good on set hooks baited with bream with lots of smaller channel catfish caught 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 – Crappie fishing has been best fishing early and late around the deep tops on shiners or jigs. A good many catfish are being caught using “noodles” and trotlines baited with cold worms. Some bream are still being caught off the banks on worms and crickets. Bass have been a bit slow this week. Stripers continue to school chasing shad on top with some being caught on shad imitation topwater lures or white bucktails. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

At about 5:00 p.m. on December 6, 1933, just before sunset, Nurse Hattie Crawford walked out of her apartment in Miami, Oklahoma. A man approached her and asked if she could tell him where Nurse Crawford lived in the apartment building. She told the stranger that she was Nurse Crawford. The stranger told her that a friend of his had been injured and needed help pretty quickly. It was in Nurse Crawford’s nature to help anyone in need. She sensed no danger and saw that the stranger seemed panic-stricken. She agreed to go without hesitation. Rather than taking her himself, the stranger gave Nurse Crawford instructions. He told her to take the bus to Afton, Oklahoma, about fifteen miles southwest of Miami, which she did. Within half an hour, Nurse Crawford disembarked from the bus at Afton not knowing exactly what to expect. The stranger was there waiting for her in a car with another man she did not know. She entered the sedan and they drove to Vinita, Oklahoma, about fifteen miles southwest of Afton.

The stranger and his companion drove Nurse Crawford to a dark, seemingly abandoned house on the outskirts of town. The sun had set and the car’s headlights were the only illumination. As they approached the porch, a woman opened the door of the house. Nurse Crawford immediately recognized the woman as someone she knew but had not seen in seven or eight years. They spoke only for a second or two before the woman led Nurse Crawford to a bedroom by flashlight, the only light in the house. In the bedroom, a man lay in bed with a gunshot wound on his left leg and similar wounds on his left arm. Nurse Crawford knew better than to ask how he received the gunshot wounds. She asked for bandages and rubbing alcohol. The woman gave Nurse Crawford the rubbing alcohol and tore a bed sheet into strips to use as bandages. Nurse Crawford cleaned and bandaged the injured man’s wounds as good as she could by the dim glow of a single flashlight. Nurse Crawford gave the woman instructions on how to clean and dress the wound.

As soon as she had finished treating the patient, the two men ushered Nurse Crawford out of the house and drove her back to Miami. Unlike the earlier trip, they drove Nurse Crawford all the way back to her apartment building. During the return drive, the two men asked if she could return with them the following night to check on the injured man’s condition. She quickly agreed. They gave Nurse Crawford the hefty sum of $5.00 for treating the injured man, which, adjusted for inflation, would be just under $100 in today’s money. They warned Nurse Crawford not to tell anyone of the incident, or else.

Nurse Crawford’s initial plan was to immediately notify the police of the incident, but she took their warning seriously. She was paranoid that someone was watching her. She feared what would happen if she reported the incident. On the following day, Nurse Crawford waited for the two men to pick her up and deliver her once again to the injured man. Five o’clock came and went. Then six o’clock, then seven o’clock, but the men never returned. Eight days later, on December 14, 1933, Nurse Crawford finally gained enough courage to report the incident to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

Nurse Crawford told a deputy about her providing aid to the injured man. The secretive nature of the whole incident got the attention of Craig County Sheriff John York and FBI agent H.E. Hollis. Nurse Crawford described to them the location of the house, described the house itself, along with the furniture within. She explained that she saw the outside of the house only by the headlights of the car and the inside of the house by flashlight. Nurse Crawford said she did not know the men who escorted her to the house, nor was she certain of the identity of the injured man. She was certain, however, of the identity of the woman, whom she was acquainted with several years earlier.

Sheriff York immediately recognized the place Nurse Crawford described as being the home of Mrs. Jane Hall. Mrs. Hall had not lived at the home for several years and left the house in the care of custodian Bob Hill. Bob told investigators that he had no knowledge of and had not given consent to anyone to occupy the house. He granted the investigators permission to search the house.

At daylight on December 15, 1933, Sheriff York, Ottawa County Sheriff Dee Waters, several deputies, and Agent Hollis surrounded the home of Mrs. Jane Hall, but found it to be unoccupied. While searching the home, officers found bloodstained bandages and rags in a bathroom cabinet. They also found a bloody undershirt in another room. Once they were certain the house was unoccupied, one of the deputies drove Nurse Crawford to the home. She immediately recognized it as the place where she had treated the injured man on the night of December 6, 1933. Sheriff York made arrangements and had the home kept under constant surveillance. For several days, deputies kept watch at Mrs. Hall’s home to no avail.

As had happened many times before, law enforcements officers had missed their chance. The woman who allowed Nurse Crawford into the seemingly abandoned home and the injured man whom she had helped were…Bonnie and Clyde.

Source:
United States Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, File Number 26-3779, December 23, 1933, Report by Special Agent H.E. Hollis.

The final master plan and proposal for renovation of the Jackson Parish Golf Course is now available for public view at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department home office located on Hwy 4 East. The announcement was made during the June 15th meeting of the Jackson Parish Recreation Board (JPRB) that was held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center.

In other business JPRB members: Brent Barnett (President), Ricky Cash, Jeff Hairston, Brandon Lamkin, Rodney Potts, Sullivan Stevens and Chris Womack held a video conference with Mr. Nathan Grace of Watermark Golf and voted to amend the quote from Kincade Recreation for the Village of North Hodge.

An update on ongoing baseball/softball season and archery was provided as well as the approval to advertise in the Jackson Parish Journal for a period of one year. Jamie Cockerham also spoke to members about renovating the old rodeo arena located at the Jonesboro fairgrounds.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20th.

Ever wondered who had the best overall record of high school boys basketball teams in northwest Louisiana in Class B & C over the last decade? You have to guess no longer thanks to Lee Hiller, formerly a sports writer for the Shreveport Times, who painstakingly gathered the records of every area small school over the past ten years.

There are six teams that have won over 200 games from the years 2010-2020 with Zwolle leading the charge with 313 wins against only 89 losses. Simsboro (296-72), Atlanta (266-93), Summerfield (232-103) and Florien are next.

That leaves only one more team that has averaged at least 20 wins over the last decade and that is our very own Weston High School which checks in in sixth place overall with a 219-130 record which represents an impressive .628 winning percentage.

Fellow Jackson Parish representative, Quitman came in at 14th with a 129-190 record, while Jackson Parish Journal coverage area schools Dodson (118-208) and Saline (110-211) were at 16th and 17th respectively. Additional area schools were #8 Choudrant (190-160) and #13 Calvin (131-165). Downsville had the worst record of all with a 40-223 mark.

Most wins of Class B & C Schools (2010-2020)

1. Zwolle	313-89
2. Simsboro	296-72
3. Atlanta	266-93
4. Summerfield	232-103
5. Florien	231-139
6. WESTON	219-130
7. Pleasant Hill	193-162
8. Choudrant	190-160
9. Doyline	176-136
10. G-Coleman	173-166
11. Ebarb	171-189
12. Caston	165-177
13 Calvin	131-165
14. QUITMAN	129-190
15. Negreet	128-206
16. Dodson	118-208
17. Saline	110-211
18. Stanley	98-205
19. Converse	60-266
20.Downsville	40-223