A special meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) has been called for 5:00pm on Thursday that will be held in the JPPJ meeting room at the Jackson Parish Courthouse. The meeting is in regard to the hospital drainage project and the associated servitude that needs to be obtained.

The meeting was called following the Tuesday, June 15th gathering of the Project Committee where after entering into executive session it was agreed to ask Attorney Bill Carter to make a final written offer and file an expropriation suit to obtain the servitude.

See below for arrests made by the Jackson Parish Sheriff Office, Jonesboro Police Department, Hodge Police Department and North Hodge Police Department during the period of June 8 – June 14th

1. Jonathan W. Swafford (Monroe, LA) – Simple Burglary
2. Brandon T. Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
3. Jason Lucky (North Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
4. Krista Michelle McCart (North Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
5. Mertavius E. Wyatt ( Ruston, LA) – Simple Burglary
6. Jeanne Ray (Jonesboro, LA)- Monetary Instrument Abuse
7. Dekota H. Brewer (Jonesboro, LA)- Warrant -Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (2nd Offense)
8. Terrion Atkins (Jonesboro, LA) –Possession of Schedule II drug
9. Kristen Sharband (Chatham, LA) – Possession of Schedule I & II drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Parole Violation
10. James Roy Goins (Chatham, LA) – Possession of Schedule I & II drug, Parole Violation
11. Lucas Thomas (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of Goods less than $100.00
12. Joshua Wray Turner (Jonesboro, LA) – Outstanding Warrant
13. Cameron Hendricks (Farmerville, LA) – Possession of Schedule I & II drug, Possession of Marijuana, Speeding
14. Jared D. Sanford (Choudrant, LA)- Criminal Trespass, Possession of Schedule II drug
15. Christopher Gay (Quitman, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug (x2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Maybe the state officials knew what they were talking about after all. At least in Jackson Parish it seems that the Phase 2 re-opening of the state that took place on June 5th hasn’t had any adverse effect. This is evidenced by the fact that the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office hasn’t reported a death associated with COVID-19 since June 3rd.

In fact all measurable standards being used shows that Jackson Parish looks to be on the road to recovery. Only 16 news cases have been reported in the last 14 days. Active cases have dropped from 103 to 89 and the number of those who have recovered has risen from 45 to 75. Only one person remains hospitalized.

Jackson Parish COVID-19 cases as of June 3, 2020.

1. Positive cases tested – 163
2. Recovered – 45
3. Hospitalized – 2
4. Deaths – 15
5. Active cases – 103

Jackson Parish COVID-19 cases as of June 16, 2020.

1. Positive cases tested – 179
2. Recovered – 75
3. Hospitalized – 1
4. Deaths – 15
5. Active cases – 89

I have always believed that the best stories have a moral or a lesson to be learned involved. My hope is that the one you will read below conveys the same. Unlike many that have been told before, this one is not a fairytale but about a real person, one that the people of Jackson Parish and the surrounding area knew and loved. This is about the life of Glen Roy Robinson.

For those of you who didn’t know this man he passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 88 years old. When you consider the countless number of people he made an impression with you would probably think he was from a large metropolis area. In fact he never strayed far from where he grew up and lived out his life in the small hamlet of Danville, located just south of Jonesboro.

I bring this up because it brings to light the first moral of this story which is it doesn’t matter where you are from, a big city or small rural area, you can make a difference in the lives of people. Glen Roy Robinson is the perfect persona as the title character in this moral.

His impact on those around him began early in his life while going to school at the now defunct Friendship High School. In the late 1940’s this school had the premier basketball program in north Louisiana and for a three year period the home of one of the best prep teams in the state, regardless of classification. The Louisiana High School Association basketball annals verify this as from the period between 1948-50 Friendship played for two Class C titles and barely missed making it three years in a row.

Leading the charge was Glen Roy who along with Odell Thomas and Sonny Parker led Friendship to its most glorious period in school history. Dressed in their all black uniforms adorned with this white side stripes down the sides and with each player wearing black knee pads they not only looked good they played even better. This is verified by them playing for the Class C state title in 1948 and again in 1950 losing close decisions to Meaux and Florien respectively.

Glen Roy’s talents were so respected that even though he came from such a small area he was offered multiple scholarships from school as far away as Baylor University as well as every local university in north Louisiana. He ended up signing with what then known as Northeast Louisiana State College (NLSC) which became Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) and is known today as the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM).

The main reason he wanted to go there was that he didn’t want to be too far from the love of his life and high school sweetheart Billie, whom he started courting while he was 16 and she was 14 and shared a wonderful marriage with for 68 years.

Glen Roy made an immediate impact on his coach Cary Phillips who had him in the starting lineup from the very first game he played. While there he later teamed up with Jonesboro native James “Flop” Shively and former JHHS head basketball coach Arnold Kilpatrick.
Upon graduation he served a stint in the Army as all young men were required to do back then before coming home to go to work in the wood procurement office for Continental Can in Hodge where he stayed for 14 years.

Toward the end of his stint as a “working” man he made a decision that ended up changing the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to be associated with him. He decided to begin teaching and coaching and as fate would have it he got the opportunity to do so at Saline High School. His position wasn’t what you would call a “glorious” one as he taught drivers education and junior high studies as well as coaching both junior and senior high basketball, mostly as an assistant.

This leads to the second moral of this story which is you don’t have to be the “top dog” in your profession to make a difference in people’s lives. It all boils down to the character of a person. If you have the right kind of character and the desire to make people’s lives better no matter what your lot in life is you will make a difference in theirs.

Glen Roy lived a simple life. He spent his adult life in the same house on the hill just a matter of yards from where he grew up and spent his spare time raising his cattle, who he loved like his own children. His greatest joy came from taking care of his bride and children.

He left this earth as one of the few that leaves a legacy of making a difference to the people he met. In my opinion nothing can be said finer about a person and nothing is as important as doing so.

It is not often that a NASCAR driver, much less a true legend of the sport can be found in Jackson Parish but that was the case this past weekend as Tony Stewart drove in the Sunday Sprint Race at the Chatham Speedway.

Just a few weeks from the Louisiana Fire Marshall Office limiting the number of people that could attend the local raceway thousands of fans packed the seats as they enjoyed one of the greatest NASCAR driver’s take the wheel.

The next event to be held is the Southern Outlaw Late Models Race that is scheduled to drop the flag on Saturday, June 20th. Entry fee is $35.00 for a Pit Pass, $12.00 for general admission of adults and $5.00 for children from the ages of 6-12. Those five year old and younger get in free.

Ouachita Parish sheriff’s deputies arrested an Eros woman on suspicion of harassing through telephone communications and filing false public records last week after the suspect claimed her boyfriend stole her vehicle.

Katie Allen, 29, of 424 Ervin Cotton Road, Eros, could not provide any other information about her boyfriend to the dispatchers. Allen was arrested the day before by West Monroe police for theft, and police told the Sheriff’s Office that Allen gave her vehicle’s keys to her boyfriend.

Over three days, Allen called the Sheriff’s Office dispatchers about six times, cussing and yelling at dispatchers, according to the June 2 arrest report. She was booked at Ouachita Correctional Center.

By: Glynn Harris

(Thirty years ago, I was hired to write humor columns for the now defunct Louisiana Conservationist. Recently, a friend was using the down time created by Covid 19 to clean out his files. He found some of those old magazines, called me and offered them to me. Here’s one of my favorites from three decades ago…)

Contrary to nasty rumors being spread about me, I’m not all that old. It’s just that I seem to possess the uncanny ability to dredge up and bring into focus vivid details of things that happened to me long ago. It thus seems a paradox that I can’t ever seem to remember where I laid my glasses. It takes very little to set me off on a stroll down memory lane taking with me, kicking and protesting, whoever happens to be in earshot.

My most recent, if reluctant, companion for a trip down the lane was Melissa, our resident teenager. She had no choice because a brief but savage storm had zapped us, rendering inoperative everything electrical. That included TV, stereo and jam box. With no juice, there were no Night Courts reruns; no screeching disc jockey spinning ditties such as “I’m To Broke to Pay Attention, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.’

Boredom was closing in on her, so I came to the rescue. Sitting her down, I began blazing a trail down memory lane, kicking off with a phrase teens love to hear from the lips of their parents….’When I was your age…’

Not wanting to appear overly eager to hear my ‘back when’ stories, she cleverly masked her glee with a facial expression like the one you get when the dental assistant comes to the door, calls your name and says ‘Ready for that root canal?’

Back when I was your age, we didn’t have electricity, television, running water, indoor plumbing or stereo but boy, did we have fun! (I’ll bet.) You wouldn’t catch us sitting around the house getting bored. No sir-ree; we’d go down to the creek and catch us some frogs, crawfish and bugs… (I think I’m going to be sick…)

We’d take the shovel and tomato can out behind the barn and dig in the cow patties for fish bait. Then we’d go catch us a bunch of mudcats. (Well, WHOOP-de-DOO.)

Then we’d go snipe hunting down in the deep woods after dark. You talk about scary, especially when the rest of the kids went off and left you all alone there in the dark, holding the sack and waiting for a snipe. Bet you’d get a kick out of that, wouldn’t you? (I can’t believe I’m missing Three’s Company.)

And the games we played – deer and dog, red rover, pop-the-whip. Then for some real excitement, we’d sneak out after dark and turn over the neighbor’s privy. (Dear Lord, PLEASE make the electricity come back on.)

If you can find an old tire tube, I’ll make us a slingshot. When I was your age, we’d get us a pocketful of rocks, take out slingshots and shoot snakes, turtles and frogs. (Personally, I’d rather have chicken pox.)

Without warning, the electricity came back on and like a shot she was up and to the television. Wait, I didn’t get to the good part about how we used to make flying jennies and cars out of snuff bottles. By the way, have you seen my glasses?

“You’re wearing them.”

“Oh….

The Economic Development Committee met Monday, June 15, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse in Jonesboro. Members present were Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway as well as special invitees Christine Rambo from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Thurston Allen from Jonesboro State Bank, Rex Johnson from Hodge Bank and Mitch Spillers from People’s Bank.

Chairman Treadway opened by discussing the current state of a property on Industrial Drive He then asked the representatives from the banks to assist the Town of Jonesboro financially to relocate the oxidation pond outfall in order for the property to be certified.

Ms. Rambo followed by giving a presentation on how the area can prepare for economic development and gave details on the site certification process. She also explained the memorandum of understanding between the property owner and the state of Louisiana. Mr. Thurston Allen then asked about improvements to private land and the possible investment returns where upon it was agreed a follow-up meeting that would include Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson would be had.

A special meeting of the Communication District E-911 Commission District Board will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 17th at the Blake Building located on 319 Jimmie Davis Blvd in Jonesboro where the naming of a new director following the retirement of Skeeter McBride.

Board members Andy Brown, Jackson Parish Sheriff – Chairman, James “Spike” Harris, Jonesboro Police Chief, Brandon Brown, Jonesboro Fire Chief, Jeff Carpenter, David Earl Brown, Freddy Tolar and Sharon Satcher will also discuss the following:

1. 2019 CPA Review Report
2. Purchase of office computers
3. Renewal of the office lease
4. Renewal of the Zuerker and E-Dispatch Notification Software
5. Approval of an official journal

The next meeting date is set for July 22nd with additional dates of September 23rd and November planned for the upcoming months.

By Brad Dison

The true measure of our character is often determined by how we treat others, especially strangers. The origin of the Good Samaritan dates back to the Bible. In Luke 10:30-34, Jesus told of a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Along his trip, robbers attacked and beat the man. They stole his clothing and left him for dead. The first two men to pass the traveler purposefully avoided him. It was a man from Samaria, the third traveler to come upon the injured man, who showed him mercy. The Samaritan bandaged the injured man’s wounds, took him to a local inn, and nursed him back to health. Since that time, anyone who has helped a stranger with no expectation of personal gain has been referred to as a good Samaritan. The following is the true story of a modern-day good Samaritan.

On June 8, 2013, a group of tourists were taking in the sites in Toronto, Canada, on what was the final day of their cross-Canadian train trip. Jim Walpole, a retired General Motors manager from Defiance, Ohio, and his wife, Marilyn, a nurse, were among the group of tourists who walked down King Street East toward historic Old Toronto. Marilyn led the group, followed by her husband and the other tourists.

Along the walk, Marilyn heard a slight moan coming from behind her. Jim had tripped on the sidewalk and fell into some construction equipment. As Jim fell, a piece of scaffolding gashed his neck. Jim held his hands out to break his fall. When he hit the ground, he broke one of his fingers. Marilyn turned around and saw that Jim’s face and clothing were covered in blood. Jim laid bleeding on the sidewalk in a daze.

The good Samaritan was smoking a cigarette a short distance away, and saw Jim fall. The good Samaritan could have continued smoking his cigarette. He could have looked away, but not this good Samaritan. Before anyone else responded, the good Samaritan sprang into action. Without hesitation, he crushed out his cigarette and ran to render aid to the moaning, bleeding man. He knelt down beside Jim and quickly assessed the situation. The good Samaritan removed his scarf and placed it over Jim’s neck wound to slow the flow of blood. The good Samaritan reassured Jim in a soft, calm voice that he was going to be fine.

Toronto restauranteur Ben Quinn also saw Jim fall and saw the good Samaritan rush to his aid. Ben saw that the saturated scarf was no longer absorbing blood. Ben ran to his car and retrieved a towel. The good Samaritan replaced the saturated scarf with the towel and applied pressure to Jim’s wounded neck. They were afraid to remove the towel and check on the wound because they feared Jim would bleed to death. If the gash had severed Jim’s jugular vein or his carotid artery and had they removed the towel, Jim could have bled to death within a few short minutes.

Although Marilyn was a nurse, she allowed the good Samaritan to help. She later explained; “He really knew what he was doing. That’s why I thought he was a doctor. He had no qualms about getting blood all over him. That would be a real concern for some people.” When the ambulance arrived and medics took over for the good Samaritan, Marilyn asked him “What’s your name, sir?” He simply responded, “John.” Marilyn said “I didn’t ask for a last name because I didn’t figure I would remember it.”

The medics transported Jim to Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, just a few short blocks away. At the hospital, a doctor carefully inspected Jim’s neck. To Jim’s relief, the doctor reported that the scaffolding had missed the critical vein by only an eighth of an inch. The doctor closed the neck wound with ten stitches and set his broken finger. Jim considered himself lucky.

John contacted the hospital following the incident and was relieved to learn that Jim would make a full recovery. A reporter followed up on the story the following day and asked John why he, a man who had no medical training, had stepped in to help someone he had never met. John humbly replied, “Any citizen would do it. It’s nothing special.” John wanted to avoid drawing attention to his actions. Marilyn and Jim were certain John had saved Jim’s life.

Like Jim and Marilyn, John was only in Toronto for a short time. John was in Toronto for just three days performing as the famed Italian lover Casanova in a traveling opera called “The Giacomo Variations.” Everyone’s focus was on Jim’s neck and not on the good Samaritan who stepped in to help. Under different circumstances, they certainly would have recognized John from movies such as “In the Line of Fire,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Johnny English,” “The Man in the Iron Mask,” “Red,” “Con Air,” “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” and a plethora of others dating back to the 1970s. John has appeared in over one hundred film and television productions. He is currently starring in two tv series; “Space Force,” and “The New Pope.” John, the good Samaritan, also starred in a movie which bears his name, “Being John Malkovich.”

Sources:
Luke 10:30-34 (New International Version).
The National Post, (Toronto, Canada), June 10, 2013.
The Gazette, (Montreal, Quebec), June 11, 2013, p.24.
The Desert Sun, (Palm Springs, California), June 12, 2013, p.D7.
IMDb.com. “John Malkovich.” Accessed June 12, 2020. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000518/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0#actor

A wonderful day was had by all who participated in the annual Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce golf tournament that was held at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department course in Hodge. Twenty three teams participated with JJ Culpepper and Josh Stringer winning the Championship Flight and the team of Mark Easley and Dale Middleton taking top prize in the first flight.

After the 18 holes of golf burgers were then served to all participants and the 38 hole sponsors that helped support the event. See below for first through fourth place final standings of each flight as well as the two Closest to the Hole winners.

Championship flight

1. JJ Culpepper and Josh Stringer
2. Willie Burrows and Edward Davenport
3. Stuart Toms & Wade McBride
4. Eddie Permenter & Craig Mitchell

First Flight

1. Mark Easley &. Dale Middleton
2. Bo Teat & Tim Ducote
3. Ross Pullen& Johnny Dye
4. Eddie Langston & Joey Pender

Closest to the hole (#2): Willy Burrows

Closest to the hole (#5): Ritchie Tolar

The Jackson Parish Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) office has moved to a new location now being located at 208 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro. DART provides help to domestic and dating violence victims and their children in North Central Louisiana in the parishes of Jackson, Lincoln, Union, Winn, Claiborne, Bienville and Grant and has been in service since 1994.

DART also provides leadership in educating its communities about domestic and dating violence and its consequences and creates and implements programs to prevent domestic and dating violence. Hours of operation are 9-5 Monday-Friday with the local phone number being (318) 395-8006. There is also a 24 hour crisis line at (318)251-2255.

Mary Claudine Kennedy May 22, 1929 – June 14, 2020

Mrs. Mary Claudine Kennedy, age 91 of Jonesboro, joyfully joined loving family and friends that had preceded her to heaven on Sunday, June 14, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Williams; parents, Henry Claude and Mary Bert (Shively) Crawley; sister, Hazel Crawley Martin; brothers, Bobbie C. Crawley, William Donald Crawley, Alton Crawley, Benjamin Crawley. Her sister, Betty Hall; brother, Henry Bert Crawley; sister in law, Carolyn Crawley, a host of much-loved nieces and nephews are left to cherish her memory.

The family held a viewing Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at the Chapel of Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro with funeral services held 10:00am Wednesday, June 17, 2020 in the chapel with Reverend Brian McAllister and Reverend Trey Etheridge officiating. Interment will follow at Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers are Eric Hall, Colby Hough, Scott Martin, Andrew Martin, Daniel Martin, Stephen Martin.

***A mask will be required for entrance to the chapel and social distancing is to be expected.

Gerald Ray Hinton March 12, 1955 – June 10, 2020

Mr. Gerald Hinton, age 65 of Quitman, went to his eternal home on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was an avid hunter and fisherman that enjoyed anytime spent outdoors. He also was fond of gardening vegetables and was gifted with a green thumb. Many may recall an article about Mr. Hinton growing a 36lb cantaloupe. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He treasured the time he spent with his family, especially playtime with his grandchildren.

Mr. Hinton is survived by his loving wife of over 46 years, Shirleena Hinton; daughters, Anna Marie (Brian Doyle), Jennifer Lary (Case); grandchildren, Wade Watson, Clayton Watson, Marley Marie Doyle, Easton Lary, Taylor Ann Lary, Waylon Doyle; siblings, Kathy Lowery (Ricky), Barbara Lowery (Mark), Kemp Hinton (Penny). He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Zabud and Bobbie Jean (Ryals) Hinton.

Burial was at the Antioch Cemetery in Quitman with Reverend Dewayne Monk officiating and under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers were Monty Hinton, Cody Hinton, Ethan Walker, Leo Walker, Dusty Hinton and Bradley Keiffer.

Evelyn Ponder Jordan June 19, 1927 – June 08, 2020

Mrs. Evelyn Ponder Jordan, age 92 of Jonesboro, was escorted into heaven Monday, June 8, 2020 after a lengthy period of declining health. Mrs. Jordan was a very bright and intelligent person who enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Graveside services were held at Ebenezer Cemetery, near Jonesboro, with Reverend Bill Strawbridge officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Jordan; children, Nancy Alexander and husband Rodney, Judy Bell and husband Gary, Larry Allen, Rusty Allen and wife JoEllen; grandchildren, Ginger Robinson and husband Jeff, Rod Alexander, Lisa Lowe, Julie Harper and husband Chris, Benji Bell and wife Kristi; great-grandchildren, Jordon Shaffer and husband Jordan, Jaina Robinson and fiance Caden Thomson, Jackson Robinson, Jorgia Nalley, John Brooks Robinson, Jenna Lowe, Clayton Harper, Cannon Harper, Cason Harper, Brandon Bell, Owen Bell; sisters, Benola Robinson and husband Jerry, Velda Pennington and husband Russ; brothers, Homer Ponder and wife June, Edsel Ponder and wife Carolyn, Bill Ponder and wife Nancy; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Jordan was preceded in death by her parents, Homer M. Ponder and Pearl McMillan Ponder; sisters, Beatrice Ayres, Jo Guffey, Louise Bott Tolar, Mabel Adams, Vera Edell Ponder, Era Estell Ponder; husbands, Jesse Sutton, Wayne Allen, John Templeton.

In a statement issued on June 4th, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s (LLA) office clarified a previous report regarding the finances of the Town of Jonesboro. In summary, the findings were from the previous town administration and as result no current opinions on the town finances could be issued.

“The report that was just issued related to fiscal year 2018, which was under the previous mayor’s administration,” said Bradley Cryer, Director of Local Government Services for the office of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. “Upon taking office in January of 2019, Mayor Leslie Thompson hired a CPA firm to address outstanding issues from fiscal year 2018 and the first half of fiscal year 2019. We receive regular updates from the CPA on the progress of corrective actions.”

The town of Jonesboro had 23 findings on an audit that spanned the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2018. Nineteen of the findings were carried over from previous years. Seventeen of the findings were considered material weaknesses.

The auditor found the town failed to properly prepare bank reconciliations or to submit bank statement and bank reconciliation records to the auditor. The town also may not have complied with the state’s Public Bid Law with its fuel purchases and did not comply with its own policies over purchasing.

In addition, the liability for customer deposits exceeded the cash available to refund them, and the utility fund accounts receivable included bad debts. Furthermore the auditor found customer refunds were not in the billing system, and overtime pay to employees seemed to be excessive.

Other findings included poor utility billing procedures, inconsistent reading of meters, late billing of customers, failure to provide monthly financial statements to the Board of Aldermen and a certificate of deposit was cashed with the proceeds deposited into the general fund without the approval of the Board of Aldermen. One finding from the 2017 audit was resolved: a bank account required by the debt service agreement was fully funded. It was initially reported in 2015.

Their voices were heard locally on the streets of Jonesboro this past Sunday as roughly 200 people took part in a “peaceful protest”. They were far from alone on this day though as the theme they presented resonated all over the nation as collectively America took to the streets to stand against racial inequality and police brutality.

Black and white alike came together to march through the streets of Jonesboro to demand racial equality and bring a stop to the injustice that was brought to the forefront of every citizen in the nation’s mind following the senseless killing of Minneapolis, MN resident George Floyd by Police Officers.

“We felt it was important to give Jackson Parish a chance to unite and support the cause of equality” said protest organizer Jakeshia Lard. “We can no longer abide with racial inequality that is so evident in America.”

Upon arriving at the Courthouse several speakers addressed the crowd including Brown Grove Pastor Quinn Quinten, Richard Jackson, Norman Amos and Lard who asked the crowd to conduct an 8:42 second, silent prayer. The time frame was in reminder of how long that Floyd was pinned to the ground with the knee of an officer on his neck while he was begging for his life before finally succumbing.

Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson, who was one of several local dignitaries present also made a statement to news media in attendance.

“The President called today a good day and I do to” said Thompson. “I hope that these protests that are taking place all over the nation start real change. The reality is that in the past only words were spoken. The day for real action is here and must be taken.”

Fourteen arrests were collectively made by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro Police Department and Hodge Police Department from the period of June 1st – June 8th. Below are details of each.

1. Marcus D. Walker (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of good under $1000.00
2. Angela L. Frith (Hodge, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
3. Tina M. Malone (Winnfield, LA) – Traffic Bench Warrant
4. Daivyan C. Holland (Jonesboro, LA)- Aggravated Assault with a firearm, Resisting arrest (x2), Discharging of a firearm in city limits, Simple criminal damage
5. William A. Barr (Quitman, LA) – Disturbing the peace
6. Tiffani Connor (Atlanta, LA) – First offense DWI, Possession of Schedule 1 drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
7. David Lewis (Eros, LA) – Speeding, Failure to use turn signal, Possession of Schedule 2 drug
8. Jaclyn A. Duncan (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant, Theft of goods
9. Lester Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Violation of a protective order
10. Felisha Baker (Ruston, LA) – Failure to appear, Possession of Schedule 2 drug
11. Kimberly Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant
12. Danneil Brown (Hodge, LA) – Resisting an officer
13. Heather Frith (West Monroe, LA) – Ouachita Parish Sheriff OfficeWarrant, Registration Exemption, No Insurance, Possession of Marijuana
14. Pete B. Trim (Eros, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery

By: Glynn Harris
Okay you can put away your shotgun, your bow, your deer rifle and squirrel gun for awhile. We’re about to kick off the month of June and there’s no hunting season open and won’t be for another couple of months at least.

After you get your hunting stuff put away, you can start concentrating on what’s going strong right now and that will keep you doing fun stuff in the outdoors. It’s time to put new line on your reels, check the line guides for nicks, be sure your tackle box is stocked with what you need for summer fishing. Get out there and do something about it.

A couple of years ago, I kicked off my warm weather fishing quite a bit later than I usually do. By this time in years past, I would have been to my favorite pond half a dozen times already but later than usual, I made my first trip to the honey hole.

Instead of toting a bucket of crickets around, I opted to go artificial all the way. My ultra-light rig was tipped with a tiny spinner bait while the heavier rig was armed with a wacky-worm, my favorite go-to rig for pond bass.

The morning started off just right; cloudy skies and no wind, no problem with sculling the boat and keeping it within casting distance of a bream bed I knew was there because it has been in the same location for years. Sure enough, every cast produced either a big bluegill or half a dozen bumps before the lure made it back to the boat.

Trying the bass, I had several that were intrigued by the funny looking wacky- worm, opening and closing like a two-ribbed umbrella.

Okay so you’ve already caught bream ‘til the world looks level and you’re looking for something else outdoorsy to do. What about catfishing? Our lakes are full of channel, blue and flathead catfish and you can be sitting down to a wonderful fish fry before the day is out if you want to give them a try.

First, let’s talk about the heavyweights of the catfish world. Keith Johnson, my son-in-law, is a serious big cat chaser, setting stump hooks and limb lines on Lake D’Arbonne for big flathead, or Opelousas, catfish.

“I look for water a little deeper and areas where stumps are clustered or maybe an isolated larger stump,” Johnson explained. “Some folks think you have to fish on the bottom but I catch most of my fish setting my lines around four feet deep. I catch more on dark nights and especially on stormy nights. One other thing is that your bait has to be lively or a flathead won’t touch it. I catch bream and use these for bait.”

If a big 50 pound catfish is not your cup of tea, what about channel catfish? Our lakes are teeming with big populations of eating-sized channels and they’re fun to catch.

The thing about these tasty little rascals is that they’ll bite just about anything so picking just the right bait is not all that important. If it’s stinky or slimy, so much the better.

Lots of anglers fish off the banks using night crawlers, cold worms or cut bait to catch channel catfish. However, a more exciting way to catch them, especially if you have youngsters along, is to go the “pool noodle” route. Simply stated, purchase several of the inexpensive foam pool noodles, cut them into sections one to two feet in length, tie your baited line on one end and toss ‘em in the water. Keep an eye and when one tips up and begins moving, you’ve got yourself a catfish.

One of the best baits for catching channel catfish is to purchase cheap grocery store wieners, cut them into chunks and let them soak overnight in a mixture of water laced with strawberry powdered drink and garlic powder. The cats just can’t leave these tasty tidbits alone.

Take your pick. Whether it’s bluegills on a neighborhood pond or catfish on the lake, now is the time to give ‘em a try.

It may not be the summer long season that youth baseball/softball players from Jackson Parish are accustomed to but at least they will get some playing time in. This is thanks to the Jackson Parish Recreation Department deciding to go forward with league games beginning June 29th. Practices started this past Monday, June 8th.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer summer league baseball/softball to the youth of our parish,” said Jackson Parish Recreation Department Director Tommy Smith. “I stress though that all precautions and safety measures recommended are followed in order that we can conduct the league play in a safe manner.”

Thanks to modern technology and a Police Chief who embraces the benefits of it the Jonesboro Police Department is receiving what is considered the most advanced training available. This past Sunday, June 7th, Jonesboro Police Chief James “Spike” Harris and his officers took part in the revolutionary “Street Smarts” virtual reality training program.

With the officers wearing the virtual reality headgear, each was presented with simulated situations that ranged from a traffic stop to handling a riot and required to act out how they would handle what could turn out to be life or death confrontations.

“Thankfully in a small community like we have our officers aren’t faced with as many life or death situations as takes place in a big city on a daily basis,” said Harris. “Still these issues arise and we must be prepared to handle them. Through the use of this program there is no scenario that we can’t practice on in order to be prepared as best as we can be.”

Pictured below: JPD Police Chief James “Spike” Harris (seated on left) monitors Officer Galen Arnold (right) during a virtual reality training program

Often times the courageous and heroic efforts of the brave men and women of our local Fire Departments get overlooked and taken for granted. Recently, were it not for their efforts, one Jackson Parish family would have lost not only their home but their many treasured possessions as well.

With heartfelt gratitude they convey a stirring tribute to the responders of the Jonesboro, Weston and Quitman fire districts that they felt needed to be recognized for their service to the area. Quite simply it couldn’t be said any better…..

“In the early hours of June 4, smoke began to fill our home and we were filled with terror. As we went through our house rescuing treasures from what we feared would be a terrible loss, we prayed to God to save our home.”

“Over and over we repeated that prayer to ourselves and God saw fit to be merciful to us. Not one, but THREE fire districts, responded to our 911 call. Within minutes our yard was filled with men and women who sole purpose in leaving the comfort and safety of their own homes was to come and try to save ours.”

“They did not come for public recognition. They came in response to some else’s need. They came because of their sense of duty. They came because they are brave and honorable. They came because they are heroes.”

“Early this past Thursday morning, the men and women of the Jackson Parish Fire Districts were OUR heroes. We can never thank them enough for their quick response to our call, their expertise and knowledge of firefighting and their selfless acts in responding to our needs.”

“We will always be grateful for their professional actions and personal compassion. We pray God will always bless them and protect each of them as they continue to protect us all.”

Joey and Debbie Pender

Citizens, black, white, brown and yellow, young and old, citizens from all faiths and walks of life, from all over the nation have watched with mixed emotions at the turn of events that have occurred over the past two weeks. We have seen peaceful protests and people of goodwill marching in unison calling America ‘s attention to the injustice suffered by African Americans for over four hundred years.

Unfortunately, and with deep regret we have seen events that did not represent the patriotic intentions, acts, or aspirations of civic minded people throughout the nation. More sadly, we have seen citizens of good will and intentions being rushed and trampled by the National Guard and the local DC police force so that President Trump could walk across the streets in front of the White House for a photo shoot while brandishing a closed Holy Bible upside down

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota has not only sparked attention but has ignited a firestorm, one of which the nation has never seen before nor hopes to see ever again. This fire storm is not a new phenomenon because the flames did not begin on yesterday, its roots and sparking embers have their beginnings in the belly of a slave ship headed to the new world with a bounty of captured slaves, a horrible scene which is now part, parcel and legacy of America’s dark, inescapable and ugly history.

The events that have now erupted across the nation, i.e. the marches, the protests, the killing of unarmed African American citizens is a huge governing failure on the part of society and a foreshadowing of things to come if America fails to finally listen, respond, act upon the cries, pleas and demands of a neglected people who are weary, angry, have run out of patience and are feeling hopeless over a system of racism that has intentionally and deliberately disenfranchised them for much too long. Peaceful protestors are being heard worldwide, protester are heard chanting, no justice, no peace, justice for George Floyd, say their names, Black lives matter, these chants are a resounding refrain of an anthem that we want justice, we want peace, we want to be free from police brutality, we will not stop marching and protesting until we as a people can breathe again. These protesters are in search of “one America” one with liberty and order.

The fallout from centuries of injustice that characterizes the plight of millions of African American citizens, (the enduring pain and suffering, the cruelty and injustice, systematic discrimination, constant acts of violence and intimidation by law enforcement, and the police brutality that has and continues to visit upon and afflict African American communities) lay bare before the nation for the entire world to see America for what it truly stands for during a time of internal crisis, and has once again highlighted what can occur when there is a denial of America’s basic constitutional rights, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This denial has sparked national unrest and presented the nation with a dilemma and a challenge to get it right. America has reached a tipping point and is facing a predicament that it can no longer ignore or retreat and hide its dirty hands from. This dilemma is in the nation’s face, and the nation must confront and address this dilemma, or this dilemma will overtake and destroy this nation.

For centuries African American citizens with the assistance of the NAACP and other civil rights organizations have fought to outlaw the institution of slavery and racism which were sanctioned, condoned and promoted by local and national governments. These organizations have also fought to overturn Jim Crow Laws, outlaw discrimination and stop police brutality, halt economic and political oppression, and have fought to ensure that every American citizen has the right to vote in local and national elections. Citizens have assembled and protested in towns and city halls , descended upon state capitals, appeared before legislative bodies, walked the corridors of the United States Congress, gathered and petitioned the office of the President of the United States of America demanding that changes be made regarding the ill treatment of people of color.

Sadly, the pleas for help and the sounds of tired footsteps from years of protest and marching have gone ignored and the nation now has come face to face with the ghosts, senseless killings and deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Jamar Clark, Breonna Taylor, Dominique Clayton, Botham Jean, Stephon Clark, Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Travon Martin, Walter Scott, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, and the list goes on The nation must face the fact that from 1980 to 2019 over 280 thousand African men and women have been killed in America, too many of which have been at the hands of law enforcement. By contrast roughly 58,000 men died in Vietnam. These killings magnify a long-standing need and obligation to address such a tragic ending and state of affairs in America.

While we have seen police chiefs across the country marching with and embracing protesters, kneeling and leading prayer vigils with protestors, and police chiefs apologizing for the past transgressions and brutality of police officers, it’s not enough. We were hoping to hear white evangelicals condemning their past sins for condoning and supporting systematic racism, but they have remained silent on the issues. While we have heard confessions from NFL commissioner Roger Gödel stating that it was wrong to punish professional football players for taking a knee when the national anthem is played, he now realizes that the controversy was not about the American flag but was all about race. Gödel has been on national television trying to offer words of comfort and to do damage control after Colin Kaepernick’ (who led a peaceful protest) professional football career was wreathed and laid to rest; it’s not enough.

While we have seen Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints one day condemning football players for kneeling while the national anthem is played, a few days later he too is on national TV weeping and crying, apologizing for his comments, stating that the he was sorry for what he said, weeping and trying to show that he is not a racist. Though Brees apologized, and his apology was accepted by many players, it’s not enough. Gödel and Brees both have come to the realization that two thirds of the players who make up the National Football League are African American. Fans have heard no comments from team owners regarding these apologies.

From all indications, President Trump hasn’t gotten there yet, especially when it comes to race issues when he in on national TV yelling “wouldn’t you like to fire all the sons of bitches”, hearing him at political rallies screaming; “would it be nice to hear National Football League owners throwing the sons of bitches out, hear them saying you are fired; at a rally touting throw him out, I will pay the doctor bill” Trump was heard saying in a speech addressed to African Americans, “What the hell, you live in rat infested cities, you have no jobs, what do you have to loose, and referring to third world countries, as S hole countries” Trump continues to flame the fires of racism and discontentment by threatening to line the streets of Washington D.C with 10,000 American soldiers from the military, have tanks rolling through the streets, paratroopers falling from the sky, with camouflaged Navy seals and green berets infiltrating ranks of peaceful protesters, erecting concrete barriers to fortify the White house from potential insurrection efforts, an act of desperation that was not taken even during the 911 terrorist attack on the nation. Wow!! These erratic epithets and unbridled comments make it sound and appear as though we are no longer living in a democracy or in the land of the free where citizens have a constitutional right to peacefully protest and petition the government. Thank God, finally cabinet officials including Attorney General Barr and the Secretary of Defense balked at the threat and (we are told) rebuked the President and the threat was not executed.

Because it’s not enough for a haphazard apology, police chiefs kneeling with protesters, the real need is to enact laws and provisions that will protect African American citizens from racial injustice, prejudice and violence. African Americans are calling upon legislative bodies throughout the country to speak up, act up, vote up and enact laws and measures that will stop the killing, laws that will protect African American citizens against the violence and hate crimes that are sweeping across the nation. Please vote to Protect African American citizens from police officers who are sworn to protect and defend all communities and all people. Such measures are needed to curtail and/or control the behavior of rogue white police officers who seemingly are bent on beating, terrorizing and killing African American citizens without any fear of retribution.

These events have caused us to call upon our elected officials to help to make a difference. We ask that you join in and become a force for change enacting legislation, swiftly passing statutes and laws that will eliminate deadly choke holds that have been exercised by police officers used to murder Eric Garner and now George Floyd. We ask you to carefully examine and establish ordinances that are designed to regulate the practices of police departments across the country. The nation’s entire justice system must be reformed and revamped once and for all so that the oppressive police practices exhibited toward American citizens will become a distant memory and that people of color will no longer have to live in fear of being unlawfully attacked, beaten or murdered by police officers.

We pray that the nation will join in and offer support to the African American community in this historical journey to make America free so that one day we can all sing together with conviction and meaning, America the beautiful, crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. We are encouraging every citizen to register to vote and get to the polls in November and vote, vote, vote.

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.

The Caney Lake Community Foundation (CLCF)would like to invite all to the Freedom Celebration on July 4th. Festivities start with a Flag Pole Dedication at 400 Spillway Road at 9am. The flag pole is being erected to honor those that are serving or have served our country.

If you are active military or a veteran please send an email to Caneylakefoundation@yahoo.com to reserve a seat for you at the Flag Ceremony. Lt. Governor Billie Nungusser will be conducting a welcome to everyone followed by a prayer and then the raising of the Flag.

The CLCF is excited to have this flag to honor those from Jackson Parish who dedicate their lives to serving our country. For more information go to http://www.caneylakecommunityfoundation.org or on Facebook at Caney Lake Community Foundation

For the football players and coaching staff at Jonesboro-Hodge High School fun times are here again. Well, that is if you consider toiling away for several hours a day in the grueling heat of the summer to get in shape for the upcoming fall season fun.

Over sixty hopefuls to make the team descended on Caldwell-Peacock Stadium this past Monday, June 8th for the first practice of the year and like any initial practice session it was anything but fun. Exciting to be back with your teammates – yes, but fun – not by a longshot.

“Overall I was pleased with the shape most of the guys were in,” said JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship. “You could tell that they guys have been away for a while though and we have a lot of work ahead of us to get them ready.”