The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting residents of northeast Louisiana about a fake check scam after being alerted by a Jackson Parish woman who had a fake check processed through her account to a company called Song More Decisions our of Buffalo Grove, IL.

“A fake processed check went through her account,” said Jo-Ann Deal who is out of the BBB office in Monroe. “The scammers didn’t send the fake check to her but put it in her bank account.”

The local woman, who asked to remain anonymous, asked the bank to stop the transaction so thankfully she didn’t lose any money. The check is an example of how scammers are savvier as it had her name, address and account number processed into the check.

Deal furthered echoed that this is why it is so important to look at your bank account regularly. She says it is now possible a scammer can get your banking information through a data breach or through anywhere that you paid a check.

If you do get a check like this, report it to your bank immediately, the BBB and to the Attorney’s General office. If you have any questions you can contact the BBB at 318-387-4600. Your call will be answered by a recording but you will receive a call back within 24 hours.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested David Issac McMillan of Eros on four counts of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. According to the arrest warrant the charges involve four different children and details lewd acts that McMillan coerced the children to perform on him when he took them into the woods to “look for deer bones.” McMillan has been booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center and is being held without bond.

Additional arrests made in in Jackson Parish from October 5^th – 11th.

1. Mattew J. Gay (Jonesboro, LA) – Expired License Plate, Expired / No MVI Sticker, No Proof of Insurance
2. Deloris Knight (Chatham, LA) – Simple Battery
3. Carlton A. Sampson (North Hodge) – BenchWarrant
4. William R. McCurdy Jr. (Eros, LA) – Warrant for failure to appear on possession of drug paraphernalia charge
5. Marcus Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for failure to appear on driving under suspension charge
6. Robert L. Harmon (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic abuse battery involving strangulation
7. Kevin M. Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Bienville Parish Probation and Parole warrant
8. Jimmie Thompson (Saline, LA) Bondsman off bond for possession of schedule II drug (original arrest date (01/01/2020)
9. Robert Tonnang (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the peace
10. Courtney Dennis (Hodge, LA) – Disturbing the peace
11. Joshua O. Edwards (Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
12. Lamario M Hicks (Chatham, LA) – Simple robbery / theft

It is hard to let something that has come to be near and dear to you go by the wayside. Most folks are settled in their ways and when you have something that you enjoy you just don’t want to see it stop taking place.

A week ago Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson caused quite a stir when he published a statement that the Town of Jonesboro would not be able to afford putting up the plethora of Christmas lights that the town has become noted for.

The reasoning given was sound and the explanation was understandable but that didn’t stop residents from business leaders to teenagers from voicing their opinions and offering ideas to keep the tradition going. See below for a small sampling of some of the comments and ideas that were provided.

Wilda Smith – Director of Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce: We are working very hard to see that there is Christmas lights this year in Jonesboro. As many of you may not know the chamber is not funded by federal, state or local government. Our income comes from dues, cookbook sales, Tee Shirts. We spend between 10 and $14,000 every year on the Christmas festival that is paid for by the chamber. Chamber has never had to pay anything for the lights or salaries for the town employees.

Trish Tolar – Southern Kustoms Car AutoCare Service Center:  As some of you may know, I offer screen printing at my business Heyhunner Portable Buildings and Carports! In the past I have supported communities by purchasing a “town tee” with my own logo along with many other small businesses in town. This year I would like to print my own town tees with the proceeds going towards the Christmas lights. This would keep 100% of the business and profits right here in town. Would anyone be interested in purchasing a tee or having their business name on the tee?

Johnny Ray Horton – President of Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce:  In times past we have all enjoyed the Christmas lights in Jonesboro, Hodge and surrounding areas in Jackson Parish. People from all areas of the parish would decorate their homes and businesses with lights and ornaments.

Well, all of us have grown up now and most of the ones who have decorated in the past have either passed away or have grown too old to continue the tradition. Now is the time for the younger generation to step up!

 It would be wonderful if we could create a trail of lights across Jackson Parish like from Clay to Jonesboro, to Weston and Chatham.  This would require that everyone join in and do their part.  I know that everyone has been dismayed by recent events but if we come together we can make Christmas in Jackson Parish bigger and better than it has ever been.

If you would like to join in please let me know. As Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce President this year I am committed to building up the Parish and it’s businesses. Please join me and many others in making this happen.

Obviously there were many more comments and ideas that have been shared. Have you got a good thought on how to help save our “Christmas In Wonderland” tradition? Feel free to comment here.

The bitter taste that was in JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship’s mouth from the news he received two days prior to last Friday’s season opener was replaced by the sweet taste of victory following the Tigers 37-8 victory over Delta Charter.

“When life deals you a lemon, you have to make lemonade” said Blankenship now entering his 8^th year at the helm. “We always use the saying – NEXT MAN UP – but in this case it was next CLASS up.”

What Blankenship was referring to was that on the Wednesday prior to the contest he got the unbelievable news that five of his players, all starter and all seniors, had been exposed to the Coronavirus and would have to be quarantined for 10 days.

Just like that he team that was expected to have eight seniors on the field, with almost all of them expected to be playing both ways, was down to only three seniors and minus virtually the entire starting offensive and defensive line. Forced to miss the contest was Chase Bryant, Skylar Levingston, Phillip Beard, Cornelius Boston and Quiyontae Henderson. 

Slow start! With a front line now consisting of Freshmen and Sophomores who just two days before had no dreams of being on the field the Tiger coaching staff knew they had to get the replacements up to speed quickly.

“We coached them hard early on,” said Blankenship laughingly following the contest. “We didn’t have a choice. We had to get them adjusted quickly. They knew what they were supposed to do but it is entirely different from doing it in practice to having to do it in your first live game.”

The result of the early action went as expected as the offense found no running room or time to pass and Delta Charter running backs constantly got to the second level of the defense.  The Tigers managed to hold fast though by holding Delta Charter on downs in the red zone and a tremendous over the shoulder interception by Junior JaMarriyea Lewis that thwarted another scoring opportunity.  Delta Charter did take a 2-0 lead on J-H, who at their own 12 yard line had a snap on a punt attempt sail over the head of the punter and bounce  through the end zone.

Making adjustments! It looked even bleaker after the Tigers first possession of the second quarter saw them go three and out followed by a six yard punt that gave Delta Charter the ball on the J-H 40 yard line. It was at this point you could start to see the “coaching up” being done by Blankenship, Carlos Hicks, Anthony Anderson, Charles Scott, Kris Cash, Justin Durbin, Robert Hunter and Ethan Roberts starting to sink in.

The adjustments the coaching staff made had an immediate positive impact. First it was the defense that held Delta Charter to a “three and out.” J-H then took over at their own 30 yard line following the punt and in just four plays the Tigers cashed in their first touchdown of the year.

Speedy junior back, Brantrel Thompson got things started by breaking outside and dashing for 20 yards. Quarterback Tydre Malone followed with another 20 yards on an impromptu scramble. Malone then hit Lewis for 16 yards followed by LaJavion Nichols powering his way 12 yards to paydirt. An attempted two point conversion was unsuccessful but the momentum was back on the Tigers side as the half ended.

Fast start! The Tigers wasted no time at all to extend their lead when Justin Calahan fielded the opening second half kickoff on the left hash at the 30 yard line, raced across the field and outran would be Storm tacklers. Malone followed by connecting with Calahan for the two point conversion giving the Tigers a 14-2 lead with just 12 second gone by in the third quarter.

The Storm coaching staff then decided to “roll the dice” by going for a fourth down at their own 40 yard line. The move backfired though as the suddenly aggressive Tiger defense stuffed the play. After two plays that found the Tigers facing a 3^rd and 17 from their own 43 yard line Malone lofted a beautiful pass down the sideline that Lewis ran under around the Delta Charter 40 yard line and tip-toed his way down the sideline to deliver a “game-ender” blow that put J-H up 22-2 following the Malone two point conversion scamper.

Building on the momentum!  To their credit Delta Charter gallantly fought back with a 10 play, 62 yard drive for a touchdown to narrow the margin to 22-8. J-H recovered the attempted onside kick at mid field though and went on a nine play drive of their own climaxed by a Malone to Calahan hook up of 14 yards to up the score to 30-8 after Thompson ran the two point attempt over.

J-H got a final score with just second left in the game when Thompson excited  Tiger fans with his incredible speed by taking what seemingly looked like a harmless handoff 52 yards to the endzone in a blink of an eye. Manuel Hernandez followed with his first extra point conversion of his young career to give the Tigers the 37-8 victory.

Game balls! Obvious choices for outstanding players of the game were JaMarryea Lewis (TD reception, INT), Justin Calahan (KO return for TD,reception for TD, 2 pt. conversion) and Brantrel Thompson (9 rushes – 103 yards, 1 TD, 1 2ptr.)on offense and LaJavion Nichols (12 tackles, 5 assists) on defense.. The not so obvious but just as important to the victory were the young linemen Aiden Price, Quirese Howard, Josh Tatum, Austin Knotts and Cartavious Waters who remarkably matured as players during the contest.

“The young linemen grew up tonight,” said Blankenship after the game.  “Sure, they made mistakes but they kept plugging. Let me tell you they were completely exhausted. A couple of them even had to have help getting their uniforms off but they gave us all they had and I am really proud of the way they fought.”

Game score and statistics:

JHHS         0       6       16     15 – 38

DCHS        2       0       6       0    –   8

Scoring:

1^st quarter:

Delta Charter – Safety when punt on snap went out back of endzone

2^nd quarter:

JHHS – LaJavion Nichols 12 yard rush (2 pt attempt no good)

3^rd quarter:

JHHS – Justin Calahan 70 yard kick-off return (Tydre Malone pass to Calahan)

JHHS – Jammariyea Lewis 57 yard pass from Malone (Malone run)

4^th quarter

Delta Charter – 4 yard run (2 pt. run – No Good)

JHHS – Calahan 9 yard pass from Malone (Brantrel Thompson run)

JHHS – Thompson 52 yard run (Manuel Hernandez PAT)

JHHS STATS

Passing:

Tydre Malone                    5/11 – 68 yards                2 TD’s, 1 INT

Rushing:       

Brantrel Thompson         6 – 103 yards                     1 TD, 2-pt conversion

Tydre Malone                    9 – 69 yards                        1 TD, 2-pt run, 2-pt pass

LaJavion Nichols               6 – 40 yards                        1 TD,

Receiving:

JaMarriyea Lewis              2 – 69 yards                        1 TD

Justin Calahan                   1 -9 yards                            1 TD

Davion McGuire               1-3 yards

Brantrel Thompson         1 – (-3)

Tackles:

LaJavion Nichols               12 Tackles           5 Assists

Javious Holden                    6 Tackles           1 interception

Davion McGuire                 5 Tackles            3 Assists

Ed’Tavious Drayton           5 Tackles            2 Tackles for loss

JaMarriyea Lewis                5 Tackles           1 interception

Xavier Atkins                        5 Tackles           2 Assists

Connor Webb                      4 Tackles            2 Assists

Javeon Andrews                 4 Tackles            2 Assists               2 Tackles for loss

Chase Leonard                    3 Tackles            3 Assists

Chance Leonard                 1 Tackle              1 Assist

DeVontea Mozee               1 Tackles            1 Assist

Cartavious Waters             1 Tackles            2 Assists

Peyton Smith                                                     2 Assists              

 

                 

 

 

 

 

What a blessing it was to have been reared and introduced to hunting by a dad who did it right. He started me at the bottom, tagging along behind him and watching how he did it.

Squirrel hunting was how it began. As a little tyke, I’d sit on a log beside him and watched how he located and downed squirrels. Later, he felt I had gained enough experience that he let me pack along a little single shot .22 as we sat together. I made some mistakes for sure, miscues like squirming when I should have been still, whispering too loud, stepping on dry leaves or a stick that popped as the squirrel we were watching skedaddled.

Eventually I was able to master to a degree the art of hunting squirrels and later was introduced to hunting ducks down in the swamp. It was only after I had gained some confidence in hunting small game that hunting deer and turkeys became my passion and success I have had I attribute to the fact that my dad started me off the right way, at the bottom.

Last week, I ran across a Face Book post by friend and fellow hunter, John Brown, Jr., former videographer for the National Wild Turkey Federation. The point of Brown’s post had to do with teaching kids to do it the right way, exactly the way I learned.

Brown was talking with a friend who is a mature and wise hunter and was telling the friend about taking his own daughter hunting with him. The friend responded, “John, do you know why hunting is so important to us? Do you know why we love it so much, why we care for the animals we pursue? It’s because when we were young and learning to hunt, we developed a strong appreciation of simply seeing a deer. We went afield countless times without hearing a single turkey gobble, much less killing one. Nothing was guaranteed. And then he added….if you want her to be a lifelong hunter and gain a true understanding of why we must love and care for the animals we hunt, make it a challenge.”

Brown added, “As I hung up the phone I began to think about my own path to becoming a hunter. The more I reflected on my life as a hunter, the more what my friend had shared took on merit. Now think back about your own path and the role those challenges played in your development as a hunter. Did you begin with small game like squirrel and rabbit, or maybe doves? I firmly believe that these small game lessons are an important factor in one’s ability to successfully move to the next level. And it’s not just about learning the skills, it’s about doing so on your own and experiencing the trial and error that firmly plants within us the knowledge needed to advance.”          

I also had Brown as guest on my radio program, Glynn Harris Outdoors on Sports Talk 99.3 and in plugging the program on Face Book, I had several comments from those reading my post that agree with how to get youngsters interested in hunting.

Some comments included one who said “As a beginner I didn’t really learn to love it until taking game was not the main focus; the scent of trees, the earth and seeing birds and animals. Some of my favorite hunts were those when I never fired a shot.” Another suggested “Stop hunting while they’re still having fun.” Another said “Make sure there is action; something to shoot. Deer hunting can be boring for kids.”         

In today’s world with a plethora of activities in which our kids have the opportunity to partake, learning to hunt or even wanting to sometimes take a back seat. If our desire is to see the sport of hunting we love continuing into the years ahead, it is imperative that we instill in our youngsters that same desire that we find so special.

In his post, Brown summed it up with an expression of just how important it is to do it the right way. “I’m afraid,” Brown concludes, “that by bypassing these critical steps in the development of a hunter, we are harming our ability to create individuals who will become lifetime hunters.”

FISHING REPORT

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been fair on crank baits, spinners and Rogues around tops fairly shallow. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. No reports on crappie or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Bream and bass are fair; crappie are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Best bets for crappie has been spider rigging jigs in the river lakes. The Crappie Masters tournament was won with 14 fish weighing an average of 2 pounds each, proof that the river has some big crappie. Bass are fair in the run-outs on shad imitations. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake level continues to drop with the drawdown underway. Look for best crappie fishing on the flats as the fish have moved from the channels to escape too much current in the channels. Jigs and shiners are picking up some fish. Bass are in the deeper portions of the old sloughs and have been best on soft plastics including drop-shot rigs. Bream have slowed while catfishing is good on cold worms or night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – The cool down accompanied by windy conditions has slowed down fishing in general. However, some crappie are still hanging out around the submerged tops in deeper water and hitting shiners or jigs. Bass fishing has been fair on a variety of lures but most of the fish are running rather small. Striper fishing has been fair trolling white bucktails or spoons. Catfishing has been fair tight-lining cold worms off the boat docks and piers. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been fair to good this week with most caught on shaky tails and jigs along the edges of the channels. Schooling activity has slowed this week. Crappie fishing is fair around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs. Catfishing has been fair tightlining cold worms. Bream are slow to fair. 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.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie are gradually starting to improve on shiners or jigs. Catfishing has been good on blood bait. Bass have been fair while bream are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair on topwaters early and late and soft plastics during the day. Catfishing is fair. Bream and crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling and fishing has improved. Catfishing has been good, bass are fair while crappie are slow to fair but some big slabs reported. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Bass fishing has fair on soft plastics. Stripers are fair at night around lighted piers. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

To say that is important to vote in the November 3^rd elections goes without saying. After all this election will determine who will be elected into offices ranging from the President of the United States to who will serve as a local Justice of the Peace or Alderman.

There is another section of the ballot that is also vitally important to Louisiana residents as well and that is the seven constitutional amendments and a proposition that will be voted on. These cover key and often controversial issues such as abortion, sports betting, property value and taxes, disaster aid, budget restrictions and manufacturing exemptions for taxes.

Often times the way an amendment is worded makes it hard to understand exactly what a vote for or against means. See below for each amendment as stated and what a yea or nay vote would mean.

Amendment 1: Do you support an amendment declaring that to protect human life, a right to abortion and the funding of abortion shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution?

1. Yea Vote: State that nothing in the Constitution protects a right to abortion
2. Nay Vote: Leave the Constitution with no specific language on abortion

Amendment 2:  Do you support an amendment to permit the presence or production of oil or gas to be included in the methodology used to determine the fair market value of an oil or gas well for the purpose of property assessment?

1. Yea Vote: Allow for a well’s oil and gas production when valuing it for property tax assessment.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current methods of oil and gas well assessment

Amendment 3:  Do you support an amendment to allow for the use of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, for state costs associated with a disaster declared by the federal government?

1. Yea Vote: Allow the Budget Stabilization Fund to be tapped when there is a federally declared disaster.
2. Nay Vote: Continue to restrict use of the Budget Stabilization Fund to revenue shortfalls.

Amendment 4:  Do you support an amendment to limit the growth of the expenditure limit for the state general fund and dedicated funds and to remove the calculation of its growth factor from the Constitution?

1. Yea Vote: Create a new state budget spending limit with probable slower growth.
2. Nay Vote: Continue the current method for an expenditure limit.

Amendment 5:  Do you support an amendment to authorize local governments to enter into cooperative endeavor ad valorem tax exemption agreements with new or expanding manufacturing establishments for payments in lieu of taxes?

1. Yea Vote: Provide new options for manufacturers and local governments to schedule payments instead of property taxes for industrial expansions.
2. Nay vote: Leave the current system as the only set of options for property taxes, payments or exemptions for manufacturers. 

Amendment 6:  Do you support an amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption?

1. Yea Vote: Allow homeowners with higher incomes to qualify for the property tax assessment freeze.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current income threshold for property tax freezes.

Amendment 7:  Do you support an amendment to create the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund to preserve the money that remains unclaimed by its owner or owners?

1. Yea Vote: Protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current program that benefits the state general fund.

Proposition:  Shall sports wagering activities and operations be permitted in the parish of ______?

1. Yea Vote: Permit sports wagering in the voter’s parish.
2. Nay Vote: Forbid sports wagering in the voter’s parish.

Don’t know what to do this weekend or next? Maybe you have heard about something that is taking place but don’t know where to find any information about it. The Jackson Parish Journal is hoping this new site will be of value to you. See below for activities and events that are taking place this week or in the near future.

RESIDENTS ROCK (month of October): The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce announces that October is national Residents Rights Month in Louisiana. Forest Haven Nursing Home invites you to get involved by showing off your artistic talents to the residents there.

Participation is simple. First find a rock that is not too big. Second paint it however you want. It can be a picture of anything you want to portray or provide some kind of inspirational meaning. Once finished drop it off at a designated box located at the front door of the facility. They will then be given to residents in an effort to brighten their day and rooms.

Concerts in the Park (October 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd) : The Jackson Parish Tourism  Committee and Jackson Parish Library invites you to come and enjoy good fellowship and music each Wednesday evening throughout the month of October at Veteran’s Park in downtown Jonesboro.  Come one and all as there no admission fee charged.

1. October 8^th – rock/blues/soul singer Josh Love will perform from 5:30- 7:00 pm.
2. October 15^th – folk/soft rock singer Jon Sorenson will provide his “coffeehouse sound.” Also that evening is the Jackson Parish Art Contest Awards Ceremony.
3. October 22^nd – 1940’s/big band and patriotic songs will be the theme sung by the Belles at 5:30-6:30 pm.

CAMP MEETING (October 19-22): Full Gospel Temple located on 773 Walker Road in Jonesboro announces the 2020 Camp Meeting will begin on Monday, October 19^th and run until Thursday, October 22^nd. Each day will at 10:00 am and again at 7:00 pm inspirational services will be taking place led by several dynamic speakers. Youth services will be held that Tuesday thru Thursday at 5:30 pm. For more information please contact Pastor Joel Sneed at 318-237-1583.   

Fall Decorating Contest: (Month of October)The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the following businesses have entered the Fall decorating contest: Grits and  Grace, Serendipity, Sunrise and Company, Forest Haven, Jackson Parish Bank, Driving done right, Kay’s design and Protective Insurance.

Participants are reminded to please keep in mind that decorations should be in your window or door entering your business. Winners will be announced on Halloween Day, October 31^st.

Part II of a II Part Series

For citizens of color this election could well mean the death nail in the coffin, especially in view of the fact that federal courts are now being stacked with young, ultra conservative, Republican judges and justices who will sit on the bench for the next thirty or forty years.  These conservative judges and justices (some who are unqualified and have little or no experience) are predicted to move quickly and with vengeance to overturn or weaken the existence of national liberal policies and ultimately overturn the Affordable Health Care Act, the case of Roe V Wade, overturning gay and lesbian marriages, deciding in favor of striking down the 1965 Voting Rights Act as being unconstitutional and no longer needed and are eager to  uphold white supremacy views and philosophy .

 The successful appointment of a new justice to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will create a conservative majority on the United States Supreme Court.  Whomever is appointed is expected to repay the favor of having been selected and appointed by the president by rubber stamping and doing the president’s bidding, as has been done by the people’s Attorney General Bill Barr.  These new federal bench appointees will in all probability waste no time in moving swiftly to uphold state’s requests to limit voter participation, uphold the government’s goal to outlaw a free press, ruling favorably on state’s requests to limit expansions of Federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, addressing issues regarding lack of fair and affordable housing opportunities embedded throughout our society as well as gentrification of communities across America, the notion of scaling back Social Security benefits, outlawing affirmative action programs and granting more powers to the executive branch of government should president Trump be re-elected.

Stacking the Federal courts with young, white, aggressive, conservative judges is indicative of President Trump’s goal to seal the fate of his non supporters and reward his supporters.  The Trump administration has taken a page from the playbook of the late former President Richard Nixon.  Nixon defined Politics as “rewarding your friends and punishing the hell out of your enemies.”  Over the last four years President Trump is credited with having appointed more Federal Judges and Justices than any President other than former President Jimmy Carter. Research data show that President Trump with the aid of Senate Majority leader and fellow Republican Mitch McConnel has made 198 appointments to federal benches across the nation. Of this record- speed breaking number of appointments, (198 being appointed), there has not been one African Amerian appointed under the Trump Administration.

Judges and justices who sit on the United States Supreme court and on lower subordinate federal courts speak and rule on important matters affecting the entire nation, matters regarding job discrimination within corporate America, racial injustice and inequality across the land,  disparities in our educational and health care systems, voter’s rights and voter suppression by states, women’s rights and who and how many citizens will sit in trial court jury boxes to name a few.  They will have the final say about the nation’s important business affairs, its social, economic, and political agenda.  It is believed and felt by many political commentators that these judges and justices (who are appointed for life) will play to the politics of reshaping America’s future, rather than being concerned about what is the just, fair and honorable thing to do. Consequently, the playing field of justice will never be leveled.

Thoughts concerning the outcome of the 2002 election have given writers, legal scholars and pundits much to think and write about.  The stakes are high, and reporters and writers must continue to cover as many aspects concerning this election as possible.  I will continue to write about the 2020 election because there is a need for the public to be kept abreast as to what is going on, the public needs to hear both sides of the story.  Having worked in the field of  Criminal Justice and consumer advocacy for much of my professional life and having been subjected to a life of fending for  poor and disadvantaged citizens across the nation, I have witnessed firsthand the cruelty and unfair treatment visited upon citizens who were barely hanging to the last rung of the social and economic ladders.  These experiences have provided me and other troopers with a unique perspective, a frontline view, and have compelled us to become advocates, trench men,  servants of the people, soldiers for justice, racial equality and fairness, and to become a small, faint voice for those who have no one to speak for them.  Our work has been and continues to be about the fulfilment of justice in America.

We learned very early in the struggles for Civil Rights and social justice that complacency is not an option.  Why?  Because the call of justice is an upward and lofty call that requires one to never give up or give in.  It requires one to be persistent, keep praying, keep hoping, keep knocking, keep protesting, and keep beating on the doors of justice and equality until they are opened for all citizens.  Advocates for social justice must never choose to become spectators during an election and opt to sit on the sideline while the game of life is being played down on the field by a team of questionable and unsavory politicians.  What is important and needed most at this juncture is for citizens to get in the game, mobilize, REGISTER and VOTE and do so as if their lives depended upon it.  Believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that YOUR vote will count and that by voting, you will have made a difference in the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election.

Remember that you are not only voting for your personal and family freedom, you are voting for freedom and justice from a nation that has oppressed a race of people (African Americans) for centuries.  You are voting for quality health care for all citizens, for economic and racial justice, for a stand against police brutality in communities of color, against white supremacy, voting against voter suppression, and above all you are voting for a just and free society where all men and women are treated fairly.  This is what is at stake in the 2020 elections!!  

Every waking hour of the day, citizens and advocates must pursue the call of justice and equality and do so with a resolve never to turn back, to stop or turn around.  Someone once reminded me that “justice will not arrive like a lightning bolt, but with persistence and resolve it will occur, all the days of our lives we must pursue justice”.   

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.

It was going to be a hard enough game as it was. After all the Tigers were facing the team that beat them 41-0 last year at home and then Loyola College Prep was considered a young team. Now the Flyers boast 20 seniors and are coming off a 45-0 shellacking of Magnolia School of Excellence. To make matters worse the Tigers will be once again playing without their normal starting offense/defensive line.

“Without a doubt we have our work cut out for us,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “We are going in less than full strength to the home of the team that won district 1-3A last year and have over 30 lettermen returning.”

Despite what looks like incredibly long odds against coming home with a victory Blankenship remained optimistic about the contest that pits the two teams that both won their season opener.

“Our guys have one thing going for them and that is they remember what happened last year” said Blankenship. “Also we may be down in numbers up front for the game but we still have all our playmakers. We aren’t going to just show up. We are going to win the game.”

The Flyers are led by versatile junior Jacob Lafitte who returns for a second campaign since taking over quarterbacking duties last year.  Rugged running back Wes Barlow, who also doubles as middle linebacker returns as well.

The Tigers will counter with returning quarterback Tydre Malone, fresh off a 2 touchdown performance and several gamebreakers in Jammariyea Lewis and Justin Calahan out wide and running backs LaJavion Nichols and Brantrel Thompson.

Keys to victory:
1.  Be strong upfront! It is asking a tall task but the youthful line is going to have to at least play to a standstill up front. If they get gashed like they did early in the Delta Charter contest the game will be over before it even gets started.

2. Get off to a good start! It is imperative that the Tigers start the game well. A few miscues early and it will be a long night.
3. Quick strike capability! Chances are JHHS isn’t going to be able to grind out a long drive. As result the Tigers must be able to demonstrate quick strike ability.
4. Stay away from injury! The Tigers are already thin going in. If certain playmakers get hurt it will be hard to overcome.
5. Don’t quit! Chances are the Tigers are going to get behind at some point. It is imperative they don’t give up and keep fighting.

Prediction:

Last week I predicted the Tigers to get off to a quick start and win 48-16. The Tigers did win by a 37-9 score but it wasn’t from a quick start but by finishing strong.

This week I would love to be able to pick JHHS to win but with them being so shorthanded it would be only a choice from the heart. I hope the Tigers pull off a shocker but the good money says……

Loyola 35     JHHS 16 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout this month the Jackson Parish Hospital is providing important information about breast cancer, including lifestyle related risk factors and how to get treatment and/or support.

Whether you or a loved one are worried about developing breast cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through breast cancer treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment this detailed information can help you find the answers you need. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Jackson Parish Hospital at 318-259-4435.

This week we look at Lifestyle-related Breast Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as breast cancer. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you are sure to get the disease.  Certain breast cancer risk factors are related to personal behaviors, such as diet and exercise. Other lifestyle-related risk factors include decisions about having children and taking medicines that contain hormones.

Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who have 1 alcoholic drink a day have a small (about 7% to 10%) increase in risk compared with non-drinkers, while women who have 2 to 3 drinks a day have about a 20% higher risk than non-drinkers. Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer, too. It is best not to drink alcohol. For women who do drink, they should have no more than 1 drink a day.

Being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese after menopause increases breast cancer risk. Before menopause your ovaries make most of your estrogen, and fat tissue makes only a small part of the total amount. After menopause (when the ovaries stop making estrogen), most of a woman’s estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue after menopause can raise estrogen levels and increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher blood insulin levels. Higher insulin levels have been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.

Still, the link between weight and breast cancer risk is complex. For instance, the risk of breast cancer after menopause is higher for women who gained weight as an adult, but the risk before menopause is actually lower in women who are obese. The reasons for this aren’t exactly clear.

Weight might also have different effects on different types of breast cancer. For example, being overweight after menopause is more strongly linked with an increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, whereas some research suggests that being overweight before menopause might increase your risk of the less common triple-negative breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends you stay at a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by balancing your food intake with physical activity.

Not being physically active

Evidence is growing that regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk, especially in women past menopause. The main question is how much activity is needed. Some studies have found that even as little as a couple of hours a week might be helpful, although more seems to be better.

Exactly how physical activity might reduce breast cancer risk isn’t clear, but it may be due to its effects on body weight, inflammation, hormones, and energy balance. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or going over the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal.

Not having children

Women who have not had children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk overall. Having many pregnancies and becoming pregnant at an early age reduces breast cancer risk.

Still, the effect of pregnancy on breast cancer risk is complex. For example, the risk of breast cancer is higher for about the first decade after having a child, particularly for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer (including the less common triple-negative breast cancer). The risk then becomes lower over time.

Not breastfeeding

Most studies suggest that breastfeeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if it’s continued for a year or more. But this has been hard to study, especially in countries like the United States, where breastfeeding for this long is uncommon.

The explanation for this possible effect may be that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s total number of lifetime menstrual cycles (the same as starting menstrual periods at a later age or going through early menopause).

Birth control

Some birth control methods use hormones, which might increase breast cancer risk.

Oral contraceptives: Most studies have found that women using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. Once the pills are stopped, this risk seems to go back to normal within about 10 years.

Birth control shot: Depo-Provera is an injectable form of progesterone that’s given once every 3 months for birth control. Some studies have found that women currently using birth-control shots seem to have an increase in breast cancer risk, but other studies have not found an increased risk.

Birth control implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), skin patches, vaginal rings: These forms of birth control also use hormones, which in theory could fuel breast cancer growth. Some studies have shown a link between use of hormone-releasing IUDs and breast cancer risk, but few studies have looked at the use of birth control implants, patches, and rings and breast cancer risk.

 

Hormone therapy after menopause

Hormone therapy with estrogen (often combined with progesterone) has been used for many years to help relieve symptoms of menopause and help prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). This treatment goes by many names, such as post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

There are 2 main types of hormone therapy. For women who still have a uterus (womb), doctors generally prescribe estrogen and progesterone (known as combined hormone therapy, or just HT). Progesterone is needed because estrogen alone can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. For women who’ve had a hysterectomy (who no longer have a uterus), estrogen alone can be used. This is known as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or just estrogen therapy (ET).

Combined hormone therapy (HT): Use of combined hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer. This increase in risk is typically seen after about 4 years of use. Combined HT also increases the likelihood that the cancer may be found at a more advanced stage.

The increased risk from combined HT appears to apply mainly to current and recent users. A woman’s breast cancer risk seems to go back down within 5 years of stopping treatment.

Bioidentical hormone therapy: The word bioidentical is sometimes used to describe versions of estrogen and progesterone with the same chemical structure as those found naturally in people (as opposed to the slightly different versions found in most medicines). The use of these hormones has been marketed as a safe way to treat the symptoms of menopause. But because there aren’t many studies comparing “bioidentical” or “natural” hormones to synthetic versions of hormones, there’s no proof that they’re safer or more effective. More studies are needed to know for sure. Until then, the use of these bioidentical hormones should be considered to have the same health risks as any other type of hormone therapy.

Estrogen therapy (ET): Studies of the use of estrogen alone after menopause have had mixed results, with some finding a slightly higher risk and some finding no increase. If ET does increase the risk of breast cancer, it is not by much.

At this time there aren’t many strong reasons to use post-menopausal hormone therapy (either combined HT or ET), other than possibly for the short-term relief of menopausal symptoms. Along with the increased risk of breast cancer, combined HT also appears to increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and strokes. It does lower the risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporosis, but this must be weighed against the possible harms, especially since there are other ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and screening can sometimes prevent colon cancer. ET does not seem to increase breast cancer risk, but it does increase the risk of stroke.

The decision to use HT should be made by a woman and her doctor after weighing the possible risks and benefits (including the severity of her menopausal symptoms), and considering her other risk factors for heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. If they decide she should try HT for symptoms of menopause, it’s usually best to use it at the lowest dose that works for her and for as short a time as possible.

Breast implants

Breast implants have not been linked with an increased risk of the most common types of breast cancer. However, they have been linked to a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which can form in the scar tissue around the implant. This lymphoma appears to happen more often in implants with textured (rough) surfaces rather than smooth surfaces. If BIA-ALCL does occur after an implant, it can show up as a lump, a collection of fluid, swelling, or pain near the implant, or as a change in a breast’s size or shape.

At about 4:30 p.m. on June 19, 1999, 51-year-old Edwin was enjoying his daily stroll along the highway near his home in Lovell, Maine.  It was a gorgeous walk under the shade of a variety of Oak and evergreen trees.  Although there was no sidewalk, Edwin felt safe as he walked along the gravel shoulder of the road.  Old stone fences stood just off of the west side of state highway 5.  An occasional break in the fences and trees offered Edwin gorgeous views of Maine’s countryside.         

41-year-old disabled former construction worker Bryan Smith and Bullet, his Rottweiler, were camping on nearby Kezar Lake.  In preparation for their camping trip, Bryan had filled his ice chest with steaks and cold drinks.  Twenty years earlier, Bryan had an accident at work which severely injured his back.  His chronic back pain was so intense that his mobility was limited and he was only able to walk with a cane.  Much to his pleasure, his work-related injury did not hinder his driving ability.  While at the campsite, Bryan got a craving for something sweet.  When he realized he had not brought any snacks, he decided to go to the nearest store to get some Mars candy bars.  He loaded Bullet into his 1985 Dodge Caravan and headed to the store.  As they drove, Bryan heard a commotion coming from behind him.  He turned and saw Bullet trying to get to the steaks in the cooler.

Edwin was walking up a short hill against traffic when he saw Bryan’s Dodge veer toward him.  There was no time for Edwin or Bryan to react.  Bryan’s van struck Edwin on his right side.  The force of the impact threw Edwin about twelve feet into the air and into the ditch near a pile of rocks.  Bryan slammed on the brakes. 

Stunned and injured from the impact, Edwin looked up and saw the back of Bryan’s van.  He noticed the back of the van was dusty and dirty.  He carefully wiped blood out of his eyes.  He glanced around and saw Bryan sitting on a nearby rock with a cane across his lap.  When Bryan noticed that Edwin was conscious, he calmly, yet somewhat cheerily, reassured him that help was on the way.  Bryan then commiserated, “Ain’t the two of us just had the [expletive] of luck?”  Edwin gave no reply.  He looked at his body and noticed that it was “wrenched half a turn to the right.”  Bryan told him that his right leg was broken in “maybe six places.”  Edwin drifted in and out of consciousness while Bryan calmly waited for emergency services to arrive. 

Edwin regained consciousness when Emergency Medical Technicians cut the jeans from his lower body.  One of the bones in Edwin’s right leg was crushed into something resembling “many marbles in a sock.”  He suffered a fractured hip and pelvis, four broken ribs, a scalp laceration, and his spine was chipped in eight places.  EMTs strapped him onto a gurney and loaded him into an ambulance.  The EMT treating Edwin told the driver “You want to really hammer it.”  The ambulance sped off and traveled at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour toward the nearest hospital.  Once at the hospital, doctors quickly made the decision to fly Edwin to a larger hospital which was better equipped to render the aid that Edwin’s injuries required.  One of the EMTs asked Edwin if he had ever flown in a helicopter before.  Edwin tried to respond but suddenly struggled to breathe.  He was only able to whisper, “Feel like I’m drowning.”  Edwin’s lung had collapsed.  EMTs inserted a breathing tube and Edwin was able to breathe again.  Edwin remembered looking out at the bright summer sky and thinking “I am actually lying in death’s doorway.”

The EMTs’ quick response saved Edwin’s life.  Doctors performed several “marathon surgical procedures” and repaired his broken body.  Ten days after the accident, Edwin was finally able to get out of the hospital bed.  He was only able to sit up for short times before the pain to his hip and pelvis was too much to endure.  Edwin’s recovery was slow and painful.  Sometime during Edwin’s recovery, his wife bought Bryan’s van for $1,600 to keep Bryan from selling pieces of the van as souvenirs.

Police learned that Bryan had several driving offenses to his discredit.  He was convicted of two speeding violations in 1988, operating under the influence in 1989, failing to produce proof insurance in 1991, two more speeding violations in 1994, and driving to endanger and failing to stop for a police officer in connection with an incident in 1998.  On September 30, 1999, a grand jury charged Bryan with aggravated assault and driving to endanger.  If convicted, Bryan would face more than 10 years in prison.

Bryan was remorseful but claimed that he was being treated unfairly.  “To be honest with you,” he told reporters, “I am very deeply sorry.”  He argued that “I’m being used as a guinea pig.  I know I hit him.  I didn’t mean to.  Somebody can’t accept that.  Why can’t they accept that it was an accident?”  Edwin was angry that Bryan was able to keep his driving privileges for three months following the collision, and argued for jail time for Bryan to keep him from driving as long as possible.  Bryan eventually pled guilty to driving to endanger and received a six-month suspended sentence.  As a condition of his plea agreement, he was banned from driving for a year.  Edwin, shocked by the lite sentence, referred to the plea agreement as “irresponsible public business.”  Edwin angrily criticized Bryan to reporters, “This guy…has the IQ of a tomato-soup can.  An empty tomato-soup can.”

In September of 2000, Bryan’s mother became concerned because none of the family had heard from Bryan in three days.  She went to Bryan’s trailer but was unable to get him to answer the door.  Bryan’s brother asked that a deputy from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department check on Bryan.  A deputy peered through the windows and saw Bryan lying in his bed with the covers pulled up to his chest.  The deputy knocked on the window and shouted but Bryan would not respond.  The only sound from the trailer came from Bryan’s two Rottweilers, Bullet and Pistol, who barked at the deputy.  The deputy forced his way into Bryan’s trailer and an animal control officer took charge of Bullet and Pistol.  The deputy checked but found no pulse.  43-year-old Bryan was dead.  The deputy found seven different medications that Bryan had been taking for pain and depression.  There was no evidence to suspect foul play and they found no suicide note.  Three months later, the medical examiner revealed that, based on Bryan’s toxicology report, he had died of an accidental overdose of the strong painkiller Fentanyl.                           

According to his headstone, Bryan died on September 21, 2000, which was Edwin’s 53^rd birthday.  In addition, Bryan and Edwin shared the same middle name.  Edwin, the man whom Bryan hit with his van, was the middle name of horror fiction writer Stephen King.

 

Sources:

1. The Bangor Daily News, January 5, 2000, p.11.
2. The Province (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), June 18, 2000, p.38.
3. The Observer (London, England), September 17, 2000, P.224.
4. The Bangor Daily News, September 25, 2000, p.1.
5. The Bangor Daily News, September 27, 2000, p.14.
6. The Bangor Daily News, October 30, 2000, p.3.
7. The Bangor Daily News, December 6, 2000, p.15.
8. Find A Grave. “Bryan Edwin Smith.” Accessed September 27, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5083094/bryan-edwin-smith.

One more day! That is all the time that is left to help support for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team by ordering your Tiger T-Shirt. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Terrance Blankenship is hoping that Tiger fans will step up to assist the team following the loss of income caused by the problems associated with the Coronavirus epidemic.

“Dealing with this epidemic has been the most trying situation we have ever had to deal with and it has severely hurt us financially,” said Blankenship. “We lost what would have been our two biggest revenue making games in Winnfield and West Ouachita when it was decided to only have an eight game schedule. Plus there have been large expenditures that we have had to incur that normally wouldn’t come into the picture.”

As result the coaching staff and players have been working hard in attempting to bridge the gap through fund raisers like the sale of the T-Shirts. As shown below the front designates this is the JHHS 2020 football season with the back having the name of each player. To place an order simply copy the form and bring it to the high school by the end of the school day Thursday.

The 46th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival will open its gates on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11. Exhibitors will display their wares beneath the gorgeous live oak trees of Melrose Plantation. Artists and crafters will showcase their original paintings, drawings, stained glass, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, photography, plants toys, woodworking, pottery and so much more.

The festival is sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) and all proceeds go directly to the preservation and conservation of Melrose Plantation, a National Historic Landmark.

Masks will be required to be worn at all times on site.

This year, the event has been modified to ensure a safe experience for visitors, vendors, and workers. Hand sanitizing stations will be erected. All vendor booths will be spaced out and the number of people on site will be carefully monitored to ensure social-distancing guidelines are met.

Tours of the plantation home, the “Big House,” will be available, with guides. Tickets for tours of the Big House are $5 and will be available for purchase on the day. Self-guided tours of the grounds and viewing of all the historic buildings are free.

Festival Hours: Saturday, October 10th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, October 11th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

To purchase tickets go online to http://www.melroseplantation.org/shop. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12, and children 5 and under are free!

• 

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Below is a listing of people arrested by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) and Hodge Police Department (HPD )including the charges brought against them during the dates of September 29 thru October 4^th.

1. Leonza T. Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Speeding
2. Zjhavaelin Holmes (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Speeding, Driving under suspended license
3. Leterron Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drug, Illegal possession of a weapon in presence of a controlled dangerous substance, Headlight violation
4. Richard Carvell III (Jonesboro, LA) – Criminal Conspiracy
5. Jimmie Thompson (Saline, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, Distribution of a Schedule II drug, Criminal Conspiracy
6. Jennifer Lowe (Jonesboro, LA) – Distribution of a Schedule II drug
7. Adam Malone (Chatham, LA) – Obscenity
8. Dustin H. Westbrook (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Distributing the Peace
9. Mathew J. Guy (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace(Public Intoxication)
10. James P. Norris (Quitman, LA) – Execution of Sentence X2
11. Leslie B. Bougous (Dodson, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug

Over the years Jonesboro has been known for several iconic things. At one time it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest unbroken sidewalk in the nation. The paper mill (actually located in Hodge) also made news years ago by being home to the largest paper machine ever built.

More recently Jonesboro has laid claim to having the most Christmas lights of a town its size and the annual Christmas Wonderland in the Pines festival has drawn thousands who come to witness the incredible display of down town at night.  According to a statement issued recently by Mayor Leslie Thompson this too will be a thing of the past.

“The Town of Jonesboro has a rich tradition of lighting up the town during the Christmas season.  As we are living in unprecedented times, at some point everything goes through changes.  It is most unfortunate that the town is financially unable to support the Christmas lighting at the same level as in previous years.  No one enjoys the lights more than my family and me, but in order to keep essential city services operating; the budget is unable to sustain lighting as in previous years.” 

“We have met with the Chamber of Commerce on several occasions to suggest alternatives to the town bearing the majority cost for the lighting as in the past.  We suggested that each business would decorate their own storefront, use volunteers, or contract with someone to decorate for them.  The town would be willing to decorate the boulevard and other public spaces (along Hwy 167) which would be at a minimal cost.  In an effort to assist local businesses, the town has agreed to provide lights, which are owned by the town, to businesses which request them.”

“Putting up Christmas lights costs the Town of Jonesboro approximately $112,813 including staff time and expenses for equipment and supplies.  In return the town recoups about $6,000 from businesses paying to put up lights, and there is no real change in the amount of sales taxes during this period.  We lose money every year but have continued to foot the bill because the town was in a more financially secure position prior to 2020.”

“As always, we are willing to work with the Chamber to make things happen for the citizens of the Town of Jonesboro.  These are difficult and unusual times for everyone and no one regrets more than me that we are unable to light up the town at Christmas.  I hope and trust that as you see the numbers here, you will agree that the decision we have made to work with the Chamber to provide minimal lighting was the right decision for all of the citizens of the Town of Jonesboro.”

Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

Mayor Thompson

Even Mother Nature showed that she is ready for some football. This week began with a cool nip in the air as temperatures dropped into the upper 50’s. According to the long range forecast by kickoff this Friday evening much the same can be expected. That is FOOTBALL weather.

The 101^st edition of Jonesboro-Hodge Tiger football will begin the 2020 season by venturing to Ferriday to take on Class A Delta Charter who will be entering only their sixth season. Last year the Tigers beat the Storm by a score of 56-28.

See below for the expected strengths and weaknesses of both teams:

Jonesboro- Hodge:

Strengths:  The Tigers return their entire starting backfield from a year ago. Junior Quarterback Tydre Malone and sophomore LaJavion Nichols are expected to have standout seasons with each looking tremendous in pre-season practices and last week’s scrimmage. The receiving corp has good speed and has good open field ability. Defensively the Tigers have decent size and return several who played important roles last year.

Weaknesses: The line is untested and several are moving into new positions. It remains to be seen how well they will do. Another possible problem is the depth of the team. If the injury bug hits certain positions it could derail a promising season.

Delta Charter

Strengths:  The Storm was basically a one man show last year and running back Tre Griffin returns for his final campaign. The senior averaged roughly 104 yards per game and accounted for nearly half (1824) of the 3820 total yards Delta Charter gained in 2019. The Storm rarely throws the ball but when they do Senior Kenzeric  Hollins who caught 11 passes for 252 yards  a year ago is the main target.

Weaknesses: The expected starting quarterback junior Peyton Roberts threw a total of one pass last year and the rushing/receiving production falls off dramatically behind the above mentioned duo. Delta Charter also lost their top three tacklers with many untested and new players being inserted into a defense that gave up 30 or more points in 8 of their 12 contests including the 56 the Tigers put on them.

Prediction:

Expect the Tigers to score early and often……..                  JHHS 48                Delta Charter 16

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the next four weeks the Jackson Parish Hospital will be providing important information about breast cancer, lifestyle related risk factors and how to get treatment and/or support.

Whether you or a loved one are worried about developing breast cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through breast cancer treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment this detailed information can help you find the answers you need.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.

It’s important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Non-cancerous breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast. They are not life threatening, but some types of benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.  Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care professional to determine if it is benign or malignant (cancer) and if it might affect your future cancer risk.

Where breast cancer starts

Breast cancers can start from different parts of the breast. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. (ductal cancers) Some start in the glands that make breast milk. (lobular cancers) A small number of cancers start in other tissues in the breast. These cancers are called sarcomas and lymphomas and are not really thought of as breast cancers.

Although many types of breast cancer can cause a lump in the breast, not all do. Many breast cancers are also found on screening mammograms, which can detect cancers at an earlier stage, often before they can be felt, and before symptoms develop.

Types of breast cancer

There are many different types of breast cancer. Common ones include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma. Others, like phyllodes tumors and angiosarcoma are less common.

Once a biopsy is done, breast cancer cells are tested for proteins called estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2. The tumor cells are also closely looked at in the lab to find out what grade it is. The specific proteins found and the tumor grade can help decide treatment options.

How breast cancer spreads

Breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and are carried to other parts of the body.  The lymph system is a network of lymph (or lymphatic) vessels found throughout the body that connects lymph nodes (small bean-shaped collections of immune system cells).

The clear fluid inside the lymph vessels, called lymph, contains tissue by-products and waste material, as well as immune system cells. The lymph vessels carry lymph fluid away from the breast. In the case of breast cancer, cancer cells can enter those lymph vessels and start to grow in lymph nodes. Most of the lymph vessels of the breast drain into:

1. Lymph nodes under the arm (axillary nodes)
2. Lymph nodes around the collar bone (supraclavicular [above the collar bone] and infra-clavicular [below the collar bone] lymph nodes)
3. Lymph nodes inside the chest near the breast bone (internal mammary lymph nodes)

Next week we will look at lifestyles that are conducive to breast cancer risk.

By: Glynn Harris

            “Puppy Love is an informal term for feelings of love often felt during childhood and adolescence. It is named for its resemblance to the adoring, worshipful affection that may be felt by a puppy.” (Copied)

            I have been on the receiving end of such love for much of my life as a child, teenager and as an adult.

            I recall pups with names like Tippy and Rusty but years have erased most of those memories except I remember what faithful companions they were as they trailed along behind me on ventures to the woods, stopping to investigate a toad or a lizard.

            The first vivid memory of a pup involved a bob-tailed pooch named Jody. He wasn’t supposed to have his tail whacked off. That was reserved for breeds like cocker spaniels which we thought Jody was until we learned his mom, a registered cocker, had a fling with a mixed breed mongrel down the street. It was only after he was ours that we knew without a doubt he was only half cocker spaniel. The other half was heaven knows what.

            Jody had the makings of a good squirrel dog and was just beginning to tree squirrels when he decided to cross the road in front of a car. The Buick won.

            Then there was Bambi, a little bitty doe colored Chihuahua. When Kay and I married, her nine year old daughter, Melissa, was excited to have a pup included in the deal. Bambi grew old, became weak and frail and we had to make the decision no one wants to make. We loved her too much to see her suffer so we did what we had to do. She was no longer in pain but ours was real.

            Next to come to our home to live was Trixie. Her arrival was accompanied with a strange set of circumstances. My wife, Kay, was working in an office down town when someone brought in a matted and dirty little pup that was found wandering the streets and was in dire danger of being run over. Kay’s compassion took over and she brought the little dog home. We cleaned her up, took her to our vet to have her checked out. It was only then that we learned she was a poodle.

            We named her Trixie because she told us her name. Not really but as we called out various dog’s names to her, every time we said “Trixie” her ears perked up so someone had named her that or something similar. Trixie it was.

                There was not a sweeter little dog in the world than Trixie. For the 10 years or so that we had her, she was warm and cuddly and loving, obviously appreciative of being rescued. Just like Bambi, age and ailments eventually rendered her existence miserable. Once again, we had to make a difficult but necessary decision to ease her pain and misery. Gosh, that hurt to have to do that but we loved her too much to do otherwise.

            We waited a year or so before thinking about bringing another puppy into our lives. An ad in the paper described a little Papillion at a kennel and when we arrived, it was love at first sight. There was a tiny fur ball we had to have so we paid the lady, bundled him in a blanket my wife had purchased and brought him home and named him Rufus. Before leaving the kennel, I rubbed the blanket on his mom, placed it in the crate we had for him and when he sniffed his mom’s scent, a little tail began wagging and his whole life, that blanket became his surrogate mom.

            For 16 years, 8 months and five days, he was a vital part of our family, vital to the extent that we spoiled him. Early mornings he had to have a particular treat and at 5:00 in the afternoon, it was his snack bone followed by his daily ride to the park. He was virtually the little boy we never had and we spoiled him rotten.

            Over this past year, he began gradually losing his eyesight and hearing and spent most of the day sleeping. Then last week, more serious problems occurred, difficulty in breathing, he was increasingly in distress and once again we knew we had to make that dreaded decision.

            Just before the lethal dose sent him over the Rainbow Bridge, he reached over and licked my hand and my eyes are getting wet as I write this. Kay and I take comfort in believing that today, he’s free of pain and romping the fields of Heaven with Bambi and Trixie.

FISHING REPORT

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been fair this week. A few bream reports have come in. No reports on crappie or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Bream are fair; others are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – The river is fairly high but likely to see a significant rise because of heavy rains. Crappie Masters is holding its national championship this weekend on the river and the influx of high water will make for some interesting and challenging fishing. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake is currently around 3 feet down during the drawdown but heavy rains will slow the drawdown for sure. Currently, the crappie fishing has been best on the flats fishing jigs. Any color with chartreuse in the mix seems to be working best. Look for bass in the run-outs where there is current. Crank baits, spinners and soft plastics are picking up a few. Bream have slowed while catfishing is good on cold worms or night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass fishing has been good on a variety of lures but most of the fish are running rather small. Could these be Tiger bass? Not sure at this point. Striper fishing continues to produce but rains are hampering the topwater action. However, some are still being caught trolling white bucktails and spoons. Catfishing has been fair tight-lining cold worms off the banks. Bream are slow while some crappie are still being caught around submerged tops in deeper water on shiners or jigs. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best fishing deeper water along the channel edges on soft plastics and crank baits with a few in the 8 pound range reported. Schooling activity has slowed this week. Crappie fishing is fair around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs. Some channel catfish in the 4-6 pound range have been caught tightlining cold worms. Bream are slow to fair. 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.

LAKE POVERTY POINT –Catfishing is fair for smaller sized fish. No report on bass, bream or crappie. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair on topwaters early and late and soft plastics during the day. Catfishing is fair. Bream and crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising which will put a damper on what was good fishing last week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Bass fishing has improved on soft plastics. Other species are slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS 2020

The Secretary of State has announced that 87% of Louisiana residents have registered to vote in the upcoming November 3^rd elections.  Whether it is the presidential election looming, important federal, state and local positions are going to be filled or for the first time ever residents will be allowed to vote on Louisiana becoming a legal sports wagering state the number of people registered is at an all-time high.

It is important that everyone knows their rights, how to register to vote, reviews the ballot, are able to find their precinct and casts their ballots correctly. Shown below is a “Cliff-Notes” version of the what, where, how and when of the upcoming election.  Make sure to let your voice be heard!

IN PERSON OR MAIL VOTING REGISTRATION

October 5th is the final day you can register to vote either in person or by mail. To register in person visit the Registrar of Voters Office in the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Jonesboro, LA.

To register and vote in Louisiana you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Must be 18 years old prior to the next election to be eligible to vote
3. Reside in the parish in which you seek to register and vote. If you reside in more than one location you can register at only one residence.
4. Not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony for at least five years
5. Not be under a judgement of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights.

ONLINE VOTING REGISTRATION

The deadline to register online to vote through GeauxVote.com is October 13th. The award-winning GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app was the first-of-its-kind and puts important election information in the palm of your hand.  After downloading the app, you can check your registration status, find your precinct, look at your personalized sample ballot, and watch election results in real-time on election night.

On-line registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  You will receive a voter information card by mail when your registration is complete.  If you do not receive a voter information card within 30 days of registering, contact our local Registrar of Voters Office at (318) 259-2486.

VOTING OPTIONS

There are several options for you to make your vote count.  Choose the option that works best for you. Most importantly of all make sure that you do your part by letting your voice be heard.

VOTE BY MAIL – Voting by mail is a convenient option for voters who: will be absent on Election Day and during the early voting period, are in the military, are an overseas citizen, have a disability, area a senior citizen, are a student or qualify under one of tHe specific reason allowed by law to vote by mail.  (A list can be found at www.GeauxVote.com)

You can apply to vote by mail at http://www.GeauzVote.com or by contacting our local Registrar of Voters Office. All voted mail ballots must be received by the local Registrar of Voters Office by 4:30 P.M. on the day before an election, except for military, overseas citizens, and eligible hospitalized voters who have until Election Day.

EARLY VOTING

Early voting is a great convenience for voters wanting to avoid long lines on Election Day. Early voting begins on October 16^th and runs through October 27^th. Voting hours are 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 pm daily.  Voters in line by 6:00 P.M. each day of the early voting period will be allowed to vote.

ELECTION DAY VOTING

It is important that you know the precinct you are registered to vote in and where that is located.  To find your precinct online at http://www.GeauxVote.com, use the GeauxVote Mobil smartphone app or contact the Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters Office. 

Bring a photo ID with you to vote.  You may use a Louisiana Driver’s License, a Louisiana Special ID card, or other generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature, such as a passport.  You may obtain a FREE photo ID card at the Office of Motor Vehicles by presenting your voter information card.  If you do not have a photo ID on Election Day, you will be required to sign an affidavit and supply personal identification information.

You are allowed three minutes to cast your vote unless you are entitled to assistance or use the audio voting keypad.  Review your ballot ahead of time by going to http://www.GeauxVote.com.

Remember, you have the right to a campaign-free zone on Election Day.  Electioneering within 600 feet of the polling site is not allowed and individuals may not bring or wear any campaign literature to the pools.  Private property is exempt.

The response from Jonesboro-Hodge High School head football coach Terrance Blankenship following last Friday’s scrimmage with Pickering when asked about what his feelings were was what you would expect from a seasoned veteran of the sidelines – typical “Coach Speak”.

“We did some good things,” said Blankenship. “But there were some things that we have got to clean up before next week.”

Go back before the beginning of any prior season and you would hear about the same thing. The only difference this time was that he said it with a grin on his face which upon further prodding proved to find out that the Tigers performance has led him to be optimistic about the upcoming season.

“I was very encouraged about what I saw” continued Blankenship. “Maybe this is the year that we can bring home a district championship.”

A district title would be the first in Blankenship’s eight year tenure but the Tigers have been getting closer each year. The last three years they have come in second each season and were just a late score away at North Caddo from winning the district 1-2A championship last year. The cause of the optimism is the return of a talented offensive cast and the promise of an unproven but apparently strong defense.

“I felt coming in we would be able to move the ball on offense and our play showed that we should be in good shape as long as we stay healthy,” said Blankenship. “Our defense didn’t allow a score and we were short a couple of guys so I am in hopes we will be OK on that side of the ball as well.”

It is expected to be breakout season for junior quarterback Tydre Malone and sophomore running back LaJavion Nichols. Both played up to their billing with Malone looking crisp in the pocket and Nichols gaining yardage in chunks as well as being a force at middle linebacker.

“These two have the capability to have an outstanding season if we can keep them on the field,” reflected Blankenship who also mentioned several others who made their presence felt.

“Mosee(Devontae), Calahan (Justin) and Boston (Cornelius) all showed they can be explosive at receiver,” said Blankenship. “Xavier Atkins, who is only a freshman, proved he is ready to play varsity ball also.”

The Tigers open the season this Friday by traveling to Ferriday to take on Delta Charter. Game time is set for 7 pm.

 2020 Jonesboro-Hodge High School Roster

#             NAME                                   POSITION            Hgt         Wgt        Class

1             Calahan, Justin                  WR/DB                 5’8″        170         Jr.

2              Nichols, LaJavion              RB/LB                    6’0″        200         So.

3              Thompson, Brantrel        RB/DB                   5’8″        160         Jr.

4              Lewis, JaMarriyea            WR/DB                 6’1″        180         Jr.

5              Leonard, Chase                 WR/DB                 5’9″        160         So.

6              Boston, Cornelius             WR/DB                 5’10”      175         Sr.

7              Holden, Javious                 WR/DB                 5’9″        160         Jr.

8              Malone, Tydre                   QB/DB                  6’2″        180         Jr.

9              McGuire, Davion              WR/DB                 5’10”      185         Sr.

10           Webb, Connor                   TE/LB                     6’2″        205         Sr.

11           Andrews, Javeon             TE/DE                    6’4″        225         Jr.

12           Bowie, Datre’vien            WR/DB                 6’1″        175         Sr.

13           Malone, Symeon              QB/DB                  6’0″        160         Fr.

14           Mozee, DeVontae           WR/DB                 6’1″        160         Jr.

17           Strickland, Dominick       TE/LB                     6’1″        200         So.

19           Thompson, D’Marrian    WR/DB                 5’10”      130         Fr.

20           Drayton, Ed’Tavious        TE/LB                     6’1″        175         So.

21           Phillips, Savantez             WR/DB                 5’10”      175         So.

22           Thompson, Titus               WR/DB                 5’4″        105         Fr.

23           Leonard, Chance              RB/LB                    5’6″        185         Fr.

24           Atkins, Xavier                     WR/DB                 6’1″        175         Fr.

25           Bolds, Raynald                   WR/DB                 5’9″        150         So.

28           Jackson, Omarrion           WR/DB                 5’9″        145         So.

31           Hernandez, Manuel        WR/DB                 5’8″        145         Jr.

32           Williams, Amar                  WR/DB                 5’10”      165         So.

43           Burks, LaVontae               OL/LB                    5’10”      190         So.

50           Qualls, Jayden                   OL/DL                    6’1″        240         Fr.

52           Henderson, Quiyontae  OL/DL                    6’0″        220         Sr.

53           Bryant, Chaunasy             OL/DL                    5’11”      190         So.

54           Price, Aiden                        OL/DL                    5’11”      220         Jr.

55           Jones, Calen                       OL/DL                    5’10”      185         So.

56           Williams, Terry                  OL/DL                    6’0″        200         Jr.

57           Howard, Quirese              OL/DL                    6’3″        300         Fr.

58           Smith, Peyton                   OL/DL                    6’2″        235         So.

60           Beard, Phillip                      OL/DL                    6’0″        205         Sr.

61           Jones, Demerrius             OL/DL                    5’11”      220         Fr.

63           Bryant, Chase                    OL/DL                    6’1″        225         Sr.

66           Tatum, Josh                        OL/DL                    6’1″        270         So.

70           Knotts, Austin                    OL/DL                    6’1″        340         So.

71           Leonard, Braylon              OL/DL                    5’8″        235         Fr.

72           Levingston, Skylar            OL/DL                    6’2″        330         Sr.

73           Boston, Kehlin                   OL/DL                    5’10”      260         So.

74           Waters, Cartavious          OL/DL                    5’10”      255         So.

80           Atkins, Kalep                      WR/DB                 5’10”      145         Fr.

88           Bradford, Tyler                  WR/DB                 6’0″        160         So.

Head Coach: Terrance Blankenship                                                                         

Assistant Coaches:  Anthony Anderson, Kris Cash, Justin Durbin, Carlos Hicks, Robert Hunter,  Ethan Roberts, Charles Scott                                                                     

Camera Man:  DeMarrion Tatum                                                                              

Managers: T’Keiriyah Martin and Ma’Hogeney Flowers                                                                        

Part I of a II Part Series

The nation is now bracing for what is predicted to be one of the most divisive, heated, and nasty presidential elections that it will perhaps ever witness.  Voters are vehemently committed to their positions and choices no matter what candidates have said or done.  It is obvious that voters are willing to overlook serious character flaws and defects, moral shortcomings and calls for truthfulness, decency, and respect for the rule of law.  It seems not to matter to many voters that a candidate purposely and repeatedly lies, promoting and feeding the public with disinformation about the deadly consequences of the COVID 19 Pandemic and boasting if I were to shoot and kill someone on Fifth Avenue in New York nothing would be done about it.  Health and medical science are about to be replaced and controlled by advocates at the White House who have no experience or expertise in anything but politics.

Equally disturbing and concerning is the fact that without any real proof or evidence to prove otherwise, President Trump is alleging that mail in ballots lead to widespread election and voter fraud.  He is seizing and contending that depending on the outcome of the election, and should he lose the election, he may not concede the outcome and will forego submitting to a smooth transition of power in January 2021.  Unbelievable and surprising things are happening in real time.  We are witnessing the decay and undermining of our democracy while the public seems to be numb and helpless to do anything about what is happening.  The citizenry must not despair.  It must react and heed the words of the late congressman John Lewis from the state of Georgia, “get in good trouble.  If it’s not right, if it’s not fair, say something, wake up America”.  Wake up America your future is at stake.

We are told by the FBI and US State Department sources that foreign governments such as Russia, China and Iran are once again attempting to influence the outcome of our elections. Their efforts and techniques are very sophisticated and are having to be constantly monitored and tracked.

A lot is at stake in the upcoming 2020 Presidential race!  The outcome of the 2020 election will determine the strength of our democracy and the direction in which the nation will adhere to for years and generations to come.  Consequently, citizens must appreciate the fact that the future of the nation, of our children, grandchildren, and generations to come is at stake.  If citizens do not register to vote NOW, vote and pack polling places in November, they too will be guilty of marginalizing the impact and future of our democracy, ideals, and time-honored principles that have guided the nation for centuries.  While we readily acknowledge that  the nation is  quite a distance way from achieving and living up to its worthy and defining principles of freedom and justice for all, and while much has been accomplished we are not there yet, but we must believe with hope, patience and toiling that we will arrive at a just and desired destination.  America must never give up on its stated creed and declaration of achieving social justice and civil rights and freedom for all citizens.  Brick by brick and step by step we will get there.

Citizens must clearly and convincingly understand that the November 2020 Presidential election is more than about registering and fulfilling their civic duties of voting.  Voting in November is about the role and responsibility in determining the future and shape of things to come.  It is about protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms to have access to quality, affordable health care.  It is about a woman’s right to choose what she can do with her body and young people having the opportunity to realize their dreams and aspirations regardless of skin color, gender, or station in life.  It is about addressing issues of police brutality which has engulfed and inflamed communities of color throughout the nation.  Voting in the November election is about addressing long standing, overdue actions regarding fixing a broken Criminal Justice System.  This election is also about states actions to suppress voter participation and growing concerns about the environment, climate change and outlawing affirmative action.  Voting in the 2020  election (Senate and Congressional, Judges, and District Attorney races) among other things mentioned must be about a referendum on racial injustice, inclusivity, systematic discrimination, and inequality in America and who is best to address and provide remedies for curing these debilitating maladies which have plagued the nation for much too long.

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.

U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-Alto) has endorsed Republican Darrell Avery in his bid to become the next Division A District Court Judge for Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville parishes.

“Darrell Avery is a good man who cares about his community and the Constitution, said Abraham. “ He will be a judge who stands with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. I encourage Jackson, Claiborne and Bienville parishes to elect him judge.”

Conservatives and Republicans are lining up behind Avery’s bid for judge. Abraham joins U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and state Senator Stewart Cathey in endorsing Avery. Avery is seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Judge Jenifer Clason, who is retiring, in the Second Judicial District.

“I’ll be a judge who defends our constitutional rights and serves with honesty and integrity. That’s why Louisiana’s conservative leaders are rallying behind my campaign. Thank you, Congressman Abraham, for your support in my bid for judge,” Avery said.

Cassidy said previously, “Darrell Avery is a conservative who understands that judges interpret law, not write it from the bench. His experience, fair-mindedness, integrity and values make him an ideal choice for district judge, and I am proud to endorse him.”

 Avery has practiced law for 38 years as an assistant district attorney, defense attorney and civil litigator primarily in the Second Judicial District. He built and maintains a private law practice in Jonesboro. Avery has received the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project Pro Bono Award for delivering high-quality legal service and has also received the Martindale Hubble Award for legal knowledge and ethics for 22 consecutive years.

E.A. Perry was born on January 19, 1809.  Later that same year, Perry’s father abandoned the family.  In November, 1811, Perry’s 24-year-old mother contracted tuberculosis and died on December 8, 1811.  Perry’s 27-year-old father, still estranged from the family, died from an unknown cause just three days after Perry’s mother.  Perry, his brother, and sister, were split up.  Perry’s brother lived with his paternal grandparents in Baltimore, Maryland.  His sister lived with family friends in Richmond, Virginia.  Mrs. Frances Allan convinced her reluctant husband, John, a wealthy merchant in Richmond, to foster Perry.   

Living in the Allan household afforded Perry a good education.  Frances, unable to have children of her own, adored and protected young Perry.  Frances introduced Perry to the genteel life which came with being a member of the Allan family.  Despite the high standing of the Allan family, however, Perry could not escape his status as a foster child.  To John, Perry was a drain on his finances.  As Perry grew older and more independent, he and his foster father clashed.  John was strict with Perry and was stingy with his money.  Perry longed to be on his own and to become a member of genteel society. 

In February, 1826, Perry enrolled at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  John begrudgingly paid Perry’s tuition, but failed to provide him enough money to live on.  Perry excelled in his studies but struggled with his newfound freedom.  He drank and gambled away what little money he had to cover his expenses.  By the end of his first year at the university, Perry had accumulated debts nearing $2,500.00, which adjusted for inflation, would be just over $40,500 in today’s money.  John refused to help Perry cover the debts and their relationship worsened.  Unable to repay his debts, Perry abruptly left the university.    

On May 26, 1827, using an alias to escape his creditors, Perry enlisted in the United States Army at Boston, Massachusetts.  In addition to lying about his name, Perry also lied about his age.  He gave his age as 22 years old, when in reality he was 18.  Whether he gave a false age as another way to keep his creditors from tracking him down or for some other advantage can only be speculated upon.  His enlistment paperwork showed that Perry agreed to serve for a period of five years “unless sooner discharged by proper authority.”  Perry listed clerk as his occupation.

Perry prospered in the army.  In just nineteen months, Perry rose from the rank of private to Regimental Sergeant Major, a meteoric rise which was uncharacteristic, especially in peacetime.  Perry became the company’s clerk, which brought him into constant contact with the company’s officers and relieved him of participation in more rigorous duties.  By December of 1828, however, Perry decided he wanted out of the army because he was unable to secure commission without having been educated at West Point.  He still owed the army three and a half years.  Perry spoke with Lieutenant Howard, who said he would agree to his discharge upon reconciliation with his foster father and if he provided an acceptable replacement to serve in his stead at no cost to the army.  Perry wrote to his foster father but John refused to answer his letters.  Only after Perry told John of his plans to enter West Point did John agree to aid in Perry’s resignation from the army.     

On February 28, 1829, Frances Allan died.  For a short time, Perry’s and John’s relationship improved.  John provide Perry with money along with a new suit of clothes and all of the necessary accessories for a young man of status.  In addition, John provided the required permission for Perry to resign from the army along with funds for Perry to hire a substitute soldier.  Perry left the army with several recommendations from his commanding officers in support of his application to West Point.       

In May of 1829, Perry hand-delivered his application to Washington and delivered it to the Secretary of War.  He returned to his residence in Baltimore and anxiously awaited news of his appointment.  When, in July, 1829, he had received no word, he walked the forty miles from Baltimore to Washington to check on the status of his appointment.  Perry’s impatience did him no good.  Perry had no choice but to walk the forty miles back to Baltimore.  Finally, in March of 1830, Perry received his appointment at West Point.

The other cadets looked up to Perry because he was slightly older and because of his previous university and military training.  In his spare time, Perry wrote poetry.  His fellow cadets enjoyed his writings and many of them agreed to share the cost of publishing a book of his poems.  The treasurer of the academy withheld $1.25 from each participating cadet’s $28.00 monthly check until the amount reached $170.00.  

Perry’s reputation grew and he confidently boasted that, with his previous educational background and military experience, he would complete the four-year program at West Point in only six months.  However, Perry was stunned to learn that his previous experiences and his rank as Sergeant Major would not enable him complete the program at West Point in a shorter timeframe. 

Perry learned other disappointing news as well.  While Perry was at West Point, John had remarried and had fathered twins.  Perry would no longer inherit any of John’s wealth.  Perry was distraught and was determined to resign from West Point.  If he abandoned West Point without John’s permission, he would not receive his backpay.  Perry wrote to John and requested his permission but John refused to reply.  In his own notes, John commented “I do not think the boy has one good quality.”  In January, 1831, Perry abandoned his duties at West Point.  During the court martial, Perry was charged with “gross neglect of duty,” and “disobedience of orders.”  On March 6, 1831, the court found Perry guilty of both charges and dismissed him from West Point.  The academy withheld Perry’s last paycheck but forwarded a check to him for $170.00, the money the cadets had raised for Perry’s book of poems.  In May, 1831, a publisher delivered 136 copies of Perry’s book, one for each cadet who had raised money for its publication.  Perry dedicated the book “to the U.S. Corps of Cadets.”

Perry continued to write poetry and short stories.  His works were published in various journals and periodicals in the United States.  He also continued with his old habits of drinking and gambling, a combination which usually led to disaster.  On October 7, 1849, Perry died destitute at the young age of forty from an unknown cause which has been debated ever since.  He failed to achieve the status of a gentleman, which he had witnessed while a part of the Allan family, and was not accepted into polite society.  Since his death, however, Perry has been praised for his works such as “The Black Cat,” “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and a host of other tales of horror and suspense.  E.A. Perry was the alias of Edgar Allan

Sources:

1. Russell, J. Thomas. Edgar Allan Poe: The Army Years. West Point, New York: United States Military Academy, 1972.
2. National Archives Catalog. “Enlistment Papers for Edgar A. Perry [Poe].” Accessed September 9, 2020. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300391.
3. National Archives Catalog. “Trial of Cadet E. A. Poe.” Accessed September 9, 2020. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/301660.