For the 6th straight year, Quitman High School has claimed the district 1B championship in softball. The Lady Wolverines took the title by beating Castor 9-1 and Simsboro 7-1 in the district tournament held on March 18-20. The two victories stretched QHS’s winning streak in district play to 20 games, dating back to 2018, which was head coach Justin Dodson’s first year at the helm.  

Instead of playing the normal schedule where each of the five teams in the district face one another, the coaches of district 1B decided on a tournament format to allow schools the opportunity to schedule more non-district games in order to attempt to improve power ratings. 

The tourney opened with #2 seed, Simsboro, beating #3 seed, Weston 15-2 and #4 seed, Castor, downing #5 seed, Doyline 16-1. Quitman had a first round bye based on having the highest power rating entering the tournament. By virtue of their victory, Simsboro got a bye in the second round, which propelled them to the championship game against Quitman, who beat Castor. Weston also beat Doyline 15-5 in the consolation bracket as every team played two games. 

Quitman 7 Simsboro 1 (District Championship) – Cali Deal got three hits, drove in a run and scored while also striking out 11 over five innings to propel QHS to the title. Hallie Kate Pullig went 2/3 including a double and knocked in a pair of runs and Brenna Lamkin smacked an RBI double and scored a run while Kinsley Ponder got her first ever home run. Breelyn Boone scored twice and both Maggie Guyotte and Briley Bowers crossed home plate once each while Anna Leach and Zoee Williams got a hit apiece. Karley Huckaby also stole a base in the complete team win. With the victory, Quitman improved to 12-1 on the year, while Simsboro fell to 11-6.

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Quitman 9 Castor 1 (Second Round) – Anna Leach (RBI, RS) and Hallie Kate Pullig (2 RBI, 2 RS, SB) got three hits apiece and Karley Huckaby (2B, RS, SB), Zoee Williams (2 RBI) and Cali Deal (2B, 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB), who also struck out 7 in 3 innings of no-hit ball to earn the win, all added two hits each as Quitman pounded Castor pitching for 14 hits. Maggie Guyotte (2 RS, RBI) and Kinsley Ponder also got a hit each while Breelyn Boone stole a base and Briley Bowers reached base on a walk. 

Weston 15 Doyline 5 (Consolation Game) – The Lady Wolves snapped a seven game losing streak by erupting for 8 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  With Weston ahead 5-4, Carly Jo Griffin opened the decisive frame by smacking a home run, Teegan Hall followed with a two out triple, Gracie Gray walked, Penelope Ferguson smacked a double, Anslee Aldy walked and then Carlynn Waters and Davynee Bearden hit singles. That brought up Griffin again, who continued to swing a big bat by roping a triple to give her 3 RBI’s in the inning. Rachel Bandy also hit a double in the contest, Hailey Chatham scored a run and Tessa Reeves knocked in a run. 

Weston 7 Captain Shreve 3 (Friday) – It was a banner day for the Lady Wolves, who won their second straight and especially for Rachel Bandy, who set a new career high with four hits including a triple and a double, and struck out 8 in the circle for the complete game victory. Molly Beaubouef (2B, 2 RBI), Carlynn Waters (2B, RBI, RS), and Carly Jo Griffin (HR, 2 RBI, 2 RS), who smacked her 2nd home run in two games, got two hits each. Hailey Chatham hit a double, Davynee Bearden and Brylee Cuthrell (SB) each scored a run and Anslee Aldy got a hit.  

The public is invited to Ebenezer Baptist Church, located at 211 Ebenezer Church Road in Jonesboro from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 23, for the Weston High School BETA Showcase.

Come and view the state competition award winning projects constructed by the WHS BETA students that will be entered in the national competiton being held at DisneyWorld in Orlando, FL.

While there also enjoy paper quilling demonstrations and crafts, visit the farm stand for homemade and homegrown goodies and take part in the silent auction where you can bid on items such as autographed NASCAR memorabilia and an LSU basket.  

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Jonesboro-Hodge scored five runs in both the first and second innings and then held off a determined Lincoln Prep rally for a 10-8 victory, their second straight 1-1A softball victory of the season.  With the victory, JHHS improved to 2-1 in district play and 2-4 overall. 

Ma’Riyah Jones got two hits and scored twice as did Alaina Ashcraft and Kynnedi Aaron. Satavia Qualls chipped in with a hit, 2 RBI and a run scored while Sierra Bond, Oddyssey Brooks and Alivia Anderson, who also stole 3 bases  and got the pitching victory, all scored a run.  

JHHS baseball wins first on the road

Jonesboro-Hodge scored 8 runs in the top of the sixth inning to break away from Alexandria Country Day 19-9 for their first victory on the road this season on Thursday, that pushed the Tigers record to 5-3 on the season. The Tigers amassed 17 hits in the contest, paced by Waylon Evans, Marquis Baker and Jeermichael Collins getting three hits each. Pierce Ulloa, Trey Trosclair, and John Michael LaBlance, who led the JHHS offense with 3 RBI all chipped in with two hits each.  

Next Up! JHHS will look to make it a clean sweep of the series when they travel to Wossman High School out of Monroe on Tuesday. First pitch is slated for 5:00 pm. 

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Friday was a beautiful day for Jackson Parish 4-H to proudly team up with local forestry related partners to immerse the 5th graders of Jackson Parish in a day of learning about our local forestry industry.

Did you know that through a process that uses Jackson Parish trees to produce wood pellets, we are helping to keep homes warm around the world? Our 5th graders do now!

Those in attendance also now know how drones are used to inspect tracts of timber, and the importance of thinning and maintaining forests. More education on diseases and insects that effect our local timber, how trees age and how their rate of growth affects their later use was passed on along with the best part of all – getting the chance to get up close and personal with logging equipment.

To top it off, students enjoyed a lakeside picnic lunch of delicious hamburgers prepared by the Grilling Team from Smurfit WestRock and served by the local 4H Jr. Leaders.

Thank you to all of our partners who helped present. Jackson Parish 4-H gives thanks to all the partners ( shown below) who helped present Forestry Day 2025 and appreciates your support of our forestry program.
Hunt Forest Products
US Forestry Service
Weyerhaeuser
DG&E Logging
Drax Biomass
LSU AgCenter
Smurfit WestRock

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If the performances turned in by the track and field athletes from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools are any indication as to what is in store during the current track and field season, then you will want to make sure you are there to view the action.

Local “thinclads” from the three Jackson Parish Schools made podium appearances in in an outstanding 35 events at the Castor Invitational, which Quitman and Weston participated in and the Mac Fresh Market West Ouachita Relays where JHHS was at. 

Leading the way was Quitman High School, whose girls squad took first in team competition over 12 other schools. The Lady Wolverines took 8 first place finishes, 3 seconds, and a third, along with having a slew of others who finished 4th – 6th to earn points. The QHS boys didn’t do to shabby either, winning 6 gold, 2 silver and three bronze medals. Weston won a combined 8 medals with two firsts, two second and four third places being earned while Jonesboro-Hodge, or it should be said, Ciara Gray, won a first and three seconds against upper class competition in the 100 and 300 hurdles, long jump and triple jump. 

Additional girls earning special mention from Quitman is Megan Kelley for winning her three distance events (800, 600, 3200 meters) and Kaleigh King, after she set a new meet record in the 300M Hurdles and also won the 100M hurdles. Nadia Siadek won the shot put for Weston as well. 

On the boys side it was Quitman’s long distance “triple threat” that stole the show with Gage Horton winning the 800 meters, Mathew Odom taking the 3200 meters and Joseph Horton not only winning the 1600 meters but setting a new meet record in the process. Additional gold medal winners from Quitman were Nathan Harvey in the 110 Hurdles and Asher Shultz in the Javelin. Nathin Wages won the High Jump for Weston as well.  

For complete meet results of both the Castor Invitational and the Mac Fresh Market West Ouachita Relays, go to milesplitla.com.

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Pastor Tom Faber and the congregation of the Jonesboro Christian Fellowship, located at 899 Walker Road, invites you their special Six-Month Anniversary Service on Sunday, March 23rd. 

Come early for coffee, juice, and donuts and then get prepared for the powerful presentation at 10:00 am which will be brought by dynamic special guest speaker, Justin Batterton, that also includes a #JCFNextGen program for the kids. Following there will be a cookout on the grounds (you don’t need to bring anything except your appetite and a friend)

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SERVICE!!!

To learn more click here.  

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The Jackson Parish Golf Course held their first “Tuesday Scramble” of the 2025 season with the five man team of Robert Price, Eddie Gaines, Dj Harrel, Jeff Conville, and Martin Rollinson bringing home the title among the four teams that competed over the nine hole course. 

Teams are chosen using a players handicap and placed as A Player, B Player, C Player,,,, and so on. The “Tuesday Scramble” will be played each week throughout the summer. To enter call the JPGC at (318) 259-7247 or go to the clubhouse located at 524 Clubhouse Road in Jonesboro, during operating hours.  

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Do you remember your old typewriter? Some of you wonder, what is that?

In ancient times our parents would send us to college with one of our High School graduation gifts, a typewriter. If your family was affluent the typewriter was electric. Can you visualize that typewriter? In the ears of your mind can you hear the bell? The bell would sound as you were approaching the margin of your paper. Do you remember how many spaces there are between the bell sounding and the margin?

Anyway, you had a few more spaces before reaching the margin and then you couldn’t type on that line. You were forced to hit return or manually return the carrier to the beginning of the next line.

Typing today is much different. I only use the return (now known as “enter”) between paragraphs. The computer sets the margins and automatically sends the cursor to the next line for typing. There is no bell warning me that I am approaching the end of a line. I am not paying attention to the margin or where I am on the page, I don’t need to. The computer is taking care of that function for me.

I miss the bell warning me that I am approaching the margin. I miss the sound of typing in the office. Once in a church office, you could hear the typewriter, adding machine, and the mimeograph running. You knew work of the Kingdom was happening. Now all I hear is silence. I know the work is taking place, but you don’t hear it any longer.

There was a function of typewriters not found on computer keyboards. That key was labeled “margin release.” If you were one letter away from the end of a word, you could apply margin release, and the typewriter would continue typing past the margin. Since the margins were set mechanically, they could also be released mechanically. If you used the margin release key one line on the page would stand out. The reader of the paper would know you cheated at the margins.

Margin is what allows you to read this article. If the nice editors ignored the gutter in the middle and the margins on the sides, you would find this publication almost impossible to read. Margin, or white space, allows your eyes and brain to work in concert in this great exercise called reading. Your brain would not cooperate if the lines went to the edge of the screen. And if the words had no margins, called spaces, reading would take a great effort.

The New Testament was written in a form called scriptio continua; there were no spaces between the words. Actually, there was no punctuation either. If you think understanding the Apostle Paul is difficult, try reading Ephesians without punctuation!
The margin release key is not found on a computer keyboard, but I’m wondering if you are using it too often in soul matters.

Let’s try a margin test.

When was the last time you took a day off? Describe the most beautiful sight experienced on your last vacation? How long since you have walked in the woods? What was the last book you read for pleasure? When was the last time you experienced joy?

Are you using that margin release key and filling your life and soul with too much stuff? Is your calendar full? Go ahead and look at it, when is the next “empty day?” Margin is that space for rest and restoration. Margin is where nothing is happening. All the “type A” people just cringed at the prospect of doing nothing!

I think margin is important because that is where God is. He is at the margins of society. He is at the margins of change. He is at the margins of our soul. God is at the margins, whispering to our hearts. He is asking us to go no further but to linger where we can experience Him.

Margin allows life to be rich, full, and readable. Leave margin in your life, please. That spiritual margin allows space for God to lead you to what is next or linger with Him where you are.

We all need to backspace and create margin in our lives.

 

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It is the end of an era! After a long career, Joan Suddith is retiring. Friends, family, well wishers, and co workers are invited to help send her out in style this Sunday, March 23rd, when from 2:00 – 3:00 pm a special retirement party will be held at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. It is not required to bring anything other than lots of good stories and memories. See you there! 

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Lightning Strikes Twice for Jordon on Honey Brake

(Louisiana’s deer season has been over for several weeks and I have been privileged to
write stories on the impressive bucks taken for LA Sportsman’s magazine taken. Here’s my story of the most impressive buck I coveredthat is likely to be a new state record for the typical category.)

When Tyler Jordan shot a huge buck on December 7, 2020, he made a prediction that
fortunately didn’t hold true.

“I may never shoot another 190 inch buck. I’m in the woods a lot and I have never seen a buck that size,” Tyler told me when I wrote the story for LA Sportsman about a huge buck he had taken, a buck that scored 190 4/8 inches of mass. The buck earned the name of “Stomper”.

Jordan was hunting in Catahoula Parish on the 20,000 acre Honey Brake property when he took the buck. Fast forward four years when Jordan, now age 32 encountered a buck that has earned the name of Stomper, Jr. because of similar genetics as Stomper. 

The son of Bill Jordan, founder and CEO of Real Tree, Tyler works in the marketing
department of the company. He lives in Columbus, GA.

“We became interested in Honey Brake in 2018 and would bring business guests down to duck hunt. We had no idea at first that the property was capable of producing quality deer but as we learned what the folks at Honey Brake were doing our interest was piqued,” said Jordan.

Putting out trail cameras this past September, plenty of quality bucks began showing up but it was not until November 1 that Stomper Jr. started showing up on cameras.

“We purchased a ground blind to set up on the food plot where we felt was the best
chance to see the deer. One afternoon, two minutes after legal shooting hours had ended, Stomper Jr. showed up at 20 yards. A camera man and I were in the blind and apparently the buck saw the camera light and he spooked and took off. We didn’t see any more evidence of him for 2 ½ weeks,”

Jordan recalled. It became an issue of looking for favorable weather when deer
would more likely to be active.

“On December 2, I checked the weather forecast and it looked like things would be pretty decent and I felt that if deer would move at all, it might be then. We had the north wind we needed and on the morning of December 3, he showed up four minutes before legal shooting time,” he said.

Setting up a ground blind in the area where this photo was taken, Jordan got in the blind around 2:30 the afternoon of December 5.

“There was plenty of action as does and smaller bucks were displaying rutting activity
and then at 5:10, I looked up and there stood Stomper Jr. I shoot a Franchi .308 and got on him. When I hit the trigger, he dropped on the spot,” Jordan continued.

The rack the 250 pound buck carried was mind boggling. There were 14 points, evenly
distributed on each side and the inside spread was 19 5/8 inches. Main beams were 26 ½ inches each with bases measuring 5 2/8 and 5 1/8. The buck was determined to be 6 ½ years old.

The tale of the tape measured a gross score of 203 inches with the net score being 192 3/8 inches.

The previous Louisiana state record for typical whitetail bucks is a record that has held
since 1939 when Marshall McKay downed a massive buck in Madison Parish that measured 186 6/8 inches. After a drying time of 60 days, it is very likely that Tyler Jordan can lay claim to a new Louisiana state record for typical bucks.

Well Tyler, you won’t ever be able to say what you told me in 2020 that you may never shoot another 190 inch deer. You just did.

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Fishing Report

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has improved in the back of the creeks as they prepare for the spawn. Shiners and jigs are bringing some in. Bass are moving to the shallows and soft plastics and crank baits are starting to pick up fish. Chinquapins are just now starting the bite cold worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – The bass have moved up shallow around the windrows with some double digit fish reported on soft plastics and spinners. Crappie should be starting to move toward the banks and hitting shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is high and rising. No fishing report. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –Crappie have moved to the banks and have been good on shiners and jigs. Bass are on the shallow flats and hitting spinners and soft plastics. Bream are just beginning to hit crickets and worms and catfish are biting. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has improved as the fish are moving to the shallows in back of the creeks and hitting shiners and jigs. Bass are also moving in and are being caught on Bandit crank baits and soft plastics. Bream are beginning to respond to crickets and worms in shallow water. No report on catfish or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927- 2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing is starting to improve as the fish begin their move to the shallows to spawn. Catfishing is good and a few bream are starting to show up. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – No report. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on content.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford – Need two outgoing people to train for professional sales representatives! Guaranteed income with unlimited potential commission! We offer a full benefit package including insurance and 401k. Apply in person Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the dealership located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro or call Anthony Gray @ 225-200-8289.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY 

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position. Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251.

Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.

POSITION: General Laborer
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department
Description:
Under close supervision, the Road Department General Laborer performs unskilled manual labor, operation of light equipment requiring no special training or experience, and performs related work as required by the supervisor. Laborers in this position class are also responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance equipment and for performing manual labor activities as needed and/or required by the Road Department.
Minimum Qualifications:
 Must be 18 years of age.
 High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
 Class E Driver’s License; progression towards a CDL license a plus.
 Three (3) months of experience in the operation of equipment listed above preferred, but not required.
 Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
 Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
 Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
 Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
 Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Basic Responsibilities:
 The General Laborer is responsible for performing industrial and safety housekeeping of assigned areas following the instructions from their Supervisor.
 Operates Police Jury-owned vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, backhoe, street sweeper, dump trucks, farm–type tractors, bush hog cutters, boom mowers, etc. as required.
 Operates hand and power tools and equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, air compressor, small compaction equipment, etc. as required.
 Mows grass and rights of ways with hand power equipment.
 Uses hand tools to load and unload sand, dirt, gravel, and hot and cold mix asphalt.
 Repairs pot holes.
 Required to inspect and repair equipment as directed by department procedures, as well as be able to make repairs to parish roads, curbs and sidewalks.
 Performs road and ditch maintenance and associated work.
 Cleans culverts and other drainage structures including placing rip rap and filter cloth.
 Sweeps streets, shop, and sidewalks; cleans up debris and materials from roads, bridges, and culverts.
 Flags traffic when needed.
 Manually moves and transports equipment, materials, etc.
 Loads and unloads materials from trucks including debris, sand, dirt, gravel, etc.
 Cleans trucks, replaces blades, and other maintenance of equipment as needed.
 Performs building maintenance, cleaning offices, restrooms, and shop as needed.
 Assists operators, truck drivers, mechanics etc. with specific projects as requested.
 Performs a variety of other heavy manual work in connection with the maintenance of streets, bridges, and drainage of parish roads.
 Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary.
 Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
 Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Advertisement to Bidders

 

 

Roger D. Young
December 7, 1941 – March 18, 2025

Roger Duane Young, 83, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Born on December 17, 1941, in North Hodge, Louisiana, he lived a life dedicated to service, family and faith.

Roger’s career was marked by unwavering commitment to his community. He served as Jonesboro Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief and held the position of Jackson Parish Civil Defense Director for over 40 years. He was a dedicated fireman for 60 years. His leadership extended to public service as a city councilman in Jonesboro and as a member of Jackson Parish Police Jury. A proud alumnus of LSU’s Fire Science program, Roger used his expertise to enhance fire safety and emergency response efforts throughout the region.

Beyond his public service roles, Roger was a successful and inventive entrepreneur. He owned car washes in Jonesboro, Winnfield and Arcadia and owned/operated Young Oil Gas Station in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, he and his supportive wife Marzette, purchased and developed Hancock Haven subdivision on Caney Lake, their favorite place to be. His passion for firefighting led him to establish First Alarm Fire Equipment Company, dedicated to building new fire trucks and fire truck restoration for decades. Roger also played a vital role in the Jackson Parish Rescue Squad, coordinating volunteers and emergency response serving his neighbors when they needed him the most for 50 years.

Roger’s contributions to emergency services were profound. In the 1980s, he spearheaded fundraising efforts to purchase the “Jaws of Life,” making it one of only three such rescue tools in North Louisiana at the time-the only one available in Jackson Parish and surrounding areas. This life-saving equipment benefited countless individuals over the years.

During his extensive career in public service and business ventures, Roger worked for 18 years at Continental Can paper mill. Roger also earned his private pilots license and loved aviation and found great joy in his hobbies. He loved captaining his pontoon boat, water skiing, collecting Lionel antique train memorabilia, riding his motorcycle.

The Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, March 20th, at North Hodge Assembly of God with Interment following at Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Jimmy Donaldson
April 30, 1942 – March 15, 2025

Jimmy Eugene Donaldson, age 82, left us peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Born on Thursday, April 30, 1942, he lived a life filled with hard work, love, and devotion. Jimmy spent countless hours working on anything with a motor, a hobby that brought him both joy and satisfaction throughout his life.

For over 40 years, he dedicated himself to Smurfit-Stone, where he worked with pride as an oiler and maintenance mechanic. After retirement, he shifted his focus to his greatest joy—his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He was a man of strong work ethic, unwavering love, and selfless generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Peggy Watkins Donaldson; son, Jimmy Layne Donaldson (Sandy); daughter, JoAnna Chretien Jones (Bill); grandchildren, Cody Donaldson (Sheree), Justin Donaldson (Savannah), Machaela Morris (Jared), Madilynn Collins, Hayden Collins, and Carley Williamson (Kyle); Great-grandchildren Tuff Donaldson, Georgia Donaldson, Hunter Donaldson, Aubrey Donaldson, Kolton Donaldson, Baker Morris, and Brexlie Williamson; and nephew Shane Donaldson (Melissa).

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Lit Donaldson, and his brother, Fred Donaldson.

The funeral service was held in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Saturday, March 22, 2025 with Bro. Mac Brunson and Bro. Bubba Walsworth officiating. Burial followed in the Siloam Springs Community Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Cody Donaldson, Justin Donaldson, Hunter Donaldson, Shane Donaldson, Jared Morris, Hayden Collins, Daniel Hightower, and Jacob Madden.

Jeannie Mae Stringfellow
January 5, 1947 – March 12, 2025

Jeannie Mae Stringfellow went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2025, at the age of 78 years old. After visitation with family and friends her Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, March 21, at Robinson Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Eros, LA. Interment followed at the Old Ziegler Cemetery in Eros under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Betty Lou (Beasley) Britt
September 5, 1947 – March 19, 2025

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Betty Lou (Beasley) Britt of Sterlington, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at her residence. She was 77 years old. Betty worked for 40 years as a comptroller in automobile dealerships for Kilpatrick Ford, Jonesboro Ford, and retired from Jimmy Granger Automotive Group. She enjoyed spending time with her loyal pets, Layla and Gus. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life. She spent as much time as she could with them and enjoyed every minute.

Betty is survived by her 2 sons, Joel Britt and wife, Crystal of Alexander, Arkansas and Nicholas Britt and wife, Misty of Sterlington, Louisiana; grandchildren, Statton Britt and wife Amber, Cole Britt and wife Ashley, John Michael Britt, Taylor Britt and Reed Britt; great-grandchildren, Porter Britt and Sutter Britt; nieces, Pam Ebey, Cindy Baysinger and Amy Morrow; nephews, Guy Beasley, Bryan Beasley and Boyd Beasley; sister-in-law, Marion Beasley.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wafer Beasley; mother, Lois (Jones) Beasley; brothers, Johnny Beasley and wife Alma, Homer Beasley and wife Elaine, and James “Bo” Beasley.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church. Bro. Stuart Toms will officiate the funeral service which begins at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Guy Beasley, Bryan Beasley, Tommy Ebey, Statton Britt, Cole Britt, John Michael Britt, Travis Baysinger and Brenton Thompson.

Willine Gray Davis
October 4, 1940 – March 19, 2025

Willine Gray Davis gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, March 19th, at the age of 84 years old. Visitation for family, friends and well-wishers will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 23rd at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA followed by the Celebration of Live service. Interment will then take place at the New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

The Jackson Parish School District is proud to announce the 2025 I.J. Allen Scholarship recipients. Earning the top award of $6,000.00 is Cejay Colvin of Weston High School with Corey Tucker, also from Weston, receiving $4,000.00 and Cali Deal from Quitman High School garnering a $3,000.00 award.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate these outstanding students who have been awarded this prestigious scholarship. Their dedication, hard work, and determination have earned them this incredible opportunity, and we can’t wait to see all that they will accomplish in their academic journeys! A special thank you to the Allen family for your support and generosity. Your commitment to education is making a powerful impact, and we are so grateful for your continued investment in the futures of these young scholars. – Jackson Parish School District 

The I. J. Allen Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year by the Jonesboro State Bank to deserving graduating seniors of the Jackson Parish schools. The three-tiered level awards, which annually amounts to $13,000.00 is in honor of Mr. I. J. Allen who was born in 1883 and died in 1980 at the age of 97 years old. 

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According to the LHSAA power ratings as of March 17th, the #1 ranked teams in the LHSAA Class B baseball and softball divisions reside in Jackson Parish. Not only do the two local schools, Weston and Quitman, sit atop the charts, they do so by a wide margin.

In baseball, it is Weston High School (13-6) who tops Class B with a 25.4118 rating, well ahead of second place Family Community, which holds a 23.8947 mark. The lead is even larger for defending Division IV state champion, Quitman (10-1) who has the highest power ratings in the state in softball regardless of classification at 31.900 far ahead of the 27.2143 rating held by second place Stanley.

Rankings and power ratings for other Jackson Parish schools are:

Baseball
Quitman High School (9-9) – #9 in Class B at 21.9412
Jonesboro-Hodge High School (4-3) – #22 in Division IV at 14.3333

Softball
Weston High School (4-7) – #20 in Class B at 17.5000
Jonesboro-Hodge High School (1-4) – #37 in Division IV at 5.7500

Class B Baseball Power Rankings

Class B Softball Power Rankings 

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In-person registration for Jackson Parish Early Childhood Sites will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on March 21st at the Jackson Parish Student Services Center, located at 440 Old Winnfield Road in Jonesboro. 

The participating schools and institutions are Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School, Quitman High School, Weston School, Union Bee, Cornerstone Childcare, Sharon’s Lil Angels, and Shania Love Bugs.

The ages served by each site are as follows:

JHES, QHS, WHS: Students born October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021
Union Bee: Students born October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2021
Sharon’s Lil Angels: Birth through age 3
Shania Love Bugs: Birth through age 3
Cornerstone Childcare: Birth through age 4

Space is limited and once all available seats are filled students will be placed on a waiting list. Student registration forms will not be considered until they are submitted with all required documentation. 

All registrants must meet Family Eligibility Criteria, Federal Income Guidelines, and Age Requirements for Pre-K Programs, Head Star,t and Child Care Centers. 

Registration forms can be obtained by clicking here. 

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Jonesboro-Hodge and Quitman won home games and Weston took two in the “Land of Enchantment” as the three Jackson Parish schools went 5-0 combined on Monday and Tuesday. JHHS christened their newly refurbished home baseball field by whooping up on Wossman 18-6, while Quitman beat Claiborne Christian 9-5 on Monday for their  second win against the Crusaders this year and followed that up by crushing Castor 11-1 in their first district 1B contest of the year on Tuesday. As for Weston, they proved their trip to Disneyland in Orlando, FL was all business once they hit the field. First the Wolves took down Union/Allegheny-Clarion Valley out of Rimersburg, PA 10-7 on Monday and then on Tuesday beat Green Farms Academy from Westport,  CT by a 9-1 margin for their third victory this season over an out of state team. 

Monday, March 17th

Weston 10 U/A-CV 7: The Wolves scored all their runs in the first three innings, and then withstood a late rally by their northern foe for the five inning victory. Eric Borders, who was pinch running for Cole Tolar and Colton Blundell each scored a two out run in the first to give Weston a 2-0 lead which ballooned to 9-0 after two innings of play. Singles by Luke Weaver, Drew Browning, Blundell, Jacob Gill, and Ty Henderson along with walks to Cole Tolar, Jason Borders and Weaver and a pair of free passes to Bryce Zehr did the damage. Blundell scored his third run in three innings the next frame when after walking J. Borders singled him home. 

Quitman 9 Claiborne Christian 5: After spotting CCA a 2-0 lead the Wolverines stormed back to score six in the third and three more in the fourth to snap their two game losing streak. Tucker Newton singled and Hudson Pullig doubled to get the big inning started. Walks to Maddox Duck and Jake Potts set up Ayden Greer reaching on an error and Conner Moak slapping a single. A walk to Cail King followed leading to the Crusaders second miscue of the inning on a ground ball hit by Asher Shultz and a sacrifice fly out by Newton. The Wolverines added three more the next innings when Kace West opened with a double, Potts walked, Moak singled and King reached on an error that drove in two. Hayden Davis got the win by giving up just two earned runs over five innings.

Tuesday, March 18th

JHHS 18 Wossman 6: The 2025 season has been one of feast or famine for the Tigers and on Tuesday, the Tigers ate well once again. Sixteen runs in the first two innings made the outcome academic as JHHS got eight hits, walked nine times and had five batters get hit by Wossman pitches. Pierce Ulloa, John LaBlance and Trey Trosclair also allowed only two hits on the mound. Waylon Evans and Ulloa reached base all four times and scored four runs to lead the onslaught followed by Trosclair (3 RS, 3 RBI), Marquis Baker (3 RS, RBI), LeBlance (RS, RBI), Jeremiah Turnage (2 RBI, RS) and Jamarlon Johnson (RS, RBI) all getting on twice. With the victory JHHS improved to 4-3 on the year and snapped their three game losing streak after opening the season with three straight wins. 

Quitman 11 Castor 1: The Wolverines scored six in the third and four more in the fifth to win by 10 runs for the third time this season. Hudson Pullig smashed a double and a home run, scored twice and drove in three from his lead off position to lead the offense. Cail King got two hits, including a double and scored twice while Jake Potts knocked in two with a double and scored a run. Asher Shultz and Tucker Newton scored two runs apiece and Maddox Duck scored a run. Kace West took the win by allowing just one earned run over three innings as Quitman evened their overall record to 9-9 and moved to 1-0 in district 1B play. Castor fell to 4-6 and 0-1. 

Weston 9 Green Farms Academy 1: For the second time already this season the Wolves have won five straight, this time methodically taking apart the team from Connecticut by scoring in every one of the five innings played. Cole Tolar (2B, RS, RBI and Jacob Gill (RS, RBI, SB) got two hits each for the Wolves, while Bryce Zehr (2B, RS, RBI) and Drew Browning (RS, RBI) got a hit each.  Remy Kennard, Dawson Griffin, Jase Borders (SB), Ty Henderson (SB), and Liam Weaver all scored a run while Beaux Oliver and Hunter Donaldson each drove in a run. Sawyer Watkins earned the win after throwing two shutout innings to open the game. 

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The public is invited to Quitman High School on Wednesday, March 19th, from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm for the Happy Blood Donor Blood Drive being held by LifeShare Blood Center.  A pair of limited-edition sunglasses will be given to all who donate while supplies last. 

Did you know that every 2 seconds someone needs blood? In fact, 42,000 blood components are used by patients each day. Your donation allows others to live life to the fullest. 

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Tuesday, March 18th will be remembered as a day of firsts for local prep softball teams, including being the first time this season that all three local schools, Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston won the same day.  

Headlining the special day was Jonesboro-Hodge’s 22-6 victory over Arcadia which gave the Lady Tigers their first victory of the season and first year head coach, Geneice Levingston, her first career coaching victory. What makes it even more special it came on the first game played on the Lady Tigers home field this season.

It was a special day at Weston High School as well as the Lady Wolves celebrated their first victory on their newly renovated on-campus softball field by thrashing Doyline 15-5. The impressive victory also marked the first district 1B win of the year and snapped a seven game losing streak.  

Finally at Quitman, with their 9-1 victory over Castor, the Lady Wolverines also won their first district 1B game of the year and improved their season best winning streak to six games. The victory also established QHS as the first 10-win girls team in Jackson Parish and strengthened their control on the top ranking in Class B.  

Jonesboro-Hodge 22 Arcadia 6: Ma’Riyah Jones, Kynnedi Aaron and Alaina Ashcraft all stole home after reaching on walks to give JHHS an early 3-1 lead, and then the Lady Tigers broke the game open late with a flurry of runs to win their first 1-1A contest of the year. With the victory the Lady Tigers improved to 1-4 on the year and 1-1 in district 1-1A play. Arcadia fell to 0-2 in district play and overall. 

Quitman 9 Castor 1: Holding a slim 4-0 lead over a spunky Castor team, the Lady Wolverines exploded for five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs to win going away. The big inning began with Kinsley Ponder and Maggie Guyotte getting two out singles followed by Cali Deal and Hallie Kate Pullig smashing back to back doubles.  A single by Anna Leach, another double from the bat of Karley Huckaby and the fourth single of the inning by Zoee Williams followed. The Lady Wolverines took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Guyotte walked and scored on a Deal triple. Quitman took a 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the fourth on  back-to-back singles by Huckaby and Williams and then doubled the advantage the next innings when Deal reached on an error, Pullig and Leach singled and Huckaby reached on the second Castor miscue of the frame.  Quitman improved to 10-1 overall and 1-0 in District 1B play while Castor fell to 7-4 and 1-1. 

Weston 15 Doyline 5: An eight run outburst in the bottom of the fifth broke open a 5-4 game leading to Weston’s first district 1B win of the year. Carly Jo Griffin, who ended up just a single short of the coveted “cycle” got the big inning started by becoming the first Weston player to hit a home run in the new park. Then with two outs, Weston poured it on as Teegan Hall tripled, Gracie Gray walked, Penelope Ferguson doubled, Anslee Aldy walked, both Carlynn Waters and Davynee Bearden singled and Griffin hit another triple. After spotting Doyline an early 1-0 lead, Weston tied it in the bottom of the first when Bearden walked and Griffin doubled. Down 3-1, Weston rallied to take a 5-3 lead as Waters, Bearden, and Griffin walked followed by a Rachel Bandy double and a Brylee Cuthrell sacrifice grounder. Tessa Reeves hit a single to score Hall in the bottom of the sixth before Hailey Chatham, who had walked scored the game ending run. Weston now stands at 4-7 overall and 1-1 in district 1B while Doyline dropped to 3-4 and 0-2. 

 

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The administration of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School recognized members of the faculty and staff on Tuesday, March 18th for earning 2nd Nine Weeks Awards in the areas of having the best attendance, top Zearn classrooms and having the highest parent contact.

Second Nine Week Award Winners 

Best Attendance: (missed 0 days)
Ms. Hightower (Kindergarten)
Ms. Sale (3rd Grade Math)
Mrs. Blow (SPED Teacher)
Mrs. Hines (Cafeteria Tech)
Mr. Palmer (Student Resident)

Top Zearn Classrooms: (LDOE Guidance is 90+ lessons per academic year)
Mrs. Odenbaugh (1st Grade-76 lessons completed)
Mrs. Tobolka (4th Grade Math-47 lessons completed)
Ms. Sale (3rd Grade Math- 44 lessons completed)

Highest Parent Contact Log:
Ms. Shows (Pre-K)
Mrs. Johnson (Kindergarten)
Ms. Sale (3rd Grade Math)
Mrs. Tobolka (4th Grade Math)
Ms. White (5th Grade ELA).

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Officially the mascot for Quitman High School is a Wolverine. You will find the fierce looking, blue and gold, portrayal of the member of the Mustelidae family, which has a reputation for ferocity and strength out of proportion to its size, on social media outlets, printed material and all over the QHS campus. 

The caricature of the QHS Wolverine is all you will ever see as not only are Wolverines vicious and unsafe to handle, they don’t do well in this part of the world, instead finding domicile in the forests and tundra of Northern Canada and Alaska. 

Quitman High School did have a “live” mascot that roamed the campus though. Totally unlike the official version, this one was known for her friendly attitude and putting smiles on peoples faces.

The word “did” is emphasized here as all involved with QHS has a heavy heart today as they mourn the loss of their honorary school mascot, a dog named “Olivia”, who was owned by the Kennedy family but made the school campus her home.  

“Olivia was more than just a dog – she was a source of joy, comfort, and countless smiles for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. From greeting students with her wagging tail to bringing warmth to our school, Olivia held a special place in our school community. Her gentle spirit and unwavering loyalty will never be forgotten. Rest easy, sweet girl. You will always be a part of us.” – QHS Administration

 

 

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On your mark! Get set!

That is what will be heard all over north Louisiana on Thursday, March 20th as the LHSAA track and field season enters the second week of competition that will see all three local schools, Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High in action. 

JHHS will travel to West Ouachita High School to take part in the Mac’s Fresh Market Chief Relays while both Quitman and Weston will compete in the Castor Track Invitational. Both meets are slated to begin at 3:00 pm. 

The Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library, located at 1500 Pine Street,  invites you to come and enjoy Happy Easter Day on Wednesday, March 19th. The adult craft “Let’s Connect” event will take place at 2:00 pm. For more information call (318) 249-2980 or go to chathamevents@jacksonparishlib.org

How To Get A Library Card

Having fun isn’t hard when you have a Jackson Parish Library card! Want to know how you can get a library card? Or maybe some things you can do with one? If so, you can find the answers to these questions and more in the information below!

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Ever wanted to take a shot at Sasquatch? How about a dinosaur, giraffe or a grizzly bear? If this is you, then the Jackson Parish Bowhunters invite you to join them at the Stephen Morgan Archery Range at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4, east of Jonesboro,  this Friday – Sunday, March 21-23.

That is where the R100 National Archery Tour will hold their second Spring 3D Shoot locally where archers will get the opportunity to sharpen their skills by taking shots at unique 3D models. This is not a tournament competition but instead a beginner and family friendly event designed for lots of fun and entertainment. 

R100 Spring 3D Shoot Schedule 

3/21, Friday: 12pm – 8pm (registration closes 7pm)
3/22, Saturday: 7am – dusk (registration closes 5pm)
3/23, Sunday: 7am – 2pm (registration closes 10am)

Pre-registration is available until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 19th, where savings con the cost of the shoot can be had as indicated on the flyer shown below. 

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