Gracepoint Christian Academy, located at 1490 South Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro, LA invites you to join them for their second annual Spring Market on Saturday, March 22nd scheduled to run from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. 

Venders expected to be on site include Pampered Chef, Papirazzi Jewelry, Mary Kay, Permanent Jewelry, Wild Hunni Boutique and The Southern Touch along with a large assortment of handmade jewelry, crafts and wooden planter boxes. Also available for purchase will be homemade baked goods, Sweet Magnolia cotton candy and energy tea. 

Added opportunities will be the chance to purchase pulled pork sandwich plates that will be sold in support of the GCA high school class trip to Baton Rouge and to give blood at the mobile unit of the Life Share Blood Center. 

Over the years, 4-H shooting sports competitors from Jackson Parish have made quite a name for themselves not only on the regional and state level but in national competition as well. 

The ones who competed in the recently held 2025 Northern Regionals continued that tradition as 46 of the 93 entrants qualified for state competition, including bringing home top three finishes in an amazing 10 disciplines. 

2025 4-H Northern Regional Shooting Sports Results

Air Rifle
Lane Diffy – WHS – State Qualified
Air Pistol – Junior
Gabriel Gates – WHS—1st Place – State Qualified
Brandon Laffitte – QHS—2nd Place – State Qualified
Jude Luther – HS—3rd Place – State Qualified
Matthew Earl – HS—3rd Place – State Qualified
Carter Hall – WHS—6th Place – State Qualified
Brogan Carpenter – GCA—6th Place – State Qualified
Quinlan Carpenter – GCA—7th Place – State Qualified
Air Pistol – Senior
Easton Hall – WHS—1st Place – State Qualified
Remington Gregory – WHS—2nd Place – State Qualified
Rainey Gregory – WHS—6th Place – State Qualified
Elsie Flynn – WHS—8th Place – State Qualified
Avery Dark – WHS—9th Place – State Qualified
1st Place Air Pistol Senior Team
Easton Hall, Remington Gregory, Rainey Gregory, Elsie Flynn
1st Place Air Pistol Jr. Basic Team
Gabriel Gates, Matthew Earl, Carter Hall, Brandon Laffitte
Archery-Modified FITA – Junior
Brandon Laffitte – QHS—5th Place – State Qualified
Brayden Carmichael – WHS—State Qualified
Adalie Sanford – QHS—State Qualified
Archery-Modified FITA – Senior
Gabriel Walsworth – GCA—7th Place –State Qualified
Jake North – WHS –– 8th Place—State Qualified
Archery-National FITA
Nathan Pierce – WHS—State Qualified
Braxton Brown – WHS—State Qualified
Archery -Modified FITA Team
Jake North, Eli Rowe, Luke Rowe, Gabriel Walsworth – 3rd Place – State Qualified
Archery-National 3D/Field – Senior
Braxton Brown – WHS—5th Place—State Qualified
Nathan Pierce – WHS—7th Place—State Qualified
Jake North – WHS—8th Place—State Qualified
Archery – Field – Senior
Easton Hall – WHS—2nd Place—State Qualified
Garrett Dietrich – HS—4th Place—State Qualified
Jake North – WHS—4th Place—State Qualified
Gabriel Walsworth – GCA—9th Place—State Qualified
Archery – 3D – Senior
Gabriel Walsworth – GCA—8th Place—State Qualified
Garrett Dietrich – HS—10th Place—State Qualified
Archery – 3D – Junior
Asher Norred – QHS—1st Place—State Qualified
Kylee-Ayn Allen – WHS—2nd Place—State Qualified
Brayden Carmichael – WHS—4th Place—State Qualified
Carter Hall – WHS—7th Place—State Qualified
Brandon Laffitte – QHS—8th Place—State Qualified
Evan Robinson – QHS—State Qualified
Archery 3D – Jr. Compound Team
Brandon Laffitte, Asher Norred, Kylee-Ayn Allen, Carter Hall-1st Place-State Qualified
Archery 3D-Sr. Compound Team
Jake North, Gabriel Walsworth, Garrett Dietrich, Luke Rowe-1st Place – State Qualified
Archery Sr. Field Compound Team
Garrett Dietrich, Easton Hall, Jake North, Gabriel -1st Place – State Qualified
Smallbore Rifle NRA 3P
Easton Hall – WHS—State Qualified
Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope/Aperture – Senior
Jake Potts – QHS—State Qualified
Easton Hall – WHS—State Qualified
Smallbore Rifle Silhouette – Senior
Jake Potts – QHS—9th Place –State Qualified
Easton Hall – WHS—State Qualified
Shotgun Modified Trap – Junior
Ryder Gray – QHS—State Qualified
Jude Luther – HS—State Qualified
Shotgun Modified Trap – Senior
Lane Diffy – WHS—State Qualified
Jake Potts – QHS—State Qualified
Gabriel Walsworth – GCA—State Qualified
Smallbore Pistol
Avery Dark – WHS—7th Place—State Qualified

In September 1912, 21-year-old Dorothy Gardner married 30-year-old Leslie Lynch King. Dorothy was a “strikingly attractive brunette,” and King was “a tall, handsome, sandy-haired wool merchant.” Dorothy’s mother said she had never seen Dorothy as happy as when she and her new husband boarded the train for their honeymoon on the West Coast.

Three weeks into their trip, the honeymoon bliss ended in the lobby of the elegant Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Oregon. King became enraged with Dorothy, called her vile names, slapped her in the face, and punched her in the head. They reconciled briefly and continued their honeymoon. While en route to California on a train, King flew into a rage and beat and kicked Dorothy. She lived in fear because she never knew when the next beating would come.

Dorothy was shocked by King’s actions. During their courtship, King had always treated her kindly and gently. He was from a prominent and wealthy family. King assured Dorothy that he would provide for her every need, lovingly and financially. When they returned from their extended honeymoon, Dorothy learned that King was deep in debt and had been stealing money from his father. Dorothy decided to leave King and was making preparations when she learned she was pregnant. King’s parents pleaded with her not to leave and reasoned that having a child would surely change their son’s troubled ways. Dorothy reluctantly agreed to stay.

In July 1913, Dorothy had a son in King’s parent’s mansion. At King’s insistence, they named the child Leslie Lynch King Jr. On the day after the child was born, King burst into the sickroom and berated Dorothy to the extent that her doctor intervened. He told King that Dorothy was quite ill and warned him to stop abusing her. The doctor was so concerned about King’s unpredictable nature toward his wife that he brought in a nurse to protect Dorothy and young Leslie.

A few days later, King stormed into the sickroom armed with a butcher knife and threatened to kill Dorothy and young Leslie. The nurse called the police, who disarmed King and arrested him. Dorothy knew she had to leave King, but she knew to be discreet. Dorothy wrapped 16-day-old Leslie in a blanket and fled from the King mansion. After a fifteen-month volatile marriage, Dorothy divorced King.

Dorothy and young Leslie began a new life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years later while Dorothy was at a church social, she met a man who asked if he could call on her. Dorothy was in no hurry to jump into another relationship. For a year, she learned all she could about the man. He was a paint salesman who quit school at 14 to provide for his widowed mother and sisters. He was scrupulously honest, a regular at church, and was kind to everyone who knew him. Most importantly, he was all that Leslie King Sr. was not.

Finally, she agreed to let him call on her. In February 1916, he and Dorothy married in the church where they met. To ease the painful reminders of her first marriage, Dorothy changed her son’s name to that of her new husband.

Dorothy’s son was 30 years old when he learned that his birth name was Leslie Lynch King Jr. To him, the name was meaningless. His name, the one Dorothy bestowed upon him in honor of the man she married, was Gerald R. Ford. Dorothy’s son eventually became the 38th President of the United States.

On Monday, March 17th,  Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School provided its 5th Mobile Dental Care Visit under the care of Dr. Alexander with the Miles for Smiles Team of Shreveport servicing roughly 40 students.

The visit included cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and fillings (as needed). Each student received a Dental Report Card, including follow-up recommendations, and was able to return right back to class! The school will receive a School Dental Report Card in the coming weeks.

Special thanks to Mrs. Alice Prophit, President/CEO of the Living Well Foundation (LWF) for making this possible. As previously published, JHES was earlier awarded a competitive grant in the amount of $6,000 dollars.

The Living Well Foundation is a public non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life in northeast Louisiana. Founded in 2006, the Living Well Foundation serves the residents of Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union Parishes. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.livingwellfoundation.net

The Jonesboro Christian Fellowship, located at 899 Walker Road in Jonesboro in invites you to celebrate the special occasion with them by coming to their special Six-Month Anniversary Service on Sunday, March 23rd. 

The festivities begin at 10:00 am with Special Guest Speaker, Justin Batterton, bringing a powerful and spirit filled message with “dinner on the grounds” following the service.

To learn more click here.  

I’m Sorry

America’s prison system is big business; providing employment and benefits to all on the payroll. Correction facilities quickly become overcrowded resulting in the need for expansion and construction. If you’re not currently living in the vicinity of a state correction system facility, you may be soon.

I remember my eerie feelings as my father drove our family past the Jamesville, New York Penitentiary. Though scary, I remember it as a well built structure; looking far different from the prisons of today. I’d compare it to an impressive large brick university building of days gone by.

Penitentiary…I haven’t heard the term penitentiary in years. Maybe it hasn’t been considered politically correct. Why was the term once used? Court systems were expecting criminals to do far more than change their behavior.

Society had hopes that the incarcerated would have change of hearts. Offenders were given the opportunity to repent; to turn away from sin and turn to God. In prison, they would have time to search their hearts until they truly felt sorrow, penitent for their crimes.

No longer would the prisoners merely feel sorry they got caught; they’d be sorry that they broke the law. I have broken God’s laws. We all have. He has given us time to repent.

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times (Acts 3:19-21 NASB).”

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

Mary (Morrow) Shively
January 29, 1948 – March 16, 2025

Mary (Morrow) Shively passed away at her residence in Hodge on Sunday, March16, 2025. She was 77 years old. Mary married Marvin Shively on February 2, 1966 and they were married for 59 years. Marvin and Mary enjoyed camping and even served as hosts at Caney Lake State Park for a number of years.

Mary worked at Continental Can Company for many years. She next worked as a librarian for Louisiana Tech University and retired from there in 2014. She loved to tailgate at LA Tech football games with her family and friends. Mary loved her canine friend, Paddy, but the joy of her life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin; son, Johnny Shively and wife, Teri of Sikes, La; daughter, Wendy Watson and husband, Craig of Chattanooga, TN; son, Damian Shively and wife, Brandi of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Thomas Mitchell (Cachet) of Baton Rouge, LA, Alex Mitchell of Baton Rouge, LA, Kimber Watson (Bre) of Chattanooga, TN, Jacob Watson of Jonesboro, LA, Hailey Pendarvis of Chattanooga, TN, Merik Dayne Shively of Chattanooga, TN; great-grandchildren, Key, Leedy and Mary Elizabeth Mitchell of Baton Rouge, LA, Haylen, Jaclyn and Everly Pendarvis of Chattanooga, TN, Malik Watson of Jonesboro, LA, Jake and Luke Mitchell of Baton Rouge, LA, Velton Carver Watson of Chattanooga, TN; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Morrow of Bossier City, LA.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Ellis R. Morrow; mother, Mary (Albright) Morrow; and brother, Johnny R. Morrow.

As per Mary’s wishes, she will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at Full Gospel Christian Center in Jonesboro on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Bro. Eli McBride, Bro. Billy McBride, Michael Whitman and Kimber Watson will officiate.

Harvey Troy Robinson
August 2, 1941 – March 13, 2025

A much-loved father, grandfather, father-in-love, uncle, cousin and brother-in-love peacefully fell into his spiritual slumber on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Today we bow in humble submission to the Will of our Heavenly Father as we celebrate the rich and rewarding life of our beloved, Harvey Troy Robinson.

Harvey was born on August 2, 1941, to the late Asper Reed and Omelia Robinson. He was the youngest of four children. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Travelers Rest Baptist Church. He was ordained to the Deaconry on July 14, 1996, and he remarked during the ordination service, “I had been approached years ago about being a Deacon, but I was not ready then. I am ready now.” And ready he was in his actions, his witness and his enthusiasm as he carried out his duties as a deacon. He was passionate about his church and truly loved his pastor and his pastor’s family.

He was a proud member of the Jackson High School Class of 1960. After graduation he attended Grambling State University. Harvey was drafted into the United States Army in 1964 and served his country in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on December 31, 1969. He then went to work at Continental Can Company (currently Smurfit WestRock) on the extra board, but he quickly worked his way up to machine operator and then to supervisory roles until his retirement in 2002.

Harvey met and married Bertha Lee Bradford Robinson and this union was blessed with two daughters, Yumeaka Kennyatta and Esther Jewetta’. Although he did not graduate from college, he understood the importance of an education and was always supportive of his wife in her educational pursuits and he also made the necessary sacrifices to ensure that his daughters graduated from college sans student loan debt. Given his passion for all children to be educated along with his desire to serve his community, Harvey was elected to the Jackson Parish School Board (District 10) in 1973 and served until 1990. He was later re-elected in 2002 (Ward 5) and served until 2014. He was proficient in education law and vigorously attended local, state and national conferences to stay abreast of the constant changes in education law.

Harvey enjoyed the simple things of life, and his family was his priority. He often referred to his “three girls” (wife included) as his world. However, on November 2, 2001, his “three girls” lost their top position to his grandson, Brett Bernard Washington. He was a doting PawPaw and cherished the close bond that he held with his grandson. His relationship with his son-in-love, Ronald, was impeccable and filled with the love of a proud father. One of the many displays of his family loyalty and devotion was when he unselfishly volunteered in 2005 to serve as the cemetery setup person with the assistance of his great nephew, William Bradford during Paradise Funeral Home’s humble infancy.

He had a sharp wit and a gift for laughter, often weaving puns into conversations with such ease that you wouldn’t realize you’d fallen into his web of humor until long after.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife; parents; brothers, Willie James and Clifford, Sr; sister, Ella Louise Morris; sisters-in-love, Winonia Robinson and Mae Bradford; brother-in-love, Elvis Hoover; and nephew, Roderick Bradford.

Harvey’s precious memories will be forever cherished by his daughters, Yumeaka (Ronald) Washington and Esther Robinson; grandson, Brett Washington; sisters-in-love, Mary Hoover, Glory (McArthur) White, Charlean Nelson and Vivian Bradley; brother-in-love, James Bradford; nieces, nephews and cousins; godchildren, LaShonda Johnson, Tracy Smith and Randal (Jackie) Anders; god-grandchildren, Xavier Johnson, Jackson and Evan Anders; bonus grandchildren, Eddie Washington and James Briggs; bonus son, Roger Beard and a host of relatives, friends and colleagues.

Public viewing will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 am on Thursday, March 20th, at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Jonesboro with the Celebration of Life service following. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

The offices of the  Jackson Parish Clerk of Court along with the Louisiana Secretary of State reminds you that Early Voting for the March 29th election has begun. Ballots can be cast March 16-22 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm at the Jackson Parish Registrar’s Office in the Jackson Parish Courthouse, located at 500 E. COURT ST., ROOM 102, in Jonesboro, LA.

To cast a ballot you must bring one of the following:
A Louisiana state issued ID
A Louisiana driver’s license
A Louisiana Special ID
A LA Wallet digital driver’s license
A United States military identification card that contains the applicant’s name and picture
Some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature.

Voters who have no picture ID may complete and sign a Voter Identification Affidavit in order to vote; however, it is subject to challenge by law.

Ballot Items:

Five items are on the ballot, including one that is very pertinent to Jackson Parish, that being the call for the 9.23 millage continuation of the PW Law Enforcement District  – Sheriff for 10 years. 

Additional ballot items include:

CA No. 1 (ACT No. 2, 2024-3ES – SB 1) – To provide for disciplinary proceedings over attorneys and to create courts of limited jurisdiction

CA No. 2 (ACT No. 1, 2024-3ES – HB 7) – To provide with respect to the power of taxation including limitations thereon

CA No. 3 (ACT No. 3, 2024-3ES – SB 2) – To provide relative to crimes committed by juveniles and to special juvenile proceedings

CA No. 4 (ACT No. 4, 2024-3ES – SB 5) – To provide for election dates for newly-created judgeships or vacancies in office of judge

For more information call (318) 259-2486 or visit GeauxVote.com

William “Billy” Carter has been named Superintendent of Jackson Parish Schools effective July 1, 2025. The decision was made at the special called meeting of the Jackson Parish School Board that was held Thursday, March 13th at the Jackson Parish School District Central Office in response to the resignation of current JPSD Superintendent, David Claxton that will take effect on June 30th, 2025.

Carter, who has been at Quitman High School for 24 years (2001- present), including the last nine as Principal, was chosen over three other very qualified applicants in Dr. Robin Potts, Troy Bell and Karen Ray.

During his tenure as Principal, Boys Basketball and Track coach, Quitman High School has reached never seen before heights both academically and athletically while also seeing major improvements made to the facility. Also not to be overlooked, is Carter’s exceptional ability to build relationships among school organizations, parents and students.

A graduate of Brookland High School in Texas, Carter graduated with a Bachelor or Science in Education from Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches in 1997 before later receiving a Masters in Educational Leadership from NSU in 2005. Carter and his wife, Tara, are also the parents of four children, who he proudly proclaims are all Quitman High School graduates in Ty, Kailee, Emma and Maddie Grace.

In a statement to the Jackson Parish Journal, Carter expressed his appreciation and support to those who entrusted him with this position and his pledge to help Jackson Parish schools reach new heights. 

Dear Jackson Parish Community,

I am truly honored to be named the new Superintendent of Jackson Parish Schools. For the past 24 years, this parish has been my home, and this appointment is one of the greatest honors of my life. I do not take this trust lightly, and I am deeply grateful to the board for their confidence in me. I will work tirelessly to move this district forward and ensure the best possible education for every child in Jackson Parish.

The outpouring of love and prayers I have received, both before and after this appointment, has truly humbled me. Jackson Parish is one of the greatest places to raise a family and educate our children. Our schools serve as the heart of our communities, benefiting from unwavering support from families, educators, and local partners. We will continue to build upon these strong community relationships to take our district to new heights.

Above all, we must always remember that Jackson Parish is about family and community. I am grateful for everyone who has supported me, not just in this moment, but throughout my career. I look forward to working alongside each of you to create an even brighter future for our students.

May the Lord continue to bless Jackson Parish!

Sincerely,
Billy Carter

On March 12th, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a reported shooting. Responding deputies and first responders found the victim at the intersection of La Hwy 548 and Tisdale Road, where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation revealed Jaxon Keen of Kelly, La. to be the suspect. Keen was located and arrested for second-degree homicide.

Nine players from Jackson Parish have been named to the 2024-25 1B All-District team in boys basketball, including six players from 2024-25 LHSAA Class B quarterfinalist, Quitman High School and three from Weston High School.

Noah Leach of Quitman was the only local player selected to the 1B first team, while both Brayden Smith and Brayden Martin from QHS earned second team honors. The remaining six players to earn postseason acclaim, Gavyn Caskey, Taden Thomas, and Abel Leach from Quitman High School and Nathin Wages, Brody Tidwell, and Dawson Clifton from Weston High School all received Honorable Mention designation.

2024-25  1-B All-District Boys Basketball Team

Coach of the Year: Adam Wodach, Simsboro
MVP: Trumarion Smith, Simsboro

FIRST TEAM

SECOND TEAM

Brayden Smith – Quitman
Brayden Martin – Quitman
Jay Patterson – Doyline
Jaley Outley – Simsboro
Cole Gilcrease –  Castor

HONORABLE MENTION

Zach Normand Doyline
Justin Prudhomme Simsboro
Nathin Wages Weston
Gavyn Caskey Quitman
Taden Thomas Quitman
Abel Leach Quitman
Brody Tidwell Weston
Dawson Clifton Weston
Justin Terrell Simsboro
Amaren Woodard Simsboro
Deandre Clark Castor
Hayden Thompson Castor
Nash Warren Castor

Recently, Jackson Parish Sheriff Office patrol deputies stopped Joseph L. Thompson on Oakaloosa Road in eastern Jackson Parish. Thompson was found to be in possession of a stolen motorcycle from Texas and additional investigation revealed that he also possessed 140 grams of suspected methamphetamine on his person and the motorcycle, along with $4,980.00 in cash.

A search warrant was executed at his residence in Jackson Parish, resulting in the discovery of approximately 540 grams of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia. Deputies also found a firearm and another stolen trailer from Ouachita Parish.

Thompson was charged with multiple offenses, including possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS, methamphetamine, and fentanyl; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; illegal possession of stolen goods; possession of drug paraphernalia; and traffic violations. His bond was set at $158,500.00.

The office of the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court (JPCC) announces that those who received a Jury Summons to appear on Monday, March 17th have been released from duty and do not have to appear. JPCC also reminds that you WILL NOT be compensated if you appear on this date and gives thanks for your willingness to serve. 

The softball team from Quitman and Weston High School both played at the QHS “Small” Tournament held on Friday and Saturday on the campus of Quitman High School to very different results as the Lady Wolverines won all four of their contests and WHS dropped all three of their games. 

Quitman, the top ranked team in Class B, now sports a 9-1 overall record after beating Rosepine 2-1 and Class 5A Benton 7-1 on Friday before following that up with an 11-0 win over Class 5A Ruston and a 9-3 victory over Zwolle on Saturday. The Lady Wolves fell to 3-6 on the year after falling 18-1 to Ruston on Friday and losing to Rosepine and Benton on Saturday by 13-1 and 30-6 margins. 

Friday, March 14

Quitman 2 Rosepine 1: Breelyn Boone, who had entered as a courtesy runner for Kinsley Ponder after she opened the bottom of the first inning with a double, scored on an sacrifice grounder by Hallie Kate Pullig in the first and Cali Deal crossed home in the third on Anna Leach’s RBI single for all the runs that Quitman would need thanks to a three hit, 0 earned run, gem pitched by Maggie Guyotte. 

Ruston 18 Weston 1: Nine extra base hits by the Lady Bearcats over the first three innings spelled doom for the Lady Wolves.  Carly Jo Griffin got a hit and scored a run while Carlynn Waters got an RBI with Weston’s other hit of the contest called early per the “mercy rule”. 

Quitman 7 Benton 1: The Lady Wolverines broke open the game by scoring 7 runs over the final three innings in the battle between #1 in Class B and #2 in Division I among “non-select” schools. After four innings it was a scoreless pitching duel, before Quitman got to Benton starter Bayleigh Moniz with two runs in the fourth, one in the fifth and four more in the bottom of the sixth. Cali Deal picked up the win for Quitman by not allowing an earned run in 7 innings and compiling a new season high 15 strikeouts. It was also Deal who got the scoring started by stroking a double in the fourth inning and scoring when Anna Leach’s bunt was misplayed. Karley Huckaby then followed with single to score Leach who had gone all the way to third on the error. The score went to 3-0 the next inning when Brenna Lamkin opened the frame with a hit and scored on a double by Hallie Kate Pullig. The final four QHS runs came about when Huckaby reached on an error, Zoee Williams and Briley Bowers hit back-to-back singles and then after an out, Kinsley Ponder and Maggie Guyotte hit consecutive singles. 

Saturday, March 15

Rosepine 13 Weston 1: After both teams scored a run in the first inning, Rosepine broke things open with a ten-spot in the bottom of the second. The Lady Wolves got their run thanks to a leadoff single by Carlynn Waters and a two out double by Rachel Bandy, who was the hard luck loser after giving up 11 runs with only one being earned due to five Weston errors.  

Quitman 11 Ruston 0: The Lady Wolverines gave Class 5A Ruston “double trouble” as Kinsley Ponder, Brenna Lamkin, Anna Leach, Zoee Williams, and Briley Bowers all smashed two baggers. Zoee Williams and Karley Huckaby took advantage by plating four and three runs respectively with base hits. Maggie Guyotte, Hallie Kate Pullig, Leach and Huckaby also scored two runs each. Cali Deal struck out 10 over six innings for her 4th win of the year. 

Benton 30 Weston 6: Taking advantage of 10 hits and 23 base on ball by either walks or hit batters, the Lady Tigers scored a new season high in runs. Davynee Bearden, Carly Jo Griffith, Molly Beaubouef, Hailey Chatham, Penelope Ferguson and Teegan Hall all scored runs in the third inning for Weston. 

Quitman 9 Zwolle 3: The Lady Wolverines methodically pulled away by scoring two runs in both the first and second inning before adding four more in the third frame. Kinsley Ponder led the offensive attack with 3 hits in 4 at bats, including a pair of doubles while knocking in two and scoring a run. Karley Huckaby (RBI, RS) also got a pair of hits while Maggie Guyotte got a hit, knocked in two and scored a run. Zoee Williams (RBI, RS) and Cali Deal (RS) smacked a double each while Anna Leach got a hit and scored a run and Hallie Kate Pullig contributed an RBI. Brenna Lamkin also scored a run but hit was her performance on the mound that stood out as the freshman struck out a career high 14 batters for the complete game win, her third of the season against no losses. 

NEXT UP! Both Quitman and Weston will be in action this Tuesday – Thursday at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex for the 2025 District 1B Tournament, that will decide the final district standings for all teams. 

If you happen to be around the Caney Lake area on Tuesday, March 17th and see a lot of smoke, don’t be alarmed. What is taking place is a controlled burn of the Jimmie Davis State Park (JDSP) area. 

JPSD administration instructs to:
* Follow all posted caution signage
* Stay away from burning debris
* Be aware smoke may be visible in and around the park

Prescribed burns are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem as they:
* reduce excess vegetation and lower wildfire risk 
* improve wildlife habitat and promote native plant growth 
* enhance overall forest and land health

After starting the season by winning the first three games of the season and climbing all the way to an early season #1 ranking in Division IV among “non-select” schools, the JHHS baseball team came crashing back to earth by dropping a pair of District 1-1A contests this past week. 

The Tigers opened the week by falling to Cedar Creek 15-0 on Wednesday, March 12th and then lost again to Haynesville 24-1 the next day, dropping their record to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in district 1-1A play. 

Cedar Creek 15 JHHS 0: The Tigers trailed by only a 2-0 margin after two innings of play but Cedar Creek ended the game in the bottom of the third by posting 13 runs on the strength of 8 hits and six base on balls. The Tigers saw three batters reach base in the contest with Waylon Evans and Trey Trosclair getting a hit apiece and Dakota Knox drawing a walk. 

Haynesville 24 JHHS 1: It was over early as Haynesville burst out to an 8-1 lead after one and then ended the contest with 12 more in the top of the fourth. Trey Trosclair scored the Tigers only run in the bottom of the first after leading off with a single and scoring on a double by Marquis Baker, who led the JHHS offense with 2 hits in the contest. Waylon Evans and Pierce Ulloa also hit singles for the Tigers. 

Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) is proud to recognize Melissa Porter, LPN, as the ‘WOW’ Award Recipient for the month of March! As a dedicated Clinic LPN and Informatics Nurse at JPH, she is an essential part of our team, going above and beyond every day.

Melissa has a key role in training new clinic providers and clinic staff in navigating and utilizing our organization’s electronic medical record software. She is also very involved in the community, particularly with the parish schools where she facilitates the school telemedicine encounters, serving as a liaison between the school nurse and the practitioner. She is also instrumental in coordinating and assembling students, faculty, and clinic personnel each year for Jackson Parish Schools’ annual high school physicals.

Melissa regularly works alongside Ryan Grimmett, FNP, and Dr. William J. Slusher while also stepping in wherever needed, serving as a backup for prior authorizations, podiatry nursing, and our Children’s Vaccine Program. No matter where she’s helping, her dedication and versatility make a lasting impact.

“Thank you, Melissa Porter, LPN, for your hard work and commitment to providing the very best care to our community!” – Jackson Parish Hospital

JPH Recognizes Pair from Human Resources Team

In conjunction with Healthcare Human Resources Week (March 10th-14th), the Jackson Parish Hospital recognizes and celebrates the dedication of HR team members, Tennille White, PHR, Director of Human Resources & Credentialing Specialist and Brooke Taylor, Human Resources Assistant, Accounting Assistant & Credentialing, whose hard work keeps our hospital running smoothly behind the scenes.

From recruiting skilled professionals and managing benefits to handling credentialing and supporting our staff, their tireless efforts ensure that our healthcare team can focus on what matters most – caring for our patients. Their commitment strengthens our hospital, empowering every department to work together seamlessly in delivering high-quality care.

Thank you both for your dedication, your hard work, and your unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of the JPH Team. JPH is endlessly grateful for everything you do! – Jackson Parish Hospital Administration

The Weston High and Quitman High School Gifted and Talented (GT) music students under the direction of Jackson Parish GT Music Teacher, Kathie Venable, competed in the Northwest District Literary Rally Music Competition held at Louisiana Tech University on Friday, March 15th.

All seven students that performed received Superior ranking and earned the right to compete at the LSU State Literary Rally in Baton Rouge, that will be held on April 12th.

Meredith Turner, Madison Turner, Nia Williams, Kari Beth Gates, and Avery Dark, all from Weston High School, placed Superior in the Vocal Competition while Emma Kate Toms and Kaleigh Webb, both from Quitman High School earned Superior ratings in Vocal Competition and Piano respectively. 

The Jonesboro-Hodge Jr. Beta Club recognized and celebrated National Beta Club Week from March 3-7 in conjunction with their Organization for Autism (OAR) Monthly Kindness Activity.

Day 4, was “Colors of Kindness” emphasizing the character trait of “Betas Motivate”. Students wore bright and positive colors to bring energy and motivation to everyone around them. Students, faculty, and staff celebrated the power of lifting each other up and inspiring those around us to reach their full potential. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being a positive influence, motivation can make all the difference. Let’s strive to be the spark that fuels others to dream big, work hard, and never give up!

National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. And for more than 80 years, it has prepared today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. The mission of the organization is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.

As previously mentioned, the school was awarded a competitive grant to increase Autism acceptance through peer education. The grant funded each K-5 classroom with OAR materials to teach interactive mini-classroom lessons to help students build more inclusive relationships with their Autistic peers.

Memories of the Sportsman Jamboree

During my more than half a century of writing, broadcasting and being involved in events involving the outdoors, there is one in which I was involved that stands at the forefront of my memory, the Sportsman’s Jamboree.

I remember meeting with a group of Ruston folks who got together to discuss a problem and to see if we could do something about it. We discussed the fact that we needed to do more to respect the landowners who allowed us to hunt on their land as well as to do a better job of behavior as outdoorsmen and women. We decided to hold a public meeting to discuss these and other things related to the outdoors. Thus, in October, 1980, our first event was held under the heading “Respect the Landowner.” Our state representative at the time, William Sumlin, was successful in having that logo added to special auto license plates that year.

That first get-together was the genesis of what would become the Sportsman’s Jamboree, an annual event that was held each fall for the next 34 years with the final Jamboree held in 2014. Our group outgrew the Ruston Civic Center to the point we moved the event, which grew in numbers each year to the Thomas Assembly Center at LA Tech.

Throughout the tenure, there were several who kept it going and planned for the event each fall. Once Willamette Industries which later transitioned to Weyerhaeuser Co. came on board as our main sponsor, Willamette’s wildlife biologist, Luke Lewis was a ring leader in promoting and planning each event. I was fortunate not only to be involved in the promotion and planning as were many others but I was also master of ceremonies at each event.

Some of the highlights during the 34 years the Sportsman’s Jamboree was alive included our giving scholarships to two students every year and allowing local vendors to show what they had to offer as displays were set up around the perimeter of the Assembly Center. Scores of businesses contributed materials for door prizes.
We were fortunate to attract an array of speakers, many of which were known nationwide. These included whitetail deer expert Dr. James Kroll, who was guest speaker at least three times over the years. Well-known turkey call manufacturers such as Preston Pittman, Ray Eye, Ben Rodgers Lee, David Hale and Harold Knight along with outdoor writers/photographers such as Grits Gresham, Bob Dennie, Paul Brown and Tes and Ron Jolly came to entertain and educate the crowds that came each year.

One of the most memorable and sobering events we had was on September 11, 2001, the day terrorists flew planes into the trade centers and Pentagon. Our guest speaker scheduled for that night was stranded and unable to fly in. We met anyhow and spent our time in prayer for our nation and playing a song that we used as an intro for every meeting that followed, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

It has now been over 10 years since the last Sportsman’s Jamboree was held and even today, I hear comments from folks who lament on how special these events were and how its demise has left a void. We decided after the final event in 2014 to have to call a halt to future events for several reasons. Our bank account was drying up, we were not receiving funds necessary to keep it going and vendors felt they needed to put their focus elsewhere.

Even so, for as long as I live I will be proud to have been a part of something so special for our outdoorsmen and women. Long live the memory of the Sportsman’s Jamboree.

FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good as the fish leave the deeper
water and begin making their way to the back of creeks to spawn in a few weeks. Best
bet for bass are to fish soft plastics or a deep diving crank bait on the deeper humps
and ridges. Chinquapins should be showing up soon around shallow brush. 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 are becoming more active. Flipping soft plastics seems to
be the best bet. Crappie should be starting to move toward the banks soon and will
improve on 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 started to move up from the deep channels toward shallow spawning ground with shiners and jigs improving the catch. Bass are slow to fair but will be moving up as water temperatures warm. No report on catfish or bream. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been fair as the fish begin to move from deep water toward the shallows. Bass are responding to a crawfish colored Jack Hammer chatter bait. No report on bream, 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 – The water is starting to fall with access to the landing now possible.
Fishing should be good in a week to 10 days. For info call Surplus City Landing at
318/467-2259.

A pair of teams representing the FFA at Weston High School competed in Area 1 Career Development Events (CDE) at Louisiana Tech University on Friday, March 14th, continuing the long standing tradition of bringing home the blue felt pennants received for top placements.  

Career Development Event Winners

Floriculture  – 2nd Place
Emily Taylor
Madelyn Ramsey
Ashlynn Higgins
Sophie Droddy

Nursery / Landscape – 3rd Place
Cory Tucker
Nathan Pierce
Abel McBride
Collin Shows

“These FFA members have been putting in a lot of work over the past 6 weeks to get prepared for the competition,” said Weston High School FFA Director, Derek Shields. “They have given up multiple days including their Spring Break to practice and to represent our chapter. Bringing home a couple more blue felt pennants for room decor is a testament to their hard work.”

Ten years ago, I took part in my last 5K run. (I mostly walked!) It was during the Jonquil Jubilee in Gibsland.

An interesting thing happened to those participating in the run/walk. The race started and the runners shot out quickly, as runners will do. The walkers were not as quick off the starting blocks. As I looked down Main Street there were 5k green shirts wearing people gathered by the railroad tracks, stopped. The arms of the train signals had gone down. The train appeared very quickly.

As the 5K was starting a train blocked the race. A freight train will slow you down every time. The race ground to a halt through no fault of the participants. I wondered if they would receive bonus points for waiting on the train. The train didn’t take long to go through town and the runners and walkers were off again on their race. The race stopped because the path was blocked.

During Lent we usually read about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. In the Greek the word for devil is diabolos. The literal translation of that word is that which “throws across the path.” What if that metaphoric closed door, severe weather event, unplanned sickness or surgery, or train across the race route is a test to see what we do when something is “thrown across our path?” Will you complete the race of faith?

I think our faith would be much more vibrant if we stopped living by cross-stitched slogans and began living by the scriptural truth. I suppose I have seen too many children of God thrown off track by the train that cuts through the racecourse. We might call it a time of trial, temptation or suffering. What has been thrown across your path? Before you look for that other opened window, or detour off your path consider the words of the Apostle Paul:

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5 NRSV

Maybe you are called to stick to your guns, don’t detour or yield to the temptation of quitting but remain faithful as you “run with perseverance the race that is set before you.”

Staying on the course because the race is not over, is called being faithful.