The Jackson Parish Special Education Department is seeking stakeholders to serve on the Jackson Parish Special Education Advisory Committee. The committee meets three times a year at the Student Service Center at 440 Old Winnfield Road, Jonesboro, Louisiana.

Parents of students with disabilities, teachers, staff and community members can apply to serve on the committee. All interested applicants can request a SEAC application by emailing Bonnie Buckelew at bonnie.buckelew@jpsbschools.us or by calling 318-259-8802, ext. 9109. The due date for all applications to be turned in to the Student Service Center is September 25, 2026.

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) announces that registration is now open for the 2026-27 Youth Basketball League. Eligible Girls and boys ages 5-14 can sign up for $53.00 per player until September 20th, with a $20.00 late fee added after the registration deadline.

A change to this season’s schedule, which runs from December 3rd to January 30th, is that all games will be played at the Jonesboro-Hodge Junior High Gymnasium on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

COACHES NEEDED! If you are interested in coaching a team, contact the JPRD by emailing www.jprec.org, or to sign up a player(s) or coach a team, use the QR code shown below.

The long wait for the much-anticipated high school football season is nearly over. Hallelujah! Soon, high school stadiums all over the state will once again be the favored “place to be” on Friday nights (and sometimes Thursday). I say it again. Hallelujah!

For fans of high school football in North Louisiana, the 2026 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) football season begins with what has turned out to be one of the best season-opening events in sports: the Bayou Jamb, where many of the top teams in the area, including Jonesboro-Hodge High School, get a chance for one final tune-up before beginning the regular season.

What many people don’t realize is that the Bayou Jamb is much more than just a chance to watch your favorite school play a football game; it is also a chance to take part in a full week of activities, leading up to the action on the field at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM) this Friday and Saturday, August 28-29.

Fan Jamb Week

Fan Jamb Week is a week-long celebration leading up to the Bayou Jamb Football Jamboree, bringing together student-athletes, fans, schools, businesses, community partners, and football supporters for unforgettable experiences that celebrate the tradition of high school football. From community events and local flavors to fan activities and special tributes, Fan Jamb Week captures the spirit, pride, and passion that make Northeast Louisiana football special.

Fans will enjoy signature events such as Media Day, Taste of the Tailgate Cook-Off, Character Counts School Tour, Salute to Service, Champion Square Village, Fan Jamb Tailgate, and the inaugural Bayou Jamb Volleyball event. A week’s worth of Bayou Jamb events packed throughout the community of Monroe to give everyone a taste of the Bayou Jamb experience leading up to the big games August 28th-29th in Malone Stadium. For extended details, a calendar of events, and to purchase tickets, visit the website bayoujamb.com or download the Bayou Jamb app on Apple Store or Google Play.

BAYOU JAMB MEDIA DAY – Monday, Aug. 24 – Bayou Jamb 2026 Media Day will be Monday, August 24th, at the Abe Pierce III – Fort Miro Room beginning at 10 am. Coaches from the sixteen participating teams will address the media, and each school will bring two of its top players.

TASTE OF THE TAILGATE COOK-OFF – Monday, Aug.24 – A perfect lunch to kick off football season! Bayou Jamb is hosting a tailgate cook-off at the Abe Pierce III – Bayou Room adjacent to the Monroe Civic Center Monday, August 24th, 12- 2 p.m. Local restaurants and chefs will battle it out for the Championship Title. Do not miss cheering for your favorite team while showing support for your favorite food! General Admission is $10 to sample all restaurants. Purchase tickets at bayoujamb.com or at the door.

BAYOU JAMB VOLLEYBALL– Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Join us for the inaugural Bayou Jamb Volleyball event as teams from across the region kick off the season in an exciting showcase of competition and school spirit. Sponsored by Vertex Volleyball League, this first-ever event celebrates the growth of high school volleyball while bringing together athletes, coaches, families, and fans for an unforgettable day of action.

CHARACTER COUNTS SCHOOL TOUR – Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Players from participating Bayou Jamb schools will visit local elementary schools, connecting with students about the importance of maintaining healthy relationships in sports, in the classroom, and in their everyday lives. Each student will receive a free ticket to the Bayou Jamb.

SALUTE TO SERVICE – Thursday, Aug. 27 – Salute to Service is a celebration to honor, empower, and connect our nation’s service members, veterans, community service programs, and high school ROTC members through sports. In honor of their service, Bayou Jamb will host a tribute to Pilots for Patients, participating schools’ ROTC students, and Holy Dippers at 10 a.m., located at 4300 Loop Rd, Monroe, LA. Please join us for this free event.

FAN JAMB TAILGATE – Friday, Aug. 28 – Get ready to fire up the spirit and the grill! The Fan Jamb Tailgate is the ultimate spot for fans, families, and businesses to show their school pride, connect with the community, and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned tailgating fun. Reserve your spot for the weekend for only $100 by visiting bayoujamb.com or download the app on Apple or Google Play.

KID ZONE – Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 – The Bayou Jamb Kid Zone is where the fun begins! Young fans can enjoy games, activities, and plenty of excitement while celebrating high school football with their families.

CHAMPIONS SQUARE VILLAGE– Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 – In addition to the great football action, our Bagby Rental Championship Square Village opens at 3 PM on Friday and 10 AM Saturday with games, music, and an activity-filled village for the entire family.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 –The 2026 Bayou Jamb Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees, Aaron Dietrich, KNOE Sports Director, and Joe Raymond Peace Jr., Louisiana Tech Head Football Coach (1988–1995), will be inducted into the Bayou Jamb Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sports and their lasting impact on athletes and communities.

Bayou Jamb Game Schedule

Purchase Tickets at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

One of the best things that the Bayou Jamb does is not only give fans an opportunity to see many of the top football teams in north Louisiana all at one setting, but also help each school financially by allowing the schools to keep all revenue gained through ticket sales when they are purchased at the school. The best part for the fane is that tickets costs are at a discount compared to the price you will pay at the gate.

The cost of admission to the Bayou Jamb, when purchased at the school, is only $12.00 for the session, compared to $15.00 at the gate on game day. Children 5 years and under get in free. Gates open at 3 PM on Friday, August 28th, and 10 AM on Saturday, August 29th. This year, halftime will feature spirit group performances, a 100-yard dash for kids, and a fun fan experience, making it an event the whole family will love

Join the Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) for a free evening of fun one night a week for six weeks!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get six (6) award-winning books to add to your home library. The special program is designed for families with children ages 3-5, but siblings of any age are welcome to join.

But you have to act fast!

Availability is limited so register your family today at :
https://forms.gle/NSQRkqVyiQD7QHNF8

There is only one first! No matter what follows in history, the first of anything will always be remembered by everyone involved. The annals will show that Grace Christian Academy of Jonesboro, which is fielding athletics for the first time in school history, won its first-ever school sports athletic competition on August 21st.

The Lady Guardians had to travel a long way to claim their first ever school victory, treking way down south to Morgan City, LA to beat Immanual Christian School 3 sets to one by scores of 25-9, 25-18, 9-25 and 25-18 to win the Association of Christian Educators in Louisiana (ACEL) match and even their season record to 1-1 on the year.

In other ACEL action, fellow Jackson Parish school, Cornerstone Christian Academy in Jonesboro, continued their dominance in independent school girls’ volleyball play by blasting Legacy Christian Academy out of Jennings, LA, three sets to none to improve to 4-0 on the year. Scores of the contest were 25-9, 25-4, and 25-16.

Want a fine opportunity to promote your business or organization while also showing your support for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Tiger football team? You need to act now to become a game sponsor on the official home of J-H Tiger Football, the Roux102 (102.3 FM), for only $75.00 per game. Take advantage of reaching a large audience at each and every game during the 2026 Tiger football regular season and LHSAA playoffs, while also receiving the following.

(1) At least 5 Commercials from the pre-game show to the post-game wrap-up show.
(2) Promos all week leading up to the game, letting the audience know of your support for the Tigers.

Added Bonus: 50 commercial spots per month on Roux102 during the football season

To show your support for Tiger football, reserve a spot by emailing Godleyworks@gmail.com or by sending a text to (318) 243-4681.

The Jackson Parish 4-H announces it’s time to enroll in 4-H for the new year!

You can use your 4-H Online Account to enroll for this year at https://v2.4hotline.com/#/landing

Remember to:
-Update your GRADE level
-Update your phone/address
-Update your email address

Forgot your Password?
Call Ms. Michele at the office, and she will help you get it reset! (318) 259-5690

Want to complete a paper form?
Check with your school club leader, stop by the Jackson Parish 4-H office at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro, or call (318) 259-5690 or email Ms. Michele at mdenis@agcenter.lsu.edu, and she can email one to you.

It’s going to be a GREAT year! Check out all the ways to get involved… plus more to come!

The LSU AgCenter is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Should you need ADA accommodation, please contact the Jackson Parish 4-H Office at (318) 259-5690 no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.

The Jackson Parish Chapter of the Grambling University National Alumni Association (GUNAA) has scheduled a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25th. The session will take place in the Conference Room at the Town of Jonesboro City Hall, located at 128 Allen Avenue. Chapter President James Bradford encourages all members and those who wish to join to attend.

Channel Cats, Southern “Mascots”?

I’ve done a bit of snooping around the Louisiana High School Athletic Association records and quite frankly, I’m a tad disappointed. Louisiana athletic teams have picked a wide array of mascots to represent their teams, but there is one that is sorely missing.

There are dozens of Tigers; an equal number of Bulldogs; bunches of Lions, Bears, Gators, Cougars, and Wildcats. Nowhere, however, can I find a team represented by one of the most prolific, tenacious fighting creatures that lives in Louisiana. I’m speaking of Channel Catfish. The mascot for the team in my town is Bearcat. Why not the Ruston High Channel Cats instead of Bearcats? What the heck is a Bearcat anyhow?

I can see it now….instead of the Ruston High football team parading out in uniforms emblazoned with the image of a Bearcat – there’s really no such creature – why not feature a ferocious looking channel cat, wearing a football helmet with a menacing grin beneath its whiskers? You could even add an intimidated Tiger or Bulldog impaled on the catfish’s dangerous fins. Keep a big one in a tank that could be paraded out by cheerleaders before the game, just like Mike the Tiger at LSU.

Oh well……

While there may not be any football teams in Louisiana with a channel catfish as its mascot, it’s not because the channel cat is in short supply. They are one of our state’s most abundant fish, they’re easy and fun to catch, and when it comes to table fare, there is none better.

Fishing for catfish was, for me, the equivalent of Ned’s First Reader I tackled in first grade. For me and those with which I grew up, it was necessary to learn the ABCs before tackling Shakespeare. When it came to catching catfish, we started out at the bottom of the catfish barrel by fishing for bullheads. To us, they were “mud cats” but we loved them because neither trickery nor skills were needed to entice them to bite our offerings.

Later, we would graduate to fishing for more respectable species of catfish. Flatheads grew big and mean in the bayous near our home. Limb lines baited with live bream occasionally resulted in unparalleled excitement when we paddled up to one of our sets with a cypress limb lashing the water. The fish on the line could weigh five pounds – or fifty. You never knew until you wrestled him into the boat just what you had.

There is one species of catfish, though, that defines who we are as southerners; the channel catfish. When you visit a catfish eatery in the south – there’s one on nearly every corner nowadays – the fish you have served on a heaping platter garnished with sides of French fries, onion, pickles and hush-puppies is the channel catfish.

Granted, these crunchy, sweet, tasty morsels were reared in a pond at a commercial catfish farm somewhere. They were caught by a hydraulically operated net in a fish farming operation. The ones that flounce on the bank of my memory were caught by a kid with a cane pole and a gob of red wigglers.
When you consider the lakes and rivers around the state, there is none more suitable for catfish than Lake D’Arbonne.

The area best known for its production of channel cats on D’Arbonne is “the meadow”, a flat stretch of lake bottom, averaging six to ten feet deep and located between Bear Creek and the dam. This area is a hot spot throughout the year as anglers dangle Canadian night crawlers, popularly known as “cold worms” in the depths to catch hefty stringers of channel catfish.

Okay, so no football team in the state wants to be known as the Channel Cats. I think they’re missing a good thing. In my mind, these feisty fighters are capable of scoring plenty of points on the end of the line and are a slam dunk on the platter.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Later if you can stand the heat, they’re around deep drops. Soft plastics and cranks baits are working fair. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. 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 – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and not many anglers are trying it later because of the excessive heat. Fishing overall has slowed because of air and water temps being so warm. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream have slowed now that the water and air temperature has warmed. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are suspended where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters. Not many are trying them later because of excessive heat. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is slightly rising. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and buffalo caught in nets. Nobody is trying the crappie and bass because it’s too hot. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

“Do you hear what I hear?”

It is a little early for Christmas music, but that old Christmas song has been running through my mind this morning.

I am sitting in my new little 4-by-6-foot office, practicing my pastor emeritus skills. Apparently one of those skills is sitting still long enough to notice what is going on around you. After years of meetings, sermons, phone calls, hospital visits, committee reports, and somebody always needing to know where the extension cord is, sitting quietly feels almost suspicious.

But this morning, I am listening.

Right now, the church building is silent. That will change soon.

Today is the first day of school for our preschool children. We have 104 children enrolled, which means that in a little while this silence is going to disappear. I expect to hear laughter, crying, little feet running down hallways, teachers giving instructions, parents saying goodbye, and perhaps one child announcing loudly that he absolutely does not intend to participate in whatever has been planned for him.

In other words, I expect to hear life.

And I cannot wait.

While I sit here listening for those sounds, another question occurs to me:

What are we listening for? And who are we listening to?

Jesus talked a surprising amount about listening.

Again and again he said, “Let anyone with ears listen.” He told his disciples to pay attention to what they heard. And in John’s Gospel Jesus described his relationship with us this way: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

Apparently discipleship involves more than talking.

That includes prayer.

We usually think of prayer as talking to God, and certainly it is. We bring God our worries, hopes, fears, families, decisions, illnesses, disappointments, and dreams. We pray because we believe God listens and responds because God loves us.

But here is the harder question:

After we finish talking, do we listen?

Sometimes my prayers resemble leaving a voicemail for God.

“Lord, here are the problems. Here is what I need. Here is what I think you ought to do. Thank you very much. Amen.”

Click.

And then I am off to the next thing.

Maybe prayer occasionally needs a little silence at the end.

“Speak, Lord. I’m listening.”

Perhaps God’s answer will come through Scripture. Perhaps through another person. Perhaps through an unexpected thought, a nudging of conscience, a door opening—or closing. And sometimes God may simply give us the quiet assurance that we are loved and that we do not walk alone.

Soon the hallway will be filled with 104 little reminders that silence does not last forever.

But for this moment, it is quiet.

So I am listening.

Listening for children.

Listening for life.

Listening for God.

There is great joy in discovering that amid all the noise of this world, the Shepherd is still speaking.

The question is not only, “Do you hear what I hear?”

The better question may be:

Are we listening?

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

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

NEWREZ, LLC, ET AL
#38199
STEVEN J. MORRIS, STEVE MORRIS, SUSAN MORRIS

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 2ND day of September, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

LOT 38 OF GLENDALE ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, LOUISIANA, AS PER THE PLAT OF SAME ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE JACKSON PARISH CLERK OF COURT TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS (PROPERTY).

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

July 22, 2026
August 26, 2026

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLL
#38213
CLARENCE RAY JACKSON

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 16TH day of September 2026 between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NW 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 19, T15N, RANGE 3 WEST, AND RUN SOUTH 90 FEET, THENCE EAST 157-1/2 FEET, THENCE NORTH 90 FEET, THENCE WEST 157-1/2 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS MORE FULLY SHOWN ON SURVEY OF JAMES WOOTEN DATED OCTOBER 12, 2007 (“PROPERTY”)

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT benefit of appraisal.

Brent Barnett, Sheriff
Ex-Officio, Auctioneer

August 5, 2026
September 9, 2026

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

VANDERBILT MORTGAGE AND FINANCE, INC
#38157
MARLON M. JARRELL, JR., MARLON JARRELL, JR., MARLON JARRELL

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE,
Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 23 day of September, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

2006 CMH LOCEL MOBILE HOME BEARING SEARING NUMBER CS2008343TNAB, IMMOBILIZED ONTO AND INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: LOT 2, 3, 4, & 5 OF BLOCK 1 OF EROS, LOUISIANA, AS SHOWN BY ORIGINAL PLAT AND SURVEY OF SAID TOWN OF EROS, NOW ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, SITUATED IN EROS, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITH benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

August 12, 2026
September 16, 2026

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

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 are being accepted until filled. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.

POSITION: Operator 1
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department

Description:

Under close supervision, the Solid Waste Department Operator I is a semi-skilled to skilled position consisting of equipment operation, manual labor, and maintenance repair of various pieces of light and heavy motorized equipment and trucks used in solid waste management, maintenance, inclement weather, and other generalized work. Incumbent may be used as a relief operator on equipment of a higher class if qualified and trained.

Minimum Qualifications:

• In good standing as an employee in current position
• Class B CDL Driver’s License required; progression towards Class A CDL a must

Basic Responsibilities:

• Primarily operates trackhoe/packer located at the Solid Waste Landfill.
• Directs compact trucks and the public to the proper dumping areas in the landfill.
• Packs and tarps the garbage in the trailers and prepares the trailers to be transported to the Union Parish Landfill.
• Keeps the wall area washed and clean.
• Cleans out drains and bins, when necessary.
• Monitors the water transport and hauls and empties, when necessary.
• Picks up general litter and debris around the landfill, keeping it clean and organized.
• Cross-trained on all Operator II positions; prepared and able to operate any and all equipment used at the landfill.
• Serves as a backup for the Specialty Equipment Operator (Compact Truck), if qualified, trained, and licensed and Operator I and II positions, if necessary (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Physically present to perform the duties of the position.
• Performs walkaround safety checks at the beginning of every day noting any deficiencies found on equipment and report to Supervisor.
• Complete daily paperwork noting equipment and materials used each day and daily equipment forms.
• Must have good working knowledge of equipment and safety habits.
• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and cleanup of the solid waste landfill and off-site bin sites in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

PART TIME JOB OFFERING

PART TIME JOB OFFERING

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

Pardue Builders Supply
705 South Hudson Avenue
Jonesboro, LA
(318) 259 – 2529

ATTENTION HUNTERS! Pardue Builders Supply in Jonesboro is now offering Camo Paint in Olive, Green, Black, and Tan for $21.99 per gallon. Also available are Tactacam 3.0 Field Cameras at $119.00 each.

Wilma (Temple) Gates
Aug 29, 1928 — Aug 19, 2026

Wilma Temple Gates, age 97, passed away on August 19, 2026, in Ruston, Louisiana. Wilma was a talented and creative woman who found great joy in working with her hands and bringing beauty to the world around her. She especially loved tending to her flower garden and spending time on a variety of crafts. A gifted artist, Wilma enjoyed painting and quilting, creating beautiful pieces that reflected both her creativity and her patient, thoughtful nature.

Wilma is survived by her sons, Lamar Gates, Darwin Gates (Nora), and Kevin Gates (Jan); and grandsons, Alex Gates, Bryan Gates, and Andy Gates.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tomas Ray Gates; father, Jessie Temple; mother, Willis Mae (Burnham) Temple; and son, Gerald Eugene Gates.

Friends may visit with the family at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Siloam Cemetery (Gansville Cemetery) in Winn Parish, Hwy. 505, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

The Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport, LA, this past weekend remains in effect across North Louisiana, South Arkansas, East Texas, and Southeast Oklahoma. Included is Jackson Parish.

Over the past several days, the area has been experiencing high temperatures up to 106 degrees, setting records in many parishes and counties within the NWS reporting area. The heat advisory is expected to remain in effect until Thursday, August 20th.

The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when the daytime heat index is expected to reach 100°F to 104°F (or higher, depending on local climate criteria) within the next 12 to 24 hours

Safety Tips during a Heat Advisory include:
(1) Drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room.
(2) Stay out of the sun and check on relatives and pets.
(3) Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
(4) Reschedule strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening

According to the NWS forecast on Tuesday evening, we may break this triple-digit heat and see small rain chances for at least portions of the Four State Region by late week and into the upcoming weekend. Until then, high wildfire danger will continue.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce announces that its official Facebook page has been updated, complete with a new logo and name. Check out the new listing, Jackson Parish Chamber Business & Community Network, where you can follow and stay connected to Chamber announcements, upcoming events, member spotlights, community news, and other important updates.

Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, promotes economic growth, and strengthens our community. We connect entrepreneurs and create opportunities to make Jackson Parish thrive.

Tickets Available for Chamber Banquet

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce now has tickets available to the public for an exciting event on Thursday, September 24th, featuring Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Louisiana Tech University, as the guest speaker. Stop by or call the chamber office to grab your tickets before they’re gone! It’s sure to be a fantastic evening filled with great food and entertainment.

JHHS Football is Back! Want to get to know the young men who will be representing Jonesboro-Hodge High School during the 2026 LHSAA football season? Take the opportunity to get to know the players better and show your support by coming to Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS Campus from 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 20th, for “Meet the Tigers”.

Season Opening Scrimmages Set For Friday

After many long and grueling fall practices in preparation for the 2026 season, the Jonesboro-Hodge varsity, junior varsity, and 7th and 8th football teams finally get to turn their attention to an opponent this Friday evening with a scrimmage against Delhi on Friday, August 21st at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the campus of Jonesboro-Hodge High School. The action begins at 6:00 pm. Admission is $10.00 per person

JHHS Varsity, Junior Varsity and 7th & 8th Grade Football Schedules

The 2026-27 school year has begun, and ensuring the safety and protection of the administration, staff, and students is the dedicated mission of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers Team. By staying visible, vigilant, and proactive, team members work to identify and address potential problems or threats. Their dedication to protecting and serving our schools is essential because our children are our future. Thank you for keeping our schools safe!

Jackson Parish School Resource Officer Team

Bentley Williams – Supervisor
Randy Magee – Quitman High School
Jedd Essmeier – Jonesboro Hodge High School
Roger Curry – Weston High School
Cole Stevenson – Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School
Matt Otwell – Rover

One Parish. One Team. One Mission.

In October 2023, Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) launched the Community Photography Contest to celebrate the history, beauty, and unique scenery of the communities we serve, captured through the lenses of those who call them home. Winning images from this contest are proudly displayed throughout the hospital, showcasing the landscapes, landmarks, and moments that make our region so special.

JPH is excited to officially announce that four photos have been selected as Quarter 2 (April-June) winners, with the people who submitted each winning $250.00 for the copyright of each photo. (shown below)

Congratulations to our winners:
“Cypress Down Pour” by Jonas Thompson
“Moment of Calm” by Carmen Gray
“Steel & Stars” by Danielle Blalock
“Southern Harmony” by Tiffiney Peoples

Quarter 3 Entries Now Being Accepted

Entries for Quarter 3 of the Community Photography Contest are now being accepted. Also, those photos that were submitted prior will be rolled over for another opportunity to be chosen. There is no cost to enter. Terms and conditions apply. To enter, send your photo to https://bit.ly.4rimjdk.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your creativity through this contest. Your photographs help us celebrate the beauty, character, and spirit of our community every day. We are grateful for your talent, your perspective, and your willingness to share these special moments with us!” – Jackson Parish Hospital

Want a fine opportunity to promote your business or organization while also showing your support for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Tiger football team? Game sponsorships are now being offered on the official home of J-H Tiger Football, the Roux102 (102.3 FM) for only $75.00 per game. Take advantage of having a large audience hear about your business or organization each and every game during the 2026 Tiger football regular season and LHSAA playoffs while also receiving the following.

(1) At least 5 Commercials from the pre-game show to the post-game wrap-up show.
(2) Promos all week leading up to the game, letting the audience know of your support for the Tigers.

Added Bonus: 50 commercial spots per month on Roux102 during the football season

To show your support for Tiger football, reserve a spot by emailing Godleyworks@gmail.com or by sending a text to (318) 243-4681.

The Jackson Parish 4-H Chapter is pleased to announce that the 4th annual Friends of 4-H Banquet is scheduled to take place on August 29th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro, LA. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by live and silent auctions, bucket raffles, games, and prizes.

Everyone must have a ticket to attend, so stop by the Jackson Parish 4-H Office at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro to purchase general admission tickets for $60.00 per individual and $100.00 per couple. Table sponsorships are also available for $600.00, which includes 8 admission tickets and 150 bucket tickets.

CLOVER sponsors at different levels, based on their monetary commitment, are also being sought; their names and logos will be displayed and announced at the event. Clover Sponsorships available are:
Platinum: $1,000.00
Diamond: $500.00
Gold: $300.00
Silver: Up to $100.00

All proceeds from the banquet stay in Jackson Parish to support the local youth. For more information, contact Krist Bourgeois at (318) 259-5690, Amy Magee at (318) 235-0002, or Karie Potts at (318) 663-4242.

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) announces that registration is now open for the 2026-27 Youth Basketball League. Eligible Girls and boys ages 5-14 can sign up for $53.00 per player until September 20th, with a $20.00 late fee added after the registration deadline.

A change to this season’s schedule, which runs from December 3rd to January 30th, is that all games will be played at the Jonesboro-Hodge Junior High Gymnasium on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

COACHES NEEDED! If you are interested in coaching a team, contact the JPRD by emailing www.jprec.org, or to sign up a player(s) or coach a team, use the QR code shown below.

The annual “Battle of the Badges,” where representatives of Police and Fire Departments from across Louisiana squared off in the ring in fifteen boxing matches, took place on Saturday, August 15th, at the Civic Center in Monroe, LA.

In front of a packed arena, Jackson Parish had three competitors featured in the annual fundraising event for “Team Police,” with Darren Stevenson, Shawn Staggs, and Christopher Audirsch representing the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The final results showed that Stevenson won a unanimous decision over Matthew McCaa of the Monroe Fire Department, Staggs fell to Jashown Matthews of the Baton Rouge Fire Department, and Audirsch dropped his match to Brandon Crum of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department after both gave very respectful showings but came up just short on the scorecard.

The biggest winner of all was the kids at MedCamps of Louisiana, as proceeds from the event were devoted to the organization founded in 1987. Congratulations to all who took part in fighting for something bigger than themselves.

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when school started, so did the basketball season for the smaller high schools in the state of Louisiana, or more specifically those classified by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) as Class B and C schools. Due to an LHSAA rule limiting varsity teams to a set number of games each year, those days are gone.

At least for the high schools.

When it comes to the junior high basketball programs of these same “small schools” across the state, the age-old tradition is still alive and kicking. Evidence indicates that Quitman Junior High (QJH) and Weston Junior High (WJH) started classes on Monday, August 17th, and that the same night, WJH traveled to Saline for girls’ and boys’ basketball games. Just one night later, WJH was in action again at Castor while QJH hosted Calvin for a girls’ and boys’ contest.

Both schools will take to the court again on Thursday and Friday (August 20-21) when they compete in the annual Dodson Junior High School tournament. Along with Quitman and Weston, additional area schools competing for the right to be the first tournament champion of the 2026-27 school year are Saline, Calvin, Castor, and host Dodson.

The first round of competition begins with Weston taking on Saline in a girls contest at 4:00 pm on Thursday, followed by the same two boys’ teams playing at 4:45 pm. Host Dodson will play Calvin in a girls’ game at 5:30, with the boys’ squads ending Thursday’s play with a 6:15 pm tipoff.

Quitman girls and boys will play the winner of Weston and Saline at 4:00 pm and 4:45 pm on Friday, with the two Castor teams taking on the winner of Dodson and Calvin at 5:30 and 6:15 pm. The girls’ championship game is slated to start at 7:00 pm on Friday, with the boys’ title contest to close out the tournament next.

Quitman Junior High School Rosters and Schedule

QJH Girls Roster: Elliot Savage, Brelaina Hall, Jaicee Watkins, Aaliyah Mixon, Chloe Maxwell, Abigail Sullivan, Savannah Porter, Dally-Kate McCurdy, Mia Gonzalez-Ulloa, Lily Tolar, Charlea Jones

QJHS Boys Roster: Jaxen Culpepper, Sheppard Norred, Aiden Reed, Thatcher Savage, Kutter Blalock, Khree Boston, Luke Davis, Asher Norred, Jase Reed, Clay Burton, Jamikal Hall, Bentley Ponder, Andrew Seymore, Koplen Taylor Sutten Vail

Weston Junior High School Rosters and Schedule

WJH Girls Roster: Kate Keiffer, Saniyah Salsberry, Brooklyn Keiffer, Hannah Aldy, Isabel Morris, Raylie Hall, Shelby Johns, Bailey McCurdy, Ashlynn Petre, Miriam Shuler, Kylee Allen, Cadie Conn, Myla-Ruth Jones, Ryleigh Puffer, River Waggoner, Aubrie Allen, Carrington Bond

WJH Boys Roster: Quaylyn Snuggs, Ashton Paggett, Pistol Nickarz, Jordan Young, Richie Faust, James Lewis, Bradley Keeney, Parkter Hightower, Mason Greer, Eli Jones, Kaine Stassen, Grant Griffin, Remi Davis, Waylon Fair, Haiden Jones, Brett Rasbury, Cameron Pardue, Colton Haney

Game Recaps

Monday, August 17

Weston 38, Saline 8 (Girls) – Saniyah Salsberry scored more points in the first quarter (10) than Saline did all game as Weston opened the 2026 season with an easy victory on the road. Kate Keiffer scored 15 points, followed by 12 from Salsberry, to pace the Lady Wolves’ scoring. Brooklyn Keiffer chipped in with four points, and Hannah Aldy, Bailey McCurdy, and Ashlyn Petre all made a basket.

Saline 33 Weston 22 (Boys) – The host exploded for 16 points in the second quarter to break open a close game and send Weston to defeat in the season opener for both teams. Ashton Paggett led the Wolves in scoring with 8 points, six coming in the final frame that saw Weston outscore Saline 11-4. Grant Griffin and Quaylyn Snuggs added four points each; Kaine Stassen made a three-pointer; Mason Greer scored two; and Brett Rasbury sank a free throw for the Wolves.

Tuesday, August 18

Weston 45 Castor 18 (Girls) – For the second straight night, Weston came out of the locker room hitting on all cylinders as they outscored the home team 16-4 and never looked back for the one-sided victory. Kate Keiffer and Saniyah Salsberry once again led the offensive onslaught with 16 and 10 points, respectively, on a night when 8 players posted points. Ashlyn Petre also had a big game with 8 points, followed by 4 from Hannah Aldy. Shelby Johns added three, Raylie Hall hit a basket, and both Brooklyn Keiffer and Bailey McCurdy added a free throw each.

Weston 30 Castor 28 (Boys) – After spotting home standing Castor an 18-14 first half lead, the Wolves came storming back to win the second half by a 16-10 margin and claim their first victory of the 2026 season. Eight players tallied points for the Wolves led by Ashton Paggett and Mason Greer with 8 points each. Grant Griffin added four,James Lewis hit a three pointer, and Quaylyn Snuggs, Eli Jones, and Kaine Stasson all scored two points apiece. Brett Rasbury chipped in with a free throw.

Fans of the Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) athletic program have a special opportunity to support the school while also possibly winning a “season pass” to all athletic activities throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Sponsored by the JHHS boys basketball team, a raffle for only $5.00 per ticket is being held until August 20th, with two winners receiving entry to EVERY athletic event (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field). To purchase your ticket(s), scan the QR code that is shown in the banner above.

Scan! Enter! Support the Tigers!