Jonesboro-Hodge High School played Beekman Charter to a 14-14 tie in the opening game of the Saturday session of the annual Bayou Jamb, held at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM), as both teams fell behind but rallied.

It wasn’t a win, but it wasn’t a loss! Following the contest, which saw both teams compete on a sweltering morning that by game’s end found the surface of the turf over 100 degrees, JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship, now in his school-record 14th season at the helm, sounded pleased with the effort.

“I have to admit that overall I am pleased with the effort the guys gave,” said Blankenship. “As expected, any time you take to the field for the first time, there are going to be mistakes made that, through additional practice, can be corrected, but we did more good than bad today.”

After being stopped on the JHHS four-yard line on their first possession, Beekman Charter scored on a seven-yard sweep to take a 6-0 lead midway through the first half. J-H responded with a good drive of their own, buoyed by a 48-yard sprint by Lon’trevious “Tre” Burns, in his first start at tailback, but got held out on downs at the Beekman Charter one-yard line.

Safety! On the next play, JHHS swarmed the BC runner in the end zone for a safety, the first ever achieved in Bayou Jamb competition by the Tigers, to narrow the gap to 6-2. The Tigers then took the lead on the ensuing possession when Tyson Burks made a spectacular one-handed catch on a King Campbell bullet for a 13-yard touchdown that gave JHHS an 8-6 lead at the half.

Upping the lead! The Tigers opened the second half by upping the lead to 14-6 thanks to Burns ‘ first-ever score as a running back when he burst over from four yards out. To the Class 2A opponents’ credit, they rallied to score and make the two-point conversion to tie the game with a little over four minutes left in the contest.

JHHS showed great grit and determination when, after fumbling to give Beekman Charter the ball around midfield, Burns stripped a BC ball carrier to get the ball back at their own 30-yard line. JHHS had one more hurdle to overcome as time was winding down when Beekman forced the Tigers into a fourth-down situation, calling for the first punt of the game by either team. A perfect snap by Micah Magee and a booming kick by Jamarlon Johnson sent the ball all the way to the Beekman Charter 18-yard line with only 6 seconds left in the game, leading to BC kneeling on the ball as time ran out.

“It was a good start,” concluded Blankenship, who gave somewhat of a prediction for the upcoming season. “We play a lot of people both ways, but if we can keep our guys healthy, I think we are going to be pretty good.”

Burns was named Player of the Game for JHHS after rushing for over 80 yards and recovering a fumble on defense in what was equivalent to one half of a regular-season game. JHHS received $250.00 from the Bayou Jamb on his behalf.

The team at Jimmie Davis State Park has been working diligently to get everything ready for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. To help keep things running smoothly so everyone can enjoy a safe, fun, and relaxing time, they are sending a few reminders to park patrons below.

Tremendous Number Visits State Park in July

The Jimmie Davis State Park is one of the more popular summertime destinations in the state. That is verified by the statistics that were shared by Jackson Parish Watershed Commission President Gary Joynor on August 26th.

According to Joynor, who received the information from Jimmie Davis State Park officials, a total of 21,689 people visited the park in July. Breaking the information down even further shows that day use and overnight stays by in-state and out-of-state residents were as follows.

Day use (in-state) was 8,829
Day use (out of state) was: 5
Overnight use (in-state) was: 7,229
Overnight use (out of state) was: 5,626
Total: 21,689

Celebrating the close of its 48th season, the Ruston Community Theatre (RCT) held its annual RusTony Awards Celebration on August 27th at the Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston. Among the winners recognized during the gala event was Skyleigh Webb of Quitman, LA, who received the “Rising Star” Award for her performance as Mrs. Gloop in the production of Willy Wonka Jr. Emily and Russ Webb’s daughter was also nominated for her ensemble roles in other shows.

The evening kicked off with a live performance of the “Opening Number” from The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, followed by a warm welcome from RCT President Britton Kilpatrick, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Audience members reveled in watching compilation photo and video slideshows from each show of the season.

In addition to awards for outstanding performances, the Kevin Cuccia Comedic Award, Helen M. Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award, and Satish Bharadvaj Creative Contribution Award were also given. The “unsung heroes” of RCT were also acknowledged in a slideshow, recognizing the countless volunteers who make the shows possible.

Weston Junior High won the girls’ division of the Quitman Tournament, claiming their second straight tournament championship and stretching their season-opening winning streak to nine games. The Lady Wolves opened the two-day event, played on Thursday and Friday, by beating Claiborne Christian 38-8, then won 30-12 over Choudrant, setting up an all-Jackson Parish final, where WJH beat host Quitman 30-4.

Weston 38, Claiborne Christian 8 (First Round): Hannah Aldy poured in a season-best 15 points, and Kate Keiffer added 11 to pace an 8-player scoring attack. Saniyah Salsberry, Brooklyn Keiffer, Ashlyn Petre, Bailey McCurdy, Cadie Conn, and Carrington Bond all added a basket to round out the scoring.

Quitman 28, Dodson 17 (First Round): Elliot Savage scored all but four of the points scored by Quitman, tallying six points in each of the four quarters for 24 points, a new career high and season best in scoring for Jackson Parish. Brelaina Hall added four for the Lady Wolverines.

Weston 30, Choudrant 12 (Second Round): The Lady Wolves raced to a commanding 20-2 first-quarter lead and never looked back to earn a spot in the finals. Saniyah Salsberry led the way with 10 points, with 8 of those coming in the decisive first frame. Kate Keiffer chipped in with 8, and Hannah Aldy added six points. Ashlyn Petre, Kylee Allen, and Myla-Ruth Jones all tallied two points each.

Weston 30 Quitman 4 (Finals): A tremendous defensive effort that didn’t allow a point to be scored until the fourth quarter propelled the way to a second straight tournament championship in as many weeks. Saniyah Salsberry led the offensive attack with 13 points. Kate and Brookly Keiffer both added six points, and both Ashly Petre and Aubrie Allen chipped in with a basket. Ryleigh Puffer added a free throw.

Wolverines fall to Choudrant in Boys Finals

Quitman 44 Dodson 16 (First Round): Kyree Boston poured in a new career-high 13 points to lead the 8-player scoring attack that saw QJH race out to a 24-4 halftime lead. Aiden Reed posted 8 points, and Bentley Ponder scored six. Jaxen Culpepper chipped in with four, and Kutter Blalock tallied three. Jase Reed, Sutton Vail, Luke Davis, and Koplen Taylor all added two points each.

Choudrant 34, Weston 10 (Second Round): Quaylyn “Hawk” Snuggs scored four points, and Kane Stassen and Bret Rasbury tallied two points each on the night the Wolves managed only four baskets against a stingy Choudrant defense in the second round after Weston had advanced with a first-round bye. Bradley Keeney added a free throw for WJH, which fell to 1-4 on the season with the loss.

Choudrant 34 Quitman 27 (Finals): After winning on Tuesday, the Aggies beat the Wolverines for the second time in a week in the finals on Friday to drop Quitman’s record to 5-2 on the year. Aiden Reed led the Wolverines in scoring with 14 points, all coming in the first half, with Khyree Boston finishing with four points. Kutter Blalock made a three-pointer, and Bentley Ponder, Jaxen Culpepper, and Luke Davis all scored two points each.

Tuesday Tilts!

An All-Jackson Parish battle is on tap for Tuesday as Jonesboro-Hodge will open their 2026 season by traveling to Weston. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm. Quitman has no game scheduled.

You are cordially invited to attend a “Meet and Greet” fundraiser for Yumeaka Washington, candidate for District B Judge, which comprises Jackson, Bienville, and Claiborne parishes, on September 21st at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. The event will run from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) is pleased to announce the 2026 Homecoming Court. Using the theme “There is No Place Like J-H,” the annual event will take place on October 9th during an assembly in the JHHS auditorium, where 36 young ladies and gentlemen will be introduced as Maids and Escorts for grades 7-12. The court will also be on display at the JHHS vs. Ringgold football game that evening.

Reserve Tailgate Spots and Purchase Wristband Tickets

Jonesboro-Hodge High School will play Ringgold High School on October 9th for the annual Homecoming contest and is now taking tailgate spot reservations and pre-sale wristband tickets. You can either scan the QR codes below or visit the JHHS Hudl Fan page to make your purchases.

By reserving your spot and purchasing your wristband tickets early, you will save on costs, as the price of a tailgate spot and wristbands will increase during homecoming week. Come and enjoy the best weekend of the 2026 football season.

Cornerstone Christian Academy in Jonesboro swept Lake Academy on Saturday, with the boys winning 3-1 and the girls winning all three sets. With the victories, the boys won their third straight match of the 2026 season and remained undefeated, while the girls improved to 6-1 after a victory over Ascension Academy on Friday.

Saturday, August 29:
CCA 3 Lake Academy (varsity boys): 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-9
CCA 3 Lake Academy (varsity girls): 25-13, 25-10, 25-19
CCA 2 Lake Academy (junior varsity girls): 25-6, 25-4

Friday, August 28:
CCA 3 Ascension Academy 0 (varsity girls): 25-14, 25-12, 25-11
CCA 2 Ascension Academy 0 (junior varsity girls): 25-6, 25-21

Gracepoint Christian Academy falls to Mt. Olive

In their first year of fielding a volleyball team, Gracepoint Christian Academy has been remarkably resilient, showing tremendous poise and determination. The Lady Guardians played Mt. Olive Academy out of Athens on August 25th, with the Junior Varsity winning two sets out of three by 20-25, 25-18, and 14-13 scores, and the varsity team losing all three sets by 25-10, 25-5, and 25-10 margins to drop to 1-2 on the year.

The 7th/8th grade football team at Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) opened its 2026 season with a contest against LaSalle Junior High on August 27th at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus. The Tigers fell by a narrow 14-12 margin, with Carter Sanders scoring on a 50-yard fumble return and Sayvionne Mallard running 45 yards on a quarterback sweep. The junior Tigers will next be in action on September 1st when they travel to Cedar Creek in Ruston for the second of the six-game schedule. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 pm.

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Basketball Camp for youth aged 5-18 is now open. Take advantage of this great opportunity for young athletes in the area to develop their basketball skills under the guidance of Dwayne Lathan of Pro Life Training.

Location: Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Gymnasium
Dates: October 3rd, October 10th
Times: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (5-12-year-old girls and boys); 3:00 – 6:00 pm (13- 18-year-old girls and boys)

The cost of the camp is $100.00 per participant. To register, use the QR Code shown below or visit https://docs.google.com/…/1FAlpQLSey7MAximP…/viewform…

For more information, call (318) 243-7251.

Graveyard Grasshopper Nearly Puts Writer in Graveyard

The book calls them “lubber” grasshoppers. Around here, we know them by another name, “graveyard” grasshoppers.

These oversized grasshoppers are not our friends as, according to the book, “they are voracious plant eaters that can quickly strip and destroy gardens, vegetable crops and ornamental landscaping.”

You’ll know one when you see it; they’re oversized, much larger than a regular grasshopper and are brightly colored in yellow, orange and red. Because of their size, they don’t hop like regular ones; they try but they can’t get their big bodies off the ground to hop.

If I see one, I send it on to glory with a quick stomp; they are not good for my wife’s plants.

According to the book, you can touch one of these creatures without being bitten but handling them triggers a loud hiss and a foul-smelling, irritating spray.

We have so many because birds stay away from them as they’re poisonous if eaten by birds and small mammals. Their bright colors warn animals not to eat them, and they spray a foul-smelling, irritating foam when threatened.

A couple of weeks ago, I had just such an encounter with one I found in the front yard. I gave it a good stomp believing that would be the end of the dastardly thing but it got the last laugh even after its demise. This particular graveyard grasshopper came close to sending me to the graveyard.

Here’s what happened.

I have a disability to limits me being able to walk without either a walker or cane but still able to drive. One afternoon I was about to head for the post office and elected to leave my cane in the garage and walk to the car, a distance of only about 8 or 10 steps.

The first few steps were no problem until I looked down and the grasshopper I had recently stomped was lying dead right in the path of where I was walking. I thought it best to get it out of the way, so I made a decision that would cost me dearly in the days and weeks ahead. I decided to move it out of the way by giving it a kick to the side.

Bad decision; when I kicked it, my foot caught on something causing me to lose my balance. Down I went, face-first on the concrete driveway. I was unable to gain my footing alone so my wife who heard me fall, called out neighbor to come help me up.

Next was a trip by ambulance to the ER at the hospital where they did a splendid job of putting me back together. The fall created a cut above my eye and an injury to my hand I assume I tried use to break the fall. Sutures were required for the cut above my eye as well as the hand.

Wait, there’s more. X-rays were taken of my eye which revealed that the Orbital bone encircling my eye was fractured in several places, requiring a visit to a specialist in Shreveport later this week. A cat scan showed no skull or brain damage, so I was fortunate in that regard.

I was left with a hum-dinger of a shiner in my eye and bruises and abrasions on my face, and it was all caused by a graveyard grasshopper, getting its revenge, even in death.

If I find another graveyard grasshopper in the yard, I’ll call my wife to come stomp it. My days of kicking grasshoppers, even dead ones, have ended. I just can’t afford to take the chance to have another almost send me to the graveyard.

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 are slow. 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 around and above the thermocline 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. The lake is inundated with Asian carp, which create problems. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

Human beings are amazing creatures. We can build skyscrapers, transplant hearts, send people into space, and teach a telephone to recognize our face. But ask us to do something difficult—even something we have dreamed about doing—and suddenly we become extraordinarily creative theologians.

“I would, Lord, but…”

That sentence may be humanity’s oldest hymn.

Moses certainly knew the tune. In Exodus 3, God appears to him in a burning bush and essentially says, “Moses, remember that thing you have cared about most of your life? Remember your people suffering in Egypt? Remember how you once tried to do something about it? Well, I’m sending you.”

You would expect Moses to shout, “Finally!”

Instead, Moses begins producing excuses like a Louisiana mosquito produces relatives.

“Who am I?”
“What if they don’t believe me?”
“What if I don’t know what to say?”
“I’m not a good speaker.”

And finally, when the theological arguments run out: “Lord, please send somebody else.”

That last one is refreshingly honest.

We do exactly the same thing.

“I’ve always wanted to write a book.”

Wonderful. Start writing.

“Well, I really need the right desk.”

So we buy the desk.

“Now I need the right chair.”

We buy the chair.

“Of course, proper lighting is important.”

Six months later we have a magnificent home office, three notebooks, seventeen pens, a new computer—and not one sentence.

Or maybe we have always wanted to get in shape. Monday morning arrives with all the promise of a new creation. Unfortunately, Monday is inconvenient. Tuesday looks better, except there may be rain. Wednesday is Bible study. Thursday feels too close to Friday, and everybody knows you should never begin anything major that close to a weekend.

Next Monday it is.

Church people are particularly gifted at sanctifying excuses.

“Someone ought to visit that person.”

Someone ought to.

“We really need somebody to work with the children.”

Absolutely.

“Somebody should invite that new family to lunch.”

Amen!

Apparently, “Somebody” is the busiest member of every congregation in America.

The funny thing is that we sometimes make excuses about doing the very things we have asked God to let us do.

We pray for an opportunity, and when God provides one, we say, “Not quite what I had in mind.”

We pray, “Lord, use me.”

God says, “All right.”

And suddenly we begin renegotiating the contract.

“Lord, when I said ‘use me,’ I was thinking perhaps in an advisory capacity.”

Moses discovered something important at the burning bush. God never really answered Moses’ question, “Who am I?”

Instead, God answered the question that mattered: “I will be with you.”

That is the hope for all of us excuse makers.

God does not wait for us to become fearless, eloquent, organized, perfectly prepared, ten pounds lighter, completely confident, or free next Tuesday.

God simply calls.

And when our excuses begin piling up, God keeps saying what he said to Moses:

I will be with you.

So perhaps the next time God opens the door we have spent years asking him to open, instead of developing another excellent reason why we cannot walk through it, we might take one trembling step.
We excuse makers may discover that God has already gone ahead of us.

And apparently, he is not nearly as impressed with our excuses as we are.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

John Simmons (Jonesboro, LA) – Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender
Krystal M. Melton (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II
Kristan Reed (Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule II
Heather S. Urena (Alexandria, LA) – Aggravated Flight, Assault with a Vehicle on a Police Officer, Criminal Damage to Property, Fugitive from Winn Parish
Eric Nash (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrants for Possession of Schedule II x2, Parish Probation Violation
LaDonovan Dill (Jonesboro, LA) – Remaining After Forbidden, Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, Theft
Shenique N. Johnson (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery with Serious Bodily Injury

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.

George Randall (Randy) Stevenson
October 26, 1953 – August 26, 2026

George Randall (Randy) Stevenson, a lifelong resident of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away on August 26, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by kindness, laughter, loyalty, and a lifetime of knowledge generously shared with others.

Born October 26, 1953, George spent his life in the community he called home and retired after many years of service at Smurfit Stone. But the people who knew him best will remember him far less for where he worked than for who he was.

George was the strong, silent type, and he took very seriously the responsibility of caring for those who belonged to him. That circle extended far beyond his immediate family. If George considered you one of his people, whether family or friend, you could count on him. He might not always tell you what you wanted to hear, but he would tell you what he believed you needed to hear. And when it mattered, he was there. Always.

At the center of George’s life was his wife, Lisa. Their love carried them through life’s struggles and its celebrations, through the difficult seasons and the good ones, and through it all, they stood strong together. Theirs was a love that endured. Not because life was always easy, but because they continued to choose one another through whatever life brought their way.

His children knew that love in different ways. His three sons, Matthew, Jeremy, and Jason, will probably say that Daddy was harder on them than he was on their sister. He gave them plenty of tough love, held them accountable, and taught some lessons the hard way. Today, they will also tell you that some of their father’s hardest lessons became their best life lessons.

For his daughter, Jennifer, Daddy was her safe place. The steady presence she knew was always in her corner. He could teach her the hard lessons, too, but she never doubted for a moment that her daddy was behind her. George taught all of his children, in his own way, that doing the right thing was always the right thing.

Teaching, in fact, was simply part of who George was. He loved sharing what he knew. A passionate outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing and passed that knowledge on to countless others. He was also an avid gun collector, award-winning marksman, and respected teacher of gun safety. He was a gifted craftsman who made knives and beautiful holsters and scabbards with his own hands.

Some of his greatest joy came when he was able to pass those passions on to his grandsons, Aiden and Owen. Papa treasured them above all. He wanted to ensure they knew how to fish, hunt, and shoot safely and responsibly. Seeing both boys take their first deer was a joy for him. Few things made him prouder. He absolutely adored those boys.

When others were asked what they remembered most about him, the same things came up again and again: his kindness, his willingness to teach, his stories, and that unmistakable laugh.

George could tell a story like few others. When he told one, you didn’t just listen; you felt like you had been there. And somewhere along the way, there was usually that infectious laugh.

He also never missed an opportunity to remind the family where their good looks came from. If someone called one of the children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or any generation thereafter pretty, George was quick to correct them: they were “purdy like their Uncle Randy” or “purdy like their Papa.” According to him, there was never much question about where all those “purdy” genes originated.

George is survived by his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Greg; his sons, Matthew, Jeremy, and Jason, and his wife, Jessica; and his beloved grandsons, Aiden and Owen. He also leaves behind his nephew and nieces whom he loved as his own: Greg and his wife, Angie; Haley and her husband, Andrew; and Anna. Also his mother, Nell; his sister, Sharon; as well as an extended family and a tremendous circle of friends fortunate enough to have been counted among George’s people.

He was preceded in death by his father, Riley Ray Stevenson.

His Life Celebration Service was held on Saturday, August 29th at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. Interment followed at Ebenezer Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

In the end, perhaps George’s legacy can be found in all the things he left behind in other people.
He spent a lifetime passing things down. Not possessions, but knowledge, values, traditions, stories, laughter, and love.

And those are the kinds of things that never leave us.

Commidore Loyd Jr.
August 10, 1944 – August 17, 2026

Commidore Loyd Jr. went to be with the Lord on August 17th at the age of 83. After family, friends, and well-wishers gathered for a public viewing at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA, on Friday, August 28th, a graveside service was held on Saturday, August 29th, at the Shady Grove Cemetery in Saline, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (LPASD), in partnership with Living Well Foundation, announces the launch of a Street Outreach and Resource Navigation Program. The tremendous community service effort dedicated to building a healthier, safer, and stronger Jackson Parish is part of the JPASD CARE360 endeavor that began on June 9, 2026.

Community members experiencing housing insecurity face challenges that go far beyond having a place to sleep. Many also struggle to access hygiene items, healthcare, transportation, identification documents, mental health services, food assistance, veterans’ resources, employment opportunities, and other essential community supports.

Offering meaningful support and opportunities to everyone in Jackson Parish, the new addition to JPASD CARE360 joins the Autism & Awareness Program, Street Survival & Homelessness Program, Maternal and Infant Program, Senior Fall Prevention Program, and Youth Outreach Safe at Home & Safe Sitter Program that have already been implemented.

If you know of anyone who is in need fo this service please call JPASD at (318) 259-2877.

About Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District

Established by the Jackson Parish Police Jury on May 4, 1998, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD), located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro, LA, is the primary 911 emergency medical and ambulance service provider for the residents and visitors of Jackson Parish, Louisiana. JPASD also operates an on-site education and training facility that offers certified courses, including Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Advanced EMT (AEMT).

About Living Well Foundation

The Living Well Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 2006. Its goals are to enhance the quality of life and health of citizens in northeast Louisiana and to support collaborative and innovative networking within the region through projects that aim to improve the medical, dental, and behavioral health of the population, especially kids. Specific initiatives include dental hygiene clinics, suicide prevention/intervention, dementia and Alzheimer ‘s-related cognitive deficits, and school-based health centers with local school boards and medical providers, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and others.

Dolly Parton, who rose from humble beginnings to the greatest heights of American music and became one of the country’s most philanthropic, unifying, and beloved stars, died Tuesday in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, according to a family statement. She was 80.

In a career that spanned over half a century, Parton captured the American experience, penning more than 3,000 songs. Those included “Coat of Many Colors,” a quiet ode to her mother, who stitched together garments in the family’s rural Tennessee home. She wrote and performed songs of love and heartbreak, like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” “9 to 5,” the title track from the movie of the same name, in which Parton also starred, became an anthem for American women and workers.

Parton went on to release 49 albums and win 11 Grammys, and became one of the most successful country crossover artists of all time, scoring regular hits on the pop charts, including “Islands in the Stream,” a duet with Kenny Rogers.

Later in life, she funneled her massive success into philanthropy, founding a library program, The Imagination Library, that has gifted more than 300 million books to children around the world, including making a big mark in Jackson Parish and surrounding areas.

Long before she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or celebrated globally as a cultural icon, Dolly Parton made an indelible mark on the brick streets and riverbanks of Natchitoches, LA. When filming began in the summer of 1988 for Steel Magnolias, the film adaptation of Natchitoches native Robert Harling’s beloved play, Parton brought larger-than-life warmth to the role of Truvy Jones. Behind the styling chair of Truvy’s beauty salon, Parton captured the sharp humor, resilient spirit, and deep community bonds that define small-town Louisiana life.

For local residents who watched the production take over the historic district, Parton was more than a visiting Hollywood star. Between takes at the historic home on Jefferson Street and scenes shot across town, her trademark hospitality and down-to-earth charm left a lasting imprint on the community that remains vibrant decades later.

Nearly half of the motor vehicle crash fatalities during the Labor Day holiday over the last five years were the result of someone drinking and driving, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announced.

To combat impaired driving, LHSC is sponsoring Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, a campaign through Labor Day to identify, stop and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement agencies around Louisiana will have extra patrols on the road that are dedicated to stopping impaired drivers and taking them off the road.

“We owe it to the families of the victims of impaired driving crashes to work harder to prevent more fatalities,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said. 

During the Labor Day holiday over the five-year period of 2020–2024, there were 18 fatalities and 271 injuries in motor vehicle crashes that involved a driver who had been drinking, according to data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU.

Labor Day is the holiday that traditionally marks the end of the summer season, and it is usually one of the busiest traffic holidays of the year. During such high-traffic holidays, LHSC makes federal safety funds available to local law enforcement agencies to fund the extra patrols, Freeman said.

“The mission of law enforcement, in this campaign, is to protect the public, not to write tickets or arrest people,” Freeman said. “But taking impaired drivers off the street is a tactic that law enforcement uses to protect the public. Every arrest is potentially one less impaired driver who could seriously injure or kill innocent people.”

Freeman also reminded drivers that any substance – even legally prescribed drugs – that changes a person’s coordination, vision, reactions or judgment is considered an impairing substance.

“When you see that warning on the pill bottle about not operating heavy machinery, that means you shouldn’t be driving a vehicle,” Freeman said. “Having a prescription to an impairing substance does not make you immune from impaired driving laws.”

Louisiana law says anyone who operates a motor vehicle and has a blood-alcohol content of .08 or above is considered intoxicated. Freeman said the standard for safe driving is not to drink any alcohol.

“People often ask, ‘How many drinks can I safely consume before being legally drunk?’” she said. “The answer is always the same: zero. Once alcohol enters your system, you react slower, your vision is less sharp, and your judgment is compromised. Your best option is not to drink or find a sober driver.”

Jonesboro-Hodge High School will play Beekman Charter at 11:00 am on August 29th in the annual Bayou Jamb at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM), the first of five scheduled for the second day of the state’s largest pre-season jamboree that features 16 teams in eight games over two days.

Purchase Tickets at JHHS! When purchased at the school prior to the contest, tickets to the game are only $12.00, compared to $15.00 at the gate on game day. Children 5 years and under get in for free. Another added advantage to getting your tickets at the school is that all proceeds from early ticket sales goes directly to JHHS.

It’s a Win-Win! Not only will you receive a discount on ticket prices, but you will also help provide financial support for the JHHS football team, as all proceeds from early ticket sales go directly to Jonesboro-Hodge High School.

Bayou Jamb Game Schedule

JHHS Booster Club and Team Give Appreciation To Those Who Assisted wth “Brown Bag” Fundraiser

The time for the 4th annual Friends of 4-H Banquet is almost here, with the always-entertaining fundraising event, where all proceeds stay in Jackson Parish to support the local youth, scheduled for 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.

Tickets must be purchased prior to the event. To purchase tickets, go to the Jackson Parish 4-H Office at 182 Industrial Drive during the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or contact Kristi Bourgeois at (318) 259-5690, Amy Magee at (318) 235-0002, or Karie Potts at (318) 663-4242. The cost for general admission tickets is $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

Quitman Junior High (QJH) will host their annual basketball tournament on Thursday and Friday (August 27-28), with the girls and boys teams from host Quitman, fellow Jackson Parish school Weston, and area schools Dodson, Choudrant, and Claiborne Christian of West Monroe scheduled to compete in both divisions.

The tournament begins with the QJH girls playing Dodson at 4:00 pm on Thursday, followed by the Weston girls taking on Claiborne Christian. At 6:00 pm, Choudrant plays Claiborne Christian in a boys contest, with the QJH boys playing Dodson in the nightcap.

Games of Tuesday, August 25

Quitman 33 Choudrant 22 (Girls): After spotting Choudrant a 9-7 lead early in the second quarter, Elliot Savage scored five of her team-high 13 points to help push Quitman to an 18-10 halftime lead, and the Lady Wolverines never looked back in securing their first win of the 2026 season. Lily Tolar chipped in with six points, and Brelaina Hall finished with five, while Aaliyah Mixon tallied three and Chloe Maxwell made a basket.

Weston 48 Calvin 4 (Girls): Kate Keiffer scored 10 of her game-high 17 points in the first quarter, which saw Weston score 20 points and hold Calvin scoreless. The victory extended the Lady Wolves season-opening winning streak to six straight. Hannah Aldy also had a good game, finishing with a season-best 12 points, and Saniyah Salsberry chipped in with 8 points. River Waggoner tallied three points, and Ashlyn Petre, Bailey McCurdy, Cadie Conn, and Carrington Bond all made two points each.

Calvin 48 Weston 26 (Boys): The home-standing Cougars raced out to an 18-4 lead in the pivotal first quarter to send Weston to a third loss in four games this season, all on the road. No individual stats were available.

Mark your calendar now to attend the annual “Crafty Cafe.” Always one of the most anticipated events of the year by Jackson Parish and surrounding area residents, where crafts, creations, and some of the best-tasting dishes and sweets are available for purchase. The event will take place from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on September 12th at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, located at 500 South Cooper Avenue. Sponsored by the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), all proceeds go to helping pay for mission projects.

Create! Inspire! Shop! Support Missions!

Jonesboro-Hodge High School will play Ringgold High School on October 9th for the annual Homecoming contest and is now taking tailgate spot reservations and pre-sale wristband tickets. You can either scan the QR codes below or visit the JHHS Hudl Fan page to make your purchases.

By reserving your spot and purchasing your wristband tickets early, you will save on costs, as the price of a tailgate spot and wristbands will increase during homecoming week. Come and enjoy the best weekend of the 2026 football season.