Students from the Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High Schools in the Jackson Parish School District were welcomed by Smurfit Westrock in Hodge for “Manufacturing Day” on October 9th. The tour gave the groups the chance to explore the world of manufacturing, learn about career opportunities, and see firsthand the skills and technology used in today’s workforce.

“We are grateful for community partners like Smurfit Westrock who invest in our students and help prepare them for successful futures!” – Jackson Parish School District

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Cornerstone Christian Academy Volleyball invites you to celebrate “Senior Night” when CCA plays Kingston Academy at 5:00 pm on October 13th, honoring Josie Newton, Kynnedy Newton, and Dane Stevenson.

Newton and Kynnedy have led the Lady Eagles to an impressive 11-3 record in their first year of competition in the Association of Christian Educators League (ACEL). That mark puts them in second place in the north district, which normally qualifies the CCA for the playoffs, but since this is their first year, they are ineligible for postseason play. Stevenson plays for the boys varsity team that is 3-7 this season.

In games played this past week, the CCA varsity girls beat Lake Area Homeschool out of Sulphur, LA , and the boys varsity stopped Midstate Home School from Alexandria. In junior varsity action, CCA won twice, beating Lake and Life Christian Academy, also from Sulphur.

Gracepoint Christian Academy wins!

In its first year fielding an athletic program, Gracepoint Christian Academy has taken its lumps, but the Lady Guardians have shown tremendous resilience and improvement, exemplified by a thrilling five-set victory over Freedom Life Academy in Natchitoches to improve to 3-11 in their first season of ACEL league play. In other games played last week, Gracepoint fell to Old Bethel Christian School, out of Grayson, LA, who has the best record in league play.

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When you walk into the Ag Room at Weston High School, the first thing you notice is all the banners hanging from the ceiling; each represents a placement in a Career Development Event (CDE) in Area or State FFA competition.

The tradition of hanging “Blue Felt” from the rafters continued on October 2nd, when, under the guidance of Director Derek Shields, the WHS FFA Forestry team of Raleigh Guilliams, Aiden Dowd, Nathan Pierce, and Santiago Zuniga took second place at the Area 1 CDE event at Louisiana Tech University.

They earned this result through a strong finish in the CDE, which included tree identification, sawlog measurements, compass and pacing, map reading, equipment, disorders, and wood product identification, which also qualifies these four hard-working students for the State Forestry CDE that will be held on October 29th.

Individually, Pierce, who just a week earlier earned a $1000.00 scholarship as the top point getter at the state 4-H forestry competition, placed second in the contest, and Zuniga was the high-point individual of the combined identification portion of the contest.

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After seven years of dedicated service, K9 Nico has officially retired from the Jackson Parish
Sheriff’s Office (JPSO). Throughout his career, Nico served the JPSO and the citizens of Jackson Parish in several ways, including multiple canine apprehensions, narcotics work, and community outreach.

Most recently, Nico served alongside his handler, Deputy AJ Blundell. The bond between a K9 and handler is a special one, built through training, time spent working together, and trust. JPSO thanks Nico for his service to Jackson Parish and recognizes Deputy Blundell for the time and dedication he has put into their partnership.

Nico has definitely earned the chance to enjoy retirement, with a little more rest, a few extra
treats, and plenty of time off duty.

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The Heritage Quilt Guild (HGQ) of Jonesboro held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 7th. The session was highlighted by Town of Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris receiving a Veteran’s Quilt in honor of his two terms of service, one in the United States Marine Corps and another in the United States Air Force.

“I can’t tell you how honored and humbled I am to receive this beautiful Veteran’s Quilt,” said Harris. “I gratefully accept this in the spirit of all the men and women from Jackson Parish and beyond who have worn the uniform and served our country.”

Following, HGQ members submitted all the quilted backpacks to be presented to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in December and then held their always enjoyable “Show and Tell” portion of the meeting.

To view all the beautiful creations stitched by these creative and talented ladies, visit the Heritage Quilt Guild of Jonesboro Facebook page. The next HGQ meeting will be at 9:30 am on the first Wednesday of November.

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The Jackson Parish Library has named Nelda Kay “Kai” Shively Maarouf as Artist of the Month for October. Born in Jonesboro in 1949, Maarouf passed away in 2020 at age 70 after becoming a well-known artist across Louisiana for her unique style that focused on and celebrated cultural life.

A graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School, the daughter of Louie and Loyce Shively earned a degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston before later pursuing graduate studies at the University of Maryland.

Art was the center of Kai’s life. Through painting, she captured beauty, emotion, and imagination, creating works that were exhibited and enjoyed by countless Louisiana residents, allowing her to achieve her dream of having her paintings endure beyond her lifetime.

To see Maarouf’s incredible talent, visit the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library, which has her artwork on display for all to enjoy.

Good Books, Good Friends Book Club
Wednesday, October 14th

Outreach Delivery Services Available

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Attendance Matters! That is the message that the Jackson Parish School District wants students, parents, teachers, and administration to understand. It is so important to be in school every day possible, because success is gained each day school is in session.

The school year has gotten off to a great start for attendance, as three of the four institutions in the Jackson Parish School District had over 95% attendance or better through September, led by Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary at 95.62%. Quitman High School followed at 95.39%, and Weston High School was at 95.26%. Jonesboro-Hodge High School had a 93.47% attendance mark.

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Weston Junior High staked its claim to being the best softball team in Jackson Parish by sweeping a doubleheader against Quitman Junior High, winning 6-1 and 7-1 in the contests played at Quitman High School on October 8th.

Under the direction of Ritchie Tolar, who came out of retirement to lead the team, the Lady Wolves improved to 4-0 in the “Fall Ball” portion of the schedule after two earlier victories over Calvin on October 2nd and 6th. Quitman dropped to 4-3, now having lost 3 of their last 4 after starting the season with 3 straight victories.

Weston 6 Quitman 1 (Game One): Ryan Kate Wyatt limited QJH to just three hits and no earned runs over four innings, while also slapping a double and driving in a run to lead WJH to the opening-game victory. Hannah Aldy also had a big game, reaching base in all three plate appearances with two walks and a hit while also scoring two runs. Kylee-Ayn Allen scored and added a hit, and Leah Atkins scored a run and knocked one in. Miriam Shuler and Cadie Conn also scored for Weston. Elliot Savage smacked a triple and scored for Quitman, who also got hits from Ryleigh McCormick and Charlea Jones.

Weston 7 Quitman 1 (Game Two): A big 5-run second inning, powered by a Cadie Conn three-run triple, her second extra-base hit in two innings, after opening the contest with a double and scoring a run in the first inning, staked WJH to a commanding lead, and Miriam Shuler, who added a hit and a run scored, allowed only one hit and one earned run in the three-inning affair. Leah Atkins (2 RBI) and Kylee-Ayn Allen (RS, RBI, SB) both had two hits, while Carrington Bond scored a run and Kiley Horton scored once and drove in a run. Hannah Aldy also crossed home plate once for the Lady Wolves. Kaylee Horton drove in Maddie Spillman with an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning for Quitman.

Weston Junior High Baseball Splits with Choudrant

Weston Junior High played Choudrant in a doubleheader on October 8th, with the Wolves winning the first game 7-5 before dropping the nightcap 4-2, which evened their record to 3-3 in the “Fall Ball” season.

Game One: Trailing 5-4, Weston scored 3 runs in the top of the fourth and final inning to win the back-and-forth contest. Five straight batters reached base for the Wolves to pace the winning rally, with walks to Remi Davis, Cameron Pardue, and Ashton Paggett sandwiching a hit by Tate Hall and Kaine Stassen getting hit by a pitch. Parker Hightower also reached base on an error. After spotting Choudrant to a two-run lead, the Wolves scored four times in the top of the third when Hightower, Beaux Gandy, and Eli Jones all walked to load the bases, setting up a single by Carter Powell that scored one run and a Brett Rasbury triple that cleared the bases.

Game Two: Weston scored two runs in the top of the final inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Choudrant’s four-run lead. Carter Powell and Brett Rasbury got the attempted last-gasp rally started with back-to-back singles, followed by Remi Davis and Tate Hall drawing walks that scored a run and loaded the bases. Cameron Pardue then grounded out, scoring a run, but that was as close as the Wolves would get.

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First Baptist Church in Chatham encourages you to lace up your sneakers to bring immense joy, love, and the message of hope to children all over the world this holiday season by participating in its 1st-ever Track Walkathon, which will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th, at the walking track between the Chatham Clinic and the Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. The goal is to raise $1,600 to completely fund and ship life-changing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Think you have the most endurance? A prize will be awarded to the walker who completes the most laps in each age category!

SEE WHAT’S INSIDE: An open shoebox gift will be on display right at the track! Stop by to see examples of gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. It’s a wonderful way to see exactly how your steps and donations change lives.

BRING A BUDDY: Even if you aren’t walking, come drop off a small, brand-new stuffed animal at the track! These will go directly into our packed shoeboxes as a special surprise item for a child.

HOW TO JOIN THE FUN:
Whether you want to sign up as a walker or sponsor a participant with a donation, to register, contact Kay Harper by Email at: kayharper64@gmail.com or by sending a text to 318-413-9497

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Dogs I Have Loved and Lost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We waited a year or so before thinking about bringing another puppy into our lives. An ad in the paper described a little Papillion at a kennel and when we arrived, it was love at first sight. There was a tiny fur ball we had to have so we paid the lady, bundled him in a blanket my wife had purchased and brought him home and named him Rufus.

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

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

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Reports are that bass are schooling early mornings and late afternoons and hitting shad imitations and soft plastics. 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 later using soft plastics and crank baits around deeper brush. 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 with some schooling activity noted. 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 where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters with some reportedly schooling. 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 noodles and buffalo caught in nets. No reports yet on crappie and bass. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

L P Saw Shop
2612 Hwy 4
Jonesboro, LA
(318) 259 – 4056

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish School Board Regularly Scheduled Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2026

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a regular scheduled meeting at 11:00 a.m. on October 5, 2026 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, Louisiana.
The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Rick Barlow, Dennis Clary, Wade McBride, Gerry Mims and Paulette Belton
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
Dennis Clary gave the Invocation.
Paulette Belton led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Mary Saulters.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meetings held on September 14, 2026.
Motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to make the following announcement:
Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at its regular meeting place, the Jackson Parish School Board Office, 315 Pershing Hwy., Jonesboro, Louisiana, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana to authorize the levy of an ad valorem tax therein.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for five (5) School Resource Officers at a cost of $220,000.00, to be paid from General Fund.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve the 2026-2027 Pupil Progression Plan.
The Board recognized Justin Dodson from the Jackson Parish Recreation Department who spoke about the use of school facilities for Recreation Basketball.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to nominate Dr. Robin Potts as Interim Superintendent while Superintendent Carter is on Administrative Leave until the issue is resolved.
Rick Barlow reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education and District Maintenance bills.
A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving payment of $32,049.00 to Air Reading for High Dosage Tutoring at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from High Dosage Tutoring grant. Air Reading is a sole source provider.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried approving the declaring the following items at Weston High School Ag department as surplus:
• Tag #200 – 15″ Planer
• Tag #225 – Lathe Machine
• Tag #199 – Bender
• Tag #226 – Welding Rod Oven
These items are no longer usable and will be disposed of by taking them to a scrap yard.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving a part-time hourly contract for Kristi Bass to provide training support to the Business Department at a cost of $52.98 per hour (not to exceed 45 hours) plus mileage at the state rate to be paid out of General Fund. This contract will end December 18, 2026.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving the purchase of curriculum (Frog Street) for three (3) and four (4) year olds at Union Bee Head Start at a cost of $12,426.70 to be paid from EC PDG Consolidated Grant fund. Frog Street is a sole source provider.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving the purchase of an online program to assist with data collection and IEP writing for students with disabilities from GoalBook at a cost of $11,475.00 to be paid from General Fund. Goalbook is a sole source provider.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried approving adopting the resolution granting Bonnie Buckelew permission to sign the State of Louisiana Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Act 461 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of $150,000.00 for Acquisition, Equipment and Operating Expenses for materials and supplies, as well as labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School and Quitman High School) for and on behalf of the Jackson Parish School Board to finalize the 2025-2026 CEA invoices.
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to give Bonnie Buckelew permission to contact the State of La. Legislators to request a change in the wording of HB 312, Act 961 of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of $200,000.00 to (Acquisition, Equipment and Operating Expenses for materials and supplies, as well as labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School and Quitman High School.)
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving a part-time hourly contract for a Speech Therapist at $65.00 per hour not to exceed 8 hours per week, to be paid from General Fund.
A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried approving to acquire two (2) Wal-Mart Pay by Invoice-Trevipay card for Central Office and Special Education Department use with the Business Manager being card holder (with guidelines attached).
Jennifer Colvin, Business Manager presented the Financial Report.
Wade McBride reported to the Board on the meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried accepting low bid of $13,300.00 for Hot2Cold Heating, AC & Electrical for the three (3) ton Lennox Mini Split for Support Building and 3rd & 4th Grade building hallways at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from Jonesboro Hodge District funds.
A discussion was held regarding the request from the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana concerning the use of school facilities. The board agreed to form a committee to negotiate a policy for Use of School facilities.
A discussion was held regarding the request from Jackson Parish Recreation Department concerning the use of school facilities. The board agreed to form a committee to negotiate a policy for Use of School facilities.
A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to accept low bid of $177,000.00 from Albritton Service Company for lighting and electrical upgrades at Weston High School Baseball and Softball fields, to be paid from Weston District funds (CEA Act 3 of 2026 RLS).
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to adjourn at 11:25 a.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Eros Community WS Failed to Take Corrective Action Following Identification of a Significant
Deficiency

On 5/19/2026, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) performed a detailed inspection and engineering of our water system called a sanitary survey. During this sanitary survey, they identified one or more significant deficiencies in our system. According to EPA’s Ground Water Rule, we were required to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies) or work with the State to develop a plan to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies). However, we failed to correct the deficiencies or contact the State before the established deadline and have therefore violated a requirement of the Ground Water Rule.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a
situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will notified within 24 hours.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency, you would have been notified with 24 hours.
This significant deficiency has the potential to result in lack of proper treatment and oversight of the water
system. Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms.
These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches.
While we have not detected any evidence of contamination or other health threats related to our source
water, we are still committed to correcting the deficiency to eliminate the threat of contamination.
What was done?
We are currently working to address and resolve the identified violations. The pressure tank is currently in
use, although it was previously believed to be out of service. We are in the process of arranging for the tank to be painted and inspected and will ensure that the pressure tank and all associated piping and
connections are properly configured and maintained to protect the safety of the drinking water supply. We
are also working to bring our cross-connection control records up to date. Cross-connection questionnaires have been distributed, and we are following up with customers whose questionnaires have not yet been returned. Any connections identified as posing a potential cross-connection or contamination risk will be evaluated and addressed appropriately to protect the public water supply.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and other businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. For more information, please contact Heather Lewis at 318-417-6700 or PO Box 154, Eros, LA 71238

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish School Board Special Called Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2026

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a Special Called meeting at 1:00 p.m. on October 8, 2026 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, Louisiana.
The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Rick Barlow, Gerry Mims, Wade McBride, Paulette Belton and Dennis Clary
Absent: Calvin Waggoner
Gerry Mims gave the Invocation.
Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Mary Saulters.
Item 4A was added to the agenda:
Consider compensating Dr. Robin Potts for serving as Interim Superintendent. A quorum was present for this vote.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve the hiring of a part-time employee to train the Business Manager and this person to be Kristi Bass for the same terms approved at Board Meeting held on October 5, 2026. The motion is made to clarify her status.
Motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to compensate Dr. Robin Potts for serving as Interim Superintendent $2,000.00 per month for additional duties, retroactive to October 1, 2026.
Motion was made by Wade McBride seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approving to grant Robin Potts permission to approve all expenditures up to $10,000.00 without Board approval.
A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to approve Scenario 3 as presented by the Business Manager regarding the FY2026-2027 certificated and support staff stipend supplemental payments to be paid in January, 2027, including allocation amounts directed by the Governor’s Executive Order 26-047.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to adjourn at 1:15 p.m.

William “Billy” Ray Peters
July 11, 1928 – October 10, 2026

Billy Ray Peters passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro, Louisiana, at the remarkable age of 98. Billy Ray was a hardworking and dedicated man who took great pride in his work. He began his career with Louisiana Power and Light, where he worked for several years before becoming an electrician at Continental Can Company, dedicating over 40 years of faithful service to the company.

When he wasn’t working, Billy Ray enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and playing golf. He was also an accomplished wood-worker. Billy Ray was an avid LSU football fan who loved cheering on his Tigers. Above all, Billy Ray cherished his family, and nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren. The memories made with them were among his greatest treasures and will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Billy Ray is survived by his wife, Billie Jo (McBride) Peters; son, Mike “Pete” Peters and his wife, Carla; daughter, Kathy (Peters) Price and her husband, Pat; step-son, Michael Kramer and his wife, Lynn; step-son, Bruce Kramer; step-daughter, Holly Kramer; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Delwin Peters and his wife, Edna; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Isom Peters; mother, Ruth Leola (Griffin) Peters; mother of his children, Billie Ruth Scoggins; grandson, T.K. Spillers; step-son, Homer Kramer; 3 brothers; and 5 sisters.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM in the chapel with Bro. Wayne Morrow officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery near Weston under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Tidwell, Lyman Hall, Michael McDonald, DeWayne Price and Eli Stevenson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Brown and Burl Brashear, Jr.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Forest Haven Nursing Home and ACG Hospice for their excellent care.

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Per Jackson Parish Police Jury Ordinance 05-0825-2011 1, Fire Chief Philip Brown, President of the
Jackson Parish Fire Chiefs Association hereby declares a BURN BAN for the Parish of Jackson.
Any temporary burn ban so imposed by the President of the Jackson Parish Fire Chiefs Association shall prohibit ALL outdoor burning until such time as the Fire Chief determines that the weather conditions are safe enough to cancel the burn ban.

This burn ban becomes effective immediately. It SHALL remain in effect until canceled.

This Ordinance SHALL NOT apply to prescribed burns by the La. Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Violation of this burn ban may result in a fine and/or 6 months in jail

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JACKSON PARISH, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, October 19, 2026, the LA 155 bridge over Poplar Creek Tributary east of Quitman in Jackson Parish will be closed for replacement. This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

This bridge is located approximately 1.1 miles west of the intersection with LA 146, just west of Winnfield Road. (See included map). This closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately 5 months, weather permitting.

DOTD is sending out this notification on behalf of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), who is managing construction activities for non-federal aid (NFA) routes, as well as the bridge bundle projects currently taking place across the state.

Inquiries regarding this project should be directed to OLHC.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

Safety reminder: DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

About The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information about LADOTD’s Plan for Transforming Transportation check out www.T4LA.com. Visit Louisiana 511 for continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures and other travel information.

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The Town of Jonesboro administration continues working hard to improve the infrastructure. Last week, the Town announced that through an $8 million investment, work would begin on the North Pond Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Project. This week, the town’s water system is getting a $2 million improvement through a Water Sector Grant.

“These projects will help our town in both infrastructure and economic growth,” said Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris who also thanked State Representative Jack McFarland for assisting in the effort. “By continuing to improve our water, sewer, and roads, this is going to help bring in new businesses and jobs for our residents.”

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Everyone loves Homecoming. That is, except the home team’s coaches. To a man, they will tell you the most difficult game to prepare for is the Homecoming contest, because they have to try to get players to focus on the game amid so many distractions.

It is an almost impossible task. Throw in the fact that the coaches know the fans and alumni of a school, who come from far and near to the game for all the festivities before and after a game, want to see the team on Homecoming cap off a great time with a win; Homecoming always comes with a little angst.

One way a coaching staff tries to “hedge” their chances is by scheduling a team they should beat. It doesn’t always work out that way, though. A case in point is this Friday evening’s matchup, when Jonesboro-Hodge welcomes Ringgold to Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus for the District 3-1A opener for both teams.

A look at the series history between the two schools shows that this contest, the 18th all-time, follows the usual unwritten guidelines of “who to play” for Homecoming. In the series that began in 1924 with a 46-0 Tiger victory, JHHS has never lost to Ringgold in 16 prior games, with the only blemish being a 0-0 tie in 1925. Furthermore, not a single contest has ever been close, as the Tigers have pitched 8 shutouts and outscored the Redskins 612-68, for an average game score of 36-4.

Furthermore, Ringgold hasn’t had a winning season in at least two decades, according to records shown on MaxPreps, which started keeping records in 2004. Their best record since then is two 5-5 seasons in 2004 and 2006, and, ironically, the coaches in those years were a pair of JHHS grads, Eric Carter and Byron Anderson.

Perfect opponent, right? Not so fast!

This Ringgold team is not like any other. The Redskins are 4-0 this year, for what is believed to be the first time in school history and certainly in recent memory. What is more, this team is not just winning; they are winning big. After a close season opener where they beat Block 22-16, the Redskins beat Pine Prairie and Arcadia by identical 48-0 scores and last week conquered Northwood-Lena 50-28 for an average victory margin of 42-11.

“You have to give Coach Edwards and his staff a lot of credit,” complimented Blankenship. “They have done a great job with the kids they have and are without a doubt getting the most out of them.”

A deeper look at this year’s Redskin success shows that the early positive returns have been in the making for a couple of years. Tiger fans will remember that two years ago, before the season, Ringgold was listed as a member of District 1-1A, just like JHHS, but the Redskins, who had won only 6 of 65 games the prior seven seasons, decided not to play a full varsity schedule, instead fielding a junior varsity team primarily in an attempt to reboot the program. Ringgold also made a coaching change this year, promoting Remerson Edwards to head coach after serving as an assistant on the staff for the previous four years.

The Redskins have been entertaining on offense, having found success by putting the ball in the air. Keonce Moore, a 5’9″ and 145-pound senior, has been the driving force for Ringgold from his quarterback position, having completed 34 of 52 passes for 744 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is also the team’s leading rusher, gaining 223 yards on 27 carries for an 8.3-yard-per-carry average. The tandem of Zion Scott and Antravion Kinsey are the leading receivers, having caught 5 and 13 passes, respectively, for a combined 13 TD’s.

“There is no question that this Ringgold team is not like ones in the past,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “They present a strong challenge, and we will have to play well to beat them.”

JHHS will certainly have to play better than they did last week in a sluggish 38-18 victory over Arcadia, the same team Ringgold beat 48-0 just one week earlier.

The good news for JHHS is that the overall record of the teams Ringgold has beaten is just 2-18, with three of their four victories coming against schools that haven’t won a game this season. Also, Ringgold lacks size and has a very small roster, with only 28 players listed: 6 seniors, 5 juniors, 5 sophomores, 6 freshmen, two 8th graders, and even three 7th graders.

Another factor that should play in the Tigers’ favor is that JHHS should have its starting quarterback and running back for this contest after both missed last week, forcing J-H to play without a pair that has combined for 1,258 yards in total offense and 17 touchdowns this year.

“We are hoping both will play,” said Blankenship. “It will certainly help us if they do.”

Looking to move to 5-1 for the first time since 2009, the Tigers, who are ranked #11 in the most recent Class A power rankings and #16 in the Division IV poll, counter with one of the most versatile offensive attacks in JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship’s tenure, who is now in his 14th season.

The Tigers feature a tremendously talented quarterback in sophomore King Campbell, who has completed 32 of 51 passes for 617 yards and 8 touchdowns in four games. The rushing attack is led by Lon’Trevious “Tre” Burns, who has 421 yards on 53 carries and 6 TDs. Perhaps the receiving corps makes the Tigers most dangerous, though, as JHHS has a bevy of talented pass catchers, each with game-breaking ability. JaMarlon Johnson leads the parade with 9 catches for 200 yards and 4 touchdowns, three of those coming last week. Jaquan Qualls is next with 159 yards on 8 catches and a TD in only four games, as he had to take over quarterback duties last week, where he showed his versatility by running for 81 yards and passing for 147 more, while accounting for 5 touchdowns and three 2-point conversions. Tyson Burks (1 TD) and Channing Gray Jr. (3 Td’s) both have 6 catches for 124 and 98 yards, respectively.

Defensively, Burns leads with 39 stops, including 3 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble, while Reginald Hemphill and Kodan Atkins have 27 and 20 tackles, with both registering 3 tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery. Dylan Hayes has also come up big with 20 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for a loss. Michael Malone has 2 fumble recoveries, and Jamarcus Dozier has a safety to his credit.

JHHS Homecoming Schedule
Friday, October 9

9:45 am – Homecoming Assembly and Coronation in JHHS Auditorium
1:00 pm – Homecoming Parade
6:30 pm – Football Sweetheart Presentation and Junior/Senior Maid Entries at Football Stadium
7:00 pm – Homecoming football game at Football Stadium
Halftime of Football Game – Formal presentation of Homecoming Queen and Court

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The Jackson Parish School Board held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting in the Conference Room at the Jackson Parish School District Central Office on October 5th, where it named Dr. Robin Potts Interim Superintendent while Superintendent Carter is on Administrative Leave until the issue relating to charges brought against him in the Thursday, October 1st special called meeting is resolved.

In addition, board members Mary Saulters (President), Rick Barlow, Dennis Clary, Wade McBride, Gerry Mims and Paulette Belton announced that at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, the adoption of a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana to authorize the levy of an ad valorem tax therein will be considered.

The board also recognized Justin Dodson from the Jackson Parish Recreation Department, who spoke about the use of school facilities for Recreation Basketball and since they also had a request from the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana concerning the use of school facilities, the board agreed to form a committee to negotiate a policy for Use of School facilities.

Other action agreed upon to be taken included:

(1) Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for five (5) School Resource Officers at a cost of $220,000.00, to be paid from the General Fund.
(2) Approved the 2026-2027 Pupil Progression Plan.
(3) Paid the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, and District Maintenance bills.
(4) Paid $32,049.00 to Air Reading for High Dosage Tutoring at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from the High Dosage Tutoring grant. Air Reading is a sole source provider.
(5) Approval to declare the following items at Weston High School Ag department as surplus:
• Tag #200 – 15″ Planer
• Tag #225 – Lathe Machine
• Tag #199 – Bender
• Tag #226 – Welding Rod Oven
These items are no longer usable and will be disposed of by taking them to a scrap yard.
(6) Approved a part-time hourly contract for Kristi Bass to provide training support to the Business Department at a cost of $52.98 per hour (not to exceed 45 hours) plus mileage at the state rate to be paid out of the General Fund. This contract will end December 18, 2026.
(7) Purchased curriculum (Frog Street) for three (3) and four (4) year-olds at Union Bee Head Start at a cost of $12,426.70 to be paid from the EC PDG Consolidated Grant fund. Frog Street is a sole source provider.
(8) Purchased an online program to assist with data collection and IEP writing for students with disabilities from GoalBook at a cost of $11,475.00 to be paid from the General Fund. GoalBook is a sole source provider.
(9) Adopted the resolution granting Bonnie Buckelew permission to sign the State of Louisiana Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Act 461 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of $150,000.00 for Acquisition, Equipment and Operating Expenses for materials and supplies, as well as labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School and Quitman High School) for and on behalf of the Jackson Parish School Board to finalize the 2025-2026 CEA invoices.
(10) Gave Bonnie Buckelew permission to contact the State of La. Legislators to request a change in the wording of HB 312, Act 961 of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session in the amount of $200,000.00 to (Acquisition, Equipment and Operating Expenses for materials and supplies, as well as labor costs to renovate and enhance the facilities at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School and Quitman High School.)
(11)Approved a part-time hourly contract for a Speech Therapist at $65.00 per hour not to exceed 8 hours per week, to be paid from General Fund.
(12) Agreed to acquire two (2) Wal-Mart Pay by Invoice-Trevipay cards for Central Office and Special Education Department use, with the Business Manager being the cardholder (with guidelines attached).
(13) Accepted low bid of $13,300.00 for Hot2Cold Heating, AC & Electrical for the three (3) ton Lennox Mini Split for Support Building and 3rd & 4th Grade building hallways at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, to be paid from Jonesboro Hodge District funds.
(14) Accepted low bid of $177,000.00 from Albritton Service Company for lighting and electrical upgrades at Weston High School Baseball and Softball fields, to be paid from Weston District funds (CEA Act 3 of 2026 RLS).

For complete and official minutes of the October 5th regularly scheduled meeting of the Jackson Parish School Board, visit the Classifieds Section of the Jackson Parish Journal.

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He now plays in an entirely new nation, where the football field is a little different, and the way they play isn’t the same as in the United States, but no matter where he suits up, Devontae Mozee’s talent and ability are unquestioned.

Mozee, who is now a member of the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League, has been named a British Columbia Football Conference 2026 Offensive All-Star after posting 26 catches for 503 yards and 6 touchdowns in just seven games.

The 2022 JHHS graduate signed with Louisiana Tech after also receiving an offer from the University of Missouri. Perhaps best remembered for his versatility and game-changing ability on both offense and defense, the first-team Class AA All-State selection his senior year, who helped lead JHHS to a Class AA state semifinal berth, compiled career high school totals of 41 catches for 1069 yards and 21 touchdowns, including single-season school records of 869 yards and 17 touchdowns his senior year. He also had 53 stops and 6 interceptions for 265 yards, and 4 touchdowns from his defensive back position, where he had a school record of 2 interceptions for a score against Class 5A West Ouachita and a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown to help lead to what was the de facto district championship game against North Caddo.

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Did you know 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year? Falls are the #1 cause of accidental and trauma deaths. Are you concerned about your loved one’s risk of falling? Let the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) specialists help identify fall risks before the fall happens!

By completing the balance score test and identifying fall hazards in the home, JPASD can recommend and provide helpful safety solutions, including: a newly installed shower grab bar, a new walking cane, nightlights for the hallway and bathroom, and non-slip socks. The goal is to help older adults remain safe, independent, and confident in their own homes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Staci M. Pitre – Certified Zibrio Balance Specialist
JPASD CARE360 Programs Coordinator
318-259-2877

JPASD September Call Report

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The Jackson Parish School District released the “Mission Memo” for October, featuring key dates for the month, including ACT testing and manufacturing days, Talented Music Assessments, Child Nutrition, Welfare and Attendance, Federal Programs, Assessment and Accountability, and information for individual schools. You can also view this month’s “Mission Memo” by clicking here or visiting https://www.canva.com/…/DAH…/cUZcb1murh_AFXgG2nQrTw/edit.

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The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.) of Jackson Parish and local advocate Andrea Martin invite you to remember the victims of domestic violence in our area through the annual Candlelight Vigil that will be held at 6:00 pm on October 8th at the Pentecostals of Jonesboro, located at 1011 South Cooper Avenue. Light refreshments will be served.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Every October, communities across the country recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It is a time to bring attention to domestic violence, remember those whose lives have been affected, support survivors, and remind our communities that no one should have to live in fear in their own home.

Domestic violence is not simply a private family matter. It is a community issue that affects individuals, children, families, workplaces, schools, churches, and neighborhoods.

Domestic violence can take many forms. It may include physical violence, emotional or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, stalking, financial abuse, sexual abuse, isolation, or other behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over another person.

Sometimes the abuse is visible.

Sometimes it isn’t.

A person may be carrying emotional wounds that no one else can see.

They may be afraid to make a decision without their partner’s approval. They may have their finances controlled. They may be prevented from seeing family and friends. They may constantly worry about making their partner angry.

Domestic violence does not discriminate based on age, race, income, education, occupation, religion, or where someone lives.

It can happen in a large city, a small town, or a rural community.

In rural communities, survivors may face additional challenges, including limited transportation, long distances to services, lack of affordable housing, financial dependence, and concerns about privacy in a close-knit community.

Someone may live only a few miles from a domestic violence resource but still feel miles away from being able to ask for help.

Awareness means learning what abuse looks like.

It means knowing how to respond when someone tells you they are being abused.

It means teaching young people what healthy relationships look like.

It means supporting survivors without blaming them.

It means holding communities accountable for creating environments where abuse is not ignored or excused.

Leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated and, in some circumstances, dangerous. A survivor may be worried about children, housing, transportation, finances, pets, employment, or what their abuser may do if they leave.

Instead of telling someone what they should do, listen and help them connect with people who can provide information and support.

You don’t have to be ready to leave to ask for help

One of the most important messages during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is this:

You don’t have to be ready to leave to reach out for help.

A person can contact a domestic violence advocate simply because they have questions.

They can ask about their options.

They can talk about safety.

They can learn about available resources.

They can have a conversation without deciding about their relationship that day.

Getting information does not mean someone has to leave.

It means they have information.

And information can be powerful.

Our community has a role to play

One community that refuses to remain silent can make a difference.

This October, let’s remember the victims we have lost, stand beside those who are surviving, and work together to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to live safely and free from violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but our commitment to ending domestic violence should continue all year long.

Andrea Malone
Rural Advocate
DART Jackson Parish Office
(318) 395-8006

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Jonesboro-Hodge High School will embark on its second-ever flag football season this coming spring, and thanks to Jonesboro State Bank and its Pledge 10 program, they will look good when they take the field. Showing their support for JHHS and the Lady Tigers team, JSB gave the grant money, which J-H used to purchase new home and away uniforms.

“We can’t thank Jonesboro State Bank and Pledge 10 enough for supporting our kids and school,” said JHHS Assistant Principal Kris Cash.

The Lady Tigers will now wear uniforms of blue tops and shorts adorned along the sides in red with red numbers, along with a solid red set of tops and bottoms with blue numbers.

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It is Saturday, and you need to see a doctor but don’t want to go to the hospital emergency room. What do you do? Thanks to the thoughtful administration of Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH), local residents no longer have to bear additional medical costs when they need care on the weekend.

JPH reminds you that care for all ages is available without an appointment through the Saturday “Walk-In” Clinic, where many family practitioners are at the 107 Watts Street in Jonesboro location from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. For more information or questions, call (318) 395-2121

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