Strabo was a Greek geographer born in 64 BC in what is now Amasya, Turkey.  Strabo was from an affluent family which afforded him a good education.  When he was about 21 years old, Strabo continued his education in Rome where he studied grammar, writing, history, rhetoric, and philosophy.  At some point, Strabo began writing a geography based on his extensive travels throughout the known world.  He described the people, places, animals, and collected stories from the places he visited.  He published his first edition of Geographica in 7 BC which included the story of a hetaira called Doricha.  A hetaira was a highly educated female companion who often served a variety of roles including artist, entertainer, conversationalist, and some say, prostitute.  Strabo wrote that Doricha “was bathing, an eagle snatched one of her sandals from her maid and carried it to Memphis; and while the king was administering justice in the open air, the eagle, when it arrived above his head, flung the sandal into his lap; and the king, stirred both by the beautiful shape of the sandal and by the strangeness of the occurrence, sent men in all directions into the country in quest of the woman who wore the sandal; and when she was found in the city of Naucratis, she was brought up to Memphis, and became the wife of the king.”  In his story, Doricha became the queen of Egypt.  I must stress that there is no evidence that there ever was a queen of Egypt named Doricha.

Strabo’s tale has been told and retold through the centuries.  In 1634, Italian Giambattista Basile published a notable version called La Gatta Cenerentola in his book entitled Il Penatamerone.  Cenerentola derived from the Italian word “cenere” which meant ash or cinder because the clothes of servants at the time were usually soiled by ash or cinder because of their cleaning duties.  In his version, the first to be published in the Western world, Basile changed Doricha’s name to Zezolla.  In 1697, Frenchman Charles Perrault published an even more embellished version of the tale in his book which translates to Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Histories, or Tales of Past Time).  Perrault changed her name from Doricha to another name which was a reference to her clothes being dirty.  It is Perrault’s embellished version of Strabo’s 2,000-year-old tale that we all know because he added a magic pumpkin, a fairy godmother, and a glass slipper.  Perrault called her Cendrillon, but we all know Doricha as Cinderella.  

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.

Betty Jean Crawley Hall
April 17, 1937 – August 24, 2026

Betty Jean Crawley Hall died peacefully on August 24, 2026. She entered Heaven held in the arms of her children and grandchildren and had been surrounded by dear friends for many days.

Born on April 17, 1937, Betty was one of eight children born to Henry Claude and Mary Bert Crawley. Betty had two sisters, Claudine Kennedy and Hazel Martin, and four brothers, Bobbie, Bert, Buddy, Alton, and Ben. Betty spent a lifetime caring for her siblings, especially in their later years, and was the last surviving child.

Betty leaves behind a family who owe the best parts of themselves to her compassion, kindness, and selflessness. She is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-six years, Emmett Hall, who never left her side. She is also survived by two children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Betty had one son, Eric, and his wife, Bonita, and one daughter, Abby, and her husband, Rob Whitten. She had two granddaughters, Melissa Hall and her husband, Colby Hough, and Hannah Whitten and her husband, Joshua Robinson. She also had two grandsons, Ryan Hall and his wife, Adrea, and Leon Whitten and his wife, Rebecca. Betty had three great-granddaughters: Jaylee Hough, Lyla Hall, and Mattie Hough. She also had three great-grandsons: Maddox Hough, Reed Hall, and Oliver Robinson. Betty had a host of beloved nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces too.

And all of them, from the children to the great-grandchildren, cherished her.

Betty spent almost nine decades serving others. Even in her waning years, despite a long struggle with illness, she never stopped asking, “What can I do to help?” Born in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Betty lived there throughout her life, helping her community.

At First Baptist Church, Betty led the Women’s Missionary Union for more than fifty years and spread God’s love with countless acts of service. She had a particular passion for cooking and preparing meals for the elderly, sick, and sad. Betty was a saint. But forever humble and unassuming, she would never have used that word to describe herself.

A complete caregiver, “Mrs. Hall” spent her working days teaching and loving Jonesboro’s youth. She taught American History, Civics, and English at Jonesboro Hodge High School. When she wasn’t teaching in the classroom, she was teaching at her kitchen table. “Grandmother” edited paper after paper, corrected mistake after mistake, and taught her family how to learn. (Grandmother, if you see this in Heaven, we’re sorry for any mistakes. You always were the best of us.)

In her free time, “Mommie” found joy in cooking, gardening, reading, and building puzzles. She often baked a carrot cake for her son and made bread pudding for her daughter. Betty did what others couldn’t, because when her family tried to recreate that cake for a birthday, it turned into a carrot crumble. She also had a special touch for gardening. Her roses seemed more vibrant, and she even had periwinkle that grew from the cracks of her driveway. Much of her family gardens today because she showed them how to find peace in what grows from the earth. When her hands were not pruning a bush, her family remembers them holding a library book or piecing together a puzzle. But more than anything, her family remembers those small hands holding their own, guiding them through life, and giving them all of their strength.

Services for Betty Jean Crawley Hall will be held in the chapel of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, on Friday, August 28. Visitation will take place from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will begin immediately following visitation at 11:00 am. A graveside service at Gayla Traina Cemetery will follow the funeral service. Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Hall, Leon Whitten, Joshua Robinson, Colby Hough, Scott Martin, and Randy Layfield. Honorary pallbearers will be Maddox Hough, Reed Hall, and Oliver Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the WMU of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro.

Connie Lee Ashley
Nov 11, 1958 — Aug 21, 2026

Connie Lee Ashley passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 67. Connie was a devoted and caring woman whose life was marked by her love for family, friends, flowers, and her community. With a natural talent for working with flowers, she spent many years as a florist in both Winnfield and Jonesboro. She also faithfully served her community as a poll commissioner during elections in Jackson Parish.

For many years, Connie was actively involved with the Louisiana Forest Festival, serving as co-director of its beauty pageant and as a member of the festival board. Her love of pageantry extended far beyond the festival, as she traveled throughout Louisiana judging pageants and sharing her experience and enthusiasm with countless participants.

Connie was an avid Winnfield Senior High School football fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her team. She also loved talking on the telephone with her friends and relatives and treasured the close relationships she maintained throughout her life. Above all, Connie was deeply devoted to her family and held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews. She faced her illness with remarkable strength and determination, never complaining and continuing to show the fighting spirit that characterized her life.

She is survived by her brothers, Alvin Ashley, George Ashley (Jerry), Woody Ashley (Lynn), Pat Ashley (Brittany), and Chris Ashley, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, James B. Ashley; mother, Gladys (Franks) Ashley; sister-in-law, Susie Ashley; and great-niece, Claira Ashley.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. Bro. Darren Fitzgerald will officiate the funeral service, which will begin at 11:00 AM in the chapel. Burial will follow in Sanders Chapel Cemetery near Calvin on LA Hwy 156 under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Ashley, Kevin Ashley, Payton Ashley, Bryce Ashley, Zach James, and Billy Logan.

To send flowers or plant a m

An incredible high-speed chase involving five separate law enforcement agencies that reached speeds of 120 miles per hour (MPH) and traversed three parishes was finally brought to an end in Hodge, LA, by Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies on August 21st.

The details of the incident, as filed by the JPSO, are shown below.

(JPSO) – On August 21, 2026, at approximately 11:09 AM, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office notified Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) Dispatch of an active high-speed pursuit involving a gray Honda CR-V traveling northbound on Hwy 167 toward Jackson Parish. Speeds in Winn Parish exceeded 105 MPH.

At approximately 11:12 AM, JPSO deputies joined the pursuit south of the Jonesboro city limits. The vehicle traveled through Jonesboro, turning onto Hudson Avenue, 7th Street, and Cooper Avenue before reentering onto Hwy 167 North. The pursuit continued into Lincoln Parish, with speeds exceeding 120 MPH.

At approximately 11:27 AM, JPSO deputies withdrew from the pursuit as Winn Parish deputies and Jonesboro Police Department officers continued following the vehicle.

At approximately 11:33 AM, JPSO Dispatch was notified that the vehicle had entered Hwy 146 and was traveling back toward Jackson Parish, with Lincoln Parish units now involved in the pursuit. JPSO deputies rejoined the pursuit on Hwy 146 near Hwy 155 at approximately 11:39 AM.

The pursuit continued toward Hwy 4 and into Chatham, where the fleeing vehicle collided with a Winn Parish patrol unit. The vehicle continued onto side streets before reentering Hwy 4 and traveling westbound.

The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed onto Nine Pine Road and then Louvera Lane. JPSO deputies deployed spike strips on Louvera Lane near Beech Springs Road; however, the vehicle narrowly avoided the spike strips and continued onto Beech Springs Road. The vehicle eventually turned onto Old Quitman Hwy. and then Hwy 167 South toward North Hodge, reaching speeds exceeding 120 MPH.

Near the intersection of Hwy 167 and Hwy 147, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes, causing a pursuing JPSO deputy to collide with the rear of the vehicle. The fleeing vehicle then left the roadway and entered a grassy area near the Smurfit WestRock paper mill in Hodge, LA. A JPSO deputy maneuvered in front of the vehicle and made contact with it, bringing the pursuit to an end.

The driver, 55-year-old Heather Urena from Alexandria, LA, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody by JPSO deputies. She was transported to Jackson Parish Hospital for treatment and was subsequently released.

She was booked into the Jackson Parish Jail on the following charges:

• Aggravated Flight from an Officer
• Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle upon a Peace Officer
• Criminal Damage to Property

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish law enforcement agencies, the Jonesboro Police Department, the Hodge Police Department, and the North Hodge Police Department for their assistance and coordination throughout this incident.

This incident remains under investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

(JPSO) – An investigation initiated by a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has resulted in the arrest of a registered sex offender on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sexual abuse of animals, and unlawful access to social networking websites.

On August 10, 2026, investigators with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began investigating a CyberTip originating from NCMEC. During the investigation, authorities identified the suspect as Waylon John Breaux (9338 Hwy 34, Eros, La) and obtained an arrest warrant, along with a search warrant for Breaux’s residence.

The search warrant was executed that same day. Breaux was taken into custody and initially charged with three counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). As the investigation continued, investigators uncovered additional suspected CSAM. The material included disturbing content involving the sexual abuse of children and animals.

On August 18, 2026, Breaux was charged with:

26 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
3 counts of Possession of Sexual Abuse of Animals
8 counts of Unlawful Access to Social Networking Website

The arrest is the result of a collaborative investigation involving the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with AG Murrill and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, along with other law enforcement partners, to identify individuals who exploit children, investigate internet crimes against children, and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

All persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

NOTE: This is the first in a series recognizing Joey Pender (JHHS), Steve Treadway (JHHS), Cynthia Loyd (JHHS), Lowell Mize (JHHS), and Shelby Green (QHS), who were selected to be inducted in the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026, along with Bill DeCou (Rundell Jr. High), who will receive the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. The induction banquet is scheduled for October 3rd in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. This week: Joey Pender

This is how you do it!

That is what the young assistant coach at Jonesboro-Hodge conveyed to his wards during the fall practice in 1984. He had seen enough and knew the only way he would get his message across was to give an example.

Lining up to get ready for the next snap, the defensive squad suddenly took a step back. What the….?
Bewildered, they all looked at each other, wide-eyed and disbelieving of what they were seeing. What is this guy doing?

The coach was not doing what every coach they had ever seen had done. He wasn’t stepping up to the line to talk to them. No! He had pushed aside the defensive tackle and, without a single pad or helmet on, dropped down into a three-point stance and instructed the offense to snap the ball. You could almost hear the offensive lineman across from him saying, “You have got to be kidding me.”

When the ball was put into play, the majority of the defense just stood there watching in amazement. The young coach, ripped virtually from head to toe with muscles, burst off the line, executed a picture-perfect “swim move,” and drew down on the quarterback, pulling up just before he was fixing to plant him into the turf.

This is how you do it!

“Let’s go again!” he shouted to the team. Now, not only was the defense staring at what was happening, but everybody on the practice field was intently watching. Never before had any of them seen a coach physically demonstrate a technique like that in live action, especially with his body completely unprotected from the hits that he was subjecting himself to.

Again, the ball was snapped. Determined not to let the coach get through so easily this time, the offensive lineman went on the attack, only to find himself grasping air as the coach performed a “swim” move and once again burst into the offensive backfield.

This is how you do it!

“Let’s go again!”, shouted the coach, who was demonstrating the techniques he had learned over the past four years as a two time All-Conference and All-Louisiana defensive lineman at Louisiana Tech. Again, the ball was snapped. As the players on the defensive side were now “whoofing” it up at the offensive line for being handled so easily by this man, who didn’t even have any pads or a helmet on, the offensive line was determined to keep the young coach at bay this time. Not a chance! Displaying his uncommon strength, the coach “bullrushed” his way through the line.

Once again, the coach stepped to the forefront, but this time he slowly began to demonstrate to the defensive line the technique for performing the moves he had executed. They were rapt at attention. Not only the beefy boys up front, but the whole team. All eyes and ears were keenly attentive. Through his “hands-on” exhibition, the coach had quickly gained their respect and admiration. Obviously, this man knew what he was talking about.

This is how you do it!

The next day, the team went to the weight room. The coach watched as the players began “pumping iron.” He wasn’t impressed! It seemed that there was no enthusiasm among the players. They just seemed to be going through the motions and weren’t pushing themselves like he wanted to see.

Calling out, he gathered the team around the bench and told a couple of players to start loading the weights up. MORE! He implored until the bar was sagging at the ends. Like on the practice field, the team members gaped wide-eyed. They had never seen anyone even attempt to press that much weight, much less a coach. He must be crazy, they were commenting to each other, and some were wondering if he was going to hurt himself.

The coach positioned himself on the bench, grabbed the bar, and, to his team’s disbelief, started “repping” the tremendous amount of weight with seemingly ease. Amazed by what they were seeing, the guys got excited and started cheering the coach on, who, after several impressive presses, put the bar back on the rack and stood up.

“To be the best, you have to work harder than everyone else,” he shouted to the players. After watching the demonstration, the message was eagerly received, loud and clear, and they started hitting the weights once again, only this time with a newfound enthusiasm.

This is how you do it!

The young assistant knew that the best way to teach his team was to set an example of what they could do with the right frame of mind. He knew that his team had several really talented players, and all they needed was a little extra motivation, as they had the potential to do great things.

Not only was the first-year coach a defensive assistant for the varsity team, but he was also the head coach of the Freshman team. Under his tutelage, the young group went undefeated that year, and once they got their opportunity as juniors and seniors, they started one of the best five-year periods in the history of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), reaching the Class 2A semifinals in 1986 and then winning the Class 2A state title in 1987, the first championship at JHHS in 42 years.

The Tigers would win state the next two years as well (1988-89) and finish as the Class 2A runner-up in 1990. The last state title and the state runner-up came with the man who was their freshman coach, now at the helm of the varsity

In 1994, the coach left Jonesboro-Hodge with more total wins than any who had come before to take over as head coach at West Ouachita High School, where he turned a fledgling, unproductive Class 4A program into a playoff contender. His “classification climb” continued in 1996, when he became head coach at Class 5A Ruston High School for two years, leading to an eight-year run at Winnfield High School, where he also became the school’s all-time winningest coach. After basically circling Jackson Parish, where he had continued to live, the coach “closed the loop” by returning to Jonesboro-Hodge for four years, then moving back to West Ouachita for six more, before retiring in 2017 after a 33-year career, including 27 as a head coach, winning 165 games in total, 8 district titles, one state championship, and one state runner-up finish.

This is how you do it!

As a head coach, he also groomed many who followed his lead to have tremendously successful careers as head football coaches in their own right, including three former players who were part of the “glory days” at JHHS: Shannon Brown (Cedar Creek / JHHS), Jay Watson (Winnfield), and current JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship. Also in the “coaching tree” is Jerrod Baugh, head coach of Ruston High School, now one of the state’s best football programs, and Benji Lewis, who in 2025 led Ouachita High School to the Division I state championship.

The day after the legendary coach retired, he got a call from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). Having earned the respect of the state’s athletic governing body for his accomplishments as a coach and for doing it the “right way,” the now “former” coach was asked to serve as Compliance Officer and Investigator, a position he still holds today.

So how do you honor a person who, for over four decades, has perfectly demonstrated the right way to not only build a winner on the football field, educate young men on how to become productive adults, show future coaches how to lead a team and also instruct former peers and colleagues on how to correctly run an athletic program as well as how to be a great husband and father?

The selection committee of the Sports Hall of Fame did it in a perfect way. By a unanimous decision, they chose to immortalize him by giving him his rightful and deserved place alongside the greatest sports figures in Jackson Parish’s history.

This is how you do it!

JACKSON PARISH, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a portion of LA 810 between LA 34 and LA 505 in Jackson Parish will be closed.

This road closure is scheduled to remain in place until approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30th, and is necessary to allow DOTD crews to replace a cross-drain pipe located under the roadway. This important work ensures adequate and proper drainage through the area.

This pipe is located approx. 3.2 miles west of the intersection with LA 34 and 5.1 miles east of the intersection with LA 505. GPS Coordinates: 32.216957,-92.534387 (see included map)

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

Alternate Route: Appropriate detour signage will be in place.

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

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.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Jonesboro-Hodge High School took to the field for the first time this past Friday against an opponent, as the varsity, junior varsity, and 7th/8th-grade football teams welcomed Delhi High School for a pre-season scrimmage at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus.

The contests were competed in different styles, with the varsity playing two 12-minute running-clock quarters, the junior varsity playing two 8-minute running-clock quarters, and the 7th/8th grade teams running 8 plays on offense and 8 plays on defense

With both varsity teams playing it “close to the vest” prior to the season-opening jamborees slated for this coming weekend, neither team managed to score, while the J-H junior varsity gave up a sole touchdown and there was no score in the 7th/8th grade session.

The effort from the Tigers pleased the JHHS coaching staff, as evidenced by a statement from JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship.

“I am pleased with what took place,” said Blankenship, now entering his school-record 14th season. “As always, there were several things that we saw that we need to work on, but overall the effort given by the guys was good, and I thought our guys showed potential for a good season.”

Next Week!

JHHS will open the season by playing Beekman Charter at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 29th at Malone Stadium on the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) campus as part of the annual Bayou Jamb. Tiger fans planning on attending are encouraged to purchase their tickets at Jonesboro-Hodge High School prior to the contest.

“We are asking our fans to purchase tickets to the Bayou Jamb at the school, as all proceeds from ticket sales made at the school go directly to our football program,” said Blankenship. “It is also an advantage for our fans to buy their tickets prior to the game, as they will be discounted from the price they will have to pay at the gate.”

Lately, the temperatures have kept many people indoors, soaking up the cool air, but once the race cars hit the clay oval at Super Bee, race fans tend to forget how hot the air actually is. Saturday, August 15th was a 100-degree day, with temps dropping to the mid-to-low 80s around 10 pm. That did not stop the racers or the race fans from enjoying an awesome night of side-by-side racing action.

The USRA Limited Modifieds class was first on the track, with Mickey Steele (Ball, LA) taking the win in the Heat race as well as the Feature event. Ronny Freeland and Chris Freeland (both of Bastrop, LA) finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, while Kyle Stassen (Jonesboro) came in 4th and Kyler Henderson (Quitman) rounded out the Top 5.

The ASCS Gulfsouth Hurricane Region Series brought 13 amazingly fast Sprint racers to Chatham for a night of edge-of-your-seat excitement. Heat race winners in the Sprints were: Cody Gardner and Caleb Ingle. During the 25-lap Feature event, it was Gardner leading the way to the checkered flag and taking the trophy home to Benton, Arkansas. Hayden Branch (Olive Grove, MS) finished 2nd, followed by Lee Moore (Moundville, Ala) in 3rd, Caleb Ingle (Little Rock, AR) in 4th, and Josh McCord (Bossier City, LA) in 5th. McCord moved up 7 positions from a 12th-place starting spot for the night.

CRUSA Crate Late Models were next on the track for the night. Heat race winners were Rob Litton and Seth Traweek. Litton was also the #1 Qualifier for the night with a 15.222-second lap time during the qualifying session. The 20-lap Feature race ended with Rob Litton (Alexandria, LA) in 1st place, Darin Patrick (West Monroe) in 2nd, Seth Traweek (West Monroe) in 3rd, Bubba Mullins (West Monroe) in 4th, and Robbie Stuart (DeRidder, LA) rounding out the Top 5.

The ProMod class held an 11-car field Saturday night, with Taylor Free and Wayne Patton taking Heat wins. The Feature event saw Taylor Free (Glenmora) 1st to the checkers, Wayne Patton (Ruston) in 2nd, Adam Tarver (Ball) in 3rd, Willie Neal (Winnfield) in 4th, and Michael Rawls (Winnsboro) in 5th.

The Sportster class was next in the running order and saw Kobe Kulp and Brandon Malone capturing Heat race wins. In the 20-lap Feature event, Kobe Kulp (Eros) took 1st place, followed by Robby Jones (Bastrop) in 2nd, Cody Womack (Jonesboro) in 3rd, Remington Budd (Haughton) in 4th, and the 5th-place car was Shane Walker and Squeak (Choudrant). Walker started in the 13th seat in the Starting order and advanced 8 positions through the field, giving him and Squeak “Hard Charger” bragging rights!

The final class for the night brought the 17-car field of USRA Factory Stocks to the track. 1st place finishers in the two Heat races were Rodney Howell and Nathan Wiley. Though both showed great potential to capture the Feature win, neither finished the 20-lap Feature. The Top 5 Feature finishers were: Matthew Driskill (Ruston) taking the win, Shane Walker (Choudrant) in 2nd place, Cecil Ross (West Monroe) in 3rd, Austin Trichell (Bastrop) in 4th, and Richard Roberts (Rocky Branch) taking the 5th place position.

The next race at Super Bee Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, September 5th, and will present all of the regular classes plus a “Mechanics Race,” where the ones behind the scenes that help keep these cars running and race-ready each week will have an opportunity to strap into the driver’s seat and show off their driving abilities. Are the Mechanics better drivers than the normal racers??? You’ve got to be there to find out for yourself!!

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

The Weston girls and Quitman boys won the Dodson Tournament, played on August 20-21, staking early claims as the best junior high basketball teams in the area. With the victories, the Lady Wolves improved to 5-0 on the year, while the Quitman boys remained undefeated at 3-0. The QJH girls and WJH boys also competed, but were eliminated in their first game.

Dodson Junior High Tournament Recap

Weston 34, Saline 13 (Girls First Round): Kate Keiffer set a new season high with 20 points to lead the Lady Wolves to the first-round victory. Hannah Aldy chipped in with 6 points, Saniyah Salsberry scored four, and both Brooklyn Keiffer and Raylie Hall added a basket.

Saline 37 Weston 25 (Boys First Round): For the second time in less than a week, Saline topped Weston, dropping the Wolves to 1-2 on the year. Mason Greer led WJH in scoring with 7 points, followed by Ashton Paggett with 6 and Eli Jones with 5. Grant Griffin finished with four points, Waylon Fair made a basket, and Remi Davis sank a free throw for WJH.

Weston 47, Quitman 17 (Girls Second Round): A 22-0 run to open the game decided the outcome early as thirteen players tallied points for Weston in the one-sided All-Jackson Parish affair that propelled the Lady Wolves into the championship game. Kate Keiffer led the way with 12 points, with Saniyah Salsberry and Raylie Hall adding six points apiece. Bailey McCurday chipped in with five points, and Carrington Bond scored four. Brookly Keiffer, Hannah Aldy, Miriam Shuler, Kylee Allen, Cadie Conn, and Myla-Ruth Jones all tallied two points each, and Isabel Morris and River Waggoner sank a free throw for WJH. Elliot Savage paced Quitman with 8 points; Brelaina Hall scored five, and both Jaicee Hall and Lily Tolar made a basket for QJH.

Quitman 58 Saline 18 (Boys Second Round): The Wolverines burst out to a 12-2 lead and never looked back to advance to the championship game. Aiden Reed led QJH with 14 points, with Jaxen Culpepper chipping in with 12 and Jamikal Hall adding 10 as Quitman placed three players in double-figure scoring in the new season’s best offensive effort. Clay Burton scored six, Khyree Boston finished with five, Koplen Taylor added four, and Bentley Ponder tallied three points. Two points each by Jase Reed and Kutter Blalock rounded out the scoring for the Wolverines.

Weston 37, Castor 12 (Girls Championship Game): Once again, the WJH defense held their opponent scoreless in the first quarter, leading the way to the championship game victory. Offensively, the Lady Wolves had a balanced attack, with Kate Keiffer scoring 10 points, Saniyah Salsberry adding nine, and Hannah Aldy checking in with a season-best eight. Shelby Johns finished with four, and Brooklyn Keiffer, Ashlyn Petre, and Miriam Shuler all chipped in with a basket each.

Quitman 56, Calvin 23 (Boys Championship Game): A 19-7 first-quarter lead exploded into a 33-9 advantage at the break, propelling the Wolverines to the easy victory in the championship game. Adien Reed led a balanced scoring attack with 10 points. Kyree Boston netted nine and Jase Reed finished with five points. Koplen Taylor, Luke Davis, Kutter Blalock, Bentley Ponder, Jamikal Hall and Jaxen Culpepper all chipped in with four points apiece, and Clay Burton added a basket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fan Jamb Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bayou Jamb Game Schedule

Purchase Tickets at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

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

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

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

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

But you have to act fast!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Channel Cats, Southern “Mascots”?

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

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

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

Oh well……

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Later if you can stand the heat, they’re around deep drops. Soft plastics and cranks baits are working fair. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and not many anglers are trying it later because of the excessive heat. Fishing overall has slowed because of air and water temps being so warm. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream have slowed now that the water and air temperature has warmed. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are suspended where there is more oxygen. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters. Not many are trying them later because of excessive heat. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is slightly rising. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and buffalo caught in nets. Nobody is trying the crappie and bass because it’s too hot. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

“Do you hear what I hear?”

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

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

But this morning, I am listening.

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

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

In other words, I expect to hear life.

And I cannot wait.

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

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

Jesus talked a surprising amount about listening.

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

Apparently discipleship involves more than talking.

That includes prayer.

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

But here is the harder question:

After we finish talking, do we listen?

Sometimes my prayers resemble leaving a voicemail for God.

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

Click.

And then I am off to the next thing.

Maybe prayer occasionally needs a little silence at the end.

“Speak, Lord. I’m listening.”

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

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

But for this moment, it is quiet.

So I am listening.

Listening for children.

Listening for life.

Listening for God.

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

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

The better question may be:

Are we listening?

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

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

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

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

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

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

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

July 22, 2026
August 26, 2026

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLL
#38213
CLARENCE RAY JACKSON

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

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

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

Brent Barnett, Sheriff
Ex-Officio, Auctioneer

August 5, 2026
September 9, 2026

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

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

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

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

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

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

August 12, 2026
September 16, 2026

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position. Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications are being accepted until filled. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.

POSITION: Operator 1
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department

Description:

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

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Basic Responsibilities:

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

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

PART TIME JOB OFFERING

PART TIME JOB OFFERING

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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