When you first enter the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, the first thing you notice is a long line of banners along each side of the walkway, featuring images of JPRD All-Star teams from the past that have either won or finished as runner-up in youth state baseball and softball competitions. The room will now have to be made for one more.

Joining the “walk of fame” will be the 2026 Jackson Parish 10U All-Star team, which, after winning four of six games, finished as the state runner-up in the Diamond Youth Softball tournament held in Buckeye, LA, this past weekend. Making the impressive feat all the more enjoyable is that by virtue of their finish in the ten-team tournament, the JP10U All-Stars will be the first team in the history of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department youth softball program to compete in a World Series tournament that will be played in Laurel, MS on July 16-19.

“When we picked the 12 girls to represent Jackson Parish on the All-Star team, we not only looked at talent, but we remembered the kids with positive attitudes and who we thought were coachable. We never even looked at their stats,” said JP10U Manager Kristen Allen.

The effort put forth by the “Dandy Dozen” from Jackson Parish, which finished the All-Star season with an impressive 13-2 record, including an 11-game winning streak, has been truly Herculean. Beginning with five straight victories in just two days (June 12-13) to win a pre-district tournament in West Monroe, LA, the locals then reeled off four more victories in a row to claim the District 4 Tournament title that was played at the JPRD Sports Complex in Jonesboro on June 25-28. At the state tournament, JP10U played six games in just four days, finishing with a 4-2 record. Victories came against Tioga twice, Minden, and Sabine Parish, with their only losses being to eventual state champion Jefferson Parish Eastbank, first in the opening round of bracket play and again in the championship game after battling through the elimination bracket.

To give a perspective on how impressive the showing by these talented young ladies was is the fact that Jackson Parish had the smallest population base of all the teams that participated in the pre-district, district, and state tournaments, and it was only the team that came from the state’s largest population area (New Orleans) that finished one position in the state better. Real numbers show that in the state championship game, it was the team from Jackson Parish, made up of 12 girls, chosen from among a total base of 36 girls who played on the three local league teams competing against the JPRD Eastbank squad, whose 12 players were drawn from a league of 32 teams and a pool of nearly 400 players.

After the tournament, Allen proudly reflected on the team’s accomplishments but made a point of showing that the work is not done yet.

“This 10U group is so special,” said Allen. “They have come a long way as a team, and are still getting better every day. We are hoping to push through to the end of the World Series and come out on top, while also showing good sportsmanship and encouraging other teams. We want to represent our town and our state well.”

Allen was also exuberant in her praise of the character of her team, the sportsmanship shown by the players, the cohesion of the coaching staff and the support given by team followers.

“It’s not just about softball in this league, but building character and confidence. They all have the biggest hearts. We have watched them cheer on and lift up other teams’ players after a loss. They brought tears to my eyes when they lined up outside a losing team’s dugout, chanting ‘We are proud of you!’, reflected Allen. “Bethany, Cheyenne and I have balanced so well in coaching, and you don’t see that much. It has been a huge blessing! The players’ parents and families have also been a blessing.”

Diamond Youth Softball State Tournament Recap
Jackson Parish 10U All-Stars

Manager: Kristen Allen
Coaches: Cheyenne Allen and Bethany Garner
Team Members: Kylee-Ayn Allen, Malia Gunter, Lyla Hall, Kaylee Hammons, Caylee Mauthe, Ryleigh Puffer, Kadence Sampey, Natalie Sullivan, Mercedes Taylor, River Waggoner, Mez’Meri Walker, and Brenleigh Whitman.
State Tournament Summary: Beat Tioga 16-0 and 12-0 in Pool Play. Lost to JPRD East 11-1 in the first game of double-elimination tournament play. Beat Minden 5-2 and Sabine Parish 5-3 in elimination bracket play. Lost to JPRD East 8-0 in the championship game.

JP10U 16 Tioga 0 (Pool Play): Natalie Sullivan and Kylee-Ayn Allen combined on a four-inning no-hitter while striking out 11, and JP10U scored 7 runs in both the third and fourth innings to end the contest via the “run rule”. Caylee Mauthe led the offensive onslaught by going 3/3 with 3 RBI’s, while Ryleigh Puffer went 2/3, scored twice, and knocked in three. Sullivan went 2/3 and scored twice, while Allen also got two hits, including a double, scored three times, and knocked in a run. Malia Gunter got a hit, scored two runs, and had 2 RBIs; Brenleigh Whitman got a hit, scored twice, and had an RBI; and Mez’Meri Walker scored twice after getting a hit and reaching base on a walk. River Waggoner smashed a two-run triple, Mercedes Taylor hit a double and scored once. Kadence Sampson got a hit and scored, and Lyla Hall also scored a run and drove in an RBI after walking twice.

JP10U 12 Tioga 0 (Pool Play): The opponent did better this time around as they got one hit over three innings off of Kylee-Ayn Allen who struck out six for the shutout and JP10U batters continued to thrive on Tioga pitching racking up 10 hits in only two at bats that included a pair of doubles by Natalie Sullivan (2 RS, 2RBI) and a single and a triple by Ryleigh Puffer (2 RS, 3 RBI). Allen (2 RS, 2 RBI) helped her cause by slapping a pair of singles, while Caylee Mauthe (2 RS, 2 RBI), Malia Gunter (RS, RBI), Kaylee Hammons (RS), and Mez’Meri Walker (RS) all added singles. Brenleigh Withman also scored a run.

JPRD East 11 JP10U 1 (Game One Tournament Play): The tide turned in the first game of double-elimination bracket play, as JPRD East’s pitching dominated, holding JP10U hitless over the course of the four-inning contest. Natalie Sullivan scored the only run for the locals in the bottom of the fourth inning after reaching on an error, advancing to third on a groundout by Caylee Mauthe, and scoring on a Kylee-Ayn Allen sacrifice groundout following Malia Gunter’s walk.

JP10U 5 Minden 2 (Game Two Tournament Play): Breaking open a scoreless pitching duel, JP10U plated four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and then added an insurance run in the fifth to stay alive and move to within one victory of reaching the state championship game. Mez’Meri Walker opened the decisive inning with a walk followed by a single by Natalie Sullivan, who was the complete-game victor after holding Mindent to just four singles and striking out 8. Caylee Mauthe walked to load the bases, and then Malia Gunter hit a two-run single, Kylee-Ayn Allen hit a sacrifice grounder, and Brenleigh Whitman executed a perfect bunt single. An insurance run was added in the bottom of the fifth inning when Lyla Hall walked and scored after River Waggoner singled, Kaylee Hammons drew another walk to load the bases, and Kadence Sampey slapped a single.

JP10U 5 Sabine Parish 3 (Game Three Tournament Play): In the rematch of the 5-1 District 4 Tournament victory by JP10U, Sabine Parish broke on top with two runs in the top of the first inning, but JP10U showed their superiority by quickly re-establishing control with five runs in their first two at-bats. The rally started in the bottom half of the first inning when, with two outs, Malia Gunter drew a walk, followed by four straight clutch hits by Kylee-Ayn Allen, Brenleigh Whitman, Ryleigh Puffer, and Mercedes Taylor. The lead expanded to 5-1 in the next inning when River Waggoner, Kaylee Hammons, Kadence Sampey, and Mez’Meri Walker all showed a keen eye at the plate to coax consecutive walks, and Caylee Mauthe hit a sacrifice groundout. That would be all the runs Natalie Sullivan needed in her complete-game winning performance, where she scattered five hits and struck out seven over four innings.

JPRD East 8 JP10U 0 (Championship Game): It was déjà vu in the rematch, as once again JPRD East pitching was dominant, allowing only a single by Kylee-Ayn Allen in the top of the fifth inning. The score was only 1-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning, but JPRD East scored 4 in their at-bat and added 3 more in the bottom of the fourth to put the game away. JP10U had runners reach base in both the third and fourth innings when Mercedes Taylor and Mez’Meri Walker each got hit by a pitch but were left stranded on base. Hopelessly behind 8-0 In their final at-bat against who proved to be one of the best hurlers in the state, JP10U showed the tremendous grit and character that made them a World Series qualifier by fighting back to load the bases on Allen’s hit and walks to Ryleigh Puffer and Mercedes Taylor before succumbing.

Team Statistical Recap: As a team, JP10U posted an impressive .366 team batting average, collecting 37 hits in 101 official at-bats, with 8 players hitting over .300 and 4 more checking in at over .500 over the 6 games played. A total of 39 runs were scored, equating to an average of 6.5 runs per game. Pitching statistics showed 27 hits were given up to 118 batters, with the team ERA at 4.817, which doesn’t reflect the true quality of the effort, given that in the two losses, 19 runs were scored compared to just 5 runs given up in the four wins.

Jackson Parish 10U State Tournament Offensive Statistics

Jackson Parish 10U State Tournament Pitching Statistics

Donate To Help Offset World Series Expenses

Donations are being accepted to help the Jackson Parish 10U Softball All-Stars defray expenses of their trip to Laurel, MS to participate in the Diamond Youth Softball World Series. Please help their dreams come true by contacting Kristen Allen at (832) 459-4126 or via Venmo at @Kristen-Gray-98. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Nearly a year to the date that ground was broken on a plot of land in Jonesboro, LA, where two homes were planned by Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, the residence that will be owned by Sharonda Leonard is now nearing completion.

Located on land that was donated by Mercy Medical Health Center on Bond Street in Jonesboro, the residence is the first Habitat for Humanity Project in Jonesboro in 13 years. This milestone project was made possible through the generous support of Smurfit WestRock in Hodge, LA, the build’s title sponsor and volunteer builder, and Jonesboro State Bank, which contributed $25,000 in seed funding to launch the project through the Pledge10 Grant program.

“At Smurfit WestRock, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Brett Tremblay, General Manager of the Hodge mill, at the groundbreaking ceremony in July, 2025. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity gives our employees a meaningful opportunity to come together, roll up their sleeves, and make a real difference for a local family. We are proud to help bring affordable housing to Jonesboro and look forward to seeing the impact this home will have.”

Kathy Gardner, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, also expressed her gratitude:

“We are deeply thankful to Kim Brunson, CEO of Mercy Medical Center, for the land donation, to Smurfit WestRock, the Whole House sponsor, for providing all the volunteer labor to build the home and fundraising through the Hodge Mill, and to Thurston Allen, President of Jonesboro State Bank for their $25,000 donation to get this project started. These contributions of land, time, materials, and financial support are a powerful testament to the spirit of this community.”

As part of Habitat’s homeownership model, future homeowners contribute 250 hours of sweat equity, working alongside volunteers to build their homes. Applicants are carefully selected based on need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat, which includes attending 12 weeks of financial education classes.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana or to get involved, visit hfhnl.org.

The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) announces that registration is now being taken for the upcoming Safe Sitter Course that is scheduled for July 18th. As part of the JPASD CARE360 Program, made possible through funding and partnership between the JPASD and Living Well Foundation, the FREE one-day session designed to help 6th – 8th grade students learn to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting will take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the JPASD Training Center, located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro.

By registering at (318) 259-2877, participants will learn first aid, CPR, rescue skills, and gain knowledge about:

(1) How to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies.
(2) Manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care.
(3) Ages and stages of child development, as well as practice diapering.
(4) Screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers that will set students up for success now and in the future.

About JPASD CARE360

A new Community Health Program sponsored by the Jackson Parish Ambluance Service District in Jonesboro, LA dedicated to building a healthier, safer, and stronger Jackson Parish.

A new Community Health Program, sponsored by the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District and funded by the Living Well Foundation, dedicated to building a healthier, safer, and stronger Jackson Parish. Additional planned sessions include an Autism & Awareness Program, Street Survival & Homelessness Program, Senior Fall Prevention Program, and Youth Outreach Safe at Home Program.

These programs are all about care, connection, and community. The JPASD looks forward to offering meaningful support and opportunities to everyone in Jackson Parish. Stay tuned for more information and events associated with each of these programs.

About Living Well Foundation

The Living Well Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 2006. Its goals are to enhance the quality of life and health of citizens in northeast Louisiana and to support collaborative and innovative networking within the region through projects that aim to improve the medical, dental, and behavioral health of the population, especially kids. Specific initiatives include dental hygiene clinics, suicide prevention/intervention, dementia and Alzheimer ‘s-related cognitive deficits, and school-based health centers with local school boards and medical providers, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and others.Thanks to this funding, JPASD will be launching an Autism & Awareness Program, Street Survival & Homelessness Program, Maternal and Infant Program, Senior Fall Prevention Program and Youth Outreach Safe at Home & Safe Sitter Program.

EMT Course to be held on July 13th

A special invitation is being extended to all First Responders from Jackson Parish to take part AT NO CHARGE in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course at Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) Training Center, located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro, that is scheduled for Monday, July 13th.

Anyone is welcome to register for this in-person, comprehensive EMT course, which will be held from 6:00 – 10:00 pm every Monday and Thursday for 15 weeks, providing the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to begin a career in Emergency Medical Services.

Cost to attend is as follows:

FREE – Jackson Parish First Responders (With an approved letter from your Administration)
$400.00 – Outside Jackson Parish First Responders (With an approved letter from your Administration)
$400.00 – Jackson Parish Residents (Made possible through grant funding obtained by the JPASD)
$1400.00 – Residents from outside Jackson Parish

Space is limited, so please register now to reserve a spot. For more information or to enroll, call (318) 259-2877. Approved letters by administrative officials should be emailed to jacksonparishambulance@gmail.com

The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Visit with the Bagpipe” at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.  The event will be free and open to the general public. 

Attendees at this interactive workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe playing and drumming, as well as Highland dance.  The origins and history of the Great Highland bagpipe will be discussed.  Practice chanters will be provided so that participants can try their hand at playing a Great Highland bagpipe in a hygienic manner.  In addition to the scales, participants will learn to play an iconic bagpipe tune.  Also featured will be the Bouzouki guitar and the Irish Bodhrán drum.  The workshop will also include a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers.  Workshop instructors Susan Hyams and L. Collier Hyams will share their long experience and cultural knowledge of Celtic music and dance. 

“This musical workshop will provide attendees a rare opportunity to learn firsthand the basics of playing the Highland bagpipe,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University.  “We are grateful to tradition bearers like the Hyams who so generously offer the priceless gift of sharing their cultural knowledge.” 

Susan Hyams has been playing bagpipes for over 35 years and started Scottish Highland dancing at age five.  After competing and performing in both piping and dancing throughout the Northeastern states she decided to pursue her dream of having a Celtic school and formed the Thistle Dancers and Pipers in Virginia.  The school became one of the largest highland dance schools on the East coast and in the early 2000’s had over 70 dancers and 15 piping students.  She met Collier Hyams in 2002 at the Savannah Scottish Games. Collier was playing guitar and percussion with a Celtic rock band. In 2005 they were married in Laggan, Scotland.  She has been a member of the City of Alexandria (Virginia) Pipes and Drums, the St. Andrews College Pipe Band, the Chesapeake Caledonians and the St. Andrews Ladies’ Pipe Band and has played pipes with the famous Celtic band The Chieftains, opened for the Tannahill Weavers, played for then President Clinton at the Presidential Golf Cup and for the Republic of Ireland National Soccer team at the U.S. Cup at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts.  The Hyams moved to Natchitoches in 2016 and in 2019 the Thistle Dancers and Pipers was reformed, debuting with two dances at the Natchitoches Folklife Festival.  Since 2019, the group has grown to 15 dancers and 3 pipes and has performed all over Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.  This past spring the group’s three teen dancers auditioned and were invited to travel to New York City to perform during National Tartan Week.  Susan is a certified Highland Dance Teacher through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and was a member of the Eastern United States Piping Association for many years.  She currently teaches highland dance and bagpipes in her private studio in Natchitoches.

L. Collier Hyams grew up as a foreign service dependent in culturally rich places such as Thailand, Germany and Louisiana with stints in Ghana, Jamaica and Scotland.  He has toured and recorded with world, reggae, rock, future music, and Celtic groups in North America, Europe, and bits of West Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.  His primary creative outlet is as frontman and writer for the CMJ charting 50 Man Machine.  Collier has spent the better part of a decade touring with Highland Bagpipers Neil Anderson (Seven Nations, Rathkeltair), EJ Jones (Clandestine, Teribus, Brizeus) and others.  While based in NYC he worked with Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jaron Lanier, Sussan Deyhim, Shirin Neshat, Laurie Anderson, Richard Horowitz, Peter Scherer, Julia Duka Duka Heyward, Big Twin, Sean Lennon and currently Scott Ambush of Spyro Gyra.  

The Thistle Dancers and Pipers will participate in the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on July 18.  In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall.  Over 70 traditional crafts persons from throughout the state will display their crafts, handcrafting their work during the festival. 

Held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival features three stages of live music, Louisiana cuisine food vendors, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, music informances, narrative sessions, on-site demonstrations and more.  Admission to this family friendly event is $10 for an all-day all event pass, with children 12 and under admitted free all day. 

For more information on the bagpipe workshop or the festival, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/.  Questions about the workshop can also be directed to instructor Susan Hyams at (571) 217-7705 or thistledancersandpipers@gmail.com.

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches.  Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana. 

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

The Business of the Month for July is Shell Building Systems, located at 6725 Hwy 34 in Chatham, LA. Jared and Sheri Flynn opened the Shell Building business in 2015 when they moved to Louisiana and began the home improvement and construction business in Chatham in 2022, where they specialize in exterior builds, custom wood decks, docks, patios, and metal roofs

Jared, like his father and Grandfather, has been a builder his entire life. He is an expert in all things exterior, including roofs, siding, and waterproofing. Woodwork is where he really shines! Specializing in building beautiful, unique decks, greenhouses, cabin kits, and more that will make your outdoor living spaces your favorite spaces. Using only quality materials and providing decades of experience ensures that what is built will last for years. For more information, questions, or quotes, call (318) 732-7503.

July is here — and it’s packed with opportunities to grow your knowledge, gain new skills, and connect with other families! The Jackson Parish School District is excited to invite you to upcoming training sessions designed to help you:

Expand your expertise in key areas
Learn advocacy strategies that empower you and your community
Discover programs and supports available to you and your family
Connect with others who share your goals and interests

These sessions are a chance to build your network, gain practical skills, and stay informed about resources that can make a real difference. To learn more and to register for the session on the following dates shown, see below.

The winners of the 9th annual Fourth of July Caney Lake Freedom Celebration Flotilla have been announced by the Caney Lake Community Foundation. Coming in first place was the entry “Barn” in the USA, submitted by Renea Wells and family.

As part of the 4th of July Caney Lake Celebration, the flotilla that was led by Grand Marshals Benson and Cherie Bagwell left the launch at Hook’s Marina, traversed the lake to the Lakeshore Bridge to the delight of homeowners and well-wishers, and then returned to Hook’s Marina.

With Magical Entertainment, Willy T’s Sno-Cones, and other activities in store, the Summer Reading Program at the Jackson Parish Library will come to an end on Friday, July 10th, after five very entertaining and educational weeks at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches.

Capping off the very entertaining and educational time will be a special presentation by Magical Entertainment at 2:00 pm at the Chatham Branch, followed by Willy T’s, which will provide sno cones and other activities from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On Friday, the action shifts to the Jonesboro Branch, where, once again, presentations by Magical Entertainment will take place at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, followed by sno cones from Willy T’s and other activities.

The administration and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge High School honored Ms. Bonecia Murray on July 5th with a commemorative plaque celebrating her recent retirement. Ms. Murray served faithfully as a paraprofessional in Special Education, showing compassion and support to students with diverse exceptionalities. She was also a dedicated advocate for the JHHS athletic program, serving as a chaperone for the J-H Tiger Football Team and as a gatekeeper for the Tiger Baseball Team and Lady Tiger Softball Team!

“We are going to miss you. Thank you for your unwavering service!” – JHHS Administration

Started from the bottom, now we here! – Drake.

If there were a wish that could be granted for the Jackson Parish 12U All-Star softball team, it would be for their summer of All-Star play to continue. It is because, obviously, the twelve young ladies were getting better with every game of every tournament.

Under the guidance of manager Kirsten Savage and coaches Ronny Savage and Dustin Siddon, the Jackson Parish 12U All-Star softball team demonstrated impressive improvement this past weekend, finishing third at the Diamond Youth Softball State Tournament in Metairie, La, after beating Grant Parish and West Monroe and losing a pair to eventual state champion Jefferson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) Westbank.

To understand how tremendous the achievement of finishing as the third-best team in the state in their age division was, you must go back to the start of the All-Star season. To say that JP12U had an auspicious start to All-Star play would not be correct. In their first outing as a team, at the pre-district tournament played in West Monroe on June 12-13, the locals finished 0-4 against Sterlington and West Monroe, being outscored 40-3.

Undaunted, the young ladies kept working hard in preparation for the District 4 tournament to be played June 25-27 on their home field at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex. The continued practice showed immediate dividends with their first victory of the All-Star season, beating Benton 10-6 in the first round of district play. A 14-7 loss to Sabine Parish followed, setting up a rematch with Benton, which resulted in another victory, this time by a 9-8 margin. Their district tournament experience then ended with a second loss to Sabine Parish, 11-8.

The third-place finish in district play earned the locals a spot in the Diamond Youth Softball State Tournament, held in Metairie, LA, which turned out to be a mini composite of their entire All-Star experience. JP12U opened the tourney by losing their first two games in pool play. The first was a 16-0 loss to Jefferson Parish East, followed by yet another loss to West Monroe. The team’s improvement was obvious, though: instead of the 3-1 and 11-2 losses absorbed in the pre-district tournament, JP12U fell by just a slim 7-6 margin this time.

Shaking off two pool-play losses, JP12U regrouped to defeat Grant Parish 8-6 in the opening round of the double-elimination bracket. A loss to JPRD Westbank dropped the locals into the elimination side of the bracket, setting up yet another contest against West Monroe. Despite having already been beaten three times by the team from the much more populous area, JP12U showed tremendous grit and determination and, more importantly, gave a much-improved effort to beat West Monroe soundly, 10-5. Even though another loss to JPRD Westbank followed, there was no doubt that Jackson Parish 12U had improved tremendously over the four weeks of All-Star play, coming within one game of playing for the state championship.

Knowing that the 12 players that represented Jackson Parish with such determination and tenacity and seeing the team get better every time out, JP12U manager Kirsten Savage expressed her pride in her team and how much she was looking forward to seeing what the future would bring for her players.

“Super proud of these girls for battling hard in the Louisiana State 12U tournament,” said Savage. “They put out some good teams this week and finished in 3rd place. It was a blast coaching them over the past weeks and watching them grow. Really looking forward to seeing the ballers that they become.”

Jackson Parish 12U Softball All-Stars

Manager: Kirsten Savage
Coaches: Ronny Savage and Dustin Siddon
Team Members: Ava Cutright, Emma Gray, Brelaina Hall, Delilah Hudson, Autumn Kohler, Charley Linton, Breezy Marker, Aubrie Maxwell, Ryleigh McCormick, Elliot Savage, Ella Siddon, and Lizzie Sullivan.|
State Tournament Summary: Lost to Jefferson Parish East, 16-0, and West Monroe, 7-6, in Pool Two play. Beat Grant Parish 8-6 in the opening round of bracket play. Lost to Pool One top seed JPRD Westbank, 15-3, in the second round. Beat West Monroe 10-5 in an elimination game. Lost to JPRD Westbank 10-2, finishing in third place.

Jefferson Parish East 16 JP12U 0 (Game One of Pool Play): Facing a stellar pitcher, JP12U had only 4 players reach base. Elliot Savage got the only hit for the locals, with Autumn Kohler, Ava Cutright, and Ryleigh McCormick, who also stole a base, all earning walks.

West Monroe 7 JP12U 6 (Game Two of Pool Play): Emma Gray slapped a clutch two-out double to score Ella Siddon and Ryleigh McCormick, both of whom had reached on free passes, in the top of the fifth and final inning, but Autumn Kohler, who had singled to load the bases, was left stranded at third base with the tying run to end the courageous rally attempt. JP12U opened the game with Kohler hitting a single and Gray walking, setting up an Elliot Savage double that scored a run. Gray then stole home, giving JP12U a 2-0 lead. Down 5-2 after three innings, JP12U narrowed the deficit to just one run in the top of the fourth inning on the strength of Brelaina Hall’s double and Ava Cutright’s triple. West Monroe would then score two in the bottom half of the inning to go up 7-4.

JP12U 8 Grant Parish 6 (Game One of Bracket Play): After spotting Grant Parish a 4-2 lead, JP12U stormed back to score 6 runs over the final four innings to win the opening-round game of bracket play. Lizzie Sullivan led the team’s tournament-best 15-hit attack by smashing a pair of doubles and a triple, while scoring two runs and knocking in two more. JP12U collected 8 extra-base hits in all, with Charley Linton and Elliot Savage each adding a triple, and Breezy Marker, Brelaina Hall, and Emma Gray each slapping doubles. Delilah Hudson contributed two hits, while Autumn Kohler, Ava Cutright, Ella Siddon, and Ryleigh McCormick each added a base hit, as every JP12U batter got a hit.

JPRD Westbank 15 JP12U 3 (Game Two of Bracket Play): A determined two-out rally in the bottom of the first inning put JP12U up 3-1, but the other team from New Orleans scored 7 runs in both the top of the second and third innings to send JP12U into the elimination side of the bracket in the “run rule’ shortened game. The scoring began in the big opening inning for JP12U when Elliot Savage and Brelaina Hall hit back-to-back two-out doubles for the locals’ first run. That was followed by Lizzie Sullivan drawing a walk, which led to Ava Cutright hitting the third double of the inning to score two.

JP12U 10 West Monroe 5 (Game Three of Bracket Play): It looked bleak with West Monroe holding a 4-run lead after three at-bats, but the locals stormed back with six runs in the bottom of the third and added four more in the fifth to beat West Monroe for the first time in four tries and stay alive in the double-elimination tournament . Charley Linton got the big rally started with a single but was thrown out at second on Ella Siddon’s fielder’s choice grounder. JP12U responded by getting the next six batters on base when Breezy Marker singled, Ryleigh McCormick was hit by a pitch, and Autumn Kohler and Emma Gray both walked, loading the bases and narrowing the gap to 4-2. Elliot Savage then hit a single and Brelaina Hall laced a double to give JP12U a 5-4 lead, setting up a sacrifice fly out by Lizzie Sullivan for the final run of the inning. JP12U put the game on ice in the bottom of the 5th, when after West Monroe had closed to within 6-5, McCormick coaxed a one-out walk, Kohler singled and both Gray and Savage doubled, setting up a Hall sacrifice ground out to give the locals a 10-5 lead that held up.

JPRD Westbank 10 JP12U 2 (Game Four of Bracket Play): Setting their sights on gaining another revenge victory, JP12U came out swinging in the top of the first inning as Emma Gray hit a one-out triple and Elliot Savage followed with a double, but no runs were scored. JPRD Westbank followed by scoring three in their half of the inning. Despite being disappointed by missing the golden opportunity to put runs on the board in the first inning, the locals showed tremendous grit and character in the second inning, when Lizzie Sullivan and Ava Cutright opened the inning with back-to-back singles to narrow the deficit to 3-1. Aubrie Maxwell followed with a groundout to close the gap to 3-2, and Charley Linton kept things going with a clutch two-out hit but ended up stranded on base. That was as close as JP12U would get as JPRD Westbank pitching knuckled down to allow only singles by Autumn Kohler and Aubrie Maxwell over the next three innings while scoring in every at-bat to eliminate the gutsy local twelve.

The year 1976 was important in American history as it represented the 200th birthday of the nation’s independence. Now, 50 years later, America is celebrating once again, but it isn’t just the nation that is reveling in a milestone date; it’s also the graduates of Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1976, who will celebrate their 50th Class Reunion on October 23rd and 24th.

The site of the gala event where friendships will be rekindled and stories will be shared once again will be at The Venue at Caney Lake, located at 110 Arbin Culpepper Road in Jonesboro, LA, where at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 23, a “Meet and Greet” is scheduled with appetizers being served, followed by the Reunion Gathering and Dinner beginning at 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 24th.

Reservations are now being taken, with RSVP and payment required by September 1. The cost to attend is $40.00 per person or $80.00 per couple. Payment options are shown below. For more information or questions, contact Cassandra Peoples at (318) 548 – 8072 or by email at gregandsandy.80@gmail.com, or Lisa Folden at (318) 278-3339 or by email at foldenjon@bellsouth.net.

“A Troubled Childhood”

Demetria Gene Guynes was born in 1962 in Roswell, New Mexico. Hers was a troubled childhood. Demetria’s parents, Dan and Virginia Guynes, were alcoholics, and the family moved often to avoid debt collectors. Dan and Virginia fought often, and they married and divorced twice. When Dan left for the last time, in contrast to the natural order of things, Demetria had to take care of her unstable mother. Virginia found occasional work as a model in Los Angeles, California, but her alcoholism worsened.

When Demetria was 12 years old, her mother tried to commit suicide the first time by taking pills. Demetria saved her mother’s life by digging the pills out of her unconscious mother’s mouth and calling an ambulance. Shortly thereafter, she learned that the man she called dad was not her biological father. Her real name was not Demetria Gene Guynes, but Demetria Gene Harmon. Her family had withheld the fact that her biological father was Charles Foster Harmon, an airman with the Air Force who had abandoned Virginia while she was pregnant with Demetria.

Virginia’s lack of steady employment and abuse of alcohol led to constant money problems. The money problems led to more alcohol abuse, which led to more money problems. It was a vicious cycle. When Demetria was a young teenager, her mother started taking her to bars to get attention. Late one night, Demetria and her mother returned to their apartment from a bar. Demetria was surprised to find a man they knew waiting for them inside their apartment. Virginia was not surprised. The man had a key to their apartment. The man took Demetria into her bedroom and raped her. Demetria was 15 years old. Before the man left, he asked her how it felt to be sold by her mother for $500. In addition to the awfulness of being raped, Demetria felt betrayed by her mother, the one person who should have protected her.

At 16, Demetria became a high school dropout and a runaway. Like her mother, Demetria began working sporadically as a model. At just 5 feet, 5 ½ inches, she was considered too short for most modeling jobs. Like her parents, Demetria tried to drown her troubles with alcohol. With nothing to lose and with no experience, she began auditioning for acting jobs. As with modeling, her acting jobs came sporadically.

Alcohol abuse led to drug abuse. Demetria was headed for certain self-destruction when her boss and coworkers forced her to go to rehab. While Demetria’s mother’s life spiraled out of control with numerous arrests including burglary, arson, and multiple charges of drunken driving, Demetria led a life of sobriety.

Because of her troubled childhood, Demetria now works with a foundation whose goal is to eliminate child sex slavery and human trafficking called Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children. You may not have known about Demetria Gene Guynes’s troubled childhood or her work with Thorn, but you certainly know her from films such as “Striptease,” “G.I. Jane,” and “Ghost.” You know Demetria Gene Guynes as Demi Moore.

Vacation Bible School is scheduled to begin at many churches in Jackson Parish. A schedule and themes of Vacation Bible Schools at area churches are shown below. 

Vacation Bible Schools in Jackson Parish

Weston Baptist Church
112 Weston Church Road
Jonesboro, LA
Date: July 7-10
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Theme: Illumination Station – Sharing a light on who Jesus really is

Jonesboro Assembly of God
1490 South Hudson Avenue
Jonesboro, LA
Date: July 13-17
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Theme: Illumination Station

McDonald Memorial Baptist Church
1676 Hwy 4
Jonesboro, LA
Date: July 13-17
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Theme: Magnified

Beech Springs Baptist Church
3942 Beech Springs Rd
Quitman, LA
Date: July 13-17
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Theme: Illumination Station

First Baptist Chatham
12118 Hwy 4
Chatham, LA
Date: July 13-17
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Theme: Illumination Station

Hodge Baptist Church
1100 South Holly Street
Hodge, LA
Date: July 20-24
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Theme: Illumination Station

Grace Community Church
814 Pershing Hwy
Jonesboro, LA
Date: July 24-25
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Theme: Radical Kids VBS: God’s Masterpiece

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOBRIETY & HIGHWAY SAFETY CHECKPOINT

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION
#38067
JESSE RAY JONES AND DOROTHY T. CROUSE

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 8th day of July, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

2021 JESSUP 16 X 76 MOBILE HOME BEARING SERIAL NUMBER JHW03355TX21

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

July 1, 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 5th day of August, 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

June 24, 2026
July 29, 2026

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

SELENE FINANCE, LP
#38172
SKYLOR HOUSE, SKYLOR STEPHEN HOUSE, WHITNEY HOUSE, WHITNEY MORGAN HOUSE

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 12th day of August, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

A certain tract of land being situated in the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 19, and in the Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section 20, Township 15 North, Range 1 West, Land District North of Red River, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly described as follows:

Commence at a 1 1/2” pipe found marking the Southeast corner of Section 19, township 15 North, Range 1 West, Land District North of Red River, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, for the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence proceed North 89 degrees 46 minutes 10 seconds West along the South line of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of said section 19, a distance of 1,336.51 feet to a P.K. Nail set in Sandy Ridge Road and marking the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of said Section 19; thence proceed North 00 degrees 22 minutes 13 seconds West along the West line of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter of said Section 19, a distance of 4.97 feet to the center of said Sandy Ridge Road; thence proceed the following courses along the center of Sandy Ridge Road: North 42 degrees 47 minutes 41 seconds East, a distance of 16.08 feet; North 53 degrees 03 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 56.17 feet; North 55 degrees 00 minutes 24 seconds East, a distance of 60.56 feet; North 55 degrees 26 minutes 45 seconds East, a distance of 119.18 feet; North 54 degrees 13 minutes 51 seconds East, a distance of 118.63 feet; North 51 degrees 35 minutes 36 seconds East, a distance of 55.43 feet; North 48 degrees 58 minutes 10 seconds East, a distance of 56.57 feet; North 45 degrees 07 minutes 08 seconds East, a distance of 56.26 feet; North 39 degrees 36 minutes 52 seconds East, a distance of 56.25 feet; North 34 degrees 38 minutes 27 seconds East, a distance of 54.39 feet; North 32 degrees 36 minutes 33 seconds East, a distance of 56.44 feet; North 30 degrees 36 minutes 51 seconds East, a distance of 49.18 feet; North 26 degrees 31 minutes 42 seconds East, a distance of 49.91 feet; North 20 degrees 13 minutes 21 seconds East, a distance of 52.69 feet; North 12 degrees 10 minutes 41 seconds East, a distance of 51.47 feet; North 07 degrees 54 minutes 35 seconds East, a distance of 49.51 feet; thence leaving said Sandy Ridge Road, proceed South 81 degrees 40 minutes 31 seconds East, a distance of 731.75 feet to a 3/4 inch iron pipe found on the East line of the Southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of said Section 19; thence proceed South 89 degrees 51 minutes 40 seconds East, distance of 398.20 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar; thence proceed South 00 degrees 15 minutes 02 seconds East, a distance of 604.29 feet to a 5/8 inch rebar set on the South line of the Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section 20, Township 15 North, Range 1 West, Land District North of Red River, Jackson Parish, Louisiana; thence proceed North 89 degrees 51 minutes 40 seconds West along the South line of the Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of said Section 20, a distance of 394.59 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 20.000 Acres, more or less, and being subject to the right-of-way of Sandy Ridge Road and being further subject to all other rights of way, easements and servitudes of record and/or use. Together with all buildings and improvements located thereon (“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

July 1, 2026
August 5, 2026

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – This is more than a job, it is a Calling! From the developing Pre-Hospital Blood administration program to Dialysis transports, from Community Paramedicine to the East Coast of the United States for Disaster Response. We are forward-thinking and seek to hire the best Paramedics to accomplish our mission of serving Jackson Parish and being a blessing to our neighbors.

Part-Time and Full-Time positions available for all levels of experience (Tuition Reimbursement available with an Employment agreement for Full-Time status) Part-Time EMT and AEMT positions are also available.

For more information, call the JPASD Office at 318-259-2877 or by Fax: 318-259-2099 or go to: www.jpasd.com

Mail/Email applications to:
Attn: Aaron Johnson
115 Watts St.
Jonesboro, LA, 71251
jacksonparishambulance@gmail.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

FOR RENT

Inflatable Slide available for rent. Cost is $150.00 for 24 hours. Free delivery. To learn more or to make a reservation, call (318) 265-0027.

Misti (Jiles) Wood
January 15, 1973 – July 6, 2026

Misti MeLeigh (Jiles) Wood, age 53, passed away peacefully at Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro on July 6, 2026. Misti was a precious child of God whose sweet spirit and loving heart touched those around her. Though she faced challenges in this life, she found joy in the blessings God gave her each day—working word puzzles, receiving visitors, visiting with the other residents, and joining in the activities at Forest Haven. Misti especially loved playing Bingo, where she became lovingly known as the “Bingo Champion.” Her life was a testimony of simple faith, love, and joy, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now whole and at peace in the presence of the Lord.

Misti is survived by her mother, Sally Kennedy; aunt, Shirley Williams and her husband, Bruce; aunt, Barbara Hawthorne and her husband, Floyd; uncle, James Kennedy and his wife, Jill; uncle, Ronnie Kennedy and his wife, Melody; and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul R. “Bub” Jiles; brother, Todd Jiles; maternal grandparents, Lois and Elijah Kennedy; paternal grandparents, Edgar and Maurine Jiles; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Hodge United Pentecostal Church from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM with Bro. Jeff Stroud, Bro. Ray Hearron and Bro. Mark Powell officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery near Quitman, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers for the family will be Scott Powell, Colt Powell, Noah Hearron, Richard Kennedy, Allen Kennedy, and David Grant.

Reverend Robert L. “Poppy” Stroud
1942-2026

On July 6th, 2026, Reverend Robert L. “Poppy” Stroud gained his heavenly wings at the age of 84.

Visitation for friends and family will take place at the Hodge United Pentecostal Church from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, followed by his celebration of life service. A procession will leave Hodge United Pentecostal Church at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 11th, for the Interment at Mars Hill Cemetery in Winn Parish.

Today, we lost.
His family lost a husband, a dad, a Poppy.
Our church lost a prayer warrior, a worshiper, and the sweetest greeter to every single person present in a service.
But oh, how heaven gained.
We will miss you, “Bro Poppy”,
but we also rejoice with you.
We will see you soon!

The fury of the all-too-often summer storms that have frequented north Louisiana over the past several weeks was felt in full force once again in Jackson Parish on Wednesday, July 1st, as torrential rainfall and high winds caused power outages, damaged homes, and toppled trees, including one that fell across Hwy 4 west of Jonesboro that forced the road to be closed for a period of time.

A video of what was thought to be a funnel cloud passing south of Jonesboro during the storm was widely circulated on Facebook but was later verified by KNOE-TV Channel 8 Meteorologist Marcus Walter as only a rain shaft. To see the report shown on KNOE-TV, click here.

Committed to keeping our streets and highways safe and to helping prevent impaired driving and improve traffic safety, the Jonesboro Police Department announces that from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, a Sobriety and Highway Safety Checkpoint will be conducted.

This checkpoint is being conducted under the authority of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98, which makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the checkpoint, officers will also verify valid driver’s licenses, ensure compliance with seat belt laws, and help reduce crashes caused by drug impairment. The PUBLIC NOTICE as offered by the Jonesboro Police Department is shown in the Classifieds Section of the Jackson Parish Journal.

“The goal of this checkpoint is simple: TO SAVE LIVES! Every year impaired driving leads to preventable crashes, serious injuries, and deaths. By removing impaired drivers from the roadways, we can help protect our community and everyone traveling through Jonesboro,” said Jonesboro Police Chief Isreal Smith. “The Jonesboro Police Department appreciates the cooperation of our citizens as we continue to make our community a safer place for everyone.”

Drive Sober. Buckle Up. Arrive Alive

The Jackson Parish School Board will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, July 6th. The session will take place at 11:00 am in the Conference Room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro.

Prior to Board members Mary Saulters (President), Rick Barlow (Vice-President), Gerry Mims, Calvin Waggoner, Wade McBride, Paulette Belton and Dennis Clary addressing items on the agenda (shown below), the Executive/Finance Committee, Transportation Committee, and Building and Grounds Committee will meet.

Notice of Public Meeting

JACKSON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING AGENDA

1. Invocation– Rick Barlow
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Paulette Belton
3. Call to Order
4. Consider approving the minutes as presented from the regularly scheduled meeting held on
   June 1, 2026.
5. Consider adopting a resolution for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the
   special election held in Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of
   Louisiana, on June 27, 2026, to authorize the continuation of a special tax therein.
6. Adopt 2026 Millage Rates
7. Information on 2026 Summer Reading Program.
8. Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto.
9. Superintendent’s Comments.
   10.Adjourn

NOTE: (Reprint of article published by BassMaster on July 1, 2026. Contributing writers were Andrew Canulette, Christopher Decker, Mark Hicks, Brian Sak)

Top 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2026

We’re celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday the best way we know how — by showcasing the very best bass fishing our country has to offer.

If you love to fish for bass and live in this country, consider yourself lucky. The United States of America is filled with incredible bass fisheries from sea to shining sea. There are tidal waters on the East Coast and the West Coast, Northern glacial lakes and swampy Southern backwaters, mammoth reservoirs and epic flowing rivers. Indeed, America is crisscrossed, pocked and peppered all over with destinations worthy of a bass fishing road trip.

This year, as we celebrate America250, our annual list of 100 Best Bass Lakes is even more special because we’re reminded that for anyone with a truck, a boat and some desire, every fishery on this list is a public resource where you’re free to go and create memories to last a lifetime.

So as you read, we encourage you to make your own list — the best bass lakes you haven’t visited yet — then consider hitching up the rig and heading that direction. After all, these lakes are your lakes, and they’re the best this country has to offer.

1. Clear Lake, California
   (43,785 acres)

It’s back. Clear Lake has claimed the top spot in the West for four years running now and is the No. 1 fishery in the nation for the second consecutive year. That’s not just Bassmaster weighing in, either. When we polled the nation this year, looking for everyone’s picks for the best bass fisheries in the country, about 30% of the respondents listed Clear Lake somewhere within their top 15 waters. And 25% of those anglers listed California’s largest natural lake as their No. 1 destination. Flower Moye, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Inland Fisheries Assessment and Monitoring Program supervisor, has the data to back up Clear Lake as the top pick. At the 16 tournaments held here that we surveyed, it took limits with bass averaging 7.29 pounds apiece to claim victory. The heaviest winning five-fish creel, which included a 13.07-pound big fish, was an incredible 45.16 pounds weighed in at the Best Bass Tournament Trail’s Golden Mussel event in February. At a March contest, held by the same organization, it took over 40 pounds of fish to finish in the top three. If you decide to head to Clear Lake, it’s important to know that there are active mussel prevention regulations in effect, in which all trailered vessels must pass screening and display a Lake County mussel sticker, with mandatory rescreening required for boats returning from out-of-county waters.

2. Lake J.B. Thomas, Texas
[7,282 acres]

Every year, a different Texas lake bursts onto the national stage. This year, J.B. Thomas is that fishery. Not that Thomas is an unknown. Far from it, considering it was No. 9 on our list of best bass lakes in the Central Division a year ago. But 2025 was a ballad compared to the absolute shredding happening on Thomas in 2026. In the first four months of this year, a total of 159 of the 467 bass entered in the popular Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Toyota ShareLunker program were caught at J.B. Thomas. To qualify for the program, the bass must weigh more than 8 pounds, and a third of the way into the year, more than a third of qualifying bass were caught in the small reservoir located in west Texas, about 95 miles northeast of Odessa. The highlight through April was the pair of Legacy Class bass caught by Lawrence Lee of Tolar, Texas, on March 24 — the heavy tipping the scales at 13.57 pounds and another coming in at 13.10. Lee already had proved his prowess when he boated a 13.12-pound fish on March 8. Almost a month earlier, Stephenville, Texas, resident Brandon Burks caught a 13.16-pounder. The lake’s success even surprises TPWD officials, who note the turbid and muddy waters of J.B. Thomas “continue to defy normal bass logic and continue to produce an unfathomable number of fish over 8 pounds.”

3. St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), New York
[50-mile stretch, plus eastern Lake Ontario]

While eastern Lake Ontario consistently yields the heaviest bass here, it’s possible to catch five smallmouth bass totaling 20 pounds or more anywhere on this historic waterway. Case in point: During a Turtlebox Bassmaster Open presented by Battery Tender in early August 2025, anglers launched out of Waddington, N.Y., about 80 miles from Lake Ontario, and they were limited to the river only. Canadian Cory Johnston won the three-day event with 74 pounds, 15 ounces. On Day 1, 53 of the 143 anglers bagged limits weighing 20 pounds or more, including three limits over 25 pounds. The catch on Day 2 was just as strong, with three limits over 26 pounds plus a fourth over 25. Lucas Murphy caught the heaviest limit that day with an impressive 26-12.

4. Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina
[110,600 acres (Lake Marion) and 60,400 acres (Lake Moultrie)]

Say hello to the new king of the Southeast region. Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are producing stunning largemouth right now. This fishery has always produced giants, but with the resurgence of eelgrass and hydrilla, the lakes have never been better, and it shows in the results. On Feb. 21, a Carolina Anglers Team Trail (CATT) event took a stunning 41.92 pounds to win, a limit that included three 9-pounders. Second place brought in a measly 32.38 pounds. A week later, a two-day, weather-shortened Pro Circuit event produced eight bags over 30 pounds, including limits weighing 35-4, 35-0 and 34-9, with the winner totaling 67-4. A 10-pound, 5-ounce largemouth claimed big bass. Then, in early April, five bags over 30 pounds led the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops standings, and it took 28-13 just to reach the Top 10. All the way down to the 56th-place team landed 20 pounds. And at the Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite held in mid-May, winner Chris Johnston had two 30-plus limits on the way to a 113-12 four-day total. Outside of California, Texas and Florida, there aren’t many places in the country where anglers can fish for this caliber of largemouth.

5. Lake St. Clair, Michigan
[430 square miles]

The spectacular smallmouth fishing in this shallow, grass-filled inland sea makes it a strong contender to be the top brown bass fishery in the nation. In early August 2025, anglers competing in a Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournament caught incredible limits of smallmouth bass while fishing practically in the shadows of Detroit, Mich. Illinoisan Trey McKinney earned the blue trophy with a four-day tally of 96 pounds, 1 ounce. On the first day, 44 of the 101 anglers weighed in 20 pounds or more. They added 40 more 20-pound bags the next day, including Tucker Smith’s 26-2 haul — the heaviest of the tournament. And the 50 anglers competing on Day 3 added 22 more.

6. Lake Fork, Texas
[27,264 acres]

When Texas biologists and seasoned anglers talk about the best the Lone Star State has to offer, most of them continue to point to Lake Fork. And that speaks volumes, considering the otherworldly productivity lakes like J.B. Thomas and O.H. Ivie have had the past few years. Lake Fork is located just east of Dallas, making it easy to reach for countless thousands of anglers. It’s also a big enough water body to comfortably host recreational anglers and tournament anglers simultaneously. And the catch here is as consistent as big-bass fisheries come. How so? Consider 51 Toyota ShareLunker bass were caught at Fork in the first four months of 2026, the biggest of those a 13.38-pound Legacy Class caught Feb. 28 by Godley, Texas, resident Dale Washington. That’s a toad by anyone’s measurements, but it’s the long list of 8- and 9-pounders that truly makes Fork stand out — for anyone from Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series anglers to weekend warriors itching to tackle a trophy bass.

7. Lake Tohopekaliga/Kissimmee Chain, Florida
[65,000 acres in the four primary lakes

This chain of lakes has always been a destination, but it might be the best in Florida this year, although the weather made the early spring weights a little more pedestrian than they otherwise would have been. A severe cold front halted the spawning process ahead of the late January Turtlebox Bassmaster Open presented by Battery Tender, but Cody Stahl showed the potential, landing back-to-back 28-pound bags and winning with a three-day total of 74-6. Jonathan Kelley landed a 10-7, one of several 9- and 10-pounders caught on Day 1. When Mother Nature cooperated, it almost always took 30 pounds or more to win a tournament during the main stretch of the spawn. The early springtime always gets the love from national series, but the Kissimmee Chain is good all year long. A touch over 30 pounds earned first place in the April 26 Xtreme Bass Series tournament out of Lake Toho. Then, the winning team in the May 3 Xtreme Bass Series event out of Lake Kissimmee blasted 38 pounds and anchored its giant sack with a 10.36-pound largemouth. That wasn’t even the big bass of the tournament, which ended up being 10.48. Second place brought 34.38 to the scales.

8. O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas
[19,149 acres]

Ivie has been in the Texas spotlight the past half-decade, blossoming from relative obscurity into a destination lake that gained worldwide notoriety. That sort of change happens when a place is voted the Best Bass Lake in the U.S. in 2023 and second in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Ivie “slips” in the rankings this year not because it’s been any less productive than the previous few years, but only because it can be hit or miss for anglers looking for trophy bass. The ones that hit, though, are reeling in giants. In the first four months of 2026, Ivie anglers caught 32 bass that qualified for the Toyota ShareLunker program — the biggest of them a 14.22-pound Legacy Class bass caught by Ted Taylor of Lucas, Texas, on March 31. That was one of five largemouth bass that clocked in at more than 13 pounds this year, and there were a good number of 12-, 11- and 10-pounders to prove that Ivie hasn’t lost a step when it comes to world-class bassin’.

9. Withlacoochee River/Lake Rousseau, Florida
[20-mile radius of Dunnellon]

On Lake Rousseau alone, eight largemouth over 10 pounds have been registered with the Florida TrophyCatch Program since January, the biggest being an 11-7 caught on Feb. 5. Out of the Withlacoochee River proper, two 11-pounders and a 10-15 have been registered this spring. That doesn’t include the multitude of 8-pounders in the program. In an Xtreme Bass Series event in February, it took over 25 pounds to win, and multiple 8-pounders were brought back to weigh-in. With lots of fish-holding cover and plenty of classic Florida charm, this system is a destination for any bass-loving angler.

10. Caney Creek Reservoir, Louisiana
[5,000 acres]

What more can be said about this gem tucked alongside Jimmie Davis State Park in north-central Louisiana? Let the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) count the ways. When the LDWF released its 2025 Louisiana Annual Tournament Report Information Project (LATRIP) earlier this year, Caney Creek Reservoir (often called Caney Lake) was atop just about every favorable metric, including the biggest tournament bass caught in 2025 (11.94 pounds), the highest percentage of tournament boats catching more than 20-pound limits per day (13.86%), the highest average weight of the winning big bass (8.79 pounds) and the highest average first-place weight (28.51 pounds). Then Caney’s data really got impressive. How about nine of the 10 heaviest stringers caught in tournaments last year coming from Caney Lake (including an almost unbelievable 42.94-pound stringer in May)? And for good measure, consider seven of the 10 heaviest tournament-caught bass last year came from this one small spot. Caney is a true success story for the LDWF stocking program. There’s no question it’s one of the best bass holes in the United States.

“I’m very proud of Caney Lake and what it means to Jackson Parish and the State of Louisiana. I know it’s frustrating at times, with all the boat traffic and bass tournaments on this small lake. This top ten ranking in the United States proves that Caney Lake is still an amazing fishery.” – Gary Joynor, President of Jackson Parish Watershed Commission

A special invitation is being extended to all First Responders from Jackson Parish to take part AT NO CHARGE in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course at Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) Training Center, located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro, that is scheduled for Monday, July 13th.

Anyone is welcome to register for this in-person, comprehensive EMT course, which will be held from 6:00 – 10:00 pm every Monday and Thursday for 15 weeks, providing the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to begin a career in Emergency Medical Services.

Cost to attend is as follows:

FREE – Jackson Parish First Responders (With an approved letter from your Administration)
$400.00 – Outside Jackson Parish First Responders (With an approved letter from your Administration)
$400.00 – Jackson Parish Residents (Made possible through grant funding obtained by the JPASD)
$1400.00 – Residents from outside Jackson Parish

Space is limited, so please register now to reserve a spot. For more information or to enroll, call (318) 259-2877. Approved letters by administrative officials should be emailed to jacksonparishambulance@gmail.com

JPASD Call Report

June, 2026

As temperatures rise, please be mindful when working outdoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when your body overheats. Symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion is one of three heat illnesses. Heat cramps are the mildest heat illness. Heatstroke is the most serious.
Heatstroke needs emergency care. If it’s not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death. Call 911.

Two of the six Jackson Parish baseball and softball All-Star teams that qualified for the Diamond Youth Baseball and Softball state tournaments are still alive, with the JP12U and JP10U softball teams now scheduled to play in elimination bracket games on Sunday, July 5th needing to win one more game to earn a berth in the championship game. Overall, the six teams have won 9 games and lost 13, with the three softball teams (6U, 10U, 12U), led by JP10U’s 3-1 mark, owning a 5-6 record and the three baseball teams (9U, 10U, 11U) going 4-7 over the first three days of play with both the 11U and 9U teams winning two and losing two.

2026 State Tournament Qualifiers

Jackson Parish 12U Softball All-Stars

Manager: Kirsten Savage
Coaches: Ronny Savage and Dustin Siddon
Team Members: Ava Cutright, Emma Gray, Brelaina Hall, Delilah Hudson, Autumn Kohler, Charley Linton, Breezy Marker, Aubrie Maxwell, Ryleigh McCormick, Elliot Savage, Ella Siddon, and Lizzie Sullivan.|
State Tournament Summary: Qualified for the Diamond Youth Softball state tournament to be played in Jefferson Parish, July 2-5, by finishing in third place in the District 4 Softball tourney. Lost to Jefferson Parish East 16-0 and West Monroe 7-6 in Pool Play before beating Grant Parish 8-6 in the opening round of bracket play. Lost to Pool One top seed Jefferson Parish Westbank, 15-3 in the second round but came back to beat West Monroe 10-5 in an elimination game to move to within one victory of qualifying for the state championship title game.

Jefferson Parish East 16 JP12U 0 (Game One of Pool Play): Facing a stellar pitcher, JP12U had only 4 players reach base. Elliot Savage got the only hit for the locals, with Autumn Kohler, Ava Cutright and Ryleigh McCormick, who also stole a base, all earning walks.

West Monroe 7 JP12U 6 (Game Two of Pool Play): Emma Gray slapped a clutch two-out double to score Ella Siddon and Ryleigh McCormick, both of whom had reached on free passes, in the top of the fifth and final inning, but Autumn Kohler, who had singled to load the bases, was left stranded at third base with the tying run to end the courageous rally attempt. JP12U opened the game by Kohler hitting a single and Gray walking to set up an Elliot Savage double that scored a run. Gray then stole home to give JP12U a 2-0 lead. Down 5-2 after three innings, JP12U narrowed the deficit to just one run in the top of the fourth inning on the strength of Brelaina Hall’s double and Ava Cutright’s triple. West Monroe would then score two in the bottom half of the inning to go up 7-4.

JP12U 8 Grant Parish 6: After spotting Grant Parish a 4-2 lead, JP12U came storming back to score 6 runs over the final four innings to win the opening round game of bracket play. Lizzie Sullivan led the team’s tournament-best 15-hit attack by smashing a pair of doubles and a triple, while scoring two runs and knocking in two more. JP12U collected 8 extra-base hits in all, with Charley Linton and Elliot Savage both adding a triple each and Breezy Marker, Brelaina Hall and Emma Gray all slapping doubles. Delilah Hudson contributed with two hits while Autumn Kohler, Ava Cutright, Ella Siddon and Ryleigh McCormick all added a base hit each as every JP12U batter got a hit.

Jefferson Parish Westbank 15 JP12U 3: A determined two-out rally in the bottom of the first inning put JP12U up 3-1, but the other team from New Orleans scored 7 runs in both the top of the second and third innings to send JP12U into the elimination side of the bracket in the “run rule’ shortened game. The big opening inning scoring began for JP12U when Elliot Savage and Brelaina Hall hit back to back two out doubles for the locals first run. That was followed by Lizzie Sullivan drawing a walk, leading to Ava Cutright then hitting the third double of the inning to score two.

JP12U 10 West Monroe 5: It looked bleak with West Monroe holding a 4-run lead after three at-bats, but the locals stormed back with six runs in the bottom of the third and added four more in the fifth to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament. Charley Linton got the big rally started with a single but was thrown out at second on Ella Siddon’s fielder’s choice grounder. JP12U responded by getting the next six batters on base when Breezy Marker singled, Ryleigh McCormick got hit by a pitch, and both Autumn Kohler and Emma Gray walked to load the bases and narrow the gap to 4-2. Elliot Savage then hit a single and Brelaina Hall laced a double to give JP12U a 5-4 lead, setting up a sacrifice fly out by Lizzie Sullivan for the final run of the inning. JP12U put the game on ice in the bottom of the 5th, when after West Monroe had closed to within 6-5, McCormick coaxed a one-out walk, Kohler singled and both Gray and Savage doubled, setting up a Hall sacrifice ground out to give the locals a 10-5 lead that held up.

Jackson Parish 10U Softball All-Stars

Manager: Cheyenne Allen
Coaches: Kristen Allen and Bethany Garner
Team Members: Kylee-Ayn Allen, Malia Gunter, Lyla Hall, Kaylee Hammons, Caylee Mauthe, Ryleigh Puffer, Kadence Sampey, Natalie Sullivan, Mercedes Taylor, River Waggoner, Mez’Meri Walker, and Brenleigh Whitman.
State Tournament Summary: One of 10 teams to qualify for the state tournament being played in Buckeye, LA. Beat Tioga 16-0 and 12-0 in Pool Play before falling to JPRD East 11-1 in their first game of bracket play. A 5-2 victory over Minden put the locals within one victory of reaching the championship game.

JP10U 16 Tioga 0 (Game One Pool Play): Natalie Sullivan and Kylee-Ayn Allen combined on a four-inning no-hitter while striking out 11, and JP10U scored 7 runs in both the third and fourth innings to end the contest via the “run rule”. Caylee Mauthe led the offensive onslaught by going 3/3 with 3 RBI’s, while Ryleigh Puffer went 2/3, scored twice, and knocked in three. Sullivan went 2/3 and scored twice, while Allen also got two hits, including a double, scored three times, and knocked in a run. Malia Gunter got a hit, scored two runs and had 2 RBI’s; Brenleigh Whitman got a hit, scored twice and had an RBI; and Mez’Meri Walker scored twice after getting a hit and reaching base with a walk. River Waggoner smashed a two-run triple, Mercedes Taylor hit a double and scored once. Kadence Sampson got a hit and scored with Lyla Hall also contributing with a run scored and an RBI after walking twice.

JP10U 12 Tioga 0 (Game Two Pool Play): The opponent did better this time around as they got one hit over three innings off of Kylee-Ayn Allen who struck out six for the shutout and JP10U batters continued to thrive on Tioga pitching racking up 10 hits in only two at bats that included a pair of doubles by Natalie Sullivan (2 RS, 2RBI) and a single and a triple by Ryleigh Puffer (2 RS, 3 RBI). Allen (2 RS, 2 RBI) helped her cause by slapping a pair of singles, while Caylee Mauthe (2 RS, 2 RBI), Malia Gunter (RS, RBI), Kaylee Hammons (RS), and Mez’Meri Walker (RS) all added singles. Brenleigh Withman also scored a run.

Jefferson Parish East 11 JP10U 1: The tide turned when JPRD East pitching dominated, holding JP10U hitless over four innings. Natalie Sullivan scored the only run for the locals in the bottom of the fourth inning after reaching base on an error, advancing to third base on a ground out by Caylee Mauthe, and scoring on a Kylee-Ayn Allen sacrifice ground out after Malia Gunter drew a walk.

JP10U 5 Minden 2: Breaking open a scoreless pitching duel, JP10U plated four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and then added an insurance run in the fifth to stay alive and move to within one victory of reaching the state championship game. Mez’Meri Walker opened the decisive inning with a walk followed by a single by Natalie Sullivan, who was the complete game victor after holding Mindent to just four singles and striking out 8. Caylee Mauthe walked to load the bases, and then Malia Gunter hit a two-run single, Kylee-Ayn Allen hit a sacrifice grounder, and Brenleigh Whitman executed a perfect bunt single. An insurance run was added in the bottom of the fifth inning when Lyla Hall walked and scored after River Waggoner singled, Kaylee Hammons drew another walk to load the bases and Kadence Sampey slapped a single.

Jackson Parish 6U Softball All-Stars

Manager: Allison Johnson
Coaches: Odie Bradley, Jacob Johnson, and Zach Roberson
Team Members: Landry Atkins, Peyton Barnett, Skye Bradley, Avery Dodson, Lylah Johnston, Lucy Reed, Mellie Roberson, Josie Thrower, Emerysn Walker, StellaRae Whitman, Cienna Williams, and Amara Wilson
State Tournament Summary: All four teams from District 4 qualified for the ten-team state tournament play in Buckeye, LA before being eliminated after losing to West Monroe 16-5 and Minden 13-1.

West Monroe 16 JP6U 5 (Game One): The locals made a determined rally by scoring all five runs in the top of the third but the big lead by West Monroe, who scored 7 in both the first and second innings was too much to overcome. Skye Bradley got things started for JP6U in their last at bat with a double followed by singles from Josie Thrower and Landry Atklns. Singles by Amara Wilson, Lucy Reed and Lylah Johnston with two outs and a pair of doubles from Emersyn Walker paved the way to the final runs.

Minden 13 JP6U 1 (Game Two): As fate would have it, JP6U once again had to play one of the teams that beat them in the District 4 tournament, falling to Minden, who racked up 23 hits in the “coach pitch” competition compared to seven for the locals. StellaRae Whitman, Amara Wilson, Mellie Robertson, Avery Dodson, Emersyn Walker, Peyton Barnett and Skye Bradley all got base hits in the elimination game.

Jackson Parish 11U Baseball All-Stars

Manager: Lance Seymore
Coaches: Railey Garrett, Dusty Burton
Team Members: Clay Burton, Asher Cooper, Oliver Garrett, Michael Gray, William Greer-Kelley, Sawyer Kelley, James Lewis, Cruz Nomey, Asher Norred, Andrew Seymore, Koplen Taylor, Grant Williams
State Tournament Summary: One of eight teams to qualify for the double-elimination state tournament played in Bossier City, LA, JP11U beat Sabine Parish 7-1 to open play before losing 9-5 to Concordia Parish to drop to the elimination side of the bracket. Another victory over Sabine, this time by a 9-2 score, advanced them to a contest against Winnsboro, where they were eliminated after a 5-2 loss, ending the tournament with a 2-2 record.

JP11U 7 Sabine Parish 1 (Game One): Carter Kelley and Koplen Taylor combined to hold Sabine Parish to just 3 hits and one run while JP11U scored in every at bat, including putting up four runs in the bottom of the third inning to basically put the game away. Asher Cooper (RS, RBI) hit a pair of singles to lead the six-hit attack, with Kelley and Clay Burton (2 RS, 2 RBI) adding a double each. Taylor (RS) and Andrew Seymore (RBI) chipped in with a hit each while Asher Norred, Landry Garrett and Ryder Gray all scored after reaching base on walks.

Concordia Parish 9 JP11U 5 (Game Two): Four runs by Concordia in both the second and third innings were too much for JP11U to overcome, after being held to just two hits in five innings. Koplen Taylor (RBI) and Asher Norred got the two hits and scored a run each for the locals, with Andrew Seymore, Sawyer Kelley, and Ryder Gray also scoring.

JP11U 9 Sabine Parish 2 (Game Three): With Sabine leading 2-1 heading into the fifth and final inning, JP11U exploded for 8 runs without getting a hit to win the rematch and stay alive in the elimination side of the bracket. It was a keen eye by Jackson Parish batters that made the difference as Carter Kelley, Cruz Nomey, Asher Cooper, Landry Garrett, Ryder Gray, James Lewis, and Koplen Taylor, who got the win after his relief pitching effort of no runs in three innings and striking out five and got both of the JP11U hits, all coaxed walks, and Asher Norred, Grant Williams, and Sawyer Kelley got hit by pitches.

Winnsboro 5 JP11U 2 (Game Four): Three runs in the top of the fifth inning by Winnsboro broke open a 2-2 tie game in the contest that saw both teams get six hits each and the lead change five times. After spotting Winnsboro a quick 1-0 lead, JP11U came back to even things after one inning when, with two outs, Asher Norred and Andrew Seymore singled. The locals fell behind 2-1 but again rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning when Grant Williams singled and scored on Asher Norred’s second hit of the game. Cruz Nomey and Sawyer Kelley also got a base hit in the contest.

JP11U 7 Sabine Parish 1 (Game One): The locals scored in each of their four at bats, highlighted by scoring four runs in the bottom of the third, which was more than enough for Carter Kelley and Koplen Taylor who combined to hold Sabine Parish to just three hits and one run.

Jackson Parish 10U Baseball All-Stars

Manager: Josh Jones
Coaches: Trevor Hall, Adam Pardue
Team Members: Taten Hall, Reece Johnson, Jeremiah Jones, Carson Knox, Cameron Pardue, Jess Potts, Isaac Sessions, Abram Thrower, Sutton Vail, Lyndon Walsworth, Austin West, Joedy Wiggins Jr.
State Tournament Information: One of eight teams to qualify for the double-elimination Northern Region State Tournament played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, Jackson Parish lost to Mamou 15-4 in Pool Play and then fell to Franklinton 8-1 and Winnsboro 12-2 in bracket competition.

Mamou 15 JP10U 4 (Pool Play): Seven runs by Mamou in the first inning and six more in the second were too much for JP10U to overcome. Limited to just two hits in the contest, both by Sutton Vail, who scored a run and knocked in two, the locals also saw Tate Hall, Cameron Pardue, and Lyndon Walsworth all score after getting on base by coaxing walks.

Franklinton 8 JP10U 1 (Game One): Once again the bats remained cold as three Franklinton pitchers combined to strike out 11 in a no-hit effort. Sutton Vail scored the only run after getting hit by a pitch, stealing second and third, and scoring on a passed ball.

Winnsboro 12 JP10U 2 (Game Two): Jackson Parish scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning when Joedy Wiggins opened the frame with a walk, and Cameron Pardue doubled, his second hit of the contest, to lead JP10U, with both scoring on a passed ball and a wild pitch. The determined rally was not near enough, though, to offset the big Winnsboro lead. Sutton Vail, Jeremiah Jones, and Tate Hall also contributed with a hit each in the elimination contest.

Jackson Parish 9U Baseball All-Stars

Manager: NIck Sampey
Coaches: Brent Carpenter, Darion Hudson
Team Members: Kaden Blewer, Cole Burton, Calop Carpenter, Davis Hudson, Rafe Lewter, Kase Mathews, Reed McMillan, Levi Norred, Brennon Otwell, Rowan Sampey, Anderson Smiley, Lucas Womack
State Tournament Information: One of 12 teams to qualify for the double-elimination state tournament played in Bossier City, LA. JP9U began by beating Winnsboro 7-4 before falling to Minden 17-0 and dropping into the elimination side of the bracket. A thrilling 8-7 rally against Ponchatoula kept the locals alive, but an 11-2 loss to Alexandria ended tournament play with a 2-2 record.

JP9U 7 Winnsboro 4 (Game One): Six runs in the bottom of the third inning lifted JP9U to victory in the tourney opener. Down 2-1, JP9U tied the game when Lucas Womack walked and scored on Rowan’s Sampey’s single. Davis Hudson then hit a one-out single to give JP9U the lead, followed by Calop Carpenter getting hit by a pitch, Levi Norred drawing a walk, Anderson Smiley hitting a single, and both Rafe Lewter and Kase Mathews reaching base via a base on balls to cap off the big six-run rally. Kaden Blewer, Reed McMillan and Mathews combined to limit Winnsboro to just two hits.

Minden 17 JP9U 0 (Game Two): The locals were limited to just an Anderson Smiley single, and Minden erupted for 11 first-inning runs to win the “run rule” shortened contest that was called after two and a half innings of play that sent JP9U to the elimination side of the bracket.

JP9U 8 Ponchatoula 7 (Game Three): Easily the most thrilling game of the tourney to date, JP9U fallied twice to first tie the game after falliing five runs down and then win it in “walk-off” style when Rowan Sampey and Anderson Smiley both scored on passed balls for the second and third run of the inning scored without getting a hit after Ponchatoula had taken a 7-5 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. Lucas Womack and Sampey opened up the decisive frame by drawing walks, with Womack scoring on Kaden Blewer’s sacrifice fly out, leading to Sampey and Smiley putting the game away. It was the second big rally of the game for JP9U as after spotting Ponchatoula a 5-0 lead, Reed McMillan opened the bottom of the fourth inning with a single and went to second when Lucas Womack drew a walk. Blewer then doubled in both and scored on Levi Norred’s triple, which also plated Calop Carpenter, who had gotten hit by a pitch, before scoring himself on a passed ball.

Alexandria 11 JP9U 2 (Game Four): Bouyed by the big rally win, JP9U came out by scoring two runs in the top of the first when Rowan Sampey walked on four pitches and Kaden Blewer hit a single to set up a Levi Norred pop-up that was misplayed by the Alexandria second baseman that scored both. Sadly that would be all the offense JP9U would muster and Alexandria put the game away by scoring 9 runs in the third inning to eliminate the locals with a 2-2 tournament record.

In a letter submitted by Quitman High School Principal Chris Cavin, important school policy changes for students in grades 6-12 were outlined. The focus of the changes was on cell phones, smartwatches, and uniforms to be worn during physical education classes.

Letter to Parents and Students at QHS

The Heritage Quilt Guild (HQG) of Jonesboro held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 1st, in the Fellowship Hall of the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church. Highlighting the always entertaining and informative session was the HQG presenting US Armed Services Veteran Rick Barlow with a special Veterans Quilt stitched by guild members.

Members in attendance also enjoyed a very inspiring program by Angela Yarbrough, founder of Amadea, who shared the organization’s meaningful mission and her personal story. The meeting concluded with members demonstrating their handiwork during “Show and Tell” time.

Heritage Quilt Guild of Jonesboro meets at 9:00 am on the first Wednesday of every month and has a sit-and-sew session at 9:30 am on the third Wednesday of the month. Their purpose is to provide a means for quilters and guild lovers to promote the appreciation and preservation of quilts and to share their skills so the art will be handed down to future generations.