A Water Boil Advisory has been issued for Jonesboro residents who live on 6th and 7th streets. The notice was issued by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris at 2:27 pm on Friday, March 13, after water pressure dropped below 20 PSI. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Jackson Parish Fire Chief Association President Philip Brown has announced that the Burn Ban that has been in effect for Jackson Parish has been lifted.
Brown, who is also the Chief of Quitman Fire District #1, made the announcement in the following Press Release issued at 12:00 pm on March 12th.
With the 2026 LHSAA girls basketball season coming to an end, the All-District teams have been released, with a total of 19 young ladies from area schools Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, Saline and Weston High Schools earning postseason honors.
Headlining the award winners were Anna Claire Leach of Quitman High School, named Most Valuable Player of District 1B, and Morgan Cheatwood of Saline, earning District 1C MVP honors. Kasidy Sims of Saline was also a first-team selection. After leading their respective teams to undefeated district championships, Kyle Leach of Quitman and Chris Toms of Saline were voted as Coaches of the Year in Districts 1B and 1C.
Second Team All-District award winners were Allie Robertson (Quitman), Kate Keiffer (Weston), Karly Jo Griffin (Weston) in District 1B, Jalenya Jackson (JHHS) and Samone Mallard (JHHS) for District 1-1A, and both Tyla Malone and Lanee Cheatwood in District 1C.
Receiving Honorable Mention were Sanaa Tatum, Nesha Johnson, and Jakhorielle Lard from Jonesboro-Hodge in District 1-1A, Hallie Kate Pullig, Emma Walker, and Taylor Borland from Quitman, and both Rachel Bandy and Teegan Hall from Weston in District 1B, and Rayunnah Pearson from Saline in District 1C.
Louisiana Tech head softball coach Josh Taylor has to be a happy man because the Lady Techsters have won their last three games in a row, including their first two Conference USA victories. That is only partly the reason.
Another factor causing his deep-down happiness isn’t about what his team is doing this season, but rather involves a future Lady Techster.
What Taylor is purely giddy about is what took place this past December, when Maggie Guyotte of Quitman High School agreed to sign a scholarship to play for his Lady Techsters softball team.
Guyotte put a smile on Taylor’s face big time this past Thursday with her spectacular all-around performance, where she led Quitman to a 15-0, District 1B opening thrashing of Castor by virtue of her right-handed pitching and left-handed batting.
The versatile superstar senior, who is one of the state’s premier power hitters with now 63 home runs to her credit over her 6 year career, lived up to her reputation by smashing her 5th “tater” of the year before adding a triple that opened the bottom of the fourth inning and adding a single in the same frame that drove in the final of her 6 RBI on the day. Adding to her incredible effort were the 4 innings of shutout ball she threw, during which she allowed only 3 meaningless singles and struck out 7, for her fourth win of the season without a loss.
Guyotte wasn’t the only Lady Wolverine to have a good day, which helped Quitman match their season high in runs scored and win their 6th in 7 games, raising their record to 7-3 on the year.
Sensational sophomore Brenna Lamkin continued her burst into the limelight by stroking her 4th home run of the year, scoring twice, and knocking in four runs, while Zoee Williams hit a pair of doubles and scored a run. Hallie Kate Pullig got two hits, including a double, scored twice, and had an RBI, while Briley Bowers added a walk and a pair of singles with two runs scored. Kinsley Ponder also got two hits and drove in a run to become the 5th Lady Wolverine with at least two hits. Lily Duck walked twice, scored two runs, and knocked one in. Charleigh Newton scored and had an RBI, and Avery Watson scored a run after getting hit by a pitch.
Ruston 4 Quitman 1 (Saturday): An error, two walks, and two singles led to Ruston scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning that overcame the run Quitman scored in the top of the same inning. The loss, which dropped QHS to 7-4 on the year and improved Ruston’s record to 7-6, overshadowed a fine effort “in the circle” by Brenna Lamkin, who gave up only two hits and shut the Class 5A school down for 5 of the 6 innings pitched. Quitman managed 6 hits on the day, including two by Anna Claire Leach in her first game back after injuring her knee earlier in the season. Also hitting singles were Hallie Kate Leach, Kinsley Ponder, Briley Bowers, and Zoee Williams, while Maggie Guyotte scored the Lady Wolverines sole run after drawing a walk.
Parkway 15 Weston 6 (Friday): The Lady Wolves dropped their first game on their new on-campus field and 4th in a row, all coming against schools in Class 4A or higher. No individual stats were available.
An old belief is that Friday the 13th is a “bad luck” day. For the Quitman and Weston High baseball teams, this past Friday was a great day. It was Thursday, the 12th, that wasn’t so good. As a result, the two neighboring Jackson Parish teams split their two games each, heading into this coming week’s contests.
Weston 3 Glenbrook 2 (Friday): Dawson Griffin smashed a double that scored Jase Borders, who had reached on his third hit of the game, and then scored what turned out to be the winning run one pitch later when Easton Borders drove him in with a single for the victory that propelled Weston to an 11-6 record and the #1 ranking in the Class B power ratings. Drew Browing, who had two hits on the day, singled and scored on Ty Henderson’s hit in the bottom of the first after Weston had spotted Glenbrook an early run. Bryce Tolar picked up the win after throwing 4.2 innings of shutout ball, where he allowed only one hit and struck out six.
Quitman 9 Winnfield 1 (Friday): The Wolverines spotted visiting Winnfield an early 1-0 lead before coming back to score in all six of their at-bats to win their 10th game of the year against 7 losses. Winnfield dropped its 7th straight game and fell to 1-16 this season, the most losses in Division III. Hudson Pullig hit a double and scored twice, while Zach Smudricks got two hits, scored a run, and knocked one in. Asher Shultz and Kace West got a hit and an RBI, and both Jayden Harts and Tucker Barnett, who added an RBI, scored two runs each. Cail King scored a run and knocked one in, and Hayden Seymore added an RBI with a sacrifice fly out. Kace West got the complete game win with a superb 13-strikeout performance, where he scattered three hits and gave up no earned runs.
Hicks 2 Weston 0 (Thursday): In what could possibly be a future Class B playoff matchup, #10 Hicks scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to improve to 11-3 on the year in the otherwise pitchers’ duel that saw both teams go scoreless the rest of the way. Remy Kennard and Ty Henderson got the only two hits by Weston batters.
North DeSoto 16 Quitman 0 (Thursday): The 3rd-ranked Division II team had their way, exploding for 12 runs in the first inning and limiting Quitman to a Conner Moak leadoff single in the contest, called after two innings per the “mercy rule”.
District games take center stage as the local baseball and softball teams play 6 district contests out of the 8 games scheduled this Monday and Tuesday. Both Weston squads play two games each to lead the area in games played, while JHHS has two softball games scheduled, and JHHS and Quitman each have a baseball game. Games that show only one record for the team are non-district games.
| DATE | HOME | VISITOR | B/S | TIME |
| Monday | Weston (2-8) | Glenbrook (10-3) | Softball | 4:00 pm |
| Monday | Claiborne Christian (6-7) | Weston (11-6) | Baseball | 4:00 pm |
| Monday | JHHS (2-8, 0-1) | Arcadia (0-0, 0-0) | Softball | 5:00 pm |
| Monday | Arcadia (0-2, 0-0) | JHHS (5-2, 0-0) | Baseball | 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | JHHS (2-8, 0-1) | Lincoln Prep (0-4, 0-0) | Softball | 3:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Weston (2-8, 0-0) | Castor (7-4, 0-1) | Softball | 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Weston (11-6, 1-0) | PCA (4-9, 0-1) | Baseball | 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Castor (4-2, 0-1) | Quitman (10-7, 1-0) | Softball | 5:00 pm |
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A Jackson Parish man accused of harboring hundreds of counts of child sexual abuse material is now facing charges of first-degree rape.
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigations (LBI) and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office are bringing three counts of first-degree rape against Daniel McCloy, age 35, of Eros, LA.
LBI previously arrested McCloy in January 2026 on 504 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. McCloy’s bond has not been set.
Jonesboro-Hodge and Quitman High Schools participated in their first meets of the 2026 LHSAA outdoor track and field season, opening defense of the Division IV girls state championship won by the Lady Tigers and the Class B state title gained by the Wolverines boys team. On March 6th, JHHS took part in the Reservation Relays at Tioga High School, while Quitman went to Monroe for the Ouachita Christian School Relays.
Ciara Gray of JHHS and Nathan Harvey from Quitman, who are the defending Most Valuable Athletes in the 2025 state championships in Division IV and Class B, respectively, showed they are ready to defend their titles.
Gray was especially impressive, turning in two “elite performances” by winning the long jump and triple jump while also taking first place in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles to earn the Outstanding Female Athlete Award. Harvey also claimed a gold medal for his first-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles.
Lon’Trevious Burns (JHHS) – High Jump
Landon Boston (JHHS) – Triple Jump
Carmen Livingston (JHHS) – 100 Meters
Jakhorielle Lard (JHHS) – Long Jump
Girls 4×200 Meter Relay (JHHS)
Asher Shultz (QHS) -Javelin
Megan Kelly (QHS) – 1600 Meters
Girls 800 Meter Relay (QHS)
Bronze Medal Winners (3rd Place)
Zu’Wy’Neshya Johnson (JHHS) – 100 Meters
Sanaa Tatum (JHHS) – 200 Meters
Victor Johnson (JHHS) – Long Jump
Nathan Harvey (QHS) – 110 Meter Hurdles
Girls 4×100 Meter Relay (JHHS)
Girls 4×400 Meter Relay (JHHS)
Boys 4×100 Meter Relay (JHHS)
Boys 4×200 Meter Relay (JHHS)
Boys 4×400 Meter Relay (JHHS)
On March 8th, former Jackson Parish resident Gloria Gueydan was awarded the prestigious Public Service Commendation Medal for her service in the 528 Engineer Battalion, Family Readiness Group.
The Public Service Commendation Medal is the fourth-highest public service decoration that the United States Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian.
225th Engineer Brigade Commander, Colonel Saint of the Louisiana Training Center in Pineville, LA, commented on Gueydan’s service to the National Guard.
“Gloria Gueydan served exceptional, meritorious public service and support of the 528th Engineer Battalion within the 225th Engineer Brigade,” said Colonel Saint. “Providing unwavering support and assistance to soldiers and their families through her sustained commitment to the family readiness group, she played a vital role in strengthening morale, readiness, and resiliency across the military community. Her professionalism, dedication, and timeless advocacy for the military families reflect great credit upon herself and embody the highest traditions of public service and support of the Louisiana Army National Guard.”
Gloria Gueydan’s volunteer service to the military has spanned over 60 years. She first volunteered when her husband, Warren Dare Gueydan, was the company commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard unit in De Queen, AR, during the Vietnam War.
Then in 1990, she volunteered with A company of the 199th Louisiana Army National Guard unit located in Jonesboro, LA, during Desert Storm mobilization. She became active again in 2009 and has continued to volunteer in various capacities to the present.
With a five-fish stringer of 21.50 pounds, Chatham resident Richie Faust, representing Weston High School, and his partner Zeb Ates, of D’Arbonne Woods Charter in Farmerville, have won the Student Angler Federation (SAF) State Championship fished on Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville on March 7th. Ates also won the Big Bass Award with his catch of 9.13 pounds.
By taking first place in the Northeast Louisiana High School (NELAHS) Angler tournament, the pair has qualified for the 17th annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship, to be held on Lake Cumberland in Russell Springs, KY, on June 24-27.
The victory also propelled Ates and Faust into second place overall in the NELAHS year-to-date standings, with one tournament remaining on April 4th at Lake Claiborne in Homer, LA.
Jackson Parish was also represented by Jake Vail and Jaxon Cheatwood (Quitman High School), who finished 10th, just one spot ahead of Hailey Chatham and Ben Ramsey (Weston High School), who came in 11th.
Maddox Duck (QHS) and Benton Terry (WOHS) came in 22nd place, followed by Shepard Norris and Jackson Ables in 27th, Drew Caldwell and Asher Norred in 31st, and Jaxen Culpepper and Hayden Essmeier in 32nd place, all representing Quitman High School.
Thirty-six Louisiana Tech University students received their professional nursing pins in a Pinning Ceremony the evening of March 3, then graduated at Winter 2026 Commencement Saturday, March 7, in the Thomas Assembly Center.
Included were Jackson Parish residents Sadie Rowe of Jonesboro, LA, and the brother/sister duo of Cason and Clara Womack of Quitman, LA.
Rowe was also awarded the Benefactor Award for Excellence in Nursing, while Clara Womack was recognized as an Alpha Delta Nu Society member.
Jackson Parish resident Darren Stevenson competed in his first-ever Mixed Martial Arts competition as part of AKA 53 that was held on March 10th in Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles, LA.
Although Stevenson, who is employed as a Correctional Officer at the Jackson Parish Jail in Jonesboro, lost in the second round to Jayce Carpenter, he came away with a renewed desire to continue competing and was grateful for the support he received.
“I can not lie and say I am not disappointed that I didn’t come home with the win, but I am beyond thankful for the support I have gotten leading up to and during the whole process of this fight,” said Stevenson. “I feel like I have a whole army behind me. Time to restart re focus and get back to the building block.”
The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office kicked off the 2026 D.A.R.E. graduation season with ceremonies held at Quitman High School and Weston High School, where fifth-grade students who successfully completed the D.A.R.E. program were honored.
This year’s D.A.R.E. theme is “Let’s Be the Change – One Community Stronger Together,” reminding students that the choices they make can positively impact not only their own lives, but also their schools and community.
The D.A.R.E. program was made possible through the continued partnership between the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the two schools. The classes were taught by Deputy Lindsey Stevenson, with support from the JPSO D.A.R.E. team, which works throughout the parish to help students develop the skills needed to make safe and responsible choices.
D.A.R.E. today is about much more than simply saying “no” to drugs. The program teaches students important life skills through the D.A.R.E. decision-making model:
D – Define the problem
A – Assess the situation
R – Respond safely and responsibly
E – Evaluate the outcome
Through the program, students also learn about stress management, bullying prevention, building a trusted help network, and the importance of being responsible citizens in their community.
Sheriff Brent Barnett had the privilege of presenting certificates to this year’s graduating 5th graders and recognizing several students for their outstanding participation.
Quitman Workbook Award Winners:
Patrick Norton
Beatrice Toms
Mia Gonzalez-Ulloa
Quitman Essay Contest Winners:
Bretlyn Reeves
Savannah Porter
Oliver “Landry” Garrett
Weston Workbook Award Winners:
Rylee Sonnier
Elizah Thornton
Weston Essay Contest Winners:
Blakey Johnston
Johanna Holland
Landry Garrett from Quitman and Johanna Holland from Weston were selected as the overall essay winners for their respective schools and will now be submitted at the district level for the opportunity to advance to the state competition. The winning essays will also be on display at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office throughout the summer.
The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Quitman and Weston school administrations, teachers, and staff, as well as parents and families, for their continued support of the D.A.R.E. program and for helping to encourage students to make positive choices.
(PAID fOR BY JESSE MAGEE FOR SHERIFF)
Jackson Parish native Dusty Jordan claimed 1st place in the Geaux Wild Ultra 50 Mile Ultramarathon. Hosted by Jeremy Nicolosi and Beast Trail Racing, the event was run at Lake Bistenau on March 7th.
A 50-mile ultramarathon is a running race covering 50 miles (approximately 80.5 km), which is nearly double the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance. As a common, highly challenging endurance event, it requires significant physical and mental preparation, often involving trail running, aid stations, and pacing strategies such as power hiking to manage its long duration.
The extreme-distance race was the second that Jordan has competed in this year, following the Red Dirt 50k Ultra Marathon, run on February 21st at Kisatche National Park, and, along with the 27-mile Wild Azalea Trail Marathon, run on January 3rd, his third marathon of 2026.
Through the whole season of Lent, I work on answering the question, “What am I giving up for Lent.”
A friend told me recently, “I’m simply frazzled.” Now, when a minister says “frazzled,” my imagination goes straight to cartoon mode. I pictured him with his hair standing straight up, soot on his face, clutching a smoldering Bible in one hand while trying to answer a phone call and a text message with the other. Ministry does that to us. Then I looked at my own calendar—those blank spaces I had optimistically filled in with “rest”—and I understood exactly what he meant.
There’s an old saying: “I’m so busy I don’t know if I’ve found a rope or lost a horse.” Some days, that feels less like a saying and more like a spiritual condition.
Our culture practically demands frazzled, frenetic activity. If we’re going to play the game, we’re expected to check email, Facebook, Instagram, and X like we’re on some sort of digital scavenger hunt. I left Facebook, I never tweeted, and my computer only checks email a couple of times a day. I do peek at Instagram—because that’s where my family hangs out—but even that can feel like a part-time job.
Maybe a good Lenten discipline would be to give up the tyranny of the immediate. If it doesn’t get done today, I’ll get to it tomorrow. And if it’s still sitting there tomorrow, maybe it didn’t need doing in the first place.
Now, I’m not suggesting you shirk your responsibilities. I’m suggesting we learn something about living for the long run, something our souls have been trying to tell us while we’ve been too busy checking notifications.
God took the seventh day off. You, however, will not—because I know you. So let me offer a substitute: two peace pockets a day.
A peace pocket is a ten-minute break where you turn off the phone, turn off the computer monitor, close the door, and do absolutely nothing. If anyone asks, tell them you’re about to “work very hard for the next ten minutes on doing nothing.” Only we could turn rest into a job description.
If you can’t take a day off, take two peace pockets and call me later.
We spend so much time ruminating over trifles. The disciples once “lost” Jesus—not because He was lost, but because they were. They finally found Him praying alone. Breathless, they announced, “The whole town is looking for you!” Jesus calmly replied that He had other places to go. In other words: “I’m not ruled by your urgency.”
Jesus had priorities. He didn’t let the trivial masquerade as the essential.
If God rested and Jesus set priorities, maybe we should take the hint. Maybe Lent is the perfect time to let go of the things that make us feel frazzled, frantic, and spiritually threadbare.
Then, perhaps, we can finally decide whether we’ve found a rope or lost a horse.
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School is proud to have partnered with United Way Region 8 for a “Community Conversation” with Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett on Monday, March 9. Included in the dialogue that was about topics such as community safety, infrastructure, and economic development were:
Michelle Saucer, United Way Region 8 Senior Community Impact Director
Sophia Higgins, 5th grader and the 2025-26 J-HES Student of the Year
Tyler Newton Jr., 4th grader and a J-HES Prospective Student of the Year
Tytus Campbell, 4th grader and a J-HES Prospective Student of the Year
Oliver Cox, 4th grader and a J-HES Prospective Student of the Year
Danielle Copeland, J-HES Principal
“I am very proud of our students for vocalizing their concerns, solutions, and aspirations for Jackson Parish. Our partnership with United Way benefits our current and prospective Student(s) of the Year. It creates experiences that students can expound on during their interview, which is an LDOE requirement.” – Danielle Copeland, J-HES Principal
(With turkey season approaching, permit me to share an article I wrote six years ago to whet your appetite for the upcoming season.)
This is the time of year when guys and gals of my ilk crawl out of warm beds early mornings to head for the woods. Granted, no hunting season is open now and we’re not out there to circumvent the law; we’re going out to “listen”, as you’ll overhear us talking about what we did on early pre-spring mornings. We’re going out to “listen” for a gobbler.
Season is still a few weeks away, opens April 2, but there’s something about getting to hear a gobbler sound off from his roost tree that gets the juices flowing and serves to fire us up for what we hope to hear opening morning.
Not only is it possible to locate where gobblers are roosting, you can also find tracks, droppings, strut marks and such to find where birds are hanging out. Such was the case for me on March 19, 2008 when I stumbled upon the mother lode of turkeys.
After an early morning of listening for a gobbler when the woods were silent, I drove up to a well site back in the woods on my hunting club. I didn’t need to hear a gobbler that morning; when I rounded the curve leading to the well site, I saw turkeys – a whole bunch of turkeys including several strutting gobblers. When they saw me, they took off but no problem; I knew where I’d be set up on opening morning.
The next afternoon, I set up my ground blind in a thicket next to the well site, cleared brush so I could see the area where the turkeys had gathered the day before.
Granted, it was hard to sleep that night as my mind kept running the tapes back of the sight I had seen two days prior.
March 21 was opening day and I arrived at my blind well before daylight, I decided to sweeten the pot by placing “Pretty Boy”, my strutting tom decoy on the well site with a submissive hen crouching in front of the tom. Then I waited for daylight with high expectations of what I hoped would happen.
Once the eastern sky began to illuminate the woods and the cardinals and barred owls began their morning chorus, I heard a gobble from the woods directly in front of where I sat.
Waiting a couple of minutes, I stroked a few sweet yelps on my slate call and was greeted with an immediate gobble. Then I just sat back and waited to see what would happen next.
In less than ten minutes, I saw a white head pop up on the far edge of the well site 100 yards away. Then another head and then a third head as three gobblers began looking for the “hen” they thought they’d heard.
What happened next was what turkey hunters dream about; all three gobblers spied Pretty Boy and the little hen and it became a foot race to see who could get there first to chase away what they envisioned to be a gobbler that had invaded their territory.
One gobbler won the race and immediately attacked the fake gobbler, sending him careening off the stake where I had placed him. All three proceeded to give the fake a thrashing like I’d never seen with a chorus of clinks and rattles as their beaks and spurs pummeled the hard plastic.
One of the gobblers separated from the other two, I got a bead on him and dropped him. I expected the other two to hightail it when I shot but no; they jumped on the flopping bird I had shot and began pecking and spurring their fallen cohort unmercifully.
I could have easily taken both the other gobblers but I had my limit for the day and all I could do was sit back and enjoy the show until a vehicle approached and they scattered.
Spring turkey hunting can be disappointing but it can provide thrills and excitement, the likes of which I never experienced before or since that special morning in the turkey woods.
CANEY LAKE – Bass are moving up to spawning areas and crank baits, jigs and spinners are starting to produce. Crappie have moved up in response to warmer temps and are on spawning beds. Jigs and shiners are taking some nice fish. 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 have moved up and are spawning. Lots of nice ones are being caught on shiners and jigs. Bass are also moving up in the timber and flipping jigs is picking up some fish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Fishing overall is slow for bass and crappie. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass have moved up to more shallow areas preparing for the spawn. Jigs and crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are moving up around brush and timber to spawn and lots are being caught on shiners and jigs. No bream reports yet. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie have moved up the back of the creeks to prepare for the spring spawn. Jigs and shiners are picking up some. Bass are hitting crank baits, spinners and soft plastics around shallow brush. Lots of males in the shallows. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while crappie are starting to respond in shallow water on jigs and shiners. Bass fishing has improved for spawning fish with crank baits, jigs and spinners picking up some nice fish. Plenty of catfish are being caught as well. For information, call the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The lake level is on a rise. Water temp too cold just yet for crappie and bass. Buffalo and catfish are being caught in nets. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
In February, scouts and their families gathered for the annual Blue and Gold banquet to celebrate the 1910 founding of the Boy Scouts of America. As part of the festivities, scouts were awarded rank advancements and recognized for their accomplishments in their scouting journeys.
Five scouts earned the distinction of Arrow of Light, signifying that they have met all requirements of Cub Scouting and are eligible to cross into Jonesboro’s Troop 523. This is a very prestigious honor for these boys.
Additionally, Cubmaster Brian Hurt, who has tirelessly served our community’s Cub Scout program for many years, passed his torch to new Cubmaster Jarryn Dickenson. Hurt will continue his leadership in the Jonesboro Troop 523 as Scoutmaster.
In March, the scouts visited their friends at Forest Haven nursing home to help celebrate National Plant a Flower Day. They assisted residents in transplanting tulips to small pots for display in their rooms. Afterwards, scouts visited those who are bed-bound and delivered flowers to brighten their rooms as well.
To officially wrap things up for the year, Pack 523 held its annual Pinewood Derby. This year, the race had a black light theme, and the youth showed off their best cars with a glowing twist. Emmett Thomas walked away with first place, followed by MJ Harrell and Hudson Hurt in second and third places, respectively. Jamey Matthews won the Safest Driver award, and Josiah Dickenson claimed Best in Show. It was an exciting night for all involved.
Jonesboro’s scouting program is beginning a new adventure with an expanded troop of Boy Scouts and a new Cubmaster, but the best is yet to come. You are invited to be a part of the journey!
If you have a youth who is interested in joining Cub Scouts, now is the perfect time! Contact Cubmaster Jarryn Dickenson at jdickenson.scouting@gmail.com, or visit www.beascout.org.
Lowell K. “Sandy” Robinson was a deputy for the Tulare County, California, Sheriff’s Department until he was elected Sheriff in 1951. From that election until the 1966 election, Sandy had easily defeated all others who vied for the office.
The November 8, 1966, election day was a disaster for Sandy because he received only about half as many votes as his contender received. On January 1, 1967, he turned over his office and the title of sheriff to the incoming sheriff.
One of Sandy’s daily tasks was to retrieve his mail from post office box number 510 at the Visalia Post Office. It was a task that had become so routine that he performed it without much thought. It was just one of the routine details of his daily life, such as putting on his shoes and grabbing his car keys.
Soon after the election, Sandy decided to leave Visalia, California, and move to Baxter Springs, Kansas, to be near his parents and siblings. In the chaos of moving, Sandy forgot to return his post office box key. It remained on his keyring.
Sandy was still getting things settled in Baxter Springs when a local hotel manager resigned and moved to another town. The hotel owner offered Sandy the hotel manager position, and he quickly accepted. Sandy had not set up his new address in Baxter Springs when he was hired for his new job.
When he visited the post office, he requested the same post office box that the previous manager had used, just in case any mail intended for the hotel was delivered to it. After completing the necessary paperwork, the postal clerk gave Sandy the box key. Stamped on one side of the key was the post office box number.
Sandy was surprised when he looked at the key and saw it stamped with the number 510. Sandy had the same post office box number in Baxter Springs that he had in Visalia, some 1650 miles to the west.
Sandy shrugged off the coincidence. He made sure the new key worked, retrieved a few pieces of mail from the box, and then put the key on his key ring with little thought.
Nearly two years went by, and checking his mailbox at the Baxter Springs Post Office became just another item on his daily routine. Then, in August 1969, Sandy pulled out his keyring and opened box number 510. He retrieved the mail and was in the process of locking his post office box when he noticed that another key on his key ring was stamped “510.”
That is when he finally realized that he had forgotten to return his key to the Visalia Post Office. Then, he wondered which of the two keys he had been using for nearly two years to get his mail. Other than normal wear, the keys were practically identical. Sandy tried both keys in each mailbox at the Baxter Springs Post Office. Although they would not open any other box at that post office, both keys opened post office box number 510.
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TRAINA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
vs 37954
SHEDRICK GREEN III
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 the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 18TH day of March. 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property, to wit:
LOT 36, UNIT 10, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SUBDIVISION, JONESBORO, LA 71251
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 the benefit of appraisal.
BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO AUCTIONEER
02/04/26
03/11/26
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 will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.
POSITION: Operator I
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.
Reports to: Level V to VIII
Supervises: Level I to III
Experience: High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of job-related experience.
Pay Rate/Hour: $12.00 – $15.00
Pay Rate/Annual: $22,880.00 – $31,200.00
Full Time
Duties:
• Maintain the bookmobile by daily inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good working order; check tires, fuel, oil, generator, etc., and report any problems to the supervisor; keep the inside of the vehicle clean and tidy.
• Maintain organized records of bookmobile maintenance and inspections.
• Schedule regular maintenance, and/or repair and cleaning of the outside as needed.
• Drive the Bookmobile to scheduled stops, appointments, maintenance/repair sites, special events, etc.
• Plan, prep, and facilitate Bookmobile and Outreach programs.
• Assist with in-house circulation and reference duties when needed.
• Assist with Summer Reading and other Programming planning, coordinate with Supervisors, Youth Librarians, and Programming Librarians.
• Supervise and train staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
This position will cross-train with other positions as deemed necessary by management.
Requirements:
• 18 yrs. of age or older.
• Maintain a Chauffeur’s License; able and willing to drive bookmobile.
• Successful completion of a two-month probationary period.
• Able to repeatedly lift 15-25 lbs.
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Good knowledge of basic library methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Some knowledge of reader interest levels.
• Good ability to maintain library records and carry out library procedures.
• Considerable ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public and to
conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.
• Demonstrated ability to perform essential job duties.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
The Library offers benefits, including an excellent retirement plan, vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Employees may advance to higher positions according to their abilities, qualifications, and based on the needs of the library.
Applications and resumes may be submitted by mail or in person at the Main Branch in Jonesboro, located at:
614 South Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, La 71251
or by email to mainbranch@jacksonparishlib.org
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so designated.
Reports to: Level IV to VIII
Supervises: None
Experience: High School Diploma or GED and 2 to 3 years of job-related experience.
Pay Rate/Hour: $8.00 – $12.00
Pay Rate/Annual: $16,640.00 – $ 22,880.00
Full Time
Duties:
Maintain the bookmobile by daily inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good working order; check tires, fuel, oil, generator, etc., and report any problems to the supervisor; keep the inside of the vehicle clean and tidy.
Maintain organized records of bookmobile maintenance and inspections.
Schedule regular maintenance and/or repair and cleaning of the outside as needed.
Drive the Bookmobile to scheduled stops, appointments, maintenance/repair sites, special events, etc.
Assist with Bookmobile and Outreach programs.
Assist with in-house circulation and reference duties when needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This position will cross-train with other positions as deemed necessary by management.
Requirements:
18 yrs. of age or older.
Maintain a Chauffeur’s License; able and willing to drive a bookmobile.
Successful completion of a two-month probationary period.
Able to repeatedly lift 15-25 lbs.
Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Good knowledge of basic library methods, techniques and procedures.
Some knowledge of reader interest levels.
Good ability to maintain library records and carry out library procedures.
Considerable ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public and to conduct oneself
with tact and courtesy.
Demonstrated ability to perform essential job duties.
Ability to work under minimal supervision.
The Library offers benefits, including an excellent retirement plan, vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Employees may advance to higher positions according to their abilities, qualifications, and based on the needs of the library.
Applications and resumes may be submitted by mail or in person at the Main Branch in Jonesboro, located at:
614 South Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, La 71251
or by email to mainbranch@jacksonparishlib.org
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so designated.
The Jackson Parish Ward Two Fire Protection District will accept sealed bids until 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2026, by USPS or hand delivered only.
The bid will be for the purchase of one (1) Class 5/6 Cab and Chassis and all other equipment specified. Bid package must be clearly marked “Bid 2026 Class 5/6 Cab and Chassis enclosed”.
Bids shall be opened on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the Ward Two District Office, 189 Vernon Eros Road, Ruston, Louisiana 71270.
Specifications and instructions for the preparation and submission of bid proposals may be acquired by contacting the Jackson Parish Ward Two Fire Protection District at 318-249-3300, by cell, Fire Chief James Leonard 318-475-0601, or by email w2fpdjackson@gmail.com.
The Ward Two Fire Protection District, Jackson Parish, reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Alicia Diane (Runyon) Walsworth went to rest with the Lord on February 26, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was born on December 19, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Walter Thomas “Tom” and Alma Runyon.
She married her husband, Matt Walsworth, in 1999, and they shared 26 beautiful years together. They were blessed with their son Dylan Walsworth. For the past six years, she served NOLA Church as an associate pastor alongside her husband. Also, she was an occupational therapist’s assistant for over 25 years.
Alicia’s relationship with Jesus was the source of everything that she did, especially her service and dedication to others. Alicia lived her life with the joy of the Lord and loved travel, music, and community. Their home was open to so many people seeking rest, and her arms were open to any person seeking refuge.
She is survived by her husband, Matt Walsworth; her son, Dylan Walsworth; and her parents. She is also survived by her sister, Kim (Randy) Greer; her niece, Racheal (Daniel) Berry; her nephews, Seth (Angela) Shoemaker and Ryan Greer; and seven aunts and eighteen first cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
While we are sad that she is no longer with us, her legacy will forever remain, and her memory will continually remind us to “change our perspectives.” Until we see you again.
A Memorial Service for Alicia was held on March 13, 2026, at North Hodge Assembly of God
Born on December 17, 1984, Randi Lanita Booker went to be with the Lord on March 7th, 2026, at the age of 41 years old. A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, March 14th at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, La.
Preston “Sho-U-Rite” Traxler passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 81. After a Public Viewing on Friday, March 13th, in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA., the Life Celebration service was held on Saturday, March 14th, at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Jeffery G. Woods gained his heavenly wings on February 28, 2026, at the age of 63 years old. A Memorial Service was held on his behalf on Saturday, March 14th, at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA.
The Town of Jonesboro remains committed to transparency and moving our community forward.
Recently, some incorrect information has circulated online regarding sewer rates. The truth is that the Town secured funding for a new sewer treatment facility valued at nearly $8 million, which will greatly improve our infrastructure and protect our environment for future generations.
In order to qualify for this major investment, the Town was required to adjust sewer rates. This change was publicly introduced, discussed during multiple Town Council meetings, advertised in our official journal, and formally adopted by ordinance in 2025 before taking effect this year.
While no one enjoys utility rate increases, these improvements ensure that Jonesboro continues to modernize its infrastructure and remain eligible for state and federal funding opportunities.
This project represents a major step forward for our town, and we remain committed to keeping citizens informed as we continue working to build a stronger Jonesboro.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support progress in our community. For the exact wording of Ordinance #2025-013 regarding the utility rate increases, click here or go to
https://jonesborola.net/…/Ordinance_2025-013__Sewer…
— Mayor J. Spike Harris
(Linda Horn – JPJ)
Now that we are past Hunting season, Football season, the big holidays, and have transitioned into a new year, this is the perfect time to kick off “Racing Season”. The perfect spot to enjoy some amazing Dirt Track racing is none other than Jackson Parish’s own Super Bee Speedway!
This facility was originally built in the mid to late 1980’s by Beth and Bo Boyte, who were inspired to name the track “Super Bee Speedway” by a 1969 Super Bee Muscle Car. In its early years, it hosted many televised HavaTampa races, and over the years of operation, it has hosted big-name racers on its surface.
But even more outstanding about this piece of Jackson Parish is the talented drivers who made their first laps in a dirt car right here in Chatham, LA.
At the end of the 2025 Racing Season, the owners contacted a realtor to list the property for sale. The Agent who took on the task was Mrs. Casey Takewell, a Realtor for Coldwell Banker.
According to Mrs. Casey’s husband, Matt Takewell, “She talked race track all day, every day for weeks on end.”
One day, the question came as to “Why don’t we just buy the track?”
Both Matt and Casey grew up visiting this facility with family and friends; they each carry a deep love for the sport. A love deep enough that, for a few years, Matt was also a racer at Super Bee.
Owning Super Bee Speedway made sense to them for a list of reasons.
At the top of that list is that this is something they can do as a family with their six combined children. The next reason would be their desire to keep the sport of Dirt Track racing alive and thriving in Northeast Louisiana for years to come.
The decision was made, the deal was closed, and the Takewell family said, “We dove in and are giving it our all, and we hope we have many fans and racers to support us.”
Numerous improvements have been made around the facility leading up to opening night. Included is a new PA System with more speakers so that everyone can hear the announcer, LED lighting, and a beautiful new epoxy-coated floor in the concession stand by 318 Epoxy, LLC.
Each race night, you can expect to see edge-of-your-seat excitement from drivers in the Tuner, Factory Stock, Street Stock, ProMod, Limited Modified, and Crate Late Model classes.
Opening night is this weekend, Saturday, March 14th, and there will be a Kids Bike Race during Intermission for all children who bring their bicycles. There will also be NEW bikes given away in a drawing for all kids who enter the Bike Race.
Updates, upcoming events, special announcements, and much more information can be found by following the track on Facebook (Super Bee Speedway) or by visiting their website at www.superbeespeedway.com. Make plans now to load up the family (don’t forget to bring the kids and their bikes), call your neighbors, coworkers, and pick up the in-laws!! You are not going to want to miss the show! Join me and let’s see what the “buzz” is all about in Chatham, LA!
Quitman lost to Zwolle 48-42 on Monday in the semi-finals of the Class B state tournament played in Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, LA, the home of what the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has dubbed “Marsh Madness.”
Seeded #3 in the tournament, Quitman has their season come to an end with a very respective 26-6 record that included at one point a 20 game winning streak. With the victory, Zwolle (29-7) continues on their quest for their 18th state title, with a finals date matchup on Friday with #4 Lacassine, who beat #8 Pitkin 72-63 later Monday evening.
Down 39-29 heading into the fourth quarter, Quitman looked hopelessly out of it. Then the Wolverines started inching back as Brayden Martin sandwiched a pair of free throws around the five points Taden Thomas made, and suddenly Quitman had cut the lead in half. Two more free throws by Martln narrowed the gap to 41-38, bringing Wolverine nation that braved the 3-hour rainy drive to south Louisiana to their feet.
Sadly, that would be as close as Quitman would come, falling prey to bad shooting in the first half and the inability to stop Zwolle from getting second and third shots after controlling the glass, especially on the offensive end.
“Even though we came up short, I’m proud of my guys,” reflected Quitman head coach Michael Black. “We faced adversity throughout. We struggled to score. They could have folded, but kept fighting.”
Down 39-29 heading into the final frame, Braydent Smith made a basket, leading to Brayden Martin sandwiching a pair of free throws around three points from Taden Thomas, and suddenly the lead was cut to just a three-point deficit, the closest Quitman had been since midway through the first period.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Wolverines would come, as Zwolle pulled away at the end by doing what they had done all game, dominating the inside.
Quitman managed just 7 points in the first quarter and then could only duplicate the amount in the second as Zwolle took a 23-14 lead into the break. The 14 points were the fewest all year that Quitman had scored at the break, as the Wolverines shot 4-for-17, including just 2-for-10 from the three-point line.
Despite the problem Quitman was having in scoring it paled in comparison to the trouble had with Zwolle getting second and third shots, by dominating the offensive glass. Zwolle cleaned the boards to the tune of a 35-15 advantage that included 19 ofrfensive rebounds leading to 24 points.
Martin led Quitman in scoring with 22 points with Smith chippin in with 10 more. The pair combined to make 9 of 17 shots, while the remainder of the team went 4 of 19 as only Thomas, who ended with 9 and Asher Shultz made a free throw.