Golden Girl! Ciara Gray won 3 medals in 3 events (2 Gold, One Silver) at the Louisiana State Games
If you have followed JHHS track and field phenom Ciara Gray this spring, you know that her performances in the 100 & 300 hurdles, as well as the long jump and triple jump in the LHSAA Class A district, regionals and state meets has led her to be recognized as one of the most dynamic thinclads the state of Louisiana.
To say that her “star” has been steadily rising is an understatement. On Saturday, May 17th, at the Louisiana State Games in Monroe, LA, that “star” went into orbit. Against some of the best 17 & 18-year-old girls in the south, Gray, who was representing the Flight 337 Team, had two first-place finishes (100-meter hurdles, triple jump) and took second in the long jump.
Her outstanding ability caught many eyes, including those of Flight 337 coach Kenny Demouchet, who immediately after the meet made the following post on Facebook: “Class of 2026, college coaches, you better call me now, I can assure she won’t be available for long.”
As she has done all spring, the JHHS senior-to-be once again made an assault on the Jackson Parish all-time record books. Her time of 14.63 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles checked in at third all-time in the event which she owns all top ten times ever run by a Jackson Parish hurdler. Her leap of 37 feet 11.85 inches in the triple jump also earned a place in the all-time top ten distances ever recorded in the event.
According to JHHS head track coach, Terrance Blankenship, the plans now call for Flight 337 coach, Demouchet, who is associated with the Adidas shoe company, to take Gray to North Carolina for a national meet later this summer. Stay tuned!
All-Star! Bryce Zehr will be a member of the East Team at the LHSCA/LBCA All-Star games
Bryce Zehr of Weston High School has been selected to be a member of the East team at the Louisiana High School Coaches Association (LHSCA) / Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association (LBCA) All-Star games that will be played on Friday and Saturday, May 23 & 24 at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville.
The left-handed hitter, who was Weston’s primary lead-off batter this season, was one of seven outfielders named to the elite squad and is the only selection from Class B in the 25-man team after helping lead the Wolves to the LHSAA state tournament for the second consecutive year.
Those selected to play in the postseason All-Star games were chosen from schools whose coaches are members of the LHSCA and LBCA.
Deal and Dodson Represent Quitman High on LHSCA / LSCA All-Star Roster
Cali Deal and Coach Justin Dodson of Quitman High were chosen for the LHSCA / LSCA All-Star games that were played this past weekend
In conjunction with the Louisiana High School Coaches Association (LHSCA)the Louisiana Softball Coaches Association (LSCA) held their annual All-Star Series this past Friday and Saturday, May 16 & 17, at the Ward 10 Sports Complex in Ball, LA.
Two from Jackson Parish were selected to the East All-Star squad in head coach Justin Dodson and Cali Deal, both from 2025 Class B state champion, Quitman High School.
Dodson led the East Squad to a split of the two games, with the West All-Stars falling 5-2 on Friday before the East All-Stars came back in the final with a 10-0 victory. Unfortunately Deal was not able to participate, having had surgery on her shoulder already scheduled.
“It was a great experience as always to be surrounded by all the outstanding players in the state,” said Dodson. “I hate though that Cali didn’t get to play as she certainly deserved the opportunity to showcase her skills in this format.”
Want a sure-fire way of motivating your young boy or girl to practice harder and gain more enthusiasm about playing baseball or softball. Let him see his name in the newspaper.
Make sure that when your child, age 7-13, scores a run in a Jackson Parish Recreation Department Spring Baseball / Softball league game that you show him his name in the Jackson Parish Journal, the only newspaper dedicated to covering news, sports and events in Jackson Parish.
Shown below is the schedule of games for May 22-23 as well as the updated standings for the 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13 year old leagues as of games played through May 20th. Also included are game recaps from contests played this past Monday and Tuesday.
Stay up to date with game schedules, league standings and results of each game played, including names of every single player who scored runs by accessing the Jackson Parish Journal free of charge at jacksonparishjournal.com, the Jackson Parish Journal Facebook page or by having the Jackson Parish Journal delivered to your email address by simply clicking the JOIN tab and entering your email address.
Schedule of Games for May 22
LEAGUE
VISITOR
HOME
FIELD
TIME
3-4 Mixed
Johnny’s Pizza
Reverie Hair
Field 6
6:00 pm
3-4 Mixed
Jackson Parish Bank
Maxwell Services
Field 7
6:00 pm
9-10 Baseball
Volkert Engineering
Mark Kennedy Plumbing
Field 2
6:00 pm
11-13 Baseball
Johnny’s Pizza
Jonesboro State Bank
Field 4
6:00 pm
9-10 Baseball
BFCU
Jonesboro Animal Clinic
Field 2
7:30 pm
9-10 Softball
Shuler Consulting
Diamond Divas
Field 3
7:30 pm
11-13 Baseball
Ables Farms
BFCU
Field 1
7:45 pm
11-13 Softball
Castor
5A Pump & Hose
Field 4
7:45 pm
Schedule of Games for May 23
LEAGUE
VISITOR
HOME
FIELD
TIME
5-6 Mixed
Jonesboro State Bank
318 Lawn Care
Field 6
6:00 pm
5-6 Mixed
A Team Trucking
Ruffled Feathers
Field 7
6:00 pm
7-8 Baseball
Dugdemona Ranch
Castor
Field 2
6:00 pm
7-8 Baseball
Armadillo Grill
Square One Renovations
Field 4
6:00 pm
7-8 Softball
Peoples Bank
Rook Ads
Field 3
6:00 pm
5-6 Mixed
Magee Farms
Houma LLC
Field 7
7:00 pm
7-8 Baseball
RSH
JM Neatherland
Field 2
7:30 pm
7-8 Softball
Mims Recycling
Jonesboro State Bank
Field 3
7:30 pm
Recap of Games Played May 19-20
7-8 Baseball League
Square One Renovations 19 Dugdemona 6 Square One Renovations Scoring: Rowan Sampey 3, Kaden Blewer 2, Uriah Hall 2, Myles Wiggins 2, Anderson Smiley 2, Kase Matthews, Matthew Buchan, Emmett Thomas Dugedmona Ranch Whitetails Scoring: D J Hudson, Kreed Delaughter, Pistol McCurdy, Reece Altheimer, Kolton Laffitte
Volkert Engineering 17 RSH 16 Volkert Engineering Scoring: Ollie Swanner 4, Krewe Blalock 3, Lucas Womack 2, Cole Burton 2, Rafe Lewter 2, John Philip Walker 2, Colby Taylor, Austin McGrew RSH Scoring: Oliver Lee 4, Levi Norred 3, Duke Henderson 3, Sam Jones 2, Jackson Linton 2, Jayce Linton, Kodon Graves
JM Neatherland 17 Castor 2 JM Neatherland Scoring: Trenton Jerry 4, Brax Neatherland 3, Aleck Rhodes 3, Raiden Franks 2, Mason Franks 2, Base 2, Ki Linton, Gentry Aldy, Rowan Castor Scoring: n/a
Mark Kennedy Plumbing 16 Castor 1 Mark Kennedy Plumbing Scoring: Asher Norred 2, Abram Thrower 2, Carter Williams 2, Sutton Vail 2, Ridge Lewter 2, Ashton Anderson, Owen Shively, Denton Glaze, Slade Gray Castor Scoring: n/a
Shannon Leasing 9 Jonesboro Animal Care 9 Shannon Leasing Scoring: William Carter Kelley 2, Austin West 2, Haiden Jones 2, Landry Garrett, Klay Roge, Mayson Terrill, Jonesboro Animal Care Clinic Scoring: Ryder G 2, Reese Johnson 2, Carson Knox, Remington Davis, James Lewis, Case Creel, Leland Anderson
11-13 Baseball League
Lemoines Farm & Garden 17 Castor 3 Lemoines Farm & Garden Scoring: Corbin P 3, Shepard Norred 2, Carter Powell 2, Mason Tolar 2, Caleb Robinson 2, Paxton Warner 2, Thatcher Savage, Lucas Leach, Birch Gill, Hudson St. Clair Castor Scoring: n/a
Peoples Bank 16 Jonesboro State Bank 2 Peoples Bank Scoring: Brenleigh Whitman 3, Kaylee Hammons 3, London 3, Mercedes Taylor 3, Matilyn Otwell 2, Elizabeth Maxwell 2, Jonesboro State Bank Scoring: Rey Wiggins, Halley Linder
Mmm. Mmm Good! JCOA patrons feast during the Fish Fry at Browder’s Camp on Caney Lake
In celebration of Older Americans Month, seniors who are patrons of the Jackson Council of Aging in Chatham and Jonesboro enjoyed a fish fry at Browder’s Camp on Caney Lake. The annual event was filled with a scenic ride on the lake provided by Mr. Cliff Rogers, and lots of door prizes for those who were lucky enough to have their names drawn.
“We greatly appreciate Mrs. Sharon Candler, United Health Care, for filling the table with gifts, and the wonderful donations from Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Jackson Parish Bank, People’s Bank, King’s Funeral Home, Stasson’s Catfish Inn, Wal-Mart, Miriam’s Furniture, Dollar General (Weston) and Auto Zone.” – Jackson Parish Council on Aging
JCOA patrons enjoy a boat tour of Caney Lake provided by Mr. Cliff Rogers
Attention, all former Quitman High School baseball players! Whether you were a member of the 2024 Class B state championship team or wore a Wolverine uniform many years ago, you are invited to participate in the QHS Alumni Baseball Game scheduled to be played on the QHS baseball field on June 28th.
While the contest is still several weeks away, it is important to sign up right away as the deadline to submit your $25,00 entry fee and reserve a roster spot is Friday, May 23rd.
Teams and rosters will be announced the first week of June so you have plenty of time to dig out the old cleats, shine the bat, get the glove oiled up, and most of all, start stretching out those legs and arms.
The Jackson Parish Shooting Sports Banquet will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 30th, at Gracepoint Christian Academy, located at 1427 South Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro.
Invitations have been mailed by Jackson Parish 4-H Director, Kristina Bourgeous and those who are planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the Jackson Parish 4-H office by May 23rd.
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Quitman High School recognized their members on May 15th at their year-end Chapter Awards Banquet. Ag I students received their Greenland degrees, and Ag II students received their chapter degrees. Awards were also given for livestock showmanship, career development events, and proficiency awards.
Quitman FFA Earns Ten Career Development Event Credentials
Ten student members of the Quitman FFA earned Agriculture Career Development Event (CDE) IBC Regional Credentials. These credentials are aligned with the Jump Start 2.0 Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Pathway.
Credentials were earned by demonstrating advanced knowledge in their specific content areas through scoring greater than 70% of the possible event points.
CDE Credential Honorees
Madison Taylor: 99% in Nursery and Landscaping Caden Brown: 98% in Nursery and Landscaping Amber Spangler: 88% in Nursery and Landscaping Brody Cotten: 88% in Nursery and Landscaping Conner Davis: 83% in Nursery and Landscaping Evie Hasley: 99% in Vet Science Baylee Caskey: 91% in Vet Science Taylor Williams: 89% in Vet Science Katy Cumpton: 89% in Vet Science Anslie Blalock: 87% in Vet Science
The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA! If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.
Friday, June 6
Eat:
From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website.
See:
In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.
Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!
Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival.
Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6.
Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!
The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.
Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day
Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.
Eat: This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi.
Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.
The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to.
See:
Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.
Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.
Experience:
Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
Curated market:The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op.
Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out.Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering.
Sunday, June 8
After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.
Eat:
Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.
See:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.
Experience:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.
From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!
To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.
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.
Richard S. Hines (Hodge, LA) – Bond Revoked DeMirrious Jones (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Simple Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling Kristie Guidry Warren (Ashland, LA) -Bienville Parish Non-Support Warrant Gage D. Buchan (Ruston, LA) – Underage DWI, Two Headlights Required, Expired Registration Charles T. Lathan ( Choudrant, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property Christopher Rogers (Tickfaw, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery Rodney Folks (Jonesboro, LA) – Obscenity Jermia Mallard (Jonesboro, LA) – JPD Warrant on Speeding Charge, JPSO Warrant on DUS and Seat Belt Charge, City of Ruston PD Warrant x2 Tracy Johnson (Jonesboro, LA) – Sentenced in Court Donald Jacobs (Jonesboro, LA) – Administrative Sanction by P & P Zachary D. Gorham (Winnfield, LA) – Improper Telecommunication Brittney Moffett (Jonesboro, LA) – Attempted Domestic Abuse, Unauthorized Entry of Inhabited Dwelling Jaelyn A Duncan (Jonesboro, LA) – Mail Tampering Pamela N. Lebrun ( Jonesboro, LA) – DUS, Failure to Maintain Lane, Possession of Schedule II Tyeece L. Gore (West Monroe,, LA) – JPSO Warrant x4 Zahkareion Clark (Monroe, LA) – Warrant on Simple Escape Charge Lazaruis Ledet (New Iberia, LA) – Theft – MSD, Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee, Simple Escape, Disarming of a Police Officer Brayvion Pickney (Port Barre, LA) – Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee, Simple Escape, Disarming of a Police Officer Dereum Freeman (Eunice, LA) – Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee, Simple Escape, Disarming of a Police Officer Jerminique Pierre (Port Barre, LA – Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee, Simple Escape, Disarming of a Police Officer JaKayliin Smith (Arcadia, LA) – Simple Escape
To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on content.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Benoit Ford – Need two outgoing people to train for professional sales representatives! Guaranteed income with unlimited potential commission! We offer a full benefit package including insurance and 401k. Apply in person Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the dealership located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro or call Anthony Gray @ 225-200-8289.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
City of Natchitoches Position: Class A Lineman
DESCRIPTION: Performs skilled line work in the operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems; operates a variety of specialized related equipment and vehicles. EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a licensed driver. CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 750 Second Street. Applications may also be picked up at the Natchitoches Event Center or you can apply online at www.natchitochesla.gov DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Until position is filled THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 1080
Sealed bids will be received by the Procurement Section of the Division of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the following:
RFx No. 3000024830, *Rebid* Electrical Equipment for CRT, 6/03/25
Bid proposal forms, information and specifications may be obtained by accessing the bid number in LaPac at http://www.doa.Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.
A Celebration of Life for Rodney Lane Treadway will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Beech Springs Baptist Church, located at 3942 Beech Springs Rd, Quitman, LA 71268. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Rodney passed away at the age of 52 in Dodson, LA. Born on March 7, 1973, Rodney was a good ole country boy through and through — hardworking, caring, and full of love for his family. He especially cherished his role as a father to his daughter, Kinsley Treadway, and his son, Rhett Lane Treadway, along with Rhett’s wife, Taylor Treadway.
He is survived by his father, James Marvin Box Jr. (and his wife Sheila Box), and siblings: Melinda Ann Delaughter (and her husband Richard Delaughter), Elton Mark, Jody Lynn (his favorite brother), Jama Louise Treadway Ashcraft (and her husband Anthony Ashcraft), Stacey Nicole Treadway, Rusty Box, Todd Box, Josh Box, and Jason Womack (brother from another mother).
Rodney was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Martha Louise Treadway and his beloved grandmother Jessie Mae.
A truck driver by trade and a provider by heart, Rodney was passionate about his work and took great pride in supporting those he loved. He was a man of the outdoors — happiest with a fishing pole in hand, behind the grill, hunting in the woods, or watching sports. He especially loved teaching his son, Lane, everything he knows about hunting and fishing. He enjoyed the simple things in life and wanted nothing more than to see his family happy.
Rodney grew up a jokester, always playing pranks and cracking witty remarks. He loved to joke around with people — in the most affectionate way. On a daily basis he would call to mess with and gossip with his favorite brother, Jody. But beneath the teasing and tough exterior was a man with a big heart, always ready to do anything for the ones he loved.
Rodney shared an extraordinary bond with his daughter, Kinsley — a connection so strong it was more like best friends than just father and daughter. He raised her from a young age, and the two were inseparable. They talked every day, played iPhone games together, made each other laugh with inside jokes and movie quotes, and had the kind of relationship built on love, trust, and deep understanding. Kinsley was the light of his life, and he loved her more than words could ever fully express.
His laughter, loyalty, and light-hearted spirit will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and laughter lives on in all who knew him.
Leaann Denise Paggett December 28, 1977 – May 11, 2025
Leann Denise Paggett went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2025 at the age of 57. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, May 23rd at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge.
The Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 24th also at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church with Interment following in Friendship Cemetery in Dodson, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home
The western portion of Industrial Drive in Jonesboro is still closed while repairs are being made to washout areas and low spots are resurfaced. The good news though is that it is hoped that it won’t be that way for long.
According to Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris, repair work is nearing completion, and provided weather permits, the road should be reopened all the way through by mid-week.
“We are almost through doing what needs to be done to make this road safe for travel again,” said Harris. “We are looking at having everything completed no later than Wednesday (May 21st), but that is also dependent on us getting good weather over the next few days. I would like to applaud our public works department for responding to the problems in such quick fashion and thank the public for their patience and understanding while repairs are being made.”
As a reminder, for those who work at the Jackson Parish Jail located on Gansville Road, or have the need to access the facility, please use the Gansville/Airport Road as an alternative route. Federal Prison workers can continue to access Industrial Drive without any changes.
Bridge on Hwy. 147 to be Closed Monday, May 19th
Beginning Monday, May 19, 2025, the LA Hwy 147 bridge over Big Creek will be closed for approximately two weeks as LA DOTD workers perform maintenance on the span. The bridge closure is expected to last until Friday, May 30, 2025, weather permitting.
According to LA DOTD, the bridge is located approximately 1.5 miles west of the Hwy 147 intersection with LA 505, east of Jonesboro in Jackson Parish.
LA DOTD reminds drivers never to drive around ‘closed barricades’ for any reason and to be careful when driving through construction area.
For more information during the closure, visit www.dotd.la.gov or call (1-888-762-3511).
On Thursday, May 14th, forty-six (46) seniors walked across the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Auditorium stage one final time, each celebrating their academic achievements and receiving his or her diploma, commemorating their graduation from high school.
“The class of 2025 will always hold a special place in my heart,” said JHHS Assistant Principal, Kris Cash. “From teaching them in 6th and 7th grade, to catching them again in Geometry and seeing all of their growth from an administrative standpoint, is something that I am extremely proud of.”
Cash continued to remember the years he spent with the young men and women while as their coach, teacher, and administrator.
“I think this class, for me anyway, will always be remembered for their resilience and their ability to adjust to any change that has been thrown at them, and they have seen a lot of changes over the years,” recalled Cash. “I say bravo and congratulations to all of these great people, and I am excited to see what God has in store for them down the road. The grind was worth it, and now it’s time to begin the grind for the next chapter.”
Chris Cavin has been named the new Principal of Quitman High School. A resident of West Monroe, LA, Cavin comes to QHS with over 20 years of experience in education, where he has worked as a teacher, instructional coach, testing coordinator, 504 coordinator, assistant principal, and School Building Level Committee (SBLC) chair.
“I am honored to be joining the Quitman High School family,” said Cavin. “I believe in the power of relationships, and I’m committed to creating a school environment where students feel safe, challenged, and supported.”
After having spent the past 10 years at neighboring Choudrant High School and very familiar with Quitman High, Cavin looks forward to taking over for former principal, Billy Carter, who will assume duties of Jackson Parish School Superintendent on July 1st.
“I’m excited to work alongside our amazing teachers, staff, families, and community to continue building something special,” said Cavin. “I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone. My door will always be open, and I look forward to working together to make this a fantastic year.”
Not only an esteemed educator, Cavin is also a dedicated and committed husband to wife Denise (Ware) Cavin, who is also an educator at West Monroe High School. Through their 23-year union, they have been blessed with two children in 18 year 18-year-old Caroline, who is a 2025 West Monroe High School graduate and 16-year-old Haley, who will transfer to QHS this fall.
“I am a proud husband to Denise and father to our two daughters, Caroline and Haley,” beamed Cavin. “Faith and family are central to who I am, and I carry those values with me into everything I do — including school leadership.”
Running to Daylight! Landon Boston (#24) sprints through a wide hold created by the Tigers offensive line
No score was kept, but at the end, the Jonesboro-Hodge High School football coaching staff had to feel like a victory was gained in the annual Spring Scrimmage, where the Tigers squared off against visiting Madison High Schoolon Friday.
The determination didn’t come as result of scoring more touchdowns than the opponent but rather the effort that the squad of Tigers gave, resulting in optimism being held for the 2025-26 LHSAA football season that will kickoff this fall.
“As we always expect, there were several things that we could have done better and will need to work on,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Overall, though our staff was pleased with the effort given by the team and we are excited about what our possibilities are next fall.”
Played under a controlled format of having the first-string offense play against the opponent’s team defense for a set number of plays and then doing the same with each team’s second stringers, the Tigers looked crisp despite having only a few days of practice leading up to the contest.
“Although we are short on numbers again this year, we have a number of players returning who gained a tremendous amount of experience last year and for the most part they showed they were comfortable with their assignments,” said Blankenship.
This was especially true of returning quarterback Dakota Knox and running back Landon Boston on offense and linebacker Maurice Baker, all who drew praise for their play.
“We have good leadership on both sides of the ball,” commented Blankenship. “I dont know how the season ahead will play out, but I believe if the guys continue to work hard this summer we have the opportunity to be succesful this fall.”
Fumble! Tiger defensive players swarm to a loose ball
(l-r) Chance Williams, Clay Williams, Ethan Bradford, Steve Williams
Ethan Bradford of Jonesboro-Hodge High School has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the annual Paula Jones Williams Memorial Scholarship. Given each year to the JHHS graduate who best fits the model set by the beloved educator in the Jonesboro-Hodge School System for 34 years, who lost her life in 2020, the scholarship can be used at an accredited 2 or 4-year University/College, or a Vocational-Technical College.
“My family and I would like to congratulate the winner of the fifth annual Paula Jones Williams Memorial Scholarship,” said Clay Williams. “We had several very deserving applicants, and the choice was difficult. Congratulations to Ethan Bradford! Mom loved you, and I know she is happy with our decision. Best of luck as you pursue your dreams!
Benoit Ford in Jonesboro announces that voting is ongoing to select the 2025 Senior Star from Jackson Parish. Choices are Ric’Kiya Bryant of Jonesboro-Hodge High Schoo, Chloe Truelove of Gracepoint Christian Academy, and Collin Shows of Weston High School.
Voting is easy! Head to the Benoit Senior Stars website and click the heart on your favorite senior’s photo to cast your vote. Voting ends at midnight on May 23rd, and two $1,000.00 scholarship winners will be selected from all parishes participating on May 24th, along with the senior with the most hearts in each parish group receiving a $50 gift card!
It is something that prep athletes in northeast Louisiana dream of, as only the elite few are even ever considered for the coveted honor. What is being referred to is being named an “Aaron’s Ace”, presented each week to a top-performing athlete in northeast Louisiana each week by award-winning sports broadcaster, Aaron Dietrich, of KNOE-TV, Channel 8, out of Monroe.
For almost all, to have Dietrich come to the school, do an interview that is aired on a TV-8 sports segment, and receive the much-desired “Aaron’s Ace” t-shirt, it represents a “once-in-a-lifetime” achievement.
For Quitman High School phenom, Cali Deal, being an “Aaron’s Ace” is nothing new. Actually, it has become somewhat of a springtime ritual for Dietrich to present the LSU signee who has led QHS to back-to-back LHSAA state softball championships with the award.
“What color shirt do you want this year,” deadpanned Dietrich, while conducting her interview this past Tuesday when he came to the campus of Quitman High School to present Deal with her third “Aaron’s Ace” award in the past three years.
To view the entire segment that was aired on Channel 8 Sport on Saturday, May 17th, click here.
Garrett Dietrich was named the recipient of the Jackson Parish Shooting Sports Scholarship
Congratulations go to five outstanding 2025 high school graduates from Jackson Parish who have been awarded scholarships through the Jackson Parish 4-H program.
A total of five scholarships in all were presented, with Garrett Dietrich being named the recipient of the Jackson Parish Shooting Sports Scholarship while Ethan Bradford from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Alley Hines of Weston High School, and Jake Potts and Eliza Guin both from Quitman High School all were awarded with the Jackson Parish 4-H Foundation Scholarship.
“Jackson Parish 4-H will certainly miss these seniors as they head out to make their mark on the world,” said Jackson Parish 4-H Director Kristina Bourgeous. “These seniors have spent many an hour participating in 4-H activities from local to regional to statewide opportunities, and have seized every opportunity to make Jackson Parish 4-H proud.”
Over the past several weeks, young elementary to high school athletes all over Jackson Parish have been attempting to put their “best foot forward” in tryouts, hoping to earn a spot on their school’s athletic teams for the 2025-26 school year.
Below are the names of those selected to be on rosters for various sports next year. Congratulations to all who were chosen!
The Jackson Parish Library Board of Controls will hold its meeting for the second quarter of 2025 at 4:30 pm on Monday, May 19th, in the McBride Room of the Main Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro.
The meeting by Board members Paula Essmeier, Judy Cooper, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, Vicki Jenkins, Robin Tew, President Carol Massey, and Jackson Parish Police Jury, ex-officio Lewis Chatham was originally scheduled to be held earlier this month but was forced to be rescheduled due to a lack of a quorum being available.
Jackson Parish Library Board Agenda
Call to Order Invocation Roll Call: Essmeier______ Cooper______ Nunn ______ Standley______ Jenkins______ Tew ______ Massey ______ Chatham______ Public Comments Approval of Minutes 1. Review and adopt the minutes from the January 21, 2025, board meeting Report of Director: Statistical and Financial 2. Review and adopt the 1st Quarter financial reports 3. Review and adopt the January, February, and March statistical reports New Business Unfinished Business Other Business/ Announcements 4. If you have not done so, please turn in your ethics and sexual harassment training Adjournment.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Floyd Knox at (318) 259-5697
Weston High School Principal, David Huckaby, along with the administration, faculty, and staff, is pleased to recognize the ones who have gone above and beyond to earn the title of Students of the Month.
Earning the honored designation is Harper Fordham, Hollis House, Beaux Gandy, Rayleigh Puffer, Eli Jones, Saniyah Saulsberry, Joshua Torres, Elsie Flynn, Easton Borders, Jase Borders, Colton Blundell and Bryce Zehr.
Caney Lake Community Foundation 9th Annual Gumbo Cook Off Entrants
The 9th Annual Caney Lake Gumbo Cook Off was held recently to the enjoyment of young and old alike, who got to sample the many presentations submitted by local cuisiniers, and take home prizes provided by sponsor Peoples Bank and Charlie Brown.
