What Should Schools Teach?

By Royal Alexander

“I Don’t Think Parents Should be Telling Schools What They Should Teach”

This statement was recently made by Democrat nominee for Virginia governor (and former VA governor), Terry McAuliffe.  Think about that statement again.  “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” Wow.  At a time when many traditional, well-accepted aspects of American life have become backwards and upside down this comment nevertheless took me aback.  However, it really shouldn’t have because these are the views of the Left which firmly believes that the supreme authority in children’s lives is the state, not their parents and not God.

How have we seen statements like this reflected lately? Well, as I shared two weeks ago in this column, The National School Boards Association first, we’ve now learned, coordinated for weeks before the letter was sent with the Biden Administration and then wrote in a September letter to President Biden urging Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice to stop “domestic terrorism and hate crimes” against public school officials.  This means the National School Boards Association believed that the fact that parents were fighting to protect the health, safety and welfare of their children was so “dire” a situation that the Attorney General should invoke the Patriot Act and have these concerned parents deemed “domestic terrorists” under the Act.

Well, Attorney General Garland complied by issuing an October memo instructing law enforcement (including FBI) and prosecutors to develop “strategies for addressing threats against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.”  AG Garland, whose son in law’s company, Panorama, is providing its Critical Race Theory platform to over 1,500 school districts, 23,000 schools and 13 million students, is set to again testify before Congress this coming week on these issues.

What are parents so concerned and irate about? Well, let’s see.  It may include the fact that in much of America, public schools have not truly educated children in decades and today serve more as a breeding ground for indoctrination in cultural Marxism than as institutions designed to impart even the most basic knowledge of language, math, science, or history.  Please know I don’t intend here to bash or criticize the large majority of teachers in Louisiana and across the country who are deeply committed to their jobs and try very hard to educate their students.  My focus here is on the school boards and school administrators who demand that these teachers—rather than concentrate on imparting the basic knowledge that will be necessary for their students to function in our society—instead “teach” these highly inappropriate topics including sexual perversion, gender identity and racial politics.

By the way, what is it specifically that parents so heatedly oppose? Well, among other things, pandemic shutdowns, the endless and burdensome coronavirus mask mandates, the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT, which essentially argues that America is historically and hopelessly racist), transgender confusion policies, Drag Queen Story Hour at the local library, as well as materials containing graphic sexual content (i.e., porn disguised as literature) being forced upon their children in public schools.  (I realize that these topics may also be taught at private schools, but those schools don’t involve public taxpayer funds).

What is the most important fact here that Terry McAuliffe and the Left are ignoring?  That children are not the property of the state and that parents are the final authority regarding what their children are taught and what they learn.  The U.S. Supreme Court has many times recognized the fundamental liberty interest of American parents in—and constitutional right to control and direct—the education of their own children.   That is why rowdy and heated local opposition to school board policies has been a hallmark of civic engagement and our constitutional form of government.  It is also why millions of American parents have sacrificed greatly to put their children in private schools and a significant factor regarding why homeschooling numbers are increasing rapidly across the country.

Government may possess a compelling interest in the solid and thorough education of children with basic human knowledge and an understanding of American principles such that they develop into good and civic-minded citizens.  That was certainly the original goal of public education.  However, government most assuredly does not possess a compelling interest in replacing the rights of parents to educate their children with the government’s desire to indoctrinate children who are particularly vulnerable to it because of their youth and innocence.  I hope parents continue to firmly stand against this.


Friday Night Lights in DeSoto

All high school football teams are playing at home Friday night.  DeSoto schools said the forecast is calling for the perfect weather for football under the Friday Night Lights!

Last Friday the Mansfield Wolverines won their away district game against Bossier by a score of 14-9.    Mansfield is now 4-3 overall and 2-0 in district.  Friday is Homecoming and Senior Night.  They host North Webster in a district game.

The Tigers from Logansport were victorious in their away district game against Northwood (Lena, LA) by a score of 36-0.  That brings Logansport’s season record to 4-4 and district play to 3-0.  Friday night the St. Mary’s Tigers will be in town.

The North DeSoto football team won their away district game against Evangel Christian Academy last Friday.  The final score was 36-13.  Their season record is 4-4 and their district record is 3-0 going into Friday night’s home game against Woodlawn.

With all teams at home, enjoy Friday night under the lights in DeSoto Parish.


Future Educators

At North Desoto High, Future Educators worked Friday to analyze the Grouping indicator from the NIET Teaching Standards Rubric. We’re so excited to start working with our Educators Rising group.

Any North DeSoto student interested in pursuing a career in education, reach out to Ms. Kimbrough to begin your journey.


Mardi Gras Comes to Mansfield Library

Ms. Earnestine Sudds displays her beautiful Mardi Gras outfits at the Mansfield Main Library.  She is an active member of New Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield. She serves as chairperson of various church programs.

She is the daughter of Jeffrey Sudds Sr. and Roberdia Sudds and a graduate of DeSoto High School where she received her BA degree in Education, Southern University, Baton Rouge, MA degree, Prairie View A & M College, Prairie View, TX; holds a certified certificate as School Principal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Visiting Teacher, Parish/City School Supervisor; additional study; University of CO; University of Denver, University of MO; University of Western Carolina; Jackson State University; University of Santa Clara; LSU; Southern University.

She retired after 33 years of service in the Caddo Parish School System where she taught at Union High School and Linwood Middle School.

Ms. Earnestine holds lifetime memberships in Southern University Alumni Education Association, member of National Education Association, LA Association of Educators, Phi Delta Kappan, 1000 Woman Organization, Krewe of Nile (Queen Nile II) Mardi Gras Association, member of State and Local Retired Teacher Organization, Caddo Parish Commissioner, Shreveport, LA. She is also a member of the Caddo Board Retired Teachers Association, NEA/LAE, CAE member, New Arts Cultural Society (Guild), New Dimension Choral Society, Choral Society and Commissioner of Voters. Some of these organizations provide support to education and various charities and promote economic grown. Scholarships are provided to local high school and college students.

This very sweet, active lady is an honored and faithful patron at the Mansfield Main Library. Stop by the library to see her beautiful costumes. For more information, contact Branch Manager Doris Ross at 872-6100.


Notice of Death – October 27, 2021

Debra Maurice Zuel

October 24, 1953 to October 19, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/26/debra-maurice-zuel/

Donald Edwards

Thursday Viewing October 28,2021 Walk-Thru Only from 2:00-6:00 Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.  Saturday Service October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.

Pastor Joe N. Paul

Walk-Thru only Friday October 29, 2021 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.


ETC… For Wednesday, October 27, 2021

From the 42nd Judicial District Court:  Prospective jurors for this week (October 25, 2021): all matters set for trial have now been resolved. If you received a text or email alert instructing you to report for jury duty tomorrow (10/26/21), please disregard the message. You no longer need to report.

The Stonewall Branch of the parish library is offering STEM programs to all homeschoolers the first Tuesday of each month! Have fun and learn too! Call 925-9191 for more information!

There will be a Halloween Carnival at Logansport High on Thursday.  It will feature a Dunking Booth, Games, Cake Walk, Bingo, and a Costume contest.  Concessions will be sold.


Debra Maurice Zuel

A memorial service honoring the life of Debra Maurice Zuel, 67, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Blue Ridge Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Officiating the service will be Reverend David Hill.

Debra was born to Dempsey Miller and Peggy Bryant Miller (Kettlewell) on October 24, 1953 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and entered into eternal rest on October 19, 2021 in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.

Debra was a resident of Pleasant Hill and worked as a Cashier for quite some time. She attended Blue Ridge Methodist Church and was a faithful follower of Christ. Debra enjoyed playing pool, video poker, watching Saints football, spending time with friends and family and had a deep-rooted passion for helping others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She touched many lives and will be truly missed by those who knew her.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Elijah Peters and her husband and love of her life, Billy Zuel. Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Peggy Jimenez and husband, Jesse, and Beverly Gibson Webster; brothers Thomas Cheek and wife, Rebecca, and Kenny Kettlewell; sons, Jerry Ray Cowser and Jesse James Cowser and wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Jonel LeLora Cowser; her close friend, Karen Kappen and 3 loving grandchildren.


Notice of Death – October 23, 2021

Kerry Eugene Wright

January 7, 1935 to October 21, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/22/kerry-eugene-wright/

Bonnie Marie Leone Springer

June 2, 1945 to October 18, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/21/bonnie-marie-leone-springer/

Cheryl Mathis Smith

January 8, 1949 to October 18, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/21/cheryl-mathis-smith/

Donald Edwards

Thursday Viewing October 28,2021 Walk-Thru Only from 2:00-6:00 Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.  Saturday Service October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.

Pastor Joe N. Paul

Walk-Thru only Friday October 29, 2021 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.

Deacon Huey P. Evans Sr.

Service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Bethlehem B.C. in Naborton, LA Final Resting Place will follow at Bethlehem B.C. Cemetery.


Kerry Eugene Wright

A funeral service honoring the life of Kerry Eugene Wright, 86, will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral home, 943 Polk St., Mansfield, Louisiana. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Homer, Louisiana at 2:30 p.m. There will be a visitation held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Reverend Bill McLain.

Kerry was born to George Elvis Wright and Pauline Haskins Wright on January 7th, 1935 in Minter, Texas and entered into rest the night of October 21st, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Kerry was a resident of Mansfield, Louisiana for 40 years, and worked as a Chemical Engineer for the International Paper company for 36 years. Kerry was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and served the Lord in every aspect of his life. He was a devoted husband of almost 64 years to Millie, and he loved his family deeply. A graduate of Texas A&M, he was a faithful follower of the Aggies, and enjoyed spending his time gardening, traveling, and reading. Those who knew Kerry would say he was a loving, gentle, kind, humble and encouraging man, who loved his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife; Mildred B. Wright; sons, Eugene Wright and wife, Lisa, and Allan Wright and wife, Claire; daughter, Judy Low and husband, Bill; grandchildren, Trey Low and wife, Margaret, Lindsey Briscoe and husband, Matthew, Annie Low and be PFC Nathan Kerry Wright (USMC); great-grandchildren, Ellie Grace Low, Evie Low, Graeme Low, Cate Low and Austin Briscoe; sister, Juanita Taylor and husband, Silas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Honoring Kerry as pallbearers will be Paul E. Knapp, William Richardson Low, Jr., William Richardson Low III, Matthew Briscoe, Mike Melton, and Richard Wilkinson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be PFC Nathan Kerry Wright (USMC), Silas Taylor, Larry Taylor, Rickey Brown, John Jones and Bubba English.


DeSoto Sports Weekend

The Mansfield Wolverines are on the road Friday night.  They travel to Bossier for a match with the Bearcats.  The Wolverines are 3-3 on the season and they are 1-0 in district play.  Last week they conquered Green Oaks 46 to 12.

North Desoto is also on the road Friday night.  They travel to Evangel for a district match.  Kickoff is at 7:00 pm.  The Griffins also had a lopsided victory last week.  They defeated BTW 54 to 0.  This brings their season record to 3-4 and the district tally to 2-0.

And the Logansport Tigers head south to Northwood Lena.  Last Friday they went to LaSalle and defeated them 50 to 0 in their back yard.  This brings the Tigers season record to 3-4 and they are 2-0 in district play.


NSU could welcome first female President

Friends call her “Ginny.” Supporters call her “The woman for the job.” History will call her the first female President of Northwestern State University if Dr. Virginia Burkett is selected by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on Nov. 8.

Many believe Dr. Burkett, a longtime resident of Sabine Parish who works in Washington DC, leads the pack of the top six semi-finalists, from whom will be named a new President of NSU.

Dr. Burkett is currently Chief Scientist in the U.S. Department of the Interior, heading up the Climate and Land Use Change, Office of International Programs, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

She is the only candidate for NSU President with local roots who has earned global respect. Her legacy of intellect and integrity reaches from Louisiana to Washington, DC, and across the world.

“In my opinion and experience, integrity is the essence of successful leadership,” Dr. Burkett shared in her Letter of Interest submitted recently to the University of Louisiana (UL) System Board, along with her 25-page resumé.

Her extensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) credentials include

– Proven leadership and administrative expertise statewide, nationally, and globally

– Management of State and Federal budgets of over $140 million dollars annually

– Management of over 750 full-time employees

– Contributing Author to an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007

– Recipient of the Diversity Award five times by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2021) and the U.S. Geological Survey (2020, 2017, 2015 and 2014)

– Recipient of Minority Student and Faculty Enhancement Award (2003), National Urban & Community Conference for Minority and Underserved Communities

– First female in the United State to direct a state fish and wildlife agency

– Invited lecturer at Harvard, Stanford, West Point, Columbia, Princeton, Wheaton, U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, Royal Institute of Foreign Affairs (UK) and other respected institutions

– Appointed by the White House to Co-Chair a $2.4 billion Global Change Research Program

– One of three generations to attend and graduate from NSU

– Long Purple Line inductee in 2011

– NSU Foundation Board from 2012 until present

– Service on approximately 70 other Boards, Committees and Science Panels

There are those who say Dr. Burkett does not have enough experience in academia to get the job. But her supporters say a lifetime spent in academia does not a leader make. They feel her stronger administrative skills are by far more desirable.

“As I have during every position I have every held, I would pour my energy, passion, and experience into leading NSU,” Dr. Burkett shared with the UL Board.

Her career is an achievement-filled example of commitment to excellence, intellect, an extraordinary work ethic and integrity.

When she left state government, the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate captured the great loss that was felt with an editorial cartoon depicting a bear sitting on a stump reading a newspaper with a headline about her departure. “Who will take care of me now?” the bear is lamenting.

Dr. Burkett has been published in dozens of peer-reviewed journals and definitive, encyclopedic publications (about 100 entries are listed on her CV) and one may doubt that is a complete list. She is that prolific. She also serves as Editor of the international scientific journal Regional Environmental Change and on the Editorial Board of Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics.

Dr. Burkett has given scores of media interviews ranging from The New York Times and US News and World Report to Louisiana Public Broadcasting and The Economist magazine. Those are only a few of the more recent examples. So, supporters say, she certainly has the experience and the wherewithal to represent NSU not only nationally, but around the world, and to represent it very well.

Dr. Burkett is a licensed Arborist, Master Gardener and holds a Private Pilot’s license. In addition, she is a beekeeper who harvests her own honey. She is a current member of the Louisiana State Museum of Geoscience Associates, (Charter Member); Louisiana Wildlife Biologists Association, (Life Member); American Association for the Advancement of Science and International Society of Arboriculture.

“To top it all off, Dr. Burkett is genuinely a nice person,” Laurie Gentry of Many shared on the supporters’ Burkett for NSU President Facebook page. “If you don’t know a lot about her, that’s because she is not the sort to self-promote or aggrandize her truly amazing achievements. Her work speaks for itself. The report she helped author which won a Nobel Prize is credited by many scientists and policymakers as being the catalyst for environmental change worldwide. Northwestern State University needs that kind of leadership.”

The UL System Board of Supervisors is welcoming input on whom they should select as NSU President. To send a letter of support, email northwesternpresidentialsearch@ulsystem.edu. Email will be forwarded to all Board Members. They are Vice Chair Elizabeth Pierre of Monroe, Parliamentarian Jimmy Clarke of Lafayette, Barry Busada of Shreveport, John Condos of Lake Charles, Steve Davison of Ruston, Lola Dunahoe of Natchitoches, Thomas Kitchen of Metairie, Mimi Methvin of Lafayette, Alejandro “Al Perkins of Prairieville, Dana Peterson, Virgil Robinson Jr. of New Orleans, Mark Romero of Lafayette, Kristine Russell of Thibodaux, Joe Salter of Florien, Brad Stevens of Hammond, and Southeastern Louisiana University Student Board Member L’Oreal Williams.

“I pledge to work with our Board of Supervisors, faculty, administrators, alumni, and Natchitoches community and, most importantly, the students of our wonderful university in leading NSU to achieve new levels of success with all of our endeavors. …I cannot think of a more important investment of a lifetime of hard work and experience other than serving as the President of NSU,” Dr. Burkett shared.

Dr. Burkett’s
Curriculum Vitae/Resume: https://tinyurl.com/kpbxpjkk


A Festive Fall Weekend

There are several fun events you can take advantage of this weekend in our parish.  Those include a festival in downtown Mansfield, the debut of the latest production at the Back Alley Theatre, a Krewe of Demeter fundraiser, and Trunk or Treat.

Let’s begin with the Polk Street market.  It will be held downtown on the Courthouse square beginning at 8:30 am Saturday.  The event will feature local artisans, children’s activities, crafts, produce, food trucks and a lot more.  There will be live music and a gospel band at the market.

Also, in Mansfield on Saturday, Community Bank is presenting a Fall Festival.  The hours are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the bank on Jefferson Street.  There will be Trunk or Treat, games, a pumpkin patch and other activities.  The bank invited everyone to wear their best costume and enter the costume contest.

Up the road in Grand Cane, the latest production from the Back Alley Community Theatre premieres tonight.  There will be nightly performances at 7:00 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a matinee at 2:00 pm on Sunday.  There will also be performances next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Southern Fried Funeral is the name of the production.  From the theatre’s website, “Dewey Frye is dead, and the rest of his family is left to pick up the pieces. A big-hearted comedy about family – Southern Style – as matriarch Dorothy contends with sudden widowhood, church-committee harpy Ozella Meeks, Dewey’s snake-in-the-grass brother, and two grown daughters reliving their childhood rivalry.”

Saturday evening the Krewe of Demeter will hold a fundraiser called Bingo, BBQ, and Beads. A $25 ticket gets you a BBQ plate and your first two bingo cards.  Other prizes are promised by their promotional flyer.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is the site for Bingo, BBQ, and Beads.  It begins at 5:00 pm Saturday.


New Scam Alert For Businesses

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is currently investigating a new scam in our area that has so far affected two businesses.  Here is what you need to know:

In the past week, two local businesses received a phone call from what appeared to be a corporate office.  The scam caller knew names of employees and layout of the businesses.  Employees were given a story and were instructed to remove money from their business or safe to deliver to another location.  It is unknown at this time what the intentions are of the scam caller, or how they intend to retrieve the money.  Thus far, employees have acted on good intuition and did not comply, however the businesses have reported that this scam caller was very believable with their information.  We thank those who have not only reported this information to us, but acted with great intuition as to avoid potential danger or damages.

If you should receive a call similar to this, our office advises you to do the following:  Tell the caller that you are going to hang up and call your corporate office or manager to verify.  Do not use any phone numbers provided to you by the potential scammer to verify anything.  In the event that your corporate office or manager cannot verify the story, please contact investigators with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately at (318) 872-3956.


College and Career Fair

Students participated in the DeSoto Parish College and Career Fair this week.  Seniors were able to gain valuable information about potential college admissions, careers and vocational training options.

The event was put on by DeSoto Parish Schools.


Red Ribbon Week

Next week is Red Ribbon Week at North DeSoto High School! Uniform bottoms and proper shoes must be worn each day. No Crocs permitted.

There is a different theme for each day.  See the flyer for more information.


Jail Visits Have Resumed

CORRECTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT:

As of October 19, the DeSoto Detention Center resumed public visitation for inmates housed in our facility.  All visitation requests must be made 24 hours in advance.  Upon calling in advance, visitations will be scheduled, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 1pm and 4pm each day.  To schedule a visitation, you may call our Detention Center directly at:

(318) 872-2295. 

As always, City TeleCoin and Commissary for all inmates can still be accessed by downloading the free DeSoto Sheriff App from your Google Play and Apple App Stores.  Once downloaded, tap on More where you will find the Commissary feature.


Unserviceable Flag Retirement Ceremony

When American flags become worn, torn or faded they are no longer in condition to fly.  There is a proper way to retire an old flag.  The public is invited to view and take part in a proper retirement of our flag.

Event is to be held by American Legion LA Post 157 at Logansport.  The public is invited.  And you are also encouraged to participate. If you would like to participate by carrying a flag at the ceremony, to its retirement, please contact the post.

The flag retirement ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11th at 7:00 pm.  It will be held at the post in Logansport.


Wrapping Up 2021 Fishing Season

By Steve Graf

Each year during the months of October and November, anglers sit down and look at all the different schedules for the many bass tournament trails that exist. There are so many circuits today that fishermen have to choose what they are going pursue the next year. Anglers today are pulled in so many different directions that it’s almost impossible to fish everything going on. You have a great selection of team circuits (two anglers in a boat) like Bass Champs, The Texas Tournament Trail and now the Pro Texas Team Trail. The other pro/am tours that are on an angler’s radar for the next season, include the ABA (American Bass Anglers) Open Series, The ABA Solo Top 150, Major League Fishing BFL (Bass Fishing League) and the MLF’s Toyota Series. Each of these has a consistent following and each represent different levels of fishing competition. Many of the same anglers follow at least two of these and a few follows three. The Toyota Series is the best of the best and has some anglers actually make a living following this circuit.

For me, at some point in my career, I have followed each of these, but the two that I focus on now are with American Bass Anglers (ABA). For the last few years, I have fished the Open Series and now the new Solo Top 150 that started this year. The ABA Tour has what they call the Ray Scott National Championship. This is, and continues to be, a great event with anywhere from 175 to 200 pros and co-anglers from all over the country. I have qualified for this event 5 of the last 6 years including next year’s 2022 at Lake Eufaula. ABA does a great job of keeping the cost down on all their tours while trying to accommodate the weekend warriors (working man). Their new Solo 150 Pro Tour is a prime example of that with a $600 entry fee for a two-day event with the chance to win $20,000 dollars. No other circuit offers a better payback than ABA does. 

For me, it’s been the tale of two seasons. The first half of the year was not anything special, but I kept myself in contention with hopes of a better second half. At one point, I thought that my season was doomed. But I had a strong finish in the last two ABA Open Series events with a 2nd place finish at Sam Rayburn and a 7th place finish at the ABA Two-Day Championship on Lake Texoma. This landed me a 5th place overall in the Angler of the Year standing for 2021 and qualified me for the Ray Scott National Championship at Lake Eufaula Alabama. This is an event I’m really looking forward to next April!

I’m still currently fishing the new TTO Pro Team Tour with one more event left for 2021 at Lake Sam Rayburn on November 20th & 21st. Even though my tournaments are coming to an end, I will use this time to experiment and learn new techniques or maybe get better at finesse fishing. But one thing is for certain, I do not worry about winterizing my boat as I continue to fish all through the winter months and prepare for 2022. So, this fall, enjoy the fall feeding frenzy and get ready for some of the best bass fishing action of the year! Good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!


“Sing For Life” Benefit in Shreveport

By Kelly Christian

A gospel singing event will be hosted to benefit the Shreveport Pregnancy Center.  The pregnancy center is located in south Shreveport and serves DeSoto and other parishes in the area.  They offer free pregnancy tests, options counseling, community referrals and parenting/prenatal classes.   For mothers choosing to parent, their programs allow families to earn free baby materials.  This ministry offers hope to women in crisis with practical resources and spiritual support through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 2020 Shreveport reported that over 3,500 abortions were provided, more than any other city in the state. With that number increasing in 2021, SPC stepped up to meet the needs of the many women seeking factual information and resources.  They seek to not only save women from the spiritual and physical destruction abortion causes but to educate and empower them with the tools needed to encourage a better life for them and their children.

The gospel singing event will also include a silent auction, food, and fellowship.  The event is free to the public and will be streamed on facebook.com/shreveportpc where you will find a link to make donations.


DeSoto School Activities

Recently students from North DeSoto High School’s Electrical class toured Allen’s Electric Motor Service Inc. in Vivian. The tour highlighted the processes that go into rebuilding and repairing electric motors, safety procedures, and the many uses of electric motors in our daily lives.

Attention Seniors! Thursday, Oct. 28, from 5-7pm, North DeSoto High School will host FAFSA Frenzy. The graphic below gives details.


Notice of Death – October 22, 2021

Bonnie Marie Leone Springer

June 2, 1945 to October 18, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/21/bonnie-marie-leone-springer/

Cheryl Mathis Smith

January 8, 1949 to October 18, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2021/10/21/cheryl-mathis-smith/

Pastor Joe N. Paul

Walk-Thru only Friday October 29, 2021 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.

Donald Edwards

Thursday Viewing October 28,2021 Walk-Thru Only from 2:00-6:00 Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.  Saturday Service October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, La.


ETC… For Friday, October 22, 2021

A big “congratulations” goes out to Alisha McDaniel.  She won the DeSoto Parish Journal’s second Blackout Bingo jackpot.  Alisha takes home $100.  If you would like to be in the next game, text the word “games” to 833-615-4105 and we will put you in the data base to receive a game card for our next game.

Friday October 22nd is a Jean & Spirit Shirt day for Logansport High School for students and staff.  Also, Elementary Concessions sold.  For PreK through 5th Grade it’s Fire Prevention Week.  And the Junior High will hold Softball tryouts.

Friday, October 22nd will be a PINK OUT at Mansfield Middle School. Students may wear pink on Friday to recognize those who have battled or are currently battling Breast Cancer.

Remember jeans may not have rips, tears, holes, or frays.


Bonnie Marie Leone Springer

Funeral Services honoring the life of Mrs. Bonnie Marie Leone Springer, 76, will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at San Patricio Baptist Church in Converse, Louisiana.  Interment will follow at Cassell Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Danny Asbell.

Bonnie was born to Florence Ebarb Leone and Bonnie Eli Leone on June 2, 1945 in Zwolle, Louisiana and entered into eternal peace on October 18, 2021 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Bonnie was a resident of Converse, Louisiana and worked as a substitute teacher for Sabine Parish for many years. During that time, she was loved and quickly became a favorite amongst the students whose lives she touched. A resident of Sabine Parish, Bonnie graduated from Ebarb High school in the class of 1963.  Shortly after, on February 4th, 1967, Bonnie married her soulmate, Johnnie “Boy” Lewis Springer, Jr and spent 54 amazing years with him. In 1976, Bonnie was baptized and became a faithful member of San Patricio Baptist Church of Converse, Louisiana. She was the church clerk and substitute pianist and served her Lord in every aspect of her life. Bonnie was a dedicated Ladies’ Auxilary member for post 5187 in Zwolle, Louisiana. For 20 years, Bonnie and her husband participated in the Old Spanish Trail Ride, also referred to as “OSTR”.  She also served approximately 12 years as a first responder for the North Sabine Fire District.  Bonnie enjoyed music, dancing, making wreaths, and playing bingo with her friends- and winning. Everyone that knew Bonnie knew how much she loved and cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Don Michael Leone. She is survived by her husband; brothers, Elzie, Thomas, Harvey and Dale Leone; sister, Jackie Lee children, Sophia Renee Springer Gibson, Shannon Lewis Springer, Shelly Marie Springer Sepulvado,; grandchildren, Adam Gibson, Josh Gibson, Erica Gibson, Chancey Gonzalez, Elizabeth Merriman, Samantha Merriman, Phillip Springer, Trevor Merriman, Brandon Merriman, Shine McGahan; great-grandchildren, Skylar and Jaxon Gibson, Alonso and Johnnie Gonzalez, Daxten Merriman, Scarlett Remedies, Florence Rivers due in October 2021, Mason McGahan, Abigail, Baylie, Wyatt and Branson Merriman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring Bonnie as pallbearers will be Adam Gibson, Chris Ebarb, Jonathan Springer, Elbulon Springer, Santiago Gonzalez, Bryan Leone, Robert Dale Leone and Wesley Sepulvado . Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Ethan Meshell, Lucas Springer, Ryan Ebarband Zachary “Butterbean” Lee.


Cheryl Mathis Smith

A graveside service honoring the life of Cheryl Mathis Smith, 72, will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana.  Officiating the service will be Reverend Joe Waggener.

Cheryl was born to Walter Malcolm Mathis and Anna Mathis Herring on January 8, 1949 in Overton, Texas and went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

I don’t know who reads obituaries or why or even how to go about writing one.  I guess I’ll start by saying that my brother and I were blessed at birth.  God placed us in the loving care of Bill and Cheryl Smith.  They were the best parents any guy could ever hope to have, and my heart breaks for those who weren’t as fortunate.  However, the problem with a close-knit family and a strong bond is the pain that comes at a time like this – Loving someone so deeply that a piece of you dies with them.  We loved our mother more than life.  She was a beautiful, Godly woman who taught us how to trust God and his plan, which isn’t always easy.  She taught us how to live, love, forgive and treat others.  She was our prayer warrior, our strongest ally, biggest supporter and friend, and she will be missed until we are reunited in heaven.  She was loved.  She was loved.  She was loved.

Cheryl has taken her place in heaven beside her father, Mac Mathis, and her beloved nephew, Samuel Guy.  She leaves behind the woman who taught her everything, her sweet mother, Anna Mathis Herring.  She is also survived by her loyal, loving and faithful husband, Bill; devoted sister, Janet Guy; sons, Critter and me (Jono) and our wonderful wives, Becky and Stephanie Smith; four grandkids, Jaylie, Caleb, Kameron and Kayson and nephew Peyton Guy.  Her extended family loved as much was Brenda Hall, Connie Ruffin and Shelby Herring.   She had too many other family and friends to mention.  But you know you were loved. She was our angel on Earth, and we will be with her again one day.

Honoring Cheryl as pallbearers will be Joe Craig Fleniken, Mike Smith, Jon Christian Stewart, Judd Smith, Josh Ellis, David Hornsby, and Kerry Hornsby.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests for any donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Ambassadors to the Nations, or any other charitable organization of your choice.