Notice of Death – Saturday, January 29, 2022

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Jerry Wain McDonald, 83, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Converse, LA with Brother Chucky Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Converse Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, until the time of service.

Jerry passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was born in Converse, LA on February 5, 1938, to Rixie and Gladys Graham McDonald. He graduated from Converse High School and served as Sunday school secretary and Deacon of First Baptist Church in Converse. He was a veteran of the Armed Forces. He received a business degree from Northwestern State University and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Masters +30 in Administrations, Supervision and Guidance Counseling.

Jerry began his career as a teacher and later became principal in Johnson Bayou, Cameron Parish LA. He then served many years as teacher and guidance counselor at Converse High School, Converse LA. He was president of the North Sabine Fire District Board of Directors for 3 years and has been a member of the NSFD for almost 30 years. He served as vice-president, president and in various other capacities for the Sabine Parish Police Jury.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brothers, Don, J.T., and Robert McDonald. Left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Kimberly McDonald Lewis of Greenville, TX, Karen McDonald Hyde and her husband, Josh of Alexandria, LA, Kristie McDonald Fresh and her husband, Dr. Robert Fresh of Woodworth, LA; his sisters, Mary M. Hawthorne of Converse, LA, Betty M. English and her husband, Donnie of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Dr. Autumn Lewis, Caroline Hyde, Christian Hyde, August Fresh, Camilla Fresh, Anders Fresh, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Jerry had special people take care of him during his time of illness and they became family: Sherri Vines, Macey Tuck, Beverly Marr, Johnette Ryals, Debbie Procell Roe, Jerry Campbell, Cindy Bissell, Misti Booker, and Lillie-Anne Kay Tuck.

Honoring Jerry as pallbearers will be Jerry Campbell, Noel Hicks, Johnny Wayne Ebarb, Ronald McDonald, Craig Richardson, and Doug Williams.

Willie Lou Booker Fox

January 29, 2022January 29, 2022 / NPJ

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Willie Lou Booker Fox, 85, was at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Mitchell Baptist Church in Mitchell, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at the Mitchell Cemetery in Mitchell, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Reverend Bobby Russell.

Lou was born on September 18, 1936, to Boone and Viola Bolton Booker, in Stanley, Louisiana, and entered into eternal rest on January 25, 2022, in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Fox; her parents, and two sisters, Bonnie Cordova and Gail McIntyre.Left to cherish her memory include her son, Roger Fox, and wife, Kimberly; her daughter, Carolyn Ezernack; her sisters, Tiney Allen, Linda Love, and husband, Buddy Love, Johnnie Faye Hensley, Robin Smith, and husband Grady Smith, Donna Williams and husband Lonnie Williams, Brenda Walker, and husband Paul Walker; her brothers, Ted Booker, and wife Beverly, Jerry Booker, and wife Jean; brother-in-law, Joe McIntyre; sister-in-law Zula Fox; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Honoring Lou as pallbearers will be Ted Booker, Buddy Love, Jerry Booker, Evan Ezernack, Lance Rivers, and Lawson Rivers.

Robert Ellis Asseff

January 29, 2022January 29, 2022 / NPJ

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Robert Ellis Asseff, 87, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Rose-Neath Chapel in Mansfield, Louisiana with Reverend Margaret Ayers officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, until the time of service.

Robert passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana He was born in Mansfield, Louisiana on March 8, 1934, to Waddie and Helen Elias Asseff.

He graduated from Mansfield High School in 1952. Robert served in the United States Army. He then attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in Forestry Management. After graduating college, he went to work at International Paper and then retired in 1996.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, George Asseff, and his sister, Mary Martien. He is survived by one sister, Barbara Creamer, and her husband, Aaron, and three brothers, Sam, Walter, and John Asseff, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Honoring Robert as pallbearers will be Jay Sheffield, James Sheffield, Justin Sheffield, Glen Wofford, Jr., Tim Wofford, and Mark Yawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, 401 Washington Avenue, Mansfield, Louisiana 71052.

J.B. Richards

January 29, 2022January 29, 2022 / NPJ

A funeral service honoring the life of J.B. Richards, 79, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Blue Ridge Methodist Church in Ajax, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Officiating the service was Reverend David Hill.

J.B. was born to Elmer Ross Richards and Lula Pernissia Richards on March 19, 1942, in Center, Texas, and entered into eternal rest on January 16, 2022, in Converse, Louisiana.

J.B was a resident of Converse and worked many jobs throughout his life. For 37 years, he spent time working in the oilfield. He also worked construction for a period of time; and raised chickens for Conagra. J.B. then retired to the lake and worked for the state as a local trash compactor, up until the day he passed. He enjoyed working in the garden and helping his wife hunt or fish, visiting garage sales, and spending time with his family.

J.B. was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Leonie Self Richards; his daughter, Robin Reene Richards, and a host of brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lula Mae Richards; sons, Nathan Lee Richards and wife, Julie, and significant other, Adriana Fargnoli, and Michael William Richards and partner, Stacey Renea and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives.
Honoring J.B. as pallbearers will be Leslie Peterson, Dwayne Brackett, Jimmy Browning, Bobby Goodman, and Brian Miller. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Cody D. Brown.

Lunch and Learn

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

The second event in Shady Grove United Methodist Church’s Lunch and Learn series was held on Tuesday. The series is part of the church’s outreach to senior citizens in the Mansfield area.

Rev. Emily Carroll opened the program with prayer and a welcome. Carroll said, “We are reaching out into the community to help heal the ills of this society. Our topics are relative to senior citizens. Today’s conversations will be about scams, elderly abuse, ID Theft, and other situations they need to be aware of.”

First speaker, Carla Myers with Superior Hospice in Mansfield spoke on elder abuse. She said, “Any type of abuse to someone over 60 years of age is elder abuse and it is against the law.” Among types of abuse mentioned were physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and neglect or abandonment.

Myers noted, “Many older citizens do not report abuse out of fear, they are afraid if they report it and speak up there will be retaliation. Many times, they are afraid of those in charge of their lives.”

She suggested that friends and realties look for little signs that all is not right. “Just show up,” she said, “and see what is going on for yourself. It is a crime so call it in (to law enforcement) and keep on top of it.”

The other speaker on the program was Detective Jacques Burton from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. He discussed identity theft and scammers that target seniors. Burton said today many scams start on social media. He said, “They try to get bits of information that can reveal a person’s name, social security and bank account information. This is critical information that should not be given out. One example was birthdates, including those of children and grandchildren. Many people use birthdays as passwords and giving out birthdates may lead to thieves figuring out passwords to sensitive accounts.”

Burton said scammers are now stealing from people’s bank accounts and converting it to crypto currency. That is almost impossible to trace and recover after a theft like that. And thieves who get into your credit cards can lock out the real owner and charge expensive items to that card.

The old saying “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” is very accurate today. Burton cautioned seniors and everyone not to give out personal information on the internet or on the phone.

Rev. Carroll thanked everyone for coming. Delicious to go lunches were provided by several ladies from the church who manned the kitchen. Carroll said the church plans other similar programs about once a quarter.

Powell Found Guilty

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office reports on January 27th, 2022, Terry Dewayne Powell was found guilty on all charges ranging from:

– 2nd Degree Murder

– Armed Robbery

– Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

– Attempted Armed Robbery.

This case began during the early morning hours of April 12, 2021 when 911 dispatchers received a call from a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Mansfield, La. First Responders would soon locate the male victim, as well as the deceased body of Mrs. Lynda Palmer, behind the front desk.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place in the coming days. Sheriff Richardson, Investigators, and staff continue to offer their thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this case.

Valentine’s Day Cash And A Rose

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

Have you entered yet? Our first winner of $100 plus a red rose will be announced next Wednesday.

The DeSoto Parish Journal is giving roses and cash for Valentine’s Day. Each issue in February leading up to Valentine’s Day we’ll select a winner from our email subscribers. The prize is $100 plus a beautiful red rose from The Flower Shop in Mansfield.

If you have joined our email subscribers, you are in the selection pool. If not, join today. Just CLICK HERE.

You will receive the DeSoto Parish Journal directly to your favorite device each Wednesday and Friday morning. If you follow the Journal on social media, you are probably missing some stories or not getting them in a timely manner. Get on-time delivery of all the local news with your own free subscription.

There is no cost, and you are not obligated for anything. The Journal does not spam you or sell your information. We only want your name and email.

Tell your friends and family members! Spread the word at work. Local DeSoto Parish news is now available on your favorite device.

Stop missing your news. CLICK HERE to join for free.

You could be our next winner of $100 and a red rose for Valentine’s Day.

The Federal Reserve and Why It Should Be Audited

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

By Royal Alexander

The Federal Reserve should never lose sight of the fact that its own funding—as well as the trillions of dollars in financial assets it manages—all derive from the strength and prosperity of the United State and the American taxpayer.

Many of us have heard the term “Federal Reserve” or “The Fed” but may not be certain about what it is and what its role in our government is. Some have referred to The Fed as the “bank for banks”; In simplest terms it is the central bank of the United States and it defines itself as having been created to provide the nation with a “safe, flexible and stable monetary and financial system.” It was also created to act as an independent body, not tied to any presidential administration or partisan agenda.

The Fed is comprised of the Fed Chairman and the Board of Governors who are nominated by the president (and then must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate), a rotating group of Federal Reserve Bank presidents across the country and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Its primary purpose is to keep the American economy strong—by taking steps to ensure high employment, steady and consistent economic growth, as well as controlling and moderating the effects of inflation.

How does it do these things?

Well, it has a number of financial tools at its disposal but perhaps its most important tool—and the one for which it is best known—is its ability to control interest rates, which means controlling the cost of borrowing money. This is generally how it works: the American people need to borrow money from banks which means that banks need to borrow money from some other entity. That entity is the Federal Reserve. And, when banks borrow money from The Fed, The Fed gets to determine what interest rate those borrowing banks will pay on their loans. That’s why any action The Fed takes to raise or lower interest rates affects everything we consumers need and use in our lives including things like credit cards, car loans and the mortgages on our homes.

What does this mean for our economy?

Well, The Fed’s greatest power is that, for example, if the economy is sluggish and not performing well, it lowers interest rates which tends to encourage businesses to expand and people to begin spending again because the cost of borrowing that money is now cheaper after interest rates are lowered. Conversely, if The Fed members feel the economy is growing too quickly and “overheating” in a way that causes inflation it can and will increase interest rates to slow expansion and spending thereby “cooling off” the economy.

The Fed prides itself on being independent from normal political pressure because its members serve fixed terms, it is independently funded and therefore not held reliant upon Congress for its funding, and while the power of a president to remove a member exists, it rarely ever happens.

Should The Fed be audited? It should. Why? Because as we noted above it possesses enormous power to impact the American (and thereby, global) economy and it is largely unanswerable for its actions. An audit of The Fed would not upset the current balance, but it would give the president, Congress, and the American people the opportunity to see exactly what it does. After all, it’s still funded by American tax dollars.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced a bill to “Audit The Fed” that was entitled the “Federal Reserve Transparency Act.” Senator Paul’s bill would do several things, including requiring the nonpartisan, independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough audit of all transactions, deliberations, decisions, or actions regarding financial and monetary policy.

As U.S. Senator John Kennedy (LA) succinctly pointed out in a 2017 letter to The Hill newspaper:

“A few years after the 2008 financial collapse, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) got a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain at the Federal Reserve. Although the review was limited in scope, the GAO was able to audit the agency’s emergency loan programs. What it found was troubling to say the least.

This rare audit found conflicts of interest and no-bid contracts. It also revealed that the Fed authorized $16 trillion in bailouts to businesses and banks without so much as a whisper in the Capitol hallway to Congress. Unsurprisingly, the Federal Reserve would prefer not to be audited further with any degree of substance by the GAO, especially on interest rate decisions. Yet the Federal Reserve insists its reluctance is centered on fears of political interference. (Emphasis added).

Yet, The Fed doesn’t want an auditor peeking over its shoulder as it makes decisions that will impact millions of families. Instead, The Fed is asking us to just trust that everything will work out. And we’re supposed to believe that it’s best for Congress to be blindfolded in its role as public guardian of the American economy. I don’t buy it. It’s time to audit the Fed.” (U.S. Sen. John Kennedy letter to The Hill on 12/18/17).

The Heritage Foundation also notes that “… the Fed has strenuously resisted providing detailed information relating to specific transactions. The Fed’s determined lack of transparency in this area has raised red flags among policymakers, leading to Freedom of Information Act filings with the Fed and proposed legislation in Congress to subject the Fed to an outside audit of its activities …” (Heritage economist, J.D. Foster, 2009).

As former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” We are a Republic based upon our U.S. Constitution which prescribes that we govern ourselves as a representative democracy. Our form of government doesn’t allow for unchecked and unfettered power over our citizens, and this is especially so regarding an entity like The Fed which impacts so much of American life. It must be the subject of an audit that will provide transparency, accountability, and public confidence in its policy decisions.

Demeter Parade Route Updated

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

Updated parade route for February 5 parade in Mansfield.

The Krewe of Demeter Parade will be February 5th at 6:00 in Mansfield, Louisiana. The lineup will be on Oak Street in front of the 911 building next to the old Nabors Trailers Building.

The parade will continue down Washington Street to Schley street where we will make a left on Schley Street and go one block to Jefferson and take a left.

The parade will follow Jefferson all the way to Polk Street and turn right then continue to Myra where it will make a left. It will continue to Franklin Street and turn left where it will return to where it began.

Krewe of Demeter Captain is Linda Carter and Deborah Stewart is the Co-Captain. If you would like to enter anything in the parade, the theme is Crusin’ with the Krewe. Organizers say side by sides, four wheelers, golf carts, trucks, and trailers are welcome.

Aquarius Royalty Announced

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

The Krewe of Aquarius made the official announcement of the royalty for 2022. They congratulated King-Sheriff Jayson Richardson, Queen- Tammy Thomas, and Princess- Joye Malone.

Mark your calendars for February 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm. The 2022 Aquarius parade will be dedicated to our beloved krewe member Teri Hawsey.

The theme is “Lights, Camera, Aquarius.” Get your thinking cap on and join us to make this the best year yet.

Celebrating 100 Days

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

Logansport High School is encouraging its younger students to dress up today. The celebration is the 100^th day of the school year. They are 100 days smarter, a great reason to celebrate.

The school said, “We want students to come to school dressed to show their 100^th day pride. We are encouraging students to dress like they are 100 years old, however, 100^th day t-shirts are great also.”

Here are a few suggestions for students to incorporate into their costumes:

Sprayed grey hair and hair in curlers,

Glasses,

A Shawl or robe and bow ties for the boys,

Suspenders and knee high socks,

Make-up includes drawn on wrinkles, beards and mustaches.

The school said, “We can’t wait to see the creativity!”

The Best Drug Ever

January 27, 2022 / NPJ

By Steve Graf

“Just say no!” This has been the slogan to fight the drug war going on in this country since former First Lady Nancy Reagan introduced it in 1982. Her work was extensive and diligent in fighting the war on drugs. This fight still continues today, and it appears it’s a war we’re losing. With little to no border control and our government leaders refusing to recognize that we have a border crisis, the battle rages on. As a teen growing up in East Texas, I had very little exposure to the drug world, but knew it existed. In the 1970’s, marijuana, speed and cocaine were the drugs of choice for those that chose that route looking to get high. Today I’ll give you my perspective on my drug of choice back then, one that I’m still addicted to and crave today.

As most of you already know, athletics have played a huge role in my life and are responsible for the opportunities that have come my way over the years. I enjoyed a great high school career, running track and playing both baseball and football, which included winning the Texas 3A State Baseball Championship in 1978. I was blessed with a football/baseball scholarship to Northwestern State that resulted in being drafted by the Montreal Expos (today’s Washington Nationals) in 1983.

Sports for me, was a drug that came with both highs and lows. Drug addicts talk about how they just can’t get enough of whatever they’re craving. For me, I could relate because I was the same way. I could not get enough of the rush that sports gave me. I thought about it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I would dream of getting my next high by hitting a home run, making a great play, or scoring a touchdown. Success in the sports arena came fairly easy for me, as God blessed me with good athletic ability.

But let’s talk about my first addiction…. bass fishing. Fishing has been an addiction for me since I caught my first bass as a kid walking the banks of our ranch stock ponds. This all started for me in the summer of 1969 when I got my first Zebco rod and reel combo. I was basically self-taught. I remember getting my hands on a copy of Bassmaster magazine that was full of tips and technique illustrations anyone could follow. One of the gifts I got on my 10th birthday was a subscription to Bassmaster magazine. BEST GIFT EVER!!!! Back then there were only a few fishing shows that existed. I watched “Fishing with Virgil Ward” and “Outdoors with John Fox.” Both were great, but then I found a show called “The Bassmaster’s,” hosted by legendary Bob Cobb. This introduced me to guys who actually fished for a living. Are you kidding me? You could make a living catching bass?!!! Now this had my full attention, and I could not wait for it to come on each week. I remember watching anglers like Tommy Martin, Bill Dance, Rick Clunn and Roland Martin, guys who became legends of the sport.

For me, there’s always been something about the moment you set the hook and a fish starts to pull drag. The adrenaline rush is unmatched and unexplainable! You don’t know how big your catch is until you see it jump out of the water as it is trying to throw your bait, or you swing it in the boat. Even today, despite the many bass I’ve caught over my lifetime, I still get this huge rush of excitement. So, I guess this makes me an addict! I just can’t get enough bass fishing action! It can be so rewarding, whether you’re catching small one-to-two-pound bass or five and six pounders. It’s still the same rush!

To wrap this up, if you’ve never had a fishing experience before, find someone to take you who knows what they’re doing. Go hire a fishing guide or an experienced angler who can teach you the ins and outs of fishing. If you want to get high, go fishing…whether it’s for bass, crappie, redfish or trout! The species doesn’t matter; the high is still the same. But beware, it can be addicting! Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

COVID Testing Available At School

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

To help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment, DeSoto Parish Schools has partnered with LSU Health Shreveport to provide voluntary COVID-19 testing at the school sites. Your child’s school will be sending registration information if you choose to have your child participate. For more information, please visit 5il.co/14rng.

A Book Tasting in Pelican

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

Come on out to the READ-A-LOT CAFE and join in on the fun at our Book Tasting! The DeSoto Parish Library’s Pelican Branch will serve refreshments and plenty of good books will be on the menu!

If you have never been to a Book Tasting, Call and book your reservation today with Ms. Rena at 755-2353. The Library said take a bite out of reading!

NSU Spring Graduation Plans Published

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

Northwestern State University will hold Spring 2022 commencement exercises with four ceremonies at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm both Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12. . Commencement will take place in Prather Coliseum. The ceremonies will be streamed live on the university’s website, nsula.edu.

Graduation isn’t until May and the details are quite lengthy. Please read down to learn where and when your student will graduate. Save this information for future reference.

According to University Registrar Barbara Prescott, graduates and guests should note some changes in entrance and exit procedures for the upcoming ceremonies. Graduates will enter the Coliseum on the west side facing the Kappa Sigma House. Guests for graduates with last names beginning A-L should use entrance and exits on the east of Prather Coliseum, which faces the tennis courts. Guests for graduates with last names beginning M-Z should use entrance and exits on the west side of Prather Coliseum, facing the Kappa Sigma House.

ADA accessibility entrance is located at the main entrance at the front of the Coliseum.

Faculty and stage party will enter on the east side of Prather Coliseum, the side facing the tennis courts.

The Spring 2022 commencement schedule is as follows.

10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11

College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (Bachelor and Associate Degrees)

BAS – Allied Health

BS – Radiologic Sciences

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

ASN – Associate of Science in Nursing

2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11

Graduate School (Graduate Degrees)

College of Arts and Sciences

MA – Art, English

MM – Music

MS – Homeland Security

College of Nursing and School of Allied Health

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

MS – Radiologic Sciences

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Gallaspy Family College of Education & Human Development

EDD – Adult Learning and Development

EDS – Educational Leadership and Instruction

MA – Adult Learning & Development, Counseling, Student Affairs in Higher Education

MAT – Early Childhood Education-Grades PK-3, Elementary Education-Grades 1-5, Elementary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate-Grades 1-5, Middle School Education-Grades 4-8, Middle School Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate-Grades 4-8, Secondary Education-Grades 6-12, Secondary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate-Grades 6-12

MED – Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology Leadership, Special Education

MS – Health and Human Performance, Psychology-Clinical

College of Business and Technology (Bachelor Degrees)

BS – Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Hospitality

Management &Tourism

10 a.m. Thursday, May 12

College of Arts and Sciences (Bachelor and Associate Degrees)

BA – Communication, Criminal Justice, English, History, Liberal Arts

BFA – Dance, Fine and Graphic Arts

BGS – General Studies

BM – Music

BS – Applied Microbiology, Biology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Theatre, Unified Public Safety Administration

AD – Veterinary Technology

AGS – Associate of General Studies

AS – Engineering Technology

Louisiana Scholars’ College (Bachelor Degrees)

BA – Communication, Criminal Justice, English, History, Liberal Arts

BFA – Fine & Graphic Arts

BM – Music

BME – Music Education-Instrumental-Grades K-12, Music Education-Vocal-Grades K-12

BS – Accounting, Applied Microbiology, Biology, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Electronic Engineering Technology, Elementary Education-Grades 1-5, Health and Exercise Science, Hospitality Management and Tourism, Industrial Engineering Technology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Secondary Education and Teaching, Theatre, Unified Public Safety Administration

BSW – Social Work

2 p.m. Thursday, May 12

Gallaspy Family College of Education & Human Development (Bachelor Degrees)

BME – Music Education-Instrumental-Grades K-12, Music Education-Vocal-Grades K-12, Music Education-Vocal/Instrumental -Grades K-12

BS – Addiction Studies, Child and Family Studies, Early Childhood Education-Grades Pre-K-3, Elementary Education-Grades 1-5, Health and Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education-Grades K-12, Psychology, Secondary Education and Teaching

BSW – Social Work

ETC… for Friday, January 28, 2022

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 / NPJ

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System is pleased to announce the new Cardiovascular Center of Excellence at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center is now open.

This state-of-the-art heart center is the capstone project of a $43 million investment to completely transform the existing hospital footprint. The CHRISTUS Cardiovascular Center completes a series of expansion projects over the past 5 years that have included a new, tripled-in-size Emergency Room, 16 new inpatient beds and new ICU beds. With a devoted entrance, family space and parking, the Cardiovascular Center of Excellence is designed for optimum patient experience and unmatched diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical care.

The Mansfield Rotary Club meets Tuesday at noon at the Calhoun Center. Guest speaker will be Jeremy Morton, a former member of Delta Force when they took down Saddam Hussein.

The first Fourth Friday Fish Fry of the year will be tonight at Clara Springs Camp. Fairview Baptist Church will be our hosts for the evening. Pay $10 for all you can eat Fried fish, sides, homemade bread pudding…and homemade ice cream! We will start serving this evening at 5:00 pm.

Happy Birthday Parade

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / NPJ

Friends, relatives and local dignitaries met up at the Baptist Auditorium last Friday to form a parade. They drove by Lola Street’s residence with sirens blaring and horns honking.

Ms Street turned 100 on January 21^st. She was born January 21, 1922. Back then you could mail a first class letter for a penny, maybe two. And a new Model T Ford costs only a few hundred bucks. To get a starter cost a few dollars more!

But last Friday was Lola Street’s day. It was chilly, so she sat in a car in the drive while the parade came by. Some brought presents. Mansfield Mayor John Mayweather, Sr, brought a petition declaring Lola Street day in the city. Her pastor, Tyrone Williams presented a plaque celebrating the centennial event.

Her daughter, Dorothy Williams told the Journal, “It’s blessed to know someone who turned 100.”

This reporter observed a bright twinkle in Ms Street’s eye. She laughed and talked with friends with a very clear voice. She told us she was enjoying the day. And there was a bit of jump in her step as she made it back into her home at the close of all that excitement. Oh, she promised to come to my 100th birthday also.

Pastor Williams summed it all up. He said, “We bless and thank you.”

Valentine’s Day Cash And A Rose

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / NPJ

If you have joined our email subscribers, you are in the selection pool. If not, join today. Just CLICK HERE.

There is no cost, and you are not obligated for anything. The Journal does not spam you or sell your information. We only want your name and email.

Tell your friends and family members! Spread the word at work. Local DeSoto Parish news is now available on your favorite device.

Stop missing your news. CLICK HERE to join for free.

You could be our next winner of $100 and a red rose for Valentine’s Day.

Thomas Jones Announces for Mayor of Mansfield

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / NPJ

I am formally announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Mansfield in this upcoming 2022 Election. I currently serve as DeSoto Parish Police Juror for District 4D and has given my full commitment as a public servant for over 12 years in this capacity. During my time in office, I authored several initiatives to improve processes and procedures to help advance the parish government to the 21St Century. Employees have better working environments, benefits, and wages as a result.

If elected Mayor, I will be devoted to energizing the younger generation. I am convinced that we can no longer continue to incarcerate our youth and young adults for misdemeanors or non-violent crimes, especially first-time offenders. It cost citizens thousands of dollars annually to house and feed inmates. Those tax dollars can be diverted to counseling and treatment programs that will help the victims get a fresh start and potentially become productive citizens in our community.

As the mayor, I plan to focus on a cleaner, safer, and caring environment. WE MUST BEAUTIFY OUR TOWN!!! The community also must unify to regain our status as a city. An extensive effort must be exerted to expand current businesses and bring new businesses to our city. I am up for the challenge!! I pledge to welcome new businesses to our city, as we improve and cultivate relationships with past and current business owners and encourage the restarting and expansion of their businesses. In order to resuscitate our community, we will have to evaluate and assess the necessary changes in our operations and processes and take corrective actions. While we work to beautify our community, and improve conditions of current homes, I will be collaborating diligently with developers and investors to improve our current housing markets. We will pursue and build new subdivisions for affordable housing in our town.

The result of all our efforts will yield a higher tax base, and our employees and citizenship will be the benefactors through higher wages, better-quality of life and improved services. I commit to leading by example. It is imperative that there is inclusion and accountability at all levels for the success of our administration.

In closing , I humbly ask for your support and prayers as we strive to change our direction for a better Mansfield. We can only succeed in our mission by working together. I WILL BE A MAYOR FOR ALL OF THE CITIZENS!!!

GOD BLESS!!!!

Thomas Jones

Clara Springs Camp Hosted Baptist Convention

January 26, 2022 / NPJ

By Nicole Tull

The District 8 Baptist Convention held their annual meeting at Clara Springs Baptist Encampment in Pelican on Thursday, January 21, 2022. District 8 includes southern Baptist churches in DeSoto, Red River, Sabine and Natchitoches parishes. The camp served up a delicious dinner to all of those in attendance. The campground is a ministry of District 8 and are gracious to host meetings of all kinds during the year.

The meeting began with worship and an encouraging message from the outgoing president, Richard Tull, pastor of Mt. Olivet in Logansport. He proposed “Reset Our Sights” for the believer brought out of Ephesians 1.

The various ministries gave their updates and reports. Mary Gore at Toledo Bend Baptist Resort is so proud to have a new building being built. Rev. Bill Collins is excited for the less inhibited collegiate activities at NSU. Bubba Mills informed of the moved cabins and new building for meetings at the campground.

A new slate of officers was elected. Cyle Clayton, pastor of Calvary Baptist of Many is the new president. Shawn Thrapp, pastor of First Baptist Logansport is First Vice-President. Jay Begbie, pastor of Grand Ecore in Natchitoches is Second Vice-President. Charles Verret was reelected Recording Secretary and Jack Bell was reelected as Treasurer.

Confessions of a ‘Jeopardy’ deadbeat

January 26, 2022 / NPJ

By Teddy Allen

“And the answer is: What do you call a person who has no chance of correctly answering more than three questions, tops, on any single episode of Jeopardy!?”

“What is a Jeopardy! Deadbeat?”

“Correct! The judges would have also taken ‘What is Most any Normal Person?’”

No one is in jeopardy of me beating them on Jeopardy!, four decades old and the most-watched TV game show of all-time. The questions — or answers, if you prefer — are cast-iron tough. Harder than an acre of ash.

There is every reason to watch Jeopardy! and one big reason not to. What I hear most is, “It makes me feel stupid.” Legit response. Makes me feel more stupid. I passed feeling stupid a long time ago.

But … to those using that excuse, we offer this:

Consider an attitude adjustment. I know going in I’m not the most mature apple on the tree, so when I watch, it’s with low expectations. Extremely low. Barrel-bottom low. Again, me and millions of other stupid people have made it the most popular game show ever.

That anyone can ever actually win a match, even one, is what makes the current goings-on all that more confounding. The show’s reigning champ isn’t just beating people, she’s destroying them. Sherman through Georgia. She’s the game show equivalent of football’s 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

A historic champ is Amy Schneider, a 41-year-old engineering manager from Oakland, Calif., who after Monday’s just-another-day-at-the-office rout had won 39 consecutive matches and moved into second place all-time and all by her lonesome.

She’d also pocketed $1,319,800. Hello.

She’s still way behind all-time champ Ken Jennings and his 74 straight wins. If she were chasing Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak, she’d be around 30. Lot of pitchers left to face.

That said, Schneider’s got game. Monday alone, she answered questions from the categories of, among others, Government Agencies, Bodies of Water, The Crusades, Rhythm & Blues, Roman Life & Culture — quite the varied array.

As usual, she won by $10,000 — and that was after losing $25,000 in Final Jeopardy. LOST 25 large and still won by 10.

Some of Monday’s answers/questions, with the correct response in parentheses. Good luck:

“Moses’ mom put him in an ark made of this plant?” Me: “Reeds!” (Bulrish.) Dang! I KNEW I had that one … “The mission of BLM, short for this, is ‘to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands.’” Me: “What is the Big Land Machine?” (Bureau of Land Management)

“Croatia’s border rivers, the Sava & Drava, are both tributaries of this one.” Me: “Uh ….” (The Gulf of Sidra)

“Pope Eugenius III launched the Second Crusade in 1145 with ‘Quantum Praedecessores,’ one of these documents named for its seal.” Me: “No WAY there was a whole other Crusade after the first one. No livin’ WAY!” (The Papal Bull.)

My guess would have been The Mama Bull. So close…

The show airs 4:30 weekdays on ABC. Sometimes I’ll record it and, if I’ve had a good day, I’ll watch maybe 10 minutes, just to be humbled, just to remind myself that while a contestant is winning on Jeopardy! each weekday, I barely know the difference between the Gulf of Sidra and the Gulf gas station down on the corner.

Always felt I had a fightin’-man’s chance back in the day with Match Game. The Price is Right. Even Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. But Jeopardy! is a different animal. It’s always the windshield; I’m always the bug.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Registration for Young Students

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / NPJ

DeSoto Parish Schools is making preparations for the next school year. Registration for new students in the pre-school ages is now underway.

If you have a child 0-4 years old, check out what DeSoto Parish has to offer you! Visit desotoreadystart.com/ and start the registration process for next school year.

Improvements to Sheriff’s App

January 26, 2022 / NPJ

This week the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office updated their App. There are some new features you may find useful.

The Sheriff’s Office said, “Some features are used more than others, and some aren’t used at all. We want the DeSoto Sheriff App to be as useful as possible, and we’ve heard your suggestions!”

Open your App and you will find some Brand New Features that have been added in the last couple of weeks! The Journal uses the new app and it is very useful for quick notification when some event occurs, such as a road closure, that the public needs to know about.

Also, if you haven’t downloaded the free DeSoto Sheriff App, you can do so today on Android and Apple devices! Just search your App stores for “DeSoto Parish Sheriff.”

Bill Breaks a Vow

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 / NPJ

By Brad Dison

Bill grew up on a dairy farm on a country road outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. His father and his uncle Clyde inherited a 300-acre dairy farm from Bill’s grandfather. It was a true family business. Bill’s father handled the business affairs. Bill’s mother did the bookkeeping at the kitchen table. Uncle Clyde tended to the milk-processing house. From the time he could walk, Bill helped tend the large garden where they grew corn, wheat, rye, barley, and a wide variety of vegetables. He followed behind the plow mule and spread fertilizer after the seeds had been sown in their rows.

As soon as Bill was strong enough – not old enough – he was awakened at 2:30 a.m. to begin working on the farm with the rest of the men in the family. Bill reminisced that “when that Big Ben alarm clock went off at two-thirty in the morning, I wanted to slam it to the floor and burrow back under the covers.” He understood that hard work was expected and necessary. He also realized that there would be no breakfast until after his chores were finished so he rushed from the bed and to his work.

Bill milked twenty cows, a task which usually took about two hours to complete. Then, he cleaned the fresh cow manure from the barn with a shovel, helped the other hands bring in fresh hay for the cows, helped refill the feed troughs, helped transport the 5-gallon milk cans to the frigid spring to keep them ice cold, and, once he had completed his chores, finally sat down to a mouth-watering country breakfast which consisted of grits and gravy, fresh eggs, ham or bacon, and homemade biscuits. All of this Bill did every morning before school. Bill repeated his chores each day after school.

Bill said that “After all my heavy labor in the fresh air at daybreak, followed by Mother’s good food, I was ready for almost anything—except school.” By the time he got to school, he was usually tired. He stayed awake by sheer willpower alone. Bill assumed that he would one day inherit an interest in the dairy farm, which suited him just fine.

Bill’s mother always encouraged him to read, which Bill preferred to his other school work. He read just about everything he could get his hands on including his favorite, the Tarzan book series. On a memorable visit to his aunt’s home, she, knowing that he enjoyed reading, told him to spend some time reading the Bible. Within about ten minutes Bill returned and proudly boasted that he had read a whole book in the Bible. She praised him for his quick reading. Unbeknownst to her, Bill had located the Epistle of Jude, which was the shortest book in the New Testament. It consisted of a single page.

The family’s dairy farm had several hired hands and Bill enjoyed swapping stories with them while they worked. One of the hired hands who Bill particularly liked to work alongside was a rough but good-natured character named Pedro. Pedro would often share stories with Bill about his erotic experiences with women. Even though Bill listened intently to every syllable, he was sure the stories were embellished. In high school, Bill had multiple opportunities to have his own exotic experiences with women, but he vowed to remain pure until marriage.

In addition to his tall tales of sexual escapades, Pedro took it upon himself to teach Bill to chew tobacco. One day Bill’s father caught him with a chaw of tobacco in his cheek. Pedro was fired immediately and Bill received a thrashing he would never forget. Bill vowed to never chew tobacco again. Bill’s father wondered what else Pedro had been teaching Bill.

One day, just after Prohibition had been repealed, Bill’s father brought home some beer. Bill’s father was a teetotaler, so him bringing home beer was totally out of character. He called Bill, then about 15-years old, and his sister, Catherine, two years younger, into the kitchen and ordered each of them to drink a full bottle of beer. They gagged, spat, and winced, but finally finished both bottles. “When any of your friends try to get you to drink alcohol, just tell them you’ve already tasted it and you don’t like it,” his father told him. “That’s all the reason you need to give.” Bill vowed not to drink alcohol again.

Bill came home from school one day and his mother sensed something was wrong. Bill explained that he was to portray Uncle Sam in a pageant at his school. He and his mother rehearsed the speech until he was unable to get it wrong. On the day of the pageant, his mother was a nervous wreck. Bill’s costume included the long beard, hat, and tailcoat commonly associated with Uncle Sam. His knees shook and his hands perspired as he flawlessly recited his speech. He hated the uncomfortable feeling and vowed to himself that he would never become a public speaker. Of all of the vows he had made to himself through the years, this was the vow he was destined to break. You see, Bill became a prominent public speaker. From the 1940s until his death in 2018, Bill was known as one of the best public speakers in the world. Bill spoke in front of live audiences totaling approximately 210 million people in more than 185 countries. He became a spiritual advisor to every president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. He was a friend of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family who frequently invited him to speak at special events. In breaking a vow to himself, Bill made another vow. Bill, the man who vowed not to become a public speaker, vowed to spread the Gospel and became an evangelist. You know him as Billy Graham.

Source: Billy Graham, Just as I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham (San Francisco: HarperCollins Worldwide, 1997), 3-20.