A memorial service honoring the life of Mrs. Jennifer Anders, 57, of  Pelican, Louisiana, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in  Mansfield, Louisiana with Rev. Glen Howard officiating.  Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Jennifer was born on January 29, 1965, to Johnnie and Dorothy Brewster, in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, and entered into eternal rest on February 19, 2022. She was a devoted wife, and mother. In the last years of her life, the most important role was being a Gimme to five grandchildren.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Reggie Paul; sister, Lois; and brothers, Johnny Jr. and Jeff. Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Reggie Anders; daughters, Joy Denise Anders, Holley Bedsole, and her husband, Blake; sisters, Sharon Long and her husband, Gordon, Suzette Pryor, and her husband, Leo, Tasha Brewster; grandchildren, Jackson, Andrew, Adalynn, Hayden, Stella; and a host of family and friends.

---

Monday night the Mansfield Lady Wolverines fought a very tough battle with Northwest from Opelousas.  It was back and forth until the ladies took control in the third quarter and broke the game wide open for a 64 to 35 victory.

The Lady Wolverines came alive after the half time break.  They out rebounded, out shot, and out controlled the ball and slowly spread the distance between them and Northwest.  Cierra Taylor led the ladies with 17 points.  She was the only player in double figures, but she got strong support from C. Malone with 8, L. Cannon with 7 and D. Scott with 6.

Looking at the playoff brackets, Mansfield will face the winner of Albany vs Baker Monday night.  Coach Kendra Jones told the Journal she anticipated Albany will win that game, which means Mansfield will be heading to south Louisiana for a game on Thursday.

Jones said, “Our girls said at the start of the season, we gotta get this.  Let’s turn it up this year.  And that is what they have done.  They worked hard and it has become more of a team effort.  Everyone does their part.”

The Journal will update this article when the Albany-Baker final score is available.

---

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Elizabeth Merle Hatcher Moore, 87, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Rose-Neath Chapel in Mansfield, Louisiana with Rev. Chucky Clark officiating. Burial will be at the Union Springs Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Elizabeth was born on July 28, 1934, to James and Feriene Powell Hatcher, in Logansport, Louisiana, and entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2022, in Brownsville, Texas. 

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters, Brenda Booker Lauw, Suzanne Renee Harmon, and her brothers, Ernest Ray “Tootle” Hatcher, James A “Sonny” Hatcher, and Leo “Buster” Hatcher. Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Robert “Bob” Moore, her sons, Wayne Booker and wife Brenda, Bobby Moore and wife, Angela, James Harmon and Billie Faye, Ray Moore, her daughter, Bettie Sue “Suzy” Phetteplace, and husband, Gary, 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Honoring Elizabeth as pallbearers will be Dellea Hatcher, Matthew Moore, Trey Moore, Adian Moore, Zachary Moore, and Jayden White.  Honorary pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren.

---

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Robbie Hemphill, 90, of Converse, Louisiana, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church in Converse, Louisiana with Rev. Chucky Clark officiating. Burial will be at the Union Springs Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 20, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church.

Robbie was born on August 15, 1931, to John and Eva Morris, in Converse, Louisiana, and entered into eternal rest on February 17, 2022. 

Robbie was preceded in death by her husband, Ottis Ray Hemphill, her parents, her son, Arthur Ray Hemphill, her daughter, Brenda S. Hemphill, her granddaughter, Emily Hemphill, and her great-grandson, Joshua David Hemphill. Left to cherish her memory include her son, Marty G. Hemphill, her daughters, Sarah Harper, and her husband, Jeffery, Billie Faye Hemphill; her brother, Jr. Morris, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Honoring Robbie as pallbearers will be Anthony Hemphill, Ernest Wayne Hamilton, Jason Smith, Nick Raborn, Bob Shelton, and Bubba Blaney. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Harmon, Brandon Hemphill, Jeffery Harper, James Harmon, and Johnny Hamilton

---

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Wanda Daugherty Patrick, 88, was held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Union Springs Baptist Church in Converse, Louisiana with Rev. Tim Patrick and Rev. Richard Enterkin officiating. Burial will be at the Union Springs Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 20, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.

Wanda was born on October 6, 1933, to Doyle and Thelma Daugherty, in El Dorado, Arkansas, and entered into eternal rest on February 18, 2022, in Converse, Louisiana. 

She was a graduate of Converse High School and resided in the Union Springs Community in Converse, LA. Wanda was a great woman of faith who loved her Lord and her church family. She served as a pianist for most of her adult life and held numerous positions at her church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Roweland Patrick, and her parents.  Left to cherish her memory include her three daughters, Sherry Patrick, Karen Pickett and her husband, John W. “Billy”, Cindy Campbell and her husband, Carlton; her grandchildren, Patrick Morgan Pickett and wife, Laquin, Aubrey Pickett and wife, Magon, Micah Pickett and wife, Sara, Payton Campbell, Emily Campbell, Kristen Campbell and great-grandchildren, Gage Pickett, Walker Pickett, Tate Pickett, Libby Pickett, Emma Pickett, Lucy Pickett, Walker Mitchell, and Sadie Pickett.

Honoring Wanda as pallbearers will be Morgan Pickett, Aubrey Pickett, Micah Pickett, Payton Campbell, Davy Farmer, and Cole Farmer.

Special thanks to her loving and devoted caregivers: Durrinda Sanderson, Carla Paddie, Wanda Bissell, Marilyn McCormick, and Becky Arterberry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or Union Springs Baptist Church, 1032 Hwy 191, Converse, LA. 71419.

---

Residents on the Binning and Marr Roads area were alerted for a time on Wednesday of the possible need to evacuate their homes due to a fire being spread by high winds in the area.

Several alerts were issued by the Sheriff’s Office and the fire was declared contained by midafternoon.

Here is the alert declaring the fire contained:

The Forestry Dept. now confirms that the fire (in the area of Binning/Marr roads) is now 100% contained.  We ask that area residents remain alert for any fires spreading in your area.   Residents can be assured of their safety now, and we thank everyone on the ground for their hard work in stopping the spread of this fire.

***please be reminded that a statewide burn ban remains in effect.

Stay alert.  Stay safe.

The first alert was posted at late morning by the Sheriff’s Office:

SMOKE/FIRE ALERT – MANSFIELD

Dispatchers have received multiple calls regarding smoke in two areas near Mansfield, LA.  We want to update the public to let you know that we are aware, and what is going on.

– In the area of Marr Road in Mansfield, there is a large fire reported.  This is not a controlled burn, and Fire Districts are on scene at this time.  Wind conditions have made for a lot of smoke in that area.

– In the area of the Town and Country Apartments (behind) there is a very large, controlled burn that is contained at this time.  Expect smoke in this area as well.

**As a reminder, DeSoto Parish and many surrounding Parishes are under a Burn Ban at this time due to dry conditions.  Stay Safe!

The second alert spoke of the possibility of evacuations:

FIRE UPDATE:  ALERT FOR BINNING ROAD RESIDENTS

If you live in the area of Binning Road, we ask that you be prepared for a possible evacuation at this time.  Deputies will be coming around knocking on doors in the area that may be under threat.  A fire which began in the area of Marr Road has spread rapidly due to wind conditions.

DeSoto Fire Districts and Sheriff’s Deputies are on scene at this time. 

1. Watch for fires potentially spreading toward your area of residence.
2. Be prepared to evacuate if/when necessary.

Quick work by firefighters brought the fire under control and lifted the warning about possible evacuations.

---

Mansfield Middle School would like to shout a huge, “THANK YOU”  to Sonic Manager Tracey Armstrong and these wonderful carhops, Shamoria, Malaysia, and Lamiricle.  They made a smooth delivery of 186 drinks for students who earned Edmentum Math Rewards.

The school said, “We couldn’t have done it without your fast and friendly service.  Thank you for partnering with us to recognize and celebrate student success at Mansfield Middle School.”

---

Girls Basketball teams from Mansfield and Logansport High Schools began play in the Marsh Madness state championship tournament.

Thursday night, Mansfield Lady Wolverines soundly defeated Patterson in the first round.  Mansfield is at #6 and Patterson #27.  Final score was Mansfield 71 and Patterson 12.

Logansport Lady Tigers started the playoff hunt on the road.  They traveled to Delta Charter in east Louisiana for their first game.  The Lady Tigers came up short.  Final score was Delta Charter 52 and Logansport 37.

---

By Royal Alexander

In the last two weeks we have seen another clear example of how the Cancel Culture suppresses and silences speech and seeks to destroy those with whom it disagrees.

Joe Rogan, former UFC fighter, actor, and sports commentator, hosts a daily show and podcast entitled The Joe Rogan Experience.  Spotify, an audio streaming platform (i.e., songs, podcasts) hosts the Rogan program and the approximately 11 million people who listen or watch the program daily.  On the show, Rogan invites guests of literally all kinds, from business and industry, entertainment, and all across the political spectrum. Recently, he hosted Dr. Robert Malone, a very experienced, highly esteemed virologist.

As a Doctor of Virology, Dr. Malone has been an integral part of creating the Covid vaccines being used in America.  And, on the Rogan program, Dr. Malone, who invented the mRNA technology in Covid vaccines, had the audacity to question the “mainstream” narrative regarding Covid treatments.  Malone was not responded to on the merits of his informed viewpoint, but was rather shouted down, attacked, and ostracized for these dissenting views, as was Joe Rogan.  This, notwithstanding that the CDC itself has admitted that cloth masks generally don’t work, and vaccines do not prevent transmission as we know from the recent surge of Omicron among the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. time.com/6130704/breakthrough-infections-omicron/. 

As a result of the sharing of this speech and these ideas of Dr. Malone—labeled “disinformation” and “conspiracy theories,” music artist Neil Young demanded his music be removed from Spotify.  A sprinkling of other musicians have now done the same.

My point is this: a highly experienced researcher, scientist and medical doctor, whose specialty lies at the very heart of the debate regarding Covid treatments, has shared a viewpoint (obviously credible and well supported given his profession) that runs counter to the New Revealed Wisdom, a ‘wisdom’ of the experts on the China Virus who have been proven wrong time and time again over these past two years. 

Another recent report from the health and science experts at Johns Hopkins concluded that the destructive shutdown of our economy “didn’t work, should be ‘rejected out of hand’ in the future”.

padailypost.com/2022/02/07/johns-hopkins-study-finds-lockdowns-didnt-work-should-be-rejected-out-of-hand-in-the-future.

Dr. Malone merely expressed an idea, an informed, educated expert opinion which happens to run contrary to the Left’s efforts to ignore the science and to weaponize the China Virus not primarily to achieve better health for American adults and children, but rather as a tool to control the American people.   So those like Neil Young and others who are clearly NOT experts and who are pontificating far afield from any known knowledge base, want him canceled and silenced.  This is the literal madness of the Cancel Culture of Wokism.

(I simply can’t resist reflecting on that timeless Southern Anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” by the rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the lyric—in response to Neil Young insulting the South in a song—“… Well I hope Neil Young will remember a southern man don’t need him around anyhow.”   Well, freedom-seeking men and women wherever they live “don’t need him around anyhow”, either!)

Well, Spotify—after being threatened and browbeaten into pressuring Rogan to retract or apologize for that segment—reversed itself.  After hearing from many Rogan listeners, Spotify decided to allow the airing of these thoughts, opinions, and ideas as well as not wanting to risk the millions of advertising dollars it receives from the Rogan program.  This is a victory of free speech and the free market!  

(And now, unofficial reports are that Rogan’s daytime viewership is surging to new heights precisely because of this controversy. All the while his chief attacker in the MSM, scandal plagued CNN, continues to hemorrhage daytime views, now reporting barely 500,000 daytime views.)

Well informed Americans must be allowed to vote with their dollars in the marketplace of ideas and to receive information from news sources of their choice among the greatest possible variety of sources.

I want to again note that our 1st Amendment prohibits the restriction of speech by our government, but government censorship is not the only kind.  Private sector suppression of speech is just as threatening, chilling, and destructive. This is particularly true where Big Tech platforms become news editors and ‘state actors’ and make common cause with the Deep State and presidential campaigns, such as in the suppression of the New York Post article on the Hunter Biden laptop. foxnews.com/media/big-tech-and-media-suppression-hunter-biden-laptop-story-lingers-year.  

[According to post election surveys, media suppression of news damaging to the Biden campaign regarding the Hunter Biden laptop scandal could well have made the difference in the outcome of the presidential election. About 17 percent of Democrats indicated they would not have voted for Biden had they known the full story on the laptop issue. “Had one of six voters not voted for Biden in the swing states, or voted for Trump instead, the election would have turned out differently.” 

timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/freepress/story/2020/nov/26/cooper-biden-voters/536784/.]

The internet and social media have become the modern-day public fora, a role served by city center squares, public parks, and country fairs 30 years ago, and American principles of freedom should adhere there as well. 

This kind of censorship simply cannot be allowed if our Republic—and the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution—are to endure.  The greatest virtue of free thought and free speech is that all kinds of ideas are thrust into the rough and tumble of the marketplace of ideas where the best idea prevails.  It is this collision of, this testing of, speech and thought in a free and open exchange that produces the best results—and leads the nation to wise and popular policy results on challenging national issues.

In memory of the over 850,000 who have died from the coronavirus, (upi.com/Top_News/US/2022/01/16/United-States-surpasses-850000-COVID-19-deaths-800000-daily cases/2211642348674/) and with more Americans dying under the Biden Administration than the Trump Administration—which was gifted three vaccines by the Trump administration (nypost.com/2022/01/02/with-more-covid-deaths-in-2021-when-does-trump-get-his-apology/ ) we must be vigilant in demanding that the free flow of information in the Public Fora is never suppressed again. 

As many wise Americans have noted, just as freedom is not free, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

---

By Congressman Mike Johnson

Illegal drug overdoses recently became the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, killing more people in this age demographic than car accidents, cancer, and COVID-19.

In Louisiana, opioid deaths increased by 40% from 2020 to 2021, mostly driven by an increase in illicit Fentanyl.

What is Fentanyl?

It is a synthetic opioid that’s 80 to 100 times stronger than Morphine, created with chemicals often shipped from China to Mexico and trafficked by cartels across our southern border.

According to recent testimony from the National Border Patrol Council, Customs and Border Patrol agents are struggling to stop just 5% of all the Fentanyl flooding across our border.

Fentanyl’s potency means the smallest amount—just enough to fit on the tip of a sharpened pencil—is considered a lethal dose. And now it’s fueling one of the worst drug epidemics in American history.

In 2021, there were 100,306 drug overdose deaths reported in the United States. That number is up from 78,056 just a year earlier.

When the federal government identifies a threat to the safety and security of our country, its number one responsibility is to mobilize to help keep Americans safe.

We commenced the Manhattan Project to produce the first nuclear weapons that ended World War II. We initiated Operation Warp Speed to create the tests, treatments, and vaccines that helped mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the flow of illicit Fentanyl into our country is rapidly becoming the number one threat to the well-being of our communities, and yet, the Biden Administration’s response to date has been outrageously counterproductive:

They have refused to secure our southern border to stop the flow of these drugs. They have failed to prosecute drug offenders and have instead supported progressive D.A.s in their quest to reduce felony offenses to misdemeanors. They have further fueled the drug abuse crisis by actually including in their “American Rescue Plan” a provision to distribute drug paraphernalia at taxpayers’ expense.

Fentanyl deaths are certain to increase unless we act with the same resolve that we have used to attack other, less deadly threats.

To help in the fight against this growing epidemic, I introduced the CEASE Overdose Act in the House of Representatives to permanently classify illicit Fentanyl as a Schedule I narcotic under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

There is no reason in the world why Congress should be required to reauthorize this deadly substance’s temporary Schedule I classification multiple times each year. Our law enforcement agencies need more certainty to aggressively prosecute Fentanyl-related offenses.

My bill will help our law enforcement agencies get control of the crisis that is destroying so many American families and communities. The criminals responsible for this tragedy must be put on notice that we will no longer tolerate their illegal activities.

To help reverse the growing Fentanyl crisis, we need a full-court press on our streets, at our borders, and abroad—and this bill is a critical step in that effort. But it’s just one step.

The Biden Administration needs to work with Republicans immediately to secure our border. Our cities need to be tougher on drug distributors, and all of us need to do the work in our communities to prevent drug abuse rather than accommodate it.

This epidemic of tragic overdoses can end, but only if we work together. Politics must take a back seat when so many countless innocent lives are at stake.

Congressman Johnson represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District. He is the Vice-Chairman of the House Republican Conference, a member of the House Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, and a former constitutional law litigator.

---

Earlier this week, Governor John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order to support Louisiana’s response to the pandemic, but without any remaining required mitigation measures.

The Governor’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Health and the CDC still recommend that all people wear masks when they are indoors in public or in a large outdoor crowd while all areas of the state are considered high transmission areas for the coronavirus.

“While we remain in an Omicron-fueled surge, we are definitely on the down swing. There is a lot of COVID out there in Louisiana, and fortunately we have many more tools available to us now to prevent severe illness and death including safe and effective vaccines, booster doses, therapeutic interventions, and better quality masks. While my order does not include any required mitigation measures, it is very important that people continue to take into account their own personal risk of serious illness if they get COVID, including if they are immunocompromised, have comorbid health conditions or are unvaccinated,” Gov. Edwards said. “I hope we never go back to the kind of strict mitigation measures needed before the vaccines. I also pray each day that more Louisianans will go sleeves up against COVID and get their vaccines and booster doses, because we know these save lives.

“As we move deeper into the Mardi Gras season and with the continued return of big events and gatherings, people should be aware that the CDC recommends that in communities with high transmission rates, currently all 64 of our parishes, people wear masks in public in crowds, especially indoors,” Gov. Edwards said. “If you got your booster dose today, you could have supercharged immunity by Mardi Gras.”

While masks are not required statewide in Louisiana, there are still federal regulations requiring them in health care settings and on transit. In addition, local governments, school districts and businesses may choose to require masks as they see fit, based on the level of COVID in their communities.

The Governor’s current order expires on March 16, 2022, though he may end it before that date. The original COVID public health emergency was signed on March 11, 2020 and has been extended and altered as the COVID situation in Louisiana has changed. The Governor’s office is working with Cabinet officials to determine if allowing the order to expire would hinder Louisiana’s response to COVID.

---

Following updated guidance from the University of Louisiana System, Northwestern State University is eliminating the mask mandate that has been in effect at all university campuses and other educational sites and facilities. The announcement was made by the school on Thursday.

Although the mask requirement will end effectively immediately, students, faculty, staff, and visitors on NSU campuses are still encouraged to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, according to NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones.

---

By Steve Graf

All our lives we have heard of things we should “never do,” things like never play with matches, never kiss a girl on the first date, never ride in the back of a pickup truck, never run with a knife, never run at the pool… and the list goes on and on. Our parents took the time to teach us these, and many others, that you should and should not do. Now we did not always follow their teachings, but at least we were told. It was your own fault if you went against these teachings and got hurt. As we all know, it’s human nature to disregard the advice of our parents. It was more fun to be a rebel, no matter what the consequences were.  Bass fishermen are no different, and today we’ll go over a few things you should never do as an angler.

Let’s first start with launching the boat. This can be a circus to watch, as you know, if you’ve spent much time around a boat ramp. You could make some really funny YouTube blooper videos with some of the antics I’ve seen at a boat ramp. But the most important thing to remember…never block the boat ramp while launching your boat. I’ve seen this so many times; an angler backs his boat down to the ramp and then starts to put all of his gear in the boat!  Major no-no!!! Load your boat BEFORE you back it down to the ramp!!!!

Next, always wear your life jacket. This is a must, no matter how much experience you have. Unfortunately, this is something some people ignore. Just like driving a car and wearing your seatbelt, sometimes things happen beyond your control that can result in serious injury or even death.  Even the pro’s, who basically run a boat every day, wear their life jackets all the time. Too many deaths have occurred on our waterways due to people not wearing their life jackets. Today, there are more anglers on the water than ever before, many who are young and inexperienced. Don’t take a chance, put your life jacket on!

On a lighter note, never go fishing without snacks. This is a major no- no as well. Snacks can turn a bad day into a not-so-bad day, especially when the fish aren’t biting. Here are a few items I like to bring every time I hit the water. Number one for me is a turkey sandwich. Now I have a special bread I use for my turkey sandwiches. I really like the Hawaiian Bread sub rolls, along with either a good Hellman’s low-fat mayo or mustard. Most tournaments I’ll bring one for my co-angler and I’ve had several that have said they would like to marry me after they’ve eaten one of these. But I always tell them that I’m already married to the best lady on planet earth…. sorry!!!  If I don’t have any sub rolls, I’ll just take a sandwich bag full of smoked turkey or sliced Honey Baked Ham. But there’s one thing I will always have in the boat…beef jerky. This is a great filler food that will hold you over until you get back to the house.

Obviously, these are just a few of the thing’s anglers should never do. Of the three I’ve listed today, none is more important than wearing your life jacket and yet, there will be someone who will totally ignore what I’ve just written. Next week we’ll look at more things that anglers “should or should never do.” Till then, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

---

Shanna Gaspard instructs art classes for individuals or interested groups.  She held a class at the Mansfield Female College Museum Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 for the DeSoto Regional Ladies.  The subject was a still life of a vase filled with colorful flowers.  The DeSoto Regional Group was hosted by Nurse Tina C. Love (3rd from left) and led by Shauna, herself (5th from the right). 

Gaspard operates Sweet Tea & Magnolia.  If you are interested in classes please call Shanna at (318) 602-1614 or mail to 235 Buffalo Drive, Many, LA, 71449.

---

By Joshua Salley with the LSU AG Center

I have gotten numerous phone calls lately about Lawn Burweed aka “stickers” and how to control them.  We are too late in the game now for pre-emergent herbicide options because these pesky weeds are already germinating.

The good news is that there are numerous post-emergent herbicides out there that will control burweed.  Look for products at your local garden center that contain the following active ingredients: Atrazine; Metsulfuron; 2,4-D/dicamba/mecoprop.  Some of the brand names of these products include Weed B Gon, Weed Free Zone, Trimec, and other three-way herbicides.

Please note that products containing atrazine may cause damage to Bermudagrass that is out of dormancy.  It is however safe to use on St. Augustine and Centipede lawns.  Always read and follow the labeled directions because in the end, the label is the law.

---

Beverly Grubb, from Stonewall Branch Library, made this beautiful, beaded fleur-de-lis during their last Swapportunity meeting. “Stonewall Swap” meets the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm.  Next meeting is March 2^nd.

 

---

Are you looking for an exciting and educational field trip destination for your students?  Mansfield State Historic Site offers staff-led talks and demonstrations ranging from Civil War medicine and surgery to “soldier life” talks and musket firing demonstrations.

Our site contains an interpretive center and museum with numerous displays and exhibits focusing on the pivotal battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, as well the Red River Campaign of 1864. The park also features a picnic area with pavilion and a one-mile battlefield walking trail with interpretive stops. 

Make Mansfield State Historic Site your next field trip visit! Groups must book in advance; for more information, and to book your class, call the park at 318-872-1474, toll-free 1-888-677-6262, or e-mail us at mansfield@crt.la.gov.

---

Earnest J. Phillips

January 6, 1949 to February 10, 2022

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Flower Hill Baptist Church.

Cora L. Allen

November 13, 1930 to February 7, 2022

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church 1556 Blunt Mill Road Grand Cane, LA 71032.

Cadaryl Antowne Atkins

June 23, 1987 to February 15, 2022

Saturday Services February 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at Higher Ground Ministries.

Peter Paulo Molnar

November 21, 1929 to January 28, 2022

Burial will be in Norfolk in July 2022.

---

The Mardi Gras Parade will roll this morning at 9:30 am at North Desoto High School.

An Academic Expo is scheduled next month at North Desoto High.  Info will be available for students and parents for grades 8^th through 11^th.  Mark your calendar for March 15, 2022.

Northwestern Theatre and Dance will present “Cinderella,” an original contemporary ballet, on Feb. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. 

Tickets are $15 and $12 for senior citizens. NSU, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts students are admitted free with a current I.D. Those attending are asked to wear a mask in keeping with School of Creative and Performing Arts protocol.  The show is directed by Brett Garfinkel and Kirstin Riehl with choreography by Garfinkel, Riehl, Michael Lomeka and Rebecca Morgan.

---

UPDATE

FIRE UPDATE: CONTAINED – STAY ALERT

THE FORESTRY DEPT. NOW CONFIRMS THAT THE FIRE (IN THE AREA OF BINNING/MARR ROADS) IS NOW 100% CONTAINED. WE ASK THAT AREA RESIDENTS REMAIN ALERT FOR ANY FIRES SPREADING IN YOUR AREA. RESIDENTS CAN BE ASSURED OF THEIR SAFETY NOW, AND WE THANK EVERYONE ON THE GROUND FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN STOPPING THE SPREAD OF THIS FIRE.

***PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT A STATE WIDE BURN BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT.
STAY ALERT. STAY SAFE.

ORIGINAL

Dispatchers have received multiple calls regarding smoke in two areas near Mansfield, LA. We want to update the public to let you know that we are aware, and what is going on.

– In the area of Marr Road in Mansfield, there is a large fire reported. This is not a controlled burn, and Fire Districts are on scene at this time. Wind conditions have made for a lot of smoke in that area.
– In the area of the Town and Country Apartments (behind) there is a very large controlled burn that is contained at this time. Expect smoke in this area as well.

**As a reminder, DeSoto Parish and many surrounding Parishes are under a Burn Ban at this time due to dry conditions. Stay Safe!

---

Louisiana is dry this February.  And that has resulted in a statewide burn ban. 

DeSoto and several northwest Louisiana parishes had earlier issued their own burn bans.  Red River Fire Chief John Woodfin told the Journal a burn ban for that parish was under consideration.

Here is the text of the news release:

Due to the extremely dry conditions statewide and the overwhelming emergency responses recorded by local fire officials, State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, have issued a statewide cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602.

Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.

This order is effective as of 8:00 a.m., February 15, 2022, and shall remain in effect until rescinded.  

This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law

(R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Violation of this Fire Marshal order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.

---

---

Both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature have approved new districts for members that would maintain the current number of minority-majority districts, rejecting numerous proposals to expand minority representation.  The House plan eliminates District 23 in this area and creates a new district in the New Orleans area.  Final approval of the plans must come by Sunday when the special session on redistricting ends. The Governor will have 20 days after that to sign or veto the bills.

Black lawmakers and voting rights advocates in both chambers offered several proposals to increase the number of Black-leaning districts, citing statistics from the 2020 census that showed the Black population in Louisiana grew by 3.78% while the white population decreased 6.3% over the past decade.

The biggest change from the current House map is a shift of House District 23 from north Louisiana to New Orleans, driven by population growth there.  Local Representative Kenny Cox, who is term-limited, also voiced objections to eliminating the district he represents, House District 23.  “All my people will be pushed off in little corridors, where they won’t be represented,” he said.

The House and Senate maps now are in committees in opposite chambers but are not expected to receive major changes. The Legislature has until Sunday to approve the proposals before they head to Gov. John Bel Edwards for consideration. Edwards, a Democrat, would have 20 days to act on the measures.

Portions of this report are from The Center Square.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Friday $100 million dollars has been allocated to DeSoto and 32 other parishes through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The HMGP funding will be used to support recovery and mitigation projects in the parishes related to Hurricane Zeta, the severe winter weather event in 2021, the May 2021 flooding event, and Hurricane Ida.

DeSoto Parish was allocated $398,424 in this grant.  The release from the Governor’s Office did not specify how the money would be spent.

Working with our local partners, the goal is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property by lessening the impact of a disaster. Examples of mitigation work include residential elevation, reconstruction or acquisition of flood prone structures and converting land to green space, localized drainage improvements, safe room construction, wind retrofit of structures and emergency power for critical facilities. Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeat damage.

“I am proud of our work with our state, local and federal partners in securing this funding,” said Gov. Edwards. “It is critically important that we look for ways to speed up recovery from these four recent events while using HMGP funds to minimize the impacts of future events.”

GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle said, “We are making progress with recovery in areas impacted by these disasters, but mitigation is equally important for our state. HMGP funding will be used to improve our critical infrastructure and make it more resilient. I appreciate the hard work of our GOHSEP staff, FEMA Region 6 and our local partners in making this possible.”

The total HMGP funding by parish:

DeSoto Parish ($398,424)

Note: The totals above include the first installment of HMGP funding allocated for Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida. Additional round(s) of funding for Hurricane Ida will be announced at a later date.

---

By Teddy Allen

Dear Ask the Paperboy,

My understanding is that collaborative is an adjective meaning “two or more parties working together,” i.e., “a collaborative effort.” This week I heard a similar word: “cobladderative.” During a particularly long sermon, the parishioner by me said they were in a “cobladderative situation.” They looked most uncomfortable? Being just a visitor, I nodded politely and didn’t pursue a line of questioning. Any help?

Asking for a Friend

Dear Asking for a Friend,

Paperboy has been there. No fun. It’s not a religious word at all; it’s actually about as human and secular as you can get. You find yourself in cobladderative peril when your personal bladder and a long movie or long sermon conspire to make you have to decide whether to go to the bathroom or hold it until the credits. Or until the “amens.” It’s one of those potentially violent and dicey deals. If you can avoid cobladderation, the day is worth as much celebration as you can offer.

Dear Ask the Paperboy,

With Louisiana Tech and other programs about to start their baseball seasons, I read about Tech’s 2021 “historic” run last spring and in another article read of the Love Shack’s “historical moments.” Are these two adjectives interchangeable? Which is preferable?

History Fan in Ruston

Dear History,

Paperboy just dusted off his Grammar for Dummies, Junior Edition, turned to the “Things I Don’t Know” section and concluded that while both words describe the past — and everything that happens, like your reading of the question above, is now in the past — “historic” means something that’s really important. Tech hosted an NCAA Regional for the first time last spring, making it important/historic. “Historical” can be just about anything from the past that has to do with an event but isn’t necessarily the most important thing from that event: for instance, the box scores from the Regional are historical. If a batter had clobbered eight home runs in a single game, then the box score would be considered historic. (If a second-year home team batter had done it, the feat would be both historic and sophomoric, and the mood in Ruston that weekend would be as it was anyway: euphoric.) Whether or not these answers hold up, time will tell. Either way, just in case something historic happens this spring, get to a ballpark.

Dear Ask the Paperboy,

Speaking of the past, a now-seldom-used term is one of my favorites. I say term: it might even be an idiom. Oh, how I do love an idiom! Anyway, “hue and cry,” as in, “When taxes were raised, there was a great hue and cry.” My question is, Can you have one without the other?

An Idiot for Idioms

Dear Idiom Idiot,

Hue sure can.

Dear Paperboy,

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

Clever in Calhoun

Dear Clever,

We see what you did there. Why must you pun-ish us?

Until next time, feel free to submit your queries. This is a collaborative enterprise, after all, and Paperboy never sleeps.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

Reinette Foster, local owner of Foster Financial, is a financial planning and retirement professional with several years as a trusted advisor to families, individuals, and businesses. Reinette will help you sidestep unnecessary risk, keep your retirement assets intact, and achieve the retirement you have always dreamed of.

Her desire is to help others grow out of their own discovery of safe money products and solutions by providing the guidance necessary to truly enjoy your golden years.

Reinette is a Federal Retirement Consultant that specializes in several areas of retirement planning;

Federal Employee Benefits

Tax Planning

IRA/401K Rollovers

Asset Protection

Social Security

Income Strategies

Contact Reinette today! rfoster@reinettefoster.com

318-481-6539

Web Site: ReinetteFoster.com

---