Funeral services honoring the life of Ronald (Ronnie) Chism, 78, were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA with Rev. Alton Middleton and Rev. Rusty Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Benson, LA. A visitation was held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Ronnie was born August 23, 1943, in Converse, LA, to Homer Chism and Vera Smith Barber and passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Shreveport, LA.

Ronnie was a butcher for 47 years, he worked for Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, Dandy Dons, Big Star, and other businesses with meat markets. He was a Baptist minister; he pastored at Old Union Baptist Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church, and was recent Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Mansfield, LA.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Linda Hall Chism; his parents, his three brothers, Roy Douglas, Homer Wayne (Buddy), and Gerry. Left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Lillian C. Wheless and husband Michael of Logansport, LA, his son, Ronald R. Chism of Mansfield, LA, his wife, Nancy B. Chism of Logansport, LA, five grandchildren, Steven Cox of Logansport, LA, Justin Wheless of Grand Cane, LA, Russell Chism of Center, TX, Trey Chism and Kelsey Chism both of Joaquin, TX; daughter-in-law, Bridgette Lien of Joaquin, TX; sister-in-law (more like the sister he never had), Tommie Blue of Logansport, LA; eight great-grandchildren, Kannon, Deuce, Lilly, Brantley, Jessalyn, Laredon, Corbin, and Gavin; his little buddy, Landon Chatman, who gave him so much joy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Honoring Ronnie as pallbearers will be his grandsons: Steven, Justin, Russell, Trey, and nephews, Tommy Hall, and Mike Hall.

---

Citing inadequate rainfall in the recent past, the DeSoto Parish Police Jury has issued a burn ban parish wide.  Police Jury President Ernel Jones made the declaration on Wednesday.

See the proclamation below.  A state of emergency was declared for the parish banning all outdoor burning in the parish until further notice.

Meanwhile at least one other northwest Louisiana parish has issued a burn ban and others are evaluating their situation.

---

A winner every edition of the DeSoto Parish Journal leading up to Valentine’s Day.  Some lucky subscriber will be awarded “Valentines $100 and a Red Rose” just for joining the Journal’s readers.

Our third winner is Bubba Clark.  He will be presented his check and beautiful red rose at The Flower Shop by Britt on Texas Street in downtown Mansfield.  We love fun contests, and we love giving stuff away.

Would you like to be our next winner?  It is as easy as a CLICK HERE!  Subscribers get all the local news twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday mornings.  It comes direct to your email so you can read it on your favorite device.

Congratulations to Bubba Clark and our other winners too.  Who will be next?  Subscribe today and we’ll reveal the next winner on Friday.

---

By Nicole Tull

The Krewe of Demeter rolled through Mansfield Saturday evening. The cold weather gave the towns folk a reprieve long enough to enjoy the parade.

The parade Grand Marshal was Miss DeSoto Parish Mardi Gras Queen, Sydney Locke.

City of Mansfield had many representatives. Police Chief Annette Blue, Assistant Chief Billy Locke, and Mayor John Mayweather were in the lineup. Candidates for several offices were also present. Thomas Jones for Mayor of Mansfield and Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett for Appeal Judge had fun floats with lots of throws.

Logansport’s Krewe of Aquarius, Minden’s Krewe of Akewa and DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office had prominent floats riding ahead of the Krewe of Demeter’s bright float. 

Children beckoning for throws were not disappointed with the beads, doubloons, plush toys, balls, hula hoops, candy, cups, and even favorite snacks being tossed into the crowd.

Many of these floats and others will be featured again in upcoming parades in Logansport and Grand Cane. Be sure to support them with your attendance.

---

---

By Teddy Allen

Married at 17, three babies by 24. But in her early 40’s she found herself divorced against her will, her house empty of a husband and children, nothing left of value but memories.

She moved to a West Monroe trailer park, bought it, kept teaching school, started over, a good soldier.

Her college-aged son called her practically every day. A male voice to hear, a familiar face to recall, a thread back to good times, maybe a hope for more.

Then one day, the son couldn’t find her. Nothing but dial tones. 

There was a reason: she was on the move again.

Seems one day she’d heard a knock on her trailer door. A high school friend she hadn’t seen in, what, 30 years? He, too, wore the outfit of a dude on the move, a man meaning business: blue jeans, windbreaker, Detroit Tigers ballcap. A West Monroe version of Tom Selleck. (Such were the ’80s: dial tones and Magnum P.I.)

They brewed a pot of coffee, started catching up. And apparently, started hanging out far from any landline.

I could not have been happier for our mother. Or for her guy in the ballcap.

That knock on the door led to 30-plus years of marriage and friendship, of travels all over the country and then some. From the press box in Omaha at the College World Series, I called her and Don in Carmel, California to wish them a happy wedding day. Through the years, my sisters and I got postcards from Montana and Maine and Canada, where momma was once ticketed for fishing without a license.

She’d gone international outlaw.

Don’s mother traveled with them often until she passed away. So did an ornery little Chihuahua named TJ, luckiest dog ever born. He passed too, God bless his loved-to-travel heart.

Mom and Don kept going.

It was a bum liver that slowed them, one Don had no part in damaging. Never smoked. Never drank. Ballplayer. A Marine and then a mail carrier for 33 years, he drew a bad card is all. No reason for it really. Nobody’s fault. They made the most of it, and that was a lot.

He adjusted. They adjusted. And most of the past 16 years were normal until they weren’t, until he died in August.

So proud of his grandsons and my nephews at his celebration service in November. They made us laugh, talking about Don and his camcorder at the grandkids’ ballgames, his photography and ham operator hobbies, Captain Drone, the weird flutes he played back in his room (these things were longer than bed slats), his fascination with the New England Patriots, his love of West Monroe’s Rebs and his love for Sweeter, the family’s affectionate name for our mom.

I appreciate the sentiment of Valentine’s Day, but when those Hallmark cards grow up and hit 80-plus, here’s what they want to be:

Part of a couple sitting in matching rocking recliners, splitting a chicken salad sandwich and Fritos, glasses of sweet tea on a shared end table, a ballgame or old movies on the big screen. Companionship forged by time and trust. Deep water.

The short story: the guy loved our mom.

For that and for many other things, a tip of the ballcap to a faithful old Tiger.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

This week, February 7-11, DeSoto Schools are celebrating National School Counseling Week.  Our school counselors have such an impact in fostering academic and career development for every student.  We celebrate our School Counselors.  You are truly The DeSoto Difference!

---

Let the good times roll through Logansport on Saturday.  The Mardi Gras parade begins at 6:00 pm. 

Pictured is the Parade Route for Saturday Feb 12 at 6:00 pm.

The Krewe of Aquarius said, “Weather is going to be great!  Come early to tailgate and get your spot. See you at the parade!”

Let the good times roll.  Look at the map and plan your spot.  Throw me sumpin!

---

By Brad Dison

Hugh was born and raised in Abbott, Texas.  During the hot summers, his family picked cotton along with other poor families in Abbott to earn enough money to survive.  Hugh hated picking cotton and looked for another way to earn money.  He had a knack for writing songs which he began at the young age of seven.  At the age of 13, he began playing guitar and singing songs in Abbott.  People were in awe of his exceptional ability.  They were even more impressed when they learned that he was just a kid.  Hugh earned enough to keep him from working in the sweltering cotton fields.  

Hugh wanted to be a songwriter but took other jobs out of necessity.  Some of these inlluded telephone operator, Tree trimmer for the electric company, nightclub bouncer, saddle maker, encyclopedia salesman, and even a stint in the Air Force, from which he was medically discharged.  Finally, he found a job which suited his interests.  With no experience, but with a thorough knowledge of Country and Western music, Hugh secured a job as a disc jockey.  His job as a DJ meant that he had the radio station’s large catalog of music at his fingertips.  Rather than just spinning records, Hugh studied song patterns, writing styles, the singer’s delivery, and other details to determine what made a song a hit.  His job at the radio station also meant that he could use, free of charge, the radio station’s recording equipment.  Hugh’s songwriting improved with each passing day.

Hugh learned early on that it was easier for him to write songs when he was driving a car.  One day in the late 1950s, Hugh was driving when a “stupid” song came to mind.  Hugh sang different phrases until he found the right combination.  It was a song about lost love in which the lead character lamented that he was “stupid for loving you.”   He titled the song “Stupid.”  Hugh looked around the car’s interior but had no paper or pencil to write down his stupid song.  All the way home, Hugh repeated the song so he would not forget it.  Back at the radio station, Hugh recorded a demo of “Stupid” and a few other songs he had recently written with the intention of selling them to recording artists.

Hugh understood that to sell his songs, he needed to be where the recording artists were.  Hugh quit his job at the radio station and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.  Within a short time, Hugh learned that many people in the music industry frequented a small bar across the road from The Grand Ole Opry called Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.  One night, Hugh was drinking at Tootsie’s with Charlie Dick.  Hugh convinced the bar’s owner to let him play his “stupid” song on the jukebox.  Charlie liked the song and said he would like to let his wife listen to it.  Hugh agreed.  Charlie said he wanted Hugh to accompany him to his home right then, which was late at night, to play the song for his wife.  Hugh responded something to the effect of “You’re crazy!  We’re both half drunk.”  It took little convincing before Hugh agreed.

At Charlie’s home, they played the record for Charlie’s wife.  She liked the song and asked if she could record it.  Hugh eagerly agreed.  In September of 1961, she spent four days in the studio trying to get her vocals right for Hugh’s “stupid” song.  Finally happy with the song, Decca records released the song the following month.  It quickly rose up the charts and peaked at number 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles.  Aided by Hugh’s “stupid” song, Charlie’s wife was named Billboard’s Favorite Female Country Artist of 1961.  Charlie’s wife’s version of Hugh’s “stupid” song was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and was ranked number 85 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Charlie Dick’s wife, who earned more money in the form of royalties from this song than any other song she recorded, was Patsy Cline.  You and I know Hugh’s “stupid” song well, but under a different title that he later gave it.   Hugh originally titled the song “Stupid” but eventually decided upon a different title.  We know it as “Crazy.”  We also know Hugh as a famous singer in his own right.  Hugh is the middle name of Willie Nelson.

Sources

1. YouTube.com. “Willie Nelson Gets in the Car When He Wants to Write Music (2014).” Accessed February 5, 2022. https://youtu.be/GIp7KP3G-_4.
2. YouTube.com. “Willie Nelson On Pitching Crazy to Patsy Cline // Siriusxm // Willie’s Roadhouse.” Accessed February 5, 2022. https://youtu.be/JjpqWBnHxEU.

---

Congratulations from DeSoto Schools to the North DeSoto High School Winners at District FBLA Conference!

All 27 student contestants scored Excellent or above.

Several earned 1st place overall.  Competition was in Entrepreneurship Team Event, Healthcare Administration, Management Information Systems, and Journalism.

---

Men of Prayer met last Thursday night in Stonewall.  Afterward the group posted, “Awesome night tonight, thanks to everyone who braved the weather.”

Pastor Matt Butts had a powerful message.  Joe Williamson shared an awesome testimony.  Also, an awesome job by Hunter Tuck leading us in Worship. 

As promised the men enjoyed a great meal. “The Pit Mastor” Chris Kirkley did not let us down. Thank you Mrs. Brady for all you do every month for us.  We are praying for you.

---

Each day of the week, the DeSoto Parish Library spotlights someone special to Black History.  There will be either a quote from them or a little history about them. Keep an eye out for each special feature and stop by the library and check out a book or movie about the individuals to be featured.

One day they read about Sojourner Truth. Here are some quotes, facts and a couple (of the many) books available at the library. This YouTube link is to a mini bio from the Biography Channel on Truth’s life.

youtu.be/q-HfiryNoXY

---

Saturday February 19^th is the day for a Mardi Gras celebration at St Ann’s Catholic Church of Stonewall.  The fun begins at 1:00 pm.

This will be St. Ann’s first Mardi Gras Carnival and they are planning for it to become an annual event.  Featured on the day will be a gumbo cook-off.  The band Broken Chains will perform live.  Also, there will be a trunk parade and a king cake walk.

---

The following arrests were made in DeSoto Parish between January 30 – February 05, 2022, over a one week period.

---

The Mitchells vs the Machines will be the movie at the Logansport branch of the DeSoto Parish Library on February 24^th.  Bring the family, the film starts at 2:00 pm.  The library number is 697-2311 if you would like more information.

New Life Ministries presents gospel singing with Terry Terrell on Friday, February 11^th at 6:30 pm.  The church is located at 13269 Highway 171 South.

From The Center Square: The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services is warning about delays for new or replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The department recently posted an advisory regarding the card delays because of severe winter weather and supply chain issues.  “We have been looking into reports of unusual delays in the receipt of EBT cards,” the advisory read. “Some households are reporting it is taking well beyond the 10-14 business days typical for cards to be delivered.

The Northwestern State University Saxophone Studio will hold its annual Sax Fest on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Magale Recital Hall beginning at noon.  Guest artist Derek Brown will hold a master class and extended technique clinic and will discuss the music business. NSU Professor of Saxophone Paul J. Forsyth will hold a master class for high school students.  At 6 p.m., Brown will be featured in a concert which will include the NSU Jazz Orchestra and NSU Saxophone Choir. The concert will feature the premiere of Brown’s composition “Whatever the Case May Be.”

---

Stanley High School issued this statement on an incident at the school on Thursday.

Student safety is our number one priority.  Stanley High School is dedicated to maintaining a strong partnership with parents in an effort to provide the very best education for students.  Key to that partnership is open communication.  For this reason, I want to inform you of an incident that recently occurred on our campus.

On February 3, 2022, SHS Administration received information that there was a potential threat of violence against the school.  In partnership with law enforcement, a thorough, immediate investigation was conducted, and it was determined that there is no threat of danger at this time.  The student in question has been removed by law enforcement for questioning.

Together, we will continue to provide a broad and superior security network for the safety of students and staff.  In our district, your children come first.  Thank you for entrusting them in our care.

Earlier the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office issued this statement on the incident:

On Thursday, Stanley High SRO and investigators were tipped off to a potential threat that was made toward Stanley High School.  We want the public to first understand that there is no threat of danger at this time. 

The individual in question has been removed from campus for questioning, and an investigation is taking place.  No weapons were located.  This situation was handled swiftly, taking all precautions for the safety of faculty and students.

---

ICED/CLOSED ROADWAYS UPDATE

From the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office

February 4, 2022 at 7:59:48 AM CST

The following roadways and bridges have been reported by dispatchers to be a danger due to Ivey conditions. Please be mindful while driving and pay attention to any/all over passes and bridges.

• OVERPASS AT 184
• OVERPASS AG 509
• BRIDGE AT EMS CENTRAL STATION
• TRENTON RD. OVERPASS
• HWY 175 at NEW BRIDGE
• DOUBLE BRIDGES BY NASH ON 171
• HWY 175 SOUTH by JANEAR CIRCLE

Fire District #1 at Logansport issued this advisory:

Please be cautious on the LA/TX bridge in Logansport. We have already had several cars sliding on the ice.

Here is the revised forecast from the National Weather Service Shreveport office:

Today – A slight chance of snow and freezing drizzle before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight – Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 23. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday – Sunny, with a high near 49. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night – Clear, with a low around 27. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

---

It is time to name the second winner in the Journal’s “Valentine $100 and a Red Rose” contest.  But first…

Congratulations to Hannah Gamble Touchton of Mansfield.  She was our first winner on Wednesday.  On Thursday we met at the Flower Shop where Brittany Brandt had prepared a stunning red rose.  And the check for $100 wasn’t too bad either.

Who will be the next person presented a rose and some money? 

Our second contest winner is Sherry Shockley.  We are contacting Sherry to present her prizes. 

There are more red roses by Brittany at the Flower Shop to be presented.  And the Journal has more $100 checks.  Winners are selected from subscribers to the Journal by email.  It is free, we don’t scam you, and we don’t sell your information.

SIGN UP HERE and you could be our next winner, to be announced Wednesday in the DeSoto Parish Journal.

---

Members and visitors to the Mansfield Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday heard from a member of Delta Force.  They captured Saddam Hussein hiding in a small underground bunker on his family farm near Tikrit, Iraq.  He had fled to the farm after his government was toppled by US and allied forces in 2003.

Retired Sergeant Major Jeremy Morton was a member of the team that captured Hussein.  He described his Army career and the capture to the Rotary Club in great detail.  He noted that Hussein was taken without a shot being fired.  That he was pulled from a small underground bunker.

Morton said a source of information named Mohammad was questioned or Hussein’s location.  It was known that Mohammad was a close associate.  Morton said, “Through an interpreter we asked him ‘Where is he” and he quickly flipped and told them Hussein was in one of two locations.  One was in a farmhouse.  He gave us the location.”

Morton described the events leading to the capture, including the assembly of the team, getting the search authorized, and taking the source with them to show the exact location where Hussein was supposed to be hiding.  Morton said, “Once we got there the description given by the source did not match the location, so he was asked ‘Where is the bunker?’ and the source indicated under a flower bed.”

“We dug in the flower bed and handles popped up,” said Morton.  He described what happened, “We popped the lid.  There was a hole, but we could not see Hussein.  An interpreter screamed ‘come out’ then someone moved forward.  A couple of our guys grabbed him and pulled him out of the hole.”

Morton said, “I looked at him in that moment and said, ‘it’s him!’”

Hussein was captured on December 13, 2003.  He was taken back to his palace in Tikrit for questioning.  Then he was transported to Bagdad.  And the rest is history. 

Morton told the group, “Hussein was carrying a pistol tucked into his waist.  One member of our group found it and turned it in.  That pistol was put in a case, and we all signed the back of it.  The pistol was taken to Washington and presented to President George Bush.  It stayed in his White House office until he was succeeded by Barak Obama.  That pistol in its case is now displayed in the Bush Presidential Library in Dallas.”

---

Brace yourselves, DeSoto Residents, Winter is Coming for a few days.

The Louisiana DOTD has closed I-49 from Shreveport north to Arkansas.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that I-49 at LA 526 (Bert Kouns) both North and Southbound lanes are now closed. In addition, I-220 is also closed.

These closures are necessary due to impending inclement weather.  The closures will stay in place until such time as the roads are deemed as safe.

From the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office:

As of Thursday, Our area is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, and Winter Weather Advisory!  Residents can expect freezing rain across the Arklatex beginning Thursday, and precipitation could be heavy at times.  After daybreak, precipitation may transition into a wintery mix of freezing rain, sleet, and possibly snow, as this system gradually expands eastward into East Texas and Southwest Arkansas.  

Sheriff Richardson would like to remind the public of the importance of safe driving as conditions change.  Many of us get a bit too comfortable driving during lengthy times of decent weather.  When rain, ice, sleet become part of the equation it can make for very dangerous roads.  Be mindful.  Watch the roadway and wear your seatbelt!   Put cell phones and other distractions away and take it easy, for the sake of your own life, and the lives of others.

Most of the harsh weather will be north of DeSoto Parish.  Here was the forecast from the Shreveport Weather Service office on Thursday.  As you can see the situation should be mostly cleared up by Friday morning.

Thursday night – A chance of rain before 9pm, then a slight chance of freezing rain and sleet between 9pm and midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.

Friday – Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. North wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night – Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 23. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday – Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind around 5 mph.

---

By Royal Alexander

The US border remains wide open, but the Biden Administration is focused on securing the Ukrainian border.

Whatever one thinks of the pros and cons of our engagement in Eastern Europe, it is both hypocritical and idiotic for the Biden Administration to appear to be so concerned about the possible invasion of a sovereign Ukraine by Russia while it simultaneously encourages and facilitates the invasion of our Southern border by millions of illegals.

Regarding Ukraine, Biden Deputy National Security adviser, Jonathan Finer, states that Americans should care about what is happening in Ukraine …”because it goes to a very fundamental principle of all nations, which is that our borders should be inviolate, that our sovereignty should be respected.”

(January 26, 2022  thepoliticalinsider.com/bidens-deputy-national-security-advisor-border-should-be-inviolate-ukraines-border-that-is/).

Further, according to V.P. Kamala Harris, “the bottom line is that we have been clear and consistent for quite some time that we respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and we expect that Russia would do the same and any aggressive action taken by Vladimir Putin will be met with severe consequences.”  (Tucker Carlson: Democrats suddenly value border security, just not the US border | Fox News).

Wow.  That’s quite a statement of national security policy all the while the Biden Administration has for months been quietly sneaking illegal aliens into cities across the country.  What’s ludicrous about these statements is that the country Finer, VP Harris and Pres. Biden are responsible for securing and protecting is this one, not Ukraine!

What’s the new problem? Illegals are being flown by government-funded charter flights to various points in the country—often in the middle of the night—put on buses or in cabs and then left in those towns and communities.  Those involved with “receiving” these flights have expressed on video (westchester.news12.com/officials-claim-fox-news-footage-shows-federal-contractors-flying-migrants-to-westchester) that these flights avail themselves of smaller, usually closed, airports so this intrusion can be more “down low” and more easily hidden from the public.  (Miranda Devine, N.Y. Post, January 26, 2022).  Understandably, local law enforcement has expressed great frustration about these occurrences in their jurisdictions.

Needless to say, this is illegal.  It’s a crime and it is arguably an impeachable offense.  It’s madness masquerading as policy.  The federal government cannot be allowed to direct and support the breaking of federal immigration law.  The result of this government treachery is that the culture and character of our nation is being permanently altered by those illegally being placed into our country.  Yet, if one were to comment on it the national Left would no doubt label that observation and concern as “bigoted” and “racist.”

Truly, though, we shouldn’t be surprised that the Biden Administration would be engaged in this dishonest practice on our Southern border.  After nearly completely stopping the flow of illegals across our border during the Trump Administration—due to both the building of the massive border wall and stricter law enforcement measures—we are now witnessing the exact opposite.

What about public health and public safety concerns? What about the Covid fears we’ve been suffocated with for 2 years that have greatly restricted the personal and economic liberty of millions of Americans? There are still many locations in the U.S. that American citizens cannot go without a vaccine card and a mask.  Yet, we allow unmasked, un-vaxed, unknown and unvetted individuals to come into our communities?  Who are these people, are they even healthy, where are they going and being placed? 

This is a betrayal of our system of government and a violation of the fundamental responsibility of government to keep its citizens safe.  In fact, this kind of secrecy and lies are the kind of practices engaged in by authoritarian regimes and dictators.

Further, according to Texas Governor Abbott. “With an uptick in deadly drugs like fentanyl, dangerous gang activity, and human trafficking across our state, the State of Texas has been forced to take action to secure the border in the wake of the federal government’s complicity in this invasion, including launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers.”

(gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-discusses-impact-of-border-crisis-on-texas-communities-with-local-law-enforcement-in-midland.)

This border invasion is, again, simply a betrayal of the American people by our own government with our own tax dollars when all most Americans are asking is that our laws be enforced and our elected officials listen to us, be accountable and transparent, and most importantly, remember that their fundamental sworn duty is to keep America and Americans safe from our enemies, both foreign and domestic. 

That is not happening.  The American people must rise up and demand a change.  November 2022 will provide that opportunity.

---

From the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office:

On Thursday, Stanley High SRO and investigators were tipped off to a potential threat that was made toward Stanley High School.  We want the public to first understand that there is no threat of danger at this time. 

The individual in question has been removed from campus for questioning, and an investigation is taking place.  No weapons were located.  This situation was handled swiftly, taking all precautions for the safety of faculty and students.

---

By Nicole Tull

Logansport’s Krewe of Aquarius crowned their 2022 royalty on Saturday night at the RB4 Event Center. Sheriff Jayson Richardson will serve as King, Tammy Thomas is the Queen and for the first time ever the Krewe will have a Princess, Joye Malone.

The banquet was well attended and was family friendly with several youth and one toddler. A delicious meal was served by On The Geaux Catering from Shreveport. As everyone settled into their supper, several friends of the Krewe royalty introduced them.

Alan Bounds introduced the King with some comical anecdotes.  The Sheriff would neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of such stories of childhood pranks. Shannon Lowe, sister-in-law of Tammy took a different approach to introduce the Queen. She gushed of Tammy’s integrity as both friend and family. Mary Register introduced the very first Princess. All who know Joye are sure to be filled with Joy. Finally, Billie Jean Hatcher Hughes was the last to introduce the royalty collectively. She was unable to attend in person due to illness, so a video was made for all to see. She sang the praises of each member but was sure to let everyone know where they stood with her on the family totem pole.

Past royalty members and other notable personalities attended the banquet. 2014 King Dean Register gave the invocation. Mayor Judge Cordray, his wife Linda and 2007 Queen Mary Mac Thompson also came to support the Krewe.

There were several silent auction items spread out. They were representative of the local business. Krewe Chair Theresa Stephens thanked the businesses and encouraged attendees to patronize them in support of their donations. Funds raised from the banquet auction will help the Krewe put on a great parade and continue to work in our community.  

---

By Steve Graf

Are pro bass fishermen athletes? This is the same question that’s been asked about another sport. Are NASCAR drivers’ athletes? Well from my perspective, the answer is a resounding “YES,” but there are those who will try to make a case otherwise. To determine if professional bass anglers fall into this category, we must first define athletes. Webster’s definition states: a person who is trained or skilled in exercise, sports or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.                                                                                                                                     

Okay, now that we have defined the word “athlete,” let’s look at what anglers go through on a daily basis to determine if they truly fit into this category. A lot of today’s pros will tell you that professional bass fishing is a grind and is considered a young man’s sport.  A professional angler hits his prime between the ages of 25 and 45. It’s not to say older anglers (above the age of 45) can’t compete, but their stamina (important by the definition) is not the same level as the younger pros. This is where older anglers may need to take supplements like Nugenix or Maximum Male in order to keep up! Young anglers today are on the water from daylight until dawn. This can make for some very long 10-to-12-hour days on the water. As any pro angler will tell you, that is the difference between being an average angler or a great one….time on the water!

Skilled is another word relevant to the definition. One thing pro angler’s take great pride in is their ability to cast and put a lure in spots that the average angler would never even consider. They can flip or cast a bait into a coffee cup at 25 yards. They can pitch or cast a bait under a boat dock with only a 2-inch clearance. If you want to be impressed, get in the boat with a pro angler and watch the skill level they possess.  Just like a NASCAR driver, they also have excellent driving skills and can-do things with a bass boat that many only dreams about. If you get to spend a little time with a pro angler, it won’t take you long to recognize that touring pros are on another level from the average angler. Today’s touring anglers really do define the word “pro.”

The next word that’s part of Webster’s definition of an athlete is “agility.”  Believe it or not, anglers today are a fit bunch overall. There are a few potbelly boys on tour, but most are health and fitness enthusiasts. You won’t find many of them eating a McDonald’s sausage biscuit combo for breakfast or two eggs over-easy with a side of bacon. They eat things like power and Nutri-grain bars, oatmeal, or fruit and bran cereal. They drink water and Powerade, or a healthy smoothie. Several anglers are addicted to working out whether it’s in the weight room or running marathons. Today’s anglers are not your grandpa’s professional anglers, these guys can leap small buildings with a single bound! They can hop up on the front deck quicker than Vice President Kamala Harris can deflect a question.

So, “Are professional bass fishermen athletes?”  The answer is “yes”…for the most part. When you fish for a living day in and day out and are on the water 10 to 12 hours a day, it takes both strength and stamina. And just like any other sport, it’s also very important to be in great shape mentally. Mental health just might be the toughest and most important part of being a pro angler. The stress, strain, and pressure of trying to find and locate bass on a daily basis can be draining. There’s also the sponsor promotional expectations and obligations required of all pro anglers. They must make appearances and do seminars and radio/internet interviews while also maintaining and updating their social media status. Actually, the tournament itself is sometimes a relief that anglers look forward to the most.

I hope you now have a different level of respect for what it takes to fish at the professional level. It’s a sport that takes a special person or an athlete who can compete with the best anglers on the planet. To hear more about the bass fishing world, tune into Tackle Talk Live every Tuesday at 11:30 on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

---

The DeSoto March 26^th ballot will contain several local races in addition to the Judge Court of Appeal race.  Voters will elect town officials in Mansfield, Stonewall, and Longstreet.

The candidates for Judge, Court of Appeal are Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett and Craig Marcotte.  Both are attorneys, are Republicans, and reside in Shreveport.

Three candidates filed for Mayor of Mansfield.  Incumbent John Mayweather, Sr. is seeking another term.  He is opposed by Joseph Hall, Jr. and Thomas Jones.  All three are Democrats and reside in Mansfield.  Jones is currently on the DeSoto Parish Police Jury.

Also in Mansfield, there are races in 4 of the 5 districts.  For District A, Mary Jones Green was unopposed.  In District B Robert L. Pea faces Christopher Washington Thomas.  In District C Nettie S. Whitaker is running against Victoria “Vicky” Woodley Jackson.  For District D Jimmy Davis Jones is running against Antonio Washington.  And in District E Kervin Campbell will face Rita Jones Myles.  All Alderman candidates are Democrats.

Two candidates filed for Mayor of Stonewall.  Incumbent Mayor Randal S. Rodgers faces challenger “Ken” Kaffka.  Both candidates are Republicans.

Five council members will be elected for the Town of Stonewall.  Five candidates qualified so all five are elected.  They are Robert S. “Rob” Baker, Jr., Donald A. Crosslin, Jr., Margaret Dickerson, Brandon Garsee, and Eric Lee Runge.

In the Mayor’s race for the Village of Longstreet Wanda Sue Lewis Fields will face “Connie” Jackson for the seat.  For Council Member of Longstreet three are to be elected, however only Queenie V. Rogers qualified.  She is elected unopposed.

---