The National Weather Service said, “We’re still watching for the development of a potential tropical system in the NW Gulf of Mexico. This system will move inland, then drift north into the ArkLaTex during the weekend, bringing scattered showers and storms to the area. No threat of flooding is expected.”

The latest forecast gives this storm a 40% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. 

Friday through Wednesday – Showers and thunderstorms will be on the increase across the four state area this weekend as the tropical low in the western Gulf lifts northward into east Texas. Due to the rich tropical moisture in place, storms will be capable of heavy downpours along with gusty winds and lightning. The threat of thunderstorms will then decrease on the July 4th holiday next week as the low moves to our east. Any outdoor activities should include weather safety plans for hot temperatures returning to the region.

Below is the latest local forecast for our area.

Friday – A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday – A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday – A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Sunday Night – Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Monday – A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

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We are into hurricane season.  There is a storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico.  Are you prepared?

This storm is expected to have some impact on our area this coming weekend.  Although it is not the large storms we sometimes experience it is still a good time to think about how you need to be prepared, even inland for tropical weather and power outages.

Copy this link to get more info from the weather service:

noaa.gov/assemble-disaster-supplies-hurricane

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By Royal Alexander

In a landmark 6-3 decision this past week, the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reversed and overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision which purported to “find” a constitutional right to abortion in the 14th Amendment.

How should we view this Supreme Court decision?

Well, putting aside the moral implications of abortion—which are profound—and looking at Roe strictly as a matter of constitutional law, it was always on shaky legal ground.

Why?

Because our Constitution mandates that our federal government be one of specific, enumerated powers and abortion is not one of them; And because, while the Liberty Clause of the 14th Amendment may allow a right to privacy within a zone of privacy, that zone cannot credibly be construed to include the “right” to terminate the life of a genetically distinct unborn baby.

The harsh national response we are seeing from critics of the reversal of Roe includes the assertion that the Court is exercising power it doesn’t have.  This is, respectfully, exactly backwards.  As Justice Byron White wrote in dissent (Justice William Rehnquist was the other dissenter) in the 1973 Roe opinion, the Roe decision was an “exercise of raw judicial power”.

Why would Justice White have written that in his 1973 dissent from Roe?

Because the 1973 Roe Court claimed to “find” a constitutional right to abortion that is simply not in the Constitution.  Let me say again that abortion can be found nowhere in the Constitution.   Further, abortion had never been a part of American common law either. 

As such, the 1973 Roe decision had “federalized” the issue of abortion and taken it away from all 50 states.  The reversal of Roe last week was simply the correction of a grievous 49-year mistake that the Roe Court—with great judicial arrogance—had made.  By taking the issue and preferences away from the states and the people and replacing it with the Roe Court’s own preferences on abortion, it had acted in a manner that was inappropriate, illegal, and unconstitutional.  The role of the U.S. Supreme Court is to interpret the law not to make it!

Rather, the Framers of our Constitution left profound moral and policy determinations like the abortion issue to the states and to the people because they wanted these weightiest of decisions to be made as locally as possible.

Someone made this comment to me since the Roe reversal. “So, what you are telling me is my rights are determined by geography; by where I live?”  In simplest terms, the answer is “yes.”

Our constitutional scheme essentially sets up the 5o states as “incubators” of the policy ideas and choices of the people in that state.  That is why states like Louisiana and Mississippi can chose to have no abortions while states like New York and California (which may even pay for the procedure) have such liberal abortion laws that the child may be aborted up until the moment of birth—and even after, when the unborn child is allowed to die on the table if the abortion was unsuccessful.

To disagree with this outcome is to simply disagree with our constitutional form of government.  Our Framers painstakingly hammered out what powers would be directly and expressly granted to the federal government with all the rest remaining with the states and the people.

As the 10th Amendment makes clear the large majority of policy determinations lie with the states.  Period.  Again, the only powers granted to the federal government are express, specific, and enumerated.

Now, the issue of abortion will return to and be decided by the people and their representatives in each state where, in our constitutional scheme, it belongs.

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By Van Reech

The Desoto Parish Historical Society met at the Mansfield Female College Museum in Mansfield on Sunday, June 26, at 2:00 pm.  Their quarterly meeting’s speaker was Leonard Gresens, an Investment Counselor from Shreveport, who is also an avid Token Collector. 

Leonard started as a coin collector when he was a boy but became interested in tokens when he realized what a specialized and rare hobby it was.  In his slide presentation he had photographs of many DeSoto Parish tokens from lumber mills, grocery stores, and … saloons.  Before the Great Depression many establishments issued tokens as change or pay.  Although a good way to circumvent taxes they were also an excellent way to encourage returning customers.

If you are interested in token collecting or just want to see if those you have a valuable contact Mr. Gresens email leonard.gresens@gmail.com.  If you are interested in joining the Historical Society call George Gilmer at 318-925-6682.

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Sheriff Jayson Richardson would like to acknowledge and congratulate Deputy Greg Bailey on his recent completion of a two week, 80 hour long, Motors Course!  This course was led by our recently certified Motors Instructor, Cpl. Donta Phillips, right here in DeSoto Parish. 

That’s right folks, no outsourcing, travel, and paying some other agency…we got talent here at home! 

Deputy Bailey was trained in daily operation, maneuvers, crash avoidance, among many other tactics and skills.  He can now be seen patrolling DeSoto Parish on his motorcycle, alongside Cpl. Phillips.  

We are so grateful for Dy. Bailey and his willingness to learn more in an effort to better serve our Parish!  Pictured from L-R are Cpl. Donta Phillips, Dy. Greg Bailey, and Sheriff Jayson Richardson.

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By Steve Graf

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve looked at the history of tournament bass fishing and how far the sport has evolved. Today, we’ll wrap it up with the big move that helped take tournament bass fishing to another level….prime time TV coverage.

In October of 2004, ESPN announced a new brand of outdoors TV coverage called “BassCenter.” It was a new half hour show dedicated to B.A.S.S. and professional bass fishing. This was the shot in the arm that the sport needed! For years, bass tournament coverage was only seen on outdoor channels or on the internet. But this was prime time TV coverage that most Americans had never really been exposed to. What a perfect fit for ESPN, which already had a built-in outdoors audience. Other shows dedicated to the new ESPN Outdoors programming were “Loudmouth Bass,” “Bass Tech,” and “Bassmaster University,” which brought in professional anglers to give their expertise with tips and tactics for catching bass.

Other networks soon followed like Fox Sports (FS1) with Saturday morning prime time coverage. Then in August of 2010, a group of investors led by the legendary Jerry McKinnis (host of the ESPN’s 2ndlongest-running show,) along with Don Logan and Jim Copeland, bought B.A.S.S. LLC.  This purchase paved the way for more angler/sponsor exposure and encouraged top name brand sponsors to get behind the programming. Suddenly, bass fishing was popular and pro anglers became household names…names like Skeet Reece, Kevin Van Dam, Gerald Swindle, Mike Iaconelli, the late Aaron Martens and too many more to mention. Of course, with TV promotions came big money as tournament payouts went up from $25,000 to $50,000 for a win, to $100,000 and as high as $300,000 for a Bassmaster Classic or MLF Redcrest Cup win.

Today’s anglers and the sport of bass fishing has come a long way from the days of parking lot weigh-ins and good ol’ boys looking for bragging rights. Now they have major sponsors like Toyota, General Tires, Yeti Coolers, Academy Sports, Berkley, and Mercury/Yamaha Engines to name a few. These days, tournament weigh-ins are held in sold out arenas and convention centers with drive through weigh-ins. Today’s anglers are borderline rock stars with their sponsor wrapped trucks and boats. But with all the fame and fortune comes obligations and commitments, as anglers are pulled in every direction from doing commercial spots to speaking engagements. These guys make a lot of family sacrifices as they are on the road for weeks at a time. Being a professional bass fisherman today is tough and is a job like no other. It takes dedication and hard work to make a career out of bass fishing. The fishing part for many of these anglers is a welcome break from all the other things that go into being a professional angler. Today’s angler must be a great salesman and an organized businessman. He must have great communications skills and the ability to speak in public.

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking into the history of bass fishing. It’s obvious that the sport has evolved and come a long way from a dream that Ray Scott (founder of B.A.S.S.) had back in the 1960’s. So, if you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of today’s professional anglers, be prepared for long hours and hard work, because it’s no longer just a fun day at the lake. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

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The City of Minden has an IMMEDIATE NEED

FT ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

This is a clerical position that requires the use of various accounting software programs to track and reconcile a wide range of financial transactions.

Responsible for maintaining financial records, ensuring payments and receivables are current. Involved in a wide range of activities/functions in the City Clerk’s office including heavy in-house payroll responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Post-secondary education with focused course work in accounting and bookkeeping preferred.
• One to two years administrative, clerical and accounting experience required, preferably with city government.Experience involving governmental funds or related accounts desirable.

Work hours:  7:30am-4pm Monday-Friday

Location: City Hall, Minden, Louisiana

Benefits:   HEALTH, DENTAL, VISION BENEFITS, RETIREMENT, PAID HOLIDAYS & SICK/VACATION LEAVE

Starting pay:  $15.76/hr. D.O.E.

To apply or view a brief job description go online http://www.mindenla.org/job-listings/ or pick up an application at City Hall, 520 Broadway, Minden, Louisiana.

Background and drug screen will be conducted.

The City of Minden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Of all the general officers produced during the American Civil War, perhaps none was more intriguing than Prince Camille Armand de Polignac, of France. The life of this soldier-aristocrat will be featured at the Mansfield State Historic Site during a special presentation by park historians on Saturday, July 2, at 2:00 pm.

Of noble lineage and the highest ranking foreign-national to serve in the Confederate army, Polignac led a brigade and later a division of Louisiana and Texas troops with distinction at the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill in April 1864. A royal soldier of fortune and adventurer who excelled in mathematics, science, and the art of war, Prince de Polignac held the rare distinction of serving in three major wars of the mid-19th century, from lieutenant in the Crimean War and major general in the American South, to distinguished service as an infantry division commander during the Franco-Prussian War.

Come learn more about this unique personality who would earn the title, “The Lafayette of the South.”

Mansfield State Historic Site is located on LA Hwy. 175, three miles south of Mansfield. Admission is $4 per person ages 4-61; seniors 62 and over and children 3 and under are admitted free. For more information, call 318.872.1474 or 888.677.6267.

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4-H members and others in our parish take part in the State Fair Livestock show.  This information is posted for local exhibitors.

The state fair has posted the 2022 Livestock Schedule on their website. The schedule can be found here: statefairoflouisiana.com/events/2022/2022livestockshow.

This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.

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The DeSoto Parish Animal Shelter is preparing for their next big project.  They are asking for volunteers to help.

On July 13th volunteers from Chesapeake Energy will be joining the shelter to clear out, fix, and reorganize 2 storage areas.  And they will add a third area.  This is a manual labor project, and the shelter will need more help.

All supplies will be provided.  Volunteers will be served drinks and pizza for lunch.

The animal shelter is also asking for donations of 8 shelving units at least 60” wide by 72” high by 24” deep.  Contact the shelter on social media if you wish to donate.

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Robert “Bobby” Lee Breedlove

September 7, 1932 to June 27, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/06/29/robert-bobby-lee-breedlove/

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Men of Prayer is planning a back to school prayer walk at the North DeSoto school campus on July 30^th at 9:00 am.  It is a time for the entire community to come out and pray for our students, teachers and the entire school personnel as they start the 2022-2023 school year.

From North DeSoto High School:  Mark your calendar for NDHS Back to School Dates.  Seniors report July 22^nd and 25^th.  Schedule will be sent out closer to the 22nd.  If you have questions, reach out to us at school.

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A Burn Ban for DeSoto Parish is now in effect as of June 30th, 2022.  It was issued by the President of the DeSoto Parish Police Jury, Ernel Jones.

A state of emergency was declared that bans all outdoor burning in the parish.  The declaration said the parish had not received adequate rainfall and that increases the danger of fire.

Parish Administrator Michael Norton said, “The burn ban does not apply to the use of fireworks.  However, if you do utilize fireworks this holiday weekend, make sure you do so with caution with the understanding we are under a burn ban.  Please take precautions as to have access to a water hose or a small container of water to extinguish any fires that may result due to the use of fireworks.”

See the full proclamation below.

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Funeral services for Robert “Bobby” Lee Breedlove, 89, will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery, 8801 Mansfield Rd. in Shreveport. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother John Harp.

Bobby was born on September 7, 1932 to Robert L. Breedlove and Bessie Niette Breedlove in Robeline, Louisiana and passed away Monday, June 27, 2022 in Shreveport, Louisiana surrounded by his loving family. He was finally reunited with his soul mate and love of his life, Jane Breedlove.

He was the greatest father two girls could ever have. He loved his daughters with all his heart and soul and made sure we always knew it! His grandson, Taylor Lee Adams, was his heart and soul as well and so proud he had his middle name! He loved and adored his son-in-law, Ricky Adams!

Bobby was a resident of Shreveport and worked for AT&T for 36 years retiring as plant manager.  He was a Shriner, a 33 Degree Mason, and was past Potentate and Recorder and Member of the Shrine Golf Unit and Patrol Unit. He loved playing golf with his buddies. He was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church. He was a kind, tender-hearted man. He always had a quick smile and a kind word for everyone and was a devoted family man.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Jane Breedlove; sister, Joann Monk and brother, Lloyd Breedlove. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Ruth Adams and husband, Ricky and Rebecca Jane Breedlove; grandson, Taylor Lee Adams; nieces, Pat Gauthier and husband, Gus, Lisa Coler, Kathy Hurd and husband, Ronnie, and Lisa McWethy and husband, John; nephew, Harry Ferguson; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ferguson; and numerous great-nephews and nieces and cousins.

Honoring Bobby as pallbearers will be Ronnie Hurd, Harry Ferguson, Robert LaBorde and Danny Mullins. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Louis McGee and Ron Calk.

The family would like to express special thanks to Montclair Park Assisted Living and thank you to Dr. David Abdehou for his excellent care and compassion he always showed our father. A very special thank you to Lashone Burks and Teresa Coley for the great care and love they showed him. He loved everyone there. To all the staff at Montclair, thank you!

The family suggests memorials may be made to Shriner Hospital or Brookwood Baptist Church.

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There were some tense minutes on Monday following an explosion at a site on Catuna Road.  Area residents were evacuated for a time, then at 12:30 pm came the all clear to return home.

Evacuation has been lifted!  This site is now shut in and under control.  It may continue to burn but the immediate danger to the public has been lifted.  All area residents may return to their homes, with exception specifically to Catuna Road.  The Catuna Road area will take a little bit longer to clear and prepare for traffic.  Traffic has been reopened on 171 and other areas.  Thanks to everyone who shared our post to ensure the safety of area residents!

Earlier the Sheriff’s Office said, “We are currently primarily focused on the safety of nearby residents in the area of Catuna.  All precautions are being taken as a safety measure right now.”

Initial reports were received shortly before 11:00 am.  The Sheriff’s Office said, “Dispatchers have received numerous calls regarding a large explosion in the Catuna area off of Norwood Road. Hazmat, EMS, FIRE, and Deputies are currently responding to the scene.

Initial evacuation was along Catuna Road and Norwood Road off US 171.  Deputies were knocking on nearby doors advising nearby residents to evacuate.  That evacuation order was lifted about 12:30.  So far there has been no cause of the initial explosion given out.

Photo courtesy of DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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By Molly Usrey, DeSoto 4-H Agent

The annual state contest known as 4-H University was held June 21-25, 2022. Seven 4-H members represented DeSoto Parish.

Sydney Hall competed in the Environmental Conservation Illustrated Talk and placed 5th. Elizabeth Walker competed in Career Preparation/Professional Development and placed 7th. And Mason Huey competed virtually in Photography and placed 8th.

Lyndzey Odom competed in 4-H has Talent and Layla Feazel competed in Child Development. Josie Celichowski and Avery Barber participated in career focused Clover College sessions.

Also, during 4-H University, Elizabeth Walker and Avery Barber were selected to serve on the Shooting Sports Ambassadors 4-H Leadership Board.

All of these youth worked extremely hard and we are proud to have them represent DeSoto Parish.  For more information on 4-H or to join in next year, call Molly Usrey at 318-872-0533. 

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United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) was awarded $10,000 from Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy to help fund United Way’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. These funds will sponsor more than 300 children in DeSoto and other Northwest Louisiana areas for an entire year and provide a total of 3,600 free books to local children. 

Local data demonstrates that only fifty-two percent of children in Northwest Louisiana enter kindergarten prepared. Through the Imagination Library program, one book is delivered directly to children’s homes each month. If a child is enrolled in the program at birth, they will own a library of 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten, all at zero cost to the child’s family.  

“Community is very important to Brookshire’s Grocery Company. Giving back to and investing in our community starts with our children,” said Line Avenue Brookshire’s Store Director Connor Low. “Ensuring that our children have the educational resources through things such as books is critical to their development and is very important to our hearts here at Brookshire’s.”

Every year, UWNWLA mails more than 40,000 books to children enrolled in the Imagination Library. Studies have shown that these children score 15 percent higher on average than their peers on reading tests, improving access to educational outcomes for children in low-income households.

“Illiteracy is the root of many of our societal problems, including crime and poverty, which is why we believe it makes economic sense to invest in our children today because they are our tomorrow,” said UWNWLA President & CEO LaToria W. Thomas. “We are grateful for our partnership of seven years with Brookshire’s and proud to have their continued support in the fight to improve early childhood education.”

The Imagination Library is currently offered in all of Desoto, Red River, Sabine, Natchitoches, and Webster Parishes, as well as the following zip codes of Caddo and Bossier Parishes: 71103, 71106, 71109, 71111, 71112, 71006, and 71064.

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By Teddy Allen

Inspired this spring by the Byrd High School girls bowling team knocking off the state’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs and finishing as the surprising, out-of-nowhere state runner-up, I accepted the challenge to captain a team last week in the 2022 “Surfs Up” Bowling Bash at the Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

The event was one of many that made up the always-good-times Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Week, which began Thursday with a press conference to meet the Class of 2022 and ended with the induction of that class Saturday at the Natchitoches Events Center.

In between was tomfoolery, something I know a little something about.

The Big Weekend rolls around every year at this time, and all are welcome, including at the bowling event. Grab five folks, a few bucks, and you’re in. Go to LASportsHall.com and see pictures and videos of all the events and start thinking about next year. I talked with a couple of dozen first-timers who say they’ll be back.

And why? Because a good time was had by all. Especially by me. And especially bowling, because we won.

Not only won, but shattered the events record with a score of 925 for our five-man team in 10 frames of team bowling. (They tell me that’s good. What I know about bowling, you could fit inside a bowling ball’s finger hole.)

As a nod to the 50th anniversary of Title IX — and an equal nod (OK, a bigger nod) to them being really good — I recruited members of Louisiana Tech’s girls bowling team. They accepted. Even without under-the-table cash or an NIL deal.

Just solid old-school recruiting. It all comes back to that when you’re trying to build a one-game, winner-take-all team. Surround yourself with quality kegglers.

It is a plus that, besides finishing their most recent season with 33 wins over top-25 teams, 20 wins over Top-10 teams, 12 wins over Top-5 teams, three wins over No. 2 and two wins over the country’s top-ranked team at the time, these young female student-athletes are a joy to be around.

And even more fun since they earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and finished as an Elite 8 team.

Friday in Alexandria, they finished as an Elite 1.

Our “five-man team” team is a figure of speech. There was me, bowling-lover-gone-bowling-madman/wizard Coach Matt Nantais, and three willing talents from the team, listed here with some of their 2021-22 accomplishments:

Averi Brown, a grad student from Columbus, Ohio who qualified for the singles national championships; Patricia Rosales, who made a pair of All-Tournament teams; and,

Danielle Jedlicki, who bowled two perfect games, was named to a pair of All-Tournament teams and earned a Tournament MVP.

They had rosin bags. Little pieces of tape on their fingers. A hand fan. Braces for their wrists. Everything but eye black. In it to win it, they were.

Teddy wept.

Did you even know Tech had a bowling team? Now you do. And the state does. And next year, hopefully more of the nation will know. The national championships will be in Vegas next year. Maybe I’ll “need” to go cover it.

So think about going to some or all of the Hall of Fame events next year. And think about going bowling. Start now if you want a chance to beat us.

Which you will, because I think we’ve been, for future events, disqualified.

But it sure was fun while it lasted.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Between April 26 and May 10, 2022, two jet skis were removed from a storage area located off Highway 71/84 in south Red River Parish. One was a 1998 red Kawasaki and the other was a 2012 blue Yamaha along with a white double trailer that carried both jet skis.

Entrance was gained by cutting the chain to a locked gate. The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriffs office.

A reward is being offered to the anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft.

REWARD OFFER: $1,000.00
CONTACT: The office of Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards
PHONE: 318-932-6701
* All Callers will remain anonymous.

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The DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce is holding a summer membership drive.  You’re invited to join the Chamber on July 19^th from noon to 1:00 pm at the chamber offices on North Washington downtown.

The theme is “Let’s Grow Together.”  Discover what it means to be part of an active Chamber of Commerce that is always promoting within the parish as well as across our region.  Joining the Chamber helps grow your business and the community.

For details call Brenda Hall or Heather Gannon at 318-8872-1310 or go to DeSotoParishChamber.com.

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The Steubenville South Youth Conference 2022 was held June 24^th through 26^th in  Alexandria, La.  St. Ann’s Catholic Church thanked their youth and volunteers who participated this Faith based conference.

Also the church thanked their Youth Director Amanda Powell Bordelon.

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By Brad Dison:

In late July, 1923, Vice President of the United States Calvin Coolidge was greatly relieved by news that President Warren Harding was recovering splendidly from his bout of pneumonia at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  Calvin was spending time at his summer home, his boyhood home, in Springfield, Vermont.  While taking a break from the politics of Washington, D.C., he performed amateur tree surgery on the beautiful old shade tree in his front yard.  He paid no attention to reporters and looky-loos as he concentrated on his work. 

On the afternoon of August 2, President Harding’s physicians sent Calvin a telegram and reassured him of the president’s health.  The Coolidge home had neither electricity nor a telephone.  At about 10:30 p.m. that night, Calvin went to bed.  Shortly after midnight on August 3, another messenger arrived by car at the Coolidge residence.  Calvin was in bed asleep when his father, John C. Coolidge, awoke him.  Calvin knew something was wrong by the sound of numerous cars pulling up at the normally tranquil home.  John read the telegram to Calvin: “The president died instantly while conversing with members of his family at 7:30 p.m.  The physicians report death was apparently due to some brain embolism, probably apoplexy.”  He immediately returned a telegram to Mrs. Harding: “We offer you our deepest sympathy.  May God bless you and keep you.”  He, Calvin, was now President of the United States. 

The news was a great blow to Calvin, though he took it with his characteristic calmness.  He dressed immediately and descended the stairs to the sitting room where an army of reporters had already gathered.  They could detect no difference in Calvin’s demeanor, as was his nature.  He calmly told the reporters, “Reports have reached me, which I fear are correct, that President Harding is gone.  The world has lost a great and good man.  I mourn his loss.  He was my chief and my friend.” 

Within half an hour, the Coolidge residence, which was normally a quiet and lonely farm house became “a mecca for hundreds.”  By 1:30 a.m., a telephone was installed at the Coolidge residence.  Calvin called Washington and received instructions on how to perform the oath of office.  He learned that he needed a notary public to administer the oath of office.  Just then, a congressman arrived with two federal employees to act as bodyguards.  Calvin’s father, John, a notary public, held a brief swearing in ceremony in his own home.  Calvin’s father beamed as he spoke in a trembling voice, “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”  A reporter asked Calvin’s father to describe his feelings while swearing in his son to which he replied, “One would not say that he was elated to have the President die.” 

Calvin’s first act as president after the swearing in was… to return to bed.  The two federal employees turned bodyguards stood on either side of the door to Calvin’s bedroom to ensure that no one disturbed the president and first lady.  Cars came and went as Calvin slept.  Reporters waited quietly but impatiently outside the Coolidge home.  Finally, at 7:20 a.m., Calvin looked out the front door.  Reporters bombarded him with questions, but Calvin spoke not a word.  Calvin bowed at them indifferently, posed for a few photographs, and went back inside.   Ten minutes later, Calvin and several others were “taken by motor car” to a special train which delivered him to the White House. 

Becoming president upon the death of a previous president had its challenges.  Everyone, especially Calvin, understood that he had not been selected by the people to become president.  That changed when he won the 1924 election.  Calvin strongly supported women’s suffrage and equality.  The economy during his presidency, one of rapid and expansive growth, became known as the “Roaring Twenties.” Calvin preferred to take a hands-off government approach and lived up to his nickname “Silent Cal Coolidge” as he seemingly only spoke out of necessity.

In 1927, Calvin took everyone by surprise when he told reporters in as few words as possible, “I do not choose to run for president in 1928.”  Reporters gasped.  Calvin briefly explained, “”If I take another term, I will be in the White House till 1933. Ten years in Washington is longer than any other man has had it – too long.”

Following his presidency, Calvin published an autobiography and wrote a syndicated newspaper column entitled, “Calvin Coolidge Says.”  The columns most certainly were brief.  Just after noon on January 5, 1933, Calvin’s wife returned from shopping and found the former president unconscious on his dressing room floor.  A sudden heart attack struck as he was preparing to shave and he fell to the floor.  Although several people were present in the home at the time of his death, no one heard Calvin fall.  Even at the moment of his death, he remained silent.

On this fourth of July, as you enjoy hot dogs and burgers from the grill and drink cool refreshments, take just a moment of silence for “Silent Cal.”  Say Happy Birthday to America… and to Calvin Coolidge.  He is the only American president who was born on the fourth of July.

Sources: 

1. Vermont Standard (Woodstock, Vermont), August 2, 1923, p.1.
2. The Barre Daily Times (Barre, Vermont), August 2, 1923, p.7.
3. Rutland Daily Herald (Rutland, Vermont), August 3, 1923, p.1.
4. Burlington Daily News (Burlington, Vermont), August 3, 1923, p.1.
5. Rutland Daily Herald (Rutland, Vermont), Ja

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This summer the Logansport Branch Library is keeping adults and children busy.  From painting sea turtles on canvas totes, to soap making, to creating and binding your own journal, the Adult Summer Reading patrons are having a great time at Logansport Library. 

Library activities are not just for kids.  Come check out the fun adults are having.  Join them in Logansport on Tuesdays.  This Tuesday, Ms Kaylie demonstrated ways to beat the summer heat and get refreshed making “mocktails.”

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Members of the North DeSoto High band attended a leadership camp at Northwestern State University last week.  The school said, “They worked on developing conducting and leadership skills.” Great work said the school. 

North DeSoto posted a reminder that band camp is just around the corner.

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