The U.S. Army Medical Department Group from Fort Polk in Alexandria, La. recently toured the Mansfield Female College Museum. The Group of 28 is shown on the front steps of the Museum. Commanding Colonel, MS. Aristotle A. Vaseliades presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Museum Director, Van Reech.
The group toured the Mansfield Battle Park and the Female College to learn more about Civil War battlefield injuries and wounded soldier recovery.
By Brad Dison
On the morning of November 10, 1980, Daniel Irvin Jr.’s plane landed at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. With no one to pick him up from the airport, Daniel hailed a cab driven by 38-year-old Gene Phillips. Daniel asked Gene if he was familiar with Castlewood Terrace. Although Gene had been a taxi driver in Chicago for a dozen years, he replied that he did not know the street. In fairness, Castlewood Terrace was a block-long street in the prestigious Lakefront district. Daniel gave Gene directions to the location. “Go down the Kennedy [Expressway] to Lawrence. Go east on Lawrence, and Castlewood would come in between Marine Drive and Sheridan Road. They stowed Daniel’s luggage in the trunk and set off.
Gene followed Daniel’s directions – Kennedy Expressway to Lawrence, east on Lawrence, past Sheridan Road. As he passed Sheridan Road, Gene began looking for Castlewood Terrace. Daniel said it would be between Marine Drive and Sheridan. When they reached Marine Drive, Gene asked Daniel if he had seen the road. Daniel replied that he did not. Gene drove around the area looking for Castlewood Terrace. Finally, Gene said, “Look, I’ve got to be in the garage by 1 p.m. I’m not going to be able to drive around all day looking for it.” Gene’s leased cab had to be returned to the cab company by 1 p.m. or he would have to pay a penalty. Daniel asked Gene if he was trying to put him out of the cab. Gene explained that he was not putting him out but said he had limited time. As they drove, Daniel spotted a police car. Daniel said, “There’s a policeman. I think I might get out and just get in the police car.” Gene responded, “Do what you please, as long as you pay the fare.”
Gene pulled up alongside the police car and asked the policeman if he was near Castlewood Terrace. The policeman explained that they were just two blocks away from the location. Daniel had given Gene bad directions. Daniel decided to continue riding in the taxi with Gene. Within a couple of minutes, they arrived at the requested address. Daniel reached for his wallet and noticed that the driver’s cab license, which was required to be on display and visible to passengers, was missing. “Driver,” Daniel asked, “Where’s your license?” “Mister,” Gene replied, “will you give me my money? The fare is $12.55. Will you pay me?” Daniel said, “I’m not going to give you a thing until you produce a license.” “I’m going to ask you one more time,” the cab driver said, “Give me my money and get out of this cab.” Daniel replied, “I’m not going to pay you until you produce a license.”
Gene was fed up with Daniel. “I got a ticket, mister, and that’s really none of your business,” Gene explained, “but that’s why I don’t have the license there.” The policeman who gave Gene the ticket took his license to ensure that he would pay the fine. The ticket allowed Gene to continue driving his cab. Gene’s explanation was not good enough for Daniel. “I’ll tell you what,” Daniel said, “I’m not paying you. I’m getting out right now. Get my luggage.”
As Daniel reached for the door handle, Gene slammed on the gas pedal. “You won’t pay me?” Gene quipped, “When we stop a squad car, you’re gonna pay me.” The taxi sped down the luxurious street. The only recourse Gene, or any other taxi driver, had against people who refused to pay was to drive until he found a police officer. Taxi drivers could face charges if they physically confronted the person, kept the luggage, or followed him into a residence. As Gene sped through town looking for a policeman, Daniel stuck his head and shoulders out of the window of the car and yelled that he had been kidnapped. He threatened to jump out of the moving car. “Ok,” Gene said, “Jump and you don’t have to worry about paying the fare.” “This is kidnapping,” Daniel yelled. “I’ll make sure you never drive a cab again.” Daniel continued screaming out the window that he had been kidnapped.
Finally, Gene found a policewoman. He pulled the car over and tried to explain the situation. He assumed the policewoman would arrest the man just the same as other police officers had when the same scenario happened. To Gene’s surprise, the policewoman reached out and shook Daniel’s hand. People walking by stopped and did the same thing. Everyone seemed happy to meet Daniel. A passing ambulance saw the cop car, the taxi, and the large gathering of people, and pulled over because the ambulance crew thought someone had had an accident. Other officers arrived and greeted Daniel in the same manner. Gene was puzzled by their actions toward Daniel. Finally, a policeman asked if Gene was the cab driver. Gene only had enough time to reply “Yes,” and they placed him under arrest.
As Gene sat in a jail cell, he learned that Daniel was at the police station and wanted to pay the fare. Danial was adamant, however, that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Gene never drove a cab again. A spokesman for Daniel said, “It certainly is not [Daniel’s] intention for anyone to lose their job, but he is concerned that a similar incident may happen to someone else.”
In April of 1981, Daniel dropped charges against the Chicago cabbie. Through the entire event, Gene never recognized Daniel because he said he rarely watched television. Millions of people around the world knew and trusted Daniel. It was he, Daniel, who reported from Dallas in November 1963 on the John F. Kennedy assassination, gave regular reports on the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s presidency, the Watergate scandal, and Nixon’s resignation. The man who claimed Gene had kidnapped him when he refused to pay the $12.55 fare, was CBS news anchor Daniel Irvin “Dan” Rather.
Sources:
By LaBetha Casey
When one looks at Cyntoia Brown-Long, that person wouldn’t think they are looking at someone who had spent 15 years in prison for killing someone. However, that is not the case.
Brown-Long was the keynote speaker on June 16, 2022 for the South Central US Human Trafficking Conference which was held at LSU-S. Her story begins as an 8-month old bi-racial child who was given up for adoption by her drug-abusing white mother. Later, when she was escorted into school by her black adoptive parents, her peers had numerous questions, such as—“Why don’t you look like your parents?” Being “different” from many of her peers, she felt like an outcast and had a hard time fitting in. Several infractions, such as moving the bus sign back and forth caused her to experience detention a number of times. In the sixth grade, she was kicked out of school when she brought a bottle of No-Doze to school for Show and Tell.
By this time she was only 13 years of age and ran away from juvenile detention center. While living on the streets, two women who “helped” her taught her how to use her body to get what she wanted/needed from older men. She later met “Cut,” which is short for “Cut Throat,” who became her pimp. She didn’t regard him as her pimp but as her boyfriend. He gave her the attention she craved and preyed upon her feelings of desperation, worthlessness, and loss of self-worth. She stated that most people think of human trafficking as being when someone is grabbed and taken in a van somewhere to be trafficked. However, she stated that most human trafficking is by being exploited by someone.
At age 16, she said goodbye to Cut, 24, for the last time on August 7, 2004, as she made her way to her 43-year old “John.” She feared for her life and killed him. When she was arrested, the detective didn’t inform her that she could have an attorney. Being naive, she told what happened without any counsel and was not even allowed to testify on her own behalf during her trial as an adult. A public defender who visited with her was unable to convince her that Cut was not a good person to have as a friend. After several attempts, the public defender gave Brown a piece of paper and had her to write his good traits on one side and his bad traits on the other. She finally realized what kind of bad relationship she had.
The first 2 years of her incarceration was spent in solitary confinement with only a 12″ window for light. For 23 hours she was in her cell, and for one hour each day she was shackled and handcuffed and allowed to take a shower. Being isolated, she had little chance for conversation, and at times no one brought her any meals. When she was able to be in a different part of prison, it took Brown months to learn how to have a conversation with others.
Brown signed up for a college program from Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN, which is run by a Christian denomination. Though she was resistant, the teachers showed the love of God to her which had a positive impact upon her. She was able to receive two degrees. During her imprisonment, she called out to God several times, but didn’t actually begin trusting God until near the end of her incarceration.
After her last appeal denial, she began receiving letters from a young man from Texas, Jaime Brown. He told her to begin praying because God had told him she was going to be freed from prison. He explained to her that she needed a relationship with Jesus and admonished her to read her Bible and pray for God’s will to be done.
Less than 3 months after surrendering to God, her appeal case denial was reopened. She had previously been told that she would be unable to see the parole board again until the age of 67. On August 7, 2019, she was freed from prison. She points out that she had no counseling, no trauma program, etc., but she got everything she needed to heal from her hurts from Jesus.
Cyntoia and her husband, Jaime Brown, now have a ministry called JFAM Foundation, which stands for Justice, Freedom and Mercy. She is now a motivational speaker and promotes her book, Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System, which was published October 15, 2019.
The following arrests were made in DeSoto Parish between June 12 – June 18, 2022, over a one week period.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dora Falcon Lopez “Pie”
June 16, 1945 to June 16, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/06/21/dora-falcon-lopez-pie/
The Governor’s Office released a list of bills signed recently into law by the Governor. Among them was the so called Mug Shot Bill.
ACT 494—HB 729 Limits the release and dissemination of booking photographs of an arrested person. Last week the DeSoto Sheriff’s officed began restricting photos available of persons arrested.
The North DeSoto High Office will be closed through July 4th to allow staff time to rest, enjoy time with family, and attend training. They will reopen on the 5th. If you have questions you can reach out to the district office or email administration or counselors.
Dora Falcon Lopez “Pie”, 77, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2022.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Aimwell Baptist Church in Zwolle, Louisiana. Funeral services honoring the life of Dora will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022 at the church. Officiating the service will be Bro. Ronnie Sandifer. Interment will be held in the church cemetery.
Dora was born on June 16, 1945 in Zwolle, Louisiana to Floyd Earnest Falcon and Isabel (Garza) Falcon. Dora was a committed member and employee of Aimwell Baptist Church. Her many friends and family knew her love of tending to her yard, fishing, and working all types of puzzles.
Dora was preceded by her parents, Floyd and Isabel Falcon; husband, Charles Lopez; brothers-in-law, Paul Olmstead, Charles Lineweber, and Jim Cochran; sister-in-law, Helen Falcon; stepson, Clifford Lopez; stepdaughter, Janie Robinson; brother, Johnny Falcon; and sister, Doris Turk. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Burkheart of Shreveport, LA; granddaughter, Savannah Burkheart of Fayetteville, AR; stepdaughter, Diane Bernard and husband Jeff of Shreveport, LA; stepsons, Milton Lopez and wife Patty of Shreveport, LA, Gary Lopez and wife Kandi of Shreveport, LA, and Randy Lopez and wife Luci of Shreveport, LA; sisters, Imojean Lineweber of Beatrice, NE, Mary Olmstead and Bob Wilkinson of Shreveport, LA, Peggy Cochran of Stonewall, LA, Liz Durr and husband Malcolm of Natchitoches, LA, and Ollie McClain and husband Shelton of Pineville, LA; brothers, Frank Falcon of Shreveport, LA and David Falcon and wife Shirley of Haughton, LA; 12 step-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Honoring Dora as pallbearers will be Ernie Falcon, Jon Olmstead, Kevin Roy, Tim Falcon, Mike Falcon, Matt Durr, Lane Durr, and Austin McKnight. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Frank Falcon, Sr., David Falcon, Frank Falcon, Jr., Malcolm Durr, Don Lineweber, Jack Lineweber, Johnny Odell Falcon, Jr., Glen Olmstead, Shawn McAllister, and Andrew McAllister.
Legislative redistricting this year created an expanded Senate District 31 to include all or parts of 10 parishes in north Louisiana. Currently Louie Bernard of Natchitoches is the senator from District 31, however Bernard recently announced he would not run for the new, expanded district.
State Representative Alan Seabaugh has decided to run for that seat. Seabaugh told The Journal he is a perfect fit. “I grew up there, it is where I deer hunt and fish, and I have family throughout the district,” said Seabaugh. He added, “My mom grew up I Natchitoches and Winn parishes, my dad in Sabine and my grandfather ran the sawmill in Zwolle. Both parents moved to Winnfield and my wife and I dated in high school. I proposed to my wife on the Natchitoches riverfront. I have family in every parish in the district.”
He describes himself politically as a “pretty conservative Republican.” Seabaugh said, “I am concerned about issues and voters can take a look at the record and see I have done a good job. I can get things done.”
Seabaugh discussed several top issues with The Journal. They were gun rights, right to life and jobs. He said “I have a 100% record of voting with the NRA and the Louisiana Shooters Association. I have a lot of guns and I strongly believe in people’s right to carry and to protect themselves.” Asked about “red flag laws” or other methods of preventing violence acts, Seabaugh said, “We have to be very careful. The right to keep and bear arms is in the Constitution and we are talking about taking away that right for some individuals who have not broken any law or done something wrong. I did pass a bill to impose enhanced penalties for a felon convicted of a violent crime and then commits another violent crime with a gun. We have to look at that (limiting constitutional rights) very, very carefully.”
On the subject of right to life, Seabaugh said, “I have a 100% voting record in support of Louisiana Right to Life. I have carried bills for them, and I have co-authored most of their bills that passed.”
On jobs, Seabaugh has been recognized by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) for standing up for working families and opposing tax increases. Seabaugh said, “If you are concerned about jobs, talk to LABI.” He also has been named Legislator of the Year by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and other groups.
Traditionally open seats in the legislature tend to draw a crowd of candidates. The Journal asked Seabaugh how he intended to stand out. He said, “I agree, and I don’t want to try to keep other people from running. The district covers 10 parishes, and I don’t think anybody else is going to be able to cover all 10 parishes like I can. I would be very surprised if anyone has the inroads that I do. I have a legislative record that is pretty clear. I keep my promises, I work hard for my constituents, and I know how to get things done in Baton Rouge.”
By Van Reech
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Mansfield Lions Club on 6/14/22 was at the Clista A. Calhoun Center for lunch. The guest speaker was Assistant Police Chief Billy Locke who brought us up to date on current events and the crime rate in Mansfield. Asst. Chief Locke said that the key to fighting future crime and keeping our citizens safe is the coordination and cooperation he now has with Sheriff Richardson and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. He credits the current success and convictions with two major crime events here to joint efforts with the Sheriff and the hard work of District Attorney Charles Adams. He said he has many future plans of improvement for and upgrades to the city police force.
The Lions meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday for a catered lunch at the Clista A. Calhoun Center. If you are interested in service and the networking possibilities that the Lions offer please call Van Reech at 318-540-7500. He will tell you that the next meeting will be on June 28th and he will buy lunch for you!
By Royal Alexander
Firearms have been available virtually everywhere in American society for decades. Yet, there were rarely ever any of the kind of mass shootings we see so often today.
What has changed?
As the Wall Street Journal has observed “today’s young killers aren’t motivated by material deprivation. They are typically from middle-class families with access to smartphones and X-boxes. Their deficit is social and spiritual. The rise of family dysfunction and the decline of mediating institutions such as churches and social clubs have consequences.” (WSJ, 5-25-22).
What motivates a young man to grab a weapon, look his classmates in the eyes and shoot and kill them. What deep void is so profoundly unfilled that a massacre of friends, classmates and teachers appears to be the answer. People often point to unaddressed chronic mental health problems and mental issues, but they are symptoms of other things.
The simple answer is that a society that produces an 18-year-old who can look into the faces of terrified 5th graders and pull the trigger so many times that DNA is required to identify the victims has problems that go far beyond gun control and even mental health issues.
Let’s look at our culture today.
We clearly don’t value all aspects of human life as 700,000 abortions are performed in this country every year and over 60 million since 1973. How profoundly illogical must we be as a culture to believe we can ever protect children outside of the womb when for 50 years our courts and laws have denied due process and equal protection to children inside of the womb?
Much of our cultural meltdown is the direct result of the intended breakdown of the traditional American family which from time immemorial imparted the basic values and life lessons children need to thrive and grow—and to become good, productive, and happy citizens.
However, virtues contained in religion, morality, and the teaching of right and wrong and good and evil are mocked. Notions of faith or religion are demeaned. Self-restraint and self-discipline are often derided in this culture of instant gratification.
Yet, after these killings we’re always urged to “pray for the schools” but we don’t allow prayer in the schools. Our denial of absolute truth—both inside and outside of our public schools—has imposed a dictatorship of relativism which has created a culture of death in America.
Media shaming of law enforcement (“Defund the Police”) and the American military—which has always been a great avenue for young boys to learn self-confidence and self-discipline—discourages many who might otherwise consider and aspire to them.
Young boys, often loners, stay locked up for hours playing violent video games. The saturation of porn in our culture contributes to the devaluing of the individual—most often females. The feminization of our culture and the heated condemnation of “toxic masculinity” also causes young men to wonder what place they can go to feel safe, needed and valued. Young boys yearn to know, and be affirmed about, what they should do; how they should act. What is appropriate. What is honorable. Our culture has emasculated millions of them.
The cry for “gun control” is an easy solution for politicians with the desire to “do something” but it is deeply misplaced. Law-abiding gun owners already adhere to our gun laws but criminals—by their nature—are never going to abide by them. The result is the disarming of the good guys, allowing the bad ones to, unopposed, inflict their violence and death on the innocent. It’s like taking away the keys of the sober drivers to punish the drunk drivers. That’s insane.
We must erase the fatal conceit that so-called ‘gun free’ zones, such as schools, churches, shopping malls and other public areas, make us safer. According to a study from the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), 89% of mass shootings between 1988 and 2019 occurred in gun-free zones. It’s not hard to understand why: cowardly mass killers look for easy targets, knowing these vulnerable victims will have no defense.
The truth is we simply must return to the virtues of American life. A belief in God and the idea of a calling greater than oneself; a loving, nurturing family unit prominently including a positive male role model, a work ethic, self-discipline, respect, manners, and courtesy. These are the indispensable supports that young people—particularly young men—desperately need and seek. That is where we must begin.
Louisiana Christian University, formerly Louisiana College, announces the students from the northwest Louisiana parishes of Red River, DeSoto, Bossier, Caddo, Webster, and Bienville who earned placement on the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. Baily McMillian, of Stonewall earned a spot on the list.
The Dean’s List includes students who have earned a minimum of 12 hours in the designated semester with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and no grade below a “C.”
The following students made the Dean’s List :
Keith Bilbo, of Bossier City
Clyde Brown, of Bossier City
Samuel Feaster, of Minden
Josh Halbert III, of Benton
Baily McMillian, of Stonewall
Reagan Prosperie, of Coushatta
Hannah Voss, of Shreveport
Michaela Correy Faye Waits, of Arcadia
“These students are demonstrating the mission and vision of Louisiana Christian University as they love God with their minds as well as their hearts,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “As both a Great Commandment and Great Commission university LCU’s graduates are equipped to face an ever-changing world as Christian learners, leaders, and servants.”
The DeSoto Parish Journal is making preparations for expanded coverage of high school athletics next fall. These are paid positions and are open to high school students, parents, school supporters and members of the community.
Requirements are the ability to observe events and write a report of it, interview coaches and players, and take photos of the action. Media credentials will be provided, and most schools give reporters complimentary gate, sideline, and press box entry. Reporters must be able to attend all home and away games during the season. Band member, cheerleaders and pep squad members are encouraged to apply.
Reporters may select a single sport or to cover all sports for a particular team. Additional earning opportunities may be available covering events in your community.
Training and instruction will be provided by the Journal to reporters selected.
If interested, contact the Journal by email DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com or text to 318-564-3609.
There will be a LifeShare blood drive in Stonewall next Friday afternoon. Philip Maxfield of LifeShare is spreading the word.
The blood drive will be on Friday, June 24, 2022, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It will be held at the Sheriff’s Stonewall Sub Station.
An incentive for early sign up to donate blood is being offered. Maxfield said donors who sign up in advance and show up to donate will be eligible to win a gift basket from Cousin’s Cajun Market. And all donors get a great “Drop in and give this summer” t-shirt.
Check the LifeShare social media post for sign up information, or call Philip Maxfield at 318-935-9838.
By Steve Graf
Today we’ll continue to look back at the history of bass fishing by looking at the 60’s and 70’s, which might be considered the most significant period of bass fishing history. This was without a doubt a time in which bass fishing was taken to another level. It was during this time that the greatest names in bass fishing made their mark. It was a time that the sport became something an angler could actually make a living doing. Anglers that became household names and legends were Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Ricky Green, Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon, Rick Clunn, and too many more to mention here in one writing.
We’ll start with the 1960’s, where in 1967 Tom Mann introduced the Jelly Worm which is still one of the most popular and best-selling soft plastic worms ever. That same year, the late Ray Scott hosted his first fishing tournament (The All-American Invitational) at Beaver Lake Arkansas and announced that bass fishing would become a major league sport. Just so you know…Bill Dance caught the very first bass one minute after the tournament started. The following year, 1968, Ray Scott created the B.A.S.S. (Bass Angler Sportsman Society) to unite America’s bass anglers and elevate the sport. B.A.S.S membership has grown from a little over 100 anglers in 1968 to more than 600,000 today! One more thing happened in 1968 as well… Bill Dance hosted his first television series dedicated to bass fishing, “Bill Dance Outdoors,” on ABC affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee.
The 1970’s was when bass fishing really took off. A man by the name of Johnny Morris borrowed $10,000 from his father and stocked a few shelves in the family liquor store with bass tackle. Three years later, the first mail order catalog was sent out. You might have heard of this store, Bass Pro Shops…now an empire! Johnny now owns Ranger Boats, Triton Boats, and Cabela’s. He has done more for the fishing
world and conservation than any other human alive today. In 1972, Ray Scott once again made his mark by starting a nationwide campaign called “Catch & Release” which was adopted by pretty much all tournaments across the country and is still practiced today.
Let’s stay in the 70’s, as a company by the name of Mister Twister burst onto the bass fishing scene with the introduction of the first curly tail worm. This was the first soft plastic worm that had built-in action which fish could not resist. Then in 1973, Don Butler recognized that with “catch & release” tournaments anglers needed better live wells. So, he designed and filed a patent for the first live well that was put into a bass boat.
As you can see, the 1970’s were truly the golden years of bass fishing. Tournaments, bait designs and some of the greatest names to ever wet a hook came from this era. Next week, we’ll look at the 80’s and 90’s where things really heated up for bass fishing. Till next week, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt….set the hook!
This information from the DeSoto Registrar of Voters office. Qualifying for the November 8th Election will be from July 20 through 22nd. Local Candidates will qualify at the Clerk of Court’s office.
On the ballot there will be the following:
DeSoto School Board Members
Grand Cane – Mayor, and Aldermen
Keachi – Mayor and Councilmen
Primary Election will be Tuesday, November 8th
General Election will be Saturday, December 10th
OMC SEEKING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER –
Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors. The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff. Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.
A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers. Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner. A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources. OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.
Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org. Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.
Loyd “Buddy” McDonald
June 4, 1930 to June 11, 2022
View complete obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/06/16/loyd-buddy-mcdonald/
Everett “Butch” England
January 30, 1945 to June 14, 2022
View complete obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/06/16/everett-butch-england/
The date of the 2022 Miss Juneteenth Pageant has been changed to Wednesday, June 22nd at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the DeSoto High School Multicultural Center.
Across Louisiana Juneteenth is now a state holiday. All state offices are closed today, June 17th. The new law signed recently by the Governor states that the state will observe Juneteenth on the Friday prior to the third Saturday in June.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Everett “Butch” England, 77, of Converse, Louisiana will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, Mansfield, Louisiana with Rev. Chucky Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Cassell Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Friday, June 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Butch was born on January 30, 1945, to Otis and Leslie Parker England and entered into rest on June 14, 2022.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Leslie England; and sisters, Billie Mae and Linda. Left to cherish his memory include his sons, Everett Floyd England, Jr., Leslie Dale England, and Kenneth Ray England; daughters, Gabby England, Regina Booker, Ashley Booker and husband, George; sister, Sarah Johnston, and husband, Peter; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special friends, Marilyn Renois, Candi Campbell; and a host of family and friends.
Honoring Butch as pallbearers will be Melvin Booker, Martin Rascoe, Charles Smith, Roland Booker, Cardarius Williams, and K.C. Tarver. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Booker, Colton Booker, and Shawn Booker.
Loyd “Buddy” McDonald was born on June 4, 1930, in Lula Community, to Robert Coleman and Mary Terrell McDonald. On June 11, 2022, his Lord and Savior called him to his heavenly home.
Buddy was employed in the freight business for 20 years and then worked as service manager for Meredith’s Tire and then BNL Tire until he retired in 2008. He also had cattle and timber and loved to garden. He was a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church for sixty-nine years and served as Trustee of Sloan Cemetery for many years. He loved his Lord, his church, his country, and his family. He was a loving husband, daddy, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. Buddy was married to the love of his life, Mary for 68 years.
Buddy was preceded in death by his mother and father; and three brothers, W.R. McDonald, Malcome LeMoyne, and James “Jimmy” McDonald. He is survived by his wife Mary Shephard McDonald; daughter, Kathy Ann Hall, and husband, Lane; grandson, Chad Boxell, and wife, Crystal, great-grandsons, Aydden Loyd and Cayleb Ashton; step-granddaughter Danielle Hall Cielencki and husband, Dakota; step great-grands, Alexis, Nick, Brianna, Korbin, Ben; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services honoring the life of Loyd “Buddy” McDonald, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, Mansfield, Louisiana with Bro. Lynn Mitchell and Bro. Toby Shaw officiating. Interment will follow at Sloan Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, Louisiana.
Honoring Buddy as pallbearers will be Morgan Brasher, Greg Dyess, Bubba English, Tommy Hall, Kenny McDonald, and Mark Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Otis Calhoun, Ron Odum, Joe Sayers, James Scarbarough, Bud Swayze, and Bubba Woods.
When he left Northwestern State In March as the winningest college basketball coach in state history, Bossier City native Mike McConathy wasn’t sure what the future held.
Three months later, he’s considering scratching an old itch. McConathy, who counts Louisiana Political Hall of Famer and longtime influential state legislator Billy Montgomery of Haughton among his primary mentors, is considering running for the state Senate in a redesigned district spanning parts of 10 parishes in northwest Louisiana.
With the anticipated revamp of Senate District 31, incumbent Sen. Louie Bernard of Natchitoches announced last week he will not seek a second term. Bernard previously served 24 years as Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court and after over 40 years of public service, the still energetic 71-year-old said he’s going to serve out his term until 2023 and enjoy family life.
McConathy grew up with a first-hand perspective on public service. His father, John McConathy, was the Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools for 20 years and later was a key collaborator in the development of the modern Bossier Parish Community College campus between U.S. 80 and I-20 in Bossier City.
Among his accolades, the former NSU coach is enshrined in the university’s Hall of Distinguished Educators for his service as a faculty member at Northwestern, and in 2012 he earned an elite Pillar of Education award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches for leading the Demons’ program into continuing educational outreach in area schools. His program was noted for its wide-ranging community service endeavors, and its academic performance – a remarkable 90 percent of his players earned degrees at NSU.
“This is something that has been on the back of my mind for quite some time, because I’ve known people who have served and are serving in Baton Rouge who have made a tremendously positive impact for the people they represented, and for the entire state, for that matter,” said McConathy.
“When Louie made his announcement, I had quite a few friends suggest I ought to consider this. I’m now in the process of visiting with people who have a real understanding of political life and public service,” he said, “along with many dear friends and most of all, my family members, so I can make the best possible decision for all concerned.”
The new District 31 has roughly 70 percent of its population located in Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes, with portions of Webster, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Rapides and Winn included. That fits the geographic footprint which was the base of McConathy’s recruiting area and team rosters from 1999-2022 at NSU and for 16 years previously at Bossier Parish Community College.
“Some people might wonder how my career in coaching would translate to serving in Baton Rouge in a legislative body, in the political arena. In coaching, to succeed you have to nurture relationships with a variety of people from high school and college students, to colleagues and opponents, throughout a campus community and a fan base with avid alumni of all ages and backgrounds. You have to listen, you have to be responsive, you have to collaborate, and at the same time, you cannot compromise your values and your integrity.
“We all know politics can be a tough business to navigate, now more than ever. Heck, I’ve spent over 40 years trying to find middle ground with the referees,” he laughed. “As long as we understand each other, we can find paths to the best possible outcomes.”
McConathy said if he runs, he would do so as an independent, not affiliated with a political party. The only announced candidate so far is Shreveport Republican state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, who has served in the state House since 2010 but is term limited there.
Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State
Recently the Logansport Library hosted a GSK Science in the Summer, in partnership with the Franklin Institute Stem Program.
The Be A Biologist program invites elementary school-aged children to play the role of biologists and tackle challenges in fisheries biology and wildlife biology through hands-on activities and experiments.
Young patrons explored the world of living things as they tackled real-world problems. They solved a mystery at a troubled fishery, and they gave a hand to threatened hummingbirds. Sci-Port presented the program.
DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson would like to inform the public of recent changes that are taking place regarding our “Inmate Roster” website, which displays a list of all currently housed inmates in the DeSoto Detention Center. Louisiana House Bill 729, more commonly referred to as the “Mug Shot Bill,” has passed through the Louisiana Legislature and is expected to be signed by Governor Edwards on Wednesday, June 15th.
Upon the Governor’s signature, all law enforcement agencies in the state will be expected to comply with this new bill immediately. HB 729 will require all law enforcement agencies to immediately cease publishing booking photos for most offenses to the public and media. Exceptions were written into the bill for certain violent offenses, but this bill will ultimately change which mugshots will be published in the future.
In days past, it has been common practice for law enforcement agencies in the state to immediately publish all mugshots to the public, along with the suspects name and charges. The goal in doing so has always been to keep residents informed, and to be as transparent as the law allows us to be. We intend to keep that commitment to the public. With such short notice for compliance, it will take time to review the bill and amendments and re-build our website to display information in accordance with state law.
Until then, we have disabled the inmate roster from public view until a solution can be found. We are aware that our inmate roster website is widely used across the parish to keep up with what is going on in your area. It is the most commonly used feature of our website and our App, by residents and deputies alike. With that said, we ask for your patience as we seek to resolve the way in which this information is displayed and determine what information can be legally displayed. We hope to be back up and running on the site very soon!
By Teddy Allen
Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?
So, I went to see it.
Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.
The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.
A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.
Became a nighttime guy.
But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.
Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.
Then it started.
If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.
You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.
Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.
So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?
Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.
And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.
We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Recently Kenneth and Hunter, from DeSoto EMS, stopped by the Pelican Library to teach the kiddos about water safety. They also gave an awesome tour of the ambulance.
Afterward, there was a VERY competitive game of UNO! Stop by the Pelican Library tomorrow and paint a waterfall scene and watch a movie with Mrs. Kriston!
It is another activity in the Pelican branch summer reading program.