Here are the results of the DeSoto Parish Jamboree played at Mansfield High last Friday night.

Mansfield 13, Logansport 12

Mansfield and Logansport traded touchdowns during their quarter at the annual Desoto Parish Jamboree. QB Dekeldrick Thomas scored on a QB keeper to give Mansfield the late edge over Logansport.

North Desoto 13, Logansport 12

The New Look Griffins started off their portion of the jamboree in the worst possible manner turning the Ball over in consecutive drives, one of which was a Luke Delafield PICK 6 to the Tigers that put them up 6-0 before the scoreboard hit 14 minutes. After the offense settled down they were able to show off their version of Thunder and Lightning with Senior Running Backs John Lewis and Brian Banks taking turns running over and around the Logansport defense. Lewis scored on 16 yard run and later Delafield scored on a TD run himself. As the Griffins and Tigers settled in, Logansport came within tying the game with a later touchdown aided by costly Griffin Defensive penalties. Logansport’s 2pt conversion attempt failed as the griffins escaped Quarter 1 of their jamboree.

North Desoto 21, Mansfield 0

If you were looking for the quarter versus Mansfield to be a ground based affair like the first one, you were shocked to see North Desoto’s versatility as they commenced to light up the Mansfield sky to the tune of 3 passing touchdowns from Freshman QB Luke Delafield. Senior Speedster Landon Falls caught the first and third TD and Sophomore Cole Cory caught the second as the ND offense overwhelmed the Wolverines and the Griffin’s defense smothered Mansfield as they gained only 1 first down during the 15 minute quarter.

After Delafield’s Interception return for a touchdown North Desoto outscored their opponents 35-6.

North Desoto opens their season v. Airline at Home on Thursday night.

Logansport begins their season versus Calvary on Thursday night at Calvary Baptist.

Mansfield opens with Huntington on Saturday night in the annual Battle on the Border in Shreveport.

---

The preseason, jamborees, and scrimmages are all in the books.  The fall football season begins for area public schools.   And so does the first High School Pickers Contest.

The Journal is offering $100 to the person who does the best job of predicting the winners of ten local games.  And there is a tiebreaker just in case.

The entry deadline for the first contest is 4:00 pm on Friday.  So get your entry form and submit it right away.  You could be $100 richer come Monday morning.  The winner of this week’s contest will be announced next Wednesday in the Journal.  And a new entry form will be published for the next week’s games.

To enter now, just CLICK HERE.

Full contest rules are below:

---

By LaBetha Casey

The ribbon cutting for the new Roll’n Stone Ice Cream business was held Friday, August 26.  The business hours are Sunday 1-5, Monday-Thursday 1-9, and Friday and Saturday 12-10. Owners, Peyton Massey, and Muna Sofyan, moved to Stonewall about 2 years ago and have 3 children.  According to Massey, the “Stone” part of their business name is for “Stonewall.”  Peyton gave up his oilfield job for this endeavor, but Muna is continuing her real estate profession.

A wide variety of flavors and ingredients are available for the ice cream rolls.  Puffy waffles with fruit and Nutella, waffle cones, Slush Puppies, Coca Cola products, milk shakes, and Rhino coffee—both brewed and iced— are offered. On Tuesdays, the waffle cones will be formed into a taco shape for “Taco Tuesdays.”   T-shirts with their logo can also be purchased.  For those who have a lactose intolerance and/or nut allergies, an ice cream slab is dedicated for these consumers so that the unintended ingredients are not cross contaminated.  All products are made fresh daily.

Birthday parties can be held here which will include bounce houses, pizza, and the opportunity to learn how to roll ice cream.  Future plans include having outside picnic tables and a fenced play area for smaller children.  Small tables are placed outside for couples who wish to avoid the music and chatter of the inside customers.  In the back area are Pac Man games and seating for those who wish to “hang out” and fellowship.

After seeing the lack of a place for dessert in the Stonewall area, the couple prayed for some time before deciding on the rolled ice cream venture.  Massey stated “Our goal is to not only provide a safe space for teens and others to congregate, but to give back to the community by hiring local students.  The employees are not only trained on how to roll ice cream, but also to be sensitive to the emotional concerns of their customers and afford them the opportunity to encourage and/or pray for them when needed.”  A corner bookcase offers a selection of Bibles for anyone who should desire to have a Bible for free.

---

By Teddy Allen

The following is a Public Service Announcement from The Division of the Least of These Things to Worry About, Ever, My Brethren.  

A guy created a website and, for a while there, had people believing he’d recruited well-meaning and caring atheists who’d care for the pets of Christians after their rapture.  

In other words, “Send money. Rest easy.” 

I’ll hang on a second while you read that again because me my own self had to ponder it too, the first time I heard it; I had never had the thought either. Ever. And it’s not because I don’t love my pets. I do. But … while I’ve heard bizarre things, this might be at the top of the heap. 

Bizarro Mountain. 

Bizarro Mountain Range, even. 

NPR reported that a guy charged “hundreds of people more than $100 apiece, promising the business would care for their pets after the owners were carried up to Heaven. The self-described animal-loving atheist called his site Eternal Earth-Bound Pets. The New Hampshire Insurance Department thought some monkey business might be going on and decided to investigate”. 

Props to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, which seldom gets props. 

Life’s not fair. 

Anyway, the New Hampshire Insurance Department guy in charge of Pre-Rapture Pets, Etc.guy said it was a hoax. Which it was, same as the After the Rapture Pet Care site inventor admitted. 

I think they said this pre-rapture. Lord, I hope so. 

But I’ll give both guys points for creativity. 

For my pet’s future, I’d bet it on the After the Rapture Pet Care guy. He charged only a $10 registration fee, because those Left Behind were going to “care for the pets they rescue as their own, including being financially responsible for them,” the site claimed. 

Indulge me for a sec, and if you’ve read this far, you already have. The After the Rapture Pet Care guy, or (ATRPCG), also typed this on his site, under the ingenious “Frequently Asked Questions” part, (which I thought was a nice touch): 

Who are these Volunteer Pet Caretakers and how do I know they’ll take good care of my pets? 

Most Volunteer Pet Caretakers fit this description: 

• They are atheists or another non-Christian religion; 
• They love animals enough to register with us even though they do not believe there will be a Rapture (or are agnostic about it); 
• (My words, because this bullet point was the part about how they’d treat your pets as their own — their still-alive-but-non-raptured own.)  

Another of the FAQ’s questions is, “Isn’t the world going to be totally collapsed after the Rapture?” It’s a long answer on the website, but the short answer from this bureau is, “Yes. That’s an affirm. Bet your hat. If you have gift cards, use them ASAP. If you have one fromAfter the Rapture Pet Care, well … ” 

Lord have mercy …  

We conclude with a sobering thought, I think from Mark Twain, and it’s one of my favorite thoughts, at least one of my favorite sobering ones, and should ease the mind of all us pet lovers who are worried about how things might end up for animals we loved, as if God who created them isn’t aware: 

“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” 

Amen. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

---

From the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office:

On the night of August 29, 2022 at approximately 8:43 pm, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a disturbance at 204 Daw Rd in Mansfield with a possible shot fired.  Deputies were immediately dispatched to the location to find 2 subjects suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

The initial investigation indicates that Corderek Colbert, 29 years old of Mansfield, La., died of a self-inflicted gunshot after fatally shooting Jamecia Adkins, 29 years old, also of Mansfield.  This investigation is ongoing and, if deemed necessary, further details may be released at a later date. 

At this time, Sheriff Richardson and his staff offer their heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected in this tragedy.

---

The American Bar Association said, “To expunge is to erase or remove completely.  In law expungement is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed…”. DeSoto Clerk of Court Jeremy Evans will hold a clinic on expungement on October 8^th.

The Keynote Speaker will be Ebonee Norris of the Norris Law Group.  Information distributed by Evans said you would need a background check, a bill of information, and court minutes.  Call Tomika Carroll at the clerk’s office for information on obtaining your record.  The number is 318-270-6242.

The clinic will be held at the David Means Memorial 4-H Building on Hwy 171 in Grand Cane.  Hours are 10:00 am until 1:00 pm on the 8^th of October.

---

One DeSoto Parish student earned a spot on Louisiana Tech’s Summer Quarter Dean’s honor list.  She is Sarah Rose Campbell of Frierson.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

---

By Brad Dison

Red was small for his age, smaller than the other kids in his neighborhood of Yorkville, New York.  In the first decade of the twentieth century, all young boys were expected, with few exceptions, to join the neighborhood gang.  To be exempted and respected, a boy had to have a good excuse such as being crippled, small, or having tuberculosis.  Even then it might earn a nickname such as gimpy, short sh*t, lungsy, or coughy. 

“I wanted no part of running the gang,” explained Red during their elderly years, “and size was a prerequisite of power.  The biggest kid usually took control simply because he was the biggest.  He could have been stupid, as some of the leaders were.  But because he was big, he was the boss.  That was fine with me.  I never ran with the gang anyway.” 

Red’s two brothers were on the smaller side as well.  For this reason, their mother began teaching them to box.

In the evenings after school, Red’s mother cleared the small living room in their meager home and used it as a boxing ring.  Two brothers boxed while the third one rested, all the while Red’s mother instructed them on foot movements, types of punches, and blocks.  Red’s mother had learned about boxing from Red’s father, an amateur boxer turned bartender, who was usually away from home in a drunken stupor.  When the bouts got too heated, as they often did, Red’s mother separated the boys and explained that to lose their tempers meant losing the fight.  The boys and Red’s mother quickly noticed that Red had a knack for boxing.  He was light on his feet, could get in, jab a punch, and get out before his opponent could react.

Word spread quickly to the boys in the neighborhood gang.  “They would call me in to beat up a bully,” Red said.  “The gang knew I was available.  I became a kind of combination troubleshooter-backup man and never really part of the gang.” 

The streets were full of bullies who pushed the younger, weaker kids around, usually to take what little money or candy they had.  “Send for Red” became a regular request, and Red would appear and “clean some kid’s clock” who was usually far superior in physique.  Red disliked having to fight on the streets, but he disliked bullies even more.

One day, Ed, Red’s younger and smaller brother, whom his family always referred to as Gentle Ed, was playing with a golf ball he had found in the street.  A new bully on the block spied the golf ball and wanted it for his own.  While the golf ball was in mid-bounce, the bully darted in, pushed Gentle Ed to the ground, and grabbed the golf ball.  Gentle Ed tried to reclaim the ball, but the bully shoved him to the pavement.  Gentle Ed tried again, and the bully shoved him harder.  This continued until Gentle Ed was bruised and bleeding.  Gentle Ed returned home and told Red about the incident. 

In a fury, Red began searching the neighborhood for the bully.  When they finally met, a fight broke out like nothing any of the boys, especially Red, had ever seen.  The bully not only took Red’s punches but was able to return them in equal measure.  A large crowd gathered to watch.  The boys fought tit for tat until a policeman broke them apart.  They met up the next day at a prearranged spot and the fight continued.  A larger crowd gathered before a policeman broke them apart again.  On the third day, an even larger crowd gathered to watch what, to them, looked almost like a professional boxing match. 

One woman yelled over the crowd, “These boys are killing each other.  Where are their mothers?”  No one knows where the bully’s mother was, but Red’s mother was in the crowd cheering for Red.  During the bout, Red had broken four bones in his left fist, but the adrenaline allowed him to keep fighting.  The bully sustained several injuries and was bleeding severely.  Finally, the boys realized it was a draw and ended the fight with the stipulation that they would finish the fight once they had both healed.

In his adult life, Red became what he detested as a child, a bully, and a gangster.  Red detested the bully in his childhood, but he used those experiences to his advantage.  Red and the bully never met again.  The bully eventually became a semi-professional boxer.  During the Great Depression, more than two decades after the boys fought, the bully sent Red a letter in which he explained that he, the bully, had fallen on hard times.  The bully knew that Red had become successful and asked for, not money, not food, but for cigarettes and any extra clothing that Red could spare. Red sent the former bully a package with the requested items along with an undisclosed amount of cash.         

You see, Red was only a bully and a gangster in films.  He played characters based on the bullies he had known during his childhood.  In real life, Red was described by everyone who knew him as a sweet, kind, and gentle man, which was exactly the opposite of the characters he was known for playing.  So different were the parts Red played that Orson Welles opined, “[Red] maybe the greatest actor who ever appeared in front of a camera.” 

The kids in his old neighborhood knew him as Red, but you and I know him as James Cagney.

Source:  John McCabe, Cagney (New York, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1997), 16.    

---

What happens when you mix these 5 ingredients together?  Little inquiring minds found out what happens when they joined other young scientists at the Logansport Library STEM program. 

The kids discovered how certain materials work as a catalyst to cause an exothermic reaction.  This experiment produced  “Dinosaur Toothpaste.”

The Logansport Branch Library promised to expand on this experiment at the next STEM Program using a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide.  Elementary students are invited after school on Tuesday September 13th at 4:00 p.m.

---

This week’s report covers a date range of August 21 – August 27 of all arrests made by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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.

---

Thomas Allen Calhoun

May 9, 1943 to August 24, 2022

View full obituary at:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/08/27/thomas-allen-calhoun/

David Lewis Armstrong

November 21, 1948 to August 25, 2022

View full obituary at:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/08/27/david-lewis-armstrong/

Jerome Lewis

August 26, 1954 to August 22, 2022

Service: Wednesday August 31,2022 at 12:00 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Shreveport.

Henry Lee Porter

Homegoing was Friday, August 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown without a website link are FREE of charge.)

---

This coming weekend we observe Labor Day.  The federal holiday is Monday, and many federal, state and local offices will be closed.  That includes all branches of the DeSoto Parish Library.  Also, each library branch will be closed for a day for staff training.  Check your local branch before you visit.

The 3^rd Annual Letter Jacket Ceremony is scheduled for September 8^th at North DeSoto High.  It will be held in the school gym at 6:00 pm.

Northwestern State Professor Emeritus of English Dr. Julie Kane will be honored at a solo show recognizing her for being the winner of the 2021 Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Critic’s Choice: Literary Award on Friday, Sept. 16 from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at ArtSpace located at 708 Texas Street in Shreveport.  The show is free and open to the public and it will also include visual art exhibits by Eric Francis and Debra Roberson and a literary exhibit by poet Genaro Ky-Ly Smith, the 2022 Critic’s Choice: Literary Award winner.

Louisiana Tech University Reserve Officer Training Corp cadets are gaining the unique experience of working on Department of Defense cutting edge research and technology. 

Cyber Innovation Center and Air Force Global Strike Command recently completed the first ever ROTC Cadet Training Success Program. The Louisiana Tech University program was funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through Clarkson, Inc.  The program provides selected cadets valuable hands-on experience working with cutting edge research and technology programs as well as contributing to unique AFGSC research-based project.

---

On May 9, 1943, Thomas Allen Calhoun was born in Mansfield, Louisiana to Maurice Riemer Calhoun and Clista Andrews Calhoun and passed away, Wednesday, August 24, 2022 in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

With his horse, Two-Bits and his many friends, Tommy grew up in Mansfield and graduated from Mansfield High School.  He went to Baylor University and became a life-long Baylor Bears fan and a life-long “brother-by-choice” to his roommates.  Tommy married his college sweetheart, Beverly Ann Presley, on June 24, 1967.  They had three sons, Kirk, Allen, and Clay, whom they also reared in Mansfield.  Tommy called the 5 of them a “unit.” Because both Allen and Clay died in 2000 and Kirk in 2020, Beverly and Tommy longed to be reunited with them in heaven.  Beverly joined her sons in 2021, and now Tommy is there, also.  They are a “unit” once more, in the embrace of GOD.

Because Tommy was such a wonderful friend, devoted husband, father, grandfather to Zac, successful and caring businessman and boss, compassionate giver to friends and anyone in need, and fine human being, many people did not realize that his life was like the life of Job.  Tommy’s life of loss and trauma began at age eight, when he lost his mother, and continued through his life.  He experienced more losses and failures and challenges than anyone around him.  Like Job, Tommy sometimes struggled and wrestled with GOD; yet he never gave up on his deep and abiding faith.  Tommy’s and Beverly’s closest friends held them up, and their faith was a miracle that inspired their friends and family.

Through his life, Tommy talked little about his own contributions to the world and his gifts and help to countless individuals; he said little about his efforts to care for other people.  Instead, he talked a lot about good life, faith, politics, philosophy, history, business, fun memories of people and places, and land—especially the farm at Grand Bayou.  In the tradition of his own father and step-mother, Tommy loved hosting friends and family at Grand Bayou.

Tommy’s life was particularly enriched by closest friends—both his and those of his sons:  Benny Hives; Mike Gulley; Baylor roommates, Dr. Ronald C. Leslie, Dr. Teddy L. Coe, and The Rev. Canon George W. Monroe; Joe B. Allen, III, Atty.;  Rev. Gary L. Ruffin;  Kirk and Allen’s friends- Christian Bagley and Bo Odom; and more we cannot name. With only his closest friends did he discuss his own personal suffering and the personal challenges and traumas of his own life. His friends are legion-from Mansfield, Baylor, business, church, and his varied interests across the country.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Calhoun; his sons, Kirk Calhoun, Allen Calhoun, and Clay Calhoun; his parents, Riemer Calhoun and Clista Calhoun; and his stepmother, Hope Ryder Calhoun.  He is survived by his beloved grandson, Zachary Calhoun; his sister, Carolyn Calhoun Huckabay and husband, Bill; his brother, Riemer Calhoun, Jr. and wife, Marcia; his Calhoun nieces, Clista Whitehurst Adkins and husband, Glen, Tracie Whitehurst Woods and husband, Mike, Murray Andrews Calhoun and wife, Caroline, Mary Evelyn Whitehurst and husband, James, and Marian Calhoun Snapp and husband, Greg; his Presley sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane Presley Grant, Sara Presley Welborn, and James Presley; his Presley nephew, Kent Welborn; dozens of cousins; and friends who were also family, Benny and Diane Hives, Mike and Sara Gulley, Christian and Robin Bagley, Bo and Melanie Odom, Peter Moncrief, and many others.

Tommy’s family is especially grateful for the loving care of his grandson, Zac Calhoun, Benny Hives, Dr. Rick Michael, Dr. Natalia Luraguiz, Dr. Ron Byrd, Joy Wilson, Tasha Barrett, Jerica Howard, Divonna October, Golden Gate Nursing, and Regional Hospice.

The celebration of Tommy’s life will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Shreveport, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana, led by Dr. Jeff Raines.  A reception will immediately follow the service in the church foyer.  Tommy’s family and friends are invited to meet the family at the graveside at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery, Mansfield, Louisiana.

Honoring Tommy as pallbearers will be Christian Bagley, David Calhoun, Murray Calhoun, Mike Gulley, Benny Hives, Peter Moncrief, Bo Odom, and Kent Welborn.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Joe B. Allen, Charles Amie, Tommy Frye, Ron Leslie, Teddy Coe, George Monroe, Gary Ruffin, Ivan Smith, Ronney Joe Webb, and the Empowered Believers Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Shreveport, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 or to a charity of your choice.

“Blessed are they who die in the Lord, for they rest . . . they rest from their labors and their work remains behind them.”  Revelation 14:13

---

David Lewis Armstrong was born at Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, the 21st of November 1948, the second son of Isaac Lewis and Geneva Eubanks Armstrong and returned to the arms of his Creator, Lord, and Savior at his home in Stanley, Louisiana, on Thursday, the 25th of August 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Letha Seago Armstrong; brother, Jerry Wayne Armstrong, and wife, Becky, of Valdosta, Georgia; son, David Mark Armstrong, and wife, Tracy, of Logansport, Louisiana; son, Michael Shane Armstrong, and wife, Jennifer, of Logansport, Louisiana; daughter, Linda Diane Nelson, and husband, Mike, of Joaquin, Texas; and Kenneth Ray LaFitte, and wife, Mary, of Livingston, Texas; grandchildren: Allison Bryan and husband, Daniel; Jazmine Armstrong; Dylan LaFitte; Kyle LaFitte and wife, Haley; Austyn Pruett; Raelea “Katy” Tibbs and husband, Carter; Tyler LaFitte; Joshua Nelson; and John Thomas Armstrong; and great-grandchildren: London Bridges; Lyla Bryan; Diana LaFitte; and Mia LaFitte.

David attended Caddo Heights Elementary, Linwood Jr High, and Fair Park High School – all in Shreveport. His post-secondary studies were conducted at East Texas Baptist University, Louisiana State University, Georgia Military Institute, Shreveport Fire Academy, and Northwest Louisiana Justice Institute.

He proudly served his country as a corpsman being honorably discharged in 1968 from the United States Navy at the Naval Reserve Center, Shreveport, Louisiana. During that same time frame, Reverend Armstrong also served his God being licensed and ordained by Magnolia Baptist Church to serve as Pastor for Midyett Baptist Church, DeBerry, Texas.

David began his firefighting career with the Shreveport Fire Department in 1968 where his duties also included emergency medical care and rescue. He was promoted through the ranks as Driver, Alarm Operator, Instructor, Captain, and EMS Shift Supervisor before his retirement in 1990. He was also certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and graduated as one of the Department’s first Paramedics. Other specializations and accomplishments included: aircraft crash rescue, hazardous material certification, underwater rescue and recovery, field incident command supervision, personnel training, and record keeping and management.

He worked with DeSoto Fire District 8 in Mansfield as Fire Training Officer and Administrator from 1990 to 1992 and as Fire Chief and Chief Administrative Officer from 1992 until 1995. His duties and responsibilities included the administration and training of over 120 volunteers and oversight of eight stations covering a 410 square mile area of DeSoto Parish. During this time, David was elected as District 4 Representative of the Louisiana Fire Chief Association.

Since retiring from the fire service, David had a full employment history with numerous other agencies and companies as a security officer, paramedic, 911 operator, forestry firefighter, surveillance officer, service technician, and driving bus 310 for the DeSoto Parish School Board.

In addition, as if he had even more time to spare – both past and present, his volunteer and community service activities included, Logansport Volunteer Fire Dept. Captain, DeSoto Fire District 5 Assistant Chief, DeSoto Fire District 8 Chief, Mansfield Fire Dept. Volunteer Fire Chief, DeSoto Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Office Reserve Deputy, DeSoto Parish Emergency Communications Coordinator, Louisiana State Firefighters Association, Life Member of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, Louisiana Emergency Instructors Association, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, International Association of Firefighters, Fire Chiefs, and Professional Firefighters, Crook County Oregon Sheriff Search and Rescue, Prineville Oregon Band of Brothers, American Legion Louisiana Post 157, and US National Park Service..

And the list could continue on with regards to his numerous certifications, registrations, and training courses. Needless to say, when it came to serving the public, he was knowledgeable, well-equipped, and more than willing to carry out any task set before him.

Although David’s work and community service took up a substantial portion of his time, it was his love and devotion to God, family, and friends that made his life meaningful, joyful, and whole. And he effortlessly shared that fullness by blessing those around him through sacrifice and fellowship.

Please join us in celebrating his life and legacy on Saturday, September 3rd, at Hunter-Magnolia Baptist Church, 173 Magnolia Avenue, Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, service at 2 pm, with fellowship afterwards.

It was David’s request that those who attend abstain from wearing traditional black attire and ties, but rather dress comfortably, as you are, for a celebration of life. Also, in lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a monetary donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

---

Here are the results of the DeSoto Parish Football Jamboree held at Mansfield High Friday night:

Mansfield 14, Logansport 12

North DeSoto 13, Logansport 12

North DeSoto 21, Mansfield 0

---

The North DeSoto High PLAYERS theatre troupe received a grant from the DeSoto Arts Council this week.  The Arts Council held their annual meeting at the Cook-Hill House in Grand Cane.  NDHS Players Theatrical Director Troy Compas accepted the grant from council President Mark Pool.

After the presentation, Compas addressed the group, expressing his appreciation for the financial support for his theatre group.  Compas gave a brief history of the group, saying they began in 2000 with the expenditure of a dime at Goodwill to buy their first costume.  Since then, Compas said, “We’ve expanded with several productions each year.  For our 23^rdyear, we are producing a children’s show and a competition show.  We are doing Annie and we are getting some of the middle school students involved in the theater program.”

Compas said the program exposes kids to something different, including art, singing, dancing and acting.  Productions are put on for the North DeSoto students from kindergarten up to high school.  And the public is invited to special performances.

As for the competition show, Compas said, “We have won state nine times over the years.  We won district last year to advance to the state competition.”

Dates and information about performances will be announced later in the year.

---

 

---

This is the night for the DeSoto Parish Jamboree.  It will be played at Mansfield High School.

Football teams from Mansfield High, North DeSoto High and Logansport High will take part.

Logansport High will kick off with the first game of the night beginning at 7:00 p.m. and will play again immediately following. Admission is $10

---

The DeSoto Parish Journal is offering a Benjamin or $100 to the person in the parish who can pick the outcome of local high school games the best.  It is the Journal’s first High School Pickers Contest.

The entry blanks are being distributed.  Already many have been sent in and more entries are welcome.  We printed the complete rules in the Wednesday Journal, so look back for them.

Click the banner above this or any Journal news article to take you to the entry form.  The first contest is for the games to be played next Friday, September 2^nd.  So, the entry deadline is Friday, September 2 at 4:00 p.m.

There will be a new contest, with new teams featured, each Friday.  And another $100 prize each week.  The Journal will award over $1,000 to the best “Pickers” in the parish during the season, so get in on the fun today!

---

By Steve Graf

Picking up where I left off last week on the “good ole days” of my generation, I’ve always felt that I grew up during the best time a kid could ever ask for. The Vietnam War was ending in the early ’70s and the crazy 60s were behind us. Life was simple, people had jobs and worked hard. Being labeled “middle class” was not a bad thing. It meant you worked hard for a living and took pride in what you did and who you were. You weren’t necessarily judged by how much money you had. You were judged by the kind of person you were and your character. You did not want to do anything to disgrace your family name or embarrass your parents. 

My generation respected our teachers and coaches, as these were some of the most influential people in my life. They gave homework (which I hated,) but they pushed you and challenged you to learn. My coaches taught us what hard work and determination could lead to. They taught us to never quit or give up, and to fight through adversity, not to transfer to another school because the competition got a little tough or things didn’t go our way. My coaches made me feel proud to be a Mt. Pleasant Tiger. This made me play harder because as a player you represented your town, school, coaches, and parents, but most importantly….yourself. Yes, we won, and won a lot, including a State Championship, but you had a sense of pride if you were an MP Tiger and you never wanted to let the community down.

Hard work was expected at my house as I grew up on a ranch where there was always something to do. I hauled hay, doctored cattle, built barns, fixed fences, and cleared land for pasture or for hay meadows. There was no sleeping in at my house! Sleeping in meant you got to sleep till 7:00 AM. Many mornings, especially on weekends, my bedroom light came on at 5:00 AM as dad would inform me as to what work had to be done that day at the ranch. But one thing that dad did every single day of his life, and even for me on the days I worked with him, was cook breakfast…two eggs over easy, two pieces of bacon, and two pieces of toast. This was as automatic as the sun coming up!

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade my days growing up for anything or any other time. The freedoms we had as kids was nothing short of incredible. Growing up in a small town in Texas was great. Everyone knew everyone and their business. You learned a lot at the local barber shop, everything from who was having affairs to if a coach was going to get fired. Nothing was off limits at the barber shop!

People helped each other in times of need, whether a storm had come through or a family member passed away. People cared about each other and would help in any way possible when someone needed it. You were friends with all your neighbors and never worried about locking doors. You slept with windows open at night to let the cool breeze flow through the house. When was the last time you heard of anyone doing this? Moms cooked dinner every night and you ate as a family while discussing how your day went. This is when communication took place, as dad would break the news as to what chores needed to be done the next day. Family dinners back then were the equivalent of a zoom call today…it was when you asked for permission to borrow the car, go on a date, or maybe go camping with your buds. But at my house, you better make sure you had your ducks in a row before you asked for permission on anything, because the answer you got was not negotiable. You had better state your case right the first time because there were no second chances after the answer was given. I learned, “Don’t shoot from the hip because you will get shot down.”

As you can see, I had a great childhood and upbringing. I would not change a single thing about it. For those reading this, I hoped it reminded you of some great times and the good ole days! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

---

On Wednesday afternoon the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting for a new healthcare facility in Stonewall.  The CEO of Christus Schumpert, Steen Trawick, along with staff and members of the public officially cut the purple ribbon to open the Christus Outpatient Therapy Stonewall center.

Trawick recalled spending time as a youth in the parish, primarily as a Scout at the Garland Scout Ranch just north of Kickapoo.  He said, “This is a special place and Christus has been a part of the community for years.  We have partnered with North DeSoto High School to provide services to their athletic program.  This facility is another step.”  Trawick added, “When you need health care it is nice for it to be local and convenient.”

Nick Huckaby is the Director of Physical Therapy.  He introduced the staff of the new facility.  Huckaby said, “We have come here to provide care to the community.  And we are looking forward to working with you wherever we can.”

---

From Boy Scout Troop 160:  We had a great time out on the Caddo River. There were 2 canoes and 17 kayaks, 7 leaders and 14 scouts.  At times it was trying, but we all made it home in one piece.

The younger scouts were learning, the older scouts were teaching, and the adult leaders were training.  That’s what scouting is about, along the way we can have fun.

Troop 160 said, “I want to thank the leaders that help so much during this trip. Cherie Bazile Douglas, Shannon Blankenship, Melissa Garrett, Angela Jennings McCain, Charles W. Kelly IV, and David Dupree. Also, we would like to thank the community of Stonewall for all the support they have given us.”

---

DeSoto 4-H Jr. Leaders will have their first meeting of the new year on Thursday September 8th at 5:30pm at the 4-H office.  We will have a pizza party and use this meeting time to talk about the upcoming year. 

You must be a current dues paid DeSoto 4-H member in grades 7-12 to attend.  General 4-H dues are $15 and Jr. Leader dues are $20.  Contact the 4-H office for more information.

---

Jerome Lewis

August 26, 1954 to August 22, 2022

Service: Wednesday August 31,2022 at 12:00 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Shreveport.

 

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge.)

---

Thursday September 1^st Men of Prayer meets at the Stonewall Community Center.  Guest speaker will be Jerius Marshall of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Mansfield.

From the Grand Cane Merchants Association:  Due to a conflict in the schedule the nighttime market date has been moved to September 10^th.

---