On Sunday, October 30, 2022, the Lord called Billy Thomas “Tommy” Adams, 67, to his eternal home. The celebration of his life through visitation with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, Louisiana from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tommy was born October 21, 1955, to Billy and Elaine Daw Adams in Mansfield, Louisiana.  He was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory include his mother, Elaine Huckabay; daughter, Rebekah Linson, and husband, A.J.; sister, Debra Adams; four grandchildren; Elizabeth, Emma, Mason, Brentlee; and mother of his daughter, Catalina Adams.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy R. Adams; grandparents, J.T. and Hortense Daw, and Ribon and Thelma Adams.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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The burn ban for DeSoto parish was lifted on Monday, October 31^st.  That ban on all outdoor burning had been put in place early in October.  The order to lift the ban came from DeSoto Parish Police Jury President Ernel Jones.

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Graveside services honoring the life of Elizabeth Fisher D’Artois will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Mansfield Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Father Mark Franklin.

Elizabeth was born August 26, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Harry and Ruth Fisher.  She entered into eternal rest on October 27, 2022, in Kingwood, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her husband Patrick Henry D’Artois; son, Joseph Fisher D’Artois; and her parents. Left to cherish her memory include her son, Edwin D’Artois, and wife, Margaret of Humble, Texas; grandchildren, Michele Cisneros and husband, Jose of New Caney, Texas, Heather Stow and husband, Robert of Humble, Texas, Nicole D’Artois and Ashleigh D’Artois both of Humble, Texas; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Adalynn, and Sarah of New Caney, Texas, Hutch, Janie, Maddie, and Cole all of Humble, Texas.

Honoring Elizabeth as pallbearers will be Edwin D’Artois, Leigh McClellan, John McClellan, Andrew McClellan, Luke McClellan, and Jose Cisneros.

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Funeral services celebrating the life of Eileen Nugent will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Grand Cane Cemetery in Grand Cane, Louisiana. Rev. David Permenter will be officiating the service. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2022, and Thursday, November 3, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Eileen was born December 2, 1949, to Floyd and Myrtle Britt House in Shreveport, Louisiana. She peacefully entered into rest at her home on October 28, 2022.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Larry Nugent; sons, Curtis Ray Cannon, Jr., and wife, Caroline, James Edward Cannon, and wife, Kristina; daughters, Debra Renee Dominguez and husband, Ezequiel, Margo Vanessa Cooke, and husband Todd; eight grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Honoring Eileen as pallbearers will be Joshua Cannon, Joseph Cannon, Joseph Stuart, James Cannon, Jeff Stuart, and Jeremy Lindsey.

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Friday night the Wolverines traveled to Winnfield for a district football game. Winnfield prevailed 41 to 28.

On Thursday night, North DeSoto defeated Bossier 56-15.  And Logansport was defeated by St. Mary’s 24-8.

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The unbelievable, unstoppable North DeSoto Griffins muscled their way past the Bossier Bearcats Thursday night 56 to 15.  They remain undefeated at 9-0 this season.

Logansport was not so lucky.  In a game St. Mary’s termed the district championship game, St. Mary’s rolled into Tiger Stadium and got the best of Logansport 24 to 8.

Mansfield High did not move their game to Thursday.  They will play tonight at Winnfield.

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From Tommie Crawford, City of Mansfield

The holiday season is fast approaching, and we have been busy planning one of the City’s most anticipated events of the year, the Annual Christmas Parade.  The committee is planning one of the largest parades to date… pulling out all the stops.  We anticipate more participation and entries than ever before.  So make ready for a bevy of beautifully decorated floats and automobiles, more marching bands, and of course, the perennial visit from ole St. Nick himself.  This year the parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, beginning at 2 p.m.  Entrants can begin lining up at 11:00 a.m., with all units in place by 1:30p.m.  You may enter the parade in any one of the following categories: floats, automobiles (cars, trucks, and vans), marching bands, performing/marching units for under 10 years of age and 10 years of age and up.  Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category.  The entry fee is $30.00 and is due by December 2nd.  If an entry form is received after December 2nd, that participant will be placed at the end of the parade and will not be judged.  Entry forms for the parade can be found on the city’s social media sites.

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By LaBetha Casey

A special meeting for DeSoto Parish Police Jury was held on October 24, 2022.  There were no guest or public comments given.

Under new business was a hearing to waive ABO requirements for an unnamed citizen.  Juror Reggie Roe motioned to not approve this waiver because it is unlawful.  The person in question is a convicted felon.  The DPPJ attorney who was present cited LA statute 26:280 Section 5 which states that a convicted felon may not be allowed to hold an ABO card unless their crime has been expunged.  The waiver did not pass.

The next item was to recommend approving roads for capital outlay.  Each juror had been allowed to choose roads in their area to be included in the $27M proposal  to be presented in a request through the state for capital outlay to repave, reconstruct or otherwise improve roads. According to parish administrator, Michael Norton, the total amount needed for road repairs for the parish totals $124M.  The list of all roads needing some repairs was given to the jurors in September.  Norton stated, “It is my goal to present information to the jurors so they can make informed decisions to choose which roads to be repaired.”

The last item was to amend the Capital Budget for the construction of Powell Road by $365 to come from the capital outlay road fund.  This amendment passed.

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Next week will be the Journal’s final High School Football Picker Contest.  Prize is $100.  All you have to do is predict the outcome of 10 area high school football games.  The person with the best record of predicting the winners wins the $100.

Here are the teams in next week’s contest:

Northwood-Sport	North DeSoto
Mansfield	Red River
Logansport	Montgomery
Bossier	Huntington
Woodlawn	Minden
Winnfield	Jonesboro Hodge
Lakeview	Many
Northwood-Lena	St. Mary
Southwood	Airline
Loyola	Calvary Baptist

Click this LINK to go to the entry form.  You’re on your way to the big money!

Thanks for playing all season long.  And good luck with the final Pickers game of the season.

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By Brad Dison

On Friday night, October 14, 1955, Lubbock, Texas would have been the place to be.  Rock and Roll was in its infancy, and Bill Haley & the Comets were there at the very beginning.  Bill Haley and his band were a hot commodity in the music industry after they released a song which went straight to the number 1 position and would forever link them with the early days of Rock and Roll, “Rock Around the Clock.”  Their next single rose in the charts and became forever linked to the era as well, “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”  Several hits were yet to come.

When Bill Haley’s management began preparing for the Lubbock, Texas show, they decided to search for a local band to open the show because it was cost effective.  They, Bill Haley’s team, would not have to pay for travel expenses, hotel, or meals, and they could hire a local band for a single night at a much lower price than if they hired someone with a hit record.  Somehow, Bill Haley’s team learned about a trio comprised of 19-year-old Charles Hardin, 18-year-old Bob Montgomery, and 16-year-old Larry Welborn.  The trio had not settled on a name so posters for the show just listed their names.  The trio normally performed country music on local radio and at school dances but wanted to branch out into Rock and Roll.

Prior to the show, Eddie Crandall, manager of Marty Robbins, a country singer who was on the cusp of his meteoric rise, heard the trio performing live on Lubbock’s local radio station.  Eddie recognized something special in the trio and decided to attend the live concert to see how the trio performed in front of a crowd.  The trio so impressed Eddie that he asked them to record four demo songs and forward them to his office in Nashville.  In a letter Eddie wrote to Charles, “I’m very surprised to know that nothing has happened before now.”  He was referring to the fact that no one had signed the trio to a contract.

The trio recorded the four demos, forwarded them as instructed, and waited.  Over the next two years, the lineup in the trio changed as Bob and Larry were replaced by Jerry Allison and Joe Mauldin.  Niki Sullivan joined the band as lead guitar player, but only stayed for a few months.  The new group adopted a band name and began recording.  Oh boy, what recordings they were!  In 1957 and 1958, Charles and variations of his band recorded several hits, songs that are still played with reverence today. 

Had Bill Haley’s management team did not hire the trio as an opening act in 1955, we may never have heard of Charles Hardin.  On the poster for the Bill Haley & the Comets show, the trio was listed not as Charles, Bob, and Larry, but “Lubbock’s Own Buddy, Bob, and Larry.”  You know Charles Hardin Holley as Buddy Holly.

Source: Paese, Meagan. “Buddy Holly, the History of Rock and Roll Radio Show.” Accessed October 18, 2022. thehistoryofrockandroll.net/buddy-holly/

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Legislation to create the new Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force is being drafted by State Representative Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, to study the dramatic rise in violent crime in Louisiana with an emphasis on determining its cause and crafting solutions to help tackle the problem legislatively.

“The rise in violent crime is a significant problem in every part of Louisiana,” said Rep. Seabaugh. “From our most rural parishes to our largest urban centers, every corner of Louisiana has seen a significant rise in violent crime over the past few years. It’s time that we stop complaining about the problem and have some real discussions about why this is happening and what we can do to put an end to it.”

The proposal has gained significant support from groups across Louisiana. Everyone from the Sheriffs and District Attorneys associations to Attorney General Jeff Landry, and even the Bayou Mama Bears are excited about the prospect of implementing real solutions to Louisiana’s violent crime epidemic.

“Violent crime continues to plague our communities,” said Louisiana Sheriffs Association President and Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb “Louisiana is the top state for homicides and has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. As sheriffs, we took an oath to protect public safety and ensure laws are enforced, and we cannot stand by and allow this trend to continue.”

Representative Seabaugh stressed that the focus of any discussion regarding Louisiana’s violent crime problem must start with the 2017 criminal justice reforms referred to as the Justice Reinvestment Act. This was a highly controversial series of legislation designed to reduce Louisiana’s prison population, which it largely succeeded in doing. Louisiana’s current prison population is just over half of its 2017 levels. The dramatic spike in violent crime almost immediately followed this reduction in prison population across Louisiana.

“The relationship between the two seems clear, but there are those who deny the connection,” Rep. Seabaugh said. “It is time that we had a deeper, fact-based look into this issue and that we be willing to admit that perhaps some mistakes were made.”

The Louisiana District Attorneys Association agrees that the solutions must start with a close look at the 2017 legislation.  Loren Lampert, Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, said, “LA District Attorneys have always maintained that we needed 5 complete years of data before we will be able to determine the long-term impacts of the 2017 reforms.  Nov. 1, 2023, marks the passing of 5 complete years.” “We agree that it is time to objectively study the impact of this sweeping legislation and determine exactly what the costs and savings have been. This will also serve to determine what impact – if any – the reforms have had on the surge in violent crime over the last 3 years.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has long been a critic of the 2017 criminal justice changes and strongly endorsed the task force.  “As I predicted, the governor’s failed criminal justice reform has resulted in new victims of violent crime,” said Landry. “Instead of dangerously releasing criminals back into society in order to simply check a political box, the governor should have ensured convicts get the treatment and training they need to become productive members of society.”

The Bayou Mama Bears, a rapidly growing statewide group of women fed up with the rise of violent crime and lack of safe streets for their children, has also endorsed the new task force.  “As crime surges across Louisiana, women across our state are now living in constant fear of being the next victim of violent crime,” said Laura Rodrigue, founder of the Bayou Mama Bears and a former prosecutor in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. “We worry about protecting ourselves, and more importantly, our children. We applaud our leaders who recognize the need for change and who are committed to making that change. The Bayou Mama Bears will continue to fight to protect our Louisiana families and we will continue to recognize those leaders who stand beside us.”

The new task force will be created by legislation that Rep. Seabaugh plans to introduce during the 2023 legislative session.  “This is not the time for half-measures or another ‘step in the right direction’ type approach. This is a battle that we cannot afford to lose,” Seabaugh said.

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By Nicole Tull

Kyle Ardoin was the scheduled speaker at the Republican meeting on October 20 at the RB4 event Center. He was ill so Rep. Larry Bagley stepped up to offer explanation for the constitutional amendments for the upcoming elections.

The following is a guide to help understand what the amendments mean. These amendments are on the upcoming election on November 8. If you need further explanation or assistance with these amendments, you can contact Rep. Larry Bagley’s office or the registrar of voters.

Amendment 1 – Larger stock investment for trust funds. A vote for would let the state increase to 65% the maximum amount of money in seven different trust funds that can be invest in equities on the stock market. A vote against would keep tighter limits in place on the percentage of the trust funds’ money that can be invested in the stock market, with some unable to be invested in equities at all.

Amendments 2 – Property tax exemption for veterans with disabilities. A vote for would increase the property tax exemption available to veterans with service-related disabilities and to the surviving spouses after the veteran’s death. A vote against would maintain the current level of property tax exemption.

Amendment 3 – Political activity for civil service workers when family members run for office. A vote for would allow most of Louisiana’s civil service employees to support certain campaign activities of a candidate for public office when that candidate is an immediate family member. A vote against would continue the current prohibition.

Amendment 4 – waiving charges for water use if infrastructure damaged. A vote for would let local water districts, municipalities or other political subdivisions reduce customer bills for water use if the charges stem from water lost due to damage outside a customer’s control. A vote against would keep local water districts, municipalities or other political subdivisions from lowering bills or waiving customer charges for water use in almost all circumstances.

Amendment 5 – Local authority over property tax rates. A vote for would give local taxing bodies more time to decide if they want to “roll forward” millages that increase property taxes paid by businesses and homeowners. A vote against would keep the rules governing millage “roll forwards” the same, giving local taxing bodies until the next property reappraisals to make the decision.

Amendment 6 – Property tax assessment increases in Orleans Parish. A vote for would limit increases in the property tax liability of homes subject to homestead exemption in Orleans Parish, capping the reassessment increase to 10% of the residential property’s assessed value in the previous year. A vote against would continue the current system, which requires a four-year phase-in of tax liability for homes subject to the homestead exemption when a reappraisal increases assessments by more than 50%.

Amendment 7 – Limits on involuntary servitude. A vote for would rework the state constitutional ban on slavery and involuntary servitude, allowing their use only for the “lawful administration of criminal justice”. A vote against would keep the state’s current constitutional language banning slavery and involuntary servitude but allowing involuntary servitude as a “punishment for crime.”

Amendment 8 – Property tax assessments for certain people with disabilities. A vote for would remove the requirement that certain property owners with disabilities annually certify their income to receive property tax rate freeze. A vote against would continue the annual income certification required for certain property owners with disabilities to receive a property tax rate freeze.

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By Steve Graf

When you take a look at the landscape of both high school and college fishing, it’s obvious that up and coming anglers of today are not being taught the ethics or etiquette of bass fishing…the unwritten rules of the water! Young anglers fishing today are falling short in knowing how to handle certain situations in several areas. In this article, we’ll educate and go over a couple of these scenarios and who’s to blame for the younger generation not knowing.

One thing about being young and ignorant… it’s someone’s responsibility to teach you the knowledge you’re lacking in order to learn. Young bass fishermen, on the rise and looking to compete at the highest level of professional fishing, need direction and guidance. This guidance is not just on how to find and catch bass, but how to handle themselves on the water… what anglers call “etiquette.” Now understand, there is no rule book on fishing etiquette. There is no sign hanging at a boat ramp on how to handle situations on the water. Someone must teach these young anglers what the expectations are. A few of these are kind of common sense and others are unwritten rules that have been established over time by anglers who came before us. 

First let’s look at the phrase “cutting someone off.” This has become the number one problem on our overcrowded lakes and waterways today! This is when an angler runs past another angler who is fishing down a stretch of bank and cuts in front of him on the same stretch of bank and starts fishing…in some cases as close as a few feet to less than 100 yards. Once again, there is no written rule preventing an angler from doing this. But in the bass fishing world, this is considered bad etiquette. If you want to see an angler get upset, cut in front of him on the stretch of bank or tree line he’s fishing. Always avoid cutting in front of another angler for the purpose of fishing. Good rule of thumb… if you have to think about or try and justify if it’s wrong to cut someone off, then you probably already know you shouldn’t do it.  A good example of this would be if someone is fishing down a row of boat docks, don’t go in front of him two or three docks to start fishing. Go ten to twelve docks down and respect his space.

Next, let’s address asking for permission to fish a certain area with another angler. This can be a little touchy, as it all depends on the angler you’re asking. If you pull up on an underwater hump or wind row (line of treetops) and you see another angler already fishing this spot, ask for permission to fish the area with him. He’ll either say, “Sure,” or he’ll say, “No, I’d rather you didn’t.” He’s really not obligated to say yes, especially since he was there first. So always ask if it’s ok for you fish the area together. Now most touring pros will automatically pass up a spot if someone is already on it. But sometimes depending on who the other angler is, especially if they are close friends, the other angler might say it’s ok. But in some instances, they have already talked about the spot that both might have found during practice, and they have made an agreement on fishing it at the same time. Again, always ask for permission to fish, don’t just hop on the front deck and start fishing.

So other than reading this informative article, how does someone learn these unwritten rules of the water? It’s up to us as experienced anglers to teach the younger generation of high school and college anglers how to handle certain situations that they may encountered. It’s our job to share and teach these youngsters the right way of doing things so that in the future, we have less confrontations on the water. Next week, we’ll continue this discussion on the unwritten rules of bass fishing with a hard look at how to deal with  dock owners, a hot topic nationwide. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen!

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The North DeSoto Band had a wonderful day at the Parkway Band competition.  Just look at all the trophies they brought home to Stonewall.

The Griffins Band won the following awards:  Most Outstanding Percussion, Most outstanding Music, Most Outstanding Marching, Most Outstanding General Effect, Most Outstanding Band.

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Congratulations to the winners of the 4-H Pumpkin Decorating contest at Logansport High.  Here are the winners:

4th – 8th grade:

1st place best Halloween theme: Ace Wheless

1st place best Cartoon Theme: Chloe Adkison

1st place best 4H Theme: Kayson Bamburg

Most Creative:

1st place: Chloe Adkison

2nd place: Nash Odom

3rd place: Ace Wheless

4th place: Kayson Bamburg

Best Overall: Chloe Adkison

9-12 division:

Best Decorated:

1st place: Matti Franklin

2nd place: Lyndzeyd Odom

3rd place: Juana Hernandez

4th place: Sadie Gresham

Best Carved:

1st place: Juana Hernandez

2nd place: Sadie Gresham

Best Overall: Matti Franklin

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Charles Armour Burford

January 27, 1951 to October 25, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/10/27/charles-armour-burford/

Francis M. Thornton, Jr.

August 29, 1930 to October 23, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/10/25/francis-monroe-thornton-jr/

Norris Robinson

October 10, 1933 to October 23, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 29, 2022 @ 1:00 P.M. @ Mt. Zion U.M.C in Logansport, LA.

Bobby Brown

February 6, 1951 to October 20, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 29, 2022 @ 11:00 A.M. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel.

LaTonya Booker Duncan

April 28, 1973 to October 19, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 29, 2022 @ 10:00 A.M. Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield, LA.

Devin Renee Davis

September 18, 1979 to October 18, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 29, 2022 @ 11:00 A.M. New Hope B.C. in Mansfield, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)

 

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Logansport High School presents the annual Veterans Day Program on November 11th.  Veterans will be honored with breakfast at 8:00 am.  The program will begin at 9:00 am in the Elementary Gym.  If you are a veteran and would like to add your photos to the slideshow please email them to melanie.woods@desotopsb.com

Artwork by Northwestern State University faculty Clyde Downs, Michael Yankowski and the late Dr. Bill Bryant will be on exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport Nov. 10-Dec. 2 with a reception from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

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Charles Armour Burford was born on January 27, 1951, to Virginia Armour Burford and John Franklin “Frank” Burford. He went to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the age of 71. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, LA. The funeral service will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Gloster Baptist Church in Gloster, Louisiana with burial at the Keachi Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Dr. Ron McLellan assisted by Rev. Crawford Williams.

Charles grew up in Mansfield, Louisiana. He moved to Gloster, LA to live with his dad when he was 17. Charles graduated from Stonewall High School in May 1969. On November 1, 1969, Charles and Jackie Lynn Williamson were married at the First Southern Methodist Church in Stonewall, LA. They started their family in Gloster, LA for nine years before moving to Keachi. Charles built his dairy, Shady Pines Dairy Farm in 1976 in Keachi on property that had been in the Armour family for three generations. Their sons grew up on the farm and helped with farm chores starting at an early age. Charles operated the dairy farm until 2009 and then raised beef cattle.

Charles was always very active in his community. He served on the Keachi Town Council, Keachi-Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department, DeSoto Parish Farm Bureau Board, ASCS Committee, Louisiana Animal Breeders Board, and was named Young Farmer and Rancher for DeSoto Parish in 1978. Charles was elected Justice of the Peace for District 1-A in DeSoto Parish and the DeSoto Parish Police Jury. Charles was a wise businessman; he knew and taught his sons that during the good years in business you save money for those years that are not going to be so prosperous. Charles was a member of Gloster Baptist Church for over forty years where he served on different committees and was a Trustee.

Charles loved his family and wanted to make sure that his sons and grandchildren were successful in whatever path they chose. He was willing to help them any way he could.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John Green Burford, Sr. and Effie Hall Burford and Minnie Hall Burford, Charles Worley Armour and Fannie Elizabeth Paxton Armour; his half-sister, Susan Burford-Silva; sister-in-law, Cheryl Williamson Garrett; and father-in-law, William Neal Williamson, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie Lynn Williamson Burford; sons, Charles Christopher “Chris” Burford and wife, Heather Burchett Burford of Mathews, VA, William “Chad” Burford, and wife, Amy McCune-Burford of Keachi; grandchildren whom he adored, Chloe Elizabeth Burford, Brittney Abigail Burford, Kristian Michael Burford, Emily Camille Burford, Caleb Charles Burford, and his little caboose, William Lucas “Luke” Burford. He is also survived by mother-in-law, Bernice Williamson, brothers-in law, Bill Williamson, Tommy Williamson and wife, Beverly; sisters-in-law, Millicent Williamson Whittington and husband, John Michael Whittington, Debbie Williamson Burford and husband, John Franklin “Jay” Burford, who is also his half-brother; half-brother, Steven Burford; half-sisters, Caroline Burford Woodward and husband, Jerry and Beverly Burford McConn and husband, Andy; Quinton Perkins, who cares for our farm like it is his own and was available any hour of the day or night to come and help with Charles or just be here for us; special cousin, Dave Means and wife, Liz, who walked with us through Charles’ illness; many nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends and extended family.

Honoring Charles as pallbearers will be grandsons, Kristian Burford and Caleb Burford, Quinton Perkins, Clinton Sharpley, Daleon Walraven, Mark Burford, Brandon McFadden and Jose Avila. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson, William Lucas “Luke” Burford, Hall Burford, Wayne Williams, David B. Means III, Richie Burford, Charlie Roberts, Travis Whitfield and Dudley Glenn.

The family would like to thank Dr. Megan Harris, Dr. Scott Patton, and Dr. Ray Smith for their compassionate care during Charles’ illness and his sitters, Hope Cockerham, Amanda Reed and Paula Pouncy. They helped to make it possible to have him at home with his family. Thank you to all the family and friends who came to visit him during his illness. It meant so much to us.

We ask that any memorial contributions be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 4196, Monroe, LA 71211 or Holy Angels, 10450 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, LA 71106.

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New Chick-fil-A^® restaurant is now accepting applications for a variety of positions as it prepares to open this fall

WHAT: Chick-fil-A Natchitoches, which plans to open later this fall, is looking to hire 100 part-time and full-time Team Members. The roles span from a variety of positions including back-of-house, front-of-house, leadership and more. Operator Leigh Ann Gilley is excited to bring a new restaurant to the community and share the many benefits of working at Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A is known for hiring, developing and retaining top talent, and providing a positive work environment for people of all ages and backgrounds. Working in a Chick-fil-A restaurant offers the opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a fast-paced environment. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, Chick-fil-A restaurants offer: 

• Scholarships varying from $2,000 to $25,000
• Tuition discounts at more than 100 universities across the U.S.
• Opportunities for career and leadership development
• Hands-on training 
•  

“We’re excited to welcome 100 Team Members to Chick-fil-A Natchitoches,” said Gilley. “Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. We look forward to building a team focused on creating a welcoming environment for our guests and making a positive impact on the Natchitoches community.”

WHEN: From Monday, Oct. 24 to restaurant opening (fall 2022)
WHERE: Chick-fil-A Natchitoches 440 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, LA 71457
HOW: Applicants interested can text “MYPLEASURE” to (337) 509-0022 to apply.

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The polls are open for residents to vote early in the November 8^th election.  Polls will be open daily, except Sunday, at two locations in the parish.  You may vote early at the DeSoto Registrar of Voter’s office in Mansfield or at the governmental building in Stonewall.  Hours are 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Several School Board members drew opposition.  In District 4, Donnie Dufour faces a challenge from Xavier Foster and Robert Mitchell.  In District 6, Coday Johnston faces Brian LaFleur.  In District 7, the race is between Dale Morvan and Sonja Smith Polley

Also on the ballot is the race for U.S. Senate.  Senator John Kennedy is seeking re-election.  He drew a field of 10 challengers.  And there are a number of constitutional amendments up for approval on the ballot.

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Mansfield defeated Lakeview on homecoming night 37 – 0.

The hometown Wolverines had their best offensive showing of the season Friday night. As a team, the Wolverines rushed for 293 yards and had 113 yards through the air.

The rushing attack was led by Terrance Pegues with 128 yards on 11 carries. Rykelan VanZandt chipped in 77 yards on 11 carries.  The leading receiver for the Wolverines was Nick Davis with three catches for 86 yards.

Mickel London and Monquerius Stergius led the blocking for the offensive line.

Touchdowns were produced by Pegues, Van Zandt, Feezelt Montgomery, Davis, and Kalvin Jackson.

The Wolverines will travel to Winnfield this week hoping to make it three in a row.  The Journal checked on Tuesday afternoon with Head Coach Darrell Barbary.  He said the game is still on for Friday night.

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The Louisiana Department of Health’s (LDH) Office of Public Health (OPH) for Region 7 (Northwest Louisiana) will host a drive-thru flu vaccination clinic at the DeSoto Parish Health Unit on Friday, October 28, 2022 from noon to 6 p.m. at 113 Jefferson Street, Mansfield. All COVID-19 vaccines, including the COVID-19 bivalent boosters, will be available for anyone ages 6 months and older.

If you have insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage, or are uninsured, the flu vaccines are available at no cost to you. There are no out-of-pocket costs; however, if you have insurance it will be billed. Bring a valid insurance card with you to your visit and your COVID-19 vaccination card if you have one.

Region 7 serves the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster.

For more information on CDC guidelines and recommendations for flu vaccinations, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm

For more information on where to find flu and COVID-19 vaccines in Louisiana, visit vaccines.gov

For more information on CDC guidelines and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

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By Teddy Allen

If the school year were a dog and the first day of school was its head and the last day was its tail, you’d be picking it up right behind its front legs about now. You’ve got a good, safe grip on it, but there’s a lot of dog left hanging down. 

October, which rivals May (for different reasons) as the best month of the year, is soured by only two things: one is that winter and cold is coming, and the other is that, for the young student, there’s lots and lots of school year left. 

That is not a bad thing once you get older and develop an appreciation for how quickly time passes and how lucky you were to be able to go to school. But who cares for such drivel when you’re a teenager? 

Once you get out of school you learn that, secretly, you never really leave. You’re always learning something, whether you want to or not, which would be learning things the hard way. Examples: 

“Yes, your honor, I understand!”  

“Oh, so if my card is declined, that means there’s no money in the account?” 

“I don’t know, doctor. I guess it was that 12^th pork chop. Or the third bowl of Blue Bell.” 

There’s a trick in just learning how to learn. My dad says that on the first day of school, they taught him that two plus two three equals four, and then on the next day they told him that one plus three equals four, and he decided right then that if they didn’t even know what equals four, how was HE supposed to ever know? 

But once teachers coach you up, show you there’s more than one way to skin a cat, you realize the world is your classroom. Some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet got that way without having many documents to frame and hang on the wall. 

Often a friend named Gene writes me, which I’m thankful for because he is old school, born in an oilfield company house near a wide spot in the highway in Depression era- Garfield County, Oklahoma. 

When he was in elementary school, his family rented the first floor of a house owned by a gentleman named Whitey Liddard. He lived upstairs and owned a nearby café where Gene’s father worked as a short-order cook. Whitey had barely a third-grade education, but he was a Rhodes Scholar when it came to running an oilfield-town café. 

One day a young customer came in to celebrate his high school education, the first diploma earned by a member of his family. 

“He proudly displayed the new diploma for Whitey’s inspection,” Gene said. “Whitey looked it over, front and back, then handed it back to the graduate. 

“Now that’s a fine thing to have,” Whitey said. “Just don’t let it keep you from learning something.” 

Hearing that from a wise man like Whitey Liddard kept Gene modest as he went through both high school and college, even on to some graduate work. “I still try to ‘learn something’ every day,” he said. 

True, some things will remain forever a mystery. Why, for instance, is the word panties plural and the word bra singular? Think about it. Or not.  

Why do we eat nuts out of socks in front of a dead tree in our dens in December? Why is “contraction” such a long word? 

The older I get, the more I understand that “I don’t know” when I really don’t know is a mighty handy answer. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

(Ran originally 10-21-2012)

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You’re invited to join Coach Mike McConathy, his wife Connie, their family, and many friends at the Natchitoches Events Center Thursday for an announcement event officially launching his campaign for the Louisiana State Senate representing District 31.

The event is reception-style, running from 4:30-7 p.m., with a short program expected to tip off at about 6 o’clock. Attire is casual. Light refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge.

After concluding a remarkable career as an educator and basketball coach that began in the late 1970s, McConathy is continuing his lifelong commitment to being a servant-leader.

The vibrant 66-year-old Bossier City native and Louisiana Tech University graduate is the winningest college basketball coach in state history, with 682 victories in 39 seasons as head coach at Bossier Parish Community College (1983-99) and Northwestern State University (1999-2022). The number of wins is just one measure of his far-reaching impact not only on campus but in communities around northwest Louisiana.

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 at NSU and Bossier Parish Community College.

District 31 has been served by Senator Louis Bernard, who announced this summer that he will not be seeking reelection.

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.

For questions, information, call Mike McConathy, 318-792-1541

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