The DeSoto Parish Journal has experienced tremendous growth in the past year.  Therefore, an Assistant Publisher is needed to supervise the gathering and production of local news items.

This is an immediate opening for a newly created position.  Salary and benefits to be negotiated.

Skills the successful candidate should possess include:

Covering local news events and boiling down the important aspects of the event into a news article.

Photographic skills to portray the event.

Research skills to supplement coverage of an event, including preparation prior to an interview, meeting, etc.

Journalistic ethics including being able to distinguish between the facts of an event and the “spin” of the event. 

Acute observation and note taking to assure accuracy of reporting, especially quotations from individuals involved in the story.

The ability to ask relevant questions and keep the subject of an interview on track.

And the appreciation of hard work and diligence in the gathering, writing, and disseminating local news.

Interested candidates should submit a brief resume, photo, and all contact information.  All submissions should be via email should be addressed to:  DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com.

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The Krewe of Demeter is holding its 2nd annual Mardi Gras Pageant on October 15th at the Clista Calhoun Event Center in Mansfield.  This pageant is held as a fundraiser to fund the Krewe’s Mardi Gras Ball on January 14th, 2023. 

All young ladies from infant to 18 years of age are encouraged to attend.  Winners will be able to ride our float in any parades that the Krewe participates in free of charge.  Queens are required to ride in the Krewe of Demeter Mardi Gras Parade on January 28th.   Come enter the pageant and join in the fun. 

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Get Ready for A Great TappedTober

The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation is working behind the scenes to finalize all the great plans for this year’s 4th Annual TappedTober Craft Beer and Wine Festival. Get ready for the best TappedTober yet! The event takes place this Saturday, October 15th in downtown Natchitoches along the famous Cane River! – Beer & wine tasting, college football, kids zone, mechanical bull, fireworks and music.

We are saddened to find out that Tracy Lawrence has an unexpected illness that has canceled all of his performances this weekend.

“Natchitoches! Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to perform at this incredible fundraiser for the NRMC Cancer Center. Please continue to support their efforts and all they do.” -Tracy Lawrence
But never fear we have scheduled Tracy for the 2023 TappedTober.

Now the great news. In addition to the amazing talents of Nashville breakout artist HunterGirl and Bossier’s own David Daniels, we’ve locked in a legendary singer-songwriter and performer. Grammy award-winning Pam Tillis is coming with her six Number One hits, seventeen Top Ten Hits, three County Music Association awards (including Female Vocalist of the Year), platinum albums, Grand Ole Opry membership, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer.

Gates open at Noon with college football on the big screen, beer and wine tasting from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and music begins at 5:00 pm, so don’t be late.

We are deeply grateful to our Title Sponsor – Cane River Waterway Commission, our Entertainment Sponsor – Cunningham Financial Group and Ameriprise Financial and VIP Experience Sponsor – Vaughn Chevrolet of Natchitoches and appreciate all of their generous support.

We also want to welcome our VIPs and encourage them to take full advantage of the Ultimate VIP Experience, sponsored by. VIP guests receive access to our private pavilion fully catered with your own TVs, premier eating, and premium VIP “Front Row” stage access.

We greatly appreciate all our sponsors and ticket holders and their support. Proceeds from the event will help fund the addition of the PET scanner at the NRMC Cancer Center. Cancer cells show up as bright spots on PET scans due to their high metabolic activity. This type of imaging is an important tool for detecting cancer and can also be used by doctors to assess whether or not a particular cancer has spread. Thank you to everyone for helping make this technology a reality here in Natchitoches.

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Mildred Hildebrand Edwards

April 4, 1923 to September 21, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/10/12/mildred-hildebrand-edwards-2/

David Wayne Long, Jr

August 27, 1951 to October 6, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/10/10/david-wayne-long-jr/

Fredrick T. Taylor

July 20, 1981 to October 2, 2022

Saturday Service October 15, 2022 at 11:00 am. Freedom Of Worship Coushatta.

Micheal Miller

January 8, 1973 to October 10, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel in Many.

Eddie Kennedy

Passed October 6, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 11:00 A.M. New Jerusalem B.C. in Many.

George Bogan

February 19, 1948 to October 4, 2022

Service: Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 1:00 P.M. Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield.

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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The Desoto Parish Chamber issued a reminder about the Chamber Luncheon on Tuesday, October 18th at 12:00 Noon.  Speakers will be John Gebhardt with Williams Midstream and

Nancy Berger-Schneider with the DeSoto DA’s Office.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury meets Monday afternoon at 5:00 pm downtown.  There will be a 911 District meeting and a Road Committed meeting immediately before the regular monthly meeting of the full jury.

Here is the lineup of local football teams in action.  It is homecoming at Logansport High and the Tigers (4-2) are hosting Northwood-Lena (2-4).  The undefeated North DeSoto Griffins (6-0) travel to Shreveport to take on Evangel Christian (3-3).  And Mansfield High’s Wolverines are looking for their first win of the year as they host Jonesboro-High.

Logansport Library Story Hour children had an exciting visit from DeSoto Parish Fire District #1 this week.  The library said, “We have the BEST Firefighters.  Thank you for your awesome service to our community and for taking time to give our children this special treat.  The new inflatable house was so much fun.”

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Funeral services celebrating the life of Mildred Hildebrand Edwards will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Noble Cemetery, Noble, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Rev. Tommy McMellon and Rev. Frosty Neal. The family will receive family and friends for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Mildred was born April 4, 1923, in Many, Louisiana to Louis Gady Hildebrand and Minnie Pearl Dees Hildebrand. She entered into rest on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. Mildred graduated from Many High School in 1940 and completed two years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She married Don Edwards on November 23, 1955, in Noble, Louisiana.

She was a resident of Logansport from 1955 to 1973, Mansfield from 1973-2012, and then moved to Dallas, Texas in 2012. Mildred was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mansfield, Louisiana. She was also a long-time active member of The Order of the Eastern Star, and a founding member of the Mansfield Pilot Club. Mildred was known for her children’s clothing shop, The SandCastle, which she ran for many years in Mansfield.

MeMe, as she was called by her grandchildren, is remembered as a generous, loving mother and grandmother. At the age of 99, Mildred was the longest living of all her eight siblings.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 40 years, Don Edwards; and her eight siblings.  Left to cherish her memory include her children, Donna Kay Edwards Smith and husband, Don, Jerry Don Edwards and wife, Nancy, Linda Hightower, and Lonnie Murphy; grandchildren, Jessica Thackston, Marissa Baker, Kallie Hodge, Jordan Torr, Amy Duke, Charlie Edwards, Wendy Vogel, Misty Salard, Frosty Neal, Christy Chandler, and Cyndi Scroggs; 24 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rita Herring, Mary Alice Brasher, and Dee Hildebrand; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Honoring Mildred as pallbearers will be Jordan Torr, Charlie Edwards, Tagg Baker, Adam Hodge, Chris Scroggs, and Chris Chandler.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

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The most recent winner of $100 in the Journal’s High School Football Pickers contest is Thomas Drain.  He got the outcome of 8 out of 9 games correct.

Easy $100!

More money for the current week’s winner, $100 available.  Here is the LINK to the sign-up form.  Deadline is 4:00 pm Friday.  So, get Picking!

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By LaBetha Casey

Midst the activity of the 50 Mile Trail of Treasure in Stonewall on Saturday, October 8,  another ribbon cutting was held. FUNdamental Pediatric Therapy owner, Mrs. Michael Johnston, stated,  “Our goal is to bring pediatric therapy and awareness to DeSoto Parish.

Many parents must drive to Shreveport or Bossier to gain access for therapy for their children.” 

Their mission is to provide therapy that is play based, research driven, child centered and empowering to families.

Five licensed therapists will provide services for children from birth to 18 years of age, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and also parent education.  Patients may be referred by pediatricians or may be self-referred by parents.

A sensory room will be used to regulate emotional responses for such patients with Downs Syndrome, autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy or others who experience general sensory processing disorders.  Another room sports items for playing “dress-up,” pretending or imaginary play to promote speech skills.

Johnston stated that she is awaiting approval for private insurance and Medicaid or other governmental aid to be available as payment for services.

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By Teddy Allen

Dr. James Andrews brings quite a resume to Shreveport Thursday night when the internationally known sports surgeon returns to his home state to educate and inform concerning the development and protection of young athletes, an issue near and dear to his football-playing, pole-vaulting, ligament-repairing heart.  

The one-hour community forum, free and open to the public, begins at 5:30 p.m. at BHP Billiton YMCA, 3455 Knight Street in Shreveport. 

The event is hosted jointly by YMCA Northwest Louisiana (a continuation of its community lecture series) and Ochsner LSU Health; earlier this year, Ochsner Health announced an exclusive five-year partnership with Andrews and the Andrews Institute he co-founded to form the Ochsner Andrews Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute.  

This won’t be a one-and-done appearance by Andrews, 80 and a proud son of Claiborne Parish and Homer. 

“The thing I’ll stress most is we have to try to prevent injuries in youth sports,” said Andrews, a vigorous proponent of young athletes playing more than only one sport. “Injuries in youth sports have increased 10-fold since 2000. One of the things I’m most passionate about is getting the message out about injury patterns and what we can do to prevent that. We’ll try to take that message all over the state through Ochsner. I’ve been to all their facilities and I’ll be coming back periodically.”  

Good thing, because this is a subject right in the good doctor’s wheelhouse. Because before he became a certified and trained doctor and surgeon dedicated to injury prevention, education and research in orthopedic and sports medicine … 

before he became one of the most well-known orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists in the world … 

before he operated on top-shelf athletes such as John Smoltz, Drew Brees, Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson …  

before he became team doctor for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tampa Bay Rays, Auburn University Tigers and Washington Redskins … 

before he became a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2008 as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award …  

before he was honored with his own bobblehead doll at a Pensacola Blue Wahoos minor league game last summer (I know, right?!) …  

Before all that, he was other things.  

Like a Homer High School Iron Man. 

He and his Pelican teammates captured the imagination of the state in the fall of 1957 when Homer High finished 11-2-1 and state AA runners-up — despite fielding just 18 players. The storied Iron Men. Six of those players went to LSU and played sports other than football, including Andrews, an SEC champion pole vaulter. 

Like his close friend and C.E. Byrd High grad Dr. Billy Bundrick, now retired but for more than 40 years the area’s renowned sports medicine doctor and surgeon — Louisiana Tech’s training room and new softball stadium are named in honor of the former Bulldog football team captain — Andrews knew sports up close. 

“He’s one of the best orthopedic sports medicine doctors ever to come out of Louisiana,” Andrews said of Bundrick. “He was a couple of years ahead of me, and when he put on any sports medicine conference, I was there. He was taking care of Tech when he could barely get over there to do it because of the demand for him from his patients and local teams.  

“He knew how athletes thought, how football players thought,” Andrews said. “That gave us one-upmanship about being a team physician because we were so directly involved in athletics.” 

“Plus,” Bundrick said, “James was like I was: we were both just eaten up with it.” 

They do love it. 

“It’s what we were put on Earth to do,” Bundrick said.  

So, concerning your children, it’s not a waste of time to listen to nearly 100 years of celebrated sports medicine practice talking when both Andrews and Bundrick, Dr. A and Dr. B, warn of the serious issues confronting young athletes. 

“We (parents and coaches) have to start paying better attention,” Bundrick said.  

Andrews’ goal through Ochsner is to preach the S.T.O.P/Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention program and to stress the need for the state to adopt sports injury accreditation programs for youth coaches. 

“We’re going to get our athletic trainers around here up to date about what we’re doing,” Andrews said. “Trainers are our first responders when it comes to athletic injuries. We’ll have programs for players and coaches and parents to attend. That’s the main message: we’re going to learn how to keep from getting hurt at a young age.” 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

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The City of Mansfield is seeking qualified applicants for a Director of Public Works.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Salary Range: 46,000 – $68,000 – Full-Time Position

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

− Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field

− 5 years progressively responsible public works experience

 − A significant record of responsibility for general fiscal management, capital budget management, and strategic planning

− Experience in a community with active citizen involvement and experiencing significant growth.

− Effective work with elected officials, advisory boards, community, and environmental group

NOTE: In place of the above requirements, any combination of relevant education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Applications will be accepted at 705 Polk Street, Mansfield, LA.  Application and a copy of the job description may be obtained from City Hall

City of Mansfield is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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The Mansfield Wolverines came out of the locker room with a purpose. Playing the #1 Many Tigers toe to toe through the first two quarters, Mansfield scored twice in the first half on two touchdown passes from Dekeldrick Thomas.  Thomas connected with Nick Davis on a 65 yard pass for the first score. The extra point was unsuccessful.  The second TD pass of the half went to Zach Scott for 38 yards.  Again, the try after was unsuccessful.

The Wolverines came out in the second half and were only able to push it across the goal line one time.  Dekeldrick Thomas hooked up with Nick Bailey for a 70 yard passing touchdown. The try for two failed.  The final score ended up 61 – 18.

The Wolverines return to action this week at home versus Jonesboro-Hodge.

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By Royal Alexander

In what sane world does a nation kill its own domestic energy industry—and national security—while at the same time it sells its emergency reserves to its enemies and then begs hostile actors and enemies of the U.S. to increase their oil production to fill this gap?

This past week—with the Biden Administration begging them not to—Saudi Arabia and its allies in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) voted to cut their oil production by 2 million barrels a day.  These nations want higher prices on the global oil market and, as everyone knows—including the Climate Change Religionists in the Biden Administration—when you reduce the supply of a product, the price increases where demand is constant or increasing.

Unsurprisingly, oil prices have been rising since the announcement of the OPEC production cuts and those cuts will—once again—drive up the price of gas for American families already struggling with 40-year high Biden-inflation.

This is all just too stupid for words.

Let’s look back.

In Pres. Trump’s last month in office, Jan. 2021, America was producing more oil than it was consuming for the first time in 50 years and was exporting energy to the European Union.  The Trump Administration had made America energy independent, meaning we not only were providing for our own national energy needs but, in fact, had become a net exporter of energy to other nations who are also vulnerable to Russian President Vladimir Putin through their dependence on Russian oil.

However, under the Biden Administration we’ve gone from energy independence back to dependence and are now reduced to begging Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, OPEC and perhaps even our archenemy, Iran, for oil. 

Why? 

Mostly to satisfy the green energy delusions of the Climate Change Religionists.  It’s an embarrassing and untenable position for the world’s only superpower to be in.

As the Wall Street Journal previously observed, “in the year since the Biden Administration froze new drilling leases on 26% of federal land and more than a third of the nation’s resources in productivity, the U.S. has been falling further from energy independence, putting national security at risk. (WSJ, Harold Hamm, 3-13-22).

The fundamental question remains: knowing as we do that energy security is national security, why would our government ever choose to be dependent on—and therefore vulnerable to—foreign nations who hate us for our energy needs?

Additionally, let’s not forget that we are also now selling our emergency oil capacity from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to other nations including China.

Obviously, the point of having a national energy reserve is to support our country if an energy shortfall arises.  That’s why we should be protecting our national stockpile and not selling our strategic crude reserves to the Chinese Communist Party.  Otherwise, the reserve will be depleted when America is faced with an energy emergency.  However, after six months of the Biden Administration’s misusing the emergency reserves in the SPR, our nation’s emergency oil reserve is at a 40-year low.

As U.S. Senator John Kennedy has stated “America’s strategic petroleum reserve protects our country during national emergencies.  Selling off American oil to countries that hate us undermines the security that the oil reserve is supposed to deliver …”

In short, the fastest and easiest way to provide hope to millions of struggling Americans and drive the domestic energy market up is for President Biden to announce tomorrow that we are going to re-invigorate the U.S. oil and gas industry.   This includes repealing all so-called “green” regulations prohibiting the production and development of, and investment in, American energy.

We are not going to be able to be free of fossil fuels for decades if not generations.  Renewable energy sources can’t come anywhere near meeting America’s energy needs right now.  In the meantime, the self-inflicted harm the Green leftists are doing to our country is increasing the leverage over us of Russia, China, and Iran, making us vulnerable and compromised.

This governmental malpractice and policy insanity must end now. 

Again, in what sane world does a nation kill its own domestic energy industry—and national security—while at the same time it sells its emergency reserves to its enemies and then begs hostile actors and enemies of the U.S. to increase their oil production to fill this gap?

I believe in the Congressional Elections on November 8, Louisianians and all Americans will make their objections to this insanity heard loud and clear.

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Join us on October 15^th and 16^th at Melrose Fall Festival located on the grounds at historic Melrose on the Cane.  Melrose Fall Festival will host over 50 vendors who will be selling handcrafted items. You’ll find original artwork, candles, jams, jewelry, seasonal home décor, and more – it’s the perfect way to kick start your holiday shopping! There will also be food vendors, an arts and crafts table for kids, a photo backdrop, and home tours. (Tours are not included in the price of admission).   

Pre-purchase your tickets at Eventbrite.com or MelroseOnTheCane.com/festivals.  

October 15 (9am-5pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melrose-fall-festival-tickets-373327842627

October 16 (10am-3pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melrose-fall-festival-tickets-373353659847 

Sponsored by the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. 

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It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday October 15th as we once again rock the Natchitoches Riverfront Stage. This annual event is known for its family-friendly environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever-expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of everyone’s favorite fall activity, football, on the gigantic riverfront screen. Headlining this year’s musical lineup is country legend, Tracy Lawrence, brought to you by Cunningham Insurance and Ameriprise! Visit our website at http://www.thetappedtober.com or find us on Facebook @Tappedtober for the latest information.

Proceeds from this event will support the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation & the NRMC Cancer Center in their efforts to improve access to healthcare in our community!

The ticket link is below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tappedtober-craft-beer-wine-festival-2022-featuring-tracy-lawrence-tickets-353999160017?aff=erelexpmlt

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What is your organization and purpose?  

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center is a non-profit organization, formerly called the Alzheimer’s Agency of Shreveport/Bossier. The name was changed to better illustrate our local mission. 

Our mission is to provide resources, education, and support services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; their family members and their caregivers in the local area; as well as to promote awareness in the community.  

Our vision is to “Create a community where no one affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia makes the journey alone.” 

What are the Alzheimer’s stats nationwide?  

Nationwide, more than 6 million people, age 65 and over, are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to increase 20% by 2025. 

How many people are affected by Alzheimer’s in our area?  

The Center for Brain Health at LSU Health, Shreveport estimates over 85,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s within a 75-mile radius of Shreveport.  

What is your organization doing to help this community?  

We are working diligently and with urgency to address the unmet needs of people in Northwest Louisiana affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We help by assessing individual client needs, guiding, and supporting caregivers, responding to requests for help and information, educating the public, providing resources, and overall helping to navigate the care system.  

What services do you provide?  

We have care navigators to help you through the journey and a Licensed Professional Counselor for one-on-one meetings or to talk with family members.  We offer memory screenings, monthly education workshops, fun and engaging activities for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia, a printed and online local resource directory, and assistance in legal matters. We teach families how to maintain dignity of their loved ones and help nurture relationships throughout the disease process. We have a speaker’s bureau for education and training for civic groups, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations. We also facilitate caregiver support groups in the community. 

Tell us more about the caregiver support groups. 

Support groups are vital to the caregiver. It’s an opportunity for the caregiver to express their emotions in a non-judgmental way. Caregivers learn that they are not going through this journey alone and they have a peer group that knows exactly what each other is going through. Groups meet for an hour once or twice a month – you can attend as many as you need. 

Do you have events the public can attend?  

The Second Annual Education Conference in Northwest Louisiana, “A Positive Approach to Dementia,” is scheduled for Friday, November 4, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Shreveport. The keynote address will be given by a national speaker with the Teepa Snow Foundation, well known in the world of dementia. This conference is the only one of its kind in Northwest Louisiana.  

Where are you located?  

We are located in the heart of Shreveport at 851 Olive Street. However, we are willing to travel to where we are needed in Northwest Louisiana. 

Can you give us some fun tips for improving brain health?  

Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominate hand, wear earplugs to experience the world without sound, or learn a new musical instrument or something that is completely new to you. 

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This week’s report covers TWO week period ranging from September 25 – October 8th 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.

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David Wayne Long, Jr

August 27, 1951 to October 6, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/10/10/david-wayne-long-jr/

Fredrick T. Taylor

July 20, 1981 to October 2, 2022

Saturday Service October 15, 2022 at 11:00 am. Freedom Of Worship Coushatta.

 

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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DeSoto Parish is once again under a Parishwide ban on all outdoor burning.  The ban was issued Tuesday by Police Jury President Ernel Jones.

DeSoto joins other northwest Louisiana parishes including Natchitoches and Red River that are under similar burn bans.  There has not been adequate rainfall recently and that is cited as the reason for Jones to issue the burn ban.

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Celebration of Life for David Wayne Long, Jr, 51, of Logansport, Louisiana will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk St., Mansfield, Louisiana. Bro. Dean Register will be officiating the service. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

David was born on August 27, 1971, in Baytown, Texas, and entered into eternal rest on October 6, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

Preceding David in death was his father, David Long, Sr., and Stepfather, Mike Fisher.  Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 28 years, Carol Long; mother, Michaeline Procell; daughters, Krysten Cheyenne Long and Katelyn “Bug” Long; sister, Jennifer Hargrave and husband, Bobby; brothers, Jason Long and wife, Kira, and Chris Marion and wife, Karen; grandchild, Lena Cather; four nephews, Chase, Tristan, Austin, and Mason; one niece, Chasity; and host of family and friends.

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North DeSoto Wins.  Logansport and Mansfield fall short.

North DeSoto 47 – Woodlawn 6

Many 61 – Mansfield 18

Rosepine 42 – Logansport 22

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The friends of the parish animal shelter are having a fundraising party to benefit the shelter.  It will be November 12^th, however the deadline for ticket purchases is November 1^st.

It’s here DeSoto Parish.  This adults only night of fun includes a catered buffet dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar, live band, and a fundraising wine pull.  There will be animal themed artwork decorating the walls should you care to add to your collection.

The theme of the night is Let’s PAWTY.

The party will be held at the LSU AG Center on US 171 in Grand Cane.  Tickets are $120.00 per couple and $60.00 per single.  To purchase tickets, please contact Andi Ramaker, board member, via call or text at 817-223-8893.  BFF of DeSoto Parish, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit.  All or part of your donations/tickets may be tax deductible.

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By Deborah Stewart

The Krewe of Demeter celebrated their 7th annual coronation on September 10th at the Classic C Event Center in Mansfield, Louisiana. The Krewe is proud to announce the new Royalty for the 2022-2023 Mardi Gras Season.

We had such an amazing coronation and were so honored to have everyone there along with representatives from all of the Krewes from Northwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association.

Get ready for our ball on the 14th of January at the David Means 4-H Building in Grand Cane, La.

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By Brad Dison

On June 29, 1994, a 45-year-old pilot took over the controls of a BAe 146 jet airliner as he often did from the senior pilot, Flight Captain Graham Laurie.  The pilot had been flying for about 30 years.  In the mid-1960s, he began taking private pilot lessons and earned his pilot’s license.  He soon joined the Air Force, just as his father, grandfather, and two of his great-grandfathers had done.  In the Air Force, he began flying jet aircraft.  His aviation career expanded a few years later when he earned his license to fly helicopters.  In his three decades of flying, the pilot had an exemplary record.    

After a short, non-eventful flight, the pilot steered the jet to a landing strip at Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, about 100 miles west of Glasgow.  It appeared as if it was going to be a textbook landing until something went wrong.  A sudden gust of wind hit the jet and the nose of the jet was pushed slightly lower than it should have been.  The front landing wheels, which were smaller in comparison to the rear, main landing wheels, struck the landing strip first.  The weight of the jet rested on the front wheels.  Under immense pressure, the front wheels burst.  In a split-second decision, Flight Captain Laurie instructed the pilot to complete the landing rather than to increase speed, return to the sky, and make another landing approach.  The pilot did exactly as he was instructed.  The jet overshot the runway and careened off the end of the runway into a grassy field.  Although the jet sustained £1 million in damages, no one was injured.

As with any airplane crash, investigators had to determine the cause of the crash and who was responsible.  During a board of review, Flight Captain Graham Laurie, not the pilot who was in control of the jet when it crashed, was ultimately held responsible for being negligent because he was the senior pilot.  In the following year, 1995, the pilot gave up his pilot’s license for good.

The pilot has four names, which has occasionally caused confusion.  Even on his wedding day, his bride, while saying her vows, got his name wrong.  In quick response, the groom leaned over and whispered, “You’ve just married my father.”

You see, technically, the pilot was not supposed to be flying the jet because he was not a member of the flight crew, he was a passenger, albeit a royal one.  The pilot who narrowly escaped disaster was Charles Philip Arthur George.  At the time he was Prince Charles.  He is now King Charles III.

Sources:

1. “Prince Charles Gives up Flying,” UPI, accessed September 27, 2022, upi.com/Archives/1995/07/19/Prince-Charles-gives-up-flying/4243806126400/.
2. “Secrets of Royal Travel,” TV series episode (BBC, November 20, 2020).

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Win $100.  You could be the winner, but you have to hurry.  This is week six of the Journal’s High School Football Pickers Contest.

Whether or not you follow local sports, you can win.  In fact, everyone in DeSoto Parish is eligible to win the $100 prize.  All you have to do is predict the winner of the local area games.  It is that easy.  You might guess enough to get the prize.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Good luck.  Someone will win the $100 prize and it could be you!

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