As of Friday morning, Boil Advisories for the following water works districts have been lifted: Grand Cane Water, Water Works District #1, Highway 513
This is information provided to the Sheriff’s Office to share. All questions should be directed toward your water district.
On Tuesday committees of the DeSoto Parish Police Jury will meet to discuss several items. One item regards the appointment of Stonewall Mayor Ken Kaffka to the board of Fire District #3.
Another issue to be taken up includes funding for the parish Coroner, looking at the Coroner’s salary. Also, to amend the budget to pay the Coroner a $600 monthly stipend instead of purchasing a vehicle.
The Buildings and Properties Committee will take up signing a service agreements with Fitzgerald for the new jail. And to authorize an agreement with Newman Marchive amending the budget $275,600 for the new Jail.
The committees meet together at the Police Jury meeting room on Franklin Street at 5:00 pm Tuesday.
Effective January First, to sell your home you must have Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors installed. And they must be of a certain quality as specified in the law. The same requirement is also imposed on rental homes. This change will affect every one or two family home in DeSoto Parish.
Every one or two family dwelling that is sold or leased must meet the new requirements. A smoke detector may be combined with the CO detector as long as it conforms to the specs in the updated law.
For years fire departments have recommended that all homes have smoke and CO detector devices installed. This is the first time it has been required by state law that the CO detectors be installed before a residence could be sold or leased.
All locations of the DeSoto Parish Library are closed today. They will reopen Monday January 3rd at 9:00 am.
Stonewall Swapportunity will be held at the Stonewall Branch on Wednesday January 4th beginning at 11:00 am. Mrs. Beverly will demonstrate making super cute knit snowmen.
The STEM Program will be held on Tuesday January 3rd at the Pelican Branch from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Kids will learn how to make puffy snow paint and paint a winter scene.
The Logansport Branch will hold Adult Bingo on Wednesday January 3rd at 10:00 am.
By Brad Dison
The coming of a new year brings hope for us all. It is a chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. Many of us will set goals that we could never achieve, but we must believe that we can achieve anything. We must believe in ourselves. No matter what happens this coming year, don’t stop believing in yourself.
In the early 1970s, Jonathan moved from his hometown of Chicago to Los Angeles, California. The only being Jonathan knew in “the City of Angels” was his beloved dog that he brought with him from Chicago. Jonathan, a talented musician, hoped to “make it big” in the music industry. At eight years old, Jonathan began taking accordion lessons. As a teenager, he made extra money playing accordion and piano in clubs and at parties. Following high school, Jonathan attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. His parents, teachers, and friends all thought he had the talent required to “make it,” and encouraged him to give it a shot.
Jonathan was hopeful when he arrived in Los Angeles, but he quickly began to struggle just to survive. There were opportunities for up-and-coming musicians to play, but the market was saturated with fine musicians who often played for little or no pay. More often than not, Jonathan’s income from playing music was too little to allow him to pay his bills and eat, too. He became one of Los Angeles’s many starving artists. When he became desperate, which happened often, Jonathan ashamedly called his father and asked for a small loan. His father always sent Jonathan what money he could and reassured him that one-day things would be better.
Then, an event happened which brought Jonathan to the point of giving up on his dream, his beloved dog was hit by a car and severely injured. He had no money to pay the vet. Once again, he called his father for another loan. His father could hear the discouragement in his voice more than any other time that Jonathan had called. “Dad,” Jonathan asked in a dispirited voice, “should I just give up on this thing and come home?” His father reassured him as he always had. “No. Don’t come home,” his father said. Always full of encouragement, his father gave him another piece of advice which Jonathan thought important enough to jot down in his notebook.
With his father’s reassurance, Jonathan kept searching for the right opportunity. He thought that opportunity had finally arrived in 1976 when he recorded a solo album which he named after his hometown, “Windy City Breakdown.” The album failed to chart, and Jonathan’s struggle continued. In 1978, Jonathan joined a British rock group called The Babys. Jonathan recorded two albums with The Babys, but the band failed to achieve the level of success they had hoped for and, in 1980, the group disbanded. In that same year, Jonathan joined another band and began working on an album with them. The band needed two more songs to complete the album, and the band’s lead singer asked Jonathan if he had any song ideas. Jonathan flipped through his notebook and read again the advice his father had given him several years earlier. Those three simple words of encouragement became the inspiration of and title of one of Jonathan’s band’s biggest hits. It has been described as the “perfect rock song” which featured Jonathan playing “one of the best opening keyboard riffs in rock.” The song was the best-selling digital track from the 20th century. The band was Journey. The name of the song and the advice his father gave Jonathan Cain was,… “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Those three words were good advice from Jonathan’s father then and have remained good advice to listeners for over forty years. If we “Don’t Stop Believin’” in ourselves, we can accomplish anything in the coming new year.
Happy New Year!
Source: Elkins, Kimberly, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Guideposts, p.75.
DeSoto Career and Technical Education (CTE) was on fire during the fall semester. Over 1100 students enrolled in CTE courses and over 600 Industry Based Certifications were earned. Students also earned over 300 State IBCS.
DeSoto students had one State Champion. Multiple Area and State honors were achieved. And countless career opportunities were explored.
TKE pledge class ‘plays it forward’ for A.E. Phillips
As a part of their 2022 pledge class project, the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) have donated to the “Play it Forward” campaign for A.E. Phillips Laboratory School’s (AEP) new outdoor learning space.
Every year, the TKE pledge class is encouraged to complete a project that involves a type of philanthropic or fundraising event.
TKE pledge member Jacob Michelli led this year’s initiative. “I was driving past A.E. Phillips when I saw the ‘Play it Forward’ initiative, and our pledge class project immediately came to mind,” Michelli said. “When I brought it up, they were immediately on board.”
By Steve Graf
Today, I’m venturing away from my fishing stories by wrapping up 2022 and taking a hard look at where we are as a country. In so many ways 2022 was a great year, as we finally returned to a sense of normalcy. It seems like years ago that we were under mask mandates and trying to figure out the facts and fiction of Covid-19. It truly rocked our world like nothing ever has in my lifetime of 61 years. We’re still trying to make sense of what this disease brings with it and the lasting effects it could have for generations.
But for now, I am going in a different direction as I reveal my observations on where we are as a nation. First, politics has come to the forefront now that Trump is no longer in office but has declared he’s running for office again in 2024 as we’re halfway through the Biden years. Never can I remember in my years of living in this great country the political and moral division that exists today. America has truly lost her mind! Can I say that America is considered she or am I being sexist?
The 1960s might be the closest era we’ve seen that is similar to now. For one thing, we have allowed the minority groups and I don’t mean minority as in the African Americans, Mexican Americans or Italians, or any other demographic group that makes up this great nation. I’m talking about the one or two people in a crowd that don’t want the prayer or national anthem recited at a public event. Those that don’t want their kids exposed to Jesus in any shape or form.
So, who’s responsible for our nation turning its back on Jesus? EVERYONE!!! No one political party can excuse themselves from the plain and simple fact that we are a nation divided. Republicans and Democrats and their leadership from within are all guilty of fueling the flames of this division. I guess you could also say, we the people are to blame as well since we are the ones who voted these people into office. Yes, Trump had a hand as well with all of his idiotic Tweets and trying to communicate with Americans through social media…something no other President has ever done. While a lot of his policies were for the good of America, his mouth was nothing but pure venom and created a “pick a side” mentality.
As a church-going member of the First United Methodist Church, I’ve seen a decline in the number of people attending church. Recently I counted 24 empty pews out of 40 during a church service. More than half of the churches or churches all across this country are empty. People have walked away from the church but more devastating, they’ve walked away from God. Our schools and state officials have also taken God out of the equation with no one willing to challenge the powers that be to bring this one saving grace back.
The family dynamic has all but disappeared from the American landscape which used to be our foundation for what was right with this country. Divorce attorneys are in high demand and single-parent dwellings are on the rise. People no longer see the importance of family structure and the stability it brings to the younger generation. One common quote I hear so often amongst couples is, “I’m not happy.” I’m sorry, but I don’t recall seeing anywhere in my Christian upbringing where the good Lord promises happiness. But he has given us the tools and the playbook (Bible) to follow and work things out and to do what’s always in the best interest of the family and the children.
Kids need a mom and a dad under the same roof. This is critical for their total development as a boy or a girl. We have kids today who are so confused about who and what they are. Really?!!! This is a total lack of parenting and not being exposed to the Word of God. Do you remember the slogan a few years ago for educating our children? “No child left behind.” Well, we have left the children behind, and they will turn in whatever direction they can to get the answers they’re looking for. The problem is they’re turning to the wrong people and looking in the wrong places.
People have become so consumed with their own selfish needs that they have forgotten what’s really important. Couples’ ability to communicate effectively and fight hard to save their marriage no longer exists. It’s easier to give up and just get a divorce.
Meanwhile, our churches are empty, and we have turned our back on God, and we wonder why we are in the shape we’re in. If this one concept of getting back in the church does not return to the American landscape, we are doomed to fall not only from God’s grace but as a nation as well. We must start to rebuild our church base and bring back the family dynamics that are missing today. We must elect officials who have the same moral compass as the church. Know what and who the people you’re voting for are and what they represent. If we as Christians don’t rise up and redirect our nation, we will be at a point of no return and I’m not so sure we’re not already there.
For those of you that have made a point to acknowledge my articles this year, I say, “Thank you!” It always makes my day to know that what I’m writing has touched someone in a good way. I’m always very appreciative of the kind words you’ve sent my way in person, by text, or by email. I hope each of you has a healthy and prosperous 2023! See you on the other side! Until then, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Cases of water were distributed in Mansfield on December 29, 2022. The City of Mansfield has teamed up with the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office and passed out water at the old Walmart in Mansfield. No word late Thursday if there would be more distributions.
Opinion by Pat Culverhouse
A soon-to-be Happy New Year to all, friends and neighbors. Your obedient messenger took a temporary breather to get in some last minute shopping and check on the status of some of our holiday traditions. Happy to say most are doing well.
Although there’s still a few days to go, we thought it might be appropriate to mention a couple of resolutions your humble rocker is considering. We do, however, reserve the right to change our mind when the woman who promised to love, honor and feed our furbabies five times a day tells us to do so.
Rocker’s first resolution could be better described as irresolute. It could be harder to keep than our system can bear. I would like to resolve to be less critical of my fellow inhabitants of this planet, especially those seeking public office on any level.
As that thought formed, the images of Beto O’Rourke, Stacey Abrams, Mitch McConnell, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, The Donald and a directory of Congress did smite the brain. This collection of intellectually deformed is more than reason to search the WWW for nonflatteratory adjectives.
To quote Charlie Brown on just about any occasion: Rats.
Rocker annually tries to resolve to be tolerant of the views of others, but that usually vanishes before the imaginary ink dries on the mental parchment. Considering these upheaving societal times, it is most difficult to remain tolerant when airwaves and social media brings us the latest Wokeisms from a myriad of untellectuals.
We are amused that these ideas are called woke. One of our progressive friends tells us that term defines millions across America who have “woke up” to our countless failures as a country. These suddenly enlightened awakened are showing us how we can be better; that by destroying the current system we create Utopia. All we unlightened must do is shut up, pay up and do what wokers tell us.
To learn more about what it means to be woke, it may help to check out the works of Engels and Marx (not the brothers) or Alinsky. One may find the philosophies remarkably similar.
Another resolution that may prove hard to keep is the promise to give Republicans credit when they deserve it. A few Congresses ago, Republicans held the majority in both House and Senate. To put it mildly, they got their heads handed to them daily by the minority Democrats. As my ol’ Daddy used to say, they could screw up a two-car parade.
Today, the Elephants are barely a majority in the House only. If the Biden Democrats are as smart as their media hypemeisters would have us believe, there won’t be a lot of credit to be given. Republicans seem quite capable of mucking up their own stuff without help from the friendly opposition. The Red Wave is proof.
This isn’t a resolution, but it is resolved that occasionally we poke a little fun at some of those who love to give us insignificants a poke. For example:
What has 12 arms, 12 legs and an IQ of 50? The Kardashian/Jenner women.
What do you get when you breed a ground hog and Stephen Colbert? Six more weeks of bad monologues.
Do you know what you have if you find Whoopi Goldberg buried up to her neck in cement? Not enough cement.
Do you know why Donald Trump loves to Tweet? It’s the best communication venue for a birdbrain.
Here’s hoping you make no resolutions, but are resolute to make this little planet a little better. And don’t listen to those who claim to know what’s best for us because they believe they’re smarter. Remember, there are lots of people who are educated far beyond their intelligence.
Judith “Judy” Elaine Hicks
July 31, 1941 to December 28, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/29/judith-judy-elaine-hicks/
Christopher Simpson
April 27, 1975 to December 25, 2022
Service: Friday, December 30, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, LA.
Bobby Short
August 18, 1958 to December 23, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at Summer Hill B.C. in Evelyn, LA.
Mary McIntyre
October 3, 1959 to December 23, 2022
Graveside Service: Saturday, December 31, 2022 @2:00 P.M. New James Cemetery Pelican, LA.
Sandra Denise Jackson
February 21, 1972 to December 21, 2022
Service: Friday December 30.2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Mary Elizabeth B.C. Pleasant Hill, LA.
Jesse Sumers, Sr.
September 22, 1966 to December 17, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at New Friendship B.C. in Frierson, 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.)
LSU Health Science and the Parish Health Units will be closed from this Friday, December 30, to Monday, January 2, for New Years.
There will be a free concert on Friday Dec 30th at 6:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Mansfield. The group performing will be Brian Free and Assurance.
Judith “Judy” Elaine Hicks, 81, of Keatchie, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2022. Judith was born on July 31, 1941 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Andrew and Vera Bonnette.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, LA 71118. Funeral services honoring her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 located at St. Stephen Lutheran Church-8400 E Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108. Officiating the service will be Rev. Jeff Borgwardt with Justin Gould assisting. Burial will be held at Forest Park East Cemetery-3700 St Vincent Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Jerry Hicks. She is survived by her son, Joel Hicks and wife Angelia; grandson, Jacob Hicks; granddaughter, Katelyn Hicks and friend Parker; sisters, Lynn Dougherty and Ann Coleman and husband Mike; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Judy was an honorary grandmother to many.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Steph
The tremendous blast of Arctic air that paralyzed much of the nation just before Christmas is beginning to withdraw from our area. Lows in our area this morning were predicted to be at or slightly above freezing.
Here is the Mansfield area forecast for the remainder of the Week:
Wednesday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday – A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday – A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Water Works District 1 Update issued late Tuesday morning said, “ District 1 is completely back up and pressurized. If you do not have water, check for leaks. The District is under “boil advisory ” until we take samples and get clearance probably Friday.”
From The Desk Of Mayor Thomas Jones, Jr.
During my first six months as Mayor of Mansfield, we hired a full-time Code Enforcement Officer who has been intimately engaged in instituting a comprehensive plan to beautify our city. Pastor Ronnie Morris has worked with several of the council members and community volunteers in their perspective districts in removing trash and debris from ditches and roadways. Community service workers, trustees, youth groups and adult volunteers have all contributed to our clean-up efforts. The city has also purchased another dumpster to facilitate the clean-up efforts, especially with the demolition of dilapidated houses and abandoned, trashed properties. As of today, seventeen dilapidated houses have been removed, several others are in the process of being removed. Twenty-Three properties that had extreme overgrowth have been cleaned. We will purchase one more dumpster in early 2023 to further expand our clean-up campaign in our Mansfield communities.
Another area that we have placed a high priority is our police department. When I started working as mayor, the department was understaffed with six vacancies. Today, our Police Department is fully staffed including the addition of a veteran female detective. We have also purchased two new police cars to replace older units in our fleet.
Over the past 6 years, our Fire Department has been requesting a new modernized fire truck. We looked at our budget and financial position regarding available liquidity and determined that we could afford the purchase. We now have the new Fire Truck, and it is fully equipped and ready for fire response. In addition, a new Sprinter Truck (Medical Response Vehicle) was purchased.
Our Public Works departments were also severely understaffed, which was causing unwarranted hardships for the entire workforce. None of our Garbage Trucks were in service when I took the office of mayor. Employees were having to use trucks, loaders, and trailers to pick up trash on the daily routes. This was an embarrassment for the city that lasted for weeks. It took a few weeks after learning about this that we turned things around. Today, we have filled all seven vacancies in public works and all three Garbage Trucks have been repaired and are available for service.
Since taking office as Mayor of Mansfield, our employees have gained added benefits for them and their families. City employees and their spouses received a free $3000 Life Insurance Policy through Globe Life. Employees now have Short Term Disability, which has never been a part of the benefits package offered by the city. The city council also approved a budget amendment to allow us to give all employees $2000 Premium Pay from the American Rescue Plan Act funds received this year. Wages for new employees have been adjusted upward to offset the continuous increase in the cost of living. Current employee salaries are being increased as well to assure fairness and equity in compensation.
In an effort to continue moving our city into the 21st Century, we have posted a new Human Resources Director position to be filled in early 2023. We will then be able to take a thorough look at our policies and procedures while creating job descriptions with pay ranges for all positions within the City of Mansfield.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson has chosen another non-profit charity organization in DeSoto Parish for a cool $1,000 donation. Every month, deputies can grow out their whiskers in exchange for a $20 donation per month that will be given to a charity of the Sheriff’s choosing. Thus far over $13,000 has been raised since last November, which is money going right back into our parish. For December, Sheriff Richardson has chosen the DeSoto Parish 4:H Foundation.
The DeSoto Parish 4-H Foundation hosts several project clubs such as the Junior Leaders, Livestock, Sewing, and Shooting Sports. We are fortunate that each school in our Parish has its own 4-H program hosted by teachers and parents across DeSoto.
4-H is the world’s largest youth organization to date and aims at shaping young lives into become young upstanding leaders of their community. The Shooting Sports team alone hosts over 130 youth, many of whom have gone onto state and national championships in recent years.
Anyone wishing to donate, or volunteer for the 4-H program should reach out to their office at 318.872.0533, or you can visit their social media page.
By Teddy Allen
In good ol’ 2022, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Love Languages, a lady named Amy earned $1 million-plus and made the Jeopardy! TV game show cry “Uncle!”, LSU’s football team won more games than even the Tigers’ most loyal and optimistic fan thought possible, and Port-O-Lets again made their presence known during Mardi Gras as one of the best inventions since indoor plumbing — which turned out to be heavy plastic outdoor plumbing.
Good times.
These were just some of the more light-hearted and trivial happenings of a somewhat gray 2022, a year that had this One Big Thing going for it: it wasn’t 2021 or, Lord help us all, 2020, when our leaders didn’t.
I was born at night, but not last night.
Actually, I was born at 8:15 in the morning, just in time to clock in, and have been carrying my little toolbox and lunch pail since. Like you, the past two years have beaten all I’ve ever seen and have tried, overly hard, to beat us down.
But here we are, still flying the flag, like the old man in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a little thinner and gaunt, showing some deep wrinkles and splotches, some deep-creased scars, but our eyes are bright and cheerful and undefeated.
We can hardly afford to buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel apiece, but we soldier on. The world keeps spinning and we’re happy to be along for the ride into what we trust will be a more upbeat 2023.
2022 was the year that brought us Wordle. Remember last year this time when everybody was Wordleing? The fad has worn off a bit, but last spring, Wordle was almost as popular as Taylor Swift.
2022 was also the year when Top Gun: Maverick became required viewing. Is it the best sequel since The Godfather Part II?
Fair Grounds Field was demolished in 2022 — until it wasn’t. Red tape and bat poop sort of sums up the year; the higher-ups don’t want to admit a mistake and get things back on greased grooves.
Closer to home, we became grandparents in July 2022, a definite highlight. She’s a healthy five months old. Because we are good grandparents, we took her to see Top Gun: Maverick five times and sold all we have except our toothbrushes to get her a Taylor Swift concert ticket. She’ll have to go alone because one is all we could afford but the kid has got to learn to stand on her own at some point.
We did not get her a ticket to Monday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando when 9-4 LSU takes on 8-5 Purdue/Purdon’t because although we love Chees-Its, one of the highest quality dairy foods you can eat, who knew LSU could threaten a 10-win season? This is a team that started a receiver at quarterback and had 38 players on scholarship in last year’s bowl game, something called the TaxAct Texas Bowl when Kansas State beat what was left of the Tigers, 42-20.
Hat tippage to new coach Brian Kelly and Tiger fans everywhere for their expectation-exceeding results this fall.
Since this is the first time ever the two programs have met and since the only alum of Purdue people in these parts might know is New Orleans Saints forever-hero Drew Brees, you might find it of interest that the nice lady who invented Stovetop Stuffing, Ruth Siems, went to Purdue, as did Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn magnate. Doubtful that either of those things will come into play during Monday’s game — unless the Boilermakers have Stovetop Stuffing and popcorn for pregame. Then we really like LSU to cover the two-touchdown spread. Kick is at noon Monday, Jan. 2.
2023 kicks off the day before.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that a resident sent us a message saying that now would be a great time to remind the public that DeSoto Parish has “Safe Exchange” locations. See, we listen, and thank you.
The DeSoto Sheriff’s Office currently has three “Safe Exchange” locations located at the Stonewall Substation, Logansport Substation, and in front of our main office in Mansfield. It is best to contact dispatch ahead of time at 318-872-3956 so that they can ensure the location is being monitored, or they can have a deputy meet you there. The goal, eventually, is to have all three locations under 24/7 recorded/live video surveillance.
North DeSoto teams have concluded play for 2022. The Griffins final game was December 20th with a 76-68 loss to Plain Dealing. The boys are 1-6 on the season. Their next game is at Doyline January 5th.
The Lady Griffins went into the break with a win against Plain Dealing. The final was 57 to 35. That brings the season record to 5-11. Their first game of 2023 is Homer on January 5th.
Logansport wrapped up play for the year on December 20th. The Tigers won 73 to 62 against Converse. That brings the season record to 2-3. The boys next play at home, hosting Zwolle on January 3rd.
The Lady Tigers suffered a 68-52 loss at Converse. Their record is 1-7. Their next Game is at Stanley on January 2nd.
The Mansfield boys defeated Northwood-Shreveport at home December 20th. The score was 57-30. They have one more game this year tonight in the Airline Tournament against Ringgold. Their first game next year is at home January 3rdagainst Woodlawn. Their record is 5-2.
The Lady Wolverines took two out of three games in the Minden Tournament December 14-16. They defeated Arcadia 33-30 in overtime, they defeated Homer 33-28, and they lost to Gibsland-Coleman 56-36.
Stanley’s Panthers have the best record in the parish going into the holiday break at 11 and 5. The Panthers got their 11th“W” in a row December 20th by defeating Weston 66-43. They begin 2023 on January 10th hosting Florien.
The Lady Panthers ended the year with losses to Ebarb 47-40 on the 19th and to Weston 46-33 on the 20th. Their record is 6-10. Next game is January 2nd at home against Logansport. Their record is 6-10 on the year.
By Labetha Casey
When Santa arrived at the Stonewall Town Hall, he found the 16 degree temperature a little warmer than the -24 degree temperature of the North Pole. He flew in 2 days before Christmas to hear those last minute wishes before he packs his sleigh for the big ride on Christmas Eve.
A few of the children had to be coaxed to approach the man in the red suit, while others had no qualms at all, but all received the message of “Santa loves you.” They were rewarded with offers of cocoa and cookies after their visit. Even some adults showed up to get their picture made with the jolly man.
On hand was the Gingerbread Man, aka Jacob Berry, to welcome the guests.
A hearing is scheduled this morning on an injunction to block Louisiana’s Office of Group Benefits from entering into a $2 billion pharmacy contract with CVS Caremark.
As News Channel 5 reported back on Dec. 20, the contract would potentially impact over 200,000 state workers, including teachers and other state employees, on where they go to fill prescriptions and get vaccines. The contract was set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, despite continued opposition from lawmakers and pharmacists.
The complaints stemmed from independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, saying they will take a financial hit and lose the state employees as customers due to what they called inadequate reimbursement rates listed in the contract. Some local pharmacies complained they would lose up to nine dollars for every prescription that is filled. This caused them to opt-out of the state contract.
For the pharmacies that chose to opt-out of the contract, it greatly affects the state worker customers, as they would have to find other big-box pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. District 28 State Senator Heather Cloud, one of many lawmakers against the contract, argued that in rural areas, big box pharmacies are few and far between, causing some customers to potentially have to travel over an hour to get their prescriptions filled.
KALB-TV contributed to this report.
By The Center Square
A recent report cites New Orleans and Shreveport on a list economically disadvantaged cities. Detroit, Michigan, is the most economically disadvantaged city in the United States, followed by Brownsville, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio, according to a new report from Wallethub.
These cities are characterized by high poverty rates, high unemployment, food insecurity, low access to computers or the internet, and a large share of delinquent debtors, according to the report’s findings.
Other cities in the top 10 include Gulfport, Mississippi; Fresno, California; Laredo, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana; Los Angeles, California; and Shreveport, Louisiana.
Nearly 37 million Americans live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated more than half a million people had experienced living in homeless shelters or on the streets in 2021.
Some of the neediest cities are also among the most expensive places to live in the United States, such as Los Angeles and Fresno. The Wallethub report found that Fresno had the worst homelessness rate in the country.
Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for Wallethub, told The Center Square that the lack of affordable housing options drives up the rates of homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles.
“Homelessness is a huge problem in Los Angeles,” Gonzalez said. “It has the biggest homelessness rate among the cities analyzed and several homeless criminalization laws in place. Plus, the city saw an almost 47% increase in family homelessness in 2020 compared to the previous year.”
Increasing inflation rates also contribute to an increase in poverty, according to Gonzalez.
“Rising prices mean that people are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet,” Gonzalez said. “As a direct consequence, more people become delinquent on their debt, file for bankruptcy or even become homeless.”
Another complicating factor is demographics. In recent years, poverty has disproportionately impacted certain groups more than others, including children and minority groups such as African Americans or Native Americans, Lauren Hall, a research director in family welfare at the University of Maryland, told Wallethub.
“Low-income families face a multitude of challenges including, but not limited to: finding affordable childcare and housing; healthcare challenges due to social determinants of health; and lack of quality employment that provides steady hours and income, a predictable schedule, and paid leave,” Hall said.
These challenges for minorities are especially present in southern cities with a higher rate of poverty and food insecurity, according to Gonzalez.
“The cities in the South historically tend to struggle more with poverty and food insecurity,” Gonzalez said. “They have less access to resources, and they lack job opportunities and economic security. Plus, they have a lower education level, and a lot of people lack health insurance coverage.”
The Wallethub report compared 182 cities across the United States, including the 150 most populated cities, across two dimensions: “economic well-being” and “health and safety.” The report weighted 28 metrics of economic disadvantage on a 100-point scale to determine each city’s ranking.
Olan Dean Garrett
July 9, 1932 to December 25, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/27/olan-dean-garrett/
Jesse Sumers, Sr.
September 22, 1966 to December 17, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at New Friendship B.C. in Frierson, 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.)
The Mansfield Female College Museum is closed for the holidays. They will reopen on January 3rd.
The Sabine River Book Club meets next on January 23rd at 10:00 am. The topic will be Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams. The club meets at the Library in Logansport.