This Week’s report covers a two week period as of 9:00 am Monday morning and includes of all arrests made in DeSoto Parish by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.)

This report covers February 13-27, 2023.

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.

The DeSoto Parish GOP invites you to a steak dinner with the candidates for Louisiana Governor.  The event will be held Thursday, March 23^rd at the RB4 Event Center near Logansport.

Admission is $50per person or $500 for a table.  Pre-payment and RSVP is required.  See the flyer below for complete details.

On Tuesday, JEFFERY LYNN CALHOUN was listed to DeSoto Crime Stoppers on two charges of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine).  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for any tip that leads to the arrest of suspects listed.  We do not need your name, only your information. 

Jeffery Lynne Calhoun was born 09/02/1969 (age 53).  He is 5’ 08” tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has black hair.  Calhoun is a Mansfield resident.

To submit a tip, you may call 1-800-505-7867 or visit the website at http://www.P3Tips.com.  Or just open the Sheriff App and send your tip from there by filling out the form under “Forms & Tips.”

February 28^th the DeSoto Sheriff’s office was notified that Stonewall Preston Road will be closed Tuesday, and for the next few days, for a culvert replacement.  The area that will be closed will be between Mary Street and Burford Road. 

Anyone traveling through the area will need to make adjustments for a detour.

By Teddy Allen

This thing we call life can be a funny dance partner.

A story to illustrate. It’s your story and mine and it’s everyone’s story. Because the day began like any other but …

Life. You never know.

One evening not long ago at all, we were sitting on benches and chairs off the lobby of a big hotel, a very unrehearsed scenario, eating take-out supper off paper plates, at the end of a three-hour bus ride on the way to play baseball games.  

Maybe just for moral support, I said that if I acted weird at any point during this trip it was because I’d eaten lunch with my mom and she was having surgery Thursday and all was well but … it was my mom, in her mid-80s, and …

It was my mom.

And that after that I’d visited one of my bosses in the emergency room because at four in the morning, she thought she was having a stroke she was only 50 and the doctors in West Monroe were sending her to Alexandria to a specific neurosurgeon and so I walked in and she started crying and then I started crying and I told her I was crying only because the hospital gown she had on was SO not her color and …

She was scared. Because she didn’t know what was wrong. Nobody knew what was wrong. Legit excuse for tears … I guess mine were just because we didn’t always get along at first, which is fine because it was professional and not personal, but I was scared because she was scared and I have grown fond of her and we all want her to be well.

And then I got a text that one of my hero sports writing brothers was having a surgery that was invasive like Germany invading Poland in 1939 was invasive and …

So, it’s not a good day and no one should be in this pickle it’s just a cross you have to bear because as usual, you are thinking of only yourself…

But … you never know. Because … 

Then one of the guys who’d been on the bus — again, we’d been talking for three hours already, just jokes, but now for just a few minutes it was different — said his mom had cancer surgery that week and his niece had just called to say that while all was well so far, the doctors were confused why something wasn’t acting the way it should so …

And then another friend said, well, his dad, one of the great humans in history, had been checked into a nursing home that very morning and was not enamored with it at all but that no one in the family could physically handle this once vibrant and wonderful personality because his mind was going and … 

You come to the same conclusion you’ve come to lots of times before. Doesn’t make it easier to accept. But you know it’s a dead solid fact. And that’s this …

Life is difficult. It’s a bear. It’s wonderful — colors and sounds and senses, and who can capture it all? how spectacular it is when it’s all going your way — but you never know what someone is going through. A person can be coaching a baseball game or preparing a sermon or teaching second grade or … you just don’t know. Their mom might be in surgery. Their aging dad might be in a situation he doesn’t understand. Their toddler might have just lost her mom to some tragedy or their salt-of-the-earth grandfather might have just passed away.

So … 

Try to make someone smile today. Use your heart parts. Sincere goodwill is our ace in the hole, no matter the storm.

It’s a little thing, but it could be a big thing. For them, but for you too. Make the world a place that’s happier. You can do that.

No matter the cost, it will be worth it. It will come back, bread upon the water.

We need you.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter at @MamaLuvsManning

There is an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms areawide Thursday afternoon and into the overnight hours. The advisory was issued. By the Shreveport weather service office.

There’s also an increased probability for significant severe weather, which includes the possibility of EF-2 or greater tornadoes and damaging winds of 74 mph or greater.

Monitor local media for updates as Thursday approaches.

Stanley’s Panthers defeated Calvin 53-45 last Thursday.  That set up a match with #5 Lacassine this week.  Stanley again will be on the road this week as their quest of the state championship continues.  Final score in Tuesday game was not available by deadline.

On Tuesday evening the Wolverines season came to an end at the hands of Port Allen. Final score was Port Allen 62 and Mansfield 52.  Last week the Mansfield Wolverines blew out Doyle 72-49 in the first round of the Division III playoffs. 

By Royal Alexander

Is hate speech also protected?

A legal issue has arisen that deserves attention.

For better or worse, social media is now a permanent part of American life, if not the world over.  It is largely the medium by which we as a nation and world communicate.

Whether we speak of Truth Social, Facebook, Twitter, or any of the hundreds of other platforms, social media has become what the 1st Amendment would deem a modern-day “public square.”  It’s where millions of Americans go daily and hourly to exchange ideas, conduct public discussions and engage in political dialogue.

Well, elected officials also use social media as a direct and convenient method to communicate with constituents about public policy issues, votes and other matters involving that public official’s representation of his or her constituents.   

However, due to the public official’s status as an elected official, the official’s use of an otherwise private social media account may not be private after all.

How so?

Well, as ordinary citizens we have the power and ability to create and manage our own social media accounts as we wish.  Our account is our own individual, private account and we can either choose to allow or disallow people from participating—or debating—on it.

For example, if we are on Facebook and make the point that the federal government’s comparative treatment of the events of Jan 6th and the Summer of 2020 riots was not fair and evenhanded, some individual (s) may disagree and/or begin to attack us for our views. Well, if it becomes too much, we can simply block that individual.

However, a public official likely won’t be able to do the same to an even harsh or aggressive dissenting view.   (A threat to a public official would be treated differently, likely receiving attention from law enforcement).

Why is that?  Why would an otherwise individual, private social media account of an elected official be treated differently than a typical individual’s account?

Because, given that the elected official has used their social media account to reach constituents regarding numerous matters and issues, courts are now deciding that the free speech requirements of the 1st Amendment have attached and dissenting views can no more be silenced or blocked on the official’s social media account than could a dissenting view be silenced in a traditional public square like a public park, town hall, or county/parish fair. 

We have a local example of this very thing:

LA State Senator, Katrina Jackson, a black, female, strongly pro-life but otherwise-liberal Democrat from Monroe, Louisiana. Sen. Jackson has a Twitter account that she uses to communicate with her constituents. Over time, a small minority of individuals have attacked her in a manner that is harsh, derogatory, and at times profane, regarding her votes on and support for certain issues.

One example involves Sen. Jackson’s heroic support for unborn babies and her legislative efforts on their behalf.  Especially galling to her critics is Sen. Jackson’s defense of African American women and their unborn babies. “African American babies are being aborted at alarming numbers” when compared to the abortion rate in the white population, which she considers to be a “modern-day genocide.”

Well, she’s now being sued over her decision to block a critic from her Twitter account.  The lawsuit alleges that it violates the blocked individual’s 1st Amendment right to free speech.  Sen. Jackson responded by characterizing the blocked speech as hate speech that shouldn’t enjoy First Amendment protection.

Well, the law often takes time to catch up with technological advancement, but we are beginning to see courts treat as subject to 1st Amendment scrutiny the social media accounts of public officials who use their social media account to carry out their role as an elected official.  Courts are holding that a public official cannot engage in what amounts to censorship by blocking someone or deleting someone’s comments just because of that individual’s viewpoint or opinion.

What are some of the factors a court could consider in this regard?

Does the social media account identify the elected official as a government official; are official policy, legislative statements made/posted on the account; does the official seek to communicate directly with voters, or encourage public debate of issues, or provide information about available government services?

No elected official is required to engage in social media but if they do, a court may not allow the official to ban individuals—particularly constituents—or their views from their account.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Biological and Physical Sciences will host the annual Science Showcase that gives high schoolers an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a science major. 

Students from DeSoto and surrounding parishes are invited to participate.  Events will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 3. There is no cost to participate.

Faculty, staff and students from the department will lead tours of education and research facilities, provide information about student events and organizations and present hands-on demonstrations. Participants will also learn about scholarships, career opportunities and more.

Registration for the Science Showcase is available at nsula.edu/sciences.  

North DeSoto Upper Elementary School students invited school and community members to participate in their Leadership Day. Students showed their portfolios, gave details about their school organizations, and provided tours.

Position: Administrative Assistant 5
Salary: $2,883.00 – $5,675.00 Monthly
Location: Natchitoches, LA
Job Type: Classified
Department: Northwestern State University
Job Number: 171972
Closing: 3/9/2023 11:59 PM Central

Supplemental Information

Northwestern State University is currently accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant 5 in Business Affairs.

Applicants must have Civil Service test scores for 8500-Office Support Exam in order to be considered for this vacancy unless exempted by Civil Service rule or policy. If you do not have a score prior to applying to this posting, it may result in your application not being considered. 
 
Applicants without current test scores can apply to take the test here.
 
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
 
*Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*
 
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Benetrus Brooks, H.R. Specialist
Northwestern State University – Human Resources
200 Sam Sibley Dr. – St. Denis Hall
brooksb@nsula.edu
 

It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Northwestern State University to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on job related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity.

In keeping with this policy, the University will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status. All personnel actions, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, training, and education are administered without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status.

The University is committed to equal opportunity for student success by providing access to educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational activities for all students without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status.  Additionally, the University provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Student complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Student Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 308 of the Friedman Student Union or email obannonj@nsula.edu.  Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For studentacademic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Taylor Camidge (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email camidget@nsula.edu.  For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Qualifications

Job Concepts

Function of Work:
To serve as the special assistant to a classified/unclassified executive or high-ranking classified administrator.

Employees perform duties independently and exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative in determining the approach/action to take in non-routine situations.

Level of Work: Advanced.

Supervision Received:
General from a classified/unclassified executive or high-ranking classified administrator. 

Supervision Exercised:
May supervise 1-2 lower-level personnel.

Location of Work:
May be used by all state agencies.

Job Distinctions:
Differs from Administrative Assistant 4 by the presence of responsibility for serving as special assistant to a classified/unclassified executive or a high-ranking classified administrator.

Differs from Administrative Assistant 6 by the absence of responsibility for serving as the confidential executive assistant to the unclassified Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, or equivalent high-level classified/unclassified executive of a major state department.

Examples of Work

Relieves the executive of a variety of administrative matters by assuming delegated authority in assigned areas.

Performs and supervises administrative support activities such as maintaining files and central records, printing and duplicating services, security, purchasing of supplies and equipment, warehousing, and preparation of payroll and personnel records.
Serves as executive support to department advisors and decision-makers, including administrators and boards/committees.

Reviews correspondence and receives telephone calls related to the most sensitive and confidential matters and determines appropriate action to be taken.

Interprets departmental policies and procedures for staff members and the general public.

Conducts and/or supervises special projects, such as organizing charity drives or coordinating facility maintenance.

Collects and compiles budgetary data for monitoring funds and staffing levels.

Prepares materials needed for meetings, such as agendas, handouts, binders, etc.

May attend meetings and transcribe minutes.

May serve as backup for experienced-level professional duties, such as procurement, accounting, etc.

Administrative Assistant 5 – View Online

EOE

Susan Stone

April 15, 1954 — February 21, 2023

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2023/02/25/susan-cora-stone/

Syble Corley Ruffin

August 23, 1929 — February 25, 2023

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2023/02/27/syble-corley-ruffin/

Clifford Morris “Pete” Sistrunk

January 24, 1942 — February 26, 2023

View full obituary here:

Clifford Morris “Pete” Sistrunk

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 Back Alley Community Theatre is now in reversals for Rumors.  Four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, Neil Simon’s farce, set in Palisades, shows a dinner party gone topsy-turvy. An enjoyable romp that has been staged countless times all over the country, this is one of Simon’s most celebrated comedies.  Rumors debuts Friday March 24.

Men of Prayer meets Thursday night, March 2nd at 6:30 pm at the Stonewall Community Center in Stonewall. Pastor & Director, Larry Otwell from the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission & the Way Church in Stonewall, will be the guest speaker. Chris Tubbs will lead Worship.

The Logansport Branch Library has an adult bingo scheduled on Tuesday, March 2^nd at 10:00 am.  Come out and win a prize.

From the town of Stonewall — Road Repairs: Culvert Replacement is underway on Stonewall-Preston Road between Mary Street and Burford Road. Please be prepared to detour for the next couple of days.  Also Intersection widening: Twin Oaks Road, Memory Lane, & Thorton Road. Overlays: Memory Lane & Goldsby Circle. Rebuild: Thorton Road.