The extreme heat wave that has gripped our area for some time is predicted to continue into the weekend.  Some relief in the form of a slight chance for rain is predicted on Monday and the high is expected to drop below 100 Sunday and Monday.

Here is the DeSoto Parish Forecast:

Friday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 110. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday-Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Sunday-Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.

Monday-A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Monday Night-A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.

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A July 4^th festival is planned on the riverfront in Logansport for the holiday.  It is the annual Ricky Warren Memorial Fireworks Show.

The event will be from 4:00 until 10:00 pm on Tuesday, the fourth.  This is a free community event sponsored by DeSoto Fire District #1.

There will be food vendors.  And a good time is planned for every member of the family along the Sabine River.  The fireworks show will be held after dark.

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On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, shortly after 2:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 175 north of LA Hwy 509. This crash claimed the life of 84-year-old Oristene Jackson of Mansfield.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Jackson, was traveling north on LA Hwy 175. At the same time, a 2015 Honda Crosstour, driven by 70-year-old  Priscilla Powell of Hemphill, TX, was traveling south on LA Hwy 175. For reasons still under investigation, the Silverado crossed the centerline and struck the Crosstour head on.

As a result of this crash, Jackson, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Desoto Parish Coroner’s Office. Powell, who was properly restrained, and a juvenile passenger in the Crosstour, who was not properly restrained suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued or distracted, follow all traffic laws, and always ensure that every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Children depend on adults to ensure they are properly restrained in an age and weight appropriate car seat or booster seat. Nationally Certified Child Seat Technicians are available across Louisiana to assist you with properly installing your car seat. For more information on where to go for assistance, please visit lahighwaysafety.org/Pages/OurPrograms/ChildPassengerSafety.aspx.

In 2023, Troop G has investigated 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 deaths.

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By Brad Dison

John and his wife, Mary, were expecting a child.  Like his father, also named John, John was a clergyman in the 13 colonies.  He was the pastor of the United First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts.  Finally, on January 23, 1737, the child was born.  As you might expect, John and Mary named the boy John.  This made him John III.

When John III was just seven years old, his father died and Mary sent John III to live with his aunt Lydia and uncle Thomas, who had no children of their own.  Thomas owned a successful shipping company that imported manufactured goods from England and exported goods such as rum and whale oil.  After graduating from Boston Latin School, John III enrolled in Harvard College, his father’s alma mater. In 1754, John III earned a bachelor’s degree and began working for his uncle Thomas.

In the same year John III graduated from Harvard, the North American colonies, then part of the British Empire entered into a conflict against the French in what is known as the French and Indian War.  Thomas’s business thrived during the war as he was able to secure numerous government contracts for shipping supplies to support the war effort.  All the while, Thomas was training John III to become a partner in the business, but in 1762, Thomas’s health began to fail.  In the following year, John III became a full partner in the shipping company.  In August 1764, Thomas died.  John III inherited his uncle’s business and became one of the wealthiest men in the colonies.

The British Empire won the French and Indian War, but the victory put the country deep in debt.  The British Empire enacted several acts or taxes, such as the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp of 1765, to raise much-needed revenue.  John III ignored the Stamp Act.  In May 1766, John III’s ship Boston Packet “was the first ship that cleared out at this port [Boston], without stamped papers… and we hear was entered at the custom house in London without any the least difficulty.”  Once officials in London began giving John III’s ships difficulty, he boycotted their goods altogether.  Word spread quickly of John III’s snubbing the mother country and he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

In the following year, Parliament passed the Townshend Acts which was another tax on various imported goods and John III became a target for customs officials.  In 1768, customs officials boarded a ship owned by John III without a search warrant.  John III refused to allow the customs officials below decks to search the ship.  Customs officials wanted to file charges against John III for smuggling, but the case was dropped for lack of evidence.  John III’s supporters contended that John III’s refusal was the first act of resistance against Parliament and was the act which initiated the American Revolution.   

In May 1775, John III was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress.  He was presiding when a fellow Massachusetts delegate nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the continental army.  In the following year, the colonies declared independence and John III was one of the main financiers of the American Revolution.  If the series of events had not taken place which enabled John III to inherit his uncle’s fortune and shipping company, the American Revolution might never have taken place and we might have remained British subjects.

John III also snubbed the mother country when he signed the Declaration of Independence.  By signing this document, all 56 signers knew that they would certainly be executed if America lost the war.  Of all the 56 signatures, John III’s is the largest, the most flamboyant, and the most prominent on the page.  John III’s signature became a part of popular culture.  Even today, nearly two and a half centuries later, when someone asks for a signature, they sometimes ask for John III’s signature.  They ask you for your John Hancock.    

Sources:

1. The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 8, 1766, p.2.
2. The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 29, 1766, p.2.
3. Maryland Gazette, June 12, 1766, p.1.
4. Thomas Jefferson, et al, July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence.

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The Aldermen will meet Monday, July 3, 2023 at 5:30 pm in the Grand Cane Village Hall.

Here is the agenda:

Open with Prayer & Pledge

1. Call to order
2. Roll
3. Motion to accept minutes from June 6th
4. Motion to pay bills
5. Motion to approve financials

ON-GOING BUSINESS

1. Sewer report/Scott
2. Buildings report/Davis
3. Street report/Campbell

NEW BUSINESS

1. Announce intent to call election
2. Proposal from Vickie Murray for upstairs back room in H&R
3. Discuss new rent for BAT
4. Discuss replacing “Welcome” signs on Hwy 171 N & S

REPORTS & VOTES

1. HGCA
2. DAC
3. BAT
4. GCPC
5. GCMA
6. Public comment
7. Votes
8. Adjourn

Posted:  Wednesday, June 28, 2023 @ 12:00 pm, Grand Cane Village Hall, Website & Facebook

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Members of 4-H and FFA in the Northwest Livestock District, including DeSoto Parish, have the opportunity to participate in a commercial heifer pen sale and show next January.  Contact your local LLSU Ag Center agent for entry information.

Entries consist of a pen of three commercial heifers.  The heifers will be judged buy a panel and will be sold.  The judging and sale will take place at Red River Livestock Auction in Armistead, LA on Wednesday January 24^th.

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By Steve Graf

As a kid growing up in East Texas, my idea of sleeping in was getting up at 7 a.m.

At my house, there was no lying in bed till noon like some of my friends were able to do.

There was a yard to be mowed, a garden to rake, trash to take out and other chores that were required to live under the roof my mom and dad provided. Many a morning my bedroom light came on at 5 a.m., especially when there was work to be done on our ranch. One thing about growing up on a ranch — there’s always something to be done.

Whether we were fixing fences, building a barn, bailing hay or doctoring cattle, there was never a shortage of work. But most of the time, before my work began, my dad would let me take advantage of the early morning bite as I fished one of our many stocked ponds loaded with bass.

There’s nothing quite like getting up before daylight and getting on a body of water and throwing a topwater bait, anticipating that explosive bite. But no one wakes up like Mother Nature does, as the birds start to chirp, the deer ease out of the woods for an early-morning feed and the squirrels scurry through the trees looking for acorns. 

As anglers, there are a lot of special moments that make you realize just how blessed we are. One of those is the daily sunrise which is a huge blessing for those of us who get to see and experience God’s awesome work first-hand. Making it even more special is hearing the national anthem before take-off on all our ABA Tournaments. It’s hard to describe the beauty and splendor of a rising sun as you head out onto a body of water anticipating a good early morning bite. 

Even after all my many years of tournament take-offs, I still get chills as I sit in my boat and wonder, “How lucky am I?” It is truly a privilege that we, as anglers, get to do what we do. God has blessed me in so many ways with my health, my family and giving me the ability to enjoy His great outdoors.

If you want to experience what I get to enjoy so often, you must get up and get out of the bed. Whether you sit on your porch, in a bass boat or on a deer stand, watching a sunrise will have you feeling a calm like you’ve never felt before.

It’s that quiet time that we all crave from time to time. It’s that period of time where we plan our day and set our priorities. Some people like to read scripture, while others enjoy a good cup of coffee and a newspaper. But one thing is for certain, it just might be the most peaceful and gratifying time of the day.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to enjoy a sunrise.  

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The Olympics came to the DeSoto Parish Library.  It was the Chocolate Olympics.

The library said, “We had a Chocolate Fever running through our library, and of course we all came down with it.  Everyone stepped up to compete in the Chocolate Olympics.”

The competition was fierce as the athletes vied for the gold medal.  They competed in 6 categories: M&M Mania, Rolo Polo, Kit-Kat Racquet, Steeling Kisses, Whooper Relay, and Zero to 100Grand. 

The top five competitors took on the Munching the Milky Way Challenge. Congratulations to our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Winners.

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Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

Employment Opportunity

Transportation Coordinator

Job Title: Transportation Coordinator

Employment Status: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for supervising a staff of 5 – 10 drivers and organizing and coordinating procedures/routes within the Transportation Department.

The Transportation Coordinator must be 25 years of age or older and have a valid Louisiana Chauffeur’s Driver’s License. Must be able to complete ALL required training, be proficient with computers and can follow oral and written instructions.

Job Duties:

• Receive and schedule all transportation calls, including daily assignments for drivers.
• Prepare and enter data reports.
• Prepare and submit annual DOTD grant.
• Keep records of vehicle inspections and conduct accident investigations.
• Train and ride with new drivers to assure performance of their driving abilities for 2 weeks.
• Be able to work and communicate with DOTD and Medicaid brokers daily.
• Attend 2 mandatory out-of-town DOTD meetings a year.
• Keep accurate records of each van, drivers, and daily inspection of the vans.
• Be dependable, punctual and act as an advocate for SCOA.

Additional Information:

• Be in good physical condition and strong enough to assist passengers in wheelchairs & other disabled individuals.
• Must have knowledge of the streets and highways of Sabine Parish & other assigned areas of transportation.
• Serve as a backup driver for the Transportation Department.

Please submit resumes to the following address:

Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

ATTN: Jeffrey Morrow, Executive Director

200 Legacy Drive

Many, LA 71449

For more information, please call Jackie Snider, 318-256-4140

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The Pelican branch library’s STEM program this week demonstrated the power of air.

The kids stepped up to accept the challenge at the STEM program.

They created model cars, then powered them with air.  The air was stored in balloons which they blew up.

The library said, “Those balloon powered cars were awesome. Great job.”

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Andy Drew

12/5/1942 – 6/25/2023

Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel.

Linda Faye Green

4/2/1958 – 6/26/2023

Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Union Springs B.C. in Mansfield, LA.

DeQuincy Taylor

3/28/1982 – 6/24/2023

Service: Saturday July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at Travelers Rest B.C.

Linnon Leon Shelly

2/20/1938 – 6/24/2023

Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Mary Evergreen B. C. Grand Cane, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances of Loved Ones” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The Remembrance will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.

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DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Office will be closed July 3rd and July 4th in observance of the 4th of July Holiday. The office will resume normal business hours  July 5, 2023.  Many other offices and businesses will observe holiday hours, so check before you go to make sure they are open.

Movie day July 16 at the Pelican Branch Library will feature Matilda the Musical.  Popcorn and the movie begins at 1:00 pm.

Word out of Stonewall that the renovations are complete, and the playground is now open.

DeSoto Schools is planning a Back to School Blast-Off for July 15.  It will be jam-packed with great information from a variety of exhibitors and fun giveaways. There will be fun photos, freebies, and new knowledge for everyone.

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The Shreveport office of the National Weather service said, “Oppressive heat is here to stay. A Heat Advisory is now in effect through Wednesday.  Widespread afternoon heat indices will range from 105-110 degrees.  Isolated areas could see values in excess of 110 degrees.  Take necessary precautions.

The heat is predicted to continue through Monday.  Here is the local forecast for DeSoto Parish:

Wednesday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night-Clear, with a low around 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Nigh-Mostly clear, with a low around 79.

Friday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Friday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 80.

Saturday-Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Saturday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79.

Sunday-Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Monday-A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

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From the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office:

In June 2023, Javarius Holden was sentenced by the 42nd District Court in DeSoto Parish on charges of Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute.  He received 40 years in prison (10 suspended) and 3 years supervised probation.  Fentanyl is no longer a foreign substance to our area.  Currently it is most commonly used by individuals who reside outside of DeSoto attempting to gain entry and negatively affect the lives of our residents.  In an effort to protect those in our community with a weakness for these dangerous narcotics, and out of safety for our DeSoto Parish children, Sheriff Jayson Richardson will continue lead this effort to seek out, arrest, and charge those responsible for trafficking these dangerous drugs across our DeSoto Parish border.  Our Narcotics Agents have made great headway in making our Parish a safer place to live, and we are grateful for all the hard work they and our K9/Deputies put in each and every day.

Over the course of May and June, Narcotics Agents have made several arrests regarding those who wish to attempt distribution of illegal and dangerous substances within DeSoto Parish.   The pictures shared with this post are from just 3 of the 10 arrests made during this time.  All names are listed below with their corresponding charges with one exception:  Suspect Michael Lee Hampton’s image was not available at the time of this post as he is currently awaiting extradition to DeSoto.  Michael Lee Hampton was found to be in possession of approximately 10.6 ounces of suspected Meth, and one stolen firearm after an incident that began in DeSoto Parish and ended just across the border into Caddo Parish.

Retrieved on two of these arrest (pictured) are:

– 32.7 grams of powder cocaine

– 346.8 grams of Psychedelic Mushrooms

– 283.7 grams of Hashish

– 103 grams of Marijuana

– Three 16 ounce bottles and one baby bottle of liquid Promethazine

– 9 THC vape pens

– 5 Alprazolam pills

– 2 semi automatic pistols.

Anivah Blackwolf was charged with: 

Excess Speed Limit Violation

No Drivers License

Poss. of a Firearm in the presence of CDS

Poss. of Schedule II (Cocaine) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Poss. of Schedule I (Hashish) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Psychedelic Mushrooms) w Intent

Poss. of Schedule IV (Alprazolam)

Poss. of Schedule V (Promethazine)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Kelly C Williams was charged with:

Poss. of a Firearm in the presence of CDS

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Hashish) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Psychedelic Mushrooms) w Intent

Poss. of Schedule IV (Alprazolam)

Poss. of Schedule V (Promethazine)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Sarah N White was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule I Marijuana

Second or Subsequent Offenses

Justin J. Colbert was charged with:

Distribution of Schedule II (Meth)

Kathleen Wilkerson was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Fugitive Warrant by DPSO

Window Tint Violation

Charles Mitchell was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

James Johnson was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Ericka Hawkins was charged with:

Distribution of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule III (Subutex)

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Second or Subsequent Offenses

Joseph Heier was charged with:

Obtaining a CDS by Fraud

Poss. Of Schedule II (Meth)

Fugitive Warrant by DPSO

* CDS = Controlled Dangerous Substance

To be continued…

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By Teddy Allen

No one in real life ever wears what models in big city fashion shows wear.

You’ve seen clips of these things on television or, in a weak moment, clicked to see the newest styles, all the rave, “the newest line” by (Made Up Designer Names Alert!) Melik Boovoir or Salome deNeuve or Pepe Duboir.

The model looks like he or she is wearing either a pastel Hefty bag — how to you take a bathroom break with this thing on? — or something they stole off a scarecrow. Everything is really tight or really slouchy. Sometimes they have hats on their heads that look like things we used to make in Vacation Bible School.

Who wears this stuff?

Even at awards shows, most of the Who Looked Best On The Red Carpet gang appear to have lost a bet. Tip of the cap for the man or woman who bought something off the rack pulled the standard tux out of the back of the closet, shined their shoes, and showed up looking like a person you wouldn’t be scared to share either a cab ride or a hymn book with.

For the past 10 days or so, between thunderstorms and power outages and picking up limbs, most of us north Louisiana common folk were too busy looking for air conditioning and cable to watch LSU scrap its way to a seventh College World Series championship to notice that the Berlin Fashion Show was underway in Germany which, conveniently, is where Berlin still is.

Dapper dressers were all up in the Neue Natoinalgalerie to become one with the highlight of the week, the Saint Laurent show, quite a spectacle with fans taking phone videos of, as GQ reported, “the latest evolution of Anthony Vaccarello’s seductive menswear collection.”

The fashion writer continued, something along the lines of how “all eyes” would be on “nonstop action on and off runways elsewhere, too.” Yes: after the “hyper-exclusive” affair in Berlin, we are off to places like Florence and Milan, which precedes a “whirlwind blitz through a jam-packed Paris Fashion Week.”

Again, the only real people you ever see in these runway clothes are the people on the runways. And as soon as they’re off the runways, they put on jeans and T-shirts and look much, much sharper than they did wearing clothes that look like balloons.

Granted, when I was growing up my dad told me my idea of being “dressed up” was having my shoes tied. And God love him, he was right. I can tie a tie now and keep my oxfords shined, but the only sense I have of fashion I have is, “Does this look normal? Would this embarrass my grandmother?” It’s about one step ahead of Granimals.

My personal mechanic, old-school country music supplier, and fashion assistant is Shine Broussard, who is from Morgan City. (He goes by “Francois” during Fashion Season; his signature color is brown.) He has assured me that although he can’t “travel abroad” to the Big Shows this summer and fall, he is making the local circuit, which includes stops in Dubach (August 7-11, Denim Week), Greater Sibley (September 18-22, Burlap), Gibsland (October 2-6, Gingham), and Lower Summerfield (November 27-December 1, Dealer’s Choice).

“My main fashion advice,” said Shine, “is to remember that no one pays nearly as much attention to you as you think they do. Save your money and be comfortable and presentable and non-offensive. Good taste never goes out of style.”

Shine, who is a fashionista only during the fall shows, told me this on a break from changing out the transmission on a GTO his uncle willed him. This is a man you can trust.

So …

If you’re like Shine and grease is a common opponent, consider a Dickies jumpsuit. Otherwise, an iron, a white button down, shined shoes, an A-line, a Godet or flare dress, a business suit, jeans that fit, and a clean T-shirt, those are always in style. It doesn’t have to match: it just has to “go.”

Good fashion sense is good common sense.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in DeSoto,  Bossier, and Caddo parishes will automatically have a portion of their June benefits replaced following the severe storms that struck North Louisiana June 16, as a result of approval of a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS).

Under a second FNS waiver, SNAP recipients in 18 other affected parishes may also apply for replacement benefits by July 17.

“USDA has been working closely with our partners at Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to ensure affected families can receive some needed relief from the recent severe storms,” said USDA FNS Southwest Regional Administrator Bill Ludwig. “The waivers can help ease the burden and aid in Louisianans’ recovery by providing additional time to report losses or replacement depending on the Parish.”

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Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

Employment Opportunity

Transportation Coordinator

Job Title: Transportation Coordinator

Employment Status: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for supervising a staff of 5 – 10 drivers and organizing and coordinating procedures/routes within the Transportation Department.

The Transportation Coordinator must be 25 years of age or older and have a valid Louisiana Chauffeur’s Driver’s License. Must be able to complete ALL required training, be proficient with computers and can follow oral and written instructions.

Job Duties:

• Receive and schedule all transportation calls, including daily assignments for drivers.
• Prepare and enter data reports.
• Prepare and submit annual DOTD grant.
• Keep records of vehicle inspections and conduct accident investigations.
• Train and ride with new drivers to assure performance of their driving abilities for 2 weeks.
• Be able to work and communicate with DOTD and Medicaid brokers daily.
• Attend 2 mandatory out-of-town DOTD meetings a year.
• Keep accurate records of each van, drivers, and daily inspection of the vans.
• Be dependable, punctual and act as an advocate for SCOA.

Additional Information:

• Be in good physical condition and strong enough to assist passengers in wheelchairs & other disabled individuals.
• Must have knowledge of the streets and highways of Sabine Parish & other assigned areas of transportation.
• Serve as a backup driver for the Transportation Department.

Please submit resumes to the following address:

Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

ATTN: Jeffrey Morrow, Executive Director

200 Legacy Drive

Many, LA 71449

For more information, please call Jackie Snider, 318-256-4140

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By Royal Alexander

What a sweetheart deal.  Two misdemeanors and pretrial diversion for countless crimes established by the Laptop from Hell.

It’s really no surprise to learn that Pres. Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, has received highly preferential treatment regarding the numerous criminal allegations against him, charges that would send most Americans and any Republican to federal prison for years.

It’s still important, though, to know with clarity how Joe Biden has corrupted the DOJ and the FBI to protect Hunter and himself.

What am I referring to?

This past week news broke that the Biden Department of Justice hindered, in numerous ways, the investigation of Hunter Biden.

Of course, for months, a lazy and compliant national media has spun the narrative that the investigation really wasn’t receiving any special treatment.  We now know that was false.  Two whistleblowers, one named and one anonymous came forward this week and gave sworn testimony.

The named individual, Gary Shapley, a 14-year IRS veteran, and the anonymous individual have told a story of “blocked search warrants, tip-offs to Mr. Biden’s (defense) team, squelched avenues of investigation, downgraded charges, and interference by Joe Biden’s appointees.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23). Shapley testified that the DOJ, its Tax Division and the Delaware U.S. Attorney’s Office provided Hunter Biden with “preferential treatment and unchecked conflicts of interest.” (WSJ, 6-23-23)

Shapley, head of an elite team of tax investigators, testified that his team was almost immediately prohibited from taking normal investigatory actions.

He was thwarted both in doing spontaneous questioning of witnesses and in searching for evidence because somehow the Hunter Biden defense team was tipped off and able to impede it.   Shapley was also not allowed to ask questions about “dad” or “the big guy”.  They were also prohibited from investigating campaign finance violations. 

It goes on and on.

Shapley provided further evidence of influence peddling when he revealed a WhatsApp message in which Hunter Biden tells a Chinese businessman:  “I’m sitting here with my father” and urges the businessman to fulfill the “commitment.”

Hunter Biden then warns the businessman to personally resolve the issue that night or “I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23).

There are also photos of Hunter Biden on his later-abandoned laptop showing him at President Joe Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware home on the day he included his father’s name in the WhatsApp message he sent to threaten his Chinese business associate, Henry Zhao, an official working with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC Energy. (Newsmax, 6-23-23).

While Shapley did not provide evidence that Joe Biden was actually in close physical proximity to Hunter Biden as he threatened businessman Zhao, “if Joe Biden was sitting next to his son as he sent the message as it suggests, it would be a fatal blow to the president’s repeated claims that he never discussed overseas business deals with his son, and the photographs of Hunter Biden at what appears to be a family gathering at the Delaware home is the strongest indication that he was in close proximity to his father when he threatened the Chinese businessman.” (Free Beacon, 6-22-23).

In another email later that day Hunter Biden also mentioned “me and my family”, confirming an agreement for a $10 million contract for “introductions alone,” with bonuses for any successful deals that come about as a result of the Biden family’s efforts.

Still further, Shapley also points out that Hunter’s one-time business partner, Rob Walker, admitted to investigators that an “orchestrated” appearance of Joe Biden while out of office was made to “bolster” the odds of a “deal work (ing) out. “

For obvious reasons, Shapley recommended more serious felony charges than the minor counts to which Hunter Biden has now pled.

If this is not an example of influence peddling—and blatant corruption of our Constitutional principle of equal justice for all—then I don’t know what is.  If this is not what favorable treatment by prosecutors and glaring political interference which benefits the powerful at the expense of hardworking, law-abiding Americans looks like, I don’t know what it would look like.

This is rank corruption and those guilty of it need to be held accountable.  While that will not likely happen it is, nevertheless, important that the American people continue to be made aware of it.

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The Lions meet every second and fourth Tuesday for a catered lunch at the Clista A. Calhoun Center.  Everyone is welcome to come by.

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Fire District #1 posted, “As we are getting equipment together for this year’s 4th of July fireworks show on the Logansport riverfront, we have discovered that one of our floating docks that the fireworks are built on has gone missing. It was last seen a couple weeks ago. We have been up and down the river but have not spotted it anywhere.

Fire District #1 requested help finding this floating dock.  It is a vital part of the show that our town enjoys so much.  This entire show is possible through donations to cover the cost of the fireworks and materials.  This floating dock was also donated to the department for our use during the show. When not in use it is secured at the edge of the river just north of the stage.  Shooting from the water upriver is the only way we are able to use the bigger commercial fireworks that we use and still have room for the crowds at the river front. 

If you see the floating dock, contact the fire station at 318-697-5150.

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The DeSoto Weekly Arrest Report is being provided each Friday.  It 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 June 5-23, 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.

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LCCM Policy Solutions is a non-profit established to advocate and educate legislators and the public on public policy based on conservative principles.

By utilizing a myriad of scholars, policy wonks, pollsters, and activists, we help craft and promote top conservative policy priorities for Louisiana.

From fiscal issues to social issues and everything in between, LCCM Policy Solutions is a beacon for those interested in advancing Louisiana to a more conservative run government.

Paid Content by LCCM Policy Solutions

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Andy Drew

12/5/1942 – 6/25/2023

Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel.

Carrie McClinton

4/14/1960 – 6/13/2023

Service was Saturday, June 24, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Antioch #2 B. C. Pleasant Hill, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances of Loved Ones” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The Remembrance will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.

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North DeSoto High recently published their summer office hours.  They said, “We hope all of our Griffin families are enjoying their summertime.  Rest and relax – August will be here before we know it.”  The school reminded everyone office hours are 7:30 am until 4:00 pm on Monday through Thursday.   The NDHS Office will be closed on June 26th, 28th and 29th and July 4^th.

The Logansport Library had creepy, crawlies everywhere last Thursday.  Omega Hill Exotics Farm brought a few of their animals to meet the community.  They included Pop the Deer, Dino the Sulcata tortoise, Izzy the Iguana, two leopard geckos, and a very fuzzy Tarantula.

Registration deadline is Friday, June 30^th for the DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association Summer Field Day.  The event will be July 7^th at the Branch Ranch in Mansfield.  To pre-register contact Joshua Salley at 318-872-0533 or jsalley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The DeSoto Parish Library Logansport branch last day to log books in the summer reading program is June 29 at 2:00 pm.  Their summer reading program theme is “All Together Now.”  The deadline for the Pelican branch is Friday June 30^th at 1:00 pm.  Deadline for the Mansfield Main Branch is today at 3:00 pm.

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The DeSoto Weekly Arrest Report is being provided each Friday.  It 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 June 5-23, 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.

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