By Matt Vines 

STONEWALL – Practicing on Thanksgiving is far from a given for most football programs, but North DeSoto is making that a habit.

A Thanksgiving practice means a football team will be playing in the playoff quarterfinals the next day, and North DeSoto will be playing in consecutive quarterfinals matchups for the first time since moving to Class 4A in 2014.

The No. 1 seed Griffins (10-1) will host No. 8 Iowa (9-3) in a Division II Non-Select quarterfinals matchup on Friday at 7 p.m.

After having a state title in their grasp this past season before losing a second-half lead, coach Dennis Dunn said his bunch have been all business this season.
“Our team has been on a mission all season,” said Dunn, whose Griffins have won their games by an average of 32 points per game. “They’ve taken it 48 minutes at a time. “They have embraced the process of executing to the standard that has been set.”

North DeSoto needed much fewer than 48 minutes in a 63-21 second-round dismemberment of No. 17 DeRidder.

The Griffins led 56-7 at halftime, spurred early on by special teams.
Returner Cole Cory took the opening kickoff to the 1-yard line to set up North DeSoto’s first score, and DeRidder fumbled the next kickoff that led to the Griffins’ second touchdown.

“Special teams was huge at the beginning of the game,” Dunn said. “The first 14 points came from special teams.”

Not that the Griffins’ offense or defense needed much help.

North DeSoto’s offensive balance was on full display as the Griffins threw for 255 yards and rushed for another 150 in the victory.

It’s just another chapter for an offense that features one of the state’s most prolific passers in Luke Delafield paired with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Trysten Hopper and Kenny Thomas.
Hopper rushed for three touchdowns with Thomas adding another against DeRidder.

“It’s tough to defend us because you have to make a choice on what you’re going to try and stop,” Dunn said. “We do both well, so we have been able to take advantage of what the defense gives us.”
Delafield tossed four touchdowns on 11-13 passing for 185 yards. Seven different Griffin receivers caught passes from Delafield and backup Nick Turpen, led by Cory (five catches, 88 yards, one touchdown) and Landry Wyatt (three catches, 63 yards, two touchdowns).
The North DeSoto defense won’t have to make the same kind of decision when trying to solve Iowa’s offense.

Quarterback Josiah Bushnell, a transfer from Lake Charles College Prep, is the Yellow Jackets leading passer and rusher.

“He’s dangerous with his feet and arm,” Dunn said of Bushnell, who has thrown for nearly 1,500 yards and rushed for nearly 1,000 . “He’s certainly a factor and containing him will be a must.”
Iowa overcame a 1-2 start to win eight of its last nine games, which included a District 3-3A championship.

The Yellow Jackets knocked off St. Louis Catholic and Jennings by one score, the latter of which is a No. 10 seed and still alive in the Division II quarters.

The North DeSoto-Iowa winner will play the winner of No. 4 Lutcher and No. 12 Opelousas. Lutcher rallied to beat North DeSoto in the championship game this past season.

LSU AgCenter is hosting Christmas Movie Night at the Farm December 15 at 6pm. The night will feature Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on the big barn at the Red River Research Station, 262 Research Station Drive in Bossier. 

Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Make sure to bring your chair and/or blankets. Wear your favorite Christmas PJs.

$5 per ticket, limited to the first 200 people. Payable by cash or check to LSU AgCenter. Payment for tickets are due upon reservation. RSVP by December 11 by contacting Donna Hayes at 318.408.0971.

DeSoto Parish schools announced Mr. Demetri Hill has been selected as Administrative Assistant at Mansfield Elementary School.

Mr. Hill is a product of DeSoto Parish Schools and a very proud Wolverine alumni. He has served as a classroom teacher at Mansfield High School for the past five years and is the current DeSoto Parish High School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hill obtained a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Northwestern State University.

Mr. Hill’s vision is to empower students to be agents of change. When asked what impact he hopes to have on students in his new role, he responded, “I will continue to be a servant-leader and a positive role model for students. My vision focuses on empowerment, so I will strive always to make decisions that invoke a strong sense of agency amongst not just students but all stakeholders.”

By Doug De Graffenried

Someplace in my collection of books is 14,000 Things to be Happy About. It is a pick-me-up kind of book. These books and others remind us of all the small things for which we can be thankful. I know I need a nudge every now and then.

Take this article, how are you reading it? Back in the day, the television was in the den. The stereo was often in your bedroom. It was never far enough way from the adult who insisted that you turn it down. The telephone was on the wall, usually in the kitchen. If you were lucky there was an extension phone in your bedroom. The news was delivered daily. In the morning some nice person threw a newspaper onto your driveway. In the evening, Walter Cronkite would tell you everything, so that you would know “that’s the way it is.” On rare occasions your favorite television show would be interrupted by a “News Bulletin.” Where I grew up, you were more likely to have a “weather bulletin.” Mail came once a day, except on Sunday. The mailbox was eagerly watched for the daily delivery. There could be almost anything in your mailbox. Everything I have described is residing on your phone. I am thankful for technology that allows me to be productive and stay connected.

Speaking of connections, are you thankful and happy about the connections in your life? This week we find out about our connections, don’t we? This is the week that family descend upon us. Ready or not, here they come! Thanksgiving is also the time when we find out that those family connections come with traditional culinary expectations.

I wish to announce that this year for Thanksgiving, my tribe has shunned turkey! I put my foot down! No one likes turkey, why do we do the annual complaining about the dry turkey, or worse come up with some exotic recipe to try and outsmart the dry turkey? Eat steak!

There was a vote of the people coming to Gibsland this week. The quorum approved my motion to get rid of turkey in favor of steak. The change was approved with two amendments. I cook steaks and we have dressing. They have not figured out that the menu change gave me the right to hang out by the grill, ALONE. Have I mentioned that I am thankful for solitude on Thanksgiving? I’m grateful for people who understand introverts!

I am thankful for my family and my friends. I am thankful for the stories that will surround this Thanksgiving. I know with a menu change there might be a revolution in the tribe. I could be overthrown. I’m thankful that in my house on Thanksgiving there will be four generations represented. What stories will you tell about this Thanksgiving?

I am thankful that for just a few minutes I was a part of your life. Thanks for reading these articles! I know not everything in your life brings you joy, but there is so much for which you can be thankful. If nothing comes to mind quickly, you can borrow my book.

Let me quote from another book: “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” That’s all it takes to be thankful. A good God loves you with a love that endures, no matter what!

The DeSoto Parish School System recently paid tribute to the Mansfield Wolverines football team and their successful season.

We wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the players and coaches of the Mansfield High School Wolverines Football team on a truly remarkable performance this season. Your dedication, skill, and teamwork have made this season one to remember, and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort you’ve put forth on and off the field.

From the first kick-off to the final whistle, you’ve displayed exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that has not gone unnoticed. The victories you’ve secured and the challenges you’ve overcome are a testament to the hard work and determination that defines Mansfield Wolverines Football.

As we reflect on the highs and lows of the season, let’s cherish the memories created, the lessons learned, and the bonds strengthened. Remember that success is not only measured in wins and losses but in the growth and unity forged through shared experiences. The WOLVERINES will be back next season, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 SHREVEPORT, LA — As plans are being made to celebrate the Thanksgiving season with family and friends, LifeShare Blood Center is encouraging volunteer blood donors to give blood leading up to the holiday.

LifeShare is providing a special THANK YOU to donors who choose to donate anytime from November 18th through November 22nd. During this five-day period leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, all LifeShare donors will receive a free LifeShare shirt and a voucher valued at $15 toward the purchase of a turkey or ham.

“Holidays are a hard time for blood collections as our normal collection points, such as schools and businesses, close for the holidays. LifeShare supplies over 100 hospitals and medical partners with blood and blood products throughout the region. Since Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are most grateful for, LifeShare is giving thanks to our donors for giving blood and sharing life,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement.

Vouchers will be available at all LifeShare donor centers and all mobile drives from Saturday, November 18th through Wednesday, November 22nd. To schedule a donation appointment, visit: www.lifeshare.org/give. Walk-ins are welcome.

Please contact me if you have any questions, or reach out to the District Director for our Shreveport Center, Jeremy Martin at 318.222.7770

Our Shreveport Center is located at 8910 Linwood Avenue, Shreveport, LA  71106

Best,

Mandi Johnson, MLIS

Director of Community Engagement

LifeShare Blood Center

318.671.5850 (O)

8910 Linwood Ave.

Shreveport, LA 71106

MEDIA RELEASE
November 20, 2023
Coleman Swierc
Public Relations – CHRISTUS Health
830-583-6251
Coleman.Swierc@christushealth.org

(Shreveport, Louisiana) – CHRISTUS Health announced today that Casey Robertson has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, effective Dec. 4.

Robertson comes to Shreveport from the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System in Longview, Texas, where he spent 18 months as chief operating officer.

“I am very much looking forward to working with our great CHRISTUS Associates and the communities here in the Shreveport-Bossier area,” Robertson said. “This is such a great ministry that has done some amazing work in recent years, and I look forward to continuing the great work and growing our ministry.”

Robertson brings nearly 20 years of health care administration, including more than 10 years at the CEO level. Prior to joining CHRISTUS, he was CEO of Sadiant Inc., a Fort Worth-based clinical on-demand organizations.

His previous roles included CEO at Longview Regional Medical Center in Longview and Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the work that Casey has done in our Good Shepherd ministry,” said Chris Glenney, CHRISTUS senior vice president of Group Operations for Northeast Texas and North Louisiana. “I know that our future in Shreveport-Bossier under his leadership is very bright and that we will continue to provide excellent, faith-based care that is consistent with the values of CHRISTUS Health.”

Robertson replaces Dr. Steen Trawick, who had served in the role since 2019.

A nationwide search is also underway for a dedicated chief medical officer for the CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, who will focus on advancing clinical excellent and quality.

###

About CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System: 
A faith-based, not-for-profit health system, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System is part of CHRISTUS Health, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. CHRISTUS is among thelargest Catholic health systems in the country and one of the 20 largest of all health systems in the nation. CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System has provided health care in Northwest Louisiana for over 100 years. Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. For more information about CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, visit http://www.christushealth.org.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury will hold Budget and Finance Committee meetings on Monday, November 27 and Tuesday, November 28 in the Police Jury Meeting Room, 101 Franklin Street, Mansfield. Meetings will begin at 5pm.

The only item on either agenda is the adoption of 2024 budgets. On Monday, the committee will consider the adoption of the 2024 road budget. Tuesday, the adoption of the 2024 general fund budget. 

The Budget and Finance Committee members are: Greg Baker, Chairman, Kyle Kennington, Trina Boyd-Simpson, Richard Fuller and B. D. Mitchell.

The Mansfield State Historic Site recently shared a post stating there’s shift in programming for the next five years. See the post below: 

As the site moves forward in the days ahead, you may notice a change to the type of interpretation and educational programming that we are doing. Beginning now and moving through the next five years, the site is shifting to primarily children-centered programming that focuses equally on the history AND the nature of the battlefield, with at least 80 percent of our programs and temporary museum exhibits geared towards children and families. We especially want to reach out to our under 10 (or grades PreK-5) crowd and school groups from regional elementary schools. While the types of programming we have done up to now have been well received by the public, we feel we need to do more to reach out to our youngest audience, who will be the future patrons of our parks and historic sites!

There will still be programs for our adult audiences, like lectures, guided tours of the battlefield, staff rides for military groups, and possibly a book club! But we have come to the decision to start focusing primarily on getting children and parents back to the site, which we hope will increase the number of potential future patrons that will protect our Louisiana heritage! For information on upcoming programming, contact the site at 318-872-1474 and ask for the site manager for potential upcoming programming!

By: Glynn Harris

I have this quirky friend up in north Arkansas that you really have to keep your eye on. Here’s what I’m talking about…I was invited once several years ago to fish the Little Red River in Arkansas for trout.

Jim Spencer, Keith Sutton and I shared a boat and although the two of them, both Arkansans, have caught a ton of trout in their lives, I had never caught one. I cast out, felt a tug on my line and hooked into my very first rainbow trout. Thrilled wasn’t an adequate word but I was so happy to finally catch a species of fish I had never caught and I was expressing my glee at finally hooking my first.

Unbeknownst to me, Spencer had slipped up behind me while I was fighting my fish. When I first noticed him, I assumed he was there to help me land the fish if need be. Glancing back, I noticed he had his knife in his hand and a certain gleam in his eye when he reached out, not to help me land my trout but to cut my line.

Somehow, I managed to get the fish in the boat, which was not easy to do while maneuvering around to keep him from slicing my line. That’s one side of the Jim Spencer I know and I have learned to always keep my eyes open when I’m around him.

The other side I know and appreciate about Jim Spencer is that anything he writes, I get as absorbed in it as I did the day I kept him away from my line. Spencer is to me one of the very best outdoor writers anywhere in the country, especially when it comes to writing about his obsession, wild turkeys.

Several years ago, Spencer started thinking about all the gobblers he has taken but the equal number that had whipped him. He came up with the idea of producing a book about times where the gobbler had won. He produced a book that would take the turkey hunting world by storm. He named it Bad Birds 1.

Realizing there were more stories to tell, he later put together his second version of the book, naturally naming it Bad Birds 2.

Believing he had covered all the bases in talking about those gobblers that had handed him his rear end, he assumed he was done. However, there were a number of stories he knew he could tell that had yet to be told so he did it again. His latest version of his self-flagellation regarding gobblers has led him to, once again, bare his soul in Bad Birds 3.

I have read all three books and while the first two were classics, I think this last one is the best; he leaves no stone unturned in sharing his disappointment, disgust and downright frustration of the times that gobblers have beat him.

Spencer’s wife, Jill, shares his addiction of hunting turkeys and they travel the country together every spring to play games with gobblers. Jim had Jill, who is also an award winning outdoor writer herself, to produce the foreward for his latest book.

“If you run into us somewhere along the trail in some future spring,” Jill writes, “say howdy and tell us some turkey stories. Jim is always willing to talk about these birds he can’t leave alone.”

Bad Birds 3 sells for $25 plus $6 shipping. Best bet is the package deal featuring all three Bad Birds for $55 delivered. He’ll also add his Turkey Hunting Digest for an extra $12, for a total of $67. Order to Treble Hooks Unlimited, P.O. Box758, Calico Rock, AR 72519.

You talk about a fine Christmas gift for the turkey hunter, this is it. Adding a word of caution, if you are ever privileged to share a fishing boat with Spencer, be sure and keep an eye on him; he could be opening his knife.

On Friday, November 24th, at 6:30pm you are invited to make history in DeSoto Parish, and light up the sky with a beautiful world record of a Christmas Tree! You may be welcomed with some hot cocoa and a special visit from the man way up north, Santa Claus himself. Come and join in for a wonderful moment as  “The Spirit of DeSoto Tree” is unveiled at the Stonewall Government Plaza.

The 19th Annual Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market is coming to Natchitoches on November 25 from 9am – 4:30pm at the Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street. This event is free and open to the public.

The Pelican Library invites the public to their Open House on December 7 at 2pm. Door prizes, fun games, delicious food and an ugly Christmas sweater contest are planned.

William “Bill” Hoover, Jr.
March 6, 1932 — November 16, 2023
Visitation: Wednesday, November 22 from 2-4:pm at Rose Neath Funeral Homes – Mansfield

Monday, November 20, 2023 1:28 PM
 (UPDATE 11/20/2023): DOTD advises motorists that these repairs are complete, and this bridge has been REOPENED. We appreciate your patience while this work was underway.

By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal

STONEWALL – The last time North DeSoto stepped onto a playoff football field – it was the Caesars Superdome to play for the Division II Non-Select championship. The Griffins didn’t take home the hardware in the program’s first-ever championship appearance, falling to traditional power Lutcher in a game which North DeSoto led late in the third quarter.

North DeSoto (9-1) has its eye on a return trip to New Orleans for another shot, and the first playoff obstacle standing in the No. 1 seed Griffins’ way is No. 17 DeRidder (7-4) in a second-round matchup. The game kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. at North DeSoto, which earned a first-round bye.

A high-flying offense and a defense that’s improved throughout the course of the season has secured North DeSoto the No. 1 seed in the Division II bracket. Led by sophomore quarterback Luke Delafield, the Griffins have topped the 50-point mark in eight of their 10 games. Delafield finished the regular season as the state’s seventh-most prolific passer, throwing for 2,475 yards with 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

“(Luke) is taking care of the ball better, and he’s not forcing throws into coverage,” said North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn, who has elevated the Griffins from a solid perennial playoff participant to a championship contender in his five seasons.

The Griffins are the only team in the state to boast two receivers in the top 10 in receiving yards.

Junior Cole Cory entered the season as the team’s most established target, but senior Landry Wyatt’s development has diversified North DeSoto’s passing attack. Cory is second in the state with 1,139 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, while Wyatt checks in at No. 9 with 861 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, according to state leaders published by geauxpreps.com.

North DeSoto has won at least one playoff game in each of the past three seasons, and the Griffins will attempt to add a fourth straight playoff campaign with a win.

DeRidder gained late-season steam with three straight wins, which includes a first-round road playoff win at No. 16 Lakeshore (28-21) this past week. The Dragons are a smash-mouth squad with three running backs that average at least 75 yards per game. Reed Williams leads the way with 96 yards per game and a team-high 19 touchdowns.

“They will run the ball right at you,” said Dunn, who led Evangel Christian to nine state championships in 13 seasons in the 1990s and early 2000s. “They are big and physical up front.”

While North DeSoto’s defense surrendered more than 50 points in its first two games against prolific offenses in Airline and Center (Texas), the Griffins have been much stingier in the last eight games. North DeSoto has allowed just 104 points over its last eight contests, which is fewer than the 105 surrendered in the first two games. Those include shutouts of Minden and Booker T. Washington and three points allowed to Loyola.

“Our defensive line was young and inexperienced,” Dunn said. “They’ve continued to progress and get better through the season.”

The winner of North DeSoto-DeRidder will face the victor of No. 8 Iowa and No. 9 Plaquemine.

By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal

STERLINGTON – The Mansfield High football team traveled across the state, got off the bus, and delivered the first blow to a Sterlington program that raised a state championship trophy just two years ago.

The No. 18 seed Wolverines traded punches with the No. 3 Panthers throughout the first half Thursday, but Sterlington found its footing in the second half en route to a 35-15 win in the second round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs.

Mansfield’s TJ Pegues plunged in from one yard out to knot the score at 15-15 with just two seconds left in the first half, but Sterlington created distance in the second half by scoring all 20 points.

“We just went out and played hard, kind of punched them in the mouth in the first half,” said Mansfield coach Darrell Barbay. “I’m super proud of our kids’ great effort in playing probably the best team in the state in Division III.”

Sterlington running back Trammell Colvin accounted for four touchdowns as the Panthers reeled off a series of explosive plays to keep pace with and then pull away from Mansfield.

The Wolverines (6-6) struck first thanks to a 64-yard Rykelon Vanzant run on fourth down to set up a 1-yard Pegues touchdown run to give Mansfield an early 7-0 edge.

Colvin responded with a 39-yard scoring gallop, and a two-point conversion handed the Panthers an 8-7 lead.

Mansfield lumbered down the field on its second drive, getting all the way to the Sterlington 7 before missing a fourth-and-six conversion.

Sterlington’s Hagen Herring did the honors on the second possession, scoring from 39 yards to hand the Panthers a 15-7 advantage.

But Mansfield wasn’t going away.

Pegues pushed his way into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run, evening the score at 15-15. That last yard propelled Mansfield to 210 rushing yards in the first half.

The senior had two rushing touchdowns in his final game.

But Sterlington made defensive adjustments in the second half, and Colvin scored three second-half touchdowns to advance the Panthers to the quarterfinals.

“Sterlington kept moving the ball the way they had been all night, and we didn’t move it as well,” said Barbay of a Mansfield offense that chewed up chunks of clock in the first half. “We didn’t keep the ball away from them, and we had a tough time blocking their interior guys in the second half.”

Mansfield’s six wins this season is the most since logging eight in 2018, which is also the last time the Wolverines won a playoff game before the first-round victory against Marksville this past week.

The Wolverines started the season 0-4 against top-notch competition before winning six of its last eight contests.

“A lot of building a program is getting kids to trust us as a coaching staff and buying into the program,” Barbay said earlier this week as his second season in Mansfield neared its end. “Our kids work hard and do what we ask of them at practice every day.

“That’s really all you can ask of them – to keep working and get stronger. Our administration has backed us and helped us get the things we need to get better. Our principals, school board and superintendent have been outstanding in this process as well.”

By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal

LOGANSPORT – Dominant doesn’t begin to describe the way the Logansport football team has played during its nine-game winning streak. Logansport has outscored its last five opponents by a combined score of 234-9, allowing just one touchdown during that span.

The No. 1 seed Tigers (9-1) will ride that momentum into their opening playoff game against No. 16 Franklin on Friday. The game will be at Logansport with a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Logansport earned a first-round bye in the Division IV Non-Select playoffs as the top seed, while Franklin (6-5) bashed Grand Lake, 46-13, to reach the second round.

Logansport has won at least one playoff game in each season dating back to 2013, taking home the Class 1A title in 2016, playing in the state championship game in 2021 and reaching the semifinals in 2017 and 2019.

While the Tigers have typically relied on one main weapon in years past, coach Kevin Magee said this bunch has a deeper stable of horses. “We knew we had a large and fairly experienced offensive line coming back, and we’d figure we would play a lot of defense and focus on running the football with play-action mixed in,” Magee said. “But what happened is that we’ve molded closer to the type of offense we’ve been in the past, and now we’re pretty balanced between the run and pass. “We don’t have that one standout guy that is a state leader in a category, but we have a bunch of guys that have a lot of experience and are productive when they touch the football. That makes us more dangerous I think because these guys do it as a group.”

Quarterback Steven Holloway, whom is best known as an all-state linebacker, has filled the shoes under center in his final season. Logansport has a multitude of ball carries led by Jukadynn Carter and Tonashton Bland. D’warr’tez Chatman, D’avery Robinson and Dakamden Flemon are three of Logansport’s top receivers.

“That makes us more dangerous I think because these guys do it as a group,” said Magee, a former quarterback in his own right. “There’s not an ego on the offense that has to have ‘X’ number of touches.”

The defense, which competed well for nearly three quarters with Class 2A power Calvary Baptist in Logansport’s only loss (47-12), has allowed just one other team (Red River) to score more than 24 points.

The Tigers ran roughshod over District 3-1A, which included handcuffing reigning district champion St. Mary’s in a 20-3 win in Week 9, to secure its own district title.

The defensive success starts up front with the defensive line. “We’re physically pretty good up front, and we’ve been told by some other teams that our front is the toughest they’ve faced this season,” Magee said. “Our defensive staff puts together a great plan every week, and they focus on miniscule details and a thorough evaluation of our opponents.”

The scouting report on Franklin is a balanced offense that moves the ball in the air and on the ground. The Class 2A Hornets have won their last three games (including the playoff win), and they are no stranger to being tested on the football field.

Franklin’s opponents include Class 4A Breaux Bridge (31-12 loss), Class 3A Berwick (21-14 loss) and Class 3A Patterson (14-8 loss) along with traditional 2A power Catholic-New Iberia (49-12 loss). Franklin did knock off Class 5A Central Lafourche, 30-28, in Week 4.

———–

CREDIT: Hayley Farmer/Logansport High

After a bye the first week of playoffs, the Griffins will host the DeRidder Dragons to their turf.
This matchup will pit the 9-1 Griffins against the 7-4 Dragons on the North Desoto home field. The Griffins have been unstoppable in district play this season with a 7-0 record. The Dragons have a 3-2 district record.

DeRidder’s run game matches up with North Desoto with an average of 290 yards rushing against 230 yards per game. The passing yardage is no comparison with ND averaging 259 yards vs. 47yards per game.

All eyes will be on #15, Luke Delafield for a smooth offensive approach and #40 Kaleb Carter for power tackling. Look to #44 Konner Watson, # 5 Kenny Thomas, and # 26 Trysten Hopper to continue to lead the team.

News Release
November 16th, 2023
Sheriff Jayson Richardson
DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office

If you Google “What is the current tallest Christmas Tree structure in the world?” you may find results such as in Enid, Oklahoma which stands at 140 feet, or perhaps Indianapolis, Indiana which stands at 284 feet. Such a structure not only provides a little extra holiday spirit during Christmas, but also brings in tourists to visit, admire, and shop in those areas that have made their mark as a welcoming stop during the Christmas Season.

This is a thought that came across Sheriff Jayson Richardson’s mind in December of 2022, as he drove by a specific location and pondered: “Perhaps we can put DeSoto Parish at the top of that list.” Sheriff Richardson soon began contacting entities such as the FAA, FCC, Kay Radio & Electronics out of Alexandria, and various other sponsors and donors that would be willing to approve and cover all time and costs associated with such a bold project. Sheriff Richardson made contact with one man who is currently creating his own Christmas Themed Business here in DeSoto Parish, the “Lumiere Christmas Experience.” Mr. Perry Thompson soon jumped onboard with the Sheriff’s idea, and
accepted the challenge.

The project began in early 2023, and it is time to share this bold idea with you all, as it is destined to become a reality this Christmas! Built around our communications tower at the Stonewall Government Plaza, and standing at a record breaking 300 feet (that’s 28 stories tall), you will find the Tallest Christmas Tree structure currently in the World, right here in DeSoto Parish! The new structure exhibits
a whopping 10,250 beautiful LED lights for all to see, and we want you to join us for its official Lighting Ceremony!

On Friday, November 24th, we invite you to join us at 6:30pm as we make history in DeSoto Parish, and light up the sky with this beautiful world record of a Christmas Tree! You may be welcomed with some hot cocoa and a special visit from the man wayyy up north, Santa Claus himself. Come and join us for a wonderful moment as we unveil: “The Spirit of DeSoto Tree”

Mark Pierce, PIO
Public Relations & Social Media
Cellular Forensics Operator & Analyst
DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office
Office: 318.872.3956 Ext. 251
Cell: 318.461.0504

The 2023 State Fair of Louisiana livestock show is in the books!

Please help us congratulate all of our exhibitors from DeSoto 4-H on a job well done!
(These are in no particular order)

Hayden Hardy-Market Lambs/Market Broilers

Clay Usrey-Market Lambs, Commercial Dairy, Rabbits, Poultry

Landen Cubley-Market Lambs/Market Broilers

Addison Salley- Market Swine/Market Broilers/Commercial Beef

Lauralye Jeter-Market Swine/Prospect Swine/Breeding Swine

Hadley Magee-Market Swine

Lincoln Ebarb-Exhibition Poultry

Jamarsay Green-Market Swine/Market Broilers

Gabriel Johnson-Market Swine/Market Broilers

Jenna Bamburg-Market Lambs/Market Broilers

Khloe Henry-Market Swine/Market Broilers

Joslyn Peterson-Market Lambs/Market Broilers/Exhibition Poultry

Jalisha Green-Market Broilers

Elizabeth Adair-Dairy

Pictured: Lauralye Jeter

The Mansfield Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, December 9 at 2pm.  Entry forms are now being accepted for the following categories: floats, performing/marching units, bands, automobiles, horses, ATVs and 4-Wheelers. 

Entrants will begin lining up at the old Walmart parking lot between 11am and 1:30pm. The parade will begin promptly at 2pm. 

Performing/marching units and bands are free to participate. Floats, automobiles and individual horses/4 wheelers/motorcycles cost $10. Groups of horses/4 wheelers/motorcycles cost $20.

Forms and entry fees must be turned in no later than December 1 at City Hall. All proceeds raised will be used to purchase additional decorations for the City of Mansfield. 

I’ve often wondered why anyone would want to be a fishing guide, especially a bass fishing guide. It’s a tough job where clients have high expectations of the guide himself. The guide should be able to put you on fish consistently. But there’s more to being a fishing guide than just being able to put customers on fish. He or she needs an attractive personality because there will be many days that it will come in handy.

Some guides go above and beyond to make a fishing trip complete and enjoyable. They bait hooks, take fish off hooks and, the worst part, clean all the fish. But occasionally, they entertain. Some can sing, some can do tricks, and some can tell jokes. Some are great story tellers and like sharing their experiences from previous guide trips while making fun of some of their clients.

For several years, I took trips to Beavers Bend State Park just north of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Each year I would hire a guide by the name of Jerry Walthall. Now Jerry was an old soul, probably in his late 70s, who was a Vietnam war veteran. He had a wealth of knowledge and knew Lake Broken Bow well. But my last trip with Jerry would be one I’ll never forget.

We met at the boat ramp, loaded the boat, and headed north up the lake. Jerry’s boat was not a high dollar luxury boat. It was an old 21-foot Ranger boat with a 250 Evinrude motor on the back. The seats had seen better days as all of them had duct tape holding them together. To say the boat had been used is an understatement. But don’t be fooled by an overused boat or an old man who moved slowly from console to the front deck. This man knew how to catch fish.

On every trip I made with Jerry, we always made a long run up into the river portion of the lake. Jerry seemed to be the most comfortable and knowledgeable on this end of the lake. I’ve said before that there’s never been an angler in the boat with me that I did not learn something from. Jerry was no exception as we began talking fish catching strategies for the day.

I think one reason Jerry and I got along so well is that we both loved fishing a Zoom trickworm. But a few years earlier, I would be the one to introduce him to the trickworm color black emerald. From that day on, Jerry always made sure we had a few packs of black emerald trickworms in the boat as we headed out.

But on my last outing with Jerry, he did something that I had never seen before and will never forget. As we settled in and Jerry lowered the trolling motor, we both started fishing. Now the scenery on Lake Broken Bow can be breathtaking, especially in the fall. But on this particular morning, it was cold with a low hanging fog just above the water.

After a couple of fish catches by both of us, Jerry told me to please hand him the next small fish I caught. Only minutes went by when I caught a ten-inch fish. Jerry saw the fish and said that was the perfect size. I said to him, “The perfect size for what?” As he took possession of the small bass, he told me to watch the tree line on the other side of the bay.

It was at this point Jerry started to whistle, as if calling his favorite dog, when out of nowhere an eagle came flying off the treetops down to the water level about hundred yards behind the boat. The eagle was soaring just above the water with a purpose and appeared to know exactly what he was looking for. As the eagle approached the back of the boat, he flew within a couple feet and snatched that bass right out of Jerry’s hand! It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen on any fishing trip. I asked Jerry why he had never shown me that before? It was so cool seeing the majestic eagle swoop down off the trees and take a fish out of Jerry’s hand like some kind of circus act.

This would be my last trip with Jerry Walthall. He died during the Covid pandemic. I miss my friend Jerry and the trips we took. We always had great outings no matter how many fish we caught. We both told stories, but his were more interesting. After all he was a Vietnam war veteran but did not like talking about his experiences in the war. I respected him for that as I could tell it had a lasting impact on him, and not in a good way.

To Jerry and all the war veterans out there, thank you for your service and thank you for allowing folks like me to get to enjoy the freedoms of this great country.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook. You never know when you might catch that fish of a lifetime.

Contact Steve at sgaf26@yahoo.com

Northwestern State University’s Office of Alumni Affairs has created a community networking platform exclusively for NSU alumni.  The DemoNSUnite platform is another way that alumni can explore and network with NSU entrepreneurs, connect mentors with mentees, post or find jobs and stay current on NSU news and events.

The capabilities of the platform include a News feed from the main NSU page to keep users informed of happenings at NSU, Events feed to stay informed of upcoming events and ticketing information for NSU events and a Live feed that will circulate content from the platform.  The platform also includes a Forums section where topics to engage alumni will be posted, an Opportunities section where individuals can post job listings and mentorship opportunities and a People Directory, where users can navigate and locate other users within the platform.

“The goal of DemoNSUnite is to provide a networking platform for NSU alumni to engage with each other and rekindle friendships,” said Danielle Antoon Cobb, director of Alumni Affairs. “This platform serves as a virtual community where alumni can interact and support each other personally and professionally. As undergraduates, NSU provided us with the education and skills needed to excel in our careers. This platform allows us to network amongst professionals in our fields and beyond. We hope this platform will unite alumni and enable individuals seeking new opportunities to find them. The features of this community will keep alumni up to date with the happenings on campus and opportunities provided by fellow alumni worldwide. In addition, alumni will be able to connect with fellow alumni who graduated within the same decade.”

Individuals can request to join the platform by visiting nsudemonsunite.com/signup or following the QR code below. 

For more information, contact Danielle Antoon Cobb, director of Alumni Affairs at cobbd@nsula.edu or (318) 357-5513. 

Nov 20, 2023 Meeting Agenda
Police Jury Meeting Room, 101 Franklin Street, Mansfield, LA 71052

AGENDA

A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INVOCATION
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. PRESENTATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND SERVICE AWARDS
E. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F. CALL FOR ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
G. GUEST AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
H. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
I. COUNSEL’S REPORT
J. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
      1. Michael Norton, Parish Administrator
K. LOBBYIST’S REPORT
      2. Chance McNeely with the Delta Resource Group
L. TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT
      3. Accept the Financial Statements as of October 31, 2023 and Year to Date Budget to actual report
M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
      4. Motion to approve October 16, 2023 Regular Meeting, October 19, 2023 Budget
and Finance Committee Meeting, November 2, 2023, Budget and Finance
Committee Meeting, November 6, 2023 Administrative, Budget and Finance,
Insurance, Solid Waste, Road, Airport and Special Meeting, November 9, 2023
Budget and Finance and Insurance Committee Meeting.

N. OLD BUSINESS
5. Appoint James Martin to the DeSoto Parish Planning Commission for a 6-year
term.
6. Award low bid for the David Means 4H Building Roof Replacement

O. NEW BUSINESS
7. Authorize the President to sign an agreement with Capital Area Finance
Authority and the Certificate of DeSoto Parish Evidencing Public Approval of
Bonds pursuant to section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended
8. Authorize the President and Council to sign Lease Agreement 2024 Caterpillar
Track Hoe with changes made per legal council (Already approved in budget)
9. Accept the recommendation of the Parish Administrator and Human Resource
Director for the Solid Waste Superintendent Position.
10. Authorize the E-911 naming of Bossier Estates Private Drive in Logansport

P. RESOLUTIONS
11. Recommends authorizing the President to sign a Resolution for the assignment
of State Agency Lease No. 20218 from SMEP all of their rights, titles and
interest in said lease unto GEP Haynesville II, LLC
12. Recommends authorizing the President to sign the State Project No. H015175
Obstruction Removal Runway 36 Approach Phase III (Construction) C. E. “Rusty Williams” Airport Agreement and Resolution

Q. ORDINANCES

 R. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
13. Recommends accepting the resignation of Latarsha Shelton and appointing
Bruce Carol to the EMS Board for the remaining term expiring in July of 2024
14. Recommends accepting the resignation of Michael Rister from the Waterworks
District No. 1 Board
15. Recommends rescinding the authorization for Jurors and employees hunting on
any Jury property.
16. Recommends accepting the resignation of Michael Rister and appoint Tim
McQueary to the Fire District 9 Board of Commissioners serving the remaining
term expiring in 2024 and re-appoint Ross Tilsbury and John Prince to the Fire
District 9 Board of Commissioners for a two year term.
17. Recommends re-appointing Shirley Payne and Mary Thompson to the DeSoto
Parish Tourism Commission serving a 3 year term.

18. Recommends re-appointing Michelle Abington Cooper, Margaret Dickerson and
Leon Hunt to the DeSoto Parish Library Board of Control for a 5 year term.
19. Recommends amending the 2023 Holiday Schedule for the Christmas Holiday to
change Friday and Monday (December 22-25) to Monday and Tuesday
(December 25-26)

S. BUDGET AND FINANCE ITEMS
20. Recommends amending the budget to transfer $120,000 from the General Fund
to the Office Of Community Service Fund.

T. INSURANCE ITEMS
21. Recommends staying with United Health Care as is effective January 1, 2024
and later in the year look into changing to self insured

U. ROAD ITEMS
22. Recommends authorizing the President to sign Change Order No. 2 for Road
Drainage Improvements on Charlie Jones, Daw, Mounce and Nash Road – 2016
FEMA
23. Recommends amending the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with The Town of
Logansport and amend the Road Budget in the amount of $29,000 for
overlaying the remainder part of Lovell Lane.

V. ADJOURN

Plan to have Breakfast with Santa on December 2 from 8-10am at the Clista Calhoun Center, 515 Louisiana Street in Mansfield. Bring your camera to capture the special moment. 

Contact Terry Byrd at 780-3775 for more information.