Louisiana’s third annual Rose Parade^® float is getting ready to roll along the streets of Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, encouraging millions around the world to visit the state.

Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade^® float features a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis, second-line inspired umbrellas, and of course lots of purple, green and gold. Louisiana’s rolling performance will include all the sights and sounds of a Louisiana Mardi Gras. Performing will be Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and legendary guitarist James Burton.

Starting Dec. 28, the Office of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will upload images and video of the of the decorating process as the float transforms from a metal skeleton to the finished product decorated entirely with flowers, leaves, and seeds. Those videos and images can be downloaded from a DropBox folder titled 135th Tournament Roses Parade. New photos, videos, and interviews will be uploaded every day.

The Rose Parade^® will be broadcast on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, to viewers across the world. The television event airs on several networks including live telecasts in Armenia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and on American Forces Network.

Two Grand Cane business owners, Vickie Murray and Eve Mitchell, are volunteering their talents helping to create floats for the parade. Stay tuned to DPJ for an upcoming article detailing their adventures. 

---

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

STONEWALL — For basketball programs that share student-athletes with football powerhouses, basketball doesn’t typically begin until the football playoff run is over.

For North DeSoto, who regularly makes deep playoff runs and advanced to the semifinals this year, basketball coaches delay the beginning of their season, sometimes not lacing up the high tops until the football cleats are put away.

North DeSoto finally got its hardwood start on Dec. 11 with their football reinforcements in place, and the Griffins (5-0) have already surpassed their two-win total from this past season.

Third-year coach Josh James, who serves as the football defensive coordinator when he’s not drawing up basketball plays, said 11 of his 16 players are on the football team.

“With only five basketball players, our offseason and preseason are full of shooting drills and trips to the weight room,” James said. “We hired assistant coach Ke’Darius Jones this offseason, and he’s taken this team to a whole other level.

“Jones has installed multiple offenses, defenses, inbounds plays and the works during football season, and that’s a huge credit to him and his ability.”

North DeSoto squeezed in five games in 10 days once its season did start, which began with a 40-39 win against Class 2A Lakeside.

The Griffins’ other four wins (against Class 1A and Class B squads) have all come by double-digits, a new feeling for a North DeSoto team trying to establish a name for itself.

NDHS has a more experienced squad than in years past with all five starters playing significant minutes in their careers.

Dale Howard, who was a staple in the football defensive backfield, leads a Griffins’ roster that includes four juniors and three seniors.

All five of the Griffins’ wins have come against teams that are Class 2A or smaller, but given that the program has struggled against all opponents in recent seasons, North DeSoto’s early-season success deserves to be celebrated.

“We threw our football guys right into the fire, and for guys like Dale, there’s no time to take it slow or sit out,” James said. “Our football players don’t pick up a basketball until football season is over, so we feel great about the start.

“The kids are believing in what we’re doing.”

The Griffins will try to add to that total on Jan. 5 against Doyline before taking on Logansport on Jan. 9.

North DeSoto will still need to earn respect in a brutal District 1-4A in which two teams advanced to Marsh Madness (Bossier and Huntington – Bossier won the state championship in Division II Non-Select) this past season.

“We obviously know we are in of the top districts in the state when it comes to basketball, and there’s no getting around that,” James said. “The main goal is to try and make North DeSoto basketball relevant.

“Being undefeated before Christmas break is an amazing feeling. We want to keep winning non-district games and be competitive in district play.”

---

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

LOGANSPORT — Logansport players don’t typically pick up a basketball until football season is over, but new coach Chris Thomas was able to get a little bit of a head start this season with games in November.

The Tigers started two middle schoolers in the first two games before half of Thomas’ 25-player program finished the football season.

Now the Tigers (3-3), who had their best showing in a 62-28 win against Converse on Dec. 18, could angle for a winning record with a road win at Stanley tonight at 7 p.m.

Stanley bested Logansport by 30 points on Nov. 30 only for the Tigers – with the addition of their football players – to log a 44-43 win on Dec. 15.

“We played a lot of junior varsity guys and started those two middle schoolers early in the year, but we’re coming along now that we’ve got our whole roster,” Thomas said. “If we can beat Stanley (tonight), it’d be a big deal to head into January with a winning record for a team that won just eight games last year.”

Thomas, who stepped into the head coaching role this season alongside his assistant principal role (last seven years), said he’s engulfed his team in fundamental drills that incorporates movements of their motion offense.

“The key is working on basketball skills when those football players first start back,” said Thomas, the long-time Mansfield High head coach who took the Wolverines to the Top 28 in 2012. “It’s important to work on skills like dribbling, shooting and defense.

“We do our drills in a way that we work in basketball conditioning as well, because basketball shape is different than football shape. A lot of our drills simulate what we do in games, which helps gets our guys up to speed faster.”

Thomas explained that instead of running just a shooting drill off a machine, he’ll have a defender close out on the shooter, while the shooter pump fakes, dribbles and can either shoot or kick to a teammate in the corner.

Because of Logansport’s healthy numbers, especially for a Class 1A school, Thomas and principal Chris Bush (former Ruston High head coach) along with two other assistant coaches can break the team into smaller groups and conduct drills simultaneously.

It’s working for the Tigers (3-3), who have won their last two games.

Logansport sent an early-season message as a contender in District 3-1A by topping Northwood-Lena, the reigning district champion and Division IV Select champion, on Dec. 2.

Northwood-Lena is 5-8 and beginning to surge, while St. Mary’s appears to be a contender as well.

But Logansport features point guard Dakamden Flemon, a standout receiver/cornerback on the football field, and 6-foot-5 Nik Shoalmire on a roster that also includes two seniors who are expanding on their roles from season’s past.

“Dakamden will determine how our season goes as our point guard, but Nic is showing up big right now,” Thomas said. “Nik has 23 points against Converse in our last win, and he’ll be a big piece for us.”

---

Ever since the split between the two top professional bass fishing organizations, B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF), there’s been some tension between anglers and both organizations. The reason for the split was due to the anglers themselves being unhappy with how little input they were having with B.A.S.S. They wanted more say-so in the scheduling and other areas, but B.A.S.S. was not willing to listen.

Anglers wanted adjustments made to tournament payouts and to be heard on other requests. They wanted more input on when and where tournaments would be held. They wanted B.A.S.S. to avoid scheduling events on holidays so they could be home with their families. Anglers were not a happy bunch as most of their requests fell on deaf ears.

In 2011, with B.A.S.S. not willing to conform to their requests, the disgruntled anglers decided to jump ship and start their own professional bass fishing organization called Major League Fishing or in short, MLF.  At first it appeared this mass exit by some of the top 80 anglers on the B.A.S.S. pro tour would be devastating and possibly cripple B.A.S.S.

Turns out, that was not the case, as B.A.S.S. just reloaded and filled the vacated slots with anglers who were on the rise who had been fishing the Open Series. It opened the door for so many up-and-coming anglers looking for a break and the opportunity to fish at the highest level with the best professional bass fishing organization in the world.

It was very similar to Major League Baseball’s strike years ago. The players thought they had the upper hand but found out rather quickly that there were Triple-A players who were just as good, and ready and willing to cross the picket line for the opportunity to play in the big leagues. The strike was short-lived as MLB players realized they were replaceable.

Trust me when I say there was no shortage of anglers looking for an opportunity to fish at the highest level, even if it meant they would have to take out a second mortgage on their house. It goes back to that old saying, “Everybody is replaceable.”  

Turns out, MLF anglers may have made a huge mistake walking away from B.A.S.S. as MLF went through some tough times, not only losing anglers but sponsors as well. At the end of the day, it’s all about the sponsors and the money they bring to the table. Without sponsors, no organization can survive, and it appears MLF is dying a slow death. They are constantly revamping and applying band aids to their format. They are making desperate moves from a company standpoint that raises red flags and eyebrows on whether MLF is in trouble.

Some anglers have already jumped back on board the B.A.S.S. stability train due to the issues at MLF. There are some MLF anglers that will stay until the ship has sunk, then they’ll decide what route they want to take to get back to B.A.S.S. Some might be able to get back to B.A.S.S. through certain exemptions while others will have to requalify through the new nine-tournament Open Series format.

As you can see, it’s going to be a wild ride in 2024 with so much uncertainty in professional bass fishing. But I think it’s safe to say that B.A.S.S. is on firm and stable ground. They are the standard and continue to set the bar for all professional bass fishing organizations. The Bassmaster Classic is STILL the top bass fishing tournament in the world that every bass fisherman dreams of fishing from the day they ever pick up a rod and reel. It is truly the Super Bowl of bass fishing!

Only time will tell if Major League Fishing will survive. From this angler’s perspective, I hope they do as bass fishing NEEDS two professional organizations. There’s plenty of room and plenty of anglers for both organizations to co-exist. The question is, are there enough sponsors for both of them to survive?

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and stay tuned as the 2024 professional bass fishing season will be very interesting. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Board of Regents (BOR) approved new Universal Transfer Pathways at all public institutions, which are expected to launch for students statewide in Fall 2024.

Passed in the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, Act 308, authored by Senator Cleo Fields, mandates the creation and implementation of statewide transfer pathways from two-year associate’s degree programs into four-year baccalaureate degree programs. The law specifically seeks to improve the portability of successfully completed college courses as students transfer between institutions, to ensure that all credits earned are counted toward the degree. Challenges with transfer have been cited in Louisiana and across the country as barriers to student success and completion. Currently, on average, students take almost four years to finish their bachelor’s degree after they transfer (BOR 2021-22 Articulation and Transfer Report).

The action taken today supports these legislative requirements:

• • • Each universal transfer pathway consists of 60 credit hours of coursework that can be seamlessly transferred and applied toward the requirements of a BA or BS degree at any public four-year institution in Louisiana offering the related degree.
    • Each universal transfer pathway includes courses that satisfy the graduation requirements for an associate’s degree.
    • Any student who completes the requirements of the universal transfer pathway and then transfers to a program at a four-year public institution in Louisiana will not be required to complete more than the total credits required for the BA or BS degree in that program, less the sixty credit hours earned in the transfer pathway.
    • Students can earn credit for courses in the transfer pathway through accelerated programs like dual enrollment, AP, IB, and CLEP.

The Board’s actions today were applauded by the Board of Regents’ student member and Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education. “The universal transfer pathways approved today are a game changer for our students across Louisiana. The pathways will empower students to navigate their academic journeys seamlessly, with direction and purpose. We’re grateful to the hundreds of faculty members who participated in this work for their efforts in creating these pathways,” said Sam Gil, a McNeese State University senior and student member of the Board.

“Today’s approval of the initial set of universal transfer pathways is a significant step forward in Louisiana’s efforts to improve the academic experience of our students by decreasing both cost of attendance and time to completion. With these new programs, students who begin their studies at a community college can now be assured that their credits will transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at any public university in Louisiana. This is the culmination of tremendous collaborative work by hundreds of faculty members across all of our public institutions and systems,” said Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Commissioner of Higher Education.

In collaboration with the Statewide Articulation and Transfer Council (SATC), Regents staff identified the highest-enrollment bachelor’s degrees, analyzed by discipline the curricula at each campus offering these programs, and developed draft universal pathways for consideration. This past spring, almost 300 faculty across all public institutions offering these programs met in committees to review and revise the draft curricula. Their work resulted in a total of 24 subject-specific universal transfer pathways.

Dr. Yolanda Campbell, Associate Professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Southern University A&M, was one of the participating faculty. “Southern University is proud to be a part of the conversation regarding universal transfer pathways.  Our involvement in the process is crucial to the successful and timely matriculation of our students,” she said.

Prior to Regents’ action today, the pathways were reviewed and approved by discipline-specific faculty, and campus and system academic officers to ensure alignment and support across all Louisiana public postsecondary institutions. Vicki Dennis, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Bossier Parish Community College, who joined in the review, commented that “Well-developed transfer pathways are more important than ever. It is critical that all members of the higher education sector collaborate to ensure that students can seamlessly matriculate through programs that may begin in high school, continue through the community college, and reach fruition at the university.”

The completed universal transfer pathways are as follows:

• Art
• Biology
• Business
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
• Engineering
  • Chemical
  • Civil
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• English
• History
• Kinesiology
  • Sport Management
  • Pre-allied Health
• Nursing
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sociology

Next steps include developing accessible and student-focused information, such as a website and advising materials. Broad knowledge of universal pathways options will improve college navigation, completion, and affordability. In addition, in the coming year, Regents will coordinate and launch the process to develop the next set of pathways, again focusing on high-demand areas.

---

Jimmy Lai. I was generally familiar with him and his struggle, but recent developments have brought me greater clarity.

He is a native of Hong Kong, a businessman who has owned newspapers, including his publication, Apple Daily, which was seized from him for no legal reason. He is now on (a sham) trial for alleged “national security” charges, which is the time-honored method by which authoritarian governments crush and smother liberty.

The U.S. Embassy in China made this statement: “The United States condemns the prosecution of pro-democracy advocate and media owner Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong under the PRC-imposed National Security Law. Lai has been held in pre-trial detention for more than 1,000 days, and Hong Kong and Beijing authorities have denied him his choice of legal representation. We urge Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to respect press freedom in Hong Kong. Actions that stifle press freedom and restrict the free flow of information … have undermined Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and harmed Hong Kong’s reputation as an international business and financial hub. We call on Hong Kong authorities to immediately release Jimmy Lai and all others imprisoned for defending their rights.”

While this statement highlights America’s position, the U.S. Government could do far more. In fact, as The Heritage Foundation has observed, “it’s unlikely that President Joe Biden brought up the name Jimmy Lai in conversations with China’s communist dictator, Xi Jinping. At least the records don’t show it. But Lai’s impending trial in Hong Kong represents a classic showdown between a tireless defender of freedom and a brutal regime.” Nevertheless “Lai richly deserves America’s benedictions and prayers, and Biden makes a mistake in not using his bully pulpit to press for his release. Lai fought for freedom vigorously for decades in Hong Kong until Xi’s truculence burned it down by throwing him into prison in 2020.” (M. Gonzalez, The Heritage Foundation, Nov. 21, 2022).

Lai has not only demonstrated his strong belief in freedom of speech but is also credited with a major role in fostering Hong Kong’s economic liberty and, consequently, its great economic success. These are tremendous accomplishments—and unprecedented—in a communist country like China that stifles individual liberty and economic freedom.

As noted by the Wall Street Journal, “Lai poses no threat to China’s national security, only to the CCP’s lust for absolute power. Both Lai and Xi are obsessed with liberty—Jimmy with expanding it and Xi with crushing it. After all other publications bent a knee to Beijing following the ‘97 handover, Jimmy’s Apple Daily empire continued to advocate continuing Hong Kong’s free way of life. No tyrant can live alongside the free flow of information.” (W. McGurn, WSJ, 12-19-2023).

However, while compelling, that is not what I find most captivating and intriguing about Mr. Lai, a convert to Catholicism who is willing to die in defense of his commitment to freedom. Rather, it’s his strong faith in God that, to me, rings out with a clarion call. His Christian faith, by all accounts, is what anchors him and informs his life devoted to his wife and his six children—and to freedom.

In an interview published by the Wall Street Journal we learn of Mr. Lai’s interaction with another lover of freedom, former Soviet citizen, Natan Sharansky, in 2020. Lai and Sharansky discussed “how important it is never to back down and to live as a free man even in prison by rejecting the lies the government pushes.” (W. McGurn, WSJ, 12-19-2023).

Then Sharansky, in as powerful a statement of life’s struggle as I have seen, encouraged Lai to “regard the burden laid on him as a blessing” such that “if you were chosen by faith, by God, by your people to lead, to be the example of this moment, it’s a great responsibility but it’s also a great joy. So enjoy it!” (Id.)

What a powerful statement of hope and faith.

Now, the dangerous road ahead for Lai in his trial will provide him an international platform from which to courageously reflect the timeless truths instilled in every human being: we are made in the image and likeness of God and, for that reason, possess intrinsic value, dignity, and the fundamental human right to be free, a right given to us by God and, therefore, a right that no government can take away.

One such example is worth more to life than the stained triumphs of 10,000 Caesars. (Author unknown).

Royal Alexander

---

The NCAA has approved a pair of waivers covering Northwestern State student-athletes who competed during the 2023 season.

The national governing body approved nine “extension of eligibility waivers” and 38 “season of competition waivers” for players who competed in more than four games in the shortened season.

“We appreciate the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement staff members working with us through the arduous process,” Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs/Director of NCAA Compliance Dustin Eubanks said. “They were with us every step of the way. With the circumstances surrounding this past season, we wanted to help our student-athletes as much as we could. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and hope these student-athletes can move forward in a positive manner whether at Northwestern State or at another institution.”

Northwestern State competed in six games during the 2023 season – five before the Oct. 12 death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell at an off-campus apartment complex.

The Demons canceled their Oct. 14 road game at Nicholls before returning to play Oct. 19 against Southeastern at Turpin Stadium. Following that game, the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the season based on respect for the mental health and well-being of the student-athletes.

“With a focus on our student-athletes’ well-being, this decision allows those affected by the challenging circumstances of the 2023 season to continue their athletic pursuits,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, who echoed Eubanks’ appreciation for the NCAA’s decision. “Special thanks to Dustin Eubanks for his tireless advocacy, exemplifying our commitment to prioritizing our athletes and their futures.”

For players who appeared in four or fewer games and still have a redshirt season remaining on their eligibility clock, the current NCAA guidelines will be used with regards to eligibility.

“This is the outcome we were hoping to see,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “We are grateful for the NCAA doing the same and allowing our student-athletes the option to continue their careers and to regain their year of eligibility following a 2023 season that was trying on numerous levels.”

Northwestern State’s seven-game Southland Conference schedule is set for 2024, and the full schedule will be released at a later date.

---

by Brad Dison

When Grover Cleveland entered the White House as the 22^nd President of the United States on March 4, 1885, he did so as a bachelor.  Shortly thereafter, Frances Folsom visited the president in our nation’s capital.  Frances’ father, Oscar, had been good friends with Grover until his death in 1875.  It was Oscar who had helped Grover, then 33 years old, win the election for Sheriff of Erie County, New York.  When Oscar died, Grover became the executor of Oscar’s estate.  Despite Oscar’s large amount of debt at the time of his death, Grover made sure Oscar’s widow, Emma, and daughter, Frances, were well taken care of. 

After Frances’ visit to Washington, in an act which is considered old fashioned these days, Grover asked and received Emma’s permission to write to Frances.  They soon fell in love and became engaged.  On June 2, 1886, the 49-year-old president married 21-year-old Frances Folsom in the Blue Room of the White House.  Grover Cleveland remains the only president to marry in the White House, and Frances Folsom remains the youngest first lady in history.  In the presidential election of 1888, Grover Cleveland won the popular majority vote but received fewer electoral votes than his opponent, Benjamin Harrison.  When Grover and Frances left the White House, Frances purportedly told a staff member, “I want you to take good care of all the furniture and ornaments in the house.  I want to find everything just as it is now when we come back again.” 

With more free time on his hands, Grover Cleveland began concentrating on building his family.  On October 3, 1891, Grover and Frances welcomed their first child, Ruth.  At the 1892 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Grover was nominated as the Democratic candidate on the first ballot.  On election day, Grover had a wide majority in the popular and electoral votes.  Grover Cleveland remains the only president in history to serve non-consecutive terms.  During their second term, Grover and Frances welcome two more children, Esther and Marion.   When Grover’s second term ended in 1897, Frances was eight months pregnant with their son, Richard.  Another son, Francis, was born in 1903.  The Clevelands looked forward to living happily ever after. 

In January 1904, Grover and Frances’ oldest child, Ruth, developed tonsilitis.  On January 6, doctors diagnosed Ruth with diphtheria.  Ruth struggled to breathe.  Her heart beat irregularly.  On the following day, January 6, 1904, 12-year-old Ruth Cleveland died from a heart attack.  The nation mourned along with the Clevelands.  Within a short time, companies began selling products named in memory of Grover and Frances’ late daughter.  There were dolls, kites, shoes, socks, and a whole clothing line.  In 1920, the Curtiss Candy Company renamed their Kandy Kake in memory of the president’s late daughter.  Under its new name, the former Kandy Kake became the best-selling five-cent confection by the late 1920s.  The toys, clothes, and confections were sold under the nickname that Grover and Frances called their daughter.  Through the years, the toys and clothes dropped Ruth’s name from their products.  Over 100 years later, only the confection retains the Cleveland’s daughter’s name.  You know the Kandy Kake as Baby Ruth. 

But wait a minute.  There is more to this story.  In 1920, George Herman “Babe” Ruth was in the midst of one of the most famous baseball careers in the history of the sport.  In 1930, ten years after the Baby Ruth candy bar went on sale, Babe Ruth saw the prosperity of the Baby Ruth candy bar—sales reached a height of $1 million per month—and created a company called “Babe Ruth’s Own Candy.”  Unfortunately, Babe Ruth was unable to patent the name because it was “confusingly similar to ‘Baby Ruth,’ a trademark on candy already registered.”  For nearly 100 years, many people have argued that the Baby Ruth candy bar was named after the the famous baseball player, but the Curtiss Candy Company has stood by their claim.  So, the next time you take a bite out of a Baby Ruth candy bar, take a moment to think about Grover Cleveland’s young daughter, Ruth Cleveland, and also think of one of the most famous baseball players of all time, Babe Ruth.

  Sources:

1.      The Champaign Daily Gazette, January 7, 1904, p.1.
2.     Jersey Observer and Jersey Journal, December 1, 1911, p.16.
3.     Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky), April 20, 1928, p.1.
4.     Reading Times, February 11, 1930, p.3.
5.     The Manhattan Mercury, June 6, 2006, p.11.

---

Kickapoo Twist Winery and Vineyards will host a wine tastings on Saturday, Dec 30 noon until 5pm. Yeero Yeero Food truck will also be there. Have lunch or early dinner and enjoy a glass of wine. (Must be 21 or older for wine tasting.)

The Mansfield Main Library will host a Paint party on January 20, 2024 from 10am-12pm. Spots are limited to 20.

Congratulations to the 2024 Krewe of Aquarius King and Queen, Kevin & Kandi Magee. Royalty will be honored on January 13 at 6pm at the RB4 Event Center. The parade will roll on January 27 at 6pm. It will be led by the Logansport High football team who finished the season as the  District 3-1A Champs and a  Division IV State Semi-Finalists. 

---

Earnestine Jones
June 2, 1966 — December 18, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 30 at 12pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church, Kingston

Rena Britt
March 25, 1934 — December 28, 2023
A memorial service will be held at a later date.

---

Matt Vines

STONEWALL – The grandaddy of them all.

After six North DeSoto football players were honored on the coaches’ Class 4A All-State team this past week, three Griffins were selected to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State squad with another four honorably mentioned.

The team, selected by sports writers across the state, is considered the most prestigious of all-state teams.

Offensive lineman Gage Caskey, receiver Cole Cory and defensive back Lake Bates represented the Griffins on the LSWA all-state team.

Caskey helped power an unusually balanced offensive attack that produced a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. North DeSoto piled up more than 6,553 offensive yards in just 13 games (279 passing and 225 rushing per game).

Cory finished as the one of top receivers in the state, catching 79 passes for 1,441 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Bates led the Griffins from the defensive backfield, intercepting four passes and making 18 tackles while scoring a defensive touchdown.

Represented on the honorable mention was quarterback Luke Delafield, running back Kenny Thomas, receiver Landry Wyatt and linebacker B.T. McMillian.

Delafield engineered the impressive offensive output from under center, throwing for 3,269 yards on 188-285 passing (66 percent) with 38 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

Thomas led the Griffins with 1,265 rushing yards with nearly eight yards per carry as he scored 16 rushing touchdowns.

Wyatt was NDHS’s primary deep threat as he caught 44 passes for 1,040 yards and a team-high 17 touchdowns. His emergence as a senior diversified a Griffins’ offense that powered NDHS to a No. 1 seed and a semifinal appearance.

McMillian logged 29 tackles (18 solo) with two interceptions and one defensive touchdown.

North DeSoto finished 11-2 and reached at least the semifinals round for the second straight season.

2023 LSWA CLASS 4A ALL-STATE CHART

OFFENSE

WR Cole Cory North DeSoto 5-9 175 Jr.

WR Parker Fulghum Evangel Christian 6-2 180 Sr.

WR Kylin Wheeler, Rayne 5-11 175 Jr.

OL Gage Caskey North DeSoto 6-0 255 Sr.

OL Ashton Helaire St. Thomas More 6-3 325 Sr.

OL Raymond Howard Archbishop Shaw 6-2 280 Sr.

OL Joseph Milton Opelousas 6-2 282 Sr.

OL Jace Williams, Assumption 6-1 280 Jr.

QB Ju’Juan Johnson Lafayette Christian 5-11 195 Sr.

RB Jaylon Coleman Vandebilt Catholic 5-9 160 Jr.

RB D’Shaun Ford Opelousas 6-1 210 Jr.

RB Xavier Ford Leesville 5-11 190 Jr.

PK Trey Furey Belle Chasse 6-0 175 Sr.

ATH Sam Altmann St. Thomas More 6-3 195 Sr.

DEFENSE

DL Melvin HIlls III, Lafayette Christian, 6-3, 270, Sr.

DL Ted Jackson, West Feliciana, 5-11, 240, Sr.

DL Gabriel Reliford Evangel Christian 6-2 255 Sr.

DL Brody Whatley Neville 6-5 255 Jr.

LB Hayden Hernandez St. Thomas More 6-0 215 Sr.

LB Jamal Jordan Evangel Christian 6-3 215 Sr.

LB Brody Latiolais St. Thomas More 5-11 195 Sr.

LB Brody Robichaux Assumption 5-10 200 Sr.

DB Lake Bates North DeSoto 5-10 180 Sr.

DB Brent Gordon Cecilia, 5-11 180 Jr.

DB Ty Lee Lafayette Christian 6-0 180 Sr.

DB Ja’Corian Norris Tioga 6-2 185 Sr.

P Cameron Ott Assumption 6-1 170 Jr.

KR Ky’ree Paul Istrouma 5-10 175 Jr.

ATH Diesel Solari Cecilia 5-8 170 Jr.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: JU’JUAN JOHNSON, LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: GABRIEL RELIFORD, EVANGEL CHRISTIAN

COACH OF THE YEAR: JIMMY ZACHERY, OPELOUSAS

 

---

Posted on the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. there are two scams to watch out for this holiday season. 

1. Buying gift cards this year has resulted in many getting scammed. Criminals are stealing gifts cards from stores, taking the code off of the card, and returning the card back to the store seemingly unopened. In turn, you may purchase a gift card, activate it at the counter, and give it as a gift only to later find out that the code needed to use the card is not in the package! The best way to protect your purchase is to ask the clerk at checkout if you may open the card to ensure that the code has not been cut off.

2. These texts (pictured)….hey, don’t click these links, ok? Just don’t. It’s a scam. They come in various forms but they are all aiming to steal your personal information or logins. So stay vigilant!

Check the DeSoto Sheriff App for more Scam Tips, and info on how to properly report them.

---

As deer season begins to wind down, squirrel hunters utilizing dogs to locate and tree squirrels are gearing up for their favorite time of year. Late season deer hunters are not too keen on having to contend with barking dogs and squirrel hunters tromping through the woods. Squirrel hunters utilizing dogs usually patiently wait until deer stands are vacated to have their time in the sun – or in the woods. Most, however, will have already been busy getting their favorite pups ready for the action that will last until the end of February.

For Ruston’s George Seacrist, working with his squirrel dogs is a year round proposition. He raises his own squirrel dogs and begins some preliminaries with pups as young as a month old while they’re still in the kennel, deciding which ones of the litter will eventually be sniffing out and treeing squirrels.

“Dogs that have the inborn desire to hunt can be detected at a really young age,” said Seacrist. “I’ll fan a squirrel tail in front of them and watch their reactions. Some have no interest while others want to reach through the kennel gate and grab it. I’ll keep my eye on those that do and start working with them right away.

“When pups are out in the yard playing, observe which ones seem to have an interest in birds or squirrels in the yard. Once you decide which of the pups seem to be alert to creatures in your yard, sniffing the ground with tails wagging, start right then working patiently with the puppy. I’ll tie a squirrel tail to a string and drag it around the yard so they become accustomed to the smell; they see it as a game and those that show promise become interested real quick.

“When you get to the actual training, take the pup to the woods with a trained dog and let him observe how it’s done. If he’s going to make a good squirrel dog, the light will eventually come on and he’ll be able to do it on his own,” Seacrist added.

Even though a dog may learn to tree squirrels, two other possible obstacles have to be faced. Some dogs are hesitant to bark on the tree while others may be frightened by gun fire.

“Sometimes when one of my dogs trees close to me, he doesn’t bark. However, if I step back behind a big tree where he can’t see me, he’ll bark. I’ve learned that when a dog barks after treeing, he’s not barking at the squirrel; he’s barking at me and it’s his way of telling me there’s a squirrel up there and I need to come shoot it out.

“I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem,” Seacrist continued.

Another consideration in deciding which puppy will learn to tree squirrels is the dog’s heritage and blood line. Several species of dogs, such as the mountain cur, usually make the best squirrel dogs, but Seacrist prefers smaller breed of dogs.

“My dogs are a feist and rat terrier mix and they’ve worked out really good for me. These are smaller dogs and won’t range out as far as the larger dogs. I like a dog that will hunt close so I can stay in contact with the dog and have a better ‘read’ on him and what he’s doing,” he added.

You want good exercise? Hook up with a squirrel hunter and his dogs. I have made several hunts with Seacrist and his dogs and after a day of tromping through the woods, sprinting

to the tree when the dog barks, I don’t have to be rocked to sleep that night. It’s wholesome; it’s fun and the squirrel mulligan that usually follows goes down mighty nice and easy.

---

Does your farm or business need a tax deduction before the end of the year?

Here’s your chance to support the DeSoto Parish 4-H Shooting Sports program. Make that tax deductible donation before the end of the year and support over 130 DeSoto Parish 4-H’ers who are learning how to safely handle firearms, sportsmanship, and fine tuning their aim for success!

Email jsalley@agcenter.lsu.edu for forms or more information.

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHREVEPORT, LA — Blood supply drops significantly during the winter months and LifeShare Blood Center is encouraging volunteer blood donors to treat themselves while saving lives this holiday season.

LifeShare is providing a special THANK YOU to donors who choose to donate anytime through January 3rd. All LifeShare donors will receive a shirt and a $10 Wal-Mart Gift Card. All blood types are needed, O negative and B negative are especially needed at this time.

“Winter months are historically difficult for blood collections. A combination of busy schedules, school and business closures, and an uptick in colds and flu results in fewer opportunities to collect blood,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement.

Gift cards will be available at all LifeShare donor centers and all mobile drives through Wednesday, January 3rd. To schedule a donation appointment, visit: www.lifeshare.org/give. Walk-ins are welcome.

About LifeShare Blood Center
Established in 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, LifeShare Blood Center is a nonprofit blood collection agency
dedicated to saving lives. With centers and blood drives across Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas, LifeShare plays an integral role in the healthcare of these regions. Their mission is to ensure a secure and sufficient blood supply for patients in their communities.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact media@lifeshare.org

---

I have a friend who does not make resolutions at the beginning of the year. Their stated position is very correct. “Why pile up a bunch of promises at the beginning of the year? Why not make resolutions every morning for that day. See if you can keep a resolution for one day.” I have often suspected that New Year’s resolutions are a way of gaining control over tomorrow. We are, in essence, saying to God this is MY plan for the year. What if we resolved to live each day, abiding in Christ? My friend’s philosophy seems very Jesus like. Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread and reminded us that there is little sense in worrying about tomorrow. Wake up every morning and follow Jesus for that day. See how you do!

The problem with resolutions and all those resolutions we re-resolve in Lent is that we know we won’t keep them. We make them and play such games with our own resolve. What does that say about us?

When I did make resolutions, they began on January 2nd. That way I can have as much fun as I wish to have on New Year’s Day then on January 2nd the change begins. I resolved one year that I would quit making resolutions because by March I seemed to have forgotten what I had so boldly resolved in January. My friend is correct in resolving every day to live for Christ. I want you to note that as a culture the notion of resolve is fading. The hard truth is there is no change in our lives until there is resolve in our lives.

This year my beginning of the year pondering revolves around the concept of ETM. King Solomon said, “Where there are no oxen, the stable is clean, but a good harvest requires the strength of the ox.” (Proverbs 14: 4)

I think Solomon was saying, if you want good things to happen in life, you must “endure the manure.” You can only have a clean stable by getting rid of the oxen. If you remove the oxen, then you remove the ability to obtain a bountiful harvest. The very “tool” that helps bring you success also makes a very big mess. That is the essence of ETM (endure the manure).

ETM means that the good things in life don’t come easily. You must work for them. Do you want a better career? In most cases, forty hours will not bring you financial riches or success. Do you want a great marriage? Well, that means using muscles other than the ones that hold on to the remote control. It means paying as much attention to our spouse as you do to your social media presence. Do you want to be a great parent? Great parents are involved in every aspect of their child’s life. They also reclaim the parental word, “No.” Now we have created competing loyalties between career, marriage, and family. ETM means you struggle to be faithful in the middle of that conflict.

Do you want your spiritual life to grow? You must ETM. That means when you pray, listen to God for 30 minutes rather than begging him for something for three minutes. It means loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means loving your neighbor as yourself. Loving those neighbors can be the hard part of our Christian walk. Loving your neighbor can be messy!

ETM is my aiming point for 2024. To be a better person and to have a bountiful harvest you and I need to “endure the manure.”

---

Amazon’s unveiling of its hiring phase for the Shreveport Robotics facility marks a significant stride in local economic development. The emphasis on recruiting members for the Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team presents a unique chance for the community to partake in pioneering technological advancements.

Primarily targeting specialized roles, such as Mechatronic Apprentice I and Control System Engineers, Amazon’s recruitment drive embodies inclusivity by encouraging military veterans to apply. In a recent Facebook post, State Representative-elect Steve Jackson suggested “those who feel those who feel they may not have the requisite experience, you can enroll in an 8-10 week course to help skill up for the open positions at https://unmudl.com“

The comprehensive list of positions available in Shreveport, from Maintenance Technicians to Program Managers, exemplifies Amazon’s commitment to cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce within the region. Each role not only promises employment but also offers a chance for personal and professional growth in the field of robotics and engineering.

For those aspiring to contribute to the technological landscape, the provided link directs individuals to explore and apply for these positions, fostering an efficient and straightforward application process.

Amazon’s investment in Shreveport serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity, offering avenues for both seasoned professionals and aspiring talents. This move not only enriches the local job market but also positions Shreveport at the forefront of innovation in robotics and maintenance engineering.

The convergence of Amazon’s global influence with Shreveport’s local talent pool sets the stage for an inspiring chapter in the city’s economic evolution. As Amazon pioneers advancements in robotics, the city’s workforce stands poised to embrace and contribute to this transformative journey.

---

Unless someone slammed a shopping cart into your shin or cut you off in traffic or sat you buy a drunk uncle at Present Opening Time, you might have counted your blessings in the past few says.

The spirit surrounding Christmastime and the New Year usually lends itself to such positive behavior.

Smelling coffee brewing and watching our 17-month-old granddaughter eat an apple and tell the puppy to ‘Get down!’ (a new phrase learned on Christmas Day) and considering that I can sense these things, even at the advanced stage of my development, reminds me that I might be the luckiest piece of protoplasm you could ever meet.

If not the luckiest, then at least in the Top 10 or so. There is really no other excuse for me even being here except by some mistake of nature. 

First came winning the Uterine Lottery thanks to my personal mother, and then being born in America and not on some hill in some country whose name I can’t pronounce or even locate without Google and a map.

So started a chain of events of God putting people along my wayward path to teach and encourage and inspire. One of those has a birthday December 28, and since I’ve missed writing to tell him “Happy Birthday” for 80 consecutive years, I won’t make that mistake again this time.

He’s had other jobs before and after, but Keith Prince was the sports information director at Louisiana Tech for 25 years, beginning in 1969 through the time I was there as a student in the early 1980s. It was outside what is now Scotty Robertson Memorial Gym that he asked me if I wanted to go to graduate school and be his graduate assistant.

Once I finished laughing, I thanked him and reminded him it had already taken me six years to earn a four-year degree. But … besides being organized and efficient and a wonderful writer and athlete, he is a kind and persistent man, sneaky convincing, a teacher by example, and I signed on with him for what ended up being one of the great adventures of my life. Even graduated in the legit two years, like a person with any sense is supposed to do.

Sports information directors are today called Associate Athletic Directors for Strategic Communications, or something like that. The job is the same as always though: promote your student-athletes, cover the games, never get ahead, and have four days off a year.

It’s a job that requires stamina, talent, grace, and the ability to deal with egos that often accompany your more dynamic competitors. 

To make us better, Mr. Prince introduced us, maybe even shared us, to others who did his job at their schools, to Bob Anderson at what was then Northeast, to Collie Nicholson at Grambling, Jerry Pierce at Northwestern State, Larry Hymel at Southeastern, the incomparable Louis Bonnette at McNeese State, and a bunch of others. They became our teachers but also our friends. Tremendous break. 

Mr. Prince had all the tools, but his best attribute was grace under pressure. That, and the ability to convince you that you could earn a place. He gave me and so many others a chance. And he showed us the way. Still does.

For those reasons and many more, I hope this is his best birthday yet.  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

All locations of the DeSoto Parish Library are closed today but will reopen Thursday at 9am. 

The DeSoto Parish Extension Office will be closed through January 1.

The Northwest District Pen of 3 Commercial Heifer Show and Sale will take place January 23 at 11am at the Red River Livestock Auction Barn, Coushatta. Come out and support local Northwest 4-Hers and buy some cattle. The regular sale will proceed immediately after the 4-Hers.

Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour to make stop at Toledo Bend Lake January 30 – February 4, 2024.

---

NONE

---

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

LOGANSPORT – Logansport linebacker Hunter Martin may not have been the biggest guy – listed at 5-foot-9 and 155 pounds. 

But his impact in the second level of Logansport’s defense was recognized across the state as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association voted Martin to the Class 1A All-State team released Wednesday. 

Martin was one of four linebackers selected. 

The sophomore, who was credited with 138 tackles (19 for loss), won the District 3-1A Defensive MVP for a Logansport unit that held six opponents to one score or less. 

Martin forced one fumble and recovered five more. 

The Tigers earned the No. 1 seed in Division IV and advanced to the semifinals. 

Dual-threat weapon Jukadynn Carter was honorably mentioned on the team. 

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE CHART 

OFFENSE 

WR Denim Hunt Southern Lab 5-8 150 So. 

WR Tate Hamby Ouachita Christian 6-3 185 Sr. 

TE Traville Frederick Jeanerette 6-4 241 Sr. 

OL David Howard Southern Lab 6-1 275 Sr. 

OL Travis Cedotal Ascension Catholic, 6-3, 285, Sr. 

OL Ryder Bentley Ouachita Christian, 6-6, 280, Sr. 

OL Edwin Wilson Kentwood 6-3 275 Sr. 

OL Amiree Alexander Riverside 6-2 315 Sr. 

QB Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic 5-8 165 Jr. 

RB Chad Elzy Jr. Ascension Catholic 5-10 180 Jr. 

RB Harlem Berry St. Martin’s 6-0 185 Jr. 

RB Dedric Lastie Riverside 5-4 160 Jr. 

PK Eli Bray Haynesville 6-0 165 So. 

ATH Marlon Brown Southern Lab 6-1 180 Sr. 

DEFENSE 

DL Jerren Smith, Southern Lab, 5-11, 245, Jr. 

DL Ben Devall Ouachita Christian 6-2 255 Sr. 

DL Jevonte Williams Jeanerette 6-2 244 So. 

DL LaMikal Callahan Kentwood 6-0 205 Jr. 

LB Hunter Martin Logansport 5-9 155 So. 

LB Alonzo Jackson Haynesville 6-2 205 Sr. 

LB Drake Griffin St. Mary’s 6-0 218 Sr. 

LB Noah Loveleady Ouachita Christian 6-1 215 Sr. 

DB Dylan Day Southern Lab 6-0 170 Sr. 

DB Jack Lipari Central Catholic 6-2 175 Sr. 

DB Ty Williams Vermilion Catholic 5-10 175 Sr. 

DB Zyre Colar Jeanerette 5-9 152 Jr. 

P Payne Williams St. Mary’s 5-10 150 Sr. 

KR Jamari Ayrow Centerville 6-2 240 Sr. 

ATH Mixon Bankston St. Mary’s 5-10 150 Sr. 

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: CHAD ELZY JR., ASCENSION CATHOLIC 

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: DYLAN DAY, SOUTHERN LAB 

COACH OF THE YEAR: LEE ROUSSEL, RIVERSIDE ACADAEMY 

Honorable mention 

Connor Lally, Covenant Christian Academy; Cooper Laviolette, Catholic-PC; Gavin Polk, Ouachita Christian; MJ Dade, St. Frederick; Hayden Elliott, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Ladd Thompson, Cedar Creek; Blake Robinson, Cedar Creek; Gray Worthey, Cedar Creek; Jacorian Shepherd, Montgomery; Ethan Busby, St. Mary’s; Andy Burnaman, East Beauregard; Zane Hildreth, East Beauregard; Sammy Knight, Hamilton Christian; Tyrin Singleton, Delta Charter; Kevante Carter, Kentwood; Tae’shawn Jones, Centerville; Rodrick Tezeno, Opelousas Catholic; Ben Bienvenu, St. Mary’s; Jerrion Sereal, Jeanerette; Noah Trepagnier, Riverside; Gage Shepherd, Homer; Vasser Day, St. Frederick; Cratelyn Henderson, Logansport; Evan Picou, Central Catholic; Dakota Davis, Haynesville; Rory Lambert, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Jackson Trahan, Vermilion Catholic; Juvari Singleton, Delta Charter; Mark Collins, Opelousas Catholic; Ke’von Johnson, St. Edmund; Chase Sentell, Glenbrook; Caleb Johnson, East Beauregard; Jukadynn Carter, Logansport; Jerome Harris Jr., Southern Lab; Zach White, Ouachita Christian; Jared Campbell, Riverside; Caleb Johnson, East Beauregard; Lawson Lillo, Cedar Creek; Allen McLain Jr., Vermilion Catholic; Kaleb Brumfield, Riverside; Owen Trosclair, Covenant Christian; Sanplice Simeon, St. Frederick; Germetrius, Speech; Dayton Gipson, Riverside; Manny Bejeran, St. Martin’s; Katrevrick Banks. Homer; Javon Vital; Tylon Hollins, Central Catholic; Dane Richoux, Vermilion Catholic; Cooper Helmke, St. Martin’s; Ethan Judice, Hanson Memorial. 

---

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office released their 2023 version of The Mean One.
See Parts 1 and 2 below. Enjoy!

https://fb.watch/p2Rd0RWc1U/

https://fb.watch/p2RerzeDx5/

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

---

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

North DeSoto girls soccer continues winning streak into break 

The North DeSoto girls (11-2-3) continues their hot streak by winning its final three December matches in convincing fashion. 

The Lady Griffins, who have won five matches in a row, disposed of Airline (2-0), Haughton (2-0) and Tioga (3-1) – all on the road.  

NDHS will face West Monroe and Episcopal on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, respectively, before opening Division II-District 1 play with Parkway on Jan. 9. 

The North DeSoto boys (4-7-1) enter the break on a five-match skid after losses to Leesville (2-0), Alexandria Senior High (7-0) and Walker (3-1).  

The final two matches were part of the Rapides Tournament. 

The Griffins return to the pitch by hosting Airline on Jan. 4 before starting Division II-District 1 play on Jan. 6 against Parkway. 

BOYS BASKETBALL 

North DeSoto boys remain undefeated headed into Christmas break as the Griffins snatched three wins in the final week of competition. 

NDHS (5-0) plucked a pair of wins from Palin Dealing (54-23 and 66-39) before dominated Glenbrook, 65-18, on the road Tuesday. 

After North DeSoto opened its season with a one-point win against Class 2A Lakeside on Dec. 11, the Griffins logged a win against Converse. 

All five of NDHS’ opponents have been Class 2A or smaller, something that will change in the new year when the Griffins eventually head into District 1-4A competition with the likes of Bossier, Huntington and Evangel Christian. 

Logansport (3-3) compiled a 2-1 record in a busy final stretch before Christmas break. The Tigers dropped a decision to Class 2A power North Caddo (59-48) before picking up wins against Stanley (44-43) and Converse (62-28). 

The Mansfield (3-11) took a positive step in their last game of 2023, falling to Class 4A Northwood 58-53. Earlier in the season, Mansfield lost by 27 points to Northwood. The Wolverines wrapped up the Minden Tournament this past week with a loss to Ringgold. 

Ever since Stanley (6-16) pieced together a three-game winning streak that included victories against Northwood-Lena and Logansport, the Panthers have been in a December slump. Stanley has dropped eight contests in a row with just one of those games (a one-point loss to Logansport) being closer than one point. The latest three losses came in the Logansport Tournament with defeats at the hands of Benton (65-39), Logansport (44-43) and Byrd (53-22). 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 

Logansport (6-5) had its four-game winning streak snapped with a one-point loss to Converse on Monday, the third time the Lady Tigers have fallen to the Class B opponent. 

But Logansport did log four big wins during the streak, including three in the Logansport Tournament. 

The Lady Tigers whooped Stanley (66-32), Byrd (63-36) and Evangel (48-10). 

Mansfield’s (7-6) five-game winning streak ended in a loss to Arcadia in the final game of the Minden Tournament, but the Lady Wolverines ended December on a high note with a three-point win against Northwood. 

Mansfield is 7-2 since an 0-4 start to the season, including recent wins against Booker T. Washington (47-37), Green Oaks (48-1) and Gibsland-Coleman (54-31). The Lady Wolverines held Green Oaks without a field goal for the entire game. 

Since North DeSoto’s (9-4) five-game win streak was stopped earlier this month, the Griffins have won two of their last three contests. NDHS picked up a pair of wins against Plain Dealing (by an average of 30 points) before falling to Calvin, 60-36. 

Stanley (5-13) notched its most impressive win of the season Saturday when the Panthers knocked off Class 5A Byrd in the Logansport Tournament finale, 61-27. 

Stanley has won three of its last five games, sidestepping losses to Logansport and Benton, after a 2-11 beginning. 

---

Krewe of Demeter will roll on Sunday,  January 28, 2024 at 3pm, rain or shine. Parade will begin staging at the DeSoto Parish 4H parking lot from 10am – 1pm.

Hwy 171 will be a NO THROW Zone so do not line up on Hwy 171.

Masked Krewe members will be throwing beads and cups (NO CANDY) along the route.

Staging at DeSoto Parish 4-H Barn turning right onto Independence Avenue then turning right onto Liberty Lane ending past the ballpark at Hwy 171.

ALL DAY TAILGATING ENCOURAGED. Get there early, grab your grills, call your friends and family and set up your favorite spot.

For more information contact Mandi Nash 318-453-5927.

---

I didn’t intend to return to this topic so soon but was so appalled this week I felt compelled to.

The presidents of Harvard, MIT and University of Pennsylvania were unable—after being asked several times to do so—to say that calls for the genocide of Jews violated their student codes. One of the three has now resigned, with another holding on only by the sharpened claws of her ferocious identity politics, after their disastrous appearance before a U.S. House Committee last week.

What happened?

The three college presidents were pressed about the massive protests on their campuses where chants calling for the genocide of Jews, “intifada,” and “from the river to the sea” were heard. All three awkwardly dodged the question or claimed it did not violate their policies as such, and whether the characterization of such vile hate speech violated school policy depended on the “context.”

That’s insane.

The presidents attempted to draw a false moral equivalence between calls for the genocide of Jews—equating it to Islamophobia—despite virtually no evidence Islamophobia is a problem even remotely comparable to the shocking wave of hate directed at Jews. (H. Grossman, Fox News, 12-08-2023) . In fact, “critics say that putting incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia together is to equivocate the two, when Jews are the #1 targets for hate crimes, according to the latest statistics. Jewish people comprise 2.4% of the U.S. population but make up 60% of hate crimes linked to religion.” (Id.).

Now, back to the three university presidents.

During the hearing, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik repeatedly asked the presidents whether calling for the genocide of Jews constituted bullying, harassment, and intimidation in violation of their institution’s codes of conduct. All three dodged giving a “yes” or “no” answer, saying, as noted above, that it depended on the context and seeming to suggest that only if gatherings of students chanting genocidal slogans crossed into “conduct” would it be prohibited.

My God. Can you imagine if black people were being verbally targeted for slaughter and elimination! What about transgender people? What about the mentally handicapped? What about gay people, Asians, or American Indians? The Leftist uproar would shake the globe. But not for Jews. They can be threatened with murder and only when the knife comes to the throat, it might be condemned at Harvard.

This intellectual dishonesty is well summarized by the Wall Street Journal:

“Calling for perspective and balance on an atrocity that warrants neither reveals their (universities) long-held preferences … The American professoriate leans heavily Democratic. On elite campuses it’s nearly unanimous. Conservatives, libertarians and classical liberals who work in higher education report high levels of self-censorship. Students write essays arguing positions they don’t hold simply to please their progressive professors. Doing otherwise would damage their transcripts. Rational discourse on an issue like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict simply isn’t allowed. Only the academic postmodern progressive lens is tolerated.” (C. Asness, WSJ, 12-13-23).

This is the intellectual rot that has poisoned our American institutions of “higher learning” for decades—masquerading as political correctness—coming home to roost. This is where we are with the Woke American Left. There can be no dissenting thought, no genuine exchange of ideas. Rather, you are either Woke, or you are silenced. Censored. Cancelled. Free speech in the context of genuine academic freedom is largely non-existent in American higher education. Many of us have observed this academic censorship for years but the virulent antisemitism we are currently witnessing on college campuses is a stark and disturbing reminder.

Finally, we must all be alert to the growth of this malignant mind virus and vigilant in defense of our safety in view of the warning of Martin Niemöller, a German theologian and Lutheran pastor best known for his opposition to the Nazi regime during the late 1930s. Rev. Niemoller is well known for his widely quoted 1946 poem “First they came …”

“In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

We must speak now.

Royal Alexander

---