Clyde “Skipper” Sims, Jr.
December 22, 1946 — December 5, 2023
Graveside Service: Friday, December 8 at 10am at Grove Hill Cemetery, Mansfield
Barbette White-Hudson
August 19, 1098 — December 2, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 9 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church, Grand Cane
Shirley Freeman
January 8, 1959 — December 2, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 9 at 11am at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church, Kingston
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the attached suspect. Tips can be made anonymously. We don’t need your name, just your information. You can provide law enforcement with a tip by visiting http://www.P3Tips.com, by calling 1-800-505-7867, or by filling out the Submit A Tip form in the “Forms & Tips” section of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal
STONEWALL – North DeSoto had this week circled on their calendars for more than a year.
The Griffins, who earned the No. 1 seed in Division II Non-Select thanks to a dominating regular season performance that included winning their final nine regular season games, had planned on playing for a state title for a second straight season.
But instead, the program’s 23 seniors said their final football goodbyes Friday in 28-20 loss to No. 12 seed Opelousas.
Kick returner Lake Bates gave North DeSoto a spark late with a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to pull within one score, but the Griffins couldn’t snatch the onside kick and give the offense one more chance.
The offense did have its chances, losing a couple of fumbles in the red zone that took away scoring opportunities.
“After the sting is over – it’s going to hurt awhile – but in no way does this diminish what this senior class has done,” North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn told his players after the game. “This senior class has set the standard and left a legacy that will live on forever.
“I’m so proud of how you fought and battled. We had some opportunities, but that’s over, and we’re going to build on this for the future. I love you, and these coaches are proud of you. We’ll cherish every moment. This thing will end, but the memories will last forever.”
North DeSoto created plenty of memories.
The Griffins made their first-ever appearance in a state title game this past year, winning a pair of road games to reach the Superdome in New Orleans before losing a late lead in a 28-25 loss to Lutcher.
But Opelousas was this year’s North DeSoto as the Tigers won three straight road games – knocking off No. 5 West Feliciana, No. 4 Lutcher and the No. 1 Griffins to reach their first-ever state title game.
Opelousas will meet up with fellow district member No. 2 Cecilia in that title game. Cecilia won the regular-season matchup 25-22 in Week 8.
But the Griffins has cemented their status among the powers of Class 4A/Division II.
Even without another chance at a state championship, North DeSoto continued to take steps forward this season. The Griffins won District 1-4A outright after sharing the title with Northwood in 2022 after the Falcons beat North DeSoto in the regular-season finale.
North DeSoto posted seasons of 12 and 11 wins in the last two campaigns, finishing with a 23-4 combined mark after an 11-2 record this season.
But it’s the manner in which North DeSoto largely dominated its opponents – 20 of those 23 wins by at least 20 points.
Seniors like offensive linemen Gage Caskey and Michael Loupe may not have gotten the same recognition as fellow seniors running back Trysten Hopper and receiver Landry Wyatt, but the offensive line paved the way for a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and 1,000-yard rushers, an insane statistical accomplishment.
Replacing 23 seniors spread over both sides of the ball will be difficult, but the Griffins do have some key guys back.
Quarterback Luke Delafield will still have top target Cole Cory and top rusher Kenny Thomas on his side. Two of Delafield’s other favorite targets in Tucker Brewster and Eli Procell also return.
Defensive leaders like Bates, Corbyn Cross and Brian McMillian will be hard to replace, but the culture North DeSoto has established should help prepare younger Griffins for bigger roles.
Those lessons were learned by 1-3 and 0-4 starts to the 2020 and 2021 seasons, which both ended in late-season surges and second-round playoff exits.
If current trends continue, it should be awhile before North DeSoto has to worry about second-round playoff exits.
North DeSoto should remain a Class 4A/Division II contender for the foreseeable future.
By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal
LOGANSPORT – Logansport has without question etched its name among the Class 1A/Division IV powerhouses as the Tigers made their fifth semifinals appearance since 2016.
But Logansport won’t be getting a taste of the New Orleans Superdome this year after the Tigers couldn’t dig themselves out of an early hole in a 31-14 loss to No. 4 seed Haynesville.
A Logansport fumble and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown contributed to a 17-0 hole.
As the Tigers started to chip away at Haynesville’s lead, an interception returned for a touchdown all but sealed Logansport’s fate.
A nine-member senior class that played for a state championship in 2021 (lost to Homer) as sophomores won’t experience the thrill of a return trip.
But this group further cemented Logansport’s reputation across the state as the Tigers rattled off 11 straight wins en route to an 11-2 record.
An impressive regular season which included a District 3-1A title was highlighted by the Tigers outscoring district opponents by a combined 196-9 in four games. That included a 20-3 slobberknocker against rival St. Mary’s in which the Logansport defense forced multiple redzone turnovers to keep the Tigers out of the end zone.
Logansport will lose a lot of experience on the offensive and defensive lines, which were contenders for the best units in the area regardless of class.
Senior quarterback Steven Holloway, who recovered from a horrendous car wreck in August, returned to facilitate the Tigers offense and spread the ball to its wealth of playmakers.
Holloway, a two-time all-state linebacker, learned to tone down his defensive intensity under center to lead the Tigers’ offense in a calm and steady manner.
D’warr’tez Chatman and D’avery Robinson will leave holes at receiver and defensive back, but Logansport’s strength was the number of players who could break big gains or make big tackles.
Haynesville’s solid tackling prevented big Logansport plays derived from running after the catch, one key factor in Friday’s loss.
Leading rusher Jukadynn Carter will be a focal point again next season with other weapons like Dakamden Flemon and Tonashton Bland returning.
With its current senior class, Logansport advanced to at least the quarterfinals in all four years, compiling a 34-14 record.
In the 2021 season in which the Tigers made a state championship appearance, Logansport overcame an 0-4 start against teams in larger classifications to rattle off nine straight wins.
Head coach Kevin Magee has proven he can develop players in his first 10 years, and there’s no reason to believe the Tigers won’t be a Class 1A/Division IV factor for the next 10 years.
There will be a scheduled road closure of Hwy 765 on Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6, 2023 between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day in order to complete cleanup of a prior accident that took place on December 1, 2023. There is a possibility that this will roll over into Friday, December 8th, depending on how long it takes. The closure will be from the sharp curve on Hwy 765 at Adams Rd. and to the Texas state line. Please take this time to prepare for a detour if you are planning to travel through the area this week.
I have closely followed the Caddo Sheriff election and the legal challenge occurring now in Caddo Parish District Court. The Nickelson Petition (lawsuit) is 80 pages long. The first 14 pages of the suit contain the allegations of mistakes and irregularities. Most of the remaining 66 pages contain numerous “Notation of Irregularities in the Conduct of the Election” prepared by poll commissioners who were working at the various precincts at which the alleged defects occurred.
I note that since even before the 2020 presidential election, Louisianians and all Americans have witnessed first-hand the impact of so-called ‘voting irregularities’—such as those that were documented in all six of the major swing states in 2020—on the voters’ confidence in the result of our elections, from the presidential down to the local level. That is why I believe the facts currently available in the public record and court filings concerning the Caddo Sheriff’s race demand judicial resolution and, potentially, a re-vote.
The two candidates remain separated by only one vote, with Chief Henry Whitehorn prevailing. As a result, his opponent, John Nickelson, filed suit challenging the validity and conduct of the election alleging it was “tainted with dubious votes, irregularities and a lack of procedure.”
Unsurprisingly, the legal dispute centers upon whether certain voting requirements were followed and there is every indication they were not.
For example, Nickelson’s legal counsel introduced documents reflecting that two people voted twice in the election. After reviewing the documents, one witness stated at trial “it appears so” that they had voted twice. Of these two individuals, one early voted in person then voted again on Election Day. Another individual sent in an absentee ballot and then voted in person on Election Day.
Nickelson’s team also called Dale Sibley, Caddo Registrar of Voters, to testify about and focus upon the “flaps” or affidavits of 54 pulled ballots regarding why they had been flagged. It was discovered that voter and/or witness signatures were missing. In response, Sibley stated that his office policy is to err on the side of allowing a vote if the intent is clear. Well, while that may be an admirable practice with which we can empathize, it likely doesn’t comport with the law. If we are serious about ‘defending our democracy’ we must insist that only votes that are legally compliant be counted.
The Whitehorn team’s principal argument has been that the allegedly defective absentee ballots were not objected to within the time required by law and, hence, they are waived.
The law requires that absentee ballots, for example, be handled and executed in a specific way for the simple but logical reason that the voter is not present in person voting at a voting machine. As such, election officials have no way of knowing whether the absentee ballot they are reviewing is a valid vote without the requirement that it be correctly signed and witnessed.
I think it is likely that there are almost always some mistakes or irregularities in every election, but not enough to change the outcome. However, with only a one vote margin, even one single mistake could change the outcome.
I attended the trial of this matter last week and, while I don’t know how Judge Bleich viewed the trial and will rule after he receives and reviews the post-trial briefs of both parties, I do feel that the Nickelson team carried its legal burden of proving that with a one vote margin “it is impossible to determine the result” of the election, and that a new runoff election should be ordered. (LA. R.S. 18:1432).
I emphasize that were the margin of victory here greater than one single, solitary vote the error or mistake might be deemed “harmless error” if it would not alter the outcome of the election. However, with a one vote margin, if even one of the numerous alleged mistakes and/or irregularities is true, the election outcome changes.
The right to vote and the necessity to have all legal votes count equally with that of every other voter is not only one of our fundamental constitutional rights but is also the right that is preservative of all our other rights. It is a sacred right for which over a million Americans fought and died throughout America’s military history. That is why we must demand that the election safeguards put into place by law are scrupulously followed in this case.
All locations of the DeSoto Parish Library have changed their operating hours as of Monday, December 4.
The following hours will be followed until Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
SHREVEPORT – The office of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) will host Constituent Assistance Events in Natchitoches, Vernon and DeSoto Parishes this week, for constituents needing assistance with federal agencies ranging from the Social Security Administration to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A staff member for Senator Cassidy will be on hand to help constituents fill out privacy release forms.
More information is as follows:
WHAT: Constituent Assistance Event in DeSoto Parish
WHEN: Thursday, December 7
2:00-3:00 PM CT
WHERE: Stonewall Town Hall
1746 U.S. Hwy. 171
Stonewall, LA 71078
Did I want to write a book? Absolutely. Did I think I could? Yes. Would I actually get down to writing one? Not sure; not sure at all. The very thought of trying to put a book together was overwhelming. One day, I’d think I could do it. The next day, you gotta be kidding. At my age with no knowledge of all that’s involved in writing a book was too much. I decided to just forget it. As much as I’d like to see a book with my name on the cover, it was just too much, so I gave up the thought.
Enter Morgan Tarpley Smith. She had been my contact for my weekly columns in the Jena Times, a newspaper I have submitted my outdoor columns to for years. Her side gig, which became her main job after her years with the Times was setting up her own business of being an editor assisting and guiding writers in book writing projects.
Smith began dropping hints that I ought to consider compiling a book and she was willing to help by becoming my editor. This past summer, I took a deep breath, shook off a case of nerves and decided to give it a try under her direction.
This past Wednesday, November 29, Amazon.com released to the world my book. My palms are sweaty and I hyperventilate some at the thought that I actually did it. The title of my book, “Bamboozled by a Bobcat” highlights one of the stories about a harrowing experience I had as a kid when I was within two feet of having a big bobcat pounce on my head.
In my introduction of readers to my book, here’s what Morgan Smith guided me in writing on my Glynn Harris Author page on Facebook….”It’s a collection of many short stories from my growing up years in Goldonna and other stories involving country life, fishing and hunting.”
To give you a better idea of the contents of the book, some chapter titles begin with my growing up in a four room house my daddy and friends built. Two bedrooms, a kitchen and living room. Bathroom? We didn’t have one the first few years of my life because bathrooms need water and our shallow well where we drew water for drinking and cooking couldn’t cut it. Our bathroom consisted of a path out back leading to our outdoor privy.
We didn’t have air conditioning early on. We didn’t even have fans for one main reason. Electricity had not made its way to Goldonna back then. I did my homework by the light of a kerosene lamp, we heated the house in winter by a wood heater and in summer without power meant that we sweated a lot. It was a glorious day when they erected a pole, ran a wire to the house and we could pull a string and a light would come on. Hallelujah!
In the book, you’ll read about how I learned to hunt by following my dad to the squirrel woods and my introduction to deer and turkey hunting. I tell about hog killing day, how the grown ups processed and cured the meat without having electric freezers. One chapter I think you’ll find interesting and has the chance to bring a chuckle is entitled “Moonshine in the Church House.”
A writer friend, Keith Sutton, reviewed a first copy of the book and endorsing it, he wrote…”Bamboozled by a Bobcat takes the reader on a heartfelt journey through a life richly lived….these recollections are woven together with a tapestry of outdoor adventures, hunting escapades and the evolution of a budding writer.”
This gives you a snapshot about what you’ll read when you order your copy of “Bamboozled by a Bobcat”. I’ll hopefully get set up soon for a book signing or two but in the meantime, go to Amazon.com and search for the book. I think you’ll like it and with Christmas just around the corner, getting copies for friends and kin might make your shopping for gifts a bit easier.
December 16, 2023 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Taking a trip back to the holiday season during the American Civil War, visitors to Mansfield State Historic Site will learn about the Christmas traditions of the era and how families of Civil War soldiers celebrated the yuletide season with stories, songs, and food! Period holiday sweets such as gingerbread cookies, peppermint sticks, molasses taffy, hot chocolate, and chicory coffee will be available for sampling, as well as a demonstration of how these items were made in a 19th-century kitchen.
Mansfield State Historic Site is located on La. Hwy. 175, three miles south of Mansfield. Admission is $4.00 per person age 4-61; seniors 62 and over and children 3 and under are free. For more information, call (318) 872-1474 or (888) 677-6267, or visit our website at https://www.lastateparks.com/historic-sites/mansfield-state-historic-site.
Historians are most comfortable examining events that have already happened, but renowned Britain military historian Dr. Jeremy Black said historians must grapple with the present and the future in an attempt to influence events that have yet to take place.
Black addressed a crowd of high school and college students Monday at the University Center Theater on the LSUS campus.
Black, who is 68, said the world’s population has nearly tripled to about eight billion people just in his lifetime.
With the population predicted to hit about 11 billion by the year 2100, competition for resources in addition to environmental degradation that could potentially shrink the available resource pool could put the world’s current standard of living in serious jeopardy.
“When you’re trying to summarize a world with eight billion people and 193 separate countries, war is going to mean different things and be differently displayed,” said Black, who has authored 180 books. “But the key aspect is not to pretend that there is one clear answer.
“If we never as historians engage with the present and the future, we’re staying in our comfort zone, our hobbit hole. We need to engage intelligently with the world we are in and with its future.”
After the world suffered through two world wars, regional conflicts that involved world powers and the threat of war with nuclear weapons on both sides, global leaders assumed this type of conflict wouldn’t happen anymore when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.
“War is much more common now than people thought is going to be in the 1990s,” Black said. “There was the belief that with the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union, that this would be a period where there’d be small conflicts but not another major war again.
“People were very confident in that. Military expenditures massively decreased, and countries significantly expanded social welfare programs.”
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were termed “wars of choice,” meaning the external power could choose whether or not to take part.
“But the current situation is less happy,” Black said. “North Korea says it could reach the U.S. with its intercontinental missiles. There’s the possibility that the exchange of nuclear missiles and hypersonic missiles could make people anywhere a target.
“Widespread conflict no longer appears to be something just in the world of fiction or just historical, but it’s a present-day phenomenon. It’s not just in Ukraine or Gaza or other countries where major conflicts are going on like Myanmar. War is common in quite a few areas now or in the very recent past.”
The possible restriction of future natural resources could increase the likelihood of conflicts which could spread rapidly in scale.
Geopolitical events such as Russia’s entry into a country that belongs to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a U.S.-China flare-up over Taiwan or a broader Middle Eastern war surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict are just a few triggers that could lead to widespread conflict.
“All of these things create tensions between states and within states,” Black said.
Technological or size advantages don’t guarantee victory as witnessed by Russia’s initial invasion thrust into Ukraine or ultimately the U.S.’s military occupation of Afghanistan.
“To win a war, one must get the defeated group to accept the result,” Black said, using the Germans after World War II as an example and the ensuing rapid shift away from militarization that followed. “But with counterinsurgencies, the use of non-professional military elements that don’t operate in the open, evasive actions can be used in a war of attrition.
“It’s much harder to define and declare victory in these types of conflicts.”
Societal differences such as the degree of individualism in the West has decreased interest in joining militaries, whereas other societies accept mandatory conscription or are more willing to sign up for military service.
The latter societies may be more willing to fight and potentially die on a larger scale.
“I think the Vietnam War really frayed political cohesion … and I think that conscription now probably wouldn’t work in places like the United States and the UK,” Black said. “Too many people were avoiding the draft in the U.S.
“In the UK, conscription ended because it’s expensive. Generals prefer professional soldiers to be operating their expensive equipment. That’s great if you’re fighting another small and select group of professional soldiers. But what if you need more force and also civil society to back you up? That remains unclear.”
Black contends that whatever the factors that might ignite another world-wide conflict, human nature hasn’t really evolved from the thousands of years of violent conflict its experienced in its past.
“At every stage with war, we have to remember that we’re talking about human beings whose bodies and minds are being blown apart, twisted, distorted and damaged,” Black said. “It’s a horrible process.
“That’s neither better or worst than in the past. You’ve got to be very wary of thinking in terms of human progress, however defined. The reality is that in key and essential natures of the human condition, we remain as we always were – an animal of the species rather than something transformed that’s morally above this process.”
I started Monday with a trip to the doctor. There is nothing wrong. I was there for my 250,000 mile checkup. Because I have reached my “golden years” they asked me some unfamiliar questions.
The question that threw me off was, “have you fallen recently?” I try not to fall. In the years since I was a younger man, gravity has become stronger. In High School I could dunk a volleyball. I never could get enough air to dunk a basketball, but I was so close. I could run like the wind. I got knocked down a great deal on Friday nights. Yes, I played football! Now if I were to try to jump at all, the results would be hilariously embarrassing. And the only wind I feel now is the kind that God sends. Now, I am watching football.
My current reality is I will miss a step on the ladder. I get tangled up with all the plants on the floor of my greenhouse. I know I have too many plants, because my 10’ x 20’ green house is full. I stumble but I don’t fall. I spill things in the kitchen, but I don’t fall. I trip sometimes but I don’t fall. Yet.
I know why they asked the question. At my age, that hurt to type, falls become an issue. There are many reasons a person might fall and there are definite consequences of falling.
I started thinking about falling. Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and bad things happened. He was so smashed up all the governmental programs and personnel could not put him back together. When the stock market falls my wallet and future are imperiled. There are times clothes will fall, that is called a wardrobe malfunction. We used to call it flashing, but us ancient people are not cultured, civilized, or politically correct.
Falling can be good. If a few pounds fall off, that is good. Your numbers might fall and that would be another good thing. What about falling in love? That can be a good, bad, or complicated thing.
There is a whole season dedicated to fall. It is called fall. I remind people it is not called rake, mulch, or burn. It is called fall, and the leaves are beautiful and obedient. Leave the leaves in their fallen condition, your lawn will thank you in the spring. I can’t verify what your neighbors might think about it, but the grass will love it.
Falling is also theological. Since the Garden of Eden, we humans are said to be in a fallen state because of sin. There is one more theological insight about falling.
Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Have you fallen recently?
The Pelican Library branch will host their Open House Thursday, December 7th from 2-4pm. There will be food, music, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, games and door prizes.
Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 9 from 9-11am at 203 Hwy 5, Logansport. For more info call 697.2330.
Don’t forget the World’s Tallest Christmas tree structure is in Stonewall. It is lit each night until 10:30pm.
The City of Mansfield will host their annual Christmas parade Saturday, December 9. The parade begins at 2pm with lineup beginning at 11am at the old Walmart parking lot on Hwy 84. Organizers invite floats, performing and marching units of all ages. Decorated classic and vintage automobiles as well as motorcycle groups and individuals. No horses are allowed to be included in this year’s parade. Trophies will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place categories.
ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE Santa parade will take place on Saturday, December 16 at 1pm in Stonewall. Line up is at Salem Baptist Church on 3276 just past the fire station if coming from 171 on the right. For more information contact newcombc61@gmail.com
Jeanette Norwood
February 18, 1945 — December 4, 2023
Graveside Service: Thursday, December 7 at 2pm at the Pelican Cemetery
Barbette White-Hudson
August 19, 1098 — December 2, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 9 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church, Grand Cane
Shirley Freeman
January 8, 1959 — December 2, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 9 at 11am at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church, Kingston
By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal
LOGANSPORT – When Kevin Magee took the reins 10 years ago, he wanted the Logansport name to have the same effect on opponents like traditional powers Haynesville, Oak Grove and Kentwood.
The No. 1 seed Tigers are making their fifth semifinals appearance since 2016 against arguably the most holy of small-school brands in No. 4 seed Haynesville on Friday.
A win against Haynesville would send Logansport to the state title game for the third time in Magee’s tenure.
While Logansport’s two state titles — one of which Magee was a quarterback (1995) and the other the head coach (2016) – won’t stack up to Haynesville’s 17, Kentwood’s nine or Oak Grove’s seven, Logansport’s last decade measures up just fine as the Tiger’s Eye along the Sabine River has gained notoriety.
“When we started this journey 10 years ago, I thought could we sustain that success over 10 years and what does that look like?” Magee said. “When somebody says Class 1A, or Division IV Non-Select now, who are the guys at the end – the guys that you see over and over again playing in December.
“The four names at the top (Logansport, Haynesville, Oak Grove and Kentwood) – that’s who comes to mind.”
No. 2 Kentwood and No. 3 Oak Grove play in the other semifinal for the right to face the Logansport/Haynesville winner in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Logansport has beaten each of the other three powers once in Magee’s tenure, including a 1-0 mark against Haynesville and iconic coach David Franklin, who’s continued the program’s success after father Red Franklin built the football powerhouse.
The Tigers beat Haynesville for the 2016 Class 1A state championship, denying the Golden Tornado a third straight title.
Logansport got back to the Dome in 2021 by beating Oak Grove, eventually falling to Homer in the state title game.
“There’s a lot of history, and the awe of those names aren’t so big for our players anymore,” Magee said. “And it’s not just about what’s in our kids’ minds, but we want to make sure that our name puts the same taste into our opponents’ mouth.”
With Logansport rattling off nine wins to end the regular season, the Tigers earned the No. 1 seed and the right to host until they lose or hop on a bus to New Orleans.
No walking through the hallowed halls of Red Franklin Memorial Stadium this year, but the Logansport High Stadium with its second season on new turf is state-of-the-art.
The fans will be revved up with another opportunity to play for a championship at stake, and the Haynesville faithful will show up in full force as well.
Logansport hung on for a 42-34 win against No. 8 Welsh this past week, needing Jukadynn Carter’s 263 rushing yards while accounting for the deep bag of trick plays that Welsh uses on offense.
Haynesville, which pounded No. 5 Jeanerette 36-6 in the quarters, will line up and try to beat its opponent helmet on helmet.
“(Welsh) gives you so many looks with cute, gimmicky plays, and some of those worked,” Magee said. “But our defense was able to adjust and played really well.
“With Haynesville, you get what you see on offense and defense. They believe in what they do and in who they are, and so do we. Teams that use smoke and mirrors, I don’t think they wholeheartedly believe in who they are.”
Magee noted that Haynesville is much more disciplined than in the past few seasons, something he said his Tigers must have if they want another shot at a state title.
“Haynesville passes the eye test, they are physical, and they don’t make mistakes,” Magee said. “We were able to win up front (against Welsh) and be consistent in the run game, and we’ll need to do that again Friday.
“We can’t give up big chunk plays, and we have to cut down on our penalties – especially when it results in first downs. You can’t give your opponents first downs at this stage.”
By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal
STONEWALL – Opelousas.
The name doesn’t drum up football tradition, but the No. 12 seed Tigers will be trying write their own history when they visit No. 1 seed North DeSoto on Friday in Division II Non-Select semifinals.
The winner will earn the right to play for a state title in the Caesars Superdome, a place that the Griffins (11-1) experienced heartbreak in last year, and somewhere that Opelousas (10-3) has never been.
It appeared North DeSoto’s path to the Dome would have to go through Lutcher, the team that orchestrated a late rally to deny the Griffins their first-ever state title.
But Opelousas’ late surge sparked by a fake punt propelled the Tigers past the defending state champion Lutcher in the quarters (26-10 score). Opelousas has made just three playoff appearances since 2004 and is making its first semifinals appearance since 1994.
While North DeSoto’s recent history is significantly more decorated, the Griffins are still trying to earn statewide recognition as a force with staying power in Division II.
“It’s the semifinals. Everyone is good,” said North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn when asked if his players had to recalibrate after their likely expectations of a Lutcher rematch. “The fact that Opelousas beat Lutcher speaks for itself.
“They have size and are physical up front. We’re hoping to offset that with our tempo.”
The rematch factor wasn’t a factor against Iowa, whom North DeSoto vanquished in the semifinals this past season, 38-9.
An inexperienced North DeSoto defensive line has gelled over the course of the season, and its ability to take on blocks and free up a talented linebacking corps to make plays will be key in slowing down a powerful Opelousas rushing attack.
Seniors Michael Loupe and CJ Davis along with juniors Ka’el Davis and Javon Brown will be tasked with plugging holes and filling gaps.
They were up to snuff against ground-and-pound Iowa, who rushed for just 141 yards in a 45-21 North DeSoto win. The score was closer than the actual game as the Griffins took a 31-0 lead in the second quarter.
“Our defensive line has gotten better each week,” Dunn said of a defense that’s allowed an average of 14.6 points over the last 10 games after surrendering more than 50 points in each of its first two games. “The trenches will be a war this week.”
Opelousas running back D’Shaun Ford and quarterback Zackeus Malveaux spearhead an offense that’s gone on the road to knock off No. 5 West Feliciana and No. 4 Lutcher in the past two weeks.
Even more stalwart is the Tigers’ defense, which has allowed just 30 points in three playoff games.
That will likely change against the high-octane Griffins, who feature a balanced attack that rolled up 278 passing yards and 164 rushing yards against Iowa.
Quarterback Luke Delafield distributes the ball to 1,000-yard receivers Cole Cory and Landry Wyatt and hands off to 1,000-yard rushers Trysten Hopper and Kenny Thomas.
While special teams sparked Opelousas’ surge this past week against Lutcher, the North DeSoto special teams unit has provided fuel for the Griffins in these playoffs.
Corbyn Cross returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Iowa after a near return touchdown (Cole Cory) and forced turnover on special teams started the rout of DeRidder in the second round.
“Special teams has been a huge factor for us all year,” Dunn said. “Coach Bo Odom does a tremendous kob for us in this facet of the game.
“He prepares unlike anyone I’ve ever been around.”
Opelousas will be playing its third straight road game in the playoffs, similar to the road warriors North DeSoto became this past season as the Griffins won in the second round and semifinals away from home.
North DeSoto hasn’t had to step off its home field in these playoffs because of a new LHSAA rule that says the higher seed hosts in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
A team of eager young engineers from North Desoto Middle School competed at the 2023 NSU Robotics Competition and Smart Structures Show held Wednesday, November 20 on the Northwestern State University campus. The team garnered a third place finish and is under the direction of STEM electives teacher Ms. Stephanie Mason. Ms. Mason is in her 3rd year at North Desoto Middle School and her 16th year as a teacher. Ms. Mason was also presented with a well-deserved STEM Teacher Award by the STEM Pioneers and NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology.
The competition, in its 9th year of promoting fun and learning, is sponsored by NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. The event is designed for junior high aged students and consists of a series of challenges for the teams’ robots in speed, accuracy, strength, and maze running. Each team’s robot is built and programmed by the young people on the team and may not be touched after starting an event. The competition featured teams from Caddo, Desoto, and Natchitoches parishes. Representatives from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts were on hand to assist the judges and spread the word about the wonderful opportunities afforded by the school.
The annual NSU Robotics Competition and Smart Structures Show is more than a competition. It is also a superb opportunity to develop student skills in teamwork, problem solving and much more. NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology has done a superb job over the years in organizing and hosting this event. They clearly love their area of study, and their enthusiasm is obvious – and contagious. The DeSoto Parish Journal would also like to commend Ms. Mason and the young men and women of the North Desoto Middle School Robotics Team, Keep working and keep learning!
Charles Voyde is considered by some to be a legend in Texas because of his high-profile criminal history. Charles was a carpet salesman, professional gambler, and a convicted contract killer, a hitman. Charles was born in 1938 in Lovelady, Texas. His criminal career began sometime in the late 1950s and escalated from petty crimes to murder.
Charles had a wife and two children, the oldest of which was Woodrow. In 1968, when Woodrow was seven years old, Charles was arrested for the murder of Alan Harry Berg, also a carpet salesman. Woodrow’s father disappeared from his life. While awaiting trial, Charles and two others were charged with the murder of wealthy grain broker Sam Degelia near McAllen, Texas. In September 1970, Charles was acquitted of murdering Berg. After the first trial for Sam Degelia’s murder ended in a deadlocked jury, Charles was convicted in 1973 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. According to trial testimony, Charles was paid just $2,000 to murder Degelia. In 1978, after serving five years of his sentence, Charles was released for good behavior.
Like Charles, Jamiel “Jimmy” Chagra was a carpet salesman and a professional gambler. Jimmy was also a drug trafficker operating out of Las Vegas, Nevada and El Paso, Texas. In February 1979, Jimmy was indicted by a federal grand jury on cocaine and marijuana smuggling charges in Midland, Texas, and the case was assigned to Federal Judge “Maximum” John Wood. The judge earned the nickname “Maximum” for his tough treatment of drug dealers and smugglers. Jimmy tried back channels, and, when that failed, threatened Judge Wood, but he refused to step down as the presiding judge in Jimmy’s case. Jimmy decided to hire a hitman.
According to courtroom testimony, in April 1979, Jimmy Chagra met Charles and Jo Ann, Charles’ third wife, in Las Vegas. At that meeting, Charles agreed to murder the federal judge for $250,000. In the following month, Jo Ann, using the false name Fay King, bought a Weatherby rifle in a Dallas gun shop. A few days later, May 29, 1979, Judge John Wood was standing outside his car at his home in San Antonio, purportedly looking at a flat tire on either his or his wife’s car. A neighbor heard what he thought was a car backfiring and looked out of his window and saw the judge fall into his car. He had been shot in the back. He fell into and died in his wife’s lap. In the following month, Teresa Starr Jasper, Charles’ stepdaughter, picked up a briefcase which contained $250,000 in Las Vegas from Elizabeth Chagra, Jimmy’s wife.
The murder of the federal judge prompted a massive investigation, and, in August 1979, Jimmy Chagra was convicted in absentia in federal court of continuing criminal activity and sentenced to 30 years without parole. Five months later, Jimmy was captured in Las Vegas and sent to Leavenworth federal prison. While in prison, Jimmy bragged to another inmate, Jerry Ray James, that he had Judge John Wood killed and provided some specific details. Jerry Ray shared the information he learned with investigators. In September 1980, Charles was arrested in Van Horn, Texas following a 10-hour cocaine-fueled standoff with police. It was when news broke of the 10-hour standoff that Woodrow learned the whereabouts of his father whom he had not seen in over ten years.
During interrogation, Charles admitted to killing Judge John Wood. In all fairness, during the same interrogation he also claimed to have killed several other people including President John F. Kennedy. In April 1982, a federal grand jury indicted Jimmy, Jimmy’s little brother Joe Chagra, Jimmy’s wife Elizabeth, along with Charles and Jo Ann for conspiracy and other charges in the John Wood murder case. Joe Chagra made a plea-bargain for a lesser sentence. Elizabeth Chagra was found guilty of conspiracy for delivering the $250,000 payment to Charles’ stepdaughter. Jo Ann, who bought the rifle that killed Judge John Wood was sentenced to 25 years in prison for obstruction. Charles, the hitman who admitted to killing the judge, was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for the murder. Jimmy was ultimately acquitted of hiring Charles to kill Judge John Wood but was found guilty on numerous drug trafficking charges.
In the late 1980s, Charles and Woodrow grew closer. Woodrow visited his father in prison at least once a year. In 1985, Woodrow became a bartender and began helping his father to get a new trial. In 1987, when Charles married his fourth wife by proxy, Woodrow stood in for his father during the ceremony. Charles argued that his legal representation was not adequate in his 1979 trial. “No matter what you did,” Charles said, “you have a right under that Constitution to a fair and impartial hearing of your peers, and I did not get that.” In 1998, Woodrow told reporters that it was the “sad truth” that the legal system “seems to work a lot better for those who have enough money.” Woodrow fought to get his father a new trial until March 21, 2007, when the 69-year-old contract killer died in prison of a heart attack.
Woodrow once said the fight to get his father a new trial cost a lot of money, but his bartending job paid more than most bartending jobs. You see, Woodrow, the son of a hit man, was a bartender at the Boston, Massachusetts bar “where everybody knows your name.” The name of the fictional bar was Cheers. Charles Voyde Harrelson was the father of actor Woodrow “Woody” Harrelson.
Sources:
1. El Paso Times, May 30, 1979, p.1.
2. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October 21, 1984, p.89.
3. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October 25, 1984, p.69.
4. Tampa Bay Times, August 7, 1998, p.22.
5. The Monitor (McAllen, Texas), July 16, 1999, p. 26.
6. Austin American-Statesman, March 22, 2007, p.21.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map has recently been updated. This map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. Louisiana comprises five zones: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b. These zones represent average annual extreme minimum temperatures.
To find the Plant Hardiness Zone at your location quickly, enter your zip code in the Quick Zip Code Search box in the map above, or click anywhere on the map to view the corresponding interactive map.
Source: LSU AgCenter Facebook page
USDA website
Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Fall Quarter 2023 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.
Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.
To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).
Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.
De Soto
• Frierson: Elizabeth Kathleen Alexander
• Gloster: Noah L. Dupree*
• Grand Cane: Matylyn Marie Bagley, William Levi Bagley, Claire Elise Headrick*, Bailey K. Lodrige*, Terrell Andre’ Mitchell, Blayne Joseph Springer
• Keatchie: Calissa Rhea Miller, Troy Brad Mosley, Lauren Grace Niten
• Logansport: Kody Bryant
• Mansfield: Trevor Lynn Martin
• Stonewall: Mary Katherine Abraham, Randie D. Arinder, Mallory E. Bogues*, Phurithat Boonram*, Caden Harrison Britt, Landry K. Burback*, Jacob Ryan Cristler*, Victoria Elizabeth Evans, Sebastian Monroe Falls*, Lindsay Kathryn Fox*, Kathryn Mackenzie Graner, Avery Reed Murphy, Lael Christine Penner*, Kate L. Peterson, Bonnie Leeann Smith*, Emma Grace Winston*
As a kid growing up, teachers would ask the question of what do you want to be when you grow up? For boys, this was a trick question because we never grow up! Back in my day, the standard answers were policeman, fireman, teacher or for the super smart students in my class they would say…. a doctor or lawyer. Some had even greater aspirations of becoming an astronaut, mainly due to the fact we had just landed on the moon. But you never heard anyone say, “I want to be a professional bass fisherman.”
Another thing you never heard was that someone was going to sell water for a living. Can you imagine how your classmates would have reacted back in the 1970’s if you had announced you were going to bottle and sell water. You would have been the center of all their jokes from that day forward. But it turns out, you would have gotten the last laugh as you became wealthy selling water.
You probably would have gotten the same reaction if you said you were going to be a professional bass fisherman. Today, this is a real career choice for a select few. I have always compared it to being a professional athlete. The odds are not in your favor and these two are very comparable. Let me expand on this. Only 1 out of every 10,000 baseball players in the country gets drafted and only 1 out of every 5,000 makes it to the Major Leagues.
I tell you this because it just might be the same odds for becoming a professional bass fisherman. There are literally thousands of anglers across the world who want to make it to the United States and become a professional angler. Not only are you trying to be the best in this country, but you’ll be competing with anglers from Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia for what amounts to about 80 slots in either B.A.S.S. or the MLF Pro Tours.
Bass fishing has become an international sport and is very competitive for those who want to try and make a living doing it. Catching fish is only a small part of what it takes to fish for a living. Today, you must be good with social media, understand business, be a great salesman and you better have good communication skills with the ability to talk to people.
Now let’s look at the sacrifices you’ll have to make. First, prepare to eat a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while learning how to sleep in your truck or camp out to save money. Just to enter a B.A.S.S. or MLF event will cost you at least $50,000 up front and you have not even wet a hook yet. Travel expenses today with gas, hotel and food is off the chart. Hence, the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and campgrounds to try and save money.
You’ll pull your boat all over the United States with constant wear and tear on your vehicle. Don’t forget, it takes gas to fill up your boat which is an easy $75 to $120 per fill-up which includes all the practice and competition days. To be conservative, you’re probably looking at $100,000 to fish your first season which means you need to finish in the top 50 in every event to collect a $10,000 check and break even. I’ve only known one angler to ever achieve this accomplishment.
If you’re a family man, this just might be the toughest career choice you can make as you will miss birthdays, anniversaries, and some holidays. You will shed a lot of tears as you drive away from your wife and kids waving goodbye while you live the gypsy life away from home for days and weeks at a time.
I’m not trying to discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams, but understand, it’s one of the toughest and most competitive career choices you can ever make. It takes a special angler/person to make it in today’s world as a professional angler. You will need as many sponsors as you can land and if this is your dream, start saving your money now so that when you get that opportunity, money is not an issue. Anglers who are fishing just to get a check are the anglers who will struggle. Tournament fishing is kind of like gambling, anglers who fish to win can take chances rather than having to worry about just making a check so they can fish the next event.
Finally, if you’re married, make sure you have a wife who understands how tough this lifestyle can be. Today, many of the wives act as business managers for their husbands and help with coordinating appearances and interviews that pro anglers are called to do. This allows the angler to stay focused on catching fish and being competitive.
I hope I’ve shed some light on what it takes to enter the world of being a professional bass fisherman. It’s not an easy life, but one that can have great rewards if done correctly. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and think long and hard if you decide to pursue a career in the professional bass fishing world.
Steve Graf
By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal
STONEWALL — If you can’t get enough fresh air by watching the North DeSoto or Logansport football teams playing home semifinal contests Friday, come out and watch high school soccer on Saturday.
The Griffins will play two matches against North Caddo and Union Parish before the Lady Griffins take the field against South Beauregard.
The boys matches are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with the girls slated for a noon start.
The Griffins are coming off a 6-2 loss to West Monroe on Tuesday, falling to 2-2 on the season.
The Lady Griffins dominated West Ouachita, 4-1, to improve to 3-1-2 on the year.
North Caddo is 0-2 this season with Union Parish playing in its season opener.
The South Beauregard girls have won their first five games by a combined score of 19-2.
BOYS BASKETBALL
First-year Mansfield boys basketball coach Reggie Williams logged his first career win as a head coach as the Wolverines edged Rapides 45-42 on Tuesday.
The Wolverines (1-3) were playing their first home game of the season and will be back on the road Friday to play at Monroe power Carroll.
Logansport (0-1) lost its season opener 60-29 to Byrd on Monday. According to the LHSAA schedule, the Tigers won’t be back in action until Dec. 18 with a home game against Converse.
The Stanley boys (4-8) split their last two contests, a 40-25 loss to Ringgold at home before picking up a road win at Northwood-Lena (42-39). All four Stanley wins have come on the road.
North DeSoto’s season doesn’t begin until Dec. 11 when the Griffins host Lakeside.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Logansport picked up its first victory of the season with a 77-43 dismantling of Class 5A Byrd at home on Monday. The Lady Tigers (1-2) are off until a trip to Calvary on Dec. 12.
North DeSoto picked up a win before Thanksgiving, playing suffocating defense against Red River in a 39-26 victory. The Lady Griffins (3-2) will head to Haynesville and Calvary Baptist next week.
Mansfield has an unreported score and will host Southwood on Friday. The Lady Wolverines are in the midst of a four-game home stand that includes Benton on Dec. 5 and Booker T. Washington on Dec. 12.
Stanley just missed its first winning streak of the season as the Lady Panthers fell to Ringgold, 44-42. Stanley (2-9) heads to Doyline on Monday.
The Grand Cane Christmas parade & Tour of Homes is Saturday, December 2. Parade rolls at 11am. Tour from 1-4pm.
Logansport Library will host an Adult Art Class on Tuesday, December 19 at 10:30am. Contact the library for more information 697.2330.
Joe Lewis Franklin
December 6, 1941 – November 24, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 2 at 1pm at Will of God Ministries – Coushatta
Franklin Whitaker
July 24, 1933 – November 17, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 2 at 11am at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church
John “Wilson” Horn
September 9, 1941 — November 26, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 9 at 1pm at Cool Spring Primitive Baptist Church – Logansport