I strongly support and commend Gov. Landry’s efforts to address the crisis of violent crime in Louisiana.  However, I respectfully suggest that one proposal is ill-advised and does nothing to advance that goal.  Senate Bill 8 seeks to “create the office of the state public defender within the office of the governor for the delivery of indigent defense services.” My interest stems from the fact that roughly half of my current law practice is comprised of work I do at the Caddo Public Defender Office.  In that capacity, I have witnessed firsthand what is required to manage a public defender office in one of our state’s largest parishes.  My concern is twofold.

One, the conservative view of government is that government governs best when it governs least and when it governs at the most local level.  That is for good reason.  In each local public defender office, the district defender knows in great detail their parish, local judges, district attorney, and how best to navigate the local government structure.  Individual parish public defenders across Louisiana take seriously their daily responsibility to see that their offices are empowered to do the very best job possible for their indigent clients. 

No matter how experienced or hard-working an appointed State Public Defender may be, that local connection and insight will be lost.  That’s why removing decision-making authority from each individual parish public defender and consolidating it in, essentially, a Governor-appointed “czar” in a new government bureaucracy undermines the very vibrancy and boots-on-the-ground dynamic that makes these individual offices effective.  

My second concern is of a constitutional nature.  I think S.B. 8 may pose a Separation of Powers issue.  

Federalist 47 defined tyranny as: “[t]he accumulation of all powers legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

With this in mind, let’s remember that the Louisiana governor’s constitutional responsibility is to “faithfully support the constitution and laws of the state … and see that the laws are faithfully executed.”  That includes criminal laws.  As such, how is it not a conflict of interest and an “accumulation of all powers” for a governor, principally responsible for seeing that the laws are faithfully executed and prosecuted, to appoint the very individual who will head the entity that defends the poor against the execution of those laws, placing that very agency in the governor’s office itself—and also directly impacting the funding public defenders will (or won’t) have to do their jobs?  It’s too much.  Further, when we view this new proposal in light of the fact that the governor already has the power to pardon, grant clemency, and commute sentences, we will have placed in any governor’s hands enormous unilateral power over the life of an accused individual. 

Recall the Louisiana Public Defender Act of 2007 mandates that the state public defender system remain “free from undue political and judicial interference and free of conflicts of interest.”  S.B. 8 gravely undermines that guarantee.

Finally, it is not difficult to imagine a governor who understandably wants to move aggressively against crime, to seek to be reassured that the prospective state public defender appointee is of a like mind rather than that individual being primarily concerned with the legal defense of the poor.  The many capable prosecutors throughout Louisiana are daily bringing to bear against tens of thousands of accused indigents the full coercive weight—and resources—of the State of Louisiana. 

For this reason, it is imperative that the individual who leads the state’s public defenders be, and appear to be, both independent and singularly focused on indigent defense.  There is simply no way a conflict of interest won’t exist if the leader of the body whose sole function it is to defend the indigent is politically and financially dependent upon the governor who appoints that leader and impacts its funding.  Also, if there is an issue with the amount of funding each division of the public defender system receives—for example, local offices versus Capital defense and (501) C 3s—this can be addressed by amending the Public Defender Act of 2007.  There is no need to dismantle the whole system.

The Constitution’s guarantee of due process and a vigorous legal defense requires that these two entities exist independently of one another.

 I hope this proposal can be put aside and re-evaluated.

Royal Alexander

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Matt Vines

BATON ROUGE – North DeSoto scored two points in a total of four events at the LHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Meet on Saturday at LSU’s Carl Maddox Fieldhouse.

Javonte Taylor scored both points with sixth-place finishes in the triple jump and high jump.

Taylor’s leaps in both events were season-bests, jumping 43-7.25 in the triple and 6-2 in the high jump.

The junior competed in three different jump events Saturday, placing 14th in the long jump with an 18-7.5.

North DeSoto also shipped its 4×800 relay team to the state championship, finishing 10th.

The foursome of Macaylah Tingle, Ellie Simmons, D’Anna Robinson and Addison Robinson ran as high as seventh place following Simmons’ second leg, ultimately finishing at 11:32.45.

“Being able to see what the best in the state looks like gives us a better understanding of what we need to do at practice and during the outdoor season to get back down to LSUS for the outdoor state championships and hopefully bring home a medal,” said North DeSoto track coach Robert Madison. “To qualify for events at the indoor state meet is difficult (just two divisions).

“It’s especially impressive that Javonte qualified for three events and competed in all three on the same day.”

The North DeSoto boys finished 30th as a team in Division I with the two points from Taylor.

Four of the five track student-athletes also play basketball, meaning each individual practiced on their own for the most part.

All five North DeSoto track athletes qualified for indoor state with just one indoor meet, and one chance, to get their qualifying marks and times.

That’ll change when outdoor season ramps up in March with area meets, then district and regional contests and ultimately the state meet in May.

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(This is the first in a series on aging, or Getting On Up There. If you or a shriveled loved one are wondering how to get Social Security or Medicare or other things I know nothing about but need to explore, you are welcome to come along for the ride. Seems like one day you are coaching Little League and the next you are filling out complicated forms that will be some of the last forms you will ever fill out. Sobering. Will keep you in the loop every couple of months for a while — unless a vital organ vetoes that plan. Meanwhile, wrote this in 2010 when I was a spry 50. Those were the days…)

I am a half-century old. If my money math is correct, I can retire, somewhat comfortably, when I am 107.

Sweet!

By “somewhat comfortably,” I mean I’ll have to work only half-days by then.

Or teach myself how to get by without a few things. Like food.

(Air’s still free, right? Except at the gas station? Where is the gas station importing this air from that costs money?)

But that’s OK because I recently bit the prune and joined the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP. I have the $16 cancelled check and a membership card to prove it.

Joy!

It would seem odd that a man would join a retired persons organization when that man plans to keep working for a while. But that is one of the beautiful things about AARP, besides our red, white and gray team colors and the fact that our shuffleboard squad is undefeated this season — you do not even have to be retired to join! Do you hear what I am saying, you AARP members out there with hearing aids turned up to “Say WHAT?” You don’t even have to be retired!

The AARP has been recruiting me with a vengeance for several years now. They’ve wanted me. Badly. It’s a good though unfamiliar feeling. 

First they sent random mail. “We’re keeping up with you. Good luck this year.” That sort of thing.

Then there were phone calls, first from AARP marketers, then from some of the higher-ups. I remember a particularly poignant call from one of the vice presidents on my 50^th birthday. “Boy, you are really getting UP there!” 

At first it was bothersome. But dogged sincerity won me over. A couple of guys in suits came to recruit me, to see how long it took me unravel myself and stand up straight on my way to the bathroom on any of the six trips I make there a night. They saw me take naps on Sunday afternoon, fall asleep in a drive-thru line, have trouble lifting things, like myself. 

With each limp, I impressed. You can’t coach this stuff, really. A lot of it is just natural aging ability.

Finally, there was the free swag, probably illegal, like my canvas “travel bag” that has “AARP” on the side and a pocket for cell phone, loose change, wallet, passport, contact information for my primary physician, and next of kin, dentures and Depends.

They beat me down, is what I’m saying. Made me an offer I was getting tired of refusing.

So last week, I made the call. “I’ve decided,” I said to the toll-free operator, “to take my talents to AARP.”

Somewhere, a dog barked.

So, I am in. At least until I’m out. And so far, I like it.

My Official Membership Card (in big-letter type) scans for discounts at restaurants and movies and the drugstore, and the association sends me a monthly magazine called “Geezer Illustrated.” (I’m joking! We old folk, we like to joke, we do.) It’s called “AARP The Magazine” and Harrison Ford (Indy Jones!) was on a recent cover that included stories like “Live Your Motorcycle Fantasy!” and “Your Doctor Is Stumped: Now What?”

Not bad for 16 bucks annually. Plus, online I’m kept informed on money matters and retirement issues, freeing me up for things I want to do in my never-able-to-retire state.

Anybody up for a game of shuffleboard? Or Stump the Doctor?

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BATON ROUGE, La. – Legislators convened the 2^nd Extraordinary Session focused on crime issues this afternoon at 1:00 p.m.  Governor Jeff Landry addressed members of the House, Senate and statewide elected officials in an opening address setting the tone for the 17- day session which must end no later than 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6^th.

“Crime is out of control across Louisiana,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “This session, we’re going to focus on the victims, not the criminals so we can make our state a better and safer place to live. Our citizens deserve to peacefully live in their cities, towns, communities and homes.  They have to be able to trust the rule of law.”

“People have had enough of crime and criminals who think they’re above the law,” said Senate President Cameron Henry.  “It’s time we raise the stakes for those who chose to break the law, hurt our families, and destroy our communities.”

As of Monday morning, approximately 30 bills have been pre-filed for consideration. Topics include carrying of firearms, execution methods, criminal penalties for carjacking and changes to probation or parole. 

All legislative proceedings including committee meetings and chamber debate can be viewed at www.legis.la.gov.  Additionally, the Louisiana Legislature has a smartphone app (LA LEGE) that combines information from the House and Senate websites into an easy to use format users can access from anywhere. The LA LEGE app is available to download free of charge from the Apple or Google Play stores and does not collect any personal information. 

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The Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite Series on Toledo Bend is coming up soon, February 22-25 at Cypress Bend Park in Many. Catch the fun, all events are free. Daily launch & weigh-ins: 7am & 3pm at Cypress Bend Park B.A.S.S. on the ‘Bend Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday February 24-25 from 11am-2pm. There will be a FREE concerts by Derrick McLendon, Grammy award winning, Louisiana legend Wayne Toups, Spencer Brunson and Joey Greer. FREE activities for kids — make a bracelet station, kids’ fishing tank, balloon animals, cornhole, face painting and more. For a full schedule of events visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/BASSElite.

Krewe of Dionysos is having a St. Patrick’s Parade! March 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm. FREE TO ENTER! Entries can be submitted on our website, https://kreweofdionysos.com/join-us/ Please note revised route:
Parade stages at River South Commons parking lot (Bealls & Goodwill location); turns right on South Drive; and left on Keyser Avenue. Right on Williams Avenue and left across the Church Street bridge to 2nd Street. Left on 2nd Street to Touline Street which will officially end the parade.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is now accepting grant applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI). The LDAF will work in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award $4.6 million for equipment and infrastructure projects to Louisiana food and farm businesses, as well as other eligible entities including nonprofits, local government entities, tribal governments, schools, and hospitals. The application period opened February 7, 2024, and applications will be accepted through April 15, 2024. For the full press release, visit https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/ldaf-is-now-accepting-applications-for-resilient-food-systems-infrastructure.

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NONE

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Due to a traffic accident this morning, Richland Acres and parts of Smyrna Road will be without water until the damaged water lines are repaired. Repairs have begun and water will be restored as quickly as possible. 

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Matt Vines

Two DeSoto Parish girls basketball teams tried to snatch a road win as No. 17 seeds, and one prevailed.

Logansport knocked off No. 16 seed Kentwood in a rather high-scoring affair, 65-59. The Lady Tigers (11-11) now head to state power and No. 1 seed Arcadia early next week in the second round of the Division IV Non-Select playoffs.

“This was a solid team win, and it took all five players on the court at a given time,” said Logansport coach Crystal Childress. “We executed on offense and played good, solid defense.”

The playoff win is Logansport’s first since 2021 when the Lady Tigers made quarterfinals run.

North DeSoto as a Division II No. 17 seed couldn’t pull the same feat, falling to No. 16 North Vermilion 50-33.

The Lady Griffins end their season 19-8 but tasted the postseason for the first time since 2003. The wins are the most in more than 20 years.

Mansfield reached the 20-win mark with its 53-18 desecration of No. 23 seed Berwick in the Division III playoffs.

The Lady Wolverines, who have at least one playoff game in six of the past seven seasons, will head to No. 7 Pine early next week. Pine demolished No. 26 Port Allen, 59-19.

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Matt Vines

BATON ROUGE – Five different North DeSoto track and field athletes in three different events qualified for the LHSAA Indoor State Track Meet on Saturday at LSU’s Carl Maddox Fieldhouse.

Jumper Javonte Taylor will compete in the triple jump and high jump.

NDHS’ 4×800 relay team of Ellie Simmons, Macaylah Tingle, Addie Robinson and D’Anna Robinson will toe the line.

Because there are a limited number of programs who participate in indoor track, North DeSoto competes in the larger (Division I) of the two divisions.

North DeSoto coach Robert Madison said most of these athletes are also competing in another winter sport, making the championship appearance in an incredibly short indoor track season that much more impressive.

“D’Anna Robinson is the only one competing in just track right now,” Madison said. “The rest of them play basketball and do track training on their own.

“When they can come to (track) practice, they do. It’s a mental aspect for them, they love to compete and are dedicated enough to prepare for all the sports in which they participate.”

All five athletes qualified for state in their only indoor track meet back in mid-January at McNeese State University.

The relay team broke a program record with an 11:00.53.

“When we do get to meets, we spend a lot of time working on handoffs,” Madison said about the relay team. “We’ll spend a good 15 minutes working on exchanges, not leaving early, and making a good target with your hands.”

Taylor, who won the Class 4A outdoor state championship in the high jump, cleared 6-0 in the high jump and leapt 42-8 in the triple jump.

Competing on a championship stage in a championship venue like LSU’s will only help these student-athletes prepare for outdoor season.

“Javonte realizes that he’s pretty good at track, so even though he’s playing basketball, he does carve out time to put the track work in,” Madison said. “Both Javonte and the relay qualified for outdoor state last year and ran on LSU’s campus, so any championship experience like what they’ll get Saturday is a huge benefit.”

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When the forefathers of the United States of America began considering a total separation from Great Britain, our leaders had to plan. If the efforts of the colonists were successful, they would have to construct a new form of government almost from the ground up. They would have to take bits and pieces from governments from all over the world to create what they later described in the preamble to the Constitution as a “more perfect union.” What would the union be called?

When, in June 1775, the Congress appointed George Washington as commander in chief of the Army, our country was referred to as the “United Colonies.” The moniker itself defined the colonies as being an offspring of and answerable to the mother country, Great Britain. Our forefathers recognized the need for a new title for our collection of colonies. In early draft of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson began the document, “A Declaration of the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERCA, in General Congress assembled…” Notice that each letter in the name of our country is capitalized for emphasis. After several revisions, the final version of the Declaration of Independence began, “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America…” The final version of the Declaration included less emphasis on the title. The “thirteen United States” was used as a description of the colonies, to show that they stood together against Great Britain, rather than an official name.

Four days later, July 8, 1776, the words “United States of America” was included in the first draft of the Articles of Confederation, but the articles were not ratified by the states until 1781. In September 1776, our forefathers approved several resolutions including payments to the soldiers. The fifth resolution stated, “That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the stile be altered for the future to the “United States.” It was on that Monday, September 9, 1776, that our country officially adopted its legal name. During the American Revolution, government inspectors needed an easy way to show which casks of gunpowder had been approved for use by colonial soldiers. In August 1776, a month before “United States” became an official title, government inspectors began marking casks of approved gunpowder with the initials “U.S.A.”

In 1891, Lucas Miller became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin’s 6th district. He thought our country was not living up to its full potential and he, a first term representative, was the person to lead the country toward its destiny. He introduced numerous bills which, if they had passed, would have forever changed our country. Miller proposed 46 bills that, if they had become laws, our daily lives would be much different. His proposals would have provided for the governmental control of “pretty much everything that can be controlled, and some things that cannot be.” He proposed that 37 departments, each controlled by a secretary, such as the secretaries of fluids, forces, fairs, lectures, amusements, and more. “The comfort of the general public,” he proposed, “is to be provided for by a department of public health, their cleanliness enforced by a department of public baths, and their clothing washed through the medium of a department of public laundries.” Had his bills been approved, the government would have had control over every aspect of our lives in America, the home of the free. A couple in love would have to petition the government for permission to marry. Governmental permission would have been necessary to have children or to get divorced.

The United States of America is always changing. We have enlarged the United States with the addition of states and territories, but Miller’s proposals went too far. Lucas Miller completed his first term in 1893. His bid for a second term was unsuccessful. One of the main reasons why his reelection campaign failed was his desire to change the name of our country. He reasoned that “it is possible for the Republic to grow through the admission of new States into the Union until every Nation on Earth has become part of it.” Miller rationalized that he was just planning ahead. His plan even included a new title for our country which reflected its eventual growth. The new title Miller proposed for our country was “the United States of Earth.”

Sources:
1. The Union Times, February 24, 1893, p.1.
2. “The 0th Article of the U.S. Constitution,” National Constitution Center – Constitutioncenter.org, https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/preamble.
3. “Five ‘Unusual’ Amendments That Never Made It into the Constitution,” National Constitution Center – Constitutioncenter.org, 2018, https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/five-unusual-amendments-that-never-made-it-into-the-constitution.
4. “On This Day, the Name ‘United States of America’ Becomes Official,” National Constitution Center, Constitutioncenter.org, https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/today-the-name-united-states-of-america-becomes-offici#:~:text=Blog%20Post-.

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The recent passing of country singer Toby Keith, who was undergoing treatment for stomach cancer, has brought attention to this less prevalent form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, constitutes approximately 1.5% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the United States annually.

Dr. Furqan Akhtar, a hematologist/oncologist at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic practicing at CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier, highlighted several risk factors associated with stomach cancer.

“One common factor is an infection known as H. pylori, which can trigger reflux-like symptoms,” explained Akhtar. “Reflux itself and habits like alcohol and tobacco consumption also elevate the risk of stomach cancer.”

Diet plays a significant role in stomach cancer, with processed foods and meats, including smoked and red meats, identified as contributing factors. Genetics also play a role, with certain mutations increasing the likelihood of gastric cancer.

Symptoms of stomach cancer can vary and may include reflux symptoms, indigestion, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss, which can signal the presence of cancer.

Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on its stage, with surgery and chemotherapy being the primary treatments. CHRISTUS offers comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Despite treatment, there is a risk of cancer recurrence, underscoring the importance of regular follow-up appointments and screenings to detect any signs of recurrence early.

The survival rate for stomach cancer varies based on the stage of the disease, with early-stage patients having a higher chance of survival compared to those diagnosed at later stages.

Prevention strategies include reducing risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, adopting a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and minimizing the consumption of processed and red meats.

Akhtar emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms associated with stomach cancer. CHRISTUS Health provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and care throughout their journey.

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Matt Vines

LOGANSPORT – If the boys basketball playoffs started today, Logansport would be the only DeSoto Parish representative with a spot.

The Tigers (8-9) are sitting at No. 22 in the Division IV Non-Select power rankings and would travel for a first-round playoff game.

The other three teams find themselves on the outside of the 28-team bracket. Playoff brackets will officially be announced Monday.

With only North DeSoto with a game left to play (late Thursday night at Haynesville), only a recalibration of power points would put Mansfield, NDHS or Stanley in the postseason.

Mansfield (9-18) is at No. 29 in Division III Non-Select, just 0.10 power points out of the playoff picture.

The Wolverines made a surge with a win against No. 3 Winnfield a couple weeks ago, but Mansfield couldn’t score a victory in their last three games, which included Winnfield, Lakeview and Red River.

Mansfield finished fourth in a tough District 3-2A with a 5-5 mark. A loaded non-district schedule combined with a young team saw the Wolverines start 3-12.

Even if North DeSoto pulled out a road win against Haynesville late Thursday, the Griffins entered their finale in No. 33 in Division II Non-Select and more than 2.5 power points out of the playoff picture.

But North DeSoto (8-11) laid a brick in the foundation of a program that won just two games last year and just nine games combined in the previous three seasons. The eight wins is the most since 2016, when North DeSoto won nine contests.

Stanley (10-22) is also more than 2.5 power points out of the Division V Non-Select playoffs but ended its regular season going 3-3 in its final six games.

Softball Season Underway This Week

Softball season started this week as area DeSoto Parish schools hit the diamond for the first time.

North DeSoto started its campaign for a fourth straight state championship with a 10-0 win against Ruston on Tuesday. The Lady Griffins battled Benton in a game that ended late Thursday.

Mansfield opened its season 1-1 with a loss against Caddo Magnet (17-0) and a 13-11 win against Booker T. Washington on Wednesday.

Logansport tallied a 6-4 win at Airline on Tuesday and will attempt more Bossier Parish wins when they head to Parkway on Tuesday and host Haughton on Thursday.

Stanley kicked off its season with a demolition of Byrd (15-0) and headed to Lakeside in a late Thursday contest.

Baseball season starts this coming week.

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February 12, 2024
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON — Speaker Mike Johnson is encouraging all Louisiana high school students with a passion for art, photography, or design to participate in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition showcases students’ artwork in our nation’s capital.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide, visual art contest for high school students, where one piece of artwork from each congressional district is chosen by a panel of judges to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. The second and third place selections will be proudly displayed in Speaker Johnson’s congressional offices. All selected winners will be honored at an award reception and art show in Bossier City. Participating students must live in Speaker Johnson’s 4^th Congressional District.

Speaker Johnson recently made history when he was elected as the first Speaker of the House from the great state of Louisiana. In adhering to this theme, students are asked to celebrate Louisiana’s rich history by depicting “Legendary Louisiana” in their artwork – acknowledging people, places or events that make Louisiana legendary.

RULES AND GUIDELINES

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.

• Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
• Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
• Collages – must be two dimensional
• Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
• Mixed Media – use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photography

FORMS FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

2024 Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations

2024 Congressional Art Competition Student Submission Form

DEADLINE: Week of April 1-5, 2024

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Once again out of frustration, I am going off course today and away from fishing to express my discontent with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. From the day I completed potty training, I was a Dallas fan. I learned how to spell Cowboys before my own name.

Since being labeled “America’s Team,” they have become the most valuable franchise in all of sports. The Cowboys set the standard for winning all through the 70s, 80s and 90s with five Super Bowl championships. So why am I so disappointed with “MY” Dallas Cowboys?

Let’s first begin by looking at their history. They have the all-time highest winning percentage in the history of the NFL at 57.4. The Green Bay Packers are No. 2 at 57.2 followed by the Baltimore Ravens at 56.1. That being said, the ‘Boys have not won a Super Bowl since January 1996. That’s a drought of 28 years by a franchise that prides itself on winning Super Bowls.

So, what’s the problem? Why are the Cowboys no longer winning Super Bowls? Not only are they not getting to the Super Bowl, but they also aren’t even getting to the NFC championship game which determines who goes to the Super Bowl. Despite all the coaching changes since the late 90s, Dallas is not any closer to winning a Super Bowl.

Of all the issues and the many excuses over the years, what is the one constant? We don’t have to look far. It’s the father-son duo of Jerry and Stephen Jones. I’m all for family-owned businesses, but every now and then you must be able to recognize your weaknesses and be honest with yourself.

After so many years of failure, you would think they would look in the mirror and realize it’s time to bring in a real general manager who knows football and can make educated decisions about selecting the coach and draft picks, and recommendations on who to hire for key positions within the organization. They need to put their egos aside and do what’s right for the organization. They owe that much to their fan base.

Since the worst divorce in all of sports between head coach Jimmy Johnson and team owner Jerry Jones, the Cowboys only have five playoff wins. Egos played a huge roll in the divorce, as neither were able to set aside their differences. Champagne bottles have remained in the wine cellar for 28 years since their last championship victory. We could dive deeper into the reasons Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson parted ways, but that would be a story for another day.

Jimmy left in 1995. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl the following year with head coach Barry Switzer. But it was Jimmy’s talent that allowed them to win their fifth Super Bowl. Since then, the Cowboys have hired one head coach after another looking for the secret recipe to winning a championship. Five other head coaches have come and gone including a coaching legend in Bill Parcells. The Cowboy fan base thought Parcells would be the answer since he had won multiple Super Bowls and was a proven winner.

After being let go by Jerry Jones, the greatest departing quote ever heard came from Parcells when he made the following comment at his final press conference: “They want me to cook the dinner, but I can’t shop for the groceries.” What a great analogy, a shot directly at Jerry Jones for his controlling and meddling of football operations. This is why the Cowboys need to hire a true general manager.

As Cowboy fans, I think we are destined for failure as long as the Jones family is in charge. In 2008, in one of the last conversations I had with my dad, he said Jerry Jones would be the demise of the Dallas Cowboys due to his controlling nature as an owner. Sixteen years later, he’s been right so far.

The Cowboys have had great success in the regular season over the years, but for Dallas fans that’s not good enough. Their recent three straight 12-4 seasons is not good enough. Most NFL organizations would be shouting from the roof tops with that kind of regular season success. But when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, they are judged on winning Super Bowls, not just divisional titles.

We’re still waiting … and hoping.

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The staff at Mansfield State Historic Site would like to welcome all to attend “From Servitude to Service” in honor of Black History Month on Saturday, February 17 from 2-3pm. They will share a presentation on Louisiana’s unique history of African American service during the Civil War. The event will focus on the history, evolution, and lasting legacy of the Louisiana Native Guard. 

LOST & FOUND: A remote keyfob for a vehicle was located in the parking lot of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Main Office in Mansfield. If you are missing a keyfob to unlock your vehicle doors, please call 318.872.3956 and ask to speak with PIO, Mark Pierce.

The Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite Series on Toledo Bend is coming up soon, February 22-25 at Cypress Bend Park in Many. Catch the fun, all events are free. Daily launch & weigh-ins: 7am & 3pm at Cypress Bend Park B.A.S.S. on the ‘Bend Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday February 24-25 from 11am-2pm. There will be a FREE concerts by Derrick McLendon, Grammy award winning, Louisiana legend Wayne Toups, Spencer Brunson and Joey Greer. FREE activities for kids — make a bracelet station, kids’ fishing tank, balloon animals, cornhole, face painting and more. For a full schedule of events visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/BASSElite.

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Jasmine Lewis
December 8, 2009 – February 12, 2024
Service: Saturday, February 17 at 2pm at  Zion Hill No.2 Baptist Church – Mansfield

Adell Moore
August 29, 1946 — February 3, 2024
Service: Saturday, February 17 at 10am at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel – Mansfield

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Matt Vines

MANSFIELD – With its surge in district play, Mansfield is the only DeSoto Parish girls basketball team who will be at home for the first round of the playoffs.

The Division III No. 10 seed Lady Wolverines will host No. 23 Berwick on Thursday at 6 p.m.

North DeSoto and Logansport missed out on a home playoff game by the slimmest of margins.

Both the Lady Griffins and Lady Tigers are No. 17 seeds in their respective classes.

NDHS, who missed a Division II home game by 0.10 power points, will head to No. 17 North Vermilion on Thursday at 5 p.m. It is the first playoff appearance for North DeSoto since 2003.

Logansport, who missed a Division IV home game by just 0.02 power points, will travel to No. 17 Kentwood. The Lady Tigers will play Thursday at 6 p.m.

Mansfield (19-8) captured a share of the District 3-2A title by going 9-1 in district play. The Lady Wolverines split with co-champion Lakeview, winning the second matchup 40-38.

The Lady Wolverines have gone 19-4 since an 0-4 start.

Defense has always been the calling card of veteran coach Kendra Neal-Jones, and the Lady Wolverines have leaned on that toughness to excel.

“Our defense and discipline have been key down the stretch,” Neal-Jones said. “We’ve been executing better offensively and staying with what we do well – playing tough on the defensive end.”

Mansfield lost in the first round in 2023 but advanced to the quarterfinals in 2022, with three players from that squad still on the team. Neal-Jones won the 2019 Class 2A state championship and has made other Top 28 appearances in 2014 and 2015.

Mansfield’s opponent Berwick has also won 19 games, but many of those wins came against teams in lower classifications. Berwick went just 2-6 in District 8-3A play.

For North DeSoto (19-7), the Lady Griffins went 4-3 in District 1-4A play. NDHS dominated teams in the bottom half of the league, but a 27-point loss at Northwood and an 8-point loss at Minden were costly in terms of securing a home playoff game.

Arguably the most costly recent loss was to Logansport, a 41-35 defeat back in early January.

North DeSoto catches a North Vermilion squad (13-12) that’s lost six of its last seven games, including a district that has powers Lafayette Christian, Northside and St. Thomas More.

Its North DeSoto win wasn’t quite enough to lift Logansport (10-11) into a home playoff game.

The Lady Tigers went just 2-6 in a stacked District 3-1 slate. Oddly enough, Logansport handed second-place LaSalle one of its only two losses on the season. Conversely, St. Mary’s only two district wins came against Logansport, the second one in overtime.

Logansport’s last playoff win came in 2021 when the Lady Tigers went to the Class 1A quarterfinals.

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DeSoto Parish Sheriff Narcotics Agents, with DeSoto SWAT Team, executed a search warrant in Pelican that led to the arrest of Seth Michael Mulvihill, a 26 year old white male of Pelican, LA. Mulvihill has been booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
– Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
– Violations of Protective Orders and Possessing or Carrying a Firearm

Stemming from a separate investigation, Narcotics Agents also made an arrest on Leroy Holbert, a 40 year old black male of Mansfield, LA. Holbert has been booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Schedule II)
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
– Second or Subsequent Offense

Both Mulvihill and Holbert remain housed in the DeSoto Detention Center. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Here’s hoping your deer season was as successful as you hoped it would be. If you have been sitting down to meals of chicken-fried backstrap steaks or a tasty roast or found your breakfast of eggs tasting especially good with rounds or links of venison sausage on the side, you have been successful.

If you’re anxiously waiting for a call from the taxidermist telling you the mount of your trophy is ready for pick-up and hanging on the wall, pat yourself on the back; it’s been a good year for you.

You may be having withdrawal symptoms now that the season is over, and you wish you get to spend just one more frosty morning in a deer stand. You’re not alone in this. Scores of hunters feel the same way.

What can deer hunters do as a form of recovery to help them get over their addiction to chasing deer? Here’s a suggestion – head for your woods and begin looking for shed antlers of the big buck you hunted all season but never showed up. Now that antlers are beginning to drop, the next several weeks offer the opportunity to locate sheds before the mice and squirrels start gnawing on them.

Here’s what happens in the world of the deer. Buck deer drop their antlers in late winter or early spring. Soon after losing their headgear, they start growing a new set of antlers they’ll have until this time next year. This new set begins as fuzzy knobs growing on the pedicles located on the buck’s head between his eyes and ears. The newly formed antlers are soft and subject to damage, and for this reason, bucks are shy and reclusive; they’re protective of this new growth.

A couple of months before shedding antlers, bucks use them to hook and thrash bushes, brush, and small saplings and to fight other bucks to establish dominance. Bushes and bucks are in no danger of being gored and thrashed in spring and summer because he is protecting his newly forming soft antlers.

Velvet is “vascular skin that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone.” This amazing material causes the antler it covers to grow at an expedited rate. In fact, deer antlers grow faster than any other mammal bone. This fast growth rate is a handicap to the buck because of the incredible nutritional demand for deer to re-grow antlers annually.

Once the antlers achieve their full potential for the year, usually by mid-September in our part of the world, the velvet has served its purpose, and as it dries and is rubbed off on bushes by the buck, the antler bone actually dies, and here’s something I read that gave me pause. When that big buck comes slipping by the stand, deer hunters see an animal sporting a head full of dead bone.

Where should you look for the best chance to find shed antlers? If you planted a food plot before deer season, searching the plot or trails leading to the plot can often result in a bit of good luck when you find tines sticking up out of the grass.

Another good place to look is where a trail crosses a low fence or stream small enough for the buck to jump across. Antlers can sometimes be jarred loose when the buck lands on the other side of the fence or stream.

So, for folks puzzled about deer antlers, maybe this bit of information will answer your questions.

There is a measure of excitement to hold in your hands the headgear of a big buck that will whet your appetite for what he’ll look like once hunting seasons roll around again in the fall.

The entire process of bucks growing velvet-covered delicate antlers to them becoming hardened and eventually being shed just to do it all again every year is one of nature’s most amazing and fascinating feats.

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Matt Vines

HOUMA – The best season in North DeSoto girls soccer history came to an end Tuesday.

The No. 6 seed Lady Griffins couldn’t find the late-game magic for a second straight contest as they lost 2-1 to No. 3 seed Terrebonne in the quarterfinals of the Division II Non-Select playoffs.

Ellie Wagner tied the match 1-1 with about 17 minutes left, her second goal in as many matches.

But Terrebonne found the back of the net for the go-ahead goal with nine minutes left to advance to the semifinals.

“The game today was up and down the field the entire time,” said North DeSoto coach Morgan Ersoff. “Our defense played strong, and our offense had some great opportunities.”

North DeSoto (17-8-4) set a program record with 17 wins and matched their best playoff performance (2018 quarterfinals).

The No. 6 seed is the highest-ever in program history, and the one-goal quarters loss is much closer than the 2018 quarterfinals appearance (8-0 loss to No. 1 Vandebilt Catholic).

North DeSoto is losing just two seniors from this year’s squad, meaning the Lady Griffins should again be in position to be one of the top teams in Division II.

“We will continue our progress from this moment,” Ersoff said. “Next year, we will come out hungry and ready to go.

“We have some great middle schoolers coming up as well. We strive to take today and turn it into fire for next season.”

North DeSoto advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to some late-match heroics against No. 11 David Thibodaux.

The Lady Griffins scored two goals in the last two minutes to escape with a 2-1 win Friday at home.

Ella Cosby and Wagner scored the goals. Cosby converted a Chloe Phillips corner kick to score the first goal before playing a through ball to Wagner, who netted the go-ahead goal.

The first goal of the match came with just 10 minutes remaining as NDHS goalkeeper Katie Gibson and her Thibodaux counterpart rebuffed all attacks.

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By Doug De Graffenried

My ashes blew away.

That Ash Wednesday was a blustery day. I had agreed to do “drive by ashes” for those wanting to receive the Imposition of Ashes. I had ample ashes to do the “drive by ashes” from 6:30 until 7:30 a.m. I had the ashes on a flat dish. These ashes were a bit dryer than I like my ashes. Like gumbo in Louisiana, there are all sorts of recipes for the ashes used on Ash Wednesday. Some are very moist and very dark, almost like graphite. Other ashes are dry and gray in color. Our ash maker made some very dry ashes this year.

The morning passed without incident. People would drive up. I would walk the ashes out to their car. They would get out of the car, and I would say “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Repent and believe the gospel.” I made the sign of the cross on their foreheads with the ashes. Because the ashes were dry, the finished product looked more like a smudge than the cross. I knew the recipe needed modification prior to the evening service.

As the morning progressed the wind picked up. One family pulled up and I imposed the ashes on them. They had their pet dog in the car and asked if he could get “ashed” on Ash Wednesday. I’m such a dog fan that I gave the pooch the full treatment. The dog didn’t get ashes, but I laid hands on him and blessed him. They got back in the car and drove off. They told me later the dog seemed to be calmer.

As I walked back into the church I looked down at my ashes. They had blown away. I told you those ashes were dry. I was thankful that I was at the end of my allotted time.

I bring this up because Ash Wednesday is on Valentine’s Day this year. That is always a tough call for those of you who have decided to fast from chocolate during Lent. Many of you will participate in an Imposition of Ashes service. The service is to remind us of our nature. We are dust and to dust we shall return.

It is a solemn and humbling service to officiate. I am reminded that I am mortal. I’m reminded that my friends, whom I love, are also mortal. I really don’t want to think about that. One day, we all end up like my Ash Wednesday ashes: blown away.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. The season of Lent calls us to repentance and preparation for Easter.

The risen Christ of Easter is our seal and promise that Jesus’ followers have eternal life. What seems blown away here on earth is gathered in eternity and made whole and fully alive in Christ. We start with ashes; we end with an empty tomb. It is the amazing story of One who overcame death and the grave and promises to do the same for us.

We tell the story every year because it is still true.

I’m blown away thinking about it.

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February 13, 2024
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON — On Friday, Speaker Mike Johnson’s office – in coordination with the Bossier Clerk of Court – will host a passport fair for all Louisiana residents hoping to either renew or acquire a passport. Any Louisianian with upcoming plans to travel outside of the country is encouraged to attend and prevent future passport emergencies.

Speaker Johnson’s office is hosting this event ahead of the summer travel season to ensure Louisiana residents can travel with ease, and to preempt the backlog of passport applications. For context, in the summer of 2023, the U.S. State Department received 400,000-500,000 new passport applications per week, often with 10–12-week processing windows.

Click here for details and required documents to bring on Friday, courtesy of the Bossier City Clerk of Court.

Who: Speaker Johnson’s Staff, Bossier Clerk of Court Staff

What: Passport Fair

When: Friday, February 16 10AM – 2PM

Where: Bossier Parish Courthouse, 204 Burt Blvd, Benton, LA 71106

For any questions, please contact the Bossier City Office at 318-840-0309.

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POSITION: Technology Support Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associate degree or Military/Technical School Training in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in an administrative or technical support role
• Intermediate knowledge of LAN topographies and monitoring tools
• Strong familiarity with Apple iOS devices, MDM, and their operation
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office including Access Database Management
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal St., P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

Website: http://npsb.la/

DEADLINE:
Monday, February 26, 2024

APPLICATIONS:
Application packets should consist of a letter of application, resume’, diploma or official transcripts, and one letter of reference.

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I love you more than football,
I love you more than hoops.
I love you more than baseball —
And that’s almost the truth.
         n.From “Love is a Ball,” a work in progress

There is no way to win on Valentine’s Day.

Sports is about trying to win and sports is about pressure, either imagined or for real. But you can’t win on Valentine’s Day. Can’t do it. Too much pressure for even the best of us. 

You have to do something on Valentine’s Day. Gotta make the free throw. Gotta complete the pass. Gotta get on base.

It’s ridiculous.

It’s like being on the Kiss Camera, or “Kiss Cam,” a popular thing at sporting events. It’s a public torture chamber and should be banned. They show a “couple” on the Kiss Cam and they’re supposed to kiss. Even if it’s a first date, even if it’s a last date, even if they’ve just had a fight over who’s going to get the beer. The guy who invented the Kiss Cam should have to go on a date with Rosie O’Donnell. 

The only time Kiss Cam has hit a homer was when it caught Mr. and Mrs. Met kissing at Citi Field. And that was in the summer. When Valentine’s Day should be.

No one can be perfect all the time. Baseball millionaires get a hit just 30 percent of their at-bats. But Valentine’s Day demands that you barrel it up. On demand. Not just a hit, but extra bases. 

Tip of the hat to the guy who made up Valentine’s Day. He’s rolling in the dough and the rest of us are trying to figure out how to do “something special” for our significant others on a blah day in February, which would be just another day if this Valentine’s Day Creator hadn’t ruined up.

The best way to combat Valentine’s Day is to admit it. Admit your romantic game is in the cellar. What I know about women and relationships, you could fit in a walnut shell. But I DO know that when you’re staring into the loss column, the best thing to do is to say so.

“I love you but I don’t know what to do today to express that. BUT, would you like to go eat out in a couple of weeks? Also, I will buy you new underwear and some socks.”

Boom.

That’s what works for me. Just move Valentine’s Day to another day. A random day when you express to your beloved that you think they are Johnny Unitas reincarnated. Give him or her a card on Valentine’s Day, then eat out and send flowers on a Wednesday in March. Watch a March Madness game with them. 

End of story.

That’s really what’s wrong with Valentine’s Day. There is nothing to do, sports-wise, in mid-February. Super Bowl’s done. Basketball is mid-season. Spring training just started, but how many of us can take time off in winter to go to Scottsdale or Cocoa Beach?

Too bad, because America’s best sports song is about dating. It’s about love.

“TAKE ME OUT … to the ballgame. Take me out to the crowd…”

If only there were a game to go to.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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2/5/24

Neal, Alan Michael
B M 34
Domestic Abuse Battery
Mansfield

Mulvihill, Seth Michael
W M 26
Possession of Firearm by convicted felon
Violations of protective orders-possessing or carrying a firearm
Pelican

Wolfe, Amelia
W F 34
Possession of CDs II
Mansfield

Hunter, Colette Anne
B F 49
Fugitive warrant
Shreveport

Williamson, Gary Alan
W M 24
Hit and Run driving
Stonewall

Haddock, Trinity Shay
W M 43
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated: first offense
Expired Driver’s License
Stonewall

2/6/24

Moore, Kristopher
W M 32
Probation Violation
Stonewall

Wilkerson, James Earl
W M 32
Fugitive Warrant

2/7/24

Holbert, Leroy Dewayne
B M 40
Possession of CDs II w/intent to distribute
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Second or subsequent offense
Mansfield

Woodley, Domonique C.
B F 38
Cruelty to Juveniles
Mansfield

Perry, Drewkia Elizabeth
B F 26
Simple Battery
Mansfield

Mitchell, Shardareth Sharnice
B F 34
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

2/8/24

Reed, Sonya
B F 37
Aggravated Assault
Mansfield

Triggs, Kendrick D
B M 34
Warrant Desoto Parish
Shreveport

Woodley, Andre J. Jr.
B M 27
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Mansfield

2/9/24

Beckett, Alan M
W M 35
Cyberstalking/electronic Mail
Gardendale, Al

2/11/24

Ashley, Floydarrius Ashon
B M 20
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of CDS I
Possession of Firearm in presence of CDS
Shreveport

Moore, Kameron Xavier
B M 21
Illegal tint reflectance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of CDS I
Possession of firearm in presence of CDS
Shreveport

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