BATON ROUGE (March 6, 2024)- State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is encouraging Louisianans to check the status of the life-saving devices in their homes, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, when changing their clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.

“The practice of changing your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change your clocks should be second nature to all of us,” said Adams, “These days, as many clocks spring forward automatically, it’s especially important for this reminder to reach every household in Louisiana. Take a moment right now to put ‘change your clocks, change your batteries’ on your to-do list for this weekend.”

When checking the status of these devices to determine whether a new battery is needed, also take note of their age. If you know, or suspect, that your smoke or CO alarms are older than 10 years, we highly recommend upgrading to the 10-year, sealed battery alarms that don’t require any battery replacement through their lifetime. These newer alarms will, however, require something we suggest anyway—pressing the “test” button once a month to ensure the devices are in working order. Your family should practice a home escape plan at the same time which should include knowing two ways out of every room in your home and having an outdoor meeting place.

“We say it all the time, but it is a fact that smoke alarms save lives,” said Adams, “In 2023, 60 Louisianans lost their lives in residential fires. Only two of those cases involved structures with working smoke alarms at the time of the fires. Two other homes had evidence of smoke alarms, but they were not in working condition at the time of the fire. This is why changing your batteries when you change your clocks is so critical.”

If you do not have a smoke alarm, and cannot afford one, our Operation Save-A-Life program can help. The program partners our agency with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free for families that need them most. To learn more about the program and register for a smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org. You can also contact your local fire department to request a smoke alarm installation.

On Behalf of State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams
Contact Information- osfm.publicaffairs@la.gov

David Thomas was a man of small stature.  When he reached adulthood, he stood just 5’3” tall.  When he was 14 years old and several inches shorter, David began training to become a racehorse jockey under the tutelage of Basil Foster in Middleham, Yorkshire, England.  Basil started David out riding hack ponies, which had good dispositions and were calm.  They were perfectly suitable for inexperienced riders.  David quickly got the hang of riding hacks.  When not riding, David groomed the horses, one of which was a horse named Stonecrackers.  Of all the racehorses in Basil’s stable, Stonecrackers was one of the slowest.  Finally, Basil decided it was time for David to graduate from hacks to racehorses, and he selected Stonecrackers to break him in.  David was thrilled.

David had been looking forward to this moment for some time.  He put his saddle on Stonecrackers and carefully mounted the horse.  Stonecrackers knew she had a green rider on her because she could feel David’s legs trembling ever so slightly.  With a nudge, David and Stonecrackers started off.  Other apprentice jockeys joined David and Stonecrackers and started to gain on them.  As if to dissuade the inexperienced jockey from continuing his training, Stonecrackers ran faster and faster inside their circular pen.  The other apprentice jockeys realized what was happening and stopped to watch.  David had no choice but to hold on.  They tore around the pen as fast as Stonecrackers could go.  David became dizzy.  His head began to spin, but he knew could not let go or he would be injured by the fall.  David’s dizziness turned to weakness.  He was struggling and his grip was loosening.  Finally, Stonecrackers began to weaken as well.  David was relieved when Stonecrackers finally stopped running.  His whole body seemed to be spinning.  The other apprentice jockeys roared with laughter and teased David.  Basil was not amused.  “Don’t let that happen again,” he snarled.  “Keep riding the hack until you learn how to ride a horse better.”              

One day, David’s father sent Basil a letter.  You see, David had acted in some radio plays and stage plays.  A producer was interested in David acting in a radio play, and David’s father wrote to see if Basil would give David some time off to do it.  Basil agreed and called David into his office to give him the good news.  Basil assumed David would be thrilled, but David seemed completely uninterested.  David said later, “I was quite happy at the stables and acting wasn’t as important to me as becoming a jockey.”  Basil suggested that David do the part as the pay David would earn would pay for his jockey uniform.  David agreed, performed in the play, and returned to the stables as quickly as he could. 

A short time later, another letter arrived with an offer for David to play part in an episode of Coronation Street, a British television show which has aired continuously since December 1960.  As before, David seemed uninterested.  This time Basil suggested David accept the part because it would give him time to spend with his family.  At the time, apprentice jockeys only saw their families about once or twice a year.  David took the time off, did his part, and rushed back to the stables.  Basil said later, “When I saw the episode in which [David] appeared, I was really amazed and I thought to myself, this boy has real talent—he wasn’t the same [David] that I knew at all, and I began to think that perhaps he was wasting his time at the stables.”

Shortly thereafter, another letter came inviting David to audition for the part of Peter Pan in a play.  “I didn’t want to leave the stables at all,” David said, “even for a few weeks. Of course, there were times when I got a bit fed-up, but I really liked the [jockey] life and the other lads. Becoming a jockey was my big ambition at that time, not acting. But Basil persuaded me to try it for a time, so I travelled up to London to audition for the part.”

David began to think Basil was trying to get rid of him.  Basil explained that the acting parts were marvelous opportunities that he should not pass up.  Basil reassured David that if acting failed to work out for him, he was always welcome to come back to the stables to continue his training.  At Basil’s insistence, David went to London, said a few lines, did a bit of acting with another person, and sang a song.  Despite his desire to be at the stables training as a jockey, David always did his best.  To his chagrin, he got the part which would require him to discontinue his jockey training temporarily.  While performing in Peter Pan, David was cast as the Artful Dodger in the production of “Oliver,” first in London’s West End and then on Broadway. 

While performing in “Oliver” on Broadway, David was a guest on the February 9, 1964, episode of The Ed Sullivan Show.  This was the same episode in which the Beatles first appeared on American television.  David watched the Beatles perform from the side of the stage and was amazed.  “I saw the girls going crazy, and I said to myself, this is it.   I want a piece of that.”  In the following year, David signed a contract with a record company and released a single which peaked at 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Later that same year, David was asked to audition for a new television series about a musical group modeled after the Beatles.  David got the part and was never able to fulfill his dream of becoming a racehorse jockey.  Instead, he became a Monkee.  You know David Thomas as David Thomas “Davy” Jones of The Monkees.     

Sources:

1.      “Davy: The Secrets behind His Jockey Days,” 1968, Monkees.coolcherrycream.com, April 1, 1968. https://monkees.coolcherrycream.com/articles/1968/04/monkees-monthly/davy-the-secrets-behind-his-jockey-days.

Northwestern State University’s School of STEM has received approval for three new physical science degree concentrations that will be available this fall. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science can opt for concentrations in physics, forensic laboratory and biochemistry.   

“We still offer the bachelor’s degree in physical science with a chemistry concentration for those students interested in material science, environmental science and physical chemistry, but we have expanded our offerings to include physics, forensic laboratory science and biochemistry.  This is very exciting as it opens new career options and partnerships for NSU and the School of STEM,” said Dr. Christopher Lyles, director of the School of STEM.  

The physics concentration will prepare students to enter graduate programs in the study of physics with an emphasis on modern physics using numerical methods or computation. There will also be courses available in experimental design and project experience through NASA-funded projects in atmospheric testing. 

The concentration in forensic laboratory will prepare students to work in a crime laboratory.  The concentration has a core set of classes that include both criminal justice classes as well as new forensic chemistry classes.  Students can then choose a specialized tract in either drug/trace evidence analysis and/or DNA analysis.  The degree provides all the prerequisites for students to achieve their postgraduate certifications with the FBI or the North Louisiana Crime Laboratory. 

The biochemistry concentration is a versatile concentration that allows students to complete all the pre-requisite requirements needed to apply to professional/graduate school (medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, etc.) while completing 25 h of biochemistry and related chemistry classes.  

Information on the physical science degree program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/physical-science/.  The department is housed in Fournet Hall on the main Natchitoches campus and departmental and campus tours can be arranged at www.nsu.la/visit/   

BATON ROUGE, La. – State Senator Thomas Pressly pre-filed Senate Bill (SB) 276, the Abortion By Fraud Criminalization Act last week ahead of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session. Pressly says he filed the legislation in response to an experience that dramatically impacted his sister and his family.

“Many people around the country have recently read about my sister, Catherine Herring, who was poisoned by her now soon to be ex-husband with a drug that contained the abortion inducing drug misoprostol, with the intent of aborting their child,” said Senator Pressly. “Thankfully, with the help of the abortion pill reversal regimen, my niece is alive today.”

“The evidence in the case against Mason Herring was incredibly strong. However, the Harris County (Houston) District Attorney failed to provide justice for our family and hold Mason accountable,” explained Pressly. “The court accepted a plea deal where Mason was sentenced to 180 days in county jail for attempting to kill his unborn child six times. This is simply unacceptable. Furthermore, the fact that a man could obtain an abortion pill without a prescription or doctor’s visit is a clear sign that the illegal distribution of abortion pills is out of control.”

SB276 would ensure Louisiana has strong laws with serious consequences in place to hold the person accountable and secure justice for women according to Pressly. Additionally, the legislation takes action to include the illegal sale of abortion-inducing drugs as a predicate offense in Louisiana racketeering laws so companies and individuals can be held accountable for making profit off of women facing difficult situations.

“We must do everything in our power to protect our citizens, both pregnant women and unborn children,” said Pressly. “I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to pass this legislation during the upcoming legislative session.”

In today’s fast-paced world, people are busier than ever. They are looking for ways to reset and decompress their brains. To maintain our overall health, we need to slow down both our thought and physical exertions. Today, we’ll look at ways so many people are getting the relief they need in order to function at a normal level.

More people today are taking part in counseling sessions to release tension and make sense of everything going on around us. But sadly, for some who are at an extreme high level of tension and depression, drugs are needed.  Nothing is more important than our overall mental health. Whether it’s our jobs or just managing our families, stress creeps into our lives in different ways.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, boat, RV and ATV sales were out the roof nationwide. People turned to the great outdoors to get away from the stress that was associated with this dreaded disease. People were stuck working at home creating too much togetherness. Depression was also an internal fight for so many during this time, as lives and job careers were literally turned upside down.

For myself and so many others, we discovered that in order to maintain our metal health, fishing or any outdoor activity was good medicine. There’s just something about the peace and tranquility of sitting in a boat and wetting a hook. So many times, fishing guides have told me that some of their big city business clients told them that they don’t care if they catch a fish, they just want to get on the water and relax; catching fish is secondary.

There is absolutely nothing better for your soul or will give you a better perspective on life than being on the water watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. There’s no better feeling than running across the water with the wind blowing through your hair on a cool brisk morning headed for a good fishing hole. It’s a great way to release whatever thoughts and tensions you might have.

The concrete jungle environment that so many people work in pushes stress levels over the top with traffic jams and work-related issues. No wonder the fishing guide business is so lucrative today as people continue to look to the outdoors to regain their sanity.

As people turn to the outdoors, they are realizing what so many of previous generations already knew. The outdoors truly is a sanctuary for both young and old. It’s a place someone can decompress and regain their mental capacity to fight through life’s daily struggles.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to get outdoors and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The NSU Steel PanDEMONium Band will perform on the Natchitoches downtown riverfront stage on Saturday, March 9 at 11am. The concert will coincide with Bloomin’ on the Bricks. The steel band is directed by Dr. Oliver Molina and is comprised of instruments from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Molina said the unique timbre and infectious dance beats make it a fun and exciting concert. The program will include some island classics such as “Limbo” and “Jump in the Line” as well as some current hits like “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift. Molina encourages  audience members to stick around after the performance and try out the steel pans.

There will be a Car Seat Fitting event on Saturday, March 23 from 11am to 3pm at Willis-Knighton Bossier Medical Center, 2400 Hospital Drive, Bossier City. This is a great opportunity to check the safety of your children’s car seat or booster seat. No appointment needed. If anyone has any further questions, please contact Kevin Rigsby at Rigsbykrigsby@bpems.org.

Hazael Guevara
March 5, 1960 — March 4, 2024
Service: Sunday, March 10 at 12:30pm at Spring Ridge Baptist Church – Pleasant Hill

Matt Vines

STONEWALL – When a program wins three consecutive state titles, that means the incoming seniors have never experienced anything else at the end of a season.

North DeSoto softball coach Tim Whitman said while the expectation and standard is clearly set, sometimes he has to remind his players what it takes to remain at the top.

Those “reminders,” in addition to the excellence players in the program are accustomed to, has North DeSoto sitting at 13-0 headed into Tuesday night’s date with Sterlington.

“Sometimes they think I’m a butthole,” said Whitman, who has eight state high school championships at three programs along with an NCAA Division III National Finals appearance at the college level. “That’s one of the hardest pieces – complacency.

“But we’re blessed with great kids, kids that have an intrinsic drive that’s maybe unmatched at most places. People have to understand, even though it may look easy by season’s end, it’s the hard work in the summer and fall that gets you there. Sometimes they get complacent because that’s not the fun part, so I’ve had to holler and scream maybe more than in the past. But they’ve responded, and they keep in mind why we got to where we are.”

The Lady Griffins scour the state to scrounge up regular-season contests that will challenge a team that’s won two Class 4A state titles and a Division II Non-Select crown in the past three seasons.

Only two of North DeSoto’s 13 opponents were within three runs (beat John Curtis Christian 7-4, and Buckeye 8-5) with seven wins coming by double digits this season.

Eight of those 13 opponents reached at least the quarterfinals of their respective playoff brackets.

Buckeye (Division II Select champions) joined John Curtis (D1 Select), West Monroe (D1 Non-Select) and Opelousas Catholic (DIV Select) in their respective semifinals.

Not many could come close, which included a 13-0 route of West Monroe.

While the program misses the contributions of then-seniors Aly Delafield (Louisiana Sports Writers Association Most Outstanding Player) and Cameron Curtis (Shreveport Times Second Team), the cupboard remains stacked.

“Both (Delafield and Curtis) were instrumental on offense, defense and pitching,” said Whitman, who pointed out that both are starting at Northwestern State as freshmen. “But we’re finding pieces and seeing how everything works together.

“Key returners are stepping up and playing vital roles.”

None more vital than Laney Johnson, the Most Outstanding Player of the DII Select championship game, who’s assumed the primary pitching role along with continuing to be a power bat.

Johnson and Delafield were both named All-State pitchers on the LSWA Class 4A All-State team, and The Shreveport Times named Delafield the Area Player of the Year with Johnson being the Area Pitcher of the Year.

North DeSoto found a second arm in Avery McCloskey, who tossed a pair of shutouts against South Beauregard and Ouachita this past weekend in wins at an Alexandria Tournament. Johnson stifled John Curtis, 7-4, in the other matchup.

“Avery has emerged as the No. 2 arm, and she’s been solid in all of her outings,” Whitman said. “She’s given up runs only when the defense hasn’t played well behind her, and she’s understanding that she doesn’t have to strike everybody out. She just needs to pitch to contact and let us play defense.”

Johnson has been “pretty consistent” this season, but having multiple arms will benefit North DeSoto in the playoffs.

“If Laney got injured or is having a bad game, you have the flexibility of pitching other people,” Whitman said. “Even bigger than that, it allows us to limit Laney’s number of innings and allows her to stay fresh.”

Another benefit is having a prolific offense, a unit that’s averaged more than 11 runs per game.

Raegan Henderson, Mia Norwood and Payton Miller provide plenty of pop with players like Sasha Falls, Carsyn Curtis and Kinsey Coleman expanding their roles this season.

“As hard as it might be to believe, we still haven’t hit on all cylinders yet on offense,” Whitman said. “We’ve had players step up, but some aren’t playing as well as they are capable of.”

Starting with DIII Select runner-up Sterlington on Tuesday night, Whitman said his squad is entering the meat of the schedule that includes teams like Natchitoches Central, Brusly, Kaplan, Mt. Carmel, Pineville and Calvary Baptist.

“We think we’ll play in good atmospheres in front of lots of fans, and we expect that there will be games in which one inning, one out or one play can change the dynamic of the game,” Whitman said. “We’ll see how our new kids and older kids respond to that adversity.

“We’ll know we’ll get into those situations in the playoffs. We built this schedule to prepare us for that, and I’ll put this schedule up against anybody in the state.”

North DeSoto is the top DII Non-Select team in the power rankings, nearly 4.5 points ahead of No. 2 North Vermilion.

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert P. Hodges has appointed four new Region Majors (Command Inspectors) and five new Troop Commanders throughout the state. Troop G now has a new Regional Command Inspector, Major Michael Mayeux. Mayeux’s region includes Troop E, Troop F, and Troop G.

In addition to a new regional appointment, Superintendent Hodges has appointed Captain George “Trey” F. Strickland III, to serve as Troop G Commander.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Counseling and Career Services will host
its annual Teacher Job Fair on Thursday, March 7 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom.

Student participants must wear professional attire. Students can get more information by going to nsu.la/TJFstudent. Prospective employers can go to nsu.la/TJFemployer.

Scheduled participants include the school systems from Natchitoches, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, LaSalle, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, St, Charles, St. Martin and Winn parishes.

Also scheduled to take part are the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Charter Schools USA – Louisiana, Department of Defense Education Activity, Discovery Health Sciences Schools, Great Hearts Academies Teaching, Linwood Public Charter School, Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy, Lycée Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans and the Network of International Christian Schools.

By Doug De Graffenried

In the Methodist church we have parsonages. A parsonage is a home provided by the church in which the pastor lives. They are a vestige of the 19th century, and they are fading fast. Many large churches now give the pastor a housing allowance. I was an associate pastor in New Orleans when I moved into my first Methodist parsonage. I had lived in college dorms and seminary housing prior to living in this fine home.

The house had all the latest technology and equipment. It had a garage door opener and central heating and air. The house came with a doorbell, which you don’t find in most seminary provided housing. The house even came with the latest in kitchen equipment, an automatic dishwasher.

I knew all about dishwashing. I was the designated dryer. My other task was to put the dishes up. I had been washing and drying dishes since the 60’s. It was one of the chores of being mom’s child. This fancy Methodist parsonage had that new technology, an automatic dishwasher. Do you remember the dishwashers that were on castors? Yes, it was that kind. It sat in a corner until you needed it, and then you could roll it in place when the dishes needed washing.

I did not use it much. I was a bachelor minister at the time and my life consisted of food that involved paper plates. One weekend my mother came to see me. I pulled out the real plates for her.

I also decided to show off my fancy modern dishwasher. I knew the rudiments of connecting it to the kitchen sink. What I did not have were the little pods of dishwashing soap. I loaded the dishwasher and made a rational decision. Since I had dishwashing liquid, I would simply pour dishwashing liquid into the dishwasher.

You know what happened next. Dishwashing liquid and dishwashers are incompatible. There were suds everywhere! I also learned that it takes a couple of wash cycles to get all the detergent out of the dishwasher. There were suds everywhere for a couple of weeks. I learned my dishwasher lesson and have not repeated that mistake.

The Bible proclaims that we are all sinners. Even wearing our Sunday best, we are sinners. We can try to live a holy and perfect life. We can try to avoid sin and live for Jesus, but our very nature gets into our way.

We are like dishwasher suds, eventually sin gets everywhere. There is a remedy for our situation, the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Louisiana Christian University will offer high school students information about what opportunities await them at its annual Spring Preview Day on Saturday, March 9.

All high school students in public, private and home school are encouraged to preregister to attend the event on campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students and their parents will meet with faculty and current students and learn about academic programs, athletics and extracurricular activities. Attendees will also hear from current students about their experiences in major fields of study and what it’s really like to be a Wildcat.

Interested students should sign up at the Preview Day registration form.

Students who attend Preview Day will receive free lunch and LCU merchandise. All students who pre-register for Preview Day will have the $25 application fee waived.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, March 11, 2024, the LA 513 bridge over Ten Mile Bayou in DeSoto Parish will be closed for necessary repairs. This closure is scheduled to be in place for approximately 7 days. This bridge is located approximately 1.3 miles south of the intersection with LA 346, north of the community of Pelican.

Restrictions/Permits:
Total road closure at the specified location. ALL vehicles will need to detour.

Alternate Route: LA 346 and LA 175
This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Recently over 60 students, many of which are gearing up for 4-H Shooting Sports, gathered at the DeSoto Sheriff Training Center to complete a three-day hunter certification. The students participated in a skeet shoot with the two Top Shooters rewarded with a nice trophy to take home.

Winners were:
1st Place – Colton McPhearson
2nd Place – Trace Cox

Kudos to all the students, many conquering their own fears in shooting a shotgun. Another course will be offered later in the year.  

Dear Sweeter,

Time’s a funny dog, am I right?

Has it been more than 30 years since we’ve been calling you Sweeter?, when your grandboy toddlers said “Sweet Lou” and that morphed into “Sweeter”? Time flies, but the name is timeless. And fits.

So Happy Birthday, Sweeter! Sorry I missed being there. Somehow, after more than 40 years, I have wound up back on the Louisiana Tech Baseball bus, which is why I was calling you from Lake Charles and Sugar Land, Texas this week.

Bad news: I missed “Happy Birthday To You” and the cake and you wearing your goofy Happy Birthday hat the gang bought you.

Good news, we got to talk on the phone and the Bulldogs went 4-0 on the trip, swept the Battle at the Ballpark at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, and have started their season 11-0.

So far, so good.

Since you asked, yes momma, the baseball bus is the same, even after all this time:

Somebody plays the music too loud or not loud enough or the wrong music;

Somebody needs to go to the bathroom and has to run through a gauntlet of shins in the aisle to get back there;

Somebody says too many dirty words too loud;

Somebody forgot something;

Laughs and food and inside jokes.

It’s a beautiful thing. And it’s one of those things that never changes.

But thank goodness, some things do. Like, for instance:

Last year’s Tech team was more up and down than a gopher on speed. Every game was like going to meet your tough-to-read girlfriend: you didn’t know whether to bring a tank top or a windbreaker or a heavy jacket. 

Couldn’t throw a strike. Guys hurt. One missed the whole season. Missed a couple of seniors who’d graduated, and no one picked up the Accountability Stick. Most everyone had a sub-par spring …

Just one of those sports deals where few things went right and every game was like going 12 rounds with Tyson. That the program was coming off back-to-back NCAA Regionals made it more trying. 

A Pepto-Bismol season.

But maybe Tech’s time in the barrel is up. The Diamond Dogs have come into 2024, as I heard an old cowpoke say one time, “a-rippin’ and a-roarin’, a-rompin’ and a-stompin’ …”

Hard to win 11 in a row in anything in college, but especially in baseball, where the tiniest thing — passed ball, throwing to the wrong base, missed cutoff — can blow it all up.

First trip of the season, the Dogs left the Love Shack Wednesday at 11, teed it up against McNeese at 6 and, on a cold, blustery, next-to-last evening of February, beat the Cowboys 13-4. Were right on every pitch. Maybe three swings and misses.

Slept fast and got on the bus at 8 and were practicing in Sugar Land at noon. Then a 20-minute bus ride to Houston to lift weights at Rice, then finally checking into the hotel back in Sugar Land, team supper, sleep, and in the next three days, beat Army 4-0, Creighton 12-0, and Air Force 8-5. Bulldogs had been in town 72 hours before they allowed a run. 

Outscored opponents 37-9.

Is that good? I think that’s good.

It’s early but … cautious optimism. Double cautious. Super-duper cautious. Still healing up from last year’s ulcer(s).

I’ll keep you up to speed Sweeter. You’ll enjoy a game when the weather’s warmer. The crowds for this weekend’s three games against Southern Miss — Friday at 6, Saturday at 2, Sunday at 1 — should get the Love Shack heated up.

See you at the park or at the kitchen table soon. Love you. The boys say hey, and smoke ’em high and tight.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

“Let Teachers Teach” Workgroup to identify and develop possible solutions to classroom disruptions such as excessive training and paperwork, scripted lessons, and student discipline

(BATON ROUGE, LA) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is launching a new workgroup to learn more about the classroom disruptions keeping teachers from focusing on the most important aspect of their job — teaching students. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced the Let Teachers Teach Workgroup. Dr. Brumley created the group after educator engagement revealed a number of challenges taking time away from classroom instruction, including excessive training and paperwork, being required to follow scripted lessons, and student behavior and discipline issues.

“Other than the parent, there is nothing more critical to student success than an effective teacher,” said Dr. Brumley. “One of the best ways we can value teaching professionals is by simply protecting their time to do the important work entrusted to them.”

The workgroup will include PK-12 teachers from across the state. The LDOE is working with its various teacher committees and Louisiana education organizations to identify teachers for the workgroup. Recommendations from organizations should be emailed to ldoecommunications@la.gov. Current Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier will chair the workgroup.

“I wholeheartedly believe teaching is the best job in the world because of the children, and I can think of no greater work than ensuring teachers can keep their full focus on students,” said Altier.

The workgroup is the product of feedback the LDOE has received through formal channels such as the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council as well as informal channels such as classroom visits and faculty meetings hosted by Dr. Brumley. Meetings are expected to begin in the spring.

Are you seeing it? Have you sensed it? Are you starting to get just a bit more spring in your step? If so, here’s a hint as to what is happening to put that spring in your step.

Spring. We’re on the cusp of winter giving us the ragged remains of the season, finally giving way to this beautiful enchanted season of blossoms, blooms, green grass and emerging tender green leaves.

Be assured, we are not done with winter yet. There will still be frosty mornings and chilling north winds and we still have a few weeks before we celebrate March 19 as the date spring officially arrives, on the calendar, at least.

My mom was one of those who kept an eye on the weather, especially if we have thunder in February. My calendar has two dates encircled for this year, February 10 and April 10. Mom always said that if it thunders in February, it will frost, or at least have a cold spell on that same day in April. Down through the years, I have kept up with it and although it doesn’t always frost in April on a date corresponding with the same date in February, there has just about always been a drop in temperatures within a few days of that date.

Not all will be flowers and green grass as spring eases in. Our part of the country is blessed with millions upon millions of pine trees that provide shade for us all year long. These same pines we love for most of the year we will come to despise in a few weeks when dreaded yellow dust begins coating everything with pollen. Some complain that pine pollen causes them to start sneezing. It doesn’t. Pine pollen is not the culprit. Other plants emerging in spring that cause the sneezing and itching of eyes are rag weed and pollen from oaks and other hardwoods.

Brushing aside the pine pollen, there is so many positive things greeting us when spring weather is actually here.

This is the time of year when new birds begin showing up. The juncos, purple finches and white throated sparrows will be heading north where they’ll spend the summer nesting and rearing their families. They’ll be replaced by colorful indigo buntings, blue grosbeaks and if you’re really lucky, you might get a painted bunting to visit your feeder. There is no other bird adorned with such vibrant blue, red and bright green colors. There will also be those that stop over on their way north, the rose breasted grosbeak and Baltimore oriole along with a plethora of warblers of all description.

For the hunter, spring is an enchanted season when the wild turkey begins to make its presence known. Even now in early March, hunters are already going out early mornings to listen for a gobbler on the roost and scouting for turkey sign. Hunting season opens April 6 but scouting and listening for gobblers is going on right now.

Spring is also one of my favorite times of year for two basic reasons. I love to catch bream and I love them all crispy and fried on the platter. As water temperatures start to warm,, bluegills and chinquapins will move to the shallows to fan out beds where eggs will be deposited. This is the time of year when you can catch all you care to clean in one bedding area.

Bass and crappie will also be moving onto shallow bedding areas to spawn and some real bragging sized bass and big slab crappie will be caught.

One of my favorite things I like to do in Spring is to take my cup of coffee to the back porch early mornings, make sure my bird feeder is filled as I sit and sip and watch and attempt to identify birds.

I know that all sorts of bad scary stuff is going on in our country and around the world but it does a body good to push it all aside for a time to enjoy this special season the Good Lord gives us. Thank God for Spring.

If your church, town, or community is holding an Easter celebration–let us know. Egg hunts, musicals, revivals etc. 

We will post Easter activities in the next couple weeks. 

All Persons are considered innocent until proven guilty

2/26/24

Lewis, Jerbo Carzell
B M 40
Illegal tint
Resisting officer by flight
Flight from an officer
Mansfield

Calhoun, Jeffery Lynn
B M 54
Possession of CDS II with intent to distribute
Possession of firearm by convicted felon
Mansfield

Crager, Adam
W M 43
Warrant Desoto Parish
Grand Cane

2/27/24

Hill, Johnathan Jermaine
B M 34
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest
Logansport

Raney, Jeremiah
B M 18
Possession of CDS I
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Stonewall

2/28/24

Pegues, Tyrek
B M 23
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

Chatman, Lameika L.
B F 39
Warrant Desoto Parish
Disturbing the peace/language
Logansport

Green, Chadric L.
B M 47
Possession of firearm by convicted felon
Mansfield

Wilson, Dancia R.
B F 55
Warrant Desoto Parish
Driving under suspension
Speeding
Teneha, Tx

2/29/24

Malone, Darren
B M 18
Telephone Communications Harassment
Improper Language
Mansfield

Smith, Will
W M 26
Probation violation
Carthage, Tx

Davis, Talamessia
B F 20
Simple criminal damage to property
Mansfield

Prins, Elaine Francie
W F 54
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest
Noble

Mik, Robert
W M 58
Operating a vehicle under suspension for prior offenses
Careless operation
Shreveport

Parent, Gary Lynn
W M 63
Operating while intoxicated: first offense
Driving under suspension
Driving in wrong lane
Logansport

3/1/24

Crawford, Ragan Daniel
W M 20
Domestic Abuse Battery
Pleasant Hill

Sudds, Ledarius D
B M 31
Possession of firearm by convicted felon
Possession of Marijuana
Mansfield

Jackson, Robert Wayne
W M 43
Theft less than $1000
Fugitive Warrant/arrest
Logansport

Davis, Maxine
B F 52
Operating while intoxicated: first offense
Driving under suspension
Leesville

3/02/24

Gingles, Caleb Jaise
W M 28
Driving while intoxicated
Vehicle must use light lamp
Possession of marijuana
Logansport

Claiborne, Katoria Laquanmia
B F 29
Resisting an officer
Warrant Desoto Parish
Disturbing the peace/drunkenness
Mansfield

Jackson, Auyana Shomone
B F 24
Disturbing the peace/language
Resisting an officer
Mansfield

Nichols, Ashley Michelle
W F 31
Warrant Desoto Parish
Shreveport

Johnson, Kendick
B M 30
Warrant Desoto Parish
Natchitoches

Youngblood, Sherman Fidel, Jr.
B M 26
Resisting an officer
Grand Cane

The DeSoto Parish LSU Alumni Don Taylor Golf Classic is scheduled for July 12-14 at Cypress Bend Resort. Contact Timmy Reed Yelverton at 318.423.3858 or Stacey Cloud at 318.469.9163 for entry.

Don’t miss the annual Northwest Louisiana Mater Gardeners Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 6, 8am until noon at the Red River Research Center in Bossier City. For more information call 318.408.0984.

Kathryn Graham Bell
September 5, 1942 — March 1, 2024
Graveside Service: Tuesday, March 5 at 2pm at Immaculate Conception Cemetery – Mansfield

Lawrence Caldwell
04/19/1957 – 02/29/2024
April 19, 1957 — February 29, 2024
Service: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11am at Zion Hill No.2 Baptist Church – Mansfield

STONEWALL – In a battle of unbeatens, North DeSoto protected its perfection as the Lady Griffins handed Logansport its first lost of the season this past Saturday.

The Lady Griffins topped the Lady Tigers 7-2 on the final day of the North DeSoto Tournament.

North DeSoto (9-0) logged wins against Opelousas Catholic (5-0) and Holy Savior Menard (15-1) to go 4-0 on the week.

The Lady Griffins, who played West Ouachita late Thursday night, will attempt to keep their perfect record against Sterlington on Tuesday in a one-game week. North DeSotyo has shut out three opponents and held three others to two runs or less while scoring in the double digits in six of nine wins.

For Logansport (9-1), the five-run loss is the second-closest that any team has played North DeSoto this season.

The Lady Tigers racked up plenty other impressive wins this past week, beating Haughton (8-6), Cedar Creek (17-1), Beekman Charter (5-2) and Evangel (10-7).

Seven of Logansport’s nine wins have been against Class 4A or 5A opponents.

Mansfield (2-2) picked up its second win of the season with a 20-10 victory over Plain Dealing. The Lady Wolverines dropped an 18-3 decision against converse.

Stanley (4-5) has lost four games in a row against a tough slate of competition in Quitman (7-2), Captain Shreve (4-3), Airline (8-4) and St. Mary’s (14-5).

Stanley and Logansport squared off late Thursday night.

BASEBALL

North DeSoto and Logansport locked horns in baseball with the Griffins claiming a 10-0 win Tuesday in Stonewall.

North DeSoto (4-2), who went 1-2 in the NDHS Tournament, ended the week with 16-0 win against Booker T. Washington to start District 1-4A play along with the Logansport victory.

The Griffins lost to Parkway (11-4) and Natchitoches Central (5-4) after beating Texas High (7-4).

For Logansport (3-3), all three of their wins have come against Texas opponents this season. The Tigers have topped Cushing, West Sabine and Chireno.

Logansport hosts Lakeside on Tuesday before jumping into District 3-1A play the next week with a two-game stretch against Montgomery.

Mansfield (2-0) opened its season with a doubleheader win against Woodlawn, winning 7-1 ad 12-3.

Stanley (4-1) went 3-1 this week with wins against Oak Hill (9-3), Hornbeck (7-5) and Joaquin (6-5). The lone loss came to Hicks (12-2).

Logansport boys basketball falls in first round

The Logansport boys basketball season came to an end when the No. 22 seed Tigers fell 69-41 at No. 11 South Plaquemines in the first round of the Division IV Non-Select playoffs.

The Tigers ended their season 8-10, pushing their way into the playoffs by winning four of their last six regular-season games.

Mansfield track hosting outdoor meet this week

The Mansfield track and field team will host its annual Mansfield Wolverines Invitational Track Meet on Thursday.

While teams from all over the area will flock to Mansfield for the early-season outdoor meet, Wolverines fans may be paying attention to one student-athlete in particular.

Junior Jaden Youngblood captured bronze in the 60 meter hurdles, clocking an 8.27.

North DeSoto’s Robison commits to University of Ozarks for wrestling

North DeSoto wrestling team captain Caden Robison committed to the University of Ozarks (Ark.) for wrestling this past week.

Robison, who helped guide the Griffins to the program’s first-ever state championship, is a two-time state finalist and three-time regional champion.

Robison is planning to wrestle in the 184-pound weight class.

North DeSoto wrestling hosting variety of summer camps

North DeSoto wrestling is offering a host of summer camps for wrestlers (boys and girls) of all ages and experience levels.

The camps start in early June and run through the end of July.

For more information, visit the North DeSoto Wrestling Facebook page.

Matt Vines

STONEWALL – Five North DeSoto girls powerlifters earned the right to participate at the state championships based on their performance at the regional meet.

The Lady Griffins were most successful in the lower weight classes with four lifters at 132 pounds or lighter.

Senior Briley Pendleton (105-pound weight class) totaled 605 pounds in her three lifts (245 squat, 95 bench press, 265 dead lift).

Junior Abby McInnis (114 weight) lifted a combined 570 (225-100-245).

Junioe Anna Giddens (123 weight) hoisted a combined 630 pounds (230-115-285).

Junior Kinsey Reynolds (132 weight) totaled 635 pounds (260-110-265).

Freshman Jaliyah Brown represented the Griffins in the 165-pound class, lifting a combined 725 pounds (280-135-310).

Lifters had to finish in the top 10 in the state in their respective weight classes. All of North DeSoto’s qualifying lifters finished in the top six, meaning they are seeded to score points at the state meet if they replicate their regional efforts.

The Division II powerlifting state meet is March 22 at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

Three other North DeSoto lifters came close to qualifying for state.

Senior Kennedi Berthelot (148 weight class) placed 12th as her 620 total finished 35 pounds off the mark.

Junior Jhori George (super heavy weight) finished 13th as her 665-pound effort was 20 pounds out of contention.

Junior Yazmin Ferguson (165 pounds) placed 14th and just 15 pounds out of state qualifying with her 575 pounds.

I would like to preface this article by letting you know it might be a little long, but worth the read….enjoy!

Over my many years of fishing Pro/Am bass tournaments, I have run across some very interesting characters. For me, one of the most intriguing parts of fishing these types of tournaments is the people you meet, anglers you get to spend eight hours with inside a bass boat. It’s an opportunity to learn even if they are a novice angler in terms of skills. Most are very cordial and pleasant to be around. But then there are the ones who you can’t get out of your boat soon enough.

I’ve only had two that fall into the category of “get off my lawn” or in my case “get out of my boat!” One angler I had the pleasure of drawing was at a National Championship event on Red River. That’s right, a huge event in my backyard and I was in position to win. After day one, I was sitting in 3rd place going into the final day just a little less than three pounds behind the leader. My day one partner (co-angler) was an awesome guy and we both had good 5-fish limits as he was sitting in 4th on the co-angler side of the event. We had a great time and a great day while enjoying each other’s company.

Then day 2 rolled around and I drew a Tennessee co-angler who turned out to be the co-angler from hell. For me, it usually doesn’t take long to get a feel for how someone will be simply by his demeanor. Unaware of this co-angler’s crazy reputation, I had a bad feeling from the second he “jumped” into my boat, and I literally mean “jumped” into my boat. This guy was hyped up on some kind of drug or he must have had 15 cups of coffee that morning.

He had 15 rods and 4 tackle boxes along with a huge thermos ( I can only assume was coffee), almost a complete change of clothes, and enough food to feed a small nation. It was as if Boy Scout Tennessee Ted was now in my boat and prepared for any and all situations including an attack on US soil.

You must remember, this was at a time in my life when I had zero patience and a low tolerance for craziness…. which will be revealed here shortly. As I helped the angler get situated with all his gear, he started talking and pacing on the back deck of my boat at such a high rate of speed, I thought my carpet was going to catch on fire. He also spoke a language that I think was a combination of Italian and southern slang. Either way, we had trouble communicating from the start.

I was already frustrated with this guy, and we had not even left the boat dock yet. It was all I could do to prepare myself mentally for eight hours with the crazy man from Tennessee. Finally, it was time to go fishing which meant I would get at least ten minutes of peace while we ran to our first fishing spot. We stopped on the river to fish a certain piling next to a rock jetty.

This one specific piling for some reason held a good bass on it every time I fished it and was a great place to start each day. Sure enough, on my first cast I hooked a 3-pound bass and as I swung the fish into the boat Tennessee Ted decided to make a cast past the front of the boat to the same piling.

Now there are rules in most Pro/Am tournaments that don’t allow for a co-angler to make casts past the pro/boater in the front of the boat. But he decided to ignore this simple rule and proceeded to catch a 4-pound bass off the same piling, which really irritated the hell out of me! I expressed my displeasure with him and reminded him of the rule. He sincerely apologized and I reluctantly forgave him, but also reminded him to please not do that again.

So, now that he had been reminded of the rules, we made stop number two on a cut just off the river. I made one cast into the cut and caught a 2 ½ pound bass! Well low and behold, Tennessee Ted struck again by flipping his spinnerbait into the same cut past the front of the boat and catches a 3-pound bass! Now I’m really ticked off and proceeded to reprimand him with a few extra choice words that you might hear in a locker room. Once again, he gave another full apology for his bad judgment as I continued to pull the trolling motor up and head for my next stop.

Then on our fourth or fifth stop, not sure due to my state of mind, I hooked a four-pound bass on a spinnerbait and as I swung the bass into the boat, I hear a cast go within inches of my ear as his bait hit the water twenty feet in front of the boat! After I dropped my fish into the livewell, I simply reached up, grabbed his fishing line with my hand and bit his line in two! That’s right, I was done and so was the bait at the other end of his line that fluttered to the bottom of Red River like a wounded baitfish.

Tennessee Ted was in shock as I quietly stepped back onto the front deck and began to make a cast as if nothing had ever happened. I truly believe, for the first time in his life, he was speechless. He then asked me why I did that? I told him that after three warnings, I had run out of both patience and forgiveness and needed to make sure he understood what I meant by “do not cast past the front of the boat!” He was then told that if he continued to break the rules, I would not sign his weigh slip at the weigh-in, therefore getting him disqualified.

Sometimes you must take matters into your own hands (no pun intended) in order to make a point. He finally calmed down, which I think was due to the fact his thermos was empty, and he did not have a whole lot to say the rest of the day. This was music to my ears as I continued to fish hard trying to win this event. While I caught my limit for the day, I was unable to overcome the three-pound deficit, falling short by less than a pound.

Ever since this event, I have made it a point to remind all my co-anglers about specific rules they may have forgotten. So far, this has worked in my favor, saving me and my sanity, by making sure they know the rules. It’s also saved my co-anglers a few baits by getting their line bit in two! Till next time, good luck, good fishing and I hope you never have to fish with a Tennessee Ted!

Steve Graf

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) announced today that North DeSoto High School in DeSoto Parish Schools, Louisiana, is the recipient of the 2024 NIET Founder’s Award and its $50,000 grand prize. NIET Founder and Chairman Lowell Milken, joined by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett, surprised the school during the 2024 NIET National Conference in Dallas, Texas.

Created by Lowell Milken in 2008, the Founder’s Award honors one school in the United States each year for exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles: to build educator excellence and advance student success. North DeSoto High School was just one of five schools across the country selected as finalists for the $50,000 grand prize. Founder’s Award recipients are selected based on several factors, including their efforts to make instructional excellence the cornerstone of school improvement, plans for regular professional learning focused on the real-time needs of teachers and students, creating a culture of collaboration and reflection, and leveraging teacher leaders to drive student growth.

“North DeSoto High School demonstrates how powerful leadership and support for teachers can lead to sustained achievement growth for students,” said NIET Founder Lowell Milken. “We commend Principal Tammie Phillips and her staff for putting in place the structure for educators and students to thrive, and Superintendent Clay Corley and his team for making educator effectiveness a key focus throughout the district. Their work to deepen these principles over time has prepared scores of students to advance successfully in their next stages of learning and life.”

North DeSoto High School received the Founder’s Award because it exemplifies NIET’s work with schools to develop teacher leaders, collaborate on successful instructional practices, and provide feedback and support to address teacher and student needs. Implementing these effective strategies – boosted by the support of DeSoto Parish Schools under Superintendent Clay Corley – has earned the school an “A” rating from the Louisiana Department of Education since 2015. For the past three years, North DeSoto High School has outperformed the state of Louisiana in the percentages of tests scoring “mastery and above” on state assessments in all subjects combined.

The percentage of tests scoring “mastery and above” increased by 13 percentage points from 2021 to 2023, compared to a three-point increase statewide.

“North DeSoto High School made building the skills of its faculty the foundation of a strategy for improvement and growth,” said NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett, “The result of their steady commitment to great classroom teaching and learning is helping more students to reach higher levels of academic success. Congratulations to the entire faculty, community and students of North DeSoto High, and district leaders who supported this achievement.”

Located just south of Shreveport, Louisiana, North DeSoto High School (NDHS) is a rural school that serves 809 students, nearly half of whom are economically disadvantaged. Through its partnership with NIET, the school has seen increased teacher and leader effectiveness and improvements in student achievement. With a focus on fostering teacher growth, Principal Tammie Phillips and her leadership team build their reflective and instructional skills while providing students with high-quality learning opportunities.

“Our administrators, leadership team, and teachers have individual growth plans to encourage intentional reflection,” said Phillips. “We also consider student portfolios, projects, exams, and even their extracurricular activities. Intentional reflection has become part of our culture at North DeSoto High School.”

NDHS benefits from the guidance of an instructional leadership team (ILT) that is committed not only to student growth but also to teacher growth. The ILT is comprised of instructionally-focused teacher and school leaders who provide the necessary resources, support, and coaching for teachers to develop and expand their knowledge and skills. As a result of the ILT’s coordination and efforts, NDHS has an environment that fosters continuous improvement and student success.

Also contributing to NDHS’s school environment and culture of reflection is the use of the NIET Teaching and Learning Standards Rubric. By adopting the Rubric, NDHS has established a common language across grades and subject matters. This allows for more tailored professional learning that addresses teachers’ unique strengths and areas of growth. NDHS also utilizes the NIET Principal Standards Rubric to support school leaders in their ability to effectively coach teachers.

North DeSoto High School was selected among five finalists throughout the U.S., with each receiving $10,000: Clinton Elementary School (Clinton City Schools, Tennessee); Desert View Elementary School (Gadsden Elementary School District #32, Arizona); Lockett Elementary School (Orangeburg County School District, South Carolina); and Winona Middle School (Winona Independent School District, Texas).

For images of North DeSoto High School and more information about the NIET Founder’s Award, visit the NIET newsroom. For interviews and more on the Founder’s Award announcement, please contact Laura Blank (laura@keylightcommunications.com) or Katie Elliott (katie@keylightcommunications.com). Follow conference news – including the Founder’s Award – on social media using @NIETteach or #NIET2024.