Statewide Coalition Takes the Lead in Bolstering Louisiana Local Farming Initiatives

New Orleans, LA – Novo Nordisk has announced a 3-year, $4.1MM grant to support the production and sale of local food on small-scale farms throughout the state. This complex food systems program is the work of the Louisiana Small-Scale Agriculture Coalition (LSSAC), a coalition of seven food system organizations who work on a range of components of food system infrastructure across Louisiana. The statewide coalition consists of long-standing partner organizations the Acadiana Food Alliance, Big River Economic Agricultural Development Alliance, Louisiana Central, Market Umbrella, New Orleans Food Policy Action Council, Shreveport Green and SPROUT NOLA.

Agriculture is an important strategy for mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis that disproportionately affects New Orleans and the greater Gulf South. Although Louisiana is an agricultural state, production is focused primarily on big commodities. If there were no imported food from elsewhere, there would be only enough food grown in Louisiana to feed the state’s population for one week.

LSSAC formed in 2022 to combat statistics like these and bolster the agricultural economy while also supporting Louisianans struggling with food insecurity by creating low-cost access to fresh, healthy, local food. Beginning in March 2024, the coalition embarked on an exciting state-wide project to improve the capacity of the local food system. By focusing on infrastructure and technical assistance support for small-scale vegetable farmers, this program will increase the demand for and availability of local, fresh food across the state. Additionally, it will build connections between farmers and market outlets specifically for low income and food insecure residents.

“We know, from our work with both institutions and farmers, that gaps exist between the two. In order to have a strong local food system, LSSAC will work to help fill these gaps in innovative and collaborative ways so that more fresh, healthy, local food will be available for all Louisianans, including our youngest and most vulnerable,” says Elisa Muñoz, Executive Director of the Food Policy Action Council.

The team will work across institutional partners like food banks, early childhood education centers, schools and shelters to create market pathways that can be lasting outlets for fresh food. There will be a special focus on building partnerships with food systems leaders and organizations in under-represented parts of the state like the Southwest and Northwest. In addition, partners are supporting the development of on-farm infrastructure so farmers can scale up, increase capacity, and implement more sustainable business operations. More sustainable farm businesses will mean more fresh food across the state in perpetuity.

“At Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI), we start and end every day driven by the mission to promote health and wellness in our communities. Through our giving we work with locally based partners, like Louisiana Small-Scale Agriculture Coalition (LSSAC), to ensure that the projects are reflective of the community’s input, expertise, and needs the community identifies,” says Jennifer Duck, Vice President, Public Affairs, Novo Nordisk Inc. “We’re proud to partner with LSSAC on meaningful solutions to improve healthy food access that will benefit the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities that will be served by this project.”

By Doug De Graffenried

Often, we are judged by our shape.

Our brain comes pre-packaged with a confirmation bias that allows us to justify our own perceptions and beliefs as being accurate, realistic, and unbiased. Social psychologist Lee Ross calls this phenomenon “naïve realism,” the inescapable conviction that we perceive objects and events clearly, “as they really are.” It is this “naïve realism” that causes us to judge individuals based on their size and shape. If they are of a certain shape, we make judgments about the quality of their character based on our perception of their shape. Our perceptions and assumptions must be accurate, realistic, and unbiased because they are our perceptions.

People who are slim shaped are viewed as being active and bright. They might be judged as being quick, hardworking, and athletic. It could be true. It might not be true.

In our politically correct culture, one should not point out shapes or comment on them. Yet this happens all the time. There is much “body shaming” on the Internet which is really “size assumption shaming.” I am perpetually stunned by skinny people who are “body shamed” as being too fat.

In your mind there is a vision of the “perfect shape.” I hope your body self-image is a healthy one. Some of us have been judged by our shape. We even participate in self-talk based on what the culture teaches our shape means. I hope that no matter your shape you are taking care of your health.

And how do we talk about taking care of our health? Are you “in shape?” Currently, I am “out of shape.” I am working on “shaping up” so I can be “in shape.” 

My goal is to take on the shape of Jesus. I want my heart to be shaped like His heart so I will love like He loves. I want my eyes to see the world like His eyes. I want my hands to reach out like His hands. I want each day to reflect Jesus in my life rather than my own reflection. I have discovered that Jesus challenges my assumptions and transforms my perceptions.

How do you shape up?

My friend Monica is married to Lee. They have a nine-year-old son named Grisham. The other day Lee was teaching Grisham how to measure a piece of wood before cutting it. I hope Lee reminded his son of the aphorism, “measure twice and cut once.” Grisham patiently watched his dad measure and cut the wood. I forgot to ask if Grisham was allowed to solo on his own piece of wood. The young man did have a good time with his dad.

Grisham thanked his father for taking the time to teach him the valuable lesson about measuring wood before cutting it. It is a great story about a dad slowing down enough to take time to teach his son.

Nine-year-old Grisham said to his dad, “Thank you for showing me how to do that. I know you want me to grow up to be a well-rounded individual, even though right now I am just a chunky oval.”

Grisham knows at a deep place he, like all of us, is a work in progress. His shape is not in its final form nor is yours!

WY Properties, LLC dba Logansport Casino is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Town of Logansport at the following address:

2200 Main Street
Logansport, LA 71049
WY Properties, LLC
Logansport Casino
Members: L.S.M. Gaming, Inc. (James E. Worthey, Jr. and Stan Guidroz) and Piper Goodwin

Didn’t recognize him behind the beard and the years so said my name and he looked up from his lunchtime burger and wiped his mouth and his handshake hand, smiled and said, “Dale Shields.” 

Good lord. Dale Shields. (Not the same person, but in the same ballpark.)

One day we were talking about how to pass Mr. Jones’ senior physics class at West Monroe High School or what to do the night of our Class of 1977 graduation, and the next time we talked it was about Medicare and grandchildren in a grill on an overcast Monday.

“So, what have YOU been up to for the past 45 years?”

Some people you dodge or they dodge you by design or by destiny.

And some people you want to see but you just don’t because life happens that way.

We don’t always get to decide. 

But life’s a funny dog, so it drops dessert on your plate now and then and serves up an old friend who, if you’re lucky, is either Dale Shields or something close.

He’d driven over from his home in West Monroe for some early morning turkey hunting around Downsville. Still had on his high-water rubber boots. Quietly eating. Available but not obvious. Which has always been 100 percent The Dale Shields Way.

Absolutely one of the best we’ve got in your whole Human Race Department. 

Been since the 1987 class reunion since I’d seen him, so he caught me up on the most recent one, just a few years ago. Some classmates had died since the 2017 reunion “so we decided we weren’t going to wait for the 50^th one,” he said, and told me about the one just a couple years ago, who was there and all.

Dale Shields. In high school, you could have asked anyone and they’d have trusted Dale with anything from a secret to your wallet or purse. Offensive tackle. FCA. Baseball. Y-Teen Beau. National Honor Society. The “A” in America. 

Every single time I’ve thought of him over the past near-half century I’ve thought, for at least a nano-second, of the one-bathroom house he grew up in. One of six boys and two girls fathered by Mr. Hugh, who captained the morning bathroom and somehow got all those kids grown and off to school every day of the world. Funny what you remember. Some mornings before first period: “Hey Dale, how’d it go with the bathroom thing this morning?” Daybreak after daybreak must have instilled in him the patience of Job, an outlook optimistic, a colon of iron. Each morning an adventure. 

Major tip of the ballcap to his whole wonderful family.

We talked of his recent retirement after 40 years of work with a local company, and he told me about signing up for Medicare; he’s had his Official Card for two weeks now. When 65 knocks, you and the guys talk not so much about turkey hunting and ball scores as you do about how to successfully sign up for Medicare, which to me seems about as difficult as carving Thomas Jefferson’s face into the side of Mount Rushmore. 

I’m about to find out for my ownself, being just a few months younger than Dale…Time is the great mystery. 

We traded phone numbers and grandchildren stories. We have one. He has No. 12 on the way, and the parents have decided not to find out the flavor yet since they already have one of each. I told him “Teddy” would work for a boy or girl; he smiled and promised to pass that along.

Dale Shields. Day made. 

About an hour later I missed a call from him. Made my heart feel good to see his name on my phone. Probably going to say it was good to see me, talk again soon, that kind of deal. I called him back quickly as I could.

In his humble and sincere Dale Shields voice — I could see him smiling — he said, “Butt dial. Sorry. The ol’ butt dial.”

How old are we, right?

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Edwards, Lachristy Sharnae
W F 29
Simple Battery
Mansfield

Sharpley, Ruth Ann
W F 58
Theft
Grand Cane

Jackson, Lewis Curtis
B M 82
Simple Assault
Mansfield

Williamson, Kimberly Nelson
W F 59
Probation Violation
Stonewall

Jewett, Demarcus J
B M 37
Probation Violation
Mansfield

Frost, Dayden Lee
W M 20
Warrant Desoto Parish
Natchitoches

Lee, Cassandra
W F 34
Probation Violation
Reklaw, TX

Bryant, Billy Ray Jr.
W M 65
Expired Tag
Driver not licensed
Possession of Schedule II less than 2 grams
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Mansfield

Greensberry, Eric James
B M 23
Possession of firearm in presence of CDS
Distribution or possession with intent to distribute CDS I
Baton Rouge

Coleman, Cartrevious Lemoine
B M 19
Unlawful handling of Machine Guns
Many

Howard, Kendal
B M 39
Operating vehicle while intoxicated: first offense
Gloster

Davis, Charles Onasies
B M 32
Resisting an Officer
Use Threat/Force/Violence
Mansfield

Jones, Jakorey Jashun
B M 19
Possession of Marijuana
Prohibited Acts CDS V
Driving roadway lane
Many

Winfield, Julius Theodore
B M 21
Resisting and Officer
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest

McGee, Jimmie L
W M 59
Resisting and Officer
Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
Shreveport

Pace, Chatoria D
B F 29
Domestic Abuse Battery

Simpson, Darnell Dewayne
B M 36
Possession of Firearm by Convicted Fellon

Mitchell, Louis
B M 40
DWI
Shreveport

Wyatt, Meambershina
B F 28
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

Wyatt, D’Marcus
B M 39
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

Lambright, Chelsea
W F 30
Domestic Abuse Battery Crime of Violence
Domestic abuse Battery – Child endangerment
Stonewall

Vergara, Ricardo
W M 60
Domestic Abuse Battery
Logansport

Castillo, Joseph Chad
W M 36
Theft less than $1000
Converse

Holland, Marsha A
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Shreveport

Tomasson, Joshua Wade
W M 34
3rd Degree Rape
Aggravated Crime against nature
Stonewall

Manshack, Anthony Glen
W M 35
Entry on or remaining in places or land after being forbidden
Negligent injuring
Ringgold

Hines, Roger Lee, Jr
B M 44
Fugitive Warrant
Frierson

Robinson, Dekendrick Dewayne

B M 32
Domestic Abuse Battery
Mansfield

Johnson, Hardee
B M 81
DWI
Driving Roadway Lane
Mansfield

Edwards, David
W M 39
Failure to register Sex Offender
Stonewall

Gramm, Christopher
W M 37
Warrant Desoto Parish
Resisting An Officer
Stonewall

Rankin, Dezmon
B M 27
Probation Violation
Mansfield

Lindsey, Jeffery
W M 55
Probation Violation
Mansfield

Calhoun, Rodney
B M 20
Disturbing the Peace/Language
Mansfield

Turner, Lashunda
B F 47
Violation of Protective Order
Mansfield

Williams, Kevin Davis
B M 51
DWI
Zwolle

Williams, Natasha P
B F 42
Failure to Register Sex Offender
Frierson

Hall, Raven Myelle
B F 29
Theft more than $1000

Howard, Jonsha
B M 35
Warrant Desoto Parish
Gladewater, TX

Temple, John
W M 28
DWI-second offense
Logansport

Middleton, Ashley
W F 40
DWI-first offense
Vehicle Requires Headlamp

Kelley, Amber Nicole
W F 34
Simple Battery
Grand Cane

Powell, Tresmond
B M 28
Domestic Abuse Battery-Pregnant Victim
Mansfield

The Pelican Branch Library will host Bingo for tweens and teens Saturday, April 20 from 11am-12:30PM. 

An online phlebotomy technician training class will be offered by Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education in Alexandria beginning June 24.The deadline to register is June 19. This seven-week course is broken down into four parts and is designed to teach entry level phlebotomy skills to students interested in pursuing a career in phlebotomy. Students are required to complete classroom instruction and 50 venipunctures before they will be allowed to take the National Board Exam.
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the National Board Certification Exam on site through the National Healthcareer Association. Class times, course requirements, fees and other details are available at checkout.nsula.edu or by calling (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355. 

The USDA is seeking partners for their summer food service program. The program, which helps ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session, is currently seeking statewide partners for this year’s program. To learn more, visit https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/usda-seeking-partners-for-summer-food-service-program

James Payton
February 27, 1938 – April 15, 2024
Service: Saturday, April 20 at 11am at Mary Evergreen Baptist Church – Grand Cane

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the following information on the Sabine River.

As of 2:00 p.m. today, April 12, 2024, all boat ramps within the Sabine River Authority, including all DeSoto parish, are hereby deemed closed to public access. We are strongly advising against ALL boat traffic due to the excessive damage to property it has caused and remains causing to properties along the Sabine River. There will be law enforcement presence in various areas aimed at holding those on the water accountable for further damage to properties. Zero boat traffic includes all other motorized water related vehicles.

An Emergency Preparedness meeting was held Thursday morning with various agencies in attendance to evaluate preparation, response, and rising river levels expected over the next few days.

The Logansport gauge on the Sabine River is forecasted to rise to 34.3 feet today, which is considered Major Flood Stage and higher than it has been since 2016 (when it crested at 35 feet.) There is at least some low potential for the river to crest a foot or two higher than this, and of course a higher crest has potential to cause even larger issues.

The image above shows what to expect over the next four days, with a possible crest on Monday around 35.7 feet.

Residents in low lying areas near the river such as Caraway Isle and Garretts Park in Logansport have already either evacuated, or are in the process of leaving now.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with EMS, Fire, and 911, is fully prepared to assist anyone needing assistance prior to the crest stage, and rescue, if needed, at any stage. The agencies have stated “they are sparing no resource or tool available to ensure the safety of everyone affected by this flooding.”

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury has also announced that sandbags are available and can be picked up at the DeSoto Parish Police Jury Road Barn in Grand Cane (behind the Airport), Logansport Fire Station, and Stonewall Fire Station.

DeSoto Parish Schools will hold a regular day of instruction instead of virtual instruction on Monday, April 15. All students and staff will report for a normal school day.

DPSB explains on their Facebook page that due to Wednesday’s dismissal due to inclimant weather and the limited number of quality instructional days remaining in the school year, they will shift the mode of instruction from virtual to a regular day of face-to-face instruction on Monday, April 15. This adjustment will require the district to forgo Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences.

If your family is in need of a conference time, contact your student’s school to schedule a conference for a later date. 

Matt Vines

The paths to Sulphur are set for three DeSoto Parish softball teams who now know their route to the state championships.

North DeSoto and Logansport each earned the No. 1 seed in their respective divisions while Stanley picked up the last bye slot in Division V Non-Select.

All three teams earned first-round byes and will kick back tonight and await their second-round opponent.

North DeSoto (No. 1 in Division II Non-Select) will play the winner of No. 16 Cecilia and No. 17 Rayne.

Logansport (No. 1 in Division IV Non-Select) will await the winner of No. 16 Lake Arthur and No. 17 South Plaquemines.

Stanley gets the winner of No. 11 Holden and No. 22 Ebarb.

Most second-round games are likely to be played Tuesday with a deadline of Wednesday before the quarterfinals must be played by April 20 (Saturday).

Logansport (22-7) secured its position through tough games at the end of the season.

The Lady Tigers finished 3-3 in their last six with one-run losses to Natchitoches Central and Montgomery and a 14-2 loss to Tioga.

Logansport made the quarterfinals this past season but were missing pitcher Avery Creech, who’s been a hoss in the circle as a senior.

Logansport could run into its two district rivals in No. 4 LaSalle (semifinals) and No. 3 Montgomery (championship game), both of which have beaten Logansport this season. No. 5 seed French Settlement and No. 8 East Beauregard (Tigers won 4-0 this season) are the other top seeds on Logansport’s side of the bracket.

No current North DeSoto player has ever ended a season without a state championship in hand, and the Lady Griffins will go for four straight this season.

North DeSoto (27-4) hasn’t played any likely opponents on its side of the Division II Non-Select bracket, but potential championship matchups exist with No. 3 Brusly (beat NDHS 3-2), and No. 6 Grant (NDHS won 7-1).

Competition won’t be an issue for a Lady Griffins squad split with nationally-ranked Sterlington and fell to nationally ranked Calvary Baptist in addition to a schedule that features a slew of defending state champions and deep playoff participants in both large and small-school divisions.

Aside from the Calvary Baptist loss, North DeSoto has won its last eight contests, which included a 6-5 win against West Monroe in which Laney Johnson hammered a walk-off home run in the eighth inning to end the regular season.

For Stanley, the Lady Panthers pinned big pelts on its victory wall with wins against Benton and Natchitoches Central.

Stanley did lose its other three games in the last five ,close losses to Converse, Simsboro and St. Frederick.

Simsboro is on Stanley’s side of the bracket as a No. 15 seed, but No. 3 Choudrant (quarterfinals) and No. 2 Zwolle (semifinals) are much more likely matchups.

Stanley has wins against both Choudrant and Zwolle this season.

Over my many years of tournament angling, I have either heard about or created some very helpful tips that just might come in handy. Some are designed to save you money and to be more efficient with your time. But some are just a few ways that can make you a better angler. As anglers we are constantly looking for ways to improve. Today we’ll look at how we can become a better fisherman in ways not related to a fishing technique.

First, let’s look at how to become better organized inside our boats. A bass boat is like a business office or mechanic’s shop. Everything has its place, and in order to be efficient on the water our tackle must be easily accessible and organized. Time is a critical factor on tournament day, and you can’t waste it looking for tackle! Confucius once said, “If hook not in water, you no catch fish!”

Small utility boxes are all the rage and are perfect for segmenting all our different types of tackle. But to use these smaller utility boxes, we need to label each one, making it easier to locate tackle on tournament day. That’s where a good Dymo label maker comes in handy as it makes it easier to find the particular utility box you’re looking for.

Next, we’ve all heard the saying, “Make sure you use protection.” Well, this is a different kind of protection than where your mind went to start with! That’s right, it’s about protecting your treble hooks on all your crankbaits and jerk baits. Unprotected hooks can get damaged or dull even if just sitting in a tackle storage box.

This is where “Safety Caps” made by Owner Hooks will ensure your hooks are always sharp and ready for action. The only drawback with Safety Caps is that your lures tend to take up more space by using these perfectly made hook protectors. But they are well worth the small price of $2.99 for a package of 13.

My final tip involves the debatable topic of scent. Some anglers think scent is just a scam and has no affect when fishing for bass. In my humble opinion, “they” could not be more wrong. Years ago, I did an experimental study using trickworms where I took a bag of Zoom Trickworms which have no scent when purchased and compared the number of bites I got with another bag of Zoom Trickworms with scent. A friend of mine went with me to perform this test. He started out with the unscented bag while I used the bag with scent.

I caught 5 bass to his 1 and then we switched bags and positions in the boat. He went to the back of the boat with the scented bag while I fished off the front deck with the unscented bag. Same results…the scented worms caught 5 bass to my 1 confirming that scent can make a difference.

It was from this day forward that I have and will continue the practice of adding scent to every bag of soft plastic baits I own. To this day, there’s not a single bag of soft plastic worms hanging on a peg in my fishing cave (Graf Mart) that doesn’t have scent added.

I once asked the GOAT, KVD (Kevin Van Dam), if he believed in scent? His reply caught me off guard when he turned the question back on me and asked if I believed it works. My reply was yes and KVD said then that’s all that matters. If you believe it works then use it because bass fishing is a mental game and when you believe in something, you tend to fish that bait better and with more confidence, making you a better angler!

Next week I’ll have a few more tips that I would like to pass along to help you become a better angler. Till next time good luck, good fishing and when in doubt if it’s a bite, set the hook anyway! Make sure to check out Tackle Talk Live podcast, as well as the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show on You Tube.

Steve Graf

Matt Vines

The Stanley Panthers wrapped up the District 3-B title with a series sweep of Converse this past week.

Jace Gooden held Converse to just two hits in a 3-1 victory to start the series before Logan Maroney scattered seven hits and six walks in a 3-2 win to complete the sweep.

Gavin Waldron supplied an RBI in each of the two wins.

Stanley (17-6) has won five of its last seven games headed into Thursday night’s contest with Ebarb as North Webster is on deck Monday in the regular season finale.

The Panthers are currently sitting in the No. 8 and final spot for a first-round bye in Division V Non-Select.

The North DeSoto baseball team had visions of punching its way into a first-round bye in the final two weeks of the regular season, but now, the Griffins are just trying to hold on to a first-round home game.

The Griffins (18-7) have dropped three of their last five games with its two wins coming to weak Leesville and Huntington teams, which has dropped North DeSoto to No. 12 in the Division II Non-Select power rankings.

North DeSoto (18-7) dug itself into an early hole in a 7-2 loss to Loyola, while the Griffins couldn’t make three first-inning runs hold up in a 10-8 loss to Northwood.

Thursday night’s result against No. 13 Minden will play a role in whether the Griffins move up or down before the regular season wraps up with Weston on Monday.

Logansport (12-11) is heading in the opposite direction with an improvement of two spots to No. 12 in the Division IV Non-Select rankings.

That’s happened in a vacuum with Logansport not playing a game in a week and losing its last two to Northwood and Northwood-Lena.

The Tigers started a two-game series with St. Mary’s on Thursday and has a Monday doubleheader schedule at Sam Houston.

Meet records fall at Huntington Relays

Two North DeSoto track and field entities and a Logansport sprinter all set meet records at Huntington’s Raider Relays this past week.

North DeSoto’s Mikayla Mondello launched a javelin 122-01 after the 4×800 boys relay clocked an 8:34.86.

Logansport’s Jamarcus Jones clocked a meet record 21.72 in the 200 meters.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury will hold their regular meeting Monday, April 15 at 5pm. The meeting will be held in the Police Jury Meeting room. 

Among the items on the agenda are service recognition for Frederick Woodley – 20 Year Service Award and Isaac Phillips, Jr. – 25 Year Service Award; convening an executive session for the purposes of discussing the lawsuit filed by David B. Means, et al against the DeSoto Parish Jury; recommendation to sell property located at the Sheriff’s Training Facility to the Sheriff with all proceeds dedicated to the Jail Fund; and recommendation to approve the 5 Year Parish Transportation Road Projects and
approval of Parish Transportation Road Funds for listed projects.

Join Keep DeSoto Beautiful on Saturday, April 20 for a Parish-wide “Cleaning Up Our Future” from 8-11am. The cleanup will be one of hundreds across the state during Love the Boot Week – April 20-27. 

Drop off site is the Office of Community Services at 404 Polk Street in Mansfield.

T-shirts, bags and gloves will be provided. There will also be free food, music and prizes.

Pick your own area to cleanup or an area can be suggested. 

Sign up at: http://www.keepdesotobeautiful.org

For more information call 318.872.2500.

Harold Lloyd Jenkins was born on September 1, 1933, in Friar’s Point, Mississippi.  His great uncle suggested the boy be named after his favorite silent film actor, Harold Lloyd.  Harold’s family moved to Helena, Arkansas during World War II.  Everyone realized early on that Harold had talent.  He was just 10 years old when he first sang on the radio.  Two years later, he formed his first band, the Phillips County Rambles, and they had their own show on radio station KFFA.  As a teenager, in addition to his singing, Harold preached at local revivals. He was a star baseball player in high school.  After he graduated, the Philadelphia Phillies offered him a contract, but Harold was drafted into the Army.  While in the Army, he formed a band called the Cimmarons to entertain other soldiers.  Following his stint in the military, the Phillies renewed their offer, but Harold decided to focus on a musical career.    

Although he had been performing long before Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, Harold was influenced by Elvis.  Harold tried to emulate Elvis’s sound.  Harold formed a band called The Rockhousers, and wrote a song with the same title.  His talent was such that he was able to record at Sun Studios in Memphis, Elvis’s recording studio, but none of The Rockhousers’ records were considered good enough to be released at the time. 

In early 1958, the Rockhousers were touring across Ontario, Canada trying to build up a following.  During an intermission at a show at the Flamingo Lounge in Hamilton, Canada, drummer Jack Nance scribbled out some lyrics.  He showed the lyrics to Harold who helped Jack Nance complete the song.  Shortly thereafter, Harold and his band recorded a demo of this song and a few others.  They sent the demos to their manager, Don Seat.  Don sent the demos to MGM Records, and they set up a recording session for Harold.  The other members of The Rockhousers were not included.  On May 7, 1958, Harold went to the studio where some of the best musicians of the era waited.  The Jordanaires, Elvis’s backup singers, provided backing vocals.  Floyd Cramer was on piano.  Grady Martin played guitar, and Floyd “Lightnin” Chance played the double bass.  During the session, two songs were chosen for release.  In those days, a single came out on a 45 rpm record.  The “A” side of the record was the expected hit and the “B” side was usually considered less commercial.  The “A” side of Harold’s first single was a song called “I’ll Try.”  The “B” side was a version of the song drummer Jack Nance and Harold had written. 

Harold’s single was released on July 14, 1958, but “I’ll Try” fell flat with the listening public.  The record should have drifted into obscurity along with Harold’s career.  Then, a DJ in Columbus, Ohio decided to play the B-side on the air.  Listeners called the radio station with questions and to request that it be played again and again.  Listeners wanted to know who was singing the song.  Many people concluded that it was Elvis singing the song under an alias.  Remember, the backing voices on the songs were provided by the Jordanaires, Elvis’s backup singers.  This was an intentional marketing ploy by MGM.  They released no picture or biography of Harold to the press, as they normally would have done with a newcomer.  Harold said later, “I actually did try my best to sing like Elvis.” My voice and style sounded like Elvis, and the only thing that identified me was that little throaty growl. I remember when I recorded [the song], producer Jim Vienneau came into the studio and asked me what that little thing was that I had done with my voice. That was what really saved the day, yet I never meant to growl at all. I was afraid they might not like it and I wondered if it should come out. ‘No way!’ replied Vienneau. ‘Keep it in there!’ I agreed because it was the first time somebody had complimented me on that particular thing . . . In the end, it was the identifying feature that separated me distinctly from Elvis.”

The song was the only number 1 “pop single” of Harold’s career, but Harold was certainly not a one hit wonder.  He eventually had 55 number 1 hit singles.  To put that into perspective, The Beatles had 20 number 1 singles, Elvis had 18, and Michael Jackson had 13.  The only performer in history to have more number 1 hits was George Strait with 60.  Harold Loyd Jenkins is a name you may not recognize or remember, which is exactly why Harold’s manager convinced him to adopt a more memorable stage name with star quality.  “It’s Only Make Believe” was the first hit from Harold Loyd Jenkins who chose his stage name by pointing at two random points on a map, Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas. Conway Twitty!

Sources:

1.      Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 1, 1985, p.118.

2.     The Atlanta Journal, June 6, 1993, p.4.

3.     Palladium-Item (Richmond, Virginia), June 6, 1993, p.2.

4.     Spong, John, “All George Strait’s No. 1’S.” Texas Monthly, May 21, 2014, https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/all-george-straits-no-1s/#:~:text=Over%20his%2033%2Dyear%20recording.

5.     “The Life of Conway Twitty,” ConwayTwitty.com, https://conwaytwitty.com/about/#:~:text=By%20any%20measure%2C%20the%20career.

The 44th Annual Battle of Pleasant Hill Re-enactment and Festival will take place April 12-14. The re-enactments and activities in the re-enactors camp will take place 3 miles north of Pleasant Hill at 23271 Hwy. 175. April 9 marks the 160th anniversary of the battle. Visit battleofpleasanthill.com for event schedule and more information.

The Jefferson Highway Sociability Caravan will make at stop at the Clista Calhoun Center on Tuesday, April 12 at 12pm. Contact DPTB at 872.1177 for details. 

Desoto Parish Chamber of Commerce 94th Annual Banquet will be held on April 25, 2024 in the Clista Calhoun Center at 6:00 p.m.  RSVP by calling 318-872-1310 or desotochamber75@gmail.com by April 15, 2024.  

The 41st Annual River City Fest will take place May 10-11 on the Sabine River in Logansport. FREE admission. There will be an Inflatable kid zone, Kids Bucking rodeo, mechanical bull, foods, arts & crafts, Car Show, corn hole tournament, “Strongest Arm-Wrestling”, Fireworks, live entertainment starting with “Jacob Wheeler”, “The Adam Leger Band”, and headlining Saturday Night is Nashville Recording Artist “Wyatt Putman”.

Alicia Michelle Duvall Woodward
June 22, 1987 — April 3, 2024
Service: Saturday, April 13 at 1pm at Fellowship Baptist Church – Converse

Mary “Liz” Tewalt
August 5, 1945 — April 8, 2024
Service: Monday, April 15 at 1pm at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church – Converse

Matt Vines

North DeSoto track boys win Huntington relay, girls sprinter breaks school record
SHREVEPORT – The North DeSoto boys track and field team dominated a deep field while a North DeSoto girls sprinter set a school record at the Huntington Raider Relays held at Lee Hedges Stadium.
The Griffins’ 93.5 points was more than 20 points better than second-place Captain Shreve.
Lady Griffins sprinter Taylor Clark broke the NDHS school record in the 100 meters, clocking a 12.37, to finish third in a stacked field.
Twenty-three teams registered for each the boys and girls meets, meaning points came at a premium with as many as 30-40 participants in some running events.

North DeSoto boys’ dominance
The Griffins racked up points in a variety of categories, but their sprint depth, jumps and specialty field events carried the day.
Dylan Compton won the 800 meters (2:03.38) and served as a key piece in winning relay teams (4×400 ran a 3:32.63, and the 4×800 ran an 8:34.86).
Javonte Taylor leapt to a triple-jump title (45-4.5), added a silver in the high jump (6-2) and finished fifth in the long jump (19-110).
Landon Foust claimed bronze in the pole vault (10-0) and recorded top-five finishes in the 1600 and 3200 meters
In addition to the two relay wins, North DeSoto also podiumed in the 4×100 (43.17 for second) and the 4×200 (1:30.86 for third).
The hurdles were also key as Dale Howard grabbed second in the 110 hurdles (15.63) while Jaden Youngblood added a second in the 300 hurdles (40.32).

Logansport sprinter wins the 100, 200 meters
Logansport sprinter Jamarcus Jones arguably had the best day of anyone at the meet as he captured the 100 and 200 meter titles at the Raider Relays.
Jones blazed a 10.66 in the 100 and a 21.72 in the 200.
Jones will be a state championship contender in both events.
D’Avery Robinson wasn’t far behind with a third-place effort in the 100 (10.82) and top-six finishes in the 200 and 400.

Lady Griffins place second, seven points shy of Huntington
North DeSoto rolled up 115 points in a second-place finish, just missing Huntington.
The Lady Griffins piled up points in the medium and long-distance running events with its field depth also providing critical points.
All three event wins came in the field as Molly Wiley (8-0 in pole vault), Yazming Furgerson (92-6 in discus) and Mikayla Mondello (122-1 in javelin) claimed the top marks.
Macy Wiley took second in the pole vault (7-6) while Macaylah Tingle podiumed twice in individual events (third in the 800, 2:36.07; and third in the javelin, 87-1).
In addition to Clark’s third-place effort in the 100, North DeSoto relays scored in the 4×400 (4:33.08, third place) and 4×800 (11:22.44, second place).
Caroline Pickett finished third in the 3200 (15:14.91).
North DeSoto compiled a slew of top-six finishes in events, which included Mondello (triple and long jumps), Furgerson (shot put) and Jocelyn Seekford in both the 100 and 300 hurdles.

Mansfield also noteworthy
The Mansfield boys and girls track team also logged several noteworthy performances.
Ian White claimed the 300 hurdles title at 39.94.
Lady Wolverines sprinters LaJordan Boykins (26.18 in the 200) and LaBrasia Ross (1:01.71 in the 400) also found the podium with third-place finishes.
Zakhia Austin leapt to silver in the long jump (16-5) while adding a fourth-place finish in the 100 (12.58).

Matt Vines

STONEWALL – North Desoto softball players Laney Johnson and Mia Norwood have been selected to play for the West All-Stars in the Louisiana High School Coaches Association All-Star Game.

The series will be played May 10 and May 11 in Ball, La., at the Ward 10 Complex.

The All-Star game features the best seniors from around the state.

Heading into this past week, Johnson sported an 18-3 record as a pitcher with a 1.40 ERA and 157 strikeouts. She also helps herself at the plate with 11 home runs and a .408 batting average.

Norwood is the leadoff batter with plenty of pop, belting at least 15 home runs for the third straight season.

Johnson is a Louisiana Tech signee while Norwood has inked with UL-Lafayette.

WEST ALL-STARS

Brighley Crayon, Montgomery

Ava Kordish, Pine Prairie

Briley LeBeouf, Kaplan

Camryn Becnel, E.D. White

Kennedy Marceaux, Kaplan

Gracelynn Higginbotham, Sulphur

Ramsey Walker, Calvary Baptist

Danny Jo Lynch, Calvary Baptist

Bailey Davis, Anacoco

Elena Heng, Airline

Mia Norwood, North DeSoto

Laila Clark, Brusly

Laney Johnson, North DeSoto

Corbin Talbot, Vandebilt Catholic

Hailey Henry, Houma Christian

Hailey Mire, Sam Houston

Gracie Smith, St. Thomas More

Destiney Pierce, Houma Christian

EAST ALL-STARS

Alix Franklin, St. Amant

Cheyenne Jenkins, Archbishop Hannan

Olivia Henry, Buckeye

Brooke Karpinski, French Settlement

Victoria Gray, St. Frederick

Madison Chaplin, Quitman

Abbi Troquille, Tioga

Kira Manganello, John Curtis

Caroline Mathis, Dutchtown

Ana-Grace Garcia, St. Joseph’s Academy

Kayla Giardina, Archbishop Chapelle

Haleigh Cushingberry, Live Oak

Katelynn Kempton, John Curtis

Makinzey Elisar, St. Amant

Emily DeSelle, Holy Savior Menard

Christina Curtis, Ponchatoula

Allison Brossett, Buckeye

Zoe Roland, Tioga

I am the shell of a man.

That’s because my insides are mostly eggs.

And that goes for you and you. And you too.

Break us and we bleed yellow.

You don’t think so? I beg to differ. Hang with me and I’ll prove that not since Dean Martin has something been so versatile, so good, and yet, despite a fair amount of fame, still so underappreciated.

Seriously, did somebody say something about an egg? If you did, I’m listening. Eggs get my attention. Were it not for eggs, the world would be a much less happy, less tasteful and less interesting place. What kind of question is “Which came first, the chicken or the … other chicken?”

See? You almost GOTTA have eggs!

It’s been nearly 50 years — 1977 to be eggsact — since the Egg People, that wonderful group of egg enthusiasts who tout this white-shelled miracle of nature, originated “The Incredible Edible Egg” jingle. One of the greats. Its gleeful message is the same now as then: Eggs Rock!

Think of how deeply this tiny food has embedded itself into our culture. There are eggs in cakes, in pie crusts, in brownies, in egg salad and in breads. Eggs help to hold the crust onto its first cousin, the chicken. (Maybe instead of “first cousin” it should be “mother once removed.”)

Eggs are in cookies and creams, in fried rice, and in demand. That’s why the United States production of 75 billion eggs a year is an impressive yet big-picture moderate 10 percent of the world’s supply.

We are an egg society.

Think of this food’s adaptability, if you will. It can be boiled and poached and scrambled and fried. And that’s just at breakfast! What a wonderful thing to wake up to.

It can be served sunny side up, over easy, yellow hard, yellow runny. Omelet, you say? Fine!

It can even be split into either yellow or white. How many everyday foods offer you TWO colors in such a small package? The egg is the fruit of the barnyard.

I could rest my case. But I won’t. Because not only is the egg versatile, it’s good for you. You’ve got 13 essential nutrients in a single egg, the egg publicists tell me, which might be a lie but hey, I’m buying it!, because they know I can’t tell a nutrient from a nutria. But I did grow up around chicken snakes, and not once did I see a sick one.

A large egg contains just 70 calories and has six grams of protein. My sources tell me that this is another “plus” in the “healthy food” column. In other words, an egg as a food is a “good egg.”

See? The word even lends itself to playfulness. You can be a good egg or a bad egg. Some people are egg heads. Some have egg on their face. Or a goose egg on their forehead. Some people put all their eggs in one basket, walk on egg shells, lay an egg, egg others on or protect their nest egg.

“Last one in’s a rotten egg!”

It’s a beautiful word, a beautiful food, and you’ll likely enjoy one today, even if it’s disguised in another food. Which is another reason to love the egg: it’s a simple food of delightful complexity. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Mystery is the egg’s “coop” de gras.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

WY Properties, LLC dba Logansport Casino is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Town of Logansport at the following address:

2200 Main Street
Logansport, LA 71049
WY Properties, LLC
Logansport Casino
Members: L.S.M. Gaming, Inc. (James E. Worthey, Jr. and Stan Guidroz) and Piper Goodwin

The DeSoto Parish School Board took a moment, during their April meeting, to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of the DeSoto Parish DOVE students. Their dedication, hard work, and real-world experiences have not only enriched their education but have also opened doors to exciting job opportunities.

Through the DOVE program (DeSoto Occupational and Vocational Education), students have had the chance to explore various vocational paths, gaining hands-on experience and invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. From honing technical skills to developing interpersonal communication and problem-solving abilities, they’ve embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

Their dedication, hard work, and real-world experiences have not only enriched their education but have also opened doors to exciting job opportunities.

April 7-13 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries and library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. The American Library Association has set the theme for National Library Week 2024, “Ready, Set, Library,” illustrating the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something extraordinary: a place to connect with others, learn new skills,
and focus on what matters most.

At the library’s author talks, workshops, and book clubs, Americans can connect with fellow enthusiasts and local experts while building relationships that will last a lifetime. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—the library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.

Discover, connect, and be inspired by your local library this National Library Week. Libraries are here to support you on your journey.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types nationwide each April. (ALA Website) DeSoto Parish Library celebrates National Library Week with fun programs for all ages, with prizes and giveaways available while supplies last.

Join and participate in various exciting activities at any of the DeSoto Parish library locations during the week of April 8-13, 2024. You can participate in as many activities as possible throughout the week and win prizes.

Activities during the National Library Week:
Scavenger Hunt (Monday, April 8th- Saturday, April 13th)
Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt at the library and uncover a world of wonder with our scavenger hunt card. Don’t miss out on exploring and discovering the amazing things that await you!
Library Fine Amnesty Week (Monday, April 8th – Saturday, April 13th)
Return overdue items to the library without hesitation. We’re here to help and want to make your library experience as stress-free as possible. Does not apply to lost material charges or previously returned items.
Library Escape Room (Monday, April 8th – April 12th)
Come and participate in an escape room game at any library location in DeSoto Parish. This exciting activity is suitable for all ages, including families. It’s an interactive way to encourage literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Finish the game and win a prize. Enter to win a $100 grand prize by completing at least three escape room games in all DeSoto Parish library branches.
Patron of the Day— (Monday, April 8th – Friday, April 12th)
In celebration of National Library Week, we would like to express our gratitude by offering daily giveaways from April 8 to 12, 2024. To participate, you can enter your name to win the Patron of the Day award! Please note that only one entry form per patron is allowed each day, and the deadline for entry is April 12.
Book Tasting
The Mansfield and Logansport libraries are inviting everyone to come and enjoy the taste of some delicious books. The book tasting events are scheduled as follows: Mansfield Library’s book tasting will take place on Thursday, April 11th; and Logansport Library’s book tasting will be from Monday, April 8th through Friday, April 12th. So, mark your calendars and join us to pique your appetite for a good read!

For inquiries, please call 318-872-6100 in Mansfield Library, (318) 697-2311 in Logansport Library, (318) 925-9191 in Stonewall Library, or (318) 755-2353 in Pelican Library. You can also visit our website at http://www.desotoparishlibrary.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @desotoparishlibrary.