The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of OCT. 21 – OCT. 27 (1 week) and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Booking photos for each, unless they have bonded out, are readily available in the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App on iPhone or Android.

Logansport has clear path to district title

After Logansport whipped usual District 3-1A title contender St. Mary’s in the opening week of district play, it appeared Montgomery was the only team that may pose a threat to the Tigers’ supremacy.

Threat neutralized.

Logansport romped to a 40-8 victory in which Montgomery couldn’t get on the scoreboard until the end of the game.

The Tigers (5-2, 3-0) make their final regular-season road trip to LaSalle (4-4, 2-1), whose record on paper looks threatening, especially on the road.

But LaSalle couldn’t compete with St. Mary’s in a 30-0 result this past week, and the amount of resistance LaSalle can muster this week likely won’t be enough.

Logansport is hanging out at No. 7 in the GeauxPreps.com power ratings (Division IV Non-Select), but remaining games against LaSalle and Northwood-Lena would make it difficult to move up in a meaningful way because of strength of schedule.

Against Montgomery, Jukadynn Carter scored the first two touchdowns before quarterback Keaton Cason tossed a 54-yard strike to build an insurmountable lead.

Mansfield outlasts Winnfield, keeps home playoff game hopes alive

Mansfield appeared to be in control up two touchdowns on the road at Winnfield, but the Tigers formulated a late passing attack to put the result in jeopardy.

But Mansfield’s ground game and defense won out in a 20-14 victory.

The Wolverines (4-4, 1-1 District 3-2A) can position itself for a possible share of the district title when Mansfield hosts Lakeside (7-1, 1-1) on Friday.

Red River (4-4, 3-0) is in the driver’s seat with its lone district game left at Winnfield (4-4, 1-1), but should the Bulldogs slip and Mansfield wins out, it will create a title share.

Lakeside’s lone loss came in stunning fashion, 30-6, as the Warriors were pushed around by Red River.

But Lakeside got back on the right side in a 56-20 win against Ringgold this past week.

Mansfield’s win against Winnfield moved the Wolverines up to No. 15 in the GeauxPreps.com power ratings (Division III Non-Select) where the top 16 teams host.

A win against Lakeside will roll into the season-finale against currently winless Many, which should secure the Wolverines a home playoff game.

Against Winnfield, Terrell Pegues (100 yards and a touchdown) and Jaylen O’Neal (64 yards) led the rushing attack.

Pegues caught a 43 yard-pass from Sharmal Booker, who completed 3-of-4 for 78 yards.

North DeSoto continues to roll in district play

Other than a close call to Booker T. Washington, North DeSoto has plowed through District 1-4A and will all but wrap up the district title with a win against Loyola Prep on Friday.

The Griffins (6-2, 5-0) waltzed past Woodlawn to the tune of 55-6.

While North DeSoto didn’t exactly pile up the offensive yardage, Luke Delafield tossed four touchdowns (and two interceptions) while the Griffins ran for four more scores.

Kenny Thomas led the ground game with 125 yards and two touchdowns.

The Flyers (6-2, 4-1) have cruised through its district opponents save a 28-13 loss to Minden, but Loyola saved the best for last with North DeSoto and Northwood to finish the season.

Loyola is coming off a 35-6 drubbing of BTW (3-5, 1-4) in which Mason Drake rushed for 220 yards.

North DeSoto sits at No. 10 in the GeauxPreps.com power ratings (Division II Non-Select), one spot behind a Minden team the Griffins crushed 42-0 in Week 6.

The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band will host the 35th annual Classic on the Cane Marching Contest on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Turpin Stadium. The competition begins at 10 a.m. The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band will perform at 4:30 p.m.

The Awards Ceremony is at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for senior citizens, military and children 8 and under.

NSU Director of Bands Anthony Pursell said 20 high school bands from Louisiana and Texas will take part in one of the region’s top showcases for high school marching bands.

Participating bands include Jena, Many, Byrd, Tioga, Delcambre, Neville, North DeSoto, Pine Prairie, Natchitoches Central, Abbeville, South Hills (Texas) and Central. Also participating are E.D. White, Acadiana, Airline, Haughton, Benton, Southside, Parkway and West Monroe.

Awards will be presented to the top five overall bands, the top three bands in each classification and the best in class for percussion and auxiliary. There will also be awards for the most entertaining show and most spirited supporters. A most outstanding soloist will also be honored.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Mark Pierce led an insightful discussion on Cyberbullying during a recent Lunch & Learn for the DeSoto Parish School District.

Pierce’s expertise and dedication to student safety provided invaluable perspectives on protecting students from the harmful effects of online bullying. Through real-life examples, preventive strategies, and an open Q&A, he empowered district employees to better support students in navigating today’s digital world with confidence and resilience.

By Steve Graf

One of the best things about traveling and fishing across the south is that you never know what or who you might encounter. Sometimes you come across some nice folks who like to strike up conversation with you at the gas pump. Then there are times when you just want to get back to the truck and get the heck out of there! But either way, it’s all a part of the so called “road time” that all anglers must endure.

While most of my experiences have been positive, there’ve been a few that I would rather forget. The worst trip I ever had to make was an 18-hour drive (one way) to Lake Okeechobee in south Florida. The drive alone was brutal, and this is where I developed a major respect for the guys that fish for a living.

While traveling, I’m not one to stop and spend the night at a hotel especially pulling a bass boat, as you can quickly become a target for theft. So far, I’ve been very fortunate to have never been taken advantage of.  But I feel safer pulling into a rest stop occasionally for a quick power nap.

Traveling all hours of the night, I seem to do well driving after dark. All I need are sunflower seeds and a large, sweet tea and I’m good to go! But there was one occasion where I guess you could say I hit a bump in the road.

While traveling back from Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee, I had a blow out on my boat trailer. This has happened to me several times, so often that I could probably try out as a tire changer on a NASCAR pit crew.

But on this particular night, my pit crew would have fired me! Let me set the stage for my debacle. It was in the wee hours of the morning, around 1:00 AM, as I was coming through Birmingham, Alabama, when I felt a major vibration in the steering wheel. This usually means one thing…a blown tire on my boat trailer. So, I pulled over in an area where there was some major highway construction taking place. Keep in mind that it is very dark and the only light I had was a weak cell phone and the headlights of passing cars.

After emptying the entire back end of my truck so I could get to the floor jack and my pneumatic wrench, I slowly started the process of changing the flat tire. Now understand, there’s a right and a wrong way to put lug nuts on a wheel. Each lug nut has a beveled edge that is supposed to go on the wheel one way.

Turns out, this is very important but when you’re changing a tire in the dark, some things you just don’t pay attention to. I was just wanting to get this tire changed and back on the road as quickly as possible.

Getting the job done in record time that any man would be proud of, I was back on the road and headed for Louisiana. One hour later I needed gas, so I pulled into a Love’s Truck Stop (which are great) and hopped out of my truck and began to fill the tank. As the gas was flowing, I decided to do make sure the tarp on my boat was secure. 

Well, was I in for a shocking surprise! As I got to the trailer tire that I had changed out, I was amazed to see that the entire wheel was completely gone! WTH…where is the tire I replaced about an hour ago? It was obviously somewhere on the side of the road just west of Birmingham, Alabama!

Still in shock, I pulled into the garage area of the Love’s Truck Stop and asked the mechanic if he had a trailer tire that would fit my boat trailer. Of course, he did not, but did know a local tire dealer who would. So, he made the call and the tire dealer sent me his store address that was luckily only ten minutes away, and told me to meet him there.

Being 2:00 in the morning, I really hated to wake someone to get me a tire so I would not have to limp all the way back to Louisiana on just three tires. But this guy was not just a tire dealer, but the member of a local band that had just got in from a gig.

He was so gracious and told me that one of two things probably happened for me to lose the wheel off my boat trailer. I either put the lug nuts on backwards, or I didn’t tighten them up tight enough. Of course, I blamed it on the dark and the fact that I couldn’t see what I was doing. 

Either way, this gentleman saved the day, and I pulled into my driveway 8 hours later. Again, this is all a part of the adventure of traveling and fishing some of the best lakes in the country. While things can get interesting quickly, you just have to stay positive and enjoy the drive…….most of the time!

By Doug De Graffenried

I went to a workshop recently. I filled out a survey at the end of the workshop to give feedback. The survey asked about my level of satisfaction with the workshop. Can one say they were really satisfied with a workshop that was six of the most boring hours I have ever spent in my life? How would one express satisfaction with a required workshop? What was my level of satisfaction? The material was helpful the presentation was painful. What was my level of satisfaction?

It dawned on me that perhaps my friend David was insightful. He wrote:

“We all tend to share in a big, bad personal problem. It’s one that doesn’t get much press or pulpit time. Yet this problem is a huge interrupter of our personal spiritual journey. If you have this problem, you won’t be concerned that you have this problem precisely because you have the problem. The problem is personal spiritual self-satisfaction.

We’re all too satisfied with who we are, where we are, and what we’re doing. We’re satisfied with a little bit of biblical literacy. We’re satisfied with occasional moments of ministry. We’re satisfied with manageable debt that allows us to put a few coins in the plate. We’re satisfied with a bit of a grasp on the theology of Scripture.

We’re satisfied with faithful attendance at the weekend services of our churches. We’re satisfied with quick morning devotions. We’re satisfied with a little ministry experience. We’re satisfied that we don’t act out most of our lust and we don’t communicate most of our envy. We’re satisfied that in our disappointment with God, we don’t walk away.

We’re satisfied that we can harness a good bit of our fear of man. We’re satisfied to use most of our material resources to make and keep ourselves comfortable. We’re satisfied to be mere consumers of the work of the church ran than committed participants in it. We’re satisfied with hearts that occasionally wander and with thoughts that contradict what the Bible says is good and true. We’re satisfied with the amount of conflict we have in our lives.

We’re satisfied.

None of us is yet a grace graduate, but we are satisfied. We give evidence that we still need to grow but we’re satisfied. And because we are satisfied, we are resistant to the grace that is our only hope.

Here is what you and I need to remember: we serve a dissatisfied Redeemer. He knows we still need the transforming work of His powerful grace.”

What is YOUR level of satisfaction?

Southern Spirit Transmission plans a 324-mile transmission line across North Louisiana to Mississippi to Texas.

Louisiana will not get any electricity from the line.

A new state law protects landowners from expropriation in cases like this.

For More Information, contact Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell at 318-676-7464

By Brad Dison

Abraham Jr. was a theater critic for the Dublin Evening Mail in Dublin, Ireland during the 1870s. At the time, theater critics were held in low esteem. Stars of the stage avoided reading reviews by other critics, but there was something different about Abraham’s reviews. Even when being critical of a performance, Abraham wrote in such a way that made the performers feel at ease. Abraham’s writing quickly gained him recognition, and he befriended several leading stage performers, one of which was Henry Irving.

Henry Irving was an English classical actor and manager. Unlike most actors of the Victorian era who only acted in performances, Henry took full responsibility for all aspects of the stages on which he performed including the supervision of sets, props, lighting, directing, and casting. Theater managers continued to control the business side of the theaters. In 1874, Henry starred in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s famed West End. The play ran for an unheard of 200 performances and was Henry’s greatest triumph. In 1878, a row between Henry and the manager of the Lyceum grew so heated that the manager quit and began managing another theater. The strain of managing the stage as well as the business affairs of the Lyceum quickly grew to be more than Henry could handle. He needed help.

Abraham had just married a celebrated beauty named Florence Balcombe when he got a job offer from Henry. Henry wanted Abraham to move to London to be the business manager of the Lyceum and, to ease his burden even more, to be Henry’s personal assistant. It was an offer Abraham could not refuse.

Abraham and his new bride quickly moved to London where he worked in this capacity until Henry Irving died in 1905. During those 27 years, Abraham traveled the world as Henry’s assistant. In 1894, Abraham, Florence, and their son Irving Noel, named in honor of Henry Irving, took a much-needed break at the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel on the northeastern coast of Scotland. Abraham and his family took the half mile walk to the cliffs overlooking the North Sea to see the remains of Slains Castle. While walking through the ruins of the castle’s many rooms including the octagonal hall, Abraham got the idea for a new play which would naturally feature Henry as the lead character. Back at the hotel, Abraham jotted down some of his ideas before he returned to London. He continued to work on the play during his limited free time.

Two years later, Abraham and Florence took another break and stayed in a guesthouse overlooking the North Sea in Whitby, England. He walked to the shoreline and back up the 199 steps to the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church and visited the ruins of Whitby Abbey. This visit stirred Abraham’s imagination, and he rushed back to the guesthouse and began writing. Before leaving Whitby, Abraham visited the public library and accidentally came across a word in a book which he misinterpreted. It was the perfect name for the lead character in his play, but by this time Abraham had decided to publish it as a play and a novel. Unfortunately, for reasons that remain unclear, Henry never played the lead character that Abraham had created for him. Abraham’s book is still popular today, but no one knows the author as Abraham. Abraham Jr. went by another name to differentiate him from his father. Family, friends, and eventually the whole world knew Abraham Jr. as Bram Stoker. The word he misinterpreted as meaning “Devil” was Dracula.

By Jeanni Ritchie

Mine Rescue Day celebrates those members of the community who stay ready for an emergency through participation in training that keeps them in top shape for making sure everyone is located, rescued and recovered safely.

It is not something you hear about in Louisiana often.

I’d heard of mine disasters, including the 69-day rescue of 33 workers in a copper mine in Chile in 2010, but didn’t understand the full impact until the first season of Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart in 2014. It became more than just a fictionalized series. For the first time, I realized the lives of miners and their families.

History of Mine Rescue Day

In 2013, Mine Rescue Day was established by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The purpose of the day is to recognize and show appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication that is regularly made by the volunteers who put their own lives at risk in order to save the lives of others who work in the mines.

The date of October 30 was chosen in honor of the first mine rescue demonstration that took place in 1911 in Pittsburgh under the direction of the first director of the US Bureau of Mines.

According to the CDC and other official .gov websites, there were 12,714 active mines in the country in 2020. The three states with the highest mining production and value are Nevada, Alaska, and Colorado.

While technological advances, safety regulations, and health research has made mining safer than it used to be, it is still a hazardous industry.

Various types of dangerous situations can occur when people are working in the mines, whether coal, metal, or nonmetal mines. Mine workers can be trapped inside the mines in a number of ways, including fire, harmful gasses, flooding, roof falling, and explosions.

When such disasters happen, trained local community members are called upon to perform rescue services. Today, over 250 mine rescue teams in the US are equipped and certified to perform mine rescues. And Mine Rescue Day is a great time to celebrate them!

Alice Marie Guillotte Lafitte
October 2, 1935 — October 24, 2024
Service: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 305 Jefferson St, Mansfield, LA

Local high school football scores:

The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of OCT. 14 – OCT. 20 (1 week) and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Booking photos for each, unless they have bonded out, are readily available in the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App on iPhone or Android.

Logansport teeing it up against new district challenger

Logansport poured it on Lakeview in a 63-0 rout as the Tigers continue their march toward a District 3-1A title.

Logansport overpowered the winless Gators with the help of two non-offensive touchdowns in the Tigers’ first three scores.

Already up 7-0, Kaiton Packett scooped a backwards Lakeview pass and returned for a score. Joseph Powell applied the pressure that either knocked the ball loose or forced the poor throw.

Jordan Meshell returned a short punt for a score to put Logansport up 21-0 in the early going.

Logansport took advantage of short fields all night as a multitude of Tigers found the endzone while the defense held Lakeview to just 35 yards.

The Tigers (4-2, 2-0) started district play by swamping St. Mary’s (46-6), typically considered a district contender along with Logansport as those two teams have the majority of recent crowns.

Now Montgomery (4-3, 2-0) stands to be that challenger when they host Logansport after Montgomery mounted a late comeback to top St. Mary’s, 20-14 this week.

Montgomery scored all 20 points in the fourth quarter, including having the final drive continue after a fourth-down pass interference call.

North DeSoto continues march to District 1-4A title

North DeSoto applied pressure early and established its quick tempo as the Griffins were too much for winless Southwood in a 62-11 win.

The Cowboys actually took an early 3-0 lead, but North DeSoto took over from there as they scored five first-quarter touchdowns.

Running back Kenny Thomas rushed for 209 yards and five touchdowns as the Griffins didn’t waste any time surging to an early lead.

Now the Griffins (5-2, 4-0 District 1-4A) continue their quest for a district title when they host Woodlawn (2-5, 1-3) on Friday.

The Knights had been improving with relatively competitive games against Northwood and Minden and a win against Southwood, but new district member Loyola won in dominant fashion this past week (55-16).

Woodlawn will aim to take a page out of Booker T. Washington’s game against North DeSoto in which the Lions were tied 6-6 in the fourth quarter.

But the Griffins erased any doubts about their favored status in the district when they routed Minden, 42-0, the next week.

Mansfield gets right against Rosepine before hopping into district play

Mansfield’s District 3-2A title hopes took a big ding in the opening loss to Red River two weeks ago, but the Wolverines looked more like themselves in a 34-8 win.

While the running game still proved effective, Mansfield quarterback Sharmal Booker took the lead in arguably his best game of the season.

Booker threw for 197 yards on 8-of-13 passing for three touchdowns in the win.

Booker connected with seven different receivers on those eight completions as Jaylen O’Neal (69-yard touchdown) and Jeremy Youngblood (2-61) topped the charts.

Lavell Claudio and Tramajah Carroll reached the end zone on catches of 20 and 15 yards, respectively.

Five different Mansfield ball carriers gained at least 10 yards with Terrell Pegues setting the tone with 83 yards on 14 touches.

Now the Wolverines (3-4, 0-1 District 3-2A) will do battle at Winnfield (4-3, 1-0) as Mansfield tries to keep its district title hopes alive.

Winnfield, who bested Rosepine 33-6 two weeks ago, hammered Many 48-0 in its district opener this past week.

But all four of Winnfield’s wins have come against teams have a combined one win (Jonesboro-Hodge).

No. 17 and Winnfield and No. 22 Mansfield can also improve their playoff position and compete for one of the 16 first-round home games.

By Steve Graf

When it comes to bass fishing, there are a lot of great lakes in our region of the country that are loaded with trophy size largemouth bass. Several lakes come to mind; Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Caddo and Lake Fork to name a few. Louisiana has another lake that would fall into this same category….Caney Lake!

Located in the heart of Northeast Louisiana just north of Winnfield and south of Monroe off Hwy. 34, Caney Lake pretty much dominates the landscape and holds many of the top ten record bass ever caught in Louisiana waters.

It’s a 5,000-acre lake created by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries in 1986 as a part of its “Trophy Lake” program; and boy it has not disappointed. Caney has seen a lot of changes over the years especially when it comes to grass (Hydrilla). It also has a great supply of coon-tail moss, dollar pads and milfoil, creating plenty of quality cover for bass to hide.

From the beginning, as part of the Louisiana Trophy Lake program, a slot limit was introduced from 15 to 19 inches. This slot allowed for good quality fish to spawn and reproduce. This means that any fish caught inside the slot must be released immediately.

But it was only a few years ago that Caney was anything but a trophy lake as grass carp were introduced and almost destroyed this great fishery. Today, it has rebounded and is loaded with solid areas of grass (Hydrilla) with good structure as well.

The bass have responded with record fish being brought to the scales. In order to win a tournament on this lake, you’ll need anywhere from 22 to 28 pounds with your best five fish. On December 28, 2023, a new state record for the largest 5 fish stringer came in on Caney as Colby Dark and Gage Struben of La. Tech Bass Fishing Team weighed-in an incredible 48.6 pound stringer!

But this lake is much more than a bass fishery, as the crappie and bream population is extremely strong. The problem is with great fishing comes a lot of traffic, as anglers from all over the region compete for the better places on the lake. There’s also a good selection of boat docks to fish if that’s your preferred choice of cover.

The lake is such a beautiful place to go fishing but understand that you may have to sit in line to launch your boat. This is especially true during the peak fishing season of early spring, but there are plenty of ramps to choose from around the lake.

It’s also a great family lake with plenty of room to ski, tube or just go swimming. Jimmy Davis State Park is an excellent place to set up camp for a long weekend and enjoy a great playground and a really nice beach area. The State Park also offers campsites and cabins along with two large family lodges.

All of this is a testament to how good Caney Lake is today, and it doesn’t appear it will be slowing down anytime soon. But if it’s the big bass you’re after, the best time to catch one of these Caney lunkers would be from December through April.

To wrap this up, if you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe catch the biggest bass of your life, take the time to explore Caney Lake. It truly is a hidden gem in Northeast Louisiana and due to the recent national TV exposure and publicity from Major League Fishing (MLF), it’s no longer a secret! To learn more about this awesome fishery, go to caneylakelife.com

The last date for Public Rifle Sighting has been rescheduled and will take place this Friday, Oct. 25 from 8 am – 3 pm.

Location:
DeSoto Parish Training Facility
120 Sprocket Ln. in Grand Cane

By Doug De Graffenried

Please pick the beep you like best.

Beep is defined as “a short, relatively high-pitched tone produced by a horn, electronic device, or the like as a signal, summons, or warning.” It is also a way of describing how some forms of media edit out unseemly words. If I were doing this on the radio you might hear, “Oh BEEP, I dropped the hot casserole dish on the floor after I removed it from the microwave upon hearing the aforementioned microwave emit a beep.” Beep is example of onomatopoeia.

I’m wondering if you have discovered that beeps have become BEEP annoying.

The microwave cooks food quickly and it beeps. Mine will emit a beep until you open the door or select the stop button. I guess the microwave doesn’t want you to forget the sumptuous TV dinner you have just warmed up for your evening repast.

The oven beeps. It beeps when it is heated to the selected temperature. It beeps when there is one minute remaining for the cooking time. It beeps until you hit the shut up button and turn the timer off. The oven will beep at you all night until you do something.

The house alarm system beeps. It beeps when you turn it on or off, when the power is interrupted for more than three minutes or so. I guess if the house is burning down or being burglarized the thing will beep. If the power goes off and you don’t reset the alarm, it beeps until you reset it acknowledging the “power went off recently and stayed off a while” beep. Each button you press on the control panel beeps when you press it. That is four beeps to set the alarm which then does this chirping beep thing to let you know it is set. It then beeps to let you know you have a certain number of seconds to get out of the BEEPING house before alarm goes off.

To avoid the beeping madness, I escaped to the BEEPING car. The car has a mystery beep that I have yet to interpret. I have one of those pushbutton cars. Sometimes when I shut it off and open the door, it beeps at me. I have yet to figure out what I have done wrong or what I have left on for the car to protest my exit. Maybe the car is saying, “Bye.”

The car beeps at me when I’m too close to another car, the wall at the bank drive thru, when someone is crossing behind me in the parking lot, when I change lanes without signaling, when I change radio stations, and when I select the apps button to turn on the map functions.

This morning, I pulled into the office parking space. The car beeped at me. I sat down at my desk and my computer was doing some kind of beeping about something Bill Gates and Microsoft didn’t like. Oh BEEP!!!

Because things beep at us, we develop a BEEPING immunity. I was only paying attention because I was researching the beeps around me.

We condition ourselves to filter out the annoyances of life, such as the things that beep.

Please Lord do not allow us to filter out people, they are not annoyances but people you love for whom you died. I need to go now and spend time confessing my sins in this area, what about you?

By Brad Dison

John B. “Jack” Kelly was a sports fanatic. During World War I, Jack served in the army and became a champion boxer. Following the war, Jack rejoined his father’s highly successful bricklaying firm called “Kelly for Brickwork.” The postwar boom quickly made Jack a millionaire. Jack’s wealth freed him up to spend long hours perfecting his skill at sculling, rowing a long, thin needle-shaped boat with two oars.

Jack’s dedication paid off. In a short time, he won six national championships and was the single scull champion of the United States. Jack’s talents were such that he competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics at Antwerp, Belgium. On that warm August day, Jack’s first event was the single scull, one person per boat. Jack’s competitor, J. Beresford, jumped ahead at the start of the race and held the lead for the first 750 meters.

Newspapers said that Jack got a “last spurt” of energy and closed the gap when they were just 150 meters from the finish line. Jack took the lead and crossed the finish line a full boat length before Beresford. Jack won the gold medal in the single scull. Back on dry land, Jack and Beresford were too tired to even shake hands.

Jack had little time to celebrate. 30 minutes later, he competed in the double scull with his cousin as his teammate and they won gold. Four years later, Jack and his cousin competed in the double scull in the 1924 Paris Olympics and won gold again. Jack was the first rower in history to win three gold medals.

In 1923, Jack met a girl named Margaret Majer at a swimming competition. Margaret drew Jack’s attention for multiple reasons. Margaret, also a fierce competitor, won first place in the women’s competition. Margaret was also a cover-girl model with a degree in physical education. She later became the first woman to teach physical education at the University of Pennsylvania and at Women’s Medical College. In January 1924, six months before the Paris Olympics, Jack and Margaret married.

Together, Jack and Margaret had four children; Margaret, whom they called Peggy, John Kelly Jr., whom they called Kell, Patricia, and Elizabeth Anne, whom they called Lizanne. Jack and Margaret expected all of their children to be as competitive in sports as they were. Peggy, Kell, and Lizanne lived up to their expectations. Kell competed in the 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics. He won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games and the 1949 European Championships. Peggy and Lizanne competed as well at the college level. Then, there was Patricia.

Patricia was absolutely uninterested in competitive sports. She enjoyed swimming but not competition swimming. She liked to swim just for fun, which Patricia’s parents were unable to comprehend. Patricia was only somewhat interested in academia. Her math grades were so low that she was rejected from her first choice of colleges. She eventually enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Soon after graduation, she began working as an actress, an occupation her father thought was “a slim cut above streetwalker.” She appeared in thirty films including “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” and “High Society,” before she decided to retire at the height of her career. Patricia, the outcast of the family, the girl who was not expected to amount to anything, became the most famous member of the family. Patricia was the middle name of movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.

Sources:

1. Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), August 30, 1920, p.17.

2. Donald Spoto, High Society: the Life of Grace Kelly (New York: Crown Publishers, 2009) 34.

Southern Spirit Transmission plans a 324-mile transmission line across North Louisiana to Mississippi to Texas.

Louisiana will not get any electricity from the line.

A new state law protects landowners from expropriation in cases like this.

For More Information, contact Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell at 318-676-7464

By Jeanni Ritchie

Here’s Johnny!

National TV Talk Show Host Day was chosen to be celebrated on October 23, The King of Late Night Television’s birthday. John William “Johnny” Carson was born on October 23, 1925 and served as the host of The Tonight Show for thirty years (1962 – 1992).

I remember watching episodes of The Tonight Show (called Johnny Carson by most) when I’d stay with my Aunt Connie and Uncle Ron in Kansas for summer vacations. Unlike my parents, they were night owls and I never had a bedtime when I visited. Of course, I was asleep within minutes but I always felt so grown up watching that monologue.

I didn’t make it through a whole episode until my firstborn was born in 1990 with her days and nights mixed up. We didn’t have cable so my evenings revolved around Johnny Carson and David Letterman before the national anthem signaled the upcoming snow on the tv as I desperately begged my daughter to sleep.

Four more kids followed in the next four years and television talk shows aired in between episodes of Sesame Street and Barney. I needed to hear dialogue that wasn’t brought to you by the letter “C” and the number “4.”

I discovered a few other talk show hosts over the years that enlightened, informed, and entertained as much as Carson and Letterman.

In honor of Dave’s infamous Top 10 countdown, I give you my own list.

10. Craig Ferguson, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-2014) Ferguson is brilliant, with a charming Scottish accent. Immediately after his talk show ended, he hosted three seasons of Celebrity Name Game.

9. Montel Williams, The Montel Williams Show (1991-2008) Montel exuded warmth and class, a true gentleman on the talk show circuit.

8. Andy Cohen, Watch What Happens Live (2009-current) I loved Cohen when he started out, an enthusiastic fan as well as host. There was something magical about seeing him light up with excitement when he managed to nab a guest he adored, like watching an elementary school boy meet his hero.

7. Regis and Kelly, Live with Regis and Kelly (2001-2011) Of all the combinations of this show (Regis and Kathie Lee, Kelly and Michael, Kelly and Ryan, Kelly and Mark) this was my favorite combo. At least in the early years when they played off each other, the stalwart and the hipster, each exaggerating their roles and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It hasn’t been the same since.

6. Maury Povich, Maury (1991-2022) I debated adding this out of sheer shame but the truth is, in the mid-90’s when I was covered in spit up with piles of never ending laundry, it was quite the guilty pleasure to watch men squirm as they were deemed to be the father and insistent women who knew the paternity of their children beyond a shadow of doubt quickly come up with bachelor #2 when Maury uttered “You are NOT the father” to the men they’d been screeching at for half an hour.

5. Steve Harvey, Steve Harvey (2012-2017) This generation’s funny man du jour, Harvey exploded on the scene with stand up, radio shows, talk shows, game shows, reality shows, and a pageant competition where he infamously announced the wrong winner. In his trademark self-deprecation, he poked fun at the gaffe for months afterward. It’s precisely this humanization that makes him so popular.

4. Drew Barrymore, The Drew Barrymore Show (2020-current) Barrymore was America’s favorite child in the 80’s, a young star left largely to raise herself. Now in her domesticated era, the mom of two is both fangirl and popular kid as she interviews celebrities and everyday people on her eponymous show.

3. Wendy Williams, The Wendy Williams Show (2008-2022) Williams was every woman and produced a show that America’s women could relate to. Plagued by health issues, relationship drama, and courtroom battles, her current status remains a mystery.

2. Danielle Fishel, The Dish (2008-2011) Wholesome Topanga no more, The Dish provided Fishel with an opportunity to showcase her acerbic wit while making fun of reality tv that took itself a little too seriously in the late 2000’s.

1. Joel McHale, The Soup (2004-2015) Like The Dish, The Soup was snarky and satirical and poked fun at the week’s pop culture moments. McHale’s deadpan delivery was the perfect blend of wit and sarcasm. I discovered it during my first year as an empty nester and welcomed the distraction.

Vernon Rhodes
February 18, 1932 — October 19, 2024
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:00am – 12:00 pm at Southside Baptist Church 7329 LA-509, Mansfield, LA

The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of OCT. 07 – OCT. 13 (1 week) and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Booking photos for each, unless they have bonded out, are readily available in the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App on iPhone or Android.

North DeSoto erases any doubts with romp over Minden

Any doubts about North DeSoto following Week 5’s struggle with Booker T. Washington quickly faded against an undefeated Minden squad.

The Griffins dumped 35 first-quarter points on the Crimson Tide and coasted to a 42-0 victory.

North DeSoto (4-2, 3-0 District 1-4A) has won three straight district games since its 1-2 start, including passing its toughest district tests on paper in Northwood (38-21) and now Minden.

The Griffins can likely name their score this Thursday against Southwood (0-5, 0-3), who is mired in the state’s longest losing streak at 42 games – although three of this year’s losses have been by one score.

Against Minden, the Griffins defense was stifling as the Tide gained just 79 total yards.

North DeSoto’s offense took advantage of short fields as an efficient Luke Delafield threw for 200 yards on 13-of-17 passing with three touchdowns. Jarren Jackson added a passing touchdown to go with his three catches for 82 yards and a receiving touchdown.

Miller Warren led all receivers with five catches for 97 yards.

The Griffins ground game was led by Kenny Thomas (84 yards and two touchdowns) and Braelyn Latin (61 yards).

Logansport rolls over St. Mary’s to take hold of district

Logansport answered any questions coming out of its Week 5 loss to Kinder by steamrolling a St. Mary’s squad that likely posed the toughest test in District 3-1A.

In a game that’s been a recent defacto title contest of sorts, Logansport handled St. Mary’s 46-6 in Natchitoches.

Logansport excelled on the ground and in the air, compiling 311 rushing yards and 128 passing yards.
Jukadynn Carter scored two of Logansport’s three touchdowns in the first quarter as the visiting Tigers built an early lead and never looked back.

Logansport turns its attention to winless Lakeview (0-6) on Friday at home, just the Tigers’ second home game of the season after completing stadium renovations.

Lakeview had been held scoreless in its first five games before exploding offensively in a 60-28 loss to LaSalle.

Week 8 opponent Montgomery has the experience to potentially pose Logansport some problems, but the Tigers will be heavily favored in its remaining four games as they attempt to climb from its current No. 10 slot in the Division IV Non-Select power rankings.

Mansfield falls in district opener at home

Gut check time for Mansfield after a 20-12 home loss to Red River to open District 3-2A play.

The Wolverines (2-4, 0-1) slid to No. 25 in the latest power rankings with 28 teams punching playoff tickets.

Mansfield heads to Rosepine in a non-district matchup Friday before finishing the district slate with Winnfield, Lakeside and Many.

Rosepine is winless this season with its closest game a 27-point loss to Grand Lake.

Mansfield’s typically explosive offense was corralled by Red River as the Wolverines’ 12 points scored was the first time Mansfield didn’t reach the 30-point mark.

Terrell Pegues, who is one of the most dynamic rushers and receivers in the area, mustered just 133 total yards on 25 touches (100 rushing, 33 receiving). A Pegues rushing touchdown in the second quarter drew first blood for a 6-0 lead.

But Red River scored 20 of the final 26 points, taking the lead late in the second quarter and adding an early third-quarter score.

Our office has been notified by the DeSoto Parish Police Jury that a Burn Ban declaration has been signed by Police Jury President, Rodriguez Ross on this day, October 15, 2024. This Burn Ban goes into effect immediately. This post is for informational purposes only and shared on behalf of another agency.

The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8:30 a.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

Location:

Bossier Civic Center
Bodcau Room
620 Benton Road
Bossier City, LA 71111

District 4 includes Bossier, Bienville, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, and Webster Parishes.

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2025-2026 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee

C/O LA DOTD (Section 85)

P.O. Box 94245

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

The opportunity to listen to the meeting via Zoom will be provided online at http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Pages/Preliminary_Program.aspx. You may also access that link to find out more information about construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 25-26 Highway Priority Program.