The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold its annual “Spirit of DeSoto” Christmas Tree Lighting event on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 5-8 pm with the lighting taking place at 6:30 pm at the Stonewall Government Plaza. This event is complete with a visit from Santa, food trucks, live local worship band performances, jump houses, and more. Another awesome feature will be setup at six separate booths as a giving opportunity to local non-profits. Although it’s not required at all, everyone is encouraged to take a look and consider bringing a donation.

The office has been in contact with these agencies to see what they may be in need of, which is listed below. 

PROJECT CELEBRATION: TOILETRIES, TOWELS, WASHCLOTHS, SINGLE BEDSHEETS, PAPER TOWELS, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD, CLOTHES (ALL AGES), GIFT CARDS

DESOTO ANIMAL SHELTER: NON-CLUMPING LITTER, CANNED DOG FOOD, STAR-PRO DOG FOOD (RED), PURINA KITTEN FOOD (YELLOW), PILL POCKETS, GIFT CARDS

DESOTO DREAM HUNT: HAND WARMERS, DISPOSABLE PONCHOS, BUG SPRAY, PAPER TOWELS, SAFETY ORANGE VESTS, SMALL/QUIET FIDGET TOYS, GIFT CARDS

FAITH & FOSTERING: PAPER PRODUCTS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, DISH DETERGENT, LAUNDRY DETERGENT, GIFT CARDS

DESOTO CASA: TARGET GIFT CARDS, WALMART GIFT CARDS, FAST FOOD GIFT CARDS, HATS OR BEANIES, GLOVES OR SOCKS, MOSTLY FOR TEENS

GINGERBREAD HOUSE: BOTTLED WATER, COPY PAPER, FILE FOLDERS, GIFT CARDS, INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED SNACKS

By Steve Graf

If you’re ever presented the opportunity to go on a dove hunt in Mexico, don’t turn it down! It’s one of the greatest hunts you’ll get to experience! But a hunt in Mexico is more than just about shooting a lot of doves, it’s also a humbling experience and one that will make you appreciate this great country we live in.

One of the great perks about my days as Louisiana Director of Manufacturing for Holloway Sportswear was the opportunities it presented for taking part in some good hunts, as well as getting to play golf at some of the best golf courses in America like Pinehurst, North Carolina and Old Waverly in Mississippi.

But I’ll never forget a hunt we made at La Paloma Resort in Mexico about two hours south of Harlingen, Texas. You’ve heard the expression, “Half the fun is getting there!” Well, that was definitely the case on this trip.

Just going through gun check at the Mexico border was a little intense and took several hours to get approval. The one thing you don’t want to do is make the border agents mad or question what is taking so long. You’re better off just going with the flow and trying to survive the process.

It’s funny how hard it is to cross the Mexico border from the US side, but so easy to get back into the United States. You would think it would be the other way around! But hopefully our border crises will be solved now that we’ve elected a new President.

There’s only one way to describe a Mexico dove hunt…. unbelievable! For anyone who has ever shouldered a shotgun and shot a few doves, I cannot put into words how incredible this hunt is. Doves fly over, not just as one here and there, but in clouds one wave after another! There are so many doves flying that it can be difficult to pick one out to shoot.

Here’s another example of just how many doves there are. It was not uncommon for every hunter in our party to bring in over 100 doves each on a two-hour hunt. During each hunt, every hunter is given two bird boys (or retrievers) to make sure all the doves that were shot are not left in the field. These bird boys ranged in ages from 10 to 18 years of age and will stop at nothing to retrieve a bird.

Each boy was incredible at going and getting every bird that was knocked down. They would go through barbwire fences and brier patches to get a downed dove!

Each bird boy was paid $50 per hunt, and it was encouraged to tip them as well. The impressive thing was that the money paid to them was not for a new PlayStation game, but for school supplies and clothes for the upcoming school year.

No dollar was waisted! So, I made sure my boys were taken care of by tipping them at least another $50 each per hunt since I knew the money was being well spent and they earned it!

Another way to describe how great these hunts are is that each hunter in our party, over three days, went through almost 2 cases of shotgun shells. One case is 10 boxes of 25 shells per box. So, 2 cases would be the equivalent of 500 shells shot over the three-day period. This turns out to be just over 80 shells shot per hunt. You shot so much, that you could not touch the barrel of your gun because it was so hot! That’s why you needed two guns on each hunt so you could alternate guns.

My best advice if you go on one of these great dove hunts is make sure to leave your 12-gauge at the house and bring two 20-gauge shotguns instead. Funny story… as we loaded (owner) Randy Holloway’s private jet in Dallas to fly to Harlingen, Texas, my peers all laughed at me for bringing two 20-gauge shotguns…called me a wuss! But I knew if we shot as much as I had heard we would, that by day two my shoulder would be more than just a little sore.

Well guess how many “sore shouldered” guys in my party came to MY room on the morning of day 2 asking to borrow one of my 20-gauge shotguns? Every one of them! That’s right, I could have auctioned off one of my 20-gauge shotguns for more than the price of a Rolex watch, as each of them finally realized what I already knew. LEAVE THE 12-GAUGE AT HOME!

Turns out, I shot more doves than anyone else in my party over those three days because my shoulder was just fine! Guess I wasn’t the wuss after all! Till next time, good luck, good hunting and stay safe. Remember, that if you were born on or after September 1, 1969, and plan to hunt, you will need to take a Hunter Safety Course.

By Brad Dison

On July 11, 1909, Louis Van “Bud” Abernathy and his brother Temple Reeves “Temp” Abernathy left their home in Guthrie, Oklahoma and headed to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bud and Temp expected to travel about 35 miles each day on their 1300-mile round trip. Rather than making the trip in an automobile, which was still a rarity in Oklahoma at the time, or trains, both of which would have made the trip faster, Bud and Temp decided to go on horseback to toughen themselves up. Bud and Temp were dressed in their “summer ducking suits,” garments made from plain-woven fabric treated with wax to make them waterproof. They carried canteens and haversacks which held their food and water. They planned to stop at each county seat along their way to make the acquaintance of the sheriffs so they would not be interfered with and for protection. Bud and Temp were armed only with pocketknives. Bud rode on a white horse called “Sam,” which became famous three years earlier when President Theodore Roosevelt rode him in a wolf hunt. Temp rode on a less famous gray mare named “Geronimo.” To borrow lines from the film “Forrest Gump,” when Bud and Temp were tired, they slept. When they were hungry, they ate. When they had to go, they went.

At 10:00 on the morning of July 15, four days into their journey, Bud and Temp, “travel-sore and half sick,” arrived in Lawton, Oklahoma. They had ridden over 100 miles in four days through “extremely hot weather,” and briefly considered giving up. Rather than just passing through Lawton as they had planned, they decided to stay overnight for some much-needed rest. Early on the following morning, they saddled up and continued. They slowly made their way through Olustee, Oklahoma, Estelline and Tulia, Texas, Portales and Roswell, New Mexico. Finally, on Friday afternoon, September 3, 1909, 54 days after setting out, Bud and Temp arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hordes of people lined both sides of the street to watch the travelers mosey past. Bud and Temp casually waved and nodded as they rode their horses up to the capitol building and handed their credentials to Governor George Curry. For several days, Bud and Temp were guests at the executive mansion where they were wined and dined by the governor.

While in Santa Fe, their father arrived by train to join them. When it was time to leave, their father tried to convince Bud and Temp to trade their saddles for train cushions, but they refused. Bud and Temp hopped in their saddles to begin their return trip. They hoped to return home by September 20, which they were sure was possible. However, it wasn’t until September 26 that Bud and Temp completed their journey. Thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer as they rode their horses into Oklahoma City. Thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer for Bud and Temple. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Bud spoke from atop a fire wagon, “We are glad to be back in Oklahoma City, and we are glad that Oklahoma City has given us such a big reception. We… have had a good time, and we would do it again.” The pair set their September 20 arrival for a specific reason. That was the day they were to return to school. You see, Bud was just eight years old. His brother Temp was five.

Sources:

1. Daily News-Republican, July 10, 1909, p.3.

2. Las Vegas Optic, July 10, 1909, p.1.

3. The Frederick Enterprise, July 16, 1909, p.1.

4. The Waco Times-Herald, July 16, 1909, p.8.

5. The Daily Oklahoman, August 18, 1909, p.13.

6. The Chickasha Daily Express, August 23, 1909, p.1.

7. Tulsa World, August 26, 1909, p.1.

8. The Daily Oklahoman, August 26, 1909, p.12.

9. The Roswell Daily Record, September 4, 1909, p.3.

10. Las Vegas Optic, September 8, 1909, p.1.

11. The Daily Oklahoman, September 26, 1909, p.1.

None

DOTD announces that the project to repair LA 3276 (Stonewall-Frierson Rd.) in DeSoto Parish is now complete, with construction on the project finishing approximately 3 months ahead of schedule.

This project utilized an innovative technology to repair the base of the roadway, installing grid-like material filled with stone called Geocell in order to provide structural reinforcement for load support. This was a critical component of this project, as LA 3276 is a 4.6 mile long busy connector route between I-49 and US 171 in the Town of Stonewall, and is heavily traveled by 18-wheelers.

The $15 million project included base repair, full-depth patching, asphalt paving, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, and permanent signage and striping installation.

DOTD and the contractor, Earnest Contracting, LLC, worked to ensure accessibility was maintained throughout the project, while managing the flow of approximately 9,000 vehicles per day on average that travel LA 3276. The roadway is situated in a rapidly growing area of DeSoto Parish, with numerous residential and commercial development located along the route.

As always, DOTD thanks the community for its patience and understanding during the construction process, and reminds drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly and safely.

By Kevin Shannahan

Dancing, flag twirling, marching and music were the order of the day as 20 high school bands with over 1,500 musicians and families from every corner of Louisiana as well as East Texas converged on Northwestern State University’s Turpin stadium for the 2024 Classic on the Cane High School Band Competition on Nov. 2. The competition, a longtime tradition among band programs in Louisiana and elsewhere, is in its 35th year. The Classic on the Cane is a superb opportunity for the bands to showcase their abilities and spend a day in friendly competition with fellow musicians.

Desoto Parish was ably represented by the North Desoto Griffins Marching Band. The Griffins scored percussion 2, auxiliary 1 and band 2.

Each marching band gave a half-time type performance and was graded on several factors relating to marching, performing and musicality. The east side of Turpin stadium was packed end to end with the band members’ families and supporters who enthusiastically waved signs and cheered their favorite bands.

The NSU Spirit of Northwestern band gave the last performance of the evening, a high energy performance that drew repeated applause from the crowd. It is a sign of both NSU’s excellence and service to our state that many of the band directors at the competition are NSU alumni.

The Classic on the Cane has been a fixture of the high school marching band scene for the past 35 years. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to seeing some of the superb young musicians at the competition coming to NSU to continue their education. We are looking forward to next year’s contest!

Three teams recently competed in a round of donkey basketball: The Roadrunners (SHS Students), Team Ridonkulous (SHS Alumni/Staff), and Team DunkinDonuts (Sheriff’s Office). Ultimately five DPSO donkey handlers took home two wins for the night, which included a Dance Off tie breaker between Stanley SRO Lane Burns and the Lower Elementary SHS kiddos from the crowd. Everyone 12 and under grabbed a chance at riding the donkeys between games, and had a blast.

Cpl. K9 Handler Kelby Pearah, K9 Handler Hunter Martinez, NDUE SRO Bri Smith, Special Services Dy. Dylan Coburn, and Corrections Dy. Makeal Williams volunteered their time to come out and entertain DeSoto Residents for a great cause.

Other riders in the game were: Stanley School Board Rep. Coday Johnston, Marshall Raybon, Rachel Marr, Cole Powdrill, Tyler Collier, Taylor Ramsey, Kenzie Simpson, Koby Groves, Nolan Loftin, and Jade Jones.

By Steve Graf

Back during the 1980’s and ‘90’s, I had the pleasure of making several quail hunting trips to west Texas. Just like any hunt, some are good, and some are not so good. But a trip to Seymore, Texas, was one for the books. Today, I’ll recap one of those hunts where we termed the phase, “Seymore to see less,” that also turned out to be an education in how some ranches manage their quail.

These quail hunting trips over the years were always unique in their own way. Each one was always a little different depending on the terrain or ranch we hunted. The west Texas landscape can be unforgiving with cactus and every bush or tree loaded with thorns.

It really is some of the toughest terrain a hunter can encounter. Some land is hilly with steep bluffs and plateaus, while other areas are flat lands and valleys used for agriculture and growing everything from wheat to soybeans.

One thing about quail hunting, you never know if the quail will be on top of the plateaus or down in the valleys. But once you jump that first covey of quail, then you can understand what the birds are relating to as it’s all about their food source.

The first thing you do after shooting the first bird is check their crawl (stomach). This is how you determine what it is they are feeding on which tells you where you need to focus your hunt.

Now I was the new kid on the block on this particular hunt as the guys I was hunting with had been going out to west Texas since they were knee high to a grasshopper. Over the years, they had compiled a long list of ranchers whose places they had hunted before. But this trip was on new place called Ranger Creek, located just west of Seymore, Texas, and we were the first hunters they had ever hosted.

Each year one of our guys would make phone calls to several different ranchers. One thing we learned over the years was that when you called these ranch owners and asked if they had birds (quail), they always said yes; whether it was true or not, they just wanted your money.

We also learned how these ranch owners like to control or protect their quail populations. If it’s a three-day hunt, prepare to not find very many birds on day one as they send you to an area with little to no birds.

On day two, they take you to a place that’s a little better and some hunters might limit out. Then on day three (final day) you’re hunting in quail paradise, and everyone shoots their limit. Now this practice of bird control, or rather hunter control, is common as ranchers don’t want hunters to overhunt one particular place.

Quail are like any other commodity; they have value and Texas ranchers figured out that hunters will pay good money to hunt them. Why is quail hunting so popular? They are one of the best birds that have ever graced a table. It’s a white meat bird, that when wrapped in bacon, grilled in lemon butter and served with wild rice, just might be the best table fare there is.

Another thing that’s great about quail hunting, it’s like a dove hunt, it’s a social hunt. Over the years I’ve made great memories and shared in some great hunts with some awesome guys. And this Ranger Creek hunt was just one of many great hunts we enjoyed.

Another memory I have about our Ranger Creek hunt is that after a long day of chasing bobwhite quail, a man can develop quiet an appetite. The owners of this ranch had processed a steer the day before we arrived and cooked this side of beef all day long over a rotisserie pit.

Let’s just say, next to wild quail, a fresh barbequed steer is very satisfying after a hard day of chasing those miniature feathered helicopters. The Ranger Creek folks really knew how to cater to their guests and were nothing but gracious host.

This is just one of many quail hunting trips I’ve experienced and even though some hunts were better than others, each hunt was special in its own way. It’s not always about the kill, but it’s about the overall experience and the good times shared with great friends.

Till next time, good luck, happy hunting and may all your hunts be fulfilling and enjoyable. But more importantly, be safe and make sure to take a hunter’s safety course.

By Doug De Graffenried

A woman received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy for medication. Upon returning to her car, she found she had locked her keys inside.

She had to get home to her sick daughter and didn’t know what to do. She called home, and the sitter told her that her daughter was getting worse. The sitter suggested that the woman get a coat hanger to unlock the door.

The woman found an old, rusty coat hanger on the ground. Not knowing how to use it, she bowed her head and asked God for help. An old rusty car pulled up, driven by a dirty, bearded man with a biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, “Great, God, this is what you sent to help me?” But she was desperate and hopeful.

The man got out of his car and asked if he could help. She said, “Yes, my daughter is very sick. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?”

He said, “Sure.” He walked over to the car and in seconds had it opened. She hugged him and through tears said, “Thank you so much. You’re a very nice man.”

The man replied, “Lady, I’m not a nice man. I just got out of prison for car theft.

The woman hugged the man again and cried aloud, “Thank you, God, for sending me a professional!”

If you have a medical problem, you want a physician. If your troubles are legal, then you want an attorney. If you have a challenge with this bigger challenge called life, you need another kind of professional. I have good news for you, His name is Jesus. He is as close as a prayer.

The holiday season in Ruston, Louisiana, is nothing short of magical, especially for kids. From sparkling lights to festive treats, this town knows how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Here are five adorable, kid-approved events that will make your family’s holiday season in Ruston one to remember.

What better way to start the holiday season than with a joyful open house and tree lighting that gets everyone in the festive spirit? Ruston’s annual Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas on November 21 is the perfect start to the season, filled with family fun and excitement. Local shops and businesses decorate their storefronts, and everyone gathers around the tree to countdown the flip of the switch. Kids will love visiting with Santa, sipping hot chocolate, and adding local items to their Christmas wish list.

Lincoln Lights up the Pines is a must if you want to see some true Christmas magic! This dazzling light display at Lincoln Parish Park turns the woods into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights on December 5-7 and 12-14. Families can pile into their cars, pack a thermos full of apple cider, tune the radio to holiday music, and drive through this 3-mile, stunning display. The lights dance, sparkle, and fill the night with holiday cheer. Your kid’s eyes will be wide with wonder as they take in the shimmering sights!

Nothing says “Christmas magic” or “kid-approved” like cookies! If your kiddos love cookies (and really, who doesn’t?), then Ruston’s Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 15 is an absolute must. Local businesses will feature locally-made holiday cookies, and families can stroll through town, collecting all sorts of delicious treats along the way. It’s a fun, tasty adventure as kids get to sample different flavors, and the excitement of filling up their cookie boxes makes it even sweeter.

Race over to the Ruston Sports Complex for Christmas at the Complex on December 19-21 for a family-friendly event that guarantees an unforgettable and breathtaking (literally) holiday experience. The kids can enjoy a 5K fun run on Thursday, followed by a Christmas movie and ice skating on Friday, all capped off with food trucks, cookies and cocoa with Santa, and more ice skating on Saturday! The best part? All events on Friday and Saturday are totally free and open to the public.

A highlight of the season, the Ruston Christmas Parade will roll into town on December 20, the perfect celebration of a magical holiday season! The parade is a must-see for all kids, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and local performers all decked out in holiday attire. As you line the streets of downtown, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of marching bands playing festive carols and the sight of Christmas-themed floats making their way down the route. And don’t forget to raise your hands in the air to catch the candy flying your way!

Ruston turns into a holiday wonderland that’s perfect for families and kids of all ages. Whether your kiddos are into cookies, lights, or spending time with Santa, there’s something magical waiting for everyone. So bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and get ready to make some sweet, festive memories in Ruston & Lincoln Parish!

For more details on local holiday events and to plan your festive trip, visit .experienceruston.com.

By Brad Dison

From 1971 until 1979, Enro was a professor of architecture at the Budapest College of Applied Arts in Hungary. In 1974, Enro was teaching a special course called “Form Studies” which taught students to create different three-dimensional forms and shapes without a special function. While teaching the complicated concepts of three-dimensional movement to his students, he began to experiment with a certain basic shape.

He took advantage of the college’s woodshop and began fitting pieces together until he had assembled 27 blocks of wood with rubber bands into a single prototype. Enro began twisting and turning the pieces of his prototype to ensure that the rubber bands would hold, then he realized a problem. He was unable to get it back in the same order as when he began. Rather than simply disassembling and reassembling the blocks of wood, he was determined to return it to its original state in the same way that he had by twisting and turning it. After working on it for several months, he finally succeeded. He was ecstatic. On his second prototype, Enro removed the rubbers bands and created a new internal component which held the pieces together more securely. It also removed the temptation to pull the pieces to stretch the rubber bands and reposition the pieces. It removed the temptation to cheat.

Once satisfied with his prototype, Enro showed his creation to coworkers and students, all of whom were captivated by its difficulty. Enro saw this as an opportunity. In 1975, Enro received a patent for his creation and tried to find a market for it. He took his prototype to toy fairs, but most toy sellers said there was nothing like it on the market for them to compare it to. They saw that as a negative, but Enro argued that that was what made it such a good product. It was simple, self-contained, easy to handle, three-dimensional, and had no parts to lose. It was totally unique. They argued that it was just too difficult. Finally, a small company in Budapest agreed to test Enro’s creation.

In late 1977, the first batches of Enro’s creation were released in toy shops in Budapest and sales were decent. In February of 1979, another small toy company saw Enro’s creation at Germany’s Nuremberg Toy Fair and worked with Enro in signing a contract with Ideal Toys to release it worldwide. In May 1980, Enro’s creation finally made it to the world market. At $1.99 per unit, sales were initially slow, but a newspaper, magazine, and television campaign created a craze for the product. Within three years, Ideal Toys sold an estimated 200 million units. More than 50 books have been published on Enro’s creation. Since 1980, more than 450 million units have been sold and it has become a cultural icon around the world. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Enro’s invention which was nearly named “The Gordian Knot.” Its original title, “The Magic Cube,” would have left its inventor in obscurity. Thankfully, Ideal Toys decided to use Enro’s name as the title for the product. At one point or other, nearly everyone has struggled to solve a Rubik’s Cube.

Sources:

1. Todd Coopee, “Squaring off with Rubik’s Cube,” Reader’s Digest, September 2024, p.26.

2. “Enro Rubik – An Extended Interview – G4G13 Apr 2018,” accessed November 3, 2024, https://youtu.be/G6kKOjvlWh0?si=ZO3gahkXKPcVKbTg.

3. “Enro Rubik: Creator of the Cube, TIME,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0poQ8q8RzSg.

November 6 is National Nachos Day, a time to celebrate one of the world’s favorite snacks. What started as a simple dish has evolved into a global phenomenon, loved for its versatility and irresistible combination of flavors.

Nachos were invented in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. The story goes that a group of American military wives visited Anaya’s restaurant after hours. With limited ingredients on hand, Anaya quickly improvised, topping crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese and sliced jalapeños. The dish was an instant hit, and “Nacho’s Special” was born, eventually shortened to just “nachos.”

Since their humble beginnings, nachos have spread far beyond Mexico, becoming a staple at sports events, parties, and restaurants worldwide. Their appeal lies in their simplicity and adaptability. At their core, nachos consist of tortilla chips, cheese, and a topping or two. However, they can be customized with a variety of ingredients, from seasoned ground beef and guacamole to sour cream, beans, and pico de gallo.

In the United States, nachos are a game-day favorite, often loaded with toppings like pulled pork, chicken, or even seafood. In other parts of the world, chefs have experimented with regional twists, incorporating flavors like kimchi, curry, or Mediterranean ingredients like feta and olives.

National Nachos Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this iconic snack in all its forms. Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with toppings, nachos offer something for everyone. So grab some chips, melt some cheese, and celebrate the day with a plate of delicious, customizable nachos!

Gerardette Hesser
July 6, 1956 — November 3, 2024
Service: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 305 Jefferson St, Mansfield, LA