The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) celebrated the remarkable careers of two dedicated team members, Lee Bowen and Chief Raymond Sharrow, as they entered retirement after decades of service to the community.

Lee Bowen: 17 Years of Service
Sheriff Jayson Richardson announced the retirement of Lee Bowen, who served the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for 17 years. Joining the department in January 2008, Lee worked in nearly every area of administration, including taxes, civil services, tickets, criminal background checks, fingerprints, the switchboard, and most recently at the Logansport Sub-Station.

Lee’s versatility and dedication to her roles have left an indelible mark on the department. Known for her infectious laughter and warm personality, her absence will be deeply felt by the front office team. To commemorate her retirement, Sheriff Richardson presented Lee with a watch emblazoned with the Louisiana Sheriffs Association logo. The department joked that they fully expect to see Lee enjoying her newfound freedom on a beach very soon—and very often!

Chief Raymond Sharrow: 30 Years of Law Enforcement Excellence
DPSO also honored Chief Raymond Sharrow, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement. A Mansfield native and Stanley High School graduate, Chief Sharrow began his career as a graduate of Class 53 at the BPCC Training Academy before joining DPSO under Sheriff Hugh Bennet.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Sharrow served in various roles, including Corrections Deputy, K-9 Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, S.W.A.T. Sergeant, Narcotics Lieutenant, Narcotics Captain, and as a member of the Tri-Parish Task Force. He retires as Chief Criminal Deputy under the leadership of Sheriff Jayson Richardson.

At his retirement celebration, Chief Sharrow was surrounded by family, including his wife Sonya, their children, grandchildren, and dozens of current and former colleagues. Sheriff Richardson praised Chief Sharrow’s vast accomplishments, lifelong service, and genuine friendship, describing him as a respected leader and role model whose contributions will continue to inspire others.

Though Chief Sharrow may be officially retiring, the Sheriff’s Office joked that they don’t expect him to stay away for long, as he may not fully grasp the concept of retirement just yet!

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office expresses heartfelt gratitude to both Lee Bowen and Chief Raymond Sharrow for their years of dedication, service, and leadership. Their legacies will leave a lasting impact on the department and the community they served so faithfully.

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The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of JAN. 20 – JAN. 26 (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. The three (3) attached images may be clicked and scrolled for view.

We have been made aware of a scam circulating that is targeting family members of inmates. Thus far we have received no reports of this happening in DeSoto Parish. Just in case it does, here is the scam that has been sent to us:

“Scammers may be using the inmate search feature from agencies to locate an inmate name. They then use public online/social media information to find that inmate, and identify family members of the inmate. Scammers are then contacting those family members falsely claiming that they can help in the release of loved ones for a fee, while claiming to be law enforcement, detention centers, lawyers, bondsmen, etc.”

Please know that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will never call, email, or text you regarding such a thing, or request payment/fee for an inmates immediate release. If you receive a call with a similar story, it is more than likely a SCAM. The details of stories the scammers use and the phone numbers they call from can and will change. If you ever receive a call from our agency and you are unsure whether it is legitimate, please hang up and call our agency directly at 318-872-3956 to verify before sharing any information or money with the caller.

NEVER accept or use any phone numbers or website links from any random calls or texts.

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By Doug De Graffenried

The washing machine at the Gibsland house is one of those front-loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry. Sometimes that is better than what is on television. I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get through to the NFL-pre-season in August. I am rapidly running out of football season. I have tried to watch the new spring pro football games, but they have not caught my football fancy completely.

I remember the old-fashioned load it from the top type washing machines. I owned one that had a clear lid so I could stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. I was a newer model that was missing something, more on that soon. If you have never seen laundry in the machines, you might try it. It is hypnotic. You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!

What both washing machines were missing was that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.

That thingy is called the agitator.

The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:

“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”

The new washers have an agitation feature, but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!

Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.

I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ, I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.

The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.

Sunday, I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.

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As part of National School Board Recognition Month, DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to celebrate Bobby Boyd, District 10 School Board Member, for his unwavering dedication to the district’s students, families, and community.

Mr. Boyd’s commitment to serving others ensures that the district’s mission continues to drive student success. His leadership and support play a vital role in shaping brighter futures for all those in DeSoto Parish Schools.

The district extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Boyd for his invaluable contributions and steadfast efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators.

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By Steve Graf

When it comes to bass tournament anglers and sponsors, the winds are changing, and the opportunities are diminishing. Today we’ll take a look at what many young anglers are facing with regards to landing sponsors while trying to compete on one of the professional bass tournament trails. If you’re looking to fish for a living, pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you.

First, let’s address why sponsors are necessary; without them the decision to fish professionally can be next to impossible unless you have parents or grandparents willing to foot the bill. To fish at the highest level requires lots of money up front even before you ever wet a hook. Without great sponsors, it’s almost impossible to make the dream of becoming a professional bass fisherman a reality.

In today’s professional bass fishing world, there are only so many sponsors available as anglers are constantly competing for what few there are. Not all sponsors are created equal, as some are willing to pay the angler a salary, while others just give product such as a bass boat, fishing tackle, or possibly a truck in exchange for the angler’s promotion of these items.

But before an angler needs to worry about sponsors, he or she needs to learn how to find fish. The one mistake I see with many young anglers on the rise is that they are too worried about how to obtain sponsors rather than learning how to find and catch fish.

Kids today are star struck by the fancy sublimation shirts that really do turn heads. But it goes without saying that unless you can catch fish, you won’t have to worry about landing sponsors. Tournament success is still important!

Another thing young anglers don’t understand in today’s professional bass fishing world, it’s not just about catching bass, it’s also about an angler’s ability to promote a product. Most sponsors could care less if you can catch bass. They’re more concerned with your ability to communicate and sell product for them.

They want an angler who will represent their brand in a professional manner by attending boat shows, fishing seminars and doing a great job with social media promotions. My first advice to any angler looking to fish professionally is to take speech and learn how to sell yourself and communicate with people.

Here’s the truth…once you sign with sponsors, you’re now obligated to them and must respond to their beckoning call. They’re not paying you to fish, but rather to represent their brand and promote product.

Here’s where the love hate relationship comes into play. Every angler will tell you that when it comes to sponsors, it is a double edge sword. With success comes more responsibility and commitment to the sponsors you’re connected with.

This means more time off the water and less time practicing, which can interfere with your ability to compete at the highest level due to the fact that your sponsors are pulling you away from what you really want to do the most….go bass fishing!

But sponsors are a necessity for a fulltime professional angler, and they hold all the cards in an angler’s ability to make a living. Every angler will tell you there’s no way an angler can make a living just off tournament winnings. Anglers must draw a salary and get help with expensive tournament entry fees in order to make a living for their families.

So, the next time you see a professional bass fisherman wearing one of those great looking sublimation shirts with all the different company logos, understand that each logo comes with a high level of commitment and dedication, not just to the companies he represents, but his family as well.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always believe that the fish are going bite tomorrow. The power of positive thinking is the most important ingredient an angler can have in order to achieve success.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Northwestern State University announces the names of 529 students named to the President’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.

For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown (in DeSoto Parish) are as follows.

Gloster – Ellianna Ruiz, Iliana Ruiz

Grand Cane – Trenton Bossier

Keatchie – Arianna Findley

Logansport – Logan Chadwick, Hayden Dowden, Jaylie Smith

Mansfield – Antoinette Turner, Elizabeth Walker, Jerrica Williams

Stonewall – Eloise Boudreaux, Christopher Compas, Joshua Hooper, Lauren Leblanc, Lauren Perot, Riley Purland, Braedon Theodos 

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Eight hundred ninety-two undergraduate students were named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99.

For questions regarding the Dean’s List, please contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown are as follows.

Frierson – Joshua Bouriaque, Christopher Longoria, Kaci McDaniel

Gloster – Cameron Curtis, Nailah Delton, Raven Fields, Paige Lindsey

Grand Cane – Nation Elie

Keatchie – Katy Cash, Shanyia White, Tara Foster

Logansport – Jordan Porterfield, Ian Shahan, Rhiannon Sims, Ariel Williams

Mansfield – Austin Burr, Lametria Griffin, Darrian Hall, Lamar Montgomery, Valentina Puac, Paulette Rambin, Gabriel Sanchez, Makayla Terrell

Pelican – Austin Henderson

Stonewall — Sydney Barnes, Lily Carney, Natalie Cobb, Carley Cooksey, Aly Delafield, Rhyan Floyd, Evan Guillory, Madison Jones, Madison Pender, Molly Wiley, Diane Willeford

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Seven hundred seventeen Northwestern State University students were named to the Honor List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Students listed by hometown are as follows.

Frierson – Elizabeth Bryant, Mikayla Mondello

Logansport – Emily Lagars

Mansfield – Shaniyah Blaze, Jessie Cobb, Jeremiah Eckles, Peyton Peoples, Kemariya Thomas

Pelican – Madison Mcquiddy, Da’Kaliah Williams

Stonewall – Avery Ajlani, Hunter Hanson, Courtney Johnson, Anna Little, Breanna Murphy, Devanee Simon, Xaria Turner

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By Brad Dison

In 1873, Julius Wettstein, a German cheese maker, opened a cheese factory in Monroe, New York. He named it Monroe Cheese Company. The company was so successful that Wettstein sold the company five years later for $16,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over half a million dollars in today’s money. The cheese company was bought and sold twice, each time making a profit, until Adolphe Tode and a partner bought it in 1884 for $25,000. In 1888, they hired 21-year-old Swiss immigrant Emil Frey to work in the factory.

In 1889, Adolphe challenged his cheese makers to produce a popular cheese called Bismarck. Bismarck cheese imported from Europe spoiled before it reached American grocers. After two years of failed attempts on his own time, Emil developed a new spreadable cheese that was so popular that the company discontinued their efforts to create Bismarck cheese. They named Emil’s creation Liederkranz after a famous New York Singing Society. Liederkranze cheese became popular across America, but Adolphe had made enough bad business decisions that he lost everything.

In 1891, New York wholesale grocer Jacob Weisl bought the Monroe Cheese Company from the Goshen Savings Bank. Under Jacob’s leadership, the Monroe Cheese Company grew and expanded. They opened a second factory in Covington, Pennsylvania where they focused mainly on producing Swiss cheese. Sales of Swiss cheese were spectacular, but there were some issues with producing and distributing wheels of hard Swiss cheese. It often came out misshapen or was broken during the manufacturing or distribution processes. Jacob deemed the misshapen or broken cheese unsalable, but what could they do with all the “waste cheese?”

In 1916, Jacob challenged his employees to find a way to turn the “waste cheese” into a profitable product. Luckily, Emil Frey was still working for Monroe Cheese Company. In his spare time in his home kitchen, Emil mixed and measured various ingredients. After two years of trial and error, he came up with a concoction which used only three ingredients; the waste cheese, whey, which was the leftover liquid from milk curds, and an emulsifier used to blend and stabilize the product. Emil patented the process, named his new cheese, and shared his discovery with his boss. The new cheese could easily hold its shape, required no refrigeration, had a long shelf life, and turned into a silky sauce when melted.

The Monroe Cheese Company quickly put the “waste cheese” into production. Like Emil’s Liederkranze cheese, his new creation became popular in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It was so popular that on Valentine’s Day 1923, Jacob created and incorporated a new independent company to produce this one product. In 1927, Kraft Foods bought the “waste cheese” company.

Researchers at Kraft quickly began tinkering with Emil’s formula and process. Remember that Emil patented the process for making his “waste cheese.” Rather than three ingredients, the new formula had a paragraph’s worth of chemical ingredients. Kraft advertised the “waste cheese” as a health food and diet aid, though it was neither. With clever marketing campaigns, Kraft’s version of Emil’s “waste cheese” remains one of the most popular cheese products in the world. Kraft’s version still tastes and melts pretty much the same as the Emil’s “waste cheese,” and still uses the name Emil gave it because of its velvety smoothness when melted. You know Emil’s “waste cheese” as Velveeta. What you may not know is that Kraft’s version of Velveeta cheese does not contain any cheese.

Sources:

1. David Levine, “Where Does Velveeta (and Liederkranz) Cheese Come From? Monroe, NY, Of Course!” Hudson Valley Magazine, March 18, 2013, https://hvmag.com/food/where-does-velveeta-and-liederkranz-cheese-come-from-monroe-ny-of-course/.

2. David Levine, “Who Emil Frey whipped up a smooth dairy sensation,” Smithsonian, January-February 2025, p.35.

3. “The History of Cheese Making in Monroe,” Monroe Historical Society, https://www.monroehistoryny.org/cheese-in-monroe.

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January 29 marks National Puzzle Day, a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest and most engaging pastimes. From ancient riddles to modern jigsaw puzzles, the act of solving challenges has captivated minds for centuries. Beyond their entertainment value, puzzles offer significant cognitive and emotional benefits, making them a valuable tool for people of all ages.

The origins of puzzles date back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples being labyrinths and mazes. Jigsaw puzzles, as we know them today, were invented in the 1760s when British cartographer John Spilsbury mounted a map on wood and cut it into pieces to teach geography. Since then, puzzles have evolved into a diverse array of formats, including crosswords, Sudoku, and escape room challenges.

Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment—they’re a workout for the brain. Solving puzzles helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. For children, puzzles aid in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For adults, they offer a way to keep the mind sharp and reduce stress. Studies have even shown that engaging in puzzles regularly can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.

The joy of puzzles lies in their universality. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a simple crossword or a seasoned puzzler working on a 5,000-piece jigsaw, there’s something for everyone. Families can use puzzles as a way to bond, while individuals can enjoy them as a solitary escape.

Celebrate National Puzzle Day by exploring a new type of puzzle or revisiting an old favorite. Consider challenging friends to a puzzle race or working together to complete a complex jigsaw. Libraries and online platforms often offer free puzzle resources, making it easy to join the fun.

By incorporating puzzles into your routine, you can experience the joy of problem-solving while reaping the cognitive benefits. So, grab a puzzle and get solving—you’ll be doing your brain a favor.

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John L. Freeman
08/19/1949 – 01/18/2025
Rosary: Friday, January 31, 2025, 10:00 A. M. St. Joseph Catholic Church 305 Jefferson St. Mansfield, LA followed by Mass and Funeral at 10:30 A.M.

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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By Matt Vines

GRAND CANE – The Central Christian Academy girls basketball players sprayed water everywhere “like they won a national championship” Friday at Union Christian Academy.

The game was just a late regular-season game in District 4-2A, and the result didn’t decide a district championship or anything of the like.

In fact, the Lady Pioneers didn’t even win – but the 39-34 loss did guarantee Central a spot in the playoffs.
Central (8-15) hasn’t been to the playoffs in more than a decade, and the Lady Pioneers needed to play UCA to within seven points to lock up a slot in the postseason thanks to a point differential in the MAIS standings.

Down 14 points with four minutes to go, it looked like Central’s playoff bid may have to wait for next year.
But Central surged in the final minutes, outscoring UCA 13-4 after the Lady Pioneers managed just 21 points through the three-and-a-half quarters.

“These girls showed true fight to get it to five points, and saying that I’m proud is an understatement,” said Central head coach Layne Huckabay. “It did feel like it was slipping away when we were down 14 points, but our defense stepped up and made stops when we needed them.”

Eighth grader Lola Doyla scored six of her team-high eight points in the final quarter, helping lead the late charge.

Three other players scored six points, including a pair of 3-pointers from lone senior Holland Alexander off the bench.

Juniors Nevaeh Farris and Amanda Seekford (eight rebounds) scored six each with eighth grader Lilee Averitt chipping in five points.

Central has an extremely young team, a squad that’s still learning to win.
The Lady Pioneers have won a combined 10 games in Huckabay’s first two seasons after going winless in the previous six seasons.

One of those wins came against UCA at home earlier this season.

“We’re a young team, but we’re slowly learning what it’s like to win, what it feels like,” Huckabay said. “The keys have been their attention to detail.

“Our slogan this year has been ‘We Believe,’ and this group of young ladies haven’t quit yet in any game. They will never give up, and that’s one thing we pride ourselves on.”

Central still has one week of the regular season remaining, but they know their season won’t end at the conclusion of the regular season.

Central will suit up for the Class 2A South Region tournament in the first week of February.
But before the Lady Pioneers concern themselves with the playoffs, they took a little time to celebrate Monday.

They got to pie Huckabay in the face at the pep rally.

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Just before 12:00pm on Jan. 17, a DeSoto Sheriff Patrol Deputy positioned on Hwy. 84 and Thomas Road witnessed a suspect driving a white Buick Enclave speeding. The deputy initiated emergency lights signaling for a traffic stop at which time the driver refused, choosing instead to speed eastbound in the direction of Mansfield. The suspect entered the City of Mansfield from Hwy 84 continuing down Washington Avenue before finding himself at a dead end on North Washington between the 911 Communications District and the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office. In a sharp curve of the roadway the suspect managed to crash the vehicle into a deep ravine, rolling the vehicle in the process. While the suspect initially exited the vehicle on his own, deputies were able to make an arrest without further incident.

The suspect, later identified as Colby Callaway (31yo white male from Nacogdoches, TX) was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Shreveport to be treated for mild/moderate injuries. A search of the vehicle by deputies yielded a firearm and drugs. The suspect is believed at this time to have been operating under the influence of narcotics. It was later discovered by dispatchers that Callaway was also a Wanted Suspect for a shooting incident that took place earlier this morning in Nacogdoches County. After being treated, he will be booked into the DeSoto Detention Center on the following charges.

A booking photo will be added to the website and app at that time.
– Aggravated Flight from an Officer
– Possession of Schedule I with Intent to Distribute
– Possession of Schedule II with Intent to Distribute
– Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Other charges will be pending through both DeSoto and Nacogdoches.

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The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of Jan. 13-19 (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. The three (3) attached images may be clicked and scrolled for view.

Regards,
Mark Pierce, PIO
Public Relations & Social Media
Cellular Forensics Operator & Analyst
DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office
Office: 318.872.3956 Ext. 251

*This post is for informational purposes only. Comments are disabled on all crime related posts to ensure the safety of the general public. Remember, posting comments that could be relevant to a case or a suspect can place yourself or others in danger.

In celebration of National School Board Recognition Month, DeSoto Parish Schools proudly recognizes Dale Morvan, District 7 School Board Member, for his outstanding contributions to the district and its students.

Morvan’s dedication to the district’s mission embodies #TheDeSotoDifference, inspiring a strong sense of community and responsibility in students. His unwavering commitment to education and service creates meaningful opportunities that positively impact the lives of students, educators, and families throughout DeSoto Parish.

DeSoto Parish Schools extends its heartfelt gratitude to Morvan for his leadership, service, and enduring commitment to the success of the community.

Continue your article here…

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) announced the introduction of a new area code, 457, to provide relief for the 318 area code region. This overlay ensures sufficient telephone numbers are available to meet future demand while minimizing disruption for customers.

What is an Overlay? An overlay introduces a new area code to the same geographic region currently served by an existing area code. Customers with 318 area code numbers will retain their current numbers, but new phone lines or services activated after September 25, 2025, may receive the 457 area code. Importantly, customers will need to use a 10-digit dialing procedure—the area code plus the seven-digit phone number—to make local calls.

Key Dates for the Transition:

February 24, 2025: Begin using 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) for all local calls. Calls made with 7 digits will still be completed during this period.

August 25, 2025: 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory. Calls dialed with only 7 digits will not go through and will receive a recorded message to redial with the area code.

September 25, 2025: New numbers in the 457 area code may be assigned.

Why is This Change Necessary? The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) forecasts that the 318 area code will run out of new numbers by early 2026. The LPSC reviewed NANPA’s recommendations, sought public and industry input, and approved the overlay to address the shortage.

The 318 area code serves the parishes of: Allen, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell,
Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

What You Need to Know:

Current Numbers Stay the Same: If you already have a 318 number, it will not change.

Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: All local calls within the 318 and 457 areas will require 10 digits.

No Change in Call Costs: Local calls will remain local, even with the added area code.

For more information, visit the Louisiana Public Service Commission website or contact your telephone service provider. The LPSC remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and reliable communication services for all residents and businesses in northern Louisiana.

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Letters to the editor are a longstanding tradition in journalism, providing a platform for readers to share their opinions, perspectives, and concerns on a wide range of issues. These letters, published by newspapers and other media outlets, represent the voices of the public rather than the editorial stance of the publication.

By design, letters to the editor are opinion pieces. They allow individuals to express their thoughts on current events, policies, or community matters, often sparking meaningful discussions. News outlets retain the right to decide which letters to publish, ensuring submissions align with their guidelines while maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue.

The practice of publishing letters to the editor reflects a fundamental principle of democracy: free speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal. This principle is essential to a free press and open society.

Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers and a staunch advocate for free expression, once remarked, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” His words underscore the importance of fostering spaces for diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge prevailing norms.

For newspapers and readers alike, letters to the editor serve as a testament to the power of open dialogue and civic engagement. By encouraging public participation, these letters strengthen the democratic fabric of society, reminding us of the vital role free speech plays in shaping informed communities.

To participate in this tradition, readers are encouraged to submit their letters following the publication’s guidelines. Your voice matters, and letters to the editor provide an opportunity to make it heard.

Submit a Letter to the Editor via email to: dpjnewsla@gmail.com

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By Doug De Graffenried

Writer Robert Fulghum in his book, Uh-Oh, talks about a neighbor of his who drives a brand-new Range Rover, a vehicle that Fulghum says “can outrun a lion and take a rhino charge head-on.”

One morning Fulghum left his house about the same time as his neighbor. The neighbor was carrying a golf bag, a gym bag, a raincoat, an umbrella, a coffee cup, a sack of garbage for the dumpster, and his briefcase. He was in a hurry. Two little pieces of toilet paper stuck to his chin from a hasty encounter with his razor and a knitted brow testified to a hasty encounter with his wife. But he is carrying that talisman of his success, his briefcase-solid-brass hardware, combination lock, lined with watered silk with his name embossed in gold. The prestigious bag probably weighed ten pounds.

A neighbor lady two doors down, a social worker for the Episcopal church, pulls out of her driveway about the same time as this businessman and Fulghum. The businessman cranks the engine of his Range Rover like he has the pole position at the Indy five hundred. Uh-oh–he has put his coffee cup and briefcase on the roof of the Range Rover, and there they stay as he drives away.

The lady neighbor is right behind him in her eight-year-old Just-Get-Me-There-and-Back-Please-God Ford sedan. Fulghum is behind her in his 1952 GMC two-ton Go-Ahead-and-Hit-Me panel truck. The lady begins to honk her horn at the Range Rover, which the man ignores because he is already on his phone talking to London. She keeps honking. He finally hears her, flings down the phone, leans out of the window, and makes an obscene gesture at her. She continues to honk while waving to him to stop.

Fulghum, then, hits his horn which he salvaged off an old Model A. It goes AAAOOOGAAH. The man jams on his brakes, flings open the door of the Range Rover and tries to get out–without first unlatching his seat belt. At the same moment, his morning cup of coffee slides off the roof, bounces across the hood, and smashes onto the street. This is followed by the brass-bound briefcase, which crashes onto the hood and scrapes paint off as it screeches to the ground.

The dear lady coasts slowly around the scene of the accident, smiles, waves, sings out “Have a nice day!” to her neighbor still dangling from the car in the clutches of his seat belt. Let me quote Fulghum, “And, no, she did not, as you might expect, run over his briefcase. No, she did not,” he says. “I did.” Fulghum reports the man is a little distant these days, but his wife smiles and waves. Fulghum writes, “He’s not a bad guy. Like me, he takes on more than he can manage sometimes. Like me, he gets confused about what’s important. I see myself in his mirror. It’s less embarrassing to talk about how he runs his life than to talk about the cartoon quality of my own.”
Fulghum closes this story with these words, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?”

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By Steve Graf

Today I’ll wrap up my life’s journey explaining how I have become the person I am today. While fishing and the outdoors have been a huge part of my life, sports have been my saving grace. It has all been due to great parents, teachers, and coaches who have had the greatest impact on my life.

Although my biological mother made a tough decision to walk away from me in the summer of ’69, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. My life turned 180 degrees as my aunt and uncle made it official in 1970 by adopting me.

A year or two before, they decided to adopt a child from birth and named him Chad, who was 6 or 7 years younger than me. Now this young boy was super smart, funny with a great personality, somebody who never met a stranger. Was class president and class favorite throughout his entire junior and senior high years. He was a good athlete, a team player, and very mechanical minded who could fix anything.

As I stated earlier, I had a younger stepbrother (Kenny) who I have lost contact with but did very well for himself as he graduated from Texas A&M and became a navy captain on a nuclear submarine. Last time I heard, Kenny was working for Texas Instruments out of Dallas. Hats off to my bio mom as she decided to raise Kenny herself and it appears she did a pretty good job. After her second divorce, she finally found a good man in her third husband (Bill) who gave Kenny some direction and discipline being a former military man himself.

Now according to my aunt, who I later would call mom, it turns out that it took me a little while to adjust and feel secure, as I still was hiding food under my bed for about a year. Based off what a psychologist told her, this was considered normal behavior because I was still in survival mode. This would eventually stop as I became confident that I was going to be taken care of.

There was another obstacle I had to overcome early with my education. I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. Every day for both the secod and third grade years, I would leave my mainstream class during the English period and go to Mrs. Carpenter’s classroom as she slowly turned me around by improving my ability to read. I owe a lot to Mrs. Carpenter who did an outstanding job of getting me on the right path.

My junior high years offered a different kind of challenge especially athletically as the skinny beanpole kid, which is a perfect description of me at that time, went out for seventh grade football. I was so skinny that extra-small pants were loose on me. I was still a good athlete but did not have any lead in my britches, so to speak. As good as I was at baseball, that did not translate to being that good at football initially as I started the season as a third team running back. Not first or second string — third string!

By the end of my eighth grade year, I had moved up to second string. Then as I got to high school in the ninth grade, I was moved to starting quarterback and never looked back as my body started to fill out and with great coaching, my confidence soared.

The one thing I never lacked was confidence on a baseball field. This is the one area of my life that I always felt I was as good as anyone who stepped on the field. After a great Little League and Dixie Youth experience, I was ready for high school and the best four years of my life!

My high school (Mt. Pleasant) had the reputation as one of the top athletic programs in Texas. The 1970s were some glorious times for the Mt. Pleasant Tiger athletic program in all sports. During this period, Mt. Pleasant was the winningest all-around program in the state of Texas, only behind Odessa Permian which many of you know from the movie, “Friday Night Lights.” It did not matter what sport; the MP Tigers were a state contender in all sports throughout the ‘70s.

Then during my junior year in the spring of 1978, it all came together for a group of guys who had grown up together playing baseball. After a couple of disappointing finishes from the previous two seasons, we finally got the job done, going 26-4 and winning the ’78 Class 3A state baseball title — Mt. Pleasant’s first state championship in any sport!

Then came my senior year, which was a year of highs and lows, as the ’78 football season would be a true trial and tribulation for me mentally and physically. We struggled the entire season with a new coaching staff. To this day, I still have mixed emotions about that year as it was probably the most difficult season I would ever endure as an athlete.

Compounding a difficult football season, I lost my best friend Kevin Owsley. He was a brother from another mother for me and we shared some good times together growing up playing ball, hunting and fishing. Kevin was one of those people everyone liked due to his infectious personality. He was also our starting second baseman on our defending state championship baseball team and losing him really put a huge damper on our attempt to repeat as we came up one game short of a trip back to the state tournament in Austin.

But there was one great thing that came out of my senior year, an offer to play in college on the Division I level. While I had several Division I offers, it wasn’t until a coach by the name of Al Miller (later an NFL strength coach for the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons) came to my house and made an offer to continue my athletic career and education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Committing to NSU turned out to be the best decision I ever made. This is where I met my wife of 43 years, Sherrie. We have celebrated life together and raised three awesome kids Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. I cannot imagine where I would be today had I not gone to NSU.

After graduating from NSU with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology/engineering, I was blessed with the opportunity to play baseball on the next level after being drafted in 1983 by the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). Playing in the Expos minor league system and trying to reach the major league level was truly a great experience and one I am thankful for.

The friends I have made through my college experience is priceless. I had the privilege to play with some of the greatest to ever wear an NSU Demon uniform, several that went on to play in the NFL with great success. The level of talent at NSU during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s was incredible!

In 2009, I had the greatest honor you can receive from your alma mater, being inducted into the Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Fame as a two-sport athlete. In 2023 I was welcomed into the Mt. Pleasant High School Hall of Fame.

The good Lord has blessed me in so many ways I’ve lost count. The early years of my life were merely a test of my determination and perseverance. I’m a true believer in the words, “God had a plan.” Over my lifetime, so many families, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers have had an impact on my life that I cannot even begin to list them all.

Most of them know who they are and all I can say is “thank you.” Thank you for believing in a young boy who had all kinds of issues and challenges he had to overcome to achieve success. Without each of you, none of it would have been possible.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to thank those that have impacted your life before they are no longer with us. Next week we’ll get back to more stories and experiences of the great outdoors as tournament fishing season is upon us.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt … set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Funeral services honoring the life of Gordon Levi Foremen will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, located at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 p.m. prior to service time. Burial will be held at Pelican Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Bro. Azell (Junior) Ott and Bro. Lee Rogers. Honoring Gordon as pallbearers will be Jackson Nelson, Mason Royer, Timothy Cooper, Billy Joe Blankenship, Wesley Fisher, and Donnie Averitt Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Ingvardsen, Jeffery Gamble, Landon Royer, Alex Hesser, and Brent Ingvardsen.

Gordon was born July 31, 1941, in Clay County, West Virginia and went to be with the Lord at his home, in Pelican Louisiana, on January 17, 2025.

Gordon was a Christian, baptized as an adult, and made Pelican Methodist Church his home church. He had no greater joy than when his family could join him in attendance. Gordon reflected God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Gordon graduated from Lizemores High School in Clay County, West Virginia. Upon graduation, Gordon enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in Incirlik, Turkey and finally Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. It was in Louisiana that he met his beloved wife, Linda Elaine Burton. Gordon worked in the oil field for many years as a welder for Beards Industries, and in his later years, he became a school bus driver (he loved his bus kids). His favorite jobs were cattle rancher and “Grandpaw”. Never having idle hands, during Gordon’s summers off from driving his school bus, he bailed hay, built houses, cleared land and cut firewood. A man of many interests, Gordon was an avid hunter and fisherman, he had many people that called him “friend”.  Gordon loved his community and was active and instrumental in helping as PTA president, building the Masonic Lodge, working for the local water system, various positions, and active at his home church. As in Matthew, as Christ instructed, Gordon did not call attention to many of acts of charity and kindness. The Father that sees everything is rewarding him.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon David and Georgie Ramsey Foreman; sister, Betty Underwood; and brothers, Charles Foreman and Robert Foreman. He is survived by his wife, Linda Elaine Burton; daughter, Deidre Ingvardsen and husband Brent; grandchildren, Adam, Kyrie Royer (Jackson), Landon Royer (Kayla), and Jackson Ingvardsen (Jeffery); great-grandchildren, Leigha Britt, Mason Royer, Stella Royer, Judson Green, Jordan Rogers, Kashton Royer, and Sage Royer; sisters, Dana Kay Foreman and Jo Ann Kerbetz (Hans); brothers, Thomas Foreman (Joyce) and Carl Foreman (Jan); brother-in-law, Wayne Burton; sister-in-law, Judy Nabors; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Gordon was a good, hard-working family man that will be greatly missed by his many family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Christus Highland ED and Hospital staff, Nurse Haley Sepulvado; sitters, Floretha King and Sandy McAnulty; Louisiana Home Care and Superior Hospice; Catie Griffith and Christine Taylor of Magnolia Family Medicine.

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By Brad Dison

The detective was dead. On August 6, 1975, the New York Times published a front-page obituary for one of the most famous private detectives in history. Before becoming a private investigator, he had been a high-ranking detective in the Belgian police force. In 1904, he was forced to flee his home because of the invasion, occupation, torture, and mass murder of Belgian citizens by German troops during World War I in what is now referred to as the Rape of Belgium. The detective became a refugee and fled to a town called Styles St. Mary in Essex, England. Despite being a man of small stature—he stood only about 5 feet 4 inches tall—the detective was proud, always impeccably dressed, and very clever.

Shortly after his arrival in England, a wealthy, elderly lady was murdered in her home in the same small town in which he had settled. A friend of the murdered lady knew of the detective’s police background and asked him to help. The Scotland Yard detective allowed the former police detective into the home just to see if there was anything he could offer. Within a short time, the Belgian refugee had solved the crime, earned the respect and friendship of the Scotland Yard detective, and began his career as a private detective. For decades, the private detective had worked independently and with Scotland Yard to solve crimes.

The private detective, now aged, wheelchair bound because of arthritis, and suffering from a weak heart, was working a murder case in the small town where his private detective career began, Styles St. Mary. The private detective linked four other unsolved murders to the one he was investigating. Through meticulous investigation, the private detective learned the identity of the murderer and wrote it down in a detailed letter to an acquaintance. He went to bed that night without taking his amyl nitrite heart medicine and died during the night from a heart attack.

The New York Times reported that the detective’s age was unknown. Although elderly, the proud detective concealed his age with false hair and makeup. Even his being wheelchair bound was a ploy to help him gain information in what was to be his last case. The former Belgian police detective, the refugee who escaped the atrocities of the Germans, the private detective who purportedly died as a result of a heart attack while solving his last case, was murdered. He was murdered by his own creator. The private detective was the creation of the most successful novelist of all time, outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible. The private detective’s name was Hercule Poirot. He was murdered by Dame Agatha Christie just months before her own death. The obituary published on the front page of the New York Times on August 6, 1975, was the first instance in which the newspaper had printed an obituary for a fictional character.

Source:

1. The New York Times, August 6, 1975, p.1.

2. Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (New York: John Lane, 1920).

3. Agatha Christie, Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (London: Collins Crime Club, 1975).

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January 22 marks National Hot Sauce Day, a celebration of the fiery condiment beloved across cultures and cuisines. In Natchitoches Parish, where Southern flavors reign supreme, hot sauce often takes center stage in traditional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. But the world of hot sauce extends far beyond Louisiana’s iconic Tabasco, offering a global array of flavors to spice up everyday cooking.

Tabasco brand hot sauce, created on Avery Island, Louisiana, is a household staple not only in the state but across the globe. Known for its tangy vinegar base and fiery kick, Tabasco has been a key ingredient in Southern kitchens since its creation in 1868. Its simple recipe of tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt has remained unchanged for over 150 years, making it a symbol of culinary tradition in Louisiana. For many, a dash of Tabasco is the finishing touch on everything from eggs to oysters.

Hot sauce enthusiasts know that these spicy concoctions are as diverse as the cultures that create them. From the smoky chipotle notes of Mexican salsas to the tangy heat of Caribbean Scotch bonnet blends, hot sauces showcase the unique ingredients and culinary traditions of their regions. Asian hot sauces, like Korean gochujang and Thai sriracha, add layers of complexity to stir-fries and marinades, while African peri-peri sauces bring a bold kick to grilled meats.

Incorporating hot sauce into meals is an easy way to elevate flavors. A dash of cayenne-based sauce can brighten scrambled eggs, while a drizzle of habanero-infused vinegar can add depth to soups and stews. For those in Natchitoches Parish, experimenting with different hot sauces can transform even the most familiar dishes into something extraordinary.

As the fiery flavors ignite taste buds, National Hot Sauce Day also serves as a reminder of the shared joy found in food. Spice, like community, brings people together. So, whether you’re a heat-seeker or a mild flavor enthusiast, celebrate this day by exploring the world of hot sauces and adding a little extra zest to your life.

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Gordon Levi Foreman
July 31, 1941 — January 17, 2025
Service: Friday, January 24, 2025 at 2pm at the Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield.

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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As part of School Board Recognition Month, DeSoto Parish Schools proudly honors Mr. Donnie Dufour, the newly elected School Board President, for his decades of dedicated service to the families of DeSoto Parish.

Mr. Dufour’s leadership is rooted in his unwavering passion for the community and his steadfast commitment to the success of students and educators. His efforts exemplify the district’s mission and reflect its core values of excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

DeSoto Parish Schools extends heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Dufour on his new role and expresses gratitude for his continued dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of students and families.

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