DeSoto Parish Schools recently hosted a heartfelt celebration to honor the district’s retired educators, recognizing their lasting impact on generations of students. The Retired Teacher Celebration, held on March 20, brought together former teachers for a day of reflection, connection, and appreciation.

The event provided an opportunity for retired educators to reconnect with former students, share memories, and gain insight into the latest developments within DeSoto Parish Schools. From innovative programs to student achievements, the honorees were given a special glimpse into how their legacy continues to shape the district’s future.

“Once a teacher, always a teacher,” remarked one attendee, reflecting the sentiment shared throughout the celebration.

DeSoto Parish Schools extends its deepest thanks to all retired educators for their years of service and unwavering commitment to shaping young minds. Their influence remains a cornerstone of the district’s success.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating two wanted individuals. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Authorities are currently searching for:

Zachary Ingram, 35, a white male from Mansfield, wanted on a felony charge of Simple Burglary.

Frederick Williams, 27, a black male from Logansport, wanted on multiple charges, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to submit tips anonymously by calling 1-800-505-7867 or visiting http://www.P3Tips.com. Tips can also be submitted through the DeSoto Sheriff App using the “Submit A Tip” feature.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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A coordinated narcotics operation conducted by DeSoto Parish law enforcement on March 18 led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

DeSoto Narcotics Agents, DeSoto SWAT, and the DeSoto K-9 Unit executed search warrants at two locations in Mansfield as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug distribution in the parish.

Jacobs Street Arrest

The first raid took place in the 400 block of Jacobs Street, where authorities apprehended James Johnson, 60. Johnson was wanted for three counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine) based on investigative findings. During the search of his residence, narcotics agents discovered suspected cocaine and various drug paraphernalia. Johnson was taken into custody without incident and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

James Johnson’s Charges:

(3) Counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)
Possession of Schedule II (Cocaine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Johnson Street Apartments Arrest

Later that evening, law enforcement executed a second search warrant at the Johnson Street Apartments in Mansfield, where they located Anthony Horton, 48. Horton was wanted for six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), as well as two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles—charges stemming from the investigation. Horton was also arrested without incident and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

Anthony Horton’s Charges:

(6) Counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)
(2) Counts of Cruelty to Juveniles
These arrests mark a significant step in DeSoto Parish’s ongoing efforts to combat the resurgence of crack cocaine in the community. Sheriff Jayson Richardson emphasized the department’s commitment to tackling illegal drug activity, noting that these investigations, along with future operations, aim to keep DeSoto Parish safe.

The Tri-Parish Drug Task Force continues to work alongside DeSoto Narcotics Agents to identify and apprehend those involved in drug trafficking in the region.

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The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of MAR. 10 – MAR. 23 (2 weeks) 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 attached images may be clicked and scrolled for view.

DeSoto Parish Schools invites parents to share their insights on the district’s school climate through a new feedback initiative. The survey aims to gather valuable input to help create a more supportive and enriching environment for students.

Survey link: app.satchelpulse.com/s/qGsk3KbG7PgGbCWW2RzmzYui?country=us

Parents are encouraged to participate by scanning the provided QR code or accessing the survey link. Responses will play a crucial role in shaping future improvements within DeSoto Parish Schools.

“We value our parents’ perspectives and appreciate their partnership in enhancing the educational experience for our students,” district officials stated.

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The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival has announced its complete lineup for its 28th year which is going to be held on May 9-10 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches.

This year’s festival is headlined by multiplatinum-selling Country Music Superstar, Gretchen Wilson.

In fact, the festival has adopted one of Wilson’s many hit songs as its catch-phrase: “We’re Here for the Party…and the Music!”

Preceding Wilson on stage will be Memphis Funk and R&B pioneers, The Bar-Kays.

The music on the Main Stage begins at 1:00 p.m. with the popular Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators, followed by Sonny Gullage and the Blues Groovers out of New Orleans and then Natchitoches’ own Country Music star and the festival emcee, Louisiana Music Hall of Famer, Trini Triggs.

At 5:15 p.m. the popular regional act that calls Natchitoches their home, Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs, also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at last year’s festival, will present “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulers! – a Tribute to the Music of Louisiana.” They will be followed by The Bar-Kays at 7 p.m., then Gretchen Wilson at 9 p.m.

The fun begins on Friday with “Tribute to Legends Night” featuring two amazing tribute acts, first at 7 p.m., Bad Medicine – A Tribute to Bon Jovi out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by at 9 p.m., A Taylor Swift Tribute called “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience” which faithfully recreates a portion of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Concert.

There is plenty more music on Saturday with great bands appearing on both side stages.

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00 Dead Reckoning String Band (Bluegrass /Roots). This Bluegrass/Roots group out of northeast Louisiana is making its first appearance at the festival and playing its unique brand of Bluegrass originals with their unique brand of Bluegrass originals along with their own interesting covers of some popular tunes. This is not to be missed.

1:10 – 2:10 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/Inspirational/Country). This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs. All of it, music with a message.

2:20 – 3:20 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals). These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals. Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.

3:30 – 4:30 50 Man Machine (Celtic/Americana). Perhaps the most eclectic, unusual and interesting group in the entire festival, 50 Man Machine’s set list includes Celtic, Scottish, and Rock & Roll music all rolled into one. Two things are for certain, you will be entertained by this group, led by Collier Hyams, and it will be the only group in the festival featuring bagpipes.

4:45 – 5:45 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel). Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.

6:00 – 7:00 Seth Wimberly Trio (Blues, R&B, and Rock) SW3, comes from Alexandria, Louisiana. They do a blend of popular songs, but always make sure their main focus is having fun. Be it blues, funk, rock, or jazz. SW3 will be sure to always deliver a good return on great times.

Roque House Stage

2:10 – 3:10 The Luke Brouillette Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz). Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop. Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.

3:20 – 4:20 Cypress Brake (Rock and Country). This is one of central Louisiana’s hottest new groups who will be playing an interesting blend of classic and modern Country music along with some Classic Rock hits thrown in.

4:35 – 5:35 Zack George Band (90’s and 2000’s Covers). This four-piece Rock/Pop Cover Band from Natchitoches love to rock the 90’s and 2000’s radio hits and always has something for just about everyone. If Grunge, Pop, Punk, or any combination of the three are up your alley, you’ll love this band!

5:50 – 6:50 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers). This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes. They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.

Second Line Roving Band: (Jazz/R&B). The band is the young Jazz/R&B Soldiers. This energetic group featuring brass and percussion will be bringing some New Orleans and Latin Jazz to you along with a taste of R&B thrown in. There will be second lining through the crowd throughout the day with their infectious and energetic music during intermissions. Feel free to wave you handkerchief and join in!

Advance tickets may be purchased at http://www.natchjazzfest.com

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By Steve Graf  

I’ve always enjoyed remembering how things used to be, and I look forward for what the future
holds with regards to tournament bass fishing. Today we’ll step back in time and look at how
tournament fishing was in the early days. 
 
As I’ve noted in past writings, my tournament days go back to the early 1990ns. To say that
times have changed is truly an understatement. Things are different today in several ways and
the first thing that comes to mind, is how anglers had respect for each other on the water.
Anglers were always conscious of not fishing too close to another angler and never wanted to
invade another their territory, especially if he was leading the tournament. THAT’S NOT THE
CASE TODAY! 
 
To use an old phrase, “back in the day,” anglers showed respect for each other by not fishing
areas on the lake that someone found first. Unfortunately, anglers today tend to hold no regard
or respect for another angler’s area. 
 
Many of our younger anglers think that all water is open for anyone to fish any time during the
tournament.  But I’m not going to throw shade just on our youth for all the issues taking place
in tournaments. It’s not really their fault, as 95 percent of both high school and college anglers
have never been exposed to the unwritten rules of tournament bass fishing. Etiquette has been
forgotten and is not being taught.
 
Another issue today that anglers have is the disregard for the “no information” rule. At no time
has this rule had more attention than it has this season. Several touring pros have been
disqualified for violating this rule in 2025. Most tournament trails have a written rule that does
not allow anglers to receive information about a particular body of water within a specific time
frame. Without a doubt, this is the most abused rule on every level! 
 
Back in the day, anglers were held to a higher standard than they are today. Some tournament
organizations are turning a blind eye to some of the infractions and are not holding anglers

accountable. This is why anglers continue to bend the rules and is one reason tournament
entries are down nationwide.
 
Until organizations decide to preserve the integrity of the sport, and drop the hammer on these
rule breakers, nothing will change. Some anglers will stop at nothing to gather information like
waypoints, best areas to fish, and what baits to throw from guides and other resources. 
 
While there are ways to gather information legally, some anglers ignore the rules and show no
regard for doing things the right way. Once again, back in the day if an angler violated a rule, he
was pulled aside by other anglers and asked to explain himself. The older generation held each
other more accountable. 
 
Oh, how I yearn for the days of old where you did not have to worry about who or how
someone was possibly cheating or bending the rules. Your reputation as an angler was more
important than winning any single event. You would rather sacrifice a win and still have the
respect of your fellow competitors than to cash a check doing something shady.  
 
But the philosophy today is to win at all costs, no matter what the consequences. This is pretty
much true in all sports, especially on the high school and collegiate levels. Today it’s all about
the money being made and if a kid is not happy where they’re at, they transfer to another
school that is willing to pay them even more. They are even paid in advance on potential and
not on their body of work! 
 
I’ll wrap up this gripe session with this — if we as anglers don’t start demanding organizations
enforce ALL the rules, nothing will ever change. We must demand transparency from all
tournament organizations.

‘Til next time, go fishing every chance you get because you never know when it might be your
last. 
 
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Doug De Graffenried

In the 1980’s, Jay Winsten, a public health professor at Harvard got interested in the idea of a “designated driver.” He’d picked up the concept in Scandinavia where it was the norm. At the time, the concept did not exist in the US. None of us knew what a designated driver was.

Winsten and his team at Harvard made it a goal to create a social norm in the United States: If you are going out drinking, you would pick a designated driver who would commit not to drink for the evening. How do you create a social norm out of thin air? Winsten’s inspiration was that you could make the behavior contagious by repeatedly exposing people to it, in many different contexts, even if those contexts were fictional.

Winsten and his team collaborated with producers, writers, and actors from more than 160 prime time TV programs, sprinkling designated-driver moments naturally into the plots. Segments featuring designated drivers appeared on Hunter, The Cosby Show, Mr. Belvedere, and Who’s the Boss? On one episode of the smash-hit L.A. Law, the heartthrob lawyer played by Harry Hamlin asked a bartender to call his designated driver. A designated-driver poster appeared in the bar on Cheers.

Winsten’s plea to the media was for “five seconds” of dialogue about a designated driver. He didn’t want a full episode or even a whole scene. He simply wanted the words mentioned repeatedly. Grant Tinker said about it, “Considering the simplicity of it all, it was very hard for us to feel our independence was being challenged.”

In 1991, three years after the campaign launched, nine out of ten people were familiar with the term designated driver. And they were behaving differently as a result. Thirty-seven percent of all Americans reported having acted as designated drivers, and 54% of frequent drinkers had been driven home by one. The behavioral change saved lives. Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined from 23,626 in 1988 to 17,858 in 1992.

I want you to ponder this under the rubric of “words create reality.” A new reality was created when two words were used repeatedly in the media. This is a positive story about words creating reality. I’m sure you can think of the other side of this issue where words create another reality when they become a constant drumbeat in the media.

What words have created your reality?

Better yet, whose words have created your reality.

Those words are changing your life.

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By Brad Dison

Ritchie was a sickly child. When he was six years old, he developed appendicitis. Following surgery, he contracted peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. His recovery lasted a full year. In 1953, when he was 13, he caught a cold which progressed into pleurisy. After a brief stay at Myrtle Street Children’s Hospital, Ritchie returned home. A short time later, the 13-year-old contracted a disease which changed the course of his life. At first, Ritchie ran a low fever, became fatigued, and developed a minor cough. Ritchie’s condition gradually worsened over the course of a few weeks. His fever rose, coughing intensified, and taking a deep breath became painful. When Ritchie began experiencing chest pains, his mother took him to Myrtle Street Children’s Hospital once again. His diagnosis was tuberculosis, a bacterial disease that affects the lungs.
Being diagnosed with tuberculosis was a shock to Ritchie and his mother. In the year Ritchie contracted the disease, there were over 84,000 cases of tuberculosis in the United States. Nearly 20,000 of those cases, about 23%, were fatal. The percentage of fatal cases in Europe were similar.

“In those days,” Ritchie said, “they just kept you in bed for months. I was in bed for like ten months.” Ritchie said that while being treated, teachers would come in to teach and to keep the sick children entertained. Ritchie joked that while in the hospital, he learned to knit. “One woman came in, not so often, but she came in,” he said, “and she had percussive instruments [such as] maracas, tambourines, and a little drum.” By pointing at red or yellow dots, the woman taught the kids when to strike or shake their instruments. Ritchie said the woman handed the instruments out at random. “I’m in bed … she gives me this little drum and it was like a craziness.” Ritchie said, “I only would play the drum in this mad band that she’d bring in.”

Despite his suffering from tuberculosis, Ritchie was obsessed. He said, “I hit the drum, and I only wanted, from that moment, to be a drummer. And that was what my aim was.” He said it “became the only thing I ever wanted to do.” Ritchie slowly regained his strength and his health. His obsession with that little drum never waned. When he was 18 years old, Ritchie joined a band. For more than 60 years, Ritchie has been a fixture in the entertainment industry. On January 10 of this year, Ritchie released a country album entitled “Look Up” on which he sings, whistles, and, of course, plays drums.

Had Ritchie not contracted tuberculosis at 13, a disease which could have taken his life, and had the woman with the “mad band” handed him anything other than a drum, our musical landscape may have evolved differently. You see, Ritchie, the sickly child, was born Richard Starkey, but the world knows him better as Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles.

Sources:

1. “Tuberculosis Symptoms and Causes,” Mayo Clinic, Accessed March 23, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250.

2. “TB Incidence and Mortality: 1953–2023,” CDC, October 31, 2024, accessed March 23, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/tb-surveillance-report-2023/tables/table-1.html.

3. Joe Taysom, “How a life-threatening illness made Ringo Starr learn drums,” Far Out, August 2, 2022, accessed March 23, 2025, https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/life-threatening-illness-ringo-starr-drums/.

4. Chris Barilla, “Ringo Starr’s Childhood Tuberculosis Hospitalization Kept Him in ‘Bed for Months’ but Ultimately Changed His Life,” People, February 20, 2025, accessed March 23, 2025, https://people.com/ringo-starr-says-tuberculosis-hospitalization-kept-him-in-bed-for-months-exclusive-11683518.

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Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

March 26 is recognized as Purple Day, an international movement dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. Founded in 2008 by a young Canadian girl, Cassidy Megan, Purple Day encourages people worldwide to wear purple in support of individuals living with epilepsy. Organizations host educational events, fundraising efforts, and community outreach programs to increase understanding and reduce stigma surrounding the neurological disorder.

This Day in History: The Birth of Modern Transportation

On March 26, 1872, the first patent for an air brake system was granted to George Westinghouse, revolutionizing railway safety. This invention allowed trains to stop more efficiently, greatly reducing accidents and improving passenger travel. Westinghouse’s innovations in transportation safety set the stage for the development of modern braking systems in automobiles and aircraft.

Leonard Nimoy’s Birthday (1931-2015)

Science fiction fans around the world remember Leonard Nimoy, born on March 26, 1931. Best known for his iconic portrayal of Spock in Star Trek, Nimoy’s legacy extends beyond television and film. As an actor, director, author, and philanthropist, he left a lasting impact on popular culture, science advocacy, and the arts.

Legal Milestone: The Creation of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor (1863)

On March 26, 1863, the Medal of Honor was first awarded during the American Civil War. This prestigious decoration, the highest military honor in the United States, is awarded to service members who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and selflessness in combat. Over the years, the Medal of Honor has come to symbolize the ultimate recognition of heroism in the U.S. military.

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Lyndal Prine Gamble
January 16, 1932 — March 16, 2025
Services: Saturday March 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Cane Cemetary

Jody Warren
December 24, 1983 — March 23, 2025
Visitation:Thursday  March 27 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on  at the Logansport High School Gymnasium
Services: Friday March 28 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Logansport

Dolphus Lane Cangelose
May 4, 1940 — March 22, 2025
Visitation: Wednesday March 26 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Wednesday March 26 at noon at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Delores Ann Miller
12/03/1949 – 03/19/2025
Visitation: Friday March 28 at 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday March 29 at  11 :00 a.m. at Summer Hills BC

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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State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies arrested a stonewall man for attempting to defraud the insurance company by intentionally setting fire to his pickup truck.

Thomas Tyler (44) of 704 Lessie Drive, Stonewall, admitted to SFM deputies that he set his 2024 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck on fire with the intention of collecting insurance money. Deputies booked Tyler into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center Monday on a charge of Arson with Intent to Defraud.

On January 11, 2025, the DeSoto Parish Fire District #8 responded at 4:06 a.m. to a truck fire on the Interstate 49 southbound Mansfield exit. When they arrived, they found the truck fully engulf in flames. SFM deputies also responded and questioned Tyler. At the time, he claimed he tossed a cigarette out the window, and it ignited a gas can in the bed of the truck.

During the investigation, Tyler recanted his original story and confessed to the crime.

Anyone with information regarding any suspected arson case is asked to submit tips through our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or online at lasfm.org. All tips can be submitted anonymously.

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DeSoto Parish Schools has announced the appointment of Christopher Bush as the district’s new Supervisor of Student Services, effective July 1, 2025. With nearly 25 years of experience in education, Bush brings a strong background in leadership and a deep commitment to student success.

Bush began his career in education in 1999 following a tenure with the State Department of Corrections. Over the years, he has coached basketball, football, and track across Natchitoches, Lincoln, and Bienville Parishes, while also serving in various administrative roles.

In 2015, Bush joined Logansport High School in an administrative capacity before moving to Caddo Parish, where he spent three years as Head Basketball Coach and Administrative Assistant. He later returned to DeSoto Parish, serving as Head Boys Basketball Coach and Assistant Principal at Mansfield High School. Most recently, Bush has led Logansport High School as Principal, where his leadership has fostered a culture of academic excellence and student development.

As Supervisor of Student Services, Bush will focus on enhancing educational programs, addressing student needs, and strengthening relationships among students, staff, and the community.

“I am honored to take on this new role and continue serving the students and stakeholders of DeSoto Parish,” Bush said. “My goal is to do everything possible to meet the needs of all students and ensure their success both in and beyond the classroom.”

Bush has been married for 29 years and is a proud father of three children and a devoted grandfather. His dedication to family, education, and student success reflects his passion for shaping the future of DeSoto Parish Schools.

District officials encourage the community to join them in congratulating Mr. Bush on his new appointment, as his leadership is set to make a lasting impact on students and families across DeSoto Parish.

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A year-long investigation into crack cocaine distribution in Mansfield culminated on the evening of March 12, 2025, with the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The DeSoto Parish Narcotics Division, in collaboration with the Tri-Parish Drug Taskforce, the DeSoto SWAT Team, and the DeSoto K-9 Unit, executed two search warrants on Johnson Street as part of the operation.

During the search, narcotics agents discovered a substantial amount of crack cocaine and a small quantity of marijuana at one of the residences. As a result, two suspects—DeMario Lane and TraKenya Jones—were taken into custody.

Suspects and Charges
DeMario A. Lane

Age: 41
Address: Topeka Street, Mansfield, LA
Charges:
11 counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)
Second or Subsequent Offense
Possession of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine) with Intent to Distribute
Cruelty to Juveniles
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
TraKenya C. Jones

Age: 36
Address: Johnson Street, Mansfield, LA
Charges:
1 count of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)
Possession of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine) with Intent to Distribute
Cruelty to Juveniles
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana)
Authorities confirmed that at the conclusion of the investigation, a significant amount of crack cocaine was seized.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the operation, particularly the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, for their support in bringing the case to a successful resolution.

The investigation underscores law enforcement’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking in DeSoto Parish, with officials vowing to hold offenders accountable and protect local communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics.

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Thursday, March 20 marks the vernal equinox, the official beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal day and night lengths across the globe. While many associate the day with warmer weather and blooming flowers, the equinox holds deep cultural and scientific significance.

The Earth orbits the sun at a slight tilt of 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons. During the equinox, the sun shines directly over the equator, resulting in nearly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. While the Northern Hemisphere welcomes spring, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the autumnal equinox, marking the start of fall.

Though daylight hours continue to lengthen after the equinox, the exact balance of day and night varies depending on location due to atmospheric refraction and geographic latitude.

For thousands of years, civilizations have observed the equinox with festivals and rituals. The Mayans built Chichén Itzá’s pyramid in Mexico to align with the equinox, where a shadow resembling a serpent appears on the steps as the sun sets. Similarly, the Great Sphinx of Giza is positioned to face the rising sun on this day.

In Iran and other Persian-speaking countries, the equinox marks the beginning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a celebration of renewal and rebirth. Meanwhile, Japan observes Shunbun no Hi, a national holiday for honoring ancestors and embracing the change of seasons.

While equinox celebrations vary, many involve outdoor gatherings, festivals, and environmental awareness campaigns. In some cultures, people use the day as an opportunity for personal renewal—cleaning their homes, setting new goals, or embracing change.

Whether viewed as a scientific marvel or a time for cultural traditions, the vernal equinox remains a moment of transition and optimism for the months ahead.

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Three talented students from North DeSoto Middle School (NDMS) have earned a prestigious spot in the Louisiana Bandmasters Association (LBA) All-Star All-State Middle School Honor Bands. Easton, Molly, and Audrey were selected for this distinguished ensemble, marking the first time NDMS has been represented at the event.

The young musicians will travel to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), where they will rehearse alongside the top middle school musicians from across the state. Their hard work and dedication will culminate in a special performance showcasing their musical talents.

This historic achievement highlights the growth of NDMS’s music program and the dedication of its students. Congratulations to Easton, Molly, and Audrey for their outstanding accomplishment—way to go, Griffins!

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Residents can expect a mix of warm temperatures, gusty winds, and a chance of rain heading into the weekend, according to the latest weather forecast.

Wednesday will start off cloudy before gradually clearing, with a high near 77°F. Southwest winds will shift west in the afternoon, reaching 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.

Wednesday night will bring clear skies and a low of 42°F, with northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph.

Thursday will be sunny but cooler, with a high near 63°F. Northwest winds will remain at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The night will be clear and chilly, with a low around 39°F.

Friday will see a warming trend, with sunny skies and a high near 71°F. Friday night will remain mostly clear, with a low around 50°F.

Saturday will be mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 77°F. Saturday night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low around 57°F.

Sunday marks an increased chance of rain, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms under partly sunny skies and a high near 82°F. Sunday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely, with a 60% chance of precipitation and a low around 53°F.

Monday will see the rain clearing out, leaving behind mostly sunny skies and a high near 74°F.

Stay tuned for updates as the weekend approaches, and be prepared for potential rain and thunderstorms on Sunday.

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By Doug De Graffenried

In ancient times our parents would send us to college with one of our High
School graduation gifts, a typewriter. If your family was affluent the typewriter was
electric. Can you visualize that typewriter? In the ears of your mind can you hear the
bell? The bell would sound as you were approaching the margin of your paper. Do you
remember how many spaces there are between the bell sounding and the margin?
Anyway, you had a few more spaces before reaching the margin and then you couldn’t
type on that line. You were forced to hit return or manually return the carrier to the
beginning of the next line.

Typing today is much different. I only use the return (now known as “enter”)
between paragraphs. The computer sets the margins and automatically sends the
cursor to the next line for typing. There is no bell warning me that I am approaching the
end of a line. I am not paying attention to the margin or where I am on the page, I don’t
need to. The computer is taking care of that function for me.

I miss the bell warning me that I am approaching the margin. I miss the sound of
typing in the office. Once in a church office, you could hear the typewriter, adding
machine, and the mimeograph running. You knew work of the Kingdom was happening.
Now all I hear is silence. I know the work is taking place, but you don’t hear it any
longer.

There was a function of typewriters not found on computer keyboards. That key
was labeled “margin release.” If you were one letter away from the end of a word, you
could apply margin release, and the typewriter would continue typing past the margin.
Since the margins were set mechanically, they could also be released mechanically. If
you used the margin release key one line on the page would stand out. The reader of
the paper would know you cheated at the margins.

Margin is what allows you to read this article. If the nice editors ignored the gutter
in the middle and the margins on the sides, you would find this publication almost
impossible to read. Margin, or white space, allows your eyes and brain to work in
concert in this great exercise called reading. Your brain would not cooperate if the lines
went to the edge of the screen. And if the words had no margins, called spaces, reading
would take a great effort. The New Testament was written in a form called scriptio
continua; there were no spaces between the words. Actually, there was no punctuation
either. If you think understanding the Apostle Paul is difficult, try reading Ephesians
without punctuation!

The margin release key is not found on a computer keyboard, but I’m wondering
if you are using it too often in soul matters. Let’s try a margin test. When was the last
time you took a day off? Describe the most beautiful sight experienced on your last
vacation? How long since you have walked in the woods? What was the last book you
read for pleasure? When was the last time you experienced joy?

Are you using that margin release key and filling your life and soul with too much
stuff? Is your calendar full? Go ahead and look at it, when is the next “empty day?”
Margin is that space for rest and restoration. Margin is where nothing is happening. All
the “type A” people just cringed at the prospect of doing nothing!

I think margin is important because that is where God is. He is at the margins of
society. He is at the margins of change. He is at the margins of our soul. God is at the
margins, whispering to our hearts. He is asking us to go no further but to linger where
we can experience Him. Margin allows life to be rich, full, and readable. Leave margin in
your life, please. That spiritual margin allows space for God to lead you to what is next
or linger with Him where you are.

We all need to backspace and create margin in our lives.

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The DeSoto Parish 4-H Cooking Team has made history, securing an impressive third-place finish at the state competition last week. This marks the first time a team from DeSoto Parish has reached the state level, making the achievement even more significant.

Representing Logansport High School (Cash & Riker), Stanley High School (Cooper), and North DeSoto Upper Elementary (Cooper), the talented young chefs showcased their culinary skills in a high-stakes cooking challenge. The competition required them to prepare and cook a meal within 40 minutes and present their dish to a panel of judges. In addition, they delivered a five-minute speech covering nutritional knowledge and cost analysis of their meal.

Competing against 18 teams in their division, the DeSoto Parish team’s third-place finish is a milestone for the district, highlighting the skill, dedication, and teamwork of these young chefs.

This remarkable achievement is a proud moment for DeSoto Parish Schools and the 4-H program, inspiring future students to pursue culinary excellence. The community is encouraged to celebrate and support these students as they continue to excel.

Congratulations to the DeSoto Parish 4-H Cooking Team on this well-deserved recognition!

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By Steve Graf  

So many things impact our lives as individuals, but nothing more than hard work. Growing up as
a kid on a ranch, I learned many of life’s lessons through the chores that had to be done. It
wasn’t always something I enjoyed, but these were things that were necessary in order for our
ranch to operate properly.

First, let’s look at the ranch I grew up on, located about 10 miles east of Talco, Texas. My dad
and his brother were partners of this property, known as Graf Brothers Ranch. My dad’s
brother (Uncle Bill) lived in Ft. Worth and was the owner of a major trucking company, while
my dad worked full time in the Talco oil field as the superintendent for Vick Well Service.

Uncle Bill’s involvement with the ranch was mainly financial as Dad did 90 percet of the work
that took place. On the ranch, we raised several breeds of cattle including Herford, Angus and
Brahmas, and at one point we even ran a few Charolais. The ranch was known for producing
high quality crossbred calves, all due to one awesome Angus bull by the name of “Doc.”

Doc was a pure black Angus bull that became famous for the calves he produced, which landed
him on the cover of Texas Farm Magazine. My dad truly loved this bull and had a special
relationship with Doc, who was his favorite bull that we ever owned.

A ranch requires a lot of work and there were many chores that had to be done, some I
dreaded and others I looked forward to. But nothing was worse than what my dad called
“picking up chunks.”

This was a job that took place anytime Dad decided to clear some of the timber on our property
in order to create more pastureland. We owned a D8 Caterpillar dozer that was used exclusively
for clearing property and building stock ponds.

Once the timber was cut and piled up ready to burn, there were a lot of “chunks” of wood that
had to be picked up by hand and placed in small piles, also to be burned. I do remember mutterig a few choice words every time I heard the call, “Pick up chunks.” It really was the worst job in the world!

One thing about working on a ranch — there was never a shortage of things to do. Whether it
was building or mending fence, bailing hay, bush hogging, barn repairs, or doctoring cattle,
there was plenty of work.

The greatest lesson I learned from growing up on the ranch was the importance of a strong
work ethic. Our ranch was our family business and required plenty of attention. Being a
teenager, a lot was expected of me by my dad when it came to getting things done, as he
worked full-time in the oil field six days a week. Therefore, Sundays were always dedicated to
any and all jobs needing to be done on the ranch.

But this place was also my playground for hunting and fishing. It’s where my passion grew for
both hunting and fishing as I spent hours upon hours fishing our stock ponds or hunting ducks
and squirrels.

Looking back at my time on the ranch rekindles some great memories. It helped shape me into
the person I am today and motivated me to continue my education as Dad reminded me often
that if I did not go to college, I would be working seven days a week on the ranch. That was
something I DID NOT WANT!

‘Til next time, enjoy every opportunity you get to wet a hook or enjoy the great outdoors and
remember, it is always a great day when you get to go fishing, whether or not you catch fish.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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March Madness is one of the most thrilling sporting events of the year, but few people know that the very first NCAA basketball tournament tipped off on March 19, 1939. What started as a small competition with just eight teams has grown into a national spectacle, drawing millions of viewers and generating billions in revenue. As we mark the anniversary of the first tournament, let’s take a look at its humble beginnings and how it evolved into one of the most celebrated sports events in the world.

The inaugural NCAA tournament was a far cry from the 68-team powerhouse event we see today. Organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the tournament was designed as a way to showcase college basketball’s best teams in a single-elimination format.

Held in Evanston, Illinois, at Northwestern University’s Patten Gymnasium, the 1939 tournament featured eight teams. Oregon, led by coach Howard Hobson, emerged as the first national champion after defeating Ohio State 46-33 in the final. The event wasn’t widely covered in the media at the time, and many sportswriters even questioned its importance compared to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), which was more prestigious at the time.

Despite its modest start, the NCAA tournament began to gain traction in the 1940s and 1950s. By 1951, the tournament expanded to 16 teams, and by the 1970s, it had grown into a nationally recognized event. The introduction of television coverage in the 1960s helped boost its popularity, making household names out of college stars and legendary coaches like John Wooden, whose UCLA teams dominated the tournament throughout the decade.

The phrase “March Madness” was first used in connection with the tournament in 1982 by sportscaster Brent Musburger, and the name stuck. By 1985, the field had expanded to 64 teams, creating the bracket format that fans know and love today. The addition of the play-in games in 2001 and the expansion to 68 teams in 2011 only fueled its appeal.

What makes March Madness unique is its ability to captivate both die-hard basketball fans and casual viewers alike. The unpredictability of the tournament, the Cinderella stories of underdog teams, and the heartbreak of buzzer-beaters make it one of the most exciting sporting events each year.

Additionally, the tournament has a massive economic impact. It generates billions of dollars in revenue, with major TV deals, advertising, and betting pools fueling its growth. Office brackets have become a staple of American culture, with millions of people participating in friendly competitions, even if they don’t usually watch basketball.

The NCAA tournament has come a long way since its first game on March 19, 1939. From a modest eight-team contest to a nationwide phenomenon, March Madness has cemented itself as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events in sports. As we gear up for another year of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and championship dreams, it’s worth remembering how this incredible journey began 85 years ago.

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By Brad Dison

In September 1912, 21-year-old Dorothy Gardner married 30-year-old Leslie Lynch King. Dorothy was a “strikingly attractive brunette,” and King was “a tall, handsome, sandy-haired wool merchant.” Dorothy’s mother said she had never seen Dorothy as happy as when she and her new husband boarded the train for their honeymoon on the West Coast. Three weeks into their trip, the honeymoon bliss ended in the lobby of the elegant Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Oregon. King became enraged with Dorothy, called her vile names, slapped her in the face, and punched her in the head. They reconciled briefly and continued their honeymoon. While en route to California on a train, King flew into a rage and beat and kicked Dorothy. She lived in fear because she never knew when the next beating would come.

Dorothy was shocked by King’s actions. During their courtship, King had always treated her kindly and gently. He was from a prominent and wealthy family. King assured Dorothy that he would provide for her every need, lovingly and financially. When they returned from their extended honeymoon, Dorothy learned that King was deep in debt and had been stealing money from his father. Dorothy decided to leave King and was making preparations when she learned she was pregnant. King’s parents pleaded with her not to leave and reasoned that having a child would surely change their son’s troubled ways. Dorothy reluctantly agreed to stay.

In July 1913, Dorothy had a son in King’s parent’s mansion. At King’s insistence, they named the child Leslie Lynch King Jr. On the day after the child was born, King burst into the sickroom and berated Dorothy to the extent that her doctor intervened. He told King that Dorothy was quite ill and warned him to stop abusing her. The doctor was so concerned about King’s unpredictable nature toward his wife that he brought in a nurse to protect Dorothy and young Leslie. A few days later, King stormed into the sickroom armed with a butcher knife and threatened to kill Dorothy and young Leslie. The nurse called the police, who disarmed King and arrested him. Dorothy knew she had to leave King, but she knew to be discreet. Dorothy wrapped 16-day-old Leslie in a blanket and fled from the King mansion. After a fifteen-month volatile marriage, Dorothy divorced King.

Dorothy and young Leslie began a new life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years later while Dorothy was at a church social, she met a man who asked if he could call on her. Dorothy was in no hurry to jump into another relationship. For a year, she learned all she could about the man. He was a paint salesman who quit school at 14 to provide for his widowed mother and sisters. He was scrupulously honest, a regular at church, and was kind to everyone who knew him. Most importantly, he was all that Leslie King Sr. was not. Finally, she agreed to let him call on her. In February 1916, he and Dorothy married in the church where they met. To ease the painful reminders of her first marriage, Dorothy changed her son’s name to that of her new husband. Dorothy’s son was 30 years old when he learned that his birth name was Leslie Lynch King Jr. To him, the name was meaningless. His name, the one Dorothy bestowed upon him in honor of the man she married, was Gerald R. Ford. Dorothy’s son eventually became the 38th President of the United States.

Sources:

1. The Omaha Evening Bee, August 21, 1912, p.8.

2. The Macon News, September 15, 1974, p.86.

3. James Cannon, Gerald Ford: An Honorable Life (University of Michigan Press, 2013), 40-42.

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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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The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center between the dates of MAR. 03 – MAR. 09 (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 attached images may be clicked and scrolled for view.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office proudly welcomes the newest addition to its K9 Division: K9 Karen, a two-year-old female Dutch Shepherd. She steps in to fill the role of recently retired K9 Rex and will serve in a dual-purpose capacity, assisting in both narcotics detection and patrol duties.

Karen was hand-selected from dozens of highly trained K9s at Ten8 K9, chosen specifically for her skills and temperament. She tested at the highest level among her peers, showcasing exceptional energy, intelligence, and determination.

“Karen is highly trained. Karen is high energy. And Karen has all the attitude you’d expect from a K9 named Karen,” the department joked in its announcement. “If you consider running, maybe don’t. Karen won’t call the manager—Karen IS the manager.”

Public Safety Reminder
While K9 officers often make appearances in public spaces and schools, the Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to never approach a K9 or a K9 unit without permission from its handler. These dogs are extensively trained to assist in law enforcement duties, and sudden movements or certain words could trigger an instinctive response.

“Our K9s can be patient and lovable, but they are also trained to ‘catch the bad guy.’ Always allow the handler to properly communicate and signal the K9 before approaching,” officials emphasized.

A Strong Partnership
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to Ten8 K9 for their continued collaboration, ensuring that the community receives top-tier K9 officers. With her specialized training and drive, Karen is expected to be a valuable asset to DeSoto Parish for years to come.

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