Weather Outlook: Warm Days Ahead with a Chance of Midweek Showers
The region will experience mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures throughout the week, with a brief chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night.

Wednesday: Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high near 79°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 56°F. South winds will continue at 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday: Sunny skies return, with a high near 82°F. Winds will shift to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy conditions with a low around 57°F. Winds will be calm, becoming southerly at 5 mph after midnight.

Friday: Partly sunny skies and warm temperatures near 81°F.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy with a mild low of 57°F.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and slightly cooler, with a high near 75°F.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies with temperatures dipping to 47°F.

Sunday: A sunny and cooler day, with highs around 68°F.

Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low of 41°F.

Monday: A return to warmer conditions with sunny skies and a high near 73°F.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low of 49°F.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 77°F.

Residents should prepare for a midweek chance of rain but can look forward to plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures in the days ahead.

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GeauxPass, Louisiana’s statewide toll system, is warning residents about a widespread “smishing” scam in which fraudsters send text messages posing as tolling agencies to trick recipients into making fake payments.

The fraudulent text messages claim that a toll payment is due and direct recipients to a deceptive website, where they are asked to provide personal and financial information. GeauxPass emphasizes that it will never request personal information via text message.

Scammers often use misleading web addresses, such as geauxpass-la.com or slightly misspelled domains like geaupass.net, to make their schemes appear legitimate. Residents should only use the official GeauxPass website, http://www.geauxpass.com, to manage their accounts and make payments.

Tips to Avoid Online Scams

Carefully check website domain names, as scammers rely on small, unnoticed changes.

Avoid logging in if something seems suspicious.

Delete any scam text messages immediately.

If you clicked on a fraudulent link or provided personal details, take action to secure your financial accounts.

When in doubt, contact GeauxPass customer service for verification.

For any concerns or inquiries, contact GeauxPass Customer Service via email at customerservice@geauxpass.com or call 866-662-8987.

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By Steve Graf

Remember the days when you had babies, and you needed to bring so much stuff when you headed out to visit family or go on vacation? Then the day came when the kids were grown and the days of packing the entire house were over.

Anglers might be the worst group when it comes to needing something they forgot to pack. Which then means, they must find a local tackle store or place an internet order and have it drop-shipped directly to their tournament site — no matter the cost.

It never fails that whatever soft plastic bait you start catching fish on, you never have enough to get you through the tournament. But back home in your fishing man cave, you have several bags hanging on the peg board screaming, “Why did you leave me?” If you ever want to see a mini-Walmart on wheels, check out the bed of a tournament angler’s truck.

There you will find extra rods and reels, box after box of different types of crankbaits, tubs full of soft plastics organized by different brand types, baggies full of special baits, and other tackle like spool after spool of fishing line in all sizes.

You might also find a spare prop for the outboard motor, extension cords, a boat cover, spare life jackets and probably a spotlight for doing pre-rigging around the boat after dark.

It’s no different than taking a baby on the road. You need everything you can possibly pack because whatever you left at the house is exactly what you’ll need for the tournament.

This is why it’s important for anglers to make a checklist for every tournament before hitting the road. Most of the time they already have a preconceived idea as to what they might need for a particular event based on the time of year and the weather. But the checklist is crucial to bringing the right gear for the event. Without it, something will be forgotten!

While life on the road can be a joy, it can also be stressful especially when you forget to bring something that you know is critical to your success for the next tournament. But with today’s great product distribution from Tackle Warehouse, Tackle Attic, Amazon and others, the product you need is only a click away.

So many times, I have seen anglers drop-ship product to the address of the house they are staying at during the tournament. I’ve also seen tournament anglers drive for over an hour to the nearest tackle store just for a bag of worms in a specific color.

The next time you’re packing the house and loading everything into the car for your newborn child, remember, bass fishermen will do the same thing; they will leave NOTHING behind!

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and make sure you have a checklist the next time you hit the road for a fishing adventure. Hopefully you won’t need the kitchen sink, as that will cost a fortune to ship!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Brad Dison

There is an old cliché that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That was certainly true with Alex’s paintings. Alex dabbled in watercolor painting, but despite his numerous attempts his paintings were considered unspectacular. Newspapers described Alex in much the same way, “patient, persevering, methodical, and unspectacular.” Alex had no delusions that he would someday become an artist whose works were put on display for others to see, yet it happened.

Art was only a hobby for Alex. He was a scientist. Artists use a variety of media in their approach to artistic expression. Sometimes that medium is as unconventional as dryer lint, used bubblegum, or grains of rice. Alex began experimenting with his own medium and painted ballerinas, houses, soldiers, mothers feeding children, portraits, stick figures fighting, and many other scenes by using bacterial microbes. The difficult process began with Alex growing bacterial microbes in a petri dish which produced different natural pigments. He filled another petri dish with agar, a gelatinous substance created from algae. He dipped his lab tool into the microbes and carefully placed them into the agar. Painting with microbes was difficult because the varieties of microbes matured at different times. Alex painted with one variety of microbes, waited the predetermined length of time, then added the next batch of microbes which produced a different color, and the process continued. Once he was satisfied, he placed his raw petri dish into an incubator to allow them to grow into his unusual works of art.

Alex was pleased with his creations, but he was limited to just a few colors. Most of his microbial artworks consisted of red, black, brown, and yellow pigments. Alex wanted to see if he could create more colors if he left his mixture out of the incubator. When he checked on the petri dish a few days later, he noticed mold growing on it. Most scientists would have thrown the sample away, but not Alex. He said, “I might have been in a bad temper and missed it.” He studied the sample and noticed that each of the colonies of bacteria on his petri dish had grown into a small shape which resembled a star in the night sky. Then he realized that the dark sky surrounding his star was dying bacteria. He initially called the substance “mold juice.” In his search for more colors for his microbial art, Alex…Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin.

Sources:

1. The Meriden Journal, March 11, 1955, p.1.

2. The Age (Melbourne, Australia), July 4, 1959, p.18.

3. Rob Dunn, “Painting with Penicillin: Alexander Fleming’s Germ Art, Smithsonian Magazine, July 11, 2010, accessed March 9, 2025, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/painting-with-penicillin-alexander-flemings-germ-art-1761496/.

4. “National Treasure: The Mold Behind the Miracle of Penicillin,” National Museum of American History, November 22, 2024, accessed March 9, 2025, https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/national-treasure-mold-behind-miracle-penicillin.

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Every year on March 12, National Girl Scout Day commemorates the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. This day celebrates the organization’s enduring commitment to empowering young girls through leadership development, community service, and skill-building activities.

Juliette Gordon Low’s vision was to create an organization that would prepare girls to meet their world with courage, confidence, and character. Since its inception, the Girl Scouts have grown exponentially, impacting millions of girls and young women across the United States. The organization’s programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of society while staying true to its core mission of empowerment.

The Girl Scouts’ programming focuses on several key areas:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Encouraging girls to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields through hands-on activities and mentorship.

Outdoor Adventure: Promoting environmental stewardship and resilience through camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Life Skills: Equipping girls with essential skills such as financial literacy, communication, and civic engagement.

Entrepreneurship: Fostering business acumen and goal setting, notably through the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Girl Scouts are actively involved in community service projects that address local and global issues. From environmental conservation efforts to social justice initiatives, members are encouraged to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions. This hands-on approach cultivates a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age.

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Francine “Fran” Lindsey Ruffin
September 5, 1953 — March 6, 2025
Services: Thursday March 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Highland Cemetery in 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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In an ongoing effort to combat drug-related crime and keep the community safe, Sheriff Jayson Richardson has announced the latest arrests made by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) Narcotics Division throughout February.

The department continues to hold accountable those who attempt to distribute illegal substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, fentanyl, ecstasy, and illegally used prescription drugs. Many of the suspects arrested were not DeSoto Parish residents but were apprehended while attempting to bring narcotics into the area.

Sheriff Richardson praised the combined efforts of the DPSO Narcotics Agents, K9 Unit, Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU), Directed Patrol, SWAT, and the Tri-Parish Task Force for their commitment to keeping DeSoto Parish safe.

Arrests & Charges:
The following individuals were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law:

February 6, 2025 – Jeffrey A. Haley, 43, of Gary, Texas
Charges: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, No License Plate Light, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and multiple out-of-state fugitive warrants

February 8, 2025 – Carlos P. Crawford, 34, of Zwolle, LA
Charges: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Improper Display of a License Plate, and Second or Subsequent Offenses.

February 26, 2025 – Roy L. Bonner, 37, of Mansfield, LA
Charges: Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Without a License, and No Tail Lamps.

February 27, 2025 – Debbie L. Antley, 55, of Shreveport, LA
Charges: Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Traffic Lane Violation.

February 27, 2025 – Billy G. Cliff, 42, of Shreveport, LA
Charges: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Turn Signal Violation, and Second or Subsequent Offense.

Methamphetamine Cases Dominate Arrests

Sheriff Richardson noted that methamphetamine remains the most frequently encountered drug in these operations. Authorities continue to work diligently to curb its distribution and keep the community safe.

Law enforcement officials encourage residents to report any suspected drug activity to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office as they continue their efforts to reduce illegal narcotics in the area.

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The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program will award scholarships providing assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program. Sheriff Jayson Richardson has long participated in this program, and happily offers scholarships to students each year!

Scholarships of a maximum of $1,000 each will be awarded to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Honorary Membership Program.
There are no restrictions on the purposes for which scholarships are spent. The scholarships are not loans and will be awarded as gifts to defray the rising costs of tuition and related expenses in higher education. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the state of Louisiana; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Sheriff of the parish of the applicant’s permanent Louisiana residence by April 1st. Further, applicants must be eligible for admission to the school indicated on the application. The award will only be paid for attendance at institutions of higher learning within the state. All scholarship winners will be announced by May 1st of each year.

For further information regarding the Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program, contact the Sheriffs Office at 318-872-3956.

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The week kicks off with sunny skies and mild temperatures, but rain and thunderstorms could roll in by the weekend.

Wednesday: Expect a bright and breezy day with sunshine and a high near 60°F. Northwest winds will be strong at 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear with a low of 36°F. Winds will calm down in the evening but could still gust up to 20 mph.

Thursday: Another sunny day with a high near 65°F. Winds will shift to the southeast at around 5 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night: Clouds increase, with a low of 50°F.

Friday: Partly sunny and warmer, reaching a high of 78°F.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy skies with a low around 51°F.

Saturday: A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy with a high near 63°F.

Saturday Night: Rain chances drop to 20% before midnight, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 42°F.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high near 62°F.

Sunday Night: Clear skies with a low of 41°F.

Monday: A warm and sunny start to the week, with highs near 70°F.

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, but keep an umbrella handy for the weekend just in case!

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According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

To remember which way to set their clocks, folks often use the expression, “spring forward, fall back.”

• Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 A.M. On Saturday night, clocks are set forward 1 hour (i.e., losing one hour) to “spring forward.” Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on March 9, 2025, than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.

Note: Since the time changes at 2:00 A.M., we generally change our clocks before bed on Saturday.

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By Doug De Graffenried

I wish to quote the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, to wit:

“I’m late, I’m late for
A very important date.
No time to say hello, good-bye,
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late
I’m late and when I wave,
I lose the time I save.
My fuzzy ears and whiskers
Took me too much time to shave.
I run and then I hop, hop, hop,
I wish that I could fly.
There’s danger if I dare to
Stop and here’s a reason why:
I’m over-due, I’m in a rabbit stew.
Can’t even say good-bye,
Hello, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”

I started this article on Monday early, and I have run out of time. I’m late, I’m late for this very important deadline. So here are my thoughts for this week. Or you can quit now and enjoy the deep thoughts of the White Rabbit.

In the story we call the Prodigal Son, which is recorded in Luke 15. The wayward son returns. He is a broken failure. He has been living large in a foreign country. Kid comes home broken. Dad welcomes him back with open arms.

Allow Dr. Luke to finish the story, “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

I want you to ponder the shoes.

The shoes on his feet made the journey to the far country an easy walk for the Prodigal. It is one thing to walk away from dad bare-footed; it is another to put shoes on your feet as you are abandoning the faith and love of your Father. If you are going to keep the boy at home now that he has returned, don’t give him back the shoes! He might leave again. Keep him bare-footed and on the farm.

God’s love does not operate like that.

The shoes symbolize freedom. God’s grace is so amazing that when sinners come back to God, they are granted freedom. Wasn’t it freedom that got them into trouble in the first place?

You are now introduced to the paradox of grace.

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North DeSoto High School was named the recipient of the 2024 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Founder’s Award, earning national recognition and a $50,000 grand prize. The announcement was made during the 2024 NIET National Conference in Dallas, Texas, where NIET Founder and Chairman Lowell Milken, alongside CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett, surprised the school with the honor.

The Founder’s Award, established in 2008, is given annually to one school in the United States that demonstrates exceptional commitment to educator excellence and student achievement. North DeSoto High School was among just five finalists nationwide considered for the prize.

North DeSoto High School’s selection was based on its dedication to instructional excellence, ongoing professional development, and a culture of collaboration that drives student growth. The school has prioritized teacher leadership, instructional best practices, and a feedback-driven approach to address both teacher and student needs.

“North DeSoto High School demonstrates how powerful leadership and support for teachers can lead to sustained achievement growth for students,” said NIET Founder Lowell Milken. “We commend Principal Tammie Phillips and her staff for creating a strong foundation for educators and students to thrive, and Superintendent Clay Corley for making educator effectiveness a priority throughout the district.”

Since 2015, North DeSoto High School has maintained an “A” rating from the Louisiana Department of Education. Over the past three years, the school has consistently outperformed state averages in the percentage of tests scoring “mastery and above” on state assessments across all subjects. Between 2021 and 2023, the school increased these scores by 13 percentage points, compared to a statewide increase of just three points.

“North DeSoto High School built its success on strengthening the skills of its faculty, making great teaching the core of its strategy for growth,” said NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett. “This steady commitment to excellence has led to higher student achievement, and we congratulate the entire faculty, community, and district leadership on this well-earned recognition.”

Located just south of Shreveport, North DeSoto High School serves 809 students, nearly half of whom are economically disadvantaged. Through its partnership with NIET, the school has implemented innovative strategies to support both educators and students.

“Our administrators, leadership team, and teachers have individual growth plans that encourage intentional reflection,” said Principal Tammie Phillips. “We consider student portfolios, projects, exams, and extracurricular activities. Reflection is now a fundamental part of our culture at North DeSoto High School.”

The school’s instructional leadership team (ILT) plays a key role in professional development, providing resources, support, and coaching to help teachers grow. NDHS also utilizes NIET’s Teaching and Learning Standards Rubric to establish a common instructional language and tailor professional learning opportunities. The Principal Standards Rubric is used to strengthen leadership and coaching strategies.

North DeSoto High School was chosen from a group of five finalists, each of whom received $10,000. The other finalists included:

Clinton Elementary School (Clinton City Schools, Tennessee)

Desert View Elementary School (Gadsden Elementary School District #32, Arizona)

Lockett Elementary School (Orangeburg County School District, South Carolina)

Winona Middle School (Winona Independent School District, Texas)

With this prestigious honor, North DeSoto High School continues to set the standard for excellence in education, demonstrating how strong leadership and teacher support can lead to sustained student success.

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By Steve Graf

From the day I started playing sports on a competitive level, I’ve always heard the expression, “Competition makes you better.” Is this fact or fiction, and can we prove this theory? Today we’ll break down this concept and determine for ourselves if this is true.

Growing up in East Texas, our community had a summer program called “Park Recreation” that was headed up by a former high school coach by the name of Sam Parker. The concept of this half-day program for ages 8-12 was to create competition through different types of physical games like tug of war, piggyback fights, and capture the flag. Then halfway through the morning after a short donut shop break, we would divide up and play a baseball game until noon.

This program was all about competition and instilling toughness. Yes, there were many days when boys went home with shirts half torn and a bloody lip, but the games were fun! Many times, you would have to compete with guys older than yourself, which makes you better.

This in my opinion is what made me better as an athlete — playing guys older than myself. These games brought out the competitive fire to show all your peers that you were tough and hated losing. It showed no matter who you were up against, you never gave up. It taught you how to compete!

Bass fishing, like other competitive sports, is no different. As far as I’m concerned, there are only two ways you can really get better as an angler. One is to fish and compete against guys better than yourself. Or two, spend as much time as possible on the water learning new techniques.

My philosophy has always been to learn as much as I can from every person I get in the boat with. No matter how good you think you are, there’s always room to improve. Over the years fishing with others, I’ve picked up a lot of information ranging from new techniques to organizing tips.

Obviously, you’re not always going to learn something from every single angler you fish with. But it’s important to keep an open mind to the idea of learning something new. You must leave your ego on the bank in order to become a better angler.

One thing that I have learned about the sport of bass fishing is that you never stop learning, even if you’ve been doing it for 30 years. It’s an ever-evolving sport as new technology and innovation continue to develop every year.

To answer the question, “Does competition really make us better?” The answer is a definite yes, but only if you’re willing to be open minded and are looking to get better. So, no matter the sport, competition makes us better.

‘Til next time, keep your hooks wet and your gun powder dry. Enjoy your time on the water and make every cast count.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

 

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By Brad Dison

Wallace Hartley’s father, Albion, was a mill manager in Colne, England. He served as choirmaster and Sunday school teacher at the local church in Colne. Wallace eventually joined the chapel choir that his father led. While a member of the choir, Wallace discovered his passion for music. A fellow choir member introduced Wallace to the Violin, and he took to the instrument with a fervent passion. With his violin, Wallace had the power to excite people, to energize people, and to even make them cry.

When Wallace was a teenager, he decided he wanted to become a professional violinist. Albion was a supportive father, but he insisted that Wallace pursue a more reliable profession. To please his father, Wallace became a bank clerk. The teenage Wallace was uninspired by the day-to-day transactions of coin and currency. He could eventually work his way up to become a bank manager someday, but his thoughts always wandered to his violin. Whenever he spoke of his desire to try to become a professional violinist, his father dissuaded him. When Wallace was 22 years old, his conversation with his father eventually returned to his violin, but this time, to Wallace’s surprise, his father gave him his blessing.

Wallace was thrilled. He quit his job and began playing violin in the Bridlington municipal orchestra. He then toured with the Carl Ross Opera Company and with the Moody Manners Company. When Wallace was 30 years old, he was recruited by the C.W. & F.N. Black talent agency of Liverpool as second violinist in a traveling troupe. Within three years, he became the band leader of the Mauretania Orchestra. When he was 33, Wallace fell in love with and proposed to Maria Robinson. Maria said yes without hesitation. To celebrate their engagement, Wallace gave Maria a yellow metal locket which contained his photograph. In return, Maria gave Wallace a violin with an inscription on its tailpiece which read, “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement, from Maria.” Shortly after their engagement, Wallace was transferred to another traveling troupe where he was promoted to musical conductor. He hesitated to take the position because he did not want to leave his fiancé, but he could not turn it down.

Unfortunately, Wallace and Maria never married. While traveling with the band, Wallace was involved in an accident and drowned. When he realized his fate, at that last moment, he put the violin Maria had given him in its case and strapped it to his chest. When his body was found several days later, he was identified by the inscription on the violin. Three years after his death, a bronze bust of Wallace was erected on the grounds of the Colne public library. Streets in several English towns are named in honor of Wallace. His violin is on display in a museum in Dublin, Ireland. Wallace Hartley was just one of over 1500 people who died in the accident. To calm others, Wallace led his band in their last song, “Nearer, My God, To Thee,” as the Titanic sank.

Sources:

1. Wallace Hartley Memorial, Titanic Memorials, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.titanic.memorial/post/memorial/wallace+hartley+memorial+colne/.

2. Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), April 1, 1912, p.14.

3. Huddersfield Daily Examiner, April 16, 1912, p.4.

4. North Mail, Newcastle Daily Chronicle, February 19, 1915, p.6.

5. South Wales Argus, April 20, 1912, p.3.

6. Biddeford-Saco Journal, April 27, 1912, p.6.

7. “The locket behind tragic Titanic love story,” Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd, April 9, 2021, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.henryaldridge.com/about-us/news/the-locket-behind-tragic-titanic-love-story/.

8. Linton, Siena, “The miracle 110-year-old violin that survived the sinking of the Titanic,” Classic FM, December 19, 2022, accessed March 2, 2025, https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/violin/titanic-survived-history/

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March 5, 2025, is celebrated as National Absinthe Day, a day that pays homage to the storied history and cultural impact of absinthe, often referred to as “The Green Fairy.” This emerald-hued spirit has been the subject of fascination, controversy, and artistic inspiration for over two centuries.

The Origins and Composition of Absinthe

Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium (grand wormwood), along with anise, fennel, and other herbs. Its distinct green color and complex flavor profile have made it a unique presence in the world of spirits.

The creation of absinthe is attributed to Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland, around 1792. He concocted the elixir as a medicinal remedy, and it quickly gained popularity. By the mid-19th century, absinthe had become a fashionable drink in France, particularly among artists and writers.

Absinthe in Art and Literature

The allure of absinthe extended beyond its taste; it became a muse for many artists and writers during the Belle Époque period. Figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Allan Poe, and Oscar Wilde were known to indulge in absinthe, often attributing their creative visions to its effects. The ritualistic preparation of absinthe, involving the slow dripping of water over a sugar cube to dilute the spirit, added to its mystique and appeal.

Artworks from this era often depict absinthe drinkers, capturing the bohemian lifestyle associated with the beverage. For example, Édouard Manet’s painting “The Absinthe Drinker” and Edgar Degas’s “L’Absinthe” portray individuals immersed in contemplation, reflecting the introspective aura linked to absinthe consumption.

Despite its popularity, absinthe became the center of controversy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Critics associated the drink with various social ills, including madness, hallucinations, and violent crimes—a condition termed “absinthism.” A notable incident fueling this perception occurred in Switzerland in 1905, when a farmer named Jean Lanfray, reportedly under the influence of absinthe and other alcoholic beverages, murdered his family. This tragic event intensified public outcry and led to a broader movement against absinthe consumption.

In response to growing concerns, several countries implemented bans on absinthe. Belgium prohibited the drink in 1905, followed by Switzerland in 1910, and the United States in 1912.

France, where absinthe had been immensely popular, enacted a ban in 1915.

These prohibitions stemmed from fears about absinthe’s alleged harmful effects, particularly those attributed to thujone, a compound found in wormwood, one of absinthe’s primary ingredients.

However, modern research has debunked many of these myths, revealing that absinthe’s supposed hallucinogenic properties were largely exaggerated. The resurgence of absinthe in recent years reflects a renewed interest in its complex flavors and cultural significance. In the United States, the ban was lifted in 2007, allowing for the legal production and sale of absinthe, provided it meets specific regulatory standards regarding thujone content.

Similarly, the United Kingdom has witnessed a revival of absinthe, with sales projected to reach £35 million by 2026.

Today, absinthe enjoys a renaissance among enthusiasts and mixologists, who appreciate its unique botanical profile and storied past. This revival underscores a broader trend of rediscovering and reinterpreting classic spirits within contemporary cocktail culture.

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Margie Ebarb
February 26, 1946 — March 2, 2025
Visitation: Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home -Mansfield
Services: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home

Robert Earl Jones
11/24/1970 – 03/01/2025
Visitation: Friday March 7, 2025 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel Mansfield 
Service : Graveside Saturday March 8,2025 at 11:00 a.m. Springhill B.C. Mansfield 

Dianne T. Williams
03/08/1959 – 02/28/2025
Visitation: Friday March 7,2025 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel Mansfield
Services : Saturday March 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home

Crayton Charles Jones
03/05/1955 – 02/27/2025
Visitation: Friday March 7 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel Mansfield 
Services : Graveside Saturday March 8, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. at Hampton Cemetery Pleasant Hill 

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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