The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center over the last 7 days, and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities in DeSoto Parish have announced additional arrests in an ongoing crackdown on illegal narcotics distribution in the Logansport area.
As part of a continuing investigation into the sale of methamphetamines and ecstasy, the DeSoto Parish Narcotics Division and the Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) executed two arrests on August 21, 2025.
Robert Jackson, 44, of Logansport, was taken into custody on two counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Methamphetamine).
Octavia Richardson, 32, of Logansport, was arrested on one count of Distribution of Schedule II (Ecstasy).
Both individuals were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, this operation follows a series of arrests made earlier this month in the same area and reflects their ongoing commitment to disrupt the illegal drug trade.
“Our agents work tirelessly to follow every lead and hold accountable those distributing dangerous drugs that threaten our children, families, and communities,” officials said.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information on narcotics activity to contact the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson has announced that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a free Hunter Education Course next month to help prepare hunters for the upcoming season.
The course will take place September 18–20, 2025, at the DeSoto Sheriff Training Center, 120 Sprocket Lane, Grand Cane, La. Participants must attend all three days to receive certification.
The program is open to individuals ages 10 and up (as of September 18) and is designed to teach hunting safety, ethics, and regulations.
Spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged. Full details, including class times and registration information, are available online at louisianaoutdoors.com/events/193946.
This course is offered at no cost to participants.
Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Journal.
Last month, OnPath Federal Credit Union agreed to buy Heritage Bank of St. Tammany in Covington, Louisiana, a century-old institution with deep local roots. The deal was hailed by OnPath CEO Jared Freeman, who praised Heritage’s “unwavering commitment to the local community.” But what Freeman failed to mention is that the acquisition will rob that community of a critical source of revenue.
Because OnPath is a credit union and thus tax-exempt, the deal means that St. Tammany Parish will lose a reliable stream of tax payments. Those dollars help fund schools, pay essential public servants like police officers and firefighters, and support other vital public services across the parish. Once the acquisition is finalized, that revenue will disappear, and the burden of making up the difference will fall squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers.
The example of OnPath in Louisiana illustrates a much bigger problem across the country: credit unions are no longer the small, member-focused institutions they were established to be. Many have grown into large financial operations, similar to banks, all while enjoying tax-exempt status. Lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is ultimately leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.
The situation in Louisiana is not the first. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) had planned to acquire Sabine Bank and Trust, which is based in Many, Louisiana. Although TDECU ultimately backed away from the acquisition, it underscores the fact that credit unions have strayed far from the original mission Congress envisioned when it exempted them from most federal, state, and local taxes under the Federal Credit Union Act. It’s time for Congress to revisit whether the tax breaks are still justified.
Credit unions like TDECU have grown into large financial institutions by leveraging taxpayer subsidies. Far from its founding mission to serve the residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, TDECU now serves over 380,000 members across the state. Ending 2024 with $4.8 billion in total assets, TDECU’s services have widened to include wealth management investment products through its partnership with LPL Financial, which they even acknowledge as being a conflict of interest. The growth doesn’t stop there. Credit unions are buying community banks at a time when bank consolidation and burdensome regulations are putting extreme pressure on banks’ bottom lines. The current regulatory environment and credit union acquisitions are exacerbating bank consolidation. In fact, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows that the number of community banks dropped by 46% over the last two decades, falling from 7,620 in 2003 to 4,129 in 2023. Credit unions are thriving, and skirting taxes while community banks are getting squeezed.
One negative outcome of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring community banks is that local and state governments lose revenue. This essential tax revenue helps fund local schools, projects, and infrastructure. The state of Louisiana has a bank shares tax that funds local communities, but when a credit union acquires a bank, it eliminates that source of revenue and results in less funding for local services. The shortfall in revenue could compel a parish to raise taxes on households to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Tax Foundation, “since 2011, more than 100 credit union–bank acquisition deals have been announced across the country.” Credit unions get to grow and avoid paying taxes, while American households across the country are getting forced to foot the bill at the end of the day.
Americans expect transparency, safeguards, and a level playing field from banks. These same principles should apply to credit unions. This is not about eliminating credit unions; it is about accountability and ensuring the law matches credit unions’ behavior. In an era where credit unions operate more like large financial institutions and less like community-oriented lenders, Congress should conduct oversight hearings and reexamine whether their tax-exempt status still aligns with their actions today. Louisiana taxpayers, in towns like Many and Covington, and in parishes around the state, should not have to pay more taxes because the law, as currently written, allows credit unions to exploit their tax loophole.
Ken Hale is the President & Chief Executive Officer of BOM Bank
High school football fans are gearing up for the 2025 DeSoto Parish Football Jamboree, set for Friday, August 29, at Mansfield High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with three matchups on the slate.
Schedule of Games
Mansfield (Home) vs. Logansport (Visitor)
North DeSoto (Visitor) vs. Logansport (Home)
Mansfield (Home) vs. North DeSoto (Visitor)
Tickets are $10 and are available now through GoFan at gofan.co/event/4004424?schoolId=LA23476. A QR code for easy access will also be distributed to schools. DeSoto Parish faculty and staff may present their IDs for entry.
Parking will be available in front of Mansfield High School and at the old Walmart lot. All guests will be screened through the OpenGate Detection System upon entry. Authorities ask attendees to remain patient and cooperate with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening.
Organizers encourage the community to come out and support local athletes as the parish kicks off another exciting football season under the Friday Night Lights.
By Steve Graf
Growing up there’ve been all kinds of jobs I’ve had; some I hated and a few I really enjoyed. As a teenager, I worked part time for a parcel shipping company, a lumber yard, summer baseball leagues, worked two summers for Brown & Root Construction and two summers for the Texas Highway Department.
Each of these jobs taught me different things that would benefit me later in life. So many lessons can be learned through working and holding down a job, especially at an early age.
Today, I want to recognize a group of people who deserve a lot more respect than what they are given — game wardens!
It takes a special person to be a game warden. These men and women who take on the job of policing our land and waterways are a special breed, and in many cases never get the credit they deserve.
Talk about a thankless job, these folks do what very few want to do. It’s their job to enforce the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world. They go through intense training and schooling to become a certified fish and wildlife official.
They are constantly dealing with the public, who in many cases are carrying weapons. They must have good people skills allowing them to deal with some of the toughest people on earth, hunters and fishermen.
Most of the time as they approach people on the water or in the woods, they are often met by disgruntled anglers or hunters aggravated about being checked.
They have to deal with people with attitudes, who give one excuse after another why they don’t have the necessary licenses, or decided not to follow the rules and regulations that are in place.
Game wardens too often deal with folks who would rather lie than tell the truth. Many times, the wardens must go above and beyond the call of duty, like being first responders to help and rescue people after a hurricane or any type of natural disaster.
They are the guys who must retrieve our loved ones who may have drowned while fishing or been shot in hunting accident. This is a job very few people would ever want.
Growing up in East Texas and now living in Louisiana, I’ve been blessed to get to hunt and fish all across this great country. Hunting and fishing are privileges, not rights, and these men and women we call game wardens do a great job at making sure we are safe.
Today, I want to salute those who carry the badge while patrolling our lakes and waterways making sure the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world are enforced.
The next time you see or have some kind of interaction with a game warden, make sure to tell them, “Thank you,” and share that you appreciate the job they do. They’re not the enemy and are not out there just to write tickets. They are out there to keep you safe and enforce the law.
‘Til next week, good luck and stay safe while hunting or fishing. Make sure to follow the rules and regulations set by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in your state.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
If you’ve ever tried to order at a fast food drive-thru with a speaker that sounds like it was built during the Tower of Babel incident, you know the struggle. You pull up, hungry and hopeful, only to be greeted by a garbled voice that sounds like it’s speaking in tongues—but not the kind Paul was talking about.
“Whaaaat can Iiii get foooorrrr youuuuu todaaaay?”
You squint at the menu like it’s Leviticus, trying to decipher what’s actually available. You speak clearly, slowly, and with conviction: “I’d like a number three with no onions, a medium fry, and a Coke.”
There’s a pause. Then the voice replies, “So that’s a number two, extra onions, large fry, and a Diet Dr. Pepper?”
You sigh. “No, that’s not what I said.”
And suddenly, you realize this feels oddly familiar. Like prayer. Like trying to hear from God.
Let’s be honest—sometimes hearing from God feels like trying to decode a drive-thru speaker in a thunderstorm. You pray with all your heart, asking for guidance, clarity, maybe even a sign. And what you get back feels… fuzzy.
You ask, “Lord, should I take this job?”
And you hear, “Take the jog.”
Jog? Is this about exercise? Is this metaphorical? Is God telling me to run away from the job? Or toward it? Is this a Jonah moment or a Joshua moment?
You start Googling biblical references to jogging. You ask three friends, your pastor, and maybe even your dog. Still unclear.
Drive-thrus are designed for speed but rarely deliver clarity. Similarly, we often approach God like He’s a spiritual vending machine. We want fast answers, clear signs, and instant peace. But God’s not in the business of fast food theology.
He’s more like a slow-cooked brisket—rich, layered, and worth the wait.
Sometimes we get frustrated because we think we’re doing everything right. We’re praying, reading Scripture, even fasting (which, ironically, makes the drive-thru even more tempting). But God’s voice isn’t always loud or obvious. Remember Elijah? God wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. He was in the whisper.
And let’s be real: whispers don’t work well through drive-thru speakers.
The key difference? God’s not garbled. We are.
The static isn’t on His end—it’s on ours. We’ve got spiritual interference: anxiety, distractions, expectations, and sometimes, just plain hunger. We’re trying to hear divine direction while scrolling Instagram, binge-watching Netflix, and mentally calculating how many calories are in a Chick-fil-A milkshake.
But God’s voice requires quiet. Stillness. Intentional listening. It’s not about shouting into the speaker and hoping for the best—it’s about pulling forward, parking, and spending time in His presence.
So next time you’re in a drive-thru, waiting for your order and wondering if they got it right, take a moment to laugh—and reflect. Hearing from God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. He’s not a fast food employee trying to rush you through. He’s a loving Father who wants relationship, not just requests.
And unlike the drive-thru, He never gets your order wrong.
So breathe. Listen. And maybe skip the onions. Just in case.
The survey was conducted from August 11, 2025 to August 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. Friday.
The survey aimed to gather feedback from our readers in North and Central Louisiana to the Parish Journals (Parish Journal of Louisiana) regarding their plans to purchase a vehicle in the next four (4) months
SURVEY: How likely are you to purchase a new or used vehicle in the next 4 months?
| Total number of surveys submitted: | 6,285 |
| Less the number of surveys removed due to irregularities (See Below): | 727 |
| TOTAL SURVEYS COMPLETED USED IN THIS ANALYSIS: | 5,558 |
| Number of surveys stating they will buy a car or truck within the next 4 months: | 993 |
| Number of surveys stating they will pay cash: | 270 |
| Number of surveys stating they will need financing: | 480 |
| Number of surveys stating they have not decided: | 243 |
| Number of surveys stating they will buy a new car (gas) | 165 |
| Number of surveys stating they will buy a new truck/SUV (gas) | 315 |
| Number of surveys stating they will buy a used car (gas) | 225 |
| Number of surveys stating they will buy a used truck/SUV (gas) | 288 |
Irregularities
Outside the State of Louisiana – Entries outside the State boundaries were excluded from the survey based on IP addresses.
Duplicate entries – Entries with the same IP address and MAC address were removed.
Masked/Hidden entries – Masked or hidden IP address entries were deleted.
Editor’s Note: Historically, some participants have attempted to influence our survey results. By removing irregularities, we attempt to ensure that uncaught entries with irregularities remain statistically insignificant.
This survey provides an overview of Parish Journal readers in the State of Louisiana. It is not a scientific survey.
Parish Journals: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster and Winn
In 2006, 28-year-old Army Specialist Todd Shriver was just one of many soldiers fighting in Iraq against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Todd and other soldiers in his unit were tasked with clearing buildings of enemy insurgents in the city of Ramadi, but the work was slow. The soldiers listened for any movement in the room to be cleared. If they heard nothing, the soldiers took a quick peak into a room, with a mirror if one was available, to check for any signs of obvious danger such as enemy soldiers or explosives. They could be hiding anywhere. Then, the soldiers cautiously and slowly walked or crawled through the doorway with their weapons at the ready. Once a room was cleared, they repeated the process on a slow, seemingly endless cycle. If they failed to notice a tripwire, just one…BOOM!
Enemy soldiers had set booby traps in many of the buildings. The explosives were triggered by nearly invisible trip wires. The various branches of the military had spent an untold amount of money searching for a practical solution for finding these tripwires, but none of their ideas became standard-issue equipment. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, explained that soldiers often have to improvise on the battlefield and that commanders are given money to purchase nonstandard supplies. During the war in Iraq, soldiers bolted scrap metal to vehicles in what they called “Hillbilly Armor.” Troops removed old bulletproof windshields from damaged vehicles and attached them to working military vehicles to provide extra protection to gunners. Medics used tampons to plug bullet holes until the wounded soldiers could be transported from the battlefield to medical facilities. Soldiers used condoms over the muzzles of their rifles to keep sand out.
With no clear solution to easily locating tripwires, Todd and his fellow soldiers continued the slow process of clearing buildings. One day in October 2006, Todd was assisting some Marines in clearing a building. It was pretty much the same process of listen and look. Then, the Marine did something Todd was not expecting. He pulled out an aerosol can and sprayed its contents through the doorway. Todd was curious about the Marine’s action, but the soldiers knew to keep quiet. After clearing a few rooms in the same manner, the Marine took out the aerosol can and sprayed it as he had through the other doorways. This time, something different happened. The contents that spewed from the can clung to a nearly invisible thread which spanned the doorway. With a quick push of the can’s nozzle, the soldiers located a practically invisible tripwire that could have been deadly.
Todd requested cans of the product, but none could be found in Iraq. The product was plentiful in the United States, so Todd turned to his mother, Marcelle Shriver. On a telephone call, Todd told her what the product was and how they could use it if they had it. Todd’s mother sprung into action. She sent her son a few cans of the spray, but they needed more. With the help of her church, Todd’s mother sent him a few more dozen cans. Word spread quickly about the need and manufacturers joined in the cause. Within a year, Todd’s mother had sent more than 80,000 cans of the spray to soldiers in Iraq. Todd’s mother was collecting the spray cans, not from hardware stores, but from party supply stores. You see, the product in the aerosol cans that has saved countless lives by making the invisible tripwires visible was a silly solution called Silly String.
Sources:
1. “A Serious Use For Silly String,” December 6, 2005, CBS News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-serious-use-for-silly-string/.
2. Mel Evans, “Silly String care packages sent to troops in Iraq,” October 15, 2007, NBC News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21309380.
On August 27, fans and music historians alike pause to mark a milestone in rock history: the release of Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten. Dropping on this date in 1991, Ten would prove foundational to the rise of grunge music, shaping the sound—and the spirit—of a generation.
Though Pearl Jam wasn’t the first grunge band to emerge from Seattle, Ten thrust them into the spotlight with raw emotion and powerful anthems. Tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” weren’t just radio hits; they became rallying cries for disaffected youth across the country. “Jeremy” also earned Grammy nods for both Best Rock Song and Best Hard Rock Performance—signaling both commercial and critical acclaim.
The album’s impact was nothing short of seismic. Certified 13× Platinum by the RIAA, Ten remained on the Billboard 200 chart for nearly five years, giving it one of the longest chart runs for any rock record—a clear testament to its staying power in a volatile music landscape.
The timing of Ten’s release was crucial. The early ’90s were a turning point for rock, as the glossy excess of the ’80s gave way to grunge’s gritty realism. Pearl Jam’s sound—gritty yet melodic, emotional yet restrained—struck a chord in that transition. Ten anchored the grunge movement alongside albums like Nirvana’s Nevermind and Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger, contributing to a musical paradigm shift that still influences artists today.
Beyond the music itself, Ten fostered a cultural ethos. Pearl Jam was staunchly anti–mainstream-rock commercialism, rejecting music videos and limiting single releases, yet they built an intense fanbase through raw authenticity and electrifying live performances. Their authenticity and activism—such as efforts to fight ticket-gouging—became part of the band’s legend, and Ten served as the cornerstone of that identity.
As Ten celebrates its 34th anniversary this August 27, it’s worth noting how the album’s themes of introspection, alienation, and resolve remain uncannily relevant. Teen angst has never really gone out of style—and few albums express it with the sincerity and sonic heft of Ten.
AllMusic calls Ten “one of the most important records of the ’90s,” while Rolling Stone repeatedly places it high in rankings of greatest albums. Indeed, its songs still appear in movie soundtracks, TV shows, and Spotify mixes, introducing new generations to its pensive power.
In short, August 27 isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of a defining moment in modern music. Pearl Jam’s Ten changed the course of rock with its explosive debut, and over three decades later, its echoes are still being felt.
Jaylen Dewayne Vance
12/17/2003 – 8/20/2025
Visitation: Friday, August 29 from 2-6 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m. at Mary Evergreen B.C.
Norvella Goree Whitaker
2/13/1931 – 8/20/2025
Service of Remembrance: Thursday, August 28 at 6 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m. at Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Simsboro
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
The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center over the last 7 days, and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Two suspects wanted in connection with a vehicle theft in Shelby County, Texas, were taken into custody Wednesday morning with the assistance of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO).
On August 13, 2025, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office contacted DPSO for assistance in locating the pair, who had allegedly stolen a vehicle the night before. Before DeSoto deputies arrived, Shelby County deputies apprehended one male suspect who had fled on foot.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, DeSoto deputies learned of a possible location for the second suspect. Working with Shelby County deputies, they proceeded to a nearby residence where the second suspect was taken into custody without incident.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that one of the suspects had been seen on security footage wearing a backpack prior to his arrest. When apprehended, the suspect no longer had the pack, leading deputies to believe it had been discarded somewhere between Highway 2787 and the train trestle at the river’s edge.
DPSO K-9 handlers McCoy, Pearah, and Martinez deployed K-9 Cholo to track the suspect’s route, while Patrol Deputy Emily Henderson provided drone support. Following a brief search of the railroad tracks and surrounding wooded area, K-9 Cholo successfully located the missing backpack. Inside, deputies found suspected narcotics.
Since DPSO was assisting Shelby County in the case, any suspect information or charges will be released by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
A routine traffic stop on Interstate 49 early Sunday morning led to the arrest of a Florida man and the discovery of what deputies believe to be evidence of a multi-state identity theft operation.
At approximately 2 a.m. on August 17, 2025, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant Angela Jordan conducted a traffic stop on a white Volkswagen Arteon just north of the Highway 175 exit. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Texas.
With the assistance of K-9 Cpl. Kelby Pearah and K-9 Karen, along with other deputies in the area, the driver was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered evidence suggesting the suspect’s involvement in a sophisticated identity theft scheme spanning several states.
Deputies located multiple identification cards belonging to potential victims, along with fraudulent IDs bearing the suspect’s photograph but listing different names and personal information. They also seized a large number of personal checks and check-printing paper believed to have been altered for fraudulent purposes.
The suspect, identified as Brandon Sanchez Brinson, 36, of Orlando, Florida, was transported to the DeSoto Detention Center. A complete list of charges is pending as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson praised the coordinated effort, crediting Sgt. Jordan, Deputy Kris Lindsay, K-9 Cpl. Pearah, Cpl. Jacques Burton, Deputy Terrell Snelling, and dispatchers Shelby Bailey and Hunter Pierce for their swift response.
“This was an outstanding team effort that not only led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle but also the arrest of a suspect believed to be tied to a high-profile crime spree,” Richardson said.
Authorities confirmed the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow as evidence is processed.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced upcoming traffic impacts in DeSoto Parish, including lane closures on Interstate 49 and a rescheduled bridge closure on LA 513.
Drivers traveling through Stonewall should be prepared for intermittent lane closures along I-49 at the LA 3276 interchange (Exit 191) on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, 2025.
The closures, affecting both northbound and southbound lanes, will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. DOTD officials said the temporary restrictions are necessary to allow survey crews to conduct work in the interchange area.
All entrance and exit ramps will remain open during the project. No detours are required. Work will be conducted weather permitting.
DOTD is urging motorists to use caution when traveling through the area and to be mindful of work crews and equipment.
LA 513 Bridge Closure Rescheduled
Meanwhile, DOTD has issued multiple updates regarding the closure of the LA 513 bridge over Ten Mile Bayou, also in DeSoto Parish.
Update (August 19, 2025): The bridge closure has been rescheduled for Thursday, August 21 through Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Update (August 14, 2025): A previous update had shifted the closure to August 20–21, 2025.
Original Notice (August 7, 2025): DOTD had initially planned the closure for August 14–15, 2025.
The bridge closure is required for piling repairs to ensure the structure remains safe for continued use.
The bridge is located approximately 1.27 miles south of the LA 346 intersection.
A total closure will be in place during the work, and all vehicles will need to follow posted detour routes.
DOTD reminds motorists and nearby residents to remain cautious in active work zones. Drivers are urged to allow extra space between vehicles, while pedestrians and cyclists should avoid the area when possible.
By Steve Graf
As a guy that played baseball on all levels in the ‘70s and ‘80s from the age of 7 ‘til 27, I never thought I would see the day where robots would be calling balls and strikes. But fast forward to 2025 and that’s where baseball is headed as this year’s MLB All-Star Game showed.
This new technology for calling balls and strikes has been in the works for quite a while, but I feel it has no place in professional baseball! Call me a purist, or just an old fogie, but there are certain parts of the game of baseball where the human element is so important. Calling balls and strikes is one of those areas that does not need a technological update.
I like the fact that a human is making those calls and appreciate how each umpire is different on how they call the game. Pitchers and hitters have always had to adjust their perception of the strike zone depending on who is behind the plate. IT’S A PART OF THE GAME OF BASEBALL THAT MAKES IT INTRIGUING!
The human element of umpires calling balls and strikes, as well as safe or out, is what makes baseball so pure. I’m OKwith instant replay on whether a guy is safe or out or if a ball is fair or foul, but when it comes to calling balls and strikes, let the human umpires do their jobs.
Remember this, for all you hitters, prepare to strike out a lot more than you have previously! That’s right, the robotic strike zone is not forgiving at all. If the baseball just touches the outer edge of the rectangular square, it’s a strike.
Those inside or outside pitches, that used to go in the hitter’s favor by usually being called a ball, will no longer be such. Pitchers and hitters are already paranoid on how certain umpires call the game, and now with technology calling balls and strikes, there will be more challenges by both on questionable calls with regards to balls and strikes.
This is similar to how technology and forward-facing sonar is affecting professional bass fishing. Anglers no longer spend their days trying to figure out where the fish are. All they must do now is drop the trolling motor and turn on their forward-facing and look for fish on a screen.
Professional bass fishing has lost the integrity of the sport. Locating fish has always been the number one skill anglers had to develop. They do this with time on the water while understanding bass behavior based on the time of year, weather, and what they are feeding on.
But now with the flip of a switch, anglers can look at a screen in real time and see the exact location of where bass are set up. All the guess work and fishing skills have been eliminated. While seeing fish on a screen does not always equate to catching fish, locating the fish is 80 percent of being successful as an angler.
I’m not trying to be “Debbie Downer,” I just think there are certain elements with all sports where we need the human interaction. Technological advancements are great and can really simplify all our lives, but we must proceed with caution.
As a fan, this new technology sounds boring to me and if it’s implemented, it will discourage me from watching Major League Baseball. Next thing you know we’ll have robots as designated hitters with the ability to hit every kind of pitch man can throw while never striking out.
If you need proof of how technology can ruin a sport, look no further than professional bass fishing as its TV viewership has fallen off considerably due to new technology and forward-facing sonar. Fans have made it known they do not want to sit in their living rooms and watch as anglers stare at a 14 or 16-inch screen and catch bass.
Hopefully Major League Baseball will re-evaluate the thought of using this new technology.
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to use your sunscreen and wear good UV protective clothing during these hot summer days.
This time 50 years ago, I was beginning my senior year of High School.
Ah, high school. That magical four-year stretch where hormones rage, cafeteria food defies science, and algebra ruins lives. But not all high schools are created equal—especially when separated by half a century. Let’s hop into our metaphorical DeLorean and compare high school in 1975 with its futuristic cousin in 2025.
In 1975, high school was a land of corded phones, disco balls, and chalk dust. Students roamed the halls in polyester glory, wielding Trapper Keepers and feathered hairlike weapons of mass distraction. The biggest tech innovation? Overhead projectors that required a PhD in transparency sheet alignment.
Teachers wrote on chalkboards with the intensity of Shakespeare composing sonnets. If you missed a class, you begged a friend for notes, which were handwritten in cursive so elaborate it could double as a ransom letter. Research papers involved actual books, and the Dewey Decimal System was your GPS.
Lunch was a mystery meat roulette. You didn’t ask questions. You just prayed it wasn’t Salisbury steak again. Gym class was a Darwinian experiment involving dodgeballs the size of beach balls and zero regard for dental safety.
Social life revolved around passing notes—actual paper notes—folded into origami triangles and delivered with the stealth of Cold War spies. If you wanted to ask someone out, you had to do it face-to-face, risking rejection and acne exposure simultaneously.
Fast forward to 2025, where high school resembles a tech startup with lockers. Students glide through hallways wearing smartwatches that track their hydration, mood, and whether they’ve blinked enough today. The dress code? A mix of athleisure, LED accessories, and whatever TikTok said was cool last week.
Teachers now wield touchscreens and AI assistants. Chalkboards are extinct, replaced by interactive whiteboards that occasionally glitch and show cat videos mid-lecture. Homework is submitted via cloud platforms, and plagiarism detection software is so advanced it can tell if you copied your own work from last semester.
Lunch menus are curated by nutritionists and include gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, joy-free options. There’s a salad bar, a smoothie station, and a robot named “Lunchatron” that dispenses quinoa with judgmental precision.
Gym class has evolved into “Mindful Movement,” featuring yoga, breathing exercises, and virtual dodgeball—because no one wants to risk a lawsuit over a bruised ego. There’s a wellness room with bean bags, aromatherapy, and a counselor who speaks fluent emoji.
Social life? It’s digital. Crushes are confessed via encrypted Snapchats, and drama unfolds in group chats with names like “TeaSpillers2025.” Asking someone out involves sending a meme, a GIF, and a poll to gauge interest.
So, which era wins? In 1975, high school was raw, analog, and gloriously awkward. In 2025, it’s sleek, sanitized, and algorithmically optimized. But one thing remains constant: teenagers still think adults don’t understand them, cafeteria food still tastes suspicious, and nobody knows what the mitochondria actually does.
Or as the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Artists, crafters, photographers, and makers from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas are being called to showcase their talents at the 2025 State Fair of Louisiana Competitive Exhibits.
Entry Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the State Fair of Louisiana. The fair itself will run from October 30 through November 16, 2025.
The competition is open to both youth and adults, with categories highlighting a wide variety of skills and creativity:
Youth (Ages 9–18): Arts & crafts, clothing, forestry, home accessories, paintings/drawings, and photography.
Adults (Ages 19+): Clothing, food preservation, home accessories, honey, needlework/sewing, paintings, and photography.
Organizers encourage participants to seize the opportunity to display their work in front of thousands of fairgoers and compete for recognition at one of Louisiana’s largest annual events.
Full details and entry guidelines are available on the State Fair of Louisiana website under the Competitive Exhibits tab.
“Let your creativity shine and be part of something special,” fair officials said in their announcement.
Judy was still young when World War II broke out. When she went onboard, she became the only female among about 50 males on the Royal Navy’s insect-class ship HMS Gnat. She could not speak English, but she understood a few words after a while. The Gnat’s designation as an insect-class ship was misleading because the Gnat was a well-armed gunboat that the Germans wanted to eliminate. On October 21, 1941, German submarine U-79 located the Gnat and fired a torpedo. The torpedo struck its mark and did enough damage to the ship to put it out of service, but not to sink it. The survivors, including Judy, were transferred to the dragonfly-class river gunboat, HMS Grasshopper. Four months later, on February 14, 1942, Japanese dive bombers attacked the Grasshopper, and it slowly sank. The survivors made their way to land and began their daring trek to safety in enemy territory. On land, the men searched but were unable to find a source for drinkable water. Once Judy learned what they were looking for, she joined the search. It was she who found fresh water. For that, the men began referring to her as their “guardian angel.”
The survivors were eventually captured by Japanese soldiers and taken to a prison camp. The men became official prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, but the Japanese guards refused to register Judy as an official P.O.W. The guards were unsure what to do with Judy, but they refused to provide food, water, or shelter for her. The men shared their meager rations of putrid water and maggot infested rice with Judy. When the guards were abusing the men, Judy intervened. It usually ended the beatings, but the guards often trained their hostilities onto her instead. Somehow, one of the prisoners convinced the camp commandant to register Judy as an official prisoner of war. This meant that they had to provide food, water, and shelter for Judy.
Judy was unbreakable. Her determination to survive brought hope to the other prisoners. Then, after being in the camp for more than two years, a Japanese captain arrived and ordered the men to move to a ship which would take them to another camp. Judy, he ordered, would be left behind to fend for herself. The prisoners knew better than to try to convince the captain to bring Judy, but they were not going to leave her behind to die alone. They quickly came up with a plan in which they could communicate by using hand signals and low whistles. The men rehearsed loading Judy in and out of rice sacks and taught her the different whistle signals, the most important one was the signal for her to be still and quiet. On June 25, 1944, the prisoners loaded the sacks of rice from their former prison onto a ship which was to take them to their new prison camp. Judy was hiding in one of those sacks and made it safely aboard. Just one day into the trip, their ship was sunk by a torpedo. Judy not only survived, but she pulled survivors from the water. Finally, after Victory over Japan on August 15, 1945, and after three years of captivity, the prisoners, including Judy, were rescued.
Many English soldiers owe their lives to Judy, their guardian angel. In May 1946, Judy was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Cross for animals. Judy, a pure-bred English Pointer and mascot for the Royal Navy, was the only dog in history to be officially registered as a prisoner of war.
Sources:
1. “PDSA Dickin Medal,” PDSA, accessed August 10, 2025, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal.
2. “Meet Judy,” National Military Working Dogs Memorial UK, accessed August 10, 2025, https://nmwdm.org.uk/dogs/judy/.
On August 20, 1983, the legendary Rolling Stones made headlines—and sent shockwaves through the music industry—by signing what was then the largest recording contract in history: a staggering $28 million deal with CBS Records.
At a time when record labels were cautiously measuring star power, this contract marked an extraordinary leap of faith—and a bold statement of confidence—in the enduring appeal of one of rock’s founding acts.
By the early 1980s, the Rolling Stones had already cemented their legacy over two decades of groundbreaking albums and electrifying performances. Yet even for artists of their stature, a contract of this magnitude was unheard of. It wasn’t simply about money—it was a symbol of the Stones’ ongoing relevance and market power in an increasingly competitive pop landscape.
Contemporaneous media coverage in Billboard and Rolling Stone framed the deal as a watershed moment: a validation that legacy acts could still command superstar-level investment, even amid the MTV-fueled rise of newer, flashier names.
For fans, it was a reminder that the Rolling Stones were no relic—they were still very much a force to be reckoned with, ready to shape the soundscape of the 1980s.
A Glimpse Back: What Else Happened on August 20?
In 1920, the precursor to the NFL, the American Professional Football Conference, was formed in Canton, Ohio.
In 1975, NASA launched the Viking 1 probe toward Mars, setting the stage for the first successful U.S. Mars landing a year later.
But for music lovers and long-time Rolling Stones fans, August 20, 1983, remains memorable as the day when the cost of rock and roll hit a record—literally.
Amanda “Mandy” Leigh Pinder
November 15, 1977 — August 7, 2025
Services: Saturday August 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Vanessa Gail Williams
March 6, 1986-August 18, 2025
Visitation: Friday August 22 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday August 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
James Louis Austin
May 2, 1964 – August 17, 2025
Visitation: Friday August 22 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill #1
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
The attached report displays all individuals booked into the DeSoto Detention Center over the last 7 days, and includes arrests made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities have announced a third arrest connected to an ongoing narcotics investigation in Logansport. The latest arrest follows two others made earlier in relation to the distribution of crack cocaine.
On August 7, 2025, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents, along with the Special Investigations Unit (S.L.I.U.), DeSoto S.W.A.T., and a K-9 unit, executed a third search warrant on North Bogle Road. During the operation, Austin Williams, 33, of Logansport, was taken into custody on a DPSO Narcotics Warrant for the distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance.
Williams was transported to the DeSoto Detention Center, where he was booked on the narcotics warrant. Authorities confirmed the arrest was made without incident.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as part of broader efforts to combat illegal drug activity in the parish.
On the afternoon of August 7, 2025, a coordinated operation involving DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents, Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU), S.W.A.T., and K-9 units resulted in the execution of two narcotics search warrants in the Logansport area. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals tied to the distribution of crack cocaine.
First Arrest – Gum Street
The first warrant was executed at a residence on Gum Street in Logansport, where David Berry (B/M, DOB 02/05/1979, Logansport) was taken into custody without incident.
Berry was wanted on a DPSO Narcotics Warrant for two counts of Distribution of Crack Cocaine. A search of the property uncovered a large quantity of crack cocaine and ecstasy pills. He now faces additional charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine (1 count)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I – Ecstasy (1 count)
Berry was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.
Second Arrest – Jackson Road
The second warrant was executed the same day at a residence on Jackson Road in Logansport. Upon approach by S.W.A.T. and Narcotics Agents, Daytrus Hill (B/M, DOB 02/15/1986, Logansport) fled on foot and was not immediately apprehended.
Following a two-day search, August 9, 2025, Narcotics Agents located Hill at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. With assistance from the Louisiana State Police, Tunica Biloxi Tribal Police, and the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hill was arrested without further incident.
Hill was booked on a DeSoto Parish Narcotics Warrant for:
Eight (8) Counts of Distribution of Crack Cocaine
Resisting an Officer by Flight
Second or Subsequent Offenses
He was initially held at the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center before being transferred to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson praised the multi-agency collaboration that made these arrests possible:
“This was a unified effort between our Narcotics Agents, S.W.A.T., K-9 Division, and SLIU, as well as our law enforcement partners across Louisiana. Their steadfast commitment to protecting our communities is what ensures dangerous narcotics are removed from our streets.”
Agencies assisting in the operation included DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office divisions, Louisiana State Police Troop E, Tunica Biloxi Tribal Police, and the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing.
No one person is responsible for Logansport High football being one of the perennial powers in Class 1A.
But Dale Morvan’s name would be atop the list.
That’s why his name will be attached to the Logansport football field starting this season after a DeSoto Parish School Board members unanimously approved the measure.
Morvan, who is a school board member after a decorated coaching career, led Logansport to its first state football championship in 1995.
He patrolled the football sidelines for 20 years, amassing a 153-77 record from 1978 to 1997. Morvan won five district titles and made the playoffs in 15 seasons.
Current coach Kevin Magee served as the quarterback for the championship 1995 squad.
“(Dale Morvan’s) fingerprints are on every aspect of our school,” said Magee, who coached the Tigers to its second championship in 2016. “His model of consistency and fairness laid the foundation for the successes we have become accustomed to.
“In his 12-year tenure as school board member, he has spearheaded efforts to raise over $35 million in school renovations and upgrades. This honor is beyond well deserved.”
Stadium renovations were funded by a $23 million bond issued in 2023 that also included other improvements for the campus.
Football stadium upgrades include a new press box, upgraded turf and field drainage systems, enhanced locker room and team areas, improved lighting, sound and scoreboard systems, ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades, expanded parking and safety improvements.
Logansport opens its season Sept. 5 against Many at Dale Morvan Field at Tiger Stadium.