The City of Mansfield has announced a major advancement in community safety: the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) has upgraded the city’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) from Class 4 to Class 3.
This achievement reflects years of dedicated service, strategic planning, and significant investment in fire protection and infrastructure. Notably, Mansfield’s fire rating was once a Class 6, making this improvement a clear sign of the city’s continued progress in safeguarding lives and property.
The new Class 3 rating will take effect September 1, 2025, and will apply to all qualifying properties within the corporate limits of Mansfield. For many residential and commercial property owners, the upgrade could mean lower fire insurance premiums.
“Our goal is to achieve Class 1 over the next five years,” Mayor Thomas Jones stated. “This milestone shows that our long-term investments in public safety are delivering results for our citizens.” The PPC program—used by insurers to help determine fire insurance rates—evaluates communities based on fire department capabilities, water supply systems, emergency communications, and fire prevention efforts. A lower PPC score indicates stronger fire protection, which often translates to reduced insurance costs for property owners. Mansfield’s improvement is the result of enhanced fire department readiness, expanded training, upgraded equipment, and infrastructure projects that strengthen water supply and hydrant systems.
For additional information about Mansfield’s PPC rating and what it means for property owners, contact the City of Mansfield Public Information Office.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that on Thursday, August 14th and Friday, August 15, 2025, the LA 513 bridge over Ten Mile Bayou in DeSoto Parish will be closed.
This bridge closure is necessary to allow DOTD crews to perform necessary piling repairs in order to ensure the structure remains in service.
This bridge is located approximately 1.27 miles south of the LA 346 intersection.
Restrictions/Permits: Total bridge closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.
Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.
This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Christianity is full of beautiful contradictions. Not the kind that make you question your GPS or your life choices after eating gas station sushi, but the kind that make you sit back and say, “Wait… what?” It’s a faith built on polarities—divine paradoxes that somehow make perfect sense if you squint hard enough and drink enough coffee.
Let’s start with the classic: free yet bound. Christians are told they are “free in Christ.” Free from sin, free from death, free from the tyranny of trying to earn God’s love through interpretive dance or excessive casserole-making. But then, in the very next breath, we’re told we’re “slaves to righteousness.” Bound to Christ. Servants of the King. So which is it? Are we liberated spiritual butterflies or holy house elves? The answer is yes.
It’s like being given a lifetime supply of chocolate and then being told you can only eat it in moderation. You’re free to indulge, but bound by wisdom, love, and the haunting memory of your last dentist bill. In Christian terms, freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want—it’s about finally being able to do what you were created for. Like a fish being “freed” from land and tossed back into water. Sure, it’s wet and smells like algae, but that fish is finally home.
Then there’s the delightful identity crisis of being both saint and sinner. This one really messes with your spiritual résumé. On one hand, you’re a redeemed child of God, washed clean, clothed in righteousness, and probably glowing faintly in the dark. On the other hand, you still yell at slow drivers, binge-watch morally questionable TV shows, and occasionally eat an entire pizza alone while contemplating the Book of Lamentations.
Martin Luther, the original Reformer and part-time beer enthusiast, coined the phrase simul justus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful. It’s like being declared legally innocent while still tripping over your own shoelaces in public. You’re a walking contradiction, a spiritual mullet: business in the front (saint), party in the back (sinner).
This duality is not a bug—it’s a feature. It keeps Christians humble. Just when you start feeling holy enough to levitate, you remember that you still need grace like a toddler needs snacks. And just when you feel like a hopeless mess, you’re reminded that God sees you as beloved, chosen, and inexplicably worth saving.
Even Jesus himself embodied paradox. Fully God, fully man. Eternal, yet born in a barn. Sinless, yet hung out with tax collectors and people who probably didn’t wash their hands before dinner. His entire ministry was a masterclass in flipping expectations: the last shall be first, the meek inherit the earth, and the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed—which, let’s be honest, is not the most majestic metaphor unless you’re really into condiments.
So, what do we do with all these polarities? Embrace them. Laugh at them. Let them stretch your mind and soften your heart. Christianity isn’t a tidy spreadsheet—it’s a divine mystery wrapped in grace, dipped in paradox, and served with a side of humility.
Because in the end, being free yet bound means we’re tethered to love. Being saint and sinner means we’re never too far gone, and never too perfect to need saving. And that, my friends, is the kind of holy tension worth celebrating—even if it makes your brain do theological cartwheels.
As one of the top-ranked school systems in Louisiana kicks off the 2025–2026 academic year, students, parents, and staff can take comfort knowing that school safety remains a top priority.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson and Superintendent Clay Corley have reaffirmed their joint commitment to place a highly trained School Resource Officer (SRO) on every campus in the parish. This initiative continues to be the #1 priority for both agencies, ensuring a safe learning environment across all DeSoto Parish Schools.
Over the summer, the SRO team spent countless hours training, running drills, and refining safety protocols to be fully prepared for the new school year. Their readiness reflects the strong partnership between law enforcement and the school system, a bond that both agencies credit as vital in protecting students and staff.
“Our SROs are more than just a presence in the hallways — they’re part of the school family,” Sheriff Richardson said. “Their training and dedication help create a secure environment where learning can thrive.” The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office app and website offer a unique safety feature that allows students and teachers to send tips directly to their assigned SRO, the Sheriff, Chief Cason, and SRO Supervisors. Submissions can be made anonymously and are instantly received, ensuring that concerns are addressed quickly. While officials hope the tip line is never needed, parents and staff are strongly encouraged to ensure that students know how to access the feature.
The 2025–2026 school year begins with a renewed sense of preparation, unity, and dedication to keeping DeSoto Parish schools among the safest in the state.
Story and photos by KEVIN SHANNAHAN, Journal Services
NATCHITOCHES — Season ticket pickup for the NSU Demons’ upcoming football season was a fun family-friendly event this year as the athletic department held “Fan Fest 25” at the Don Kelly Fieldhouse, Saturday, August 9.
Several hundred eager Demon fans came to campus to pick up their season tickets, enjoy a superb free jambalaya lunch, and meet the young men of the Northwestern football team. Two talented students from NSU’s Art Department painted children’s faces while members of NSU’ Tri-Sigma sorority helped children make NSU spirit bracelets.
Winnfield’s Deep Water Rehab performed their signature mix of classics and original songs. Frontman Thomas Little is a 2016 NSU alumni as well as a four year player on the Demon football squad as a two-year starting center, and his cousin Eli is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman on the current team. They both are former Winnfield Tigers.
The Demons’ extended scrimmage was the cornerstone event Saturday and contributed to the palpable sense of excitement surrounding the rebuilding program as Coach Blaine McCorkle embarks upon his second year at the helm. This year’s team has a distinctly Louisiana flavor with many of the players coming from a 150-mile area around Natchitoches. In fact, 81 percent of the players McCorkle and staff have brought in are Louisiana natives.
The Demons will count on a player from the storied North DeSoto High School program. Former Griffin Brian Banks will be continuing his football career as a running back – be sure to look for number 24 on the field!
Next season he will be joined by current NDHS senior quarterback Luke Delafield, who has announced his commitment to continue a deep family tradition by playing at Northwestern.
The 105 young men in practice at NSU currently are in high spirits and working hard. The intensity is easy to see. This team is gearing up to show progress this season.
The Demons’ home opener is Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 in Turpin Stadium against Alcorn State. For a modest admission price, you can watch some hard-hitting gridiron action, a superb halftime show from the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band as well as enjoy a family-friendly tailgate before the game.
The Journal Services family is donating access to the photographs from last Saturday’s event. Fans, players and families are welcome to download any photos they wish.
Once upon a time, there was such a thing as courtesy and etiquette with all people who loved to go fishing. Today those two words do not exist on our area lakes and waterways. Why is that? Is it because people don’t care anymore? Or is it because we have raised a generation of anglers who have never been taught the unwritten rules of the water?
People today, I believe, no longer have patience and think that when they are on the lake, there are no rules. We have become such a “me” society that no one thinks about how their actions might affect others on the lake; and to add to that, they don’t care!
I want to take the high road here and give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to courtesy. But then, you pull up to a boat ramp and watch how people are oblivious as to what is going on around them. They’re in their own little world blocking the entire boat ramp while they get all their junk in the boat.
You would think by now, in 2025, that word would have gotten out about how to manage a boat ramp the proper way. You should load all your gear into the boat AWAY from the ramp, not once you line up to launch your boat.
People talk about road rage and how people have forgotten how to drive. Well, this same rage is now taking place on our area lakes. Boaters with little to no experience are on the water now and have no idea on navigation do’s and don’ts.
Even experienced tournament anglers are doing things they know are not right. The worst and most common thing happening today is one angler cutting off another angler. While I don’t have a problem with sharing a particular stretch of boat docks or a point, there’s an unwritten rule on how you should approach another angler that’s already there.
The rule is if you approach another angler on a stretch of boat docks, you don’t come in on him and start fishing one dock away, especially if his boat is pointing in the direction of the dock you pulled up on. Go down 5 or 6 docks, start there and go away from the angler and fish in the opposite direction … not towards him.
If you pull up on a point with another angler already there, either go to the next point or ask permission to share the point with him. The rule in fishing goes back to what we’ve always heard, “First come, first serve.” You’re always better asking for permission to share a point than to just bulldoze your way in.
So, to all the up-and-coming anglers, listen up! There are two things to always remember. One: Never cut another angler off when he’s fishing a stretch or fishing boat docks. ALWAYS pay attention to the direction the guy is fishing and go the opposite direction!
Two: Never pull up on a point when another angler is already there. If you just insist on trying to fish there, ask the other angler for permission and how he’s going to fish it.
Bottom line, follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Good luck, good fishing and hopefully cooler weather is coming soon!
Evelyn Ryan worked hard helping her husband, Leo, provide for their struggling family. Evelyn and Leo married in 1936 and had ten children together. Since 1943, Leo had been employed by the Defiance Screw Machine Products, but his salary usually failed to meet the needs of such a large family. Leo purportedly turned to alcohol to quell the stresses of their financial struggles which only worsened the situation. Evelyn had too many household obligations to take on a job which required her to be away from home, but she needed a way to earn money. By the early 1950s, Evelyn and Leo’s older children were nearing their teenage years, and the family’s financial struggles along with Leo’s drinking was getting worse. One day in September 1953, Evelyn took a momentary break from her endless chores to read the newspaper when she saw an advertisement for a Western Auto Bike Contest. Evelyn had a background in writing. While in junior high, her step-grandmother, Josephine Etchie, who was the editor of the Sherwood Chronicle, got Evelyn an after-school job as a typesetter for the newspaper. In 1931, Evelyn was the valedictorian of Sherwood High School. Soon after graduation, she became a columnist at the newspaper. She worked at the newspaper until she quit to take care of her growing family.
She read the Western Auto Bike Contest information again and learned that she could enter by completing the phrase in 25 words or less, “I like the all-new ‘X-53 Super’ Western Flyer bicycle because…” The ad announced that the “winner’s family gets all this: $5,000 cash and bike for child, plus 15-h.p. outboard motor for dad, plus automatic washer and dryer for mom!” While Evelyn returned to her endless household chores, she mulled over her entry. Finally, she completed the phrase on the entry form, “brand new ideas about safety, service, sleekness, combined with Western Flyer’s old reliable construction, make ‘X-53 Super’ a standout in ANY bike rack.”
The Wester Auto Bike Contest was just the first of many writing contests that Evelyn won. In 1961, she won a 1961 Triumph TR3 sports car, a Seeburg jukebox, and a trip for two to New York City to appear on Merv Griffin’s Saturday Prom television show. She quickly sold the car and jukebox to pay bills, but she and her son Bruce enjoyed their trip to New York. Evelyn won about one in every four contests she entered. She won kitchen appliances, TVs, watches, sports equipment, and a host of other items. She won so many contests that she earned the nickname the Contest Queen.
At first glance, it appeared that the Ryans were rolling in money, but the large family remained impoverished. In 1965, unbeknownst to Evelyn, Leo took out a second mortgage on their house at 801Washington Avenue in Defiance, Ohio. Evelyn learned about the second mortgage when she received a final notice from the bank. Unless they could come up with $3500, they would be homeless. Evelyn read about a contest held by Dr. Pepper in which contestants were asked to complete the following limerick: “With Dr. Pepper, the flavor that’s in. It’s distinctive and bright. It’s lively and light.” Evelyn completed the form with, “There’s no time like NOW to begin!” Out of 250,000 entries, Evelyn won the grand prize, which was a two-week trip for two to Switzerland, a new Ford Mustang, his-and-hers gold Longines wristwatches, and $3500 in cash. Evelyn received the cash payment on the day before they were to be evicted from their home.
August 13 is a day steeped in historical and pop culture moments—but perhaps none as delightfully irreverent as the debut of South Park on Comedy Central in 1997. What started as a series of crude animated shorts shot to fame and evolved into one of the most iconic, boundary-pushing shows in television history.
On that summer night, four foul-mouthed third-graders—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—introduced themselves to the world through the show’s debut episode, Cartman Gets an Anal Probe. With shock value dialed to eleven, the humor was raw, unfiltered, and cartoonishly absurd. That first episode, and many that followed, quickly established South Park as the new heavyweight champion of satirical animation, a legacy that still resonates after more than two decades.
The show, known for causing controversy, has also drawn reactions from figures associated with the Trump administration, some of whom have criticized recent episodes of South Park for satirizing President Donald Trump. In the episodes, a Trump-like character is portrayed in absurd scenarios, culminating in a scene that depicts him “getting in bed with the devil.” While the show’s creators have long targeted political figures across the spectrum, supporters of the president have expressed frustration over what they see as an intentional effort to demean him.
From skewering the news headlines of the day to ranting about everything from politics to pop culture, South Park redefined what an animated series could do. Its biting satire, theatricality, and fearless commentary became staples of its identity. Over time, the show pushed the envelope in storytelling, garnering awards, notoriety, and a die-hard (if often offended) fan base.
By lampooning social norms and taking on topics most shows wouldn’t dare touch, South Park broke barriers—and nerves—with gleeful irreverence and surprising insight. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone turned animated bathroom humor into a platform that dissected cultural absurdities with surgical wit.
In 2025, South Park is more than a TV show—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a mirror for societal satire, and often a lightning rod for debate.
Happy Anniversary, South Park. It’s your world. The rest of us just live in it.
Douglas Irwin Williams January 22, 1958 — June 17, 2025 Service: August 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Logansport
Beverly Anne Bedsole July 15, 1968 — August 8, 2025 Services: August 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church 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
DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson has been unanimously elected by his fellow Louisiana sheriffs to serve as Vice President on the Executive Board of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA). Sheriff Richardson has served on the Executive Board since 2021, when he was first elected as Sergeant-at-Arms, and now steps into one of its highest leadership roles, helping guide the direction of law enforcement priorities statewide.
The LSA Executive Board plays a vital role in shaping public safety policy, coordinating statewide law enforcement initiatives, and advising on key matters such as budgeting, equipment, training, jail operations, and legislation that affects protecting citizens from crime. Traditionally, board members move through a progression of officer roles, culminating in the presidency of the association.
Sheriff Richardson also represents the LSA on the Louisiana Commission on School and Nonprofit Security, where he serves as Commission Chairman. In addition, he is the Finance Chair for the Statewide Interoperability Executive Subcommittee (SIEC), which oversees the Statewide Radio Communication System.
“I’m honored to have earned the trust of my fellow sheriffs and to serve as Vice President of the LSA,” Sheriff Richardson said in remarks at the annual LSA Conference. “Louisiana sheriffs are some of the most dedicated public servants in the country, and I look forward to continuing our work together to elevate our profession, strengthen public safety, and deliver results for our communities.”
As Vice President, Sheriff Richardson will play a key role in guiding policy discussions, setting strategic goals, and ensuring that the needs of Louisiana’s 64 sheriff’s offices are front and center as the association engages with statewide elected leaders, legislator, and advocates.
In addition to his leadership roles within LSA, Sheriff Richardson continues to lead and advacnce his vision and the progress seen at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Construction is now underway on a new state-of-the-art facility for the department. DPSO is also developing a new youth shooting sports complex, thanks in part to startup funding secured through the Louisiana Senate. Sheriff Richardson’s office also led the successful effort to update the LSA Mobile Command and Response Units with new equipment and funding.
Join with us as we congratulate our DeSoto Sheriff, Jayson Richardson, for his steadfast professionalism in law enforcement, both locally and across our state!
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. Comments are disabled on crime related posts to ensure public safety.
A Stonewall man is in custody following a disturbing case involving a young child found critically injured in Keithville. Authorities with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Lucas Logan, 31 of Stonewall, and booked him into the Caddo Correctional Center on charges of first-degree rape and attempted first-degree murder. He is being held without bond.
Deputies were called to a home on Farmridge Road on Aug. 3, responding to a report of a sexual assault. A child inside the residence, who appeared unresponsive, was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries for emergency care.
Details remain limited as the investigation progresses.
Logan is no stranger to local law enforcement. In May 2024, he was arrested for domestic abuse aggravated assault after allegedly threatening two individuals with a shotgun—one of whom was the mother of his child—while a child was present. Although no injuries occurred in that incident, Logan later pleaded guilty in a plea deal and was sentenced to two years in prison with credit for time served. As part of the agreement, he was also required to complete anger management classes and avoid contact with the victim.
Court records from both Caddo and Bossier Parishes show Logan’s history includes arrests for simple battery, disturbing the peace, drug-related offenses, and theft. A 2015 charge for second-degree battery was reduced through a plea to simple battery. Additional arrests dating back more than a decade reflect a pattern of legal trouble, with multiple missed court appearances and unresolved cases still on the docket.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to contact the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office with any tips related to the case.
Desoto Parish is proudly celebrating local resident Cade Hanna, who has been named the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Ambassador for the area.
The announcement came during the annual DQ Blizzard ice cream eating contest in Red River Parish, a spirited event held each year to raise funds for CMN. This year’s contest featured a lively fundraising competition and culminated with an impressive performance from Captain James Moseley of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, who claimed the 2025 Blizzard champion title. Moseley devoured a small Blizzard in a remarkable 29 seconds, topping the list of challengers and securing the crown. Cade Hanna presented Moseley with his hard earned trophy.
The copier at Trinity Methodist Church is named “Grace.” She is a busy girl. Printing church newsletters, bulletins, posters, letters, reports, and the miscellaneous Sunday school handout. She prints in color. She collates. She staples. She prints various sizes of paper. She also lies!
There is a moment in every office worker’s life when they stare at a blinking printer screen that boldly declares, “Paper Jam in Tray 2”—even though Tray 2 is empty, pristine, and untouched. You open the compartment, check every roller, and still the printer insists, “Paper Jam.” You sigh, mutter something unholy under your breath and wonder if church office machines can be possessed.
Welcome to the modern workplace, where technology lies, coffee spills, and emails are sent to the wrong “John.” But what if these everyday mishaps were just annoyances? What if they are subtle reminders of a deeper truth—of God’s mercy and forgiveness in the midst of our human error?
Let’s start with the class: knocking over your coffee just minutes before a big meeting. The puddle spreads across your desk like a slow-motion disaster movie. Important papers are soaked, your keyboard is sticky, and your nerves are frayed. You feel foolish, clumsy, and frustrated.
But then a coworker walks by, grabs paper towels and helps you clean up. No judgment. Just grace.
This is mercy in motion. Just as we make messes in life—through poor decisions, careless words, or selfish actions—God doesn’t stand over us wagging a finger. He kneels beside us, offering help, restoration, and a fresh start. The Psalmist reminded us, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” Even when we spill, he stays.
Our printer, Grace, lied to the Membership Secretary. She was printing a report for me, and it is a very large report. The printer sent her a message that the report could not be printed. She hit the button twice and the same response appeared on her computer screen. She walked down the hall to look Grace in the face and there on the printer tray were both reports.
I guess Grace just wanted some personal attention.
Jesus’ message was consistent, the expectation for His followers is righteousness. We are to live rightly related to God and rightly related to fellow human beings. In this task, we all fail. In essence, we lie!
The remedy for our sins, past, present and future is the grace of Jesus Christ. It is a costly grace paid by Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a free grace given to those who seek that grace through faith.
The words are still true.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
Over my many years of fishing lakes all across this country, I’ve had a few bad encounters with dock owners, but never had I been told by a public official that I couldn’t fish in a particular area. Today, I’ll tell you about an incident that I experienced on a public body of water in Texas.
With every passing day, anglers’ rights to fish and navigate certain bodies of water is being threatened by different activist groups like PETA (People for Ethical Treat of Animals).
For some reason, people who live on a public lake and own a dock think they have the right to tell an angler that he can’t fish around their dock. But legally, anglers can fish there because the dock itself is on a public body of water. You can own the dock, but you don’t own the water underneath it.
This is a concept so many homeowners who live on a public body of water seem to have trouble comprehending. Look, if you don’t want people to fish your dock, then don’t build your dream home on the lake! I too live on a lake and never have I told any angler that they can’t fish my dock, even though I have plenty of brush (that I put there) that holds fish.
But on a hot summer day on Lake Palestine a few weeks ago, I was fishing a two-day tournament. On Day 1 I weighed in 15.80 pounds of bass and was sitting in fourth place overall.
Let’s not forget that on Day 1 I lost a fish that was well over seven pounds off one specific boat dock. When the fish came off, I thought to myself that I might be able to catch that fish again on Day 2 since I did not get a good hookset on that fish.
As Day 2 rolled around, it was apparent that the fish just were not biting the way they were on Day 1. So, with three fish in the live well at 10 that morning, I decided to go back to the dock where I had lost the seven-pounder the day before.
Running across the lake and into the pocket where this certain dock was located, I shut down and jumped up on the front deck to drop the trolling motor into the water. It was at this time that two Texas Game Wardens approached me. At first, I thought they were pulling up to do a routine boat and license check.
But no, that was not the case, as they proceeded to tell me that the pocket I wanted to fish was off limits for the day. At first, I asked if they were kidding, but they begrudgingly told me that due to a party on the main lake point, the entire pocket (1/4 mile long) was off limits for the day and that I would not be allowed to fish there.
Standing on the front deck of my boat and in shock that I was having to leave because of a party, this did not sit well with me. I expressed my displeasure with the wardens’ request. They fully understood as they reiterated that this pocket was off limits.
I could tell from the very beginning of my encounter with the wardens that they did not want to tell me this. But once again, it became evident that whoever was hosting the party on the point had a lot of financial influence. If there’s one thing that still holds true today, it is if you have the money, you can rule the world — or shut down a lake!
After returning home, I did a little research and found out that in order to eliminate any section of a public lake, you must have a permit signed by the local lake authority before it’s legal. Knowing this earlier, I could have requested to see the permit.
But being the good guy that I am, I just cooperated and moved on to a different part of the lake, even though six of my best boat docks were in this pocket that I was not allowed to fish on Day 2.
Did this cost me a win? Probably not, but it did possibly cost me a few places in the final standings as I dropped from 4th to 9th while being unable to fish my best six docks.
These confrontations are becoming more common place on lakes and waterways all across the country. It’s up to us as anglers to stand up for our rights to fish. So, the next time you’re confronted or being told a part of the lake is off limits, make sure to ask and see the permit that was granted by the local lake authority. Or maybe asked to see the cash that was given in order to block off a part of the lake!
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and enjoy your time on the water, while you still can!
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, August 4, 2025, work will kick off to replace large box culverts located under the roadway on LA 764 north of Logansport in DeSoto Parish.
This roadway was previously closed due to the failure of the old cross drain pipe, and a contract had to be developed and executed with a contractor due to the scope of work required.
The removal and replacement of the new culverts and laying new asphalt paving is expected to be complete in mid to late September 2025. Once that work is done, the roadway will be reopened to traffic.
The project site is located approximately 0.2 miles south of the intersection with LA 765. (see attached map)
DOTD appreciates the patience of the community while this work is underway.
Restrictions/Permits: LA 764 was previously closed to all traffic at the specified location. The existing detour will remain in place until the project is complete.
Alternate Route: Detour signage is in place.
This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
On July 5, 1934, 26-year-old Violet Hilton and her 29-year-old fiancé Maurice Lambert, a widower, went to the Municipal License Bureau in Manhattan, New York to get a marriage license. Violet’s sister, Daisy, went along too. The sisters were inseparable. Violet and Daisy were musicians and performers. In 1911, Violet and Daisy began performing a sister act in Great Britain. Their popularity grew and they performed throughout Europe. In 1916, they started performing in the United States. They sang in perfect harmony, tap-danced in synchronization, and played clarinets and saxophones in harmony. People flocked to see them. In 1926, Violet and Daisy were featured in an act called the “Dancemedians” with George Byrne and Les Hope. In one notable part of the act, the sisters danced the fox-trot with George Byrne and Les Hope. Les, Leslie Hope, changed his name shortly thereafter to Bob Hope. In the 1930s, Maurice was a musician, orchestra leader, and the musical director for Violet and Daisy’s vaudeville act.
As the trio waited for the clerk to return with the marriage license, crowds gathered around Violet and Daisy requesting autographs, giving marital advice, and showering them with well wishes. They learned that Daisy was engaged to be married as well. It was a joyous occasion, but what was supposed to be the happiest day for a bride-to-be was suddenly spoiled. After careful consideration, Chief Clerk Julius Brosen of the marriage license bureau denied their request for a marriage license because “the very idea is quite immoral and indecent.” Undeterred but irritated, Maurice said they would go elsewhere to get a marriage license. Following their denial in New York, Maurice, Violet, and Daisy visited the City Hall in Newark, New Jersey, but the result was the same. City Clerk Harry Reichenstein denied their request because of “moral reasons.” The trio “departed in a huff.” Violet’s attorney, Irvin Levy, filed a motion with the New York Supreme Court to compel the city to issue Violet and Maurice a marriage license. After a week-long legal battle, Supreme Court Justice Kenneth P. O’Brien denied the motion. The Court decided that Violet and Maurice “must not wed,” at least not in the state of New York.
Violet was determined to marry Maurice. “I’ve made up my mind to get married,” Violet said, “and that’s all there is to it.” In all, Violet and Maurice tried to get married in 21 states but were denied each time on moral grounds. Eventually, Violet and Maurice had no choice but to give up their dream of being husband and wife.
The moral reason for which those clerks refused Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license was because Daisy was always with Violet. It was well known that Violet and Daisy worked together, traveled together, ate every meal together, slept in the same bed, and bathed together.
After the states of New York and New Jersey initially denied Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license, scientists were brought in but were unable to agree whether Violet and Daisy were individuals or the same person. You see, Violet and Daisy Hilton really were inseparable. They were joined at the hip. They were conjoined twins.
Sources:
1. Evening Courier (Camden, New Jersey), February 22, 1927, p.16.
2. Progress-Bulletin (Pomona, California), July 5, 1934, p.1.
3. The Binghamton Press (Binghampton, New York), July 6, 1934, p.20.
4. The Buffalo News, July 6, 1934, p.36.
5. Daily News (New York, New York), July 6, 1934, p.3.
6. Brooklyn Eagle, July 9, 1934, p.13.
7. Daily News (New York, New York), July 17, 1934, p.13.
On August 6, 1997, North American audiences were officially introduced to one of pop culture’s most outrageous and unforgettable characters: Austin Powers. Released in the U.S. months after its U.K. debut, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery became an instant cult classic, blending absurdity, retro flair, and sharp parody into a film that would reshape comedic cinema in the late 1990s.
Created by Saturday Night Live alum Mike Myers—who also played the film’s title character and his nemesis, Dr. Evil—the film was a loving spoof of 1960s spy films, particularly the James Bond franchise. With its velvet suits, swinging London sets, and outlandish gadgets, Austin Powers took everything iconic about mid-century spy tropes and turned them up to eleven.
But Austin Powers did more than just parody the past. It introduced a brand-new comedic lexicon. Phrases like “Yeah, baby!”, “Oh, behave!”, and “Do I make you randy?” became instantly quotable, crossing generational and cultural lines. Even Dr. Evil’s pinky-to-lip pose and drawn-out “one million dollars” threat became a global gag still referenced in memes and comedy sketches today.
While the film opened modestly at the box office, it gained momentum thanks to word-of-mouth, strong VHS and DVD sales, and the sheer uniqueness of its tone and humor. By the time its sequels—The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Goldmember (2002)—were released, Austin Powers had become a pop culture juggernaut.
The August 6 milestone was significant because it marked a shift in the American comedy landscape. Myers, who had just come off successes like Wayne’s World, proved he could carry an original, high-concept franchise that appealed to both young adults and older viewers who remembered the 1960s. His dual performance as both Austin Powers and Dr. Evil showed remarkable comedic range and timing, echoing the stylings of Peter Sellers and Monty Python while still delivering a distinctly American brand of humor.
Critically, the film also challenged Hollywood to reconsider how nostalgia could be repackaged. Rather than simply revisiting the spy genre, Austin Powers dissected and exaggerated its tropes: the over-sexed hero, the useless henchmen, the monologuing villain, and even the unrealistic gadgets. The result was a film that celebrated its inspirations while also cleverly mocking them.
Culturally, the film’s influence extended far beyond cinema. Halloween costumes, action figures, themed slot machines, and parodies on shows like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live further cemented Austin Powers as a fixture of late-90s pop culture. Music from the film, including Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now” and Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova” (used as the theme), experienced a resurgence in popularity. Even the character’s iconic teeth—a prosthetic designed to look exaggeratedly bad—became a signature symbol of the franchise’s charm and silliness.
Looking back, August 6, 1997, wasn’t just the day America embraced a shagadelic secret agent. It was the beginning of a cultural moment that would shape the direction of comedy for years to come. From college dorms to water cooler conversations, Austin Powers became a shared language, and the franchise’s impact is still felt today in everything from Deadpool to Archer.
In an era dominated by action blockbusters and high-budget dramas, Austin Powers reminded audiences that sometimes the best way to pay tribute is to laugh. And as far as legacies go, few are as groovy as that.
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