REYNOLDS REAL ESTATE: Caddo Parish Land Offering

Lump Sum Bid

Sale Type:
Lump sum sealed bid opening 1pm (ct), Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 with bid luncheon at 12pm ct. 

Overview Caddo Parish, Louisiana:

3-tracts totaling
1,944 acres (1,958deed acres) with 1,042-acres in planted pine (averaging: age 27, dbh11.5”, tpa250), 377-acres in natural pine (averaging: age 30, dbh12.6”, tpa119)

372-acres in natural hardwood with scattered pine (averaging: age 29, dbh7.6”, tpa126)

153-acres in roads and non-timber (rows, decks, pads, & ponds). All 3-tracts have active hunting leases $6-$10/acre, which transfers with sale.

Paved road access on state highway LA1(2), paved Parish Rd 150 and paved Parish Rd 117 (Boyter Road). Tracts within 3-miles southwest of Vivian city in northwest Louisiana. Logging capabilities average 8-months per year on roadside stands. A dozer and bushhogs are currently clearing roads, along with a culvert installation.

Complete detailed prospectus package with original tally workups by stand in adobe and excel, kml/shp based stand maps, and npv excel interactive program are available by emailing or calling Colleen 870-299-0978 or Ted 870-299-0977.

A Reynolds Forestry 4-wheel drive large SUV is at the Vivian airport for anyone who flies in; Reynolds Forestry has a p210n 6-seater which is also available to transport prospects within 4-state area; call Ted/Colleen to schedule.

Bid Opening:
Reynolds Forestry Office, 2315 North Vine Street, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 (bidder attendance welcome). Lunch provided in conference room at 12pm (RSVP for meal) and bid opening at 1pm. Drive round to back porch door.

Bid Options:
Sealed bid by individual tract and/or cumulative for all 3-tracts and/or any 2-tract combination. Acceptance based on highest of cumulated individual bids compared to highest cumulative and highest two-tract combination (with highest single added for comparison to cumulative bids).

Contact: colleen@reynoldsforestry.com

Website: Land Sales Link

Google Maps Link: Click Here

Phone: 870-299-0978

LEGAL:

Reservation: Minerals reserved and seller reserves right to reject any and/or all offers.

Closing: Within 60 days of acceptance, overseen by RFC&RE, attorney, and abstractor. 2% Earnest of winning bid (minimum $20,000) due within 5 business days of offer acceptance. Title insurance, revenue stamps, and closing admin fee divided equally. Taxes prorated. Closing costs increased by buyer paid by buyer (10% per annum daily prorate fee for buyer closing extension). No other terms exist outside this document unless duly executed by all parties. Submitted offers (verbal & written) legally binding to all terms stated in this prospectus, deviating party responsible for reimbursing legal costs related to ensuring compliance.

Disclosure: Reynolds Forestry does not guarantee boundaries or volumes

VIEW & DOWNLOAD BID PACKAGE

STAND DETAILS

AERIAL MAPS

SOIL MAPS

Weekly arrest report: 09/15 – 09/21

The attached report displays all individuals charged over the last 7 days, including those arrested by summons who may not have been booked directly into the Detention Center. The attached arrests have been 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.

DeSoto Parish Narcotics Division arrests Mansfield Man on Drug Distribution Charges

In the early morning hours of Friday, September 19, the DeSoto Parish Narcotics Division and members of the DeSoto SWAT Team executed an arrest and search warrant at an apartment on Oak Hill Road in Mansfield, leading to the arrest of a Mansfield man on multiple drug charges.

The warrant targeted Michael D. Youngblood, 59, for three counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine). Before deputies executed the warrant, Youngblood was observed leaving his residence in a vehicle. He was stopped and taken into custody without incident for the outstanding charges.

During the arrest, authorities discovered several rocks of crack cocaine and multiple Gabapentin pills on Youngblood’s person.

Youngblood was transported to the DeSoto Detention Center, where he was booked on the following charges:

DPSO Narcotics Warrant for three counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)

Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Crack Cocaine)

Possession of a Legend Drug Without a Prescription or Order

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Sheriff’s officials said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal narcotics in DeSoto Parish.


DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office honors Angie Gaddis on her retirement after 21 years of service

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Mrs. Angie Gaddis has officially retired from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO). Gaddis joined the department in April 2004 and spent over 21 years in the Civil Department performing a wide range of duties, from collecting taxes and processing background checks to handling fingerprints and assisting the public.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson hosted a retirement celebration on Friday, where Gaddis was surrounded by colleagues and friends offering their congratulations and well wishes.

“This job requires a good heart and a good sense of humor,” Gaddis reflected. “There are days where you simply greet people you don’t know with a smile, and other days you may be praying and crying with someone as well.”

Over the past year, Gaddis helped train new employees, worked the phones for the Sheriff’s Office, and assisted countless residents who walked through the front doors seeking help. She also served as an events chairperson for the department. Among her favorite memories was participating with DPSO in the Special Olympics in 2011, when she helped lead the softball and special needs teams to a gold medal.

Looking ahead, Gaddis said she is excited to spend more time with family and friends and embrace whatever opportunities come her way.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked Gaddis for her years of service and her positive impact on the community. “We are grateful for Angie’s dedication to the residents of DeSoto Parish and her friendship to so many along the way,” the department said in a statement.


Buffalo Bills Coach Dr. Adam Henry inspires Mansfield High Football Team

The Mansfield High School Wolverines received a special message of encouragement this week from an NFL coach with local ties. Dr. Adam Henry, wide receivers coach for the Buffalo Bills, addressed the team via video to share words of wisdom and support ahead of their season.

Henry, a Beaumont, Texas native and McNeese State University alumnus, has long been a friend and supporter of the Mansfield community. His virtual appearance offered the Wolverines valuable insight from someone who has coached at the highest level of the sport.

School officials and coaching staff expressed gratitude for Henry’s time and message. “His encouragement means a great deal to our student-athletes and our program,” the school said in a statement.

Henry, who has coached some of the NFL’s top wide receivers, urged the players to stay disciplined, focused, and united as they pursue success on and off the field.

“Go Bills and Go Wolverines!” the school added, celebrating the unique connection between Mansfield High and one of the NFL’s respected coaches.


Hidden Acres Equestrian Riders shine in weekend competition

Riders from Hidden Acres Equestrian delivered standout performances over the weekend, bringing home an impressive array of ribbons and titles. Students from North DeSoto Middle School (NDMS) were among those recognized for their achievements.

Baley collected several awards during the event, showcasing strong skill and sportsmanship:

4th place – Walk Equitation on the Flat, 4th place – Walk Equitation Horsemanship, 5th place – Walk Equitation Over Poles, 2nd place – Walk/Trot, 6th place – Walk/Trot, 4th place – Walk/Trot Over Poles

Allie Hanna had an exceptional showing, earning:

One Champion Title, One Reserve Championship, Three First-Place Finishes, One Second Place Finish, Two Third-Place Finishes

Daley also impressed the judges, taking home:

2nd place – Walk Equitation on the Flat, 2nd place – Walk Equitation Horsemanship
2nd place – Walk Equitation Over Poles, Reserve Champion Title, 4th place – Walk/Trot, 3rd place – Walk/Trot, 3rd place – Walk/Trot Over Poles

Organizers praised the young equestrians for their hard work, dedication, and the positive representation of DeSoto Parish at the competition.


Why I love fishing the Red River

By Steve Graf    

When you say the words “Red River” to most tournament anglers, the majority will instantly start telling you how much they hate this body of water. BUT NOT ME! Yes, the Red River is a challenging river system and not just with fishing, but navigation as well. But I love the Red River for several reasons.

First is the fact that it’s such a diverse fishery. You have two choices on where to fish. It’s either the shallow backwaters or the jetties and cuts on the main river, which pretty much narrows down where you’re going to attack this body of water.

The fishing can be really good, especially when it comes to catching numbers of bass. Quality, on the other hand, can be a little tougher to come by. When fishing the Red, you must lower expectations in terms of size and quality. A 13-to-15-pound bag with five fish will be in the running to win. However, the Red River is on its way back to providing catches of good solid five-fish bags of 15 to 18 pounds.

The improvement in fishing is thanks to the Red River Waterway Commission which has implemented an annual restocking program for black bass ever since the flood of 2016.

My latest adventure on the Red was one of regret and one of joy as I participated in the recent American Bass Anglers Louisiana Pro League make-up tournaments. Two of the three regular season LA Pro League events were canceled back in April and May due to various reasons.

While I’ve been fishing the Texas division since its inception, I decided to jump into the Louisiana circuit when ABA rescheduled both make-up events on back-to-back days on my favorite body of water — the Red River.

Over my tournament fishing career, the Red has been the site of some of my most successful tournament experiences with a few wins and several Top 10 finishes. For some strange reason it seems to fit my style of fishing. I’ve always been a shallow water angler since I was a kid growing up on small ponds. And the river is conducive to my throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait and flipping a creature bait in thick cover.

Tournament 1 was on Saturday, August 23 and the results were average for me with a sixth-place finish, weighing a little over 11 pounds. But tournament 2 on Sunday was much better as I finished second with 13 pounds. Former FLW pro Jim Dillard won the event on Day 2 with 15.03 pounds.

On Day 2, I pretty much followed the same game plan as Day 1 but with a couple of adjustments. Instead of starting on the main river, I went straight into the backwater areas. This turned out to be a good move as I had a five-fish limit by 8 a.m. I still caught two good keepers on the main river later that day, which allowed me to cull up in weight.

Turns out, one specific spot I had found in Pool 4 during practice was the key to my success on Day 2. Over a two-day period, I caught over 22 bass off this one spot about the size of a pickup truck. I caught 15 fish off it on Day 1 with only two keepers. Day 2, I caught seven fish off this same spot and three fish were 3 pounds each or better. As they say, “What a difference a day makes!”

Again, I’ve never been able to say exactly why I seem to do so well on the Red River. It’s just a place I feel so confident and comfortable on that no matter how big the event, I seem to do very well.

Every angler who has ever fished tournaments will tell you that there are certain bodies of water where they just feel right at home. For me, that would be the Red River.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com


Ponderings: Let Them Come Running

Every Sunday morning, as families shuffle into the sanctuary with coffee in one hand and a diaper bag in the other, a sacred ritual begins—not the liturgy, not the sermon, but the parental chant of the two great commandments for children in church: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” These are not found in Exodus or Deuteronomy, but they are etched into the hearts of every parent who has ever tried to keep a toddler from turning the aisle into a NASCAR track.

Let’s be honest: church with kids is a spiritual workout. You arrive with the best intentions—maybe even dressed in matching outfits—and within five minutes, someone is loudly asking why Jesus doesn’t have a pet dinosaur. Another is crawling under pews like a Navy SEAL. And you, dear parent, are whisper-yelling, “BE QUIET!” with the intensity of a Broadway performer who’s just missed their cue.
The second commandment, “Don’t run,” is equally vital. It’s not just about safety—it’s about dignity. Nothing tests your humility like chasing your child down the center aisle during the offertory. There’s something about polished church floors that turns every child into Usain Bolt. And while the pastor is preaching about grace, your child is demonstrating velocity.

But here’s the thing: these little rule-breakers are exactly who Jesus was talking about when He said, “Let the little children come to me.” He didn’t say, “Let the well-behaved, silent, non-running children come to me.” He welcomed the squirmy, the curious, the loud, and the sticky-fingered. He knew that children bring life, energy, and a kind of holy chaos that reminds us all what it means to be fully present.
So to the parents who feel like they’re herding cats in the sanctuary—take heart. You are not failing. You are forming. Every whispered correction, every goldfish cracker offered as communion, every coloring book passed down the pew is a seed of faith. You are teaching your children that church is a place they belong, even before they understand why.

And to the church—thank you. Thank you for being a place where children are not just tolerated but treasured. Thank you for the volunteers who smile through crayon murals on hymnals and the ushers who dodge sprinting toddlers with grace. Thank you for understanding that a little noise is a sign of life, not a disruption.

Yes, we’ll keep whispering the commandments: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” But we’ll also keep showing up, sticky fingers and all, because we believe that faith is caught more than taught. And sometimes, catching it looks like a child singing off-key, dropping Cheerios in the offering plate, or asking loudly if God likes dinosaurs.

So let the children come. Let them come with their noise, their energy, their questions, and their joy. Let them come running—yes, even down the aisle—because in their chaos, we find a glimpse of heaven. And in their laughter, we hear the echo of a Savior who said, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”


Northwestern State University refreshes website to welcome future students

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

Simple admissions navigation

Interactive views of academic offerings

Mobile-first design for families on the go

Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow, and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions, and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.


Remember This: Wanderlust

Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust. Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

 

Sources:

Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.


On This Day: The Birth of the Ford Model T, a Revolution in an Assembly Line

On September 24, 1908, history shifted gears when the first factory-built Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line. It wasn’t just a new automobile—it was the beginning of mass mobility for millions, setting in motion transformations in work, culture, cities, and even leisure.

Henry Ford had spent years tinkering with designs, experimentation, and small-scale production. But by 1908 he refined the process enough to introduce a car that was affordable, simple, and rugged. The Model T would soon be dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” acknowledging its utilitarian charm more than anything to do with luxury.

What made the 1908 date especially noteworthy was that this was the first time factory-built Model Ts were produced—not custom or semi-custom units, but vehicles coming straight off (or down) the assembly line, with parts standardized, labor specialized, and production going into full swing.

What makes the Model T’s debut weird in retrospect is how foreign the idea seems now: a car built not for the ultra-wealthy, but for average people. It flew in the face of automotive thought at the time, where cars were often custom-built, expensive, and labor-intensive. The Model T forced a rethinking of what cars could be.

Additionally, the manufacturing methods used began to reshape entire economies: assembly lines, standardized parts, and cost-cutting without sacrificing reliability (though with plenty of compromises by later standards). Ford’s innovations laid groundwork not just for the auto industry, but for industrial production in many sectors.

By making cars accessible, Ford changed how people lived: where they could work, how far they could travel, what jobs were possible, and how communities were structured. Roads, gas stations, suburbs, road trips—all owe something to that moment when the Model T became a real possibility for millions.

Culturally, too, the Model T became a symbol: of progress, but also of questions about the trade-offs of mass production—environmental, social, and economic. Critics at the time and since have noted both the benefits (mobility, jobs, growth) and the costs (pollution, urban sprawl, car dependency).

The debut of the Model T wasn’t just about a car—it was a turning point in how societies move, work, and think about technology as a tool for everyday life. On this day, over a century ago, something ordinary and revolutionary began rolling off a factory line in Michigan that would change the world for anyone with a roadside.


Notice of Death – September 23, 2025

Sam Johnson
02/26/1947 – 09/22/2025Visitation: Friday September 26 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home ChapelServices: Saturday September 27 at  11:00 a.m. at Springville B.C.

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


Weekly arrest report: 09/08 – 09/14

The attached report displays all individuals charged over the last 7 days, including those arrested by summons who may not have been booked directly into the Detention Center. The attached arrests have been 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.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office opens rifle range for Public Sighting Days

DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson announced that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Rifle Range will be open to residents on two special dates this fall, offering hunters a free opportunity to sight in their rifles ahead of hunting season.

The public sighting days will be held:

Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The range, located at the DeSoto Parish Training Facility, 120 Sprocket Lane in Grand Cane, will provide a safe and structured environment with 100-yard shooting lanes, shooting benches, and lead sleds to assist hunters. Basic targets will be available, though participants are welcome to bring their own.

Residents must supply their own firearms, ammunition, hearing, and eye protection. Limited protective gear may be available on-site if needed. A Range Instructor and deputies will be present to ensure safety and provide assistance throughout the event. Equipment will also be sanitized between shooting sessions.

Registration is not required; however, the event is open only to DeSoto Parish residents.

Sheriff Richardson said he is pleased to continue offering this service at no cost to the community, giving local hunters a safe and convenient way to prepare for the upcoming season.


Update – Road Closure: LA 175 south of Kingston, DeSoto Parish

(UPDATE 9/16/2025): DOTD advises motorists that beginning on Monday, Sept. 22 the previously announced closure on LA 175 will reopen to traffic, and the contractor will move to a second location that will require a road closure for the purpose of repairing a headwall at a box culvert.

This work is considered to be part of the same 30 day closure noted in the previous update. This closure is located approximately 2.9 miles south of the Relay Station near I-49. (see included map)

This closure is anticipated to be reopened by Sept. 30, 2025, at which time LA 175 will be fully opened to traffic, with construction ongoing on the asphalt overlay portion of work.

All work is dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.


North DeSoto Senior to represent parish in Statewide Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition

As Celebrate Freedom Week begins, DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to spotlight Cecilia Flanders, a senior at North DeSoto High School, who has been selected to represent the parish in the 9–12 division of the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition.

The competition, hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, challenges students to deliver speeches on civic responsibility, leadership, and the principles of freedom.

District officials praised Flanders for her achievement, calling her a model of the scholarship and leadership the program was designed to promote.

“Way to go, Cecilia — we’re cheering you on,” the district said in a statement.


Logansport High students inspire elementary classrooms with messages of courage

Students at Logansport High School spent part of the day inspiring younger classmates with powerful lessons about bravery, compassion, and support.

They visited several elementary classrooms to read books about childhood cancer and share their own personal stories of battling the disease.

The visits sparked meaningful discussions among students about what it means to be brave and how to stand by one another during difficult times.

“Our students got to talk about what it means to be brave and how to cheer each other on when we face hard times,” school officials said.

Logansport High underscored the school’s commitment to supporting one another with its rallying message: “We are Tigers, and nobody fights alone.”


A little of this and a little of that

By Steve Graf    

Today we are going to throw a few spitballs and see what sticks. This article is going to cover what’s going in our world today and what needs to be talked about.

In the bass fishing world, congratulations to Team USA for winning the World Championship., topping teams from Japan, Germany, Canada, Italy, Portugal and Serbia to name a few. Bass fishing truly has become a global sport that may become an Olympic sport one day.

One of the members of Team USA was fishing pro Jacob Wheeler, who just won his fourth Major League Fishing (MLF) Angler of the Year title. This guy continues to set the bar for all anglers with incredible consistency and his total domination of the sport.

Speaking of domination, there’s a young man in East Texas who has made a name for himself as a consistent winner. Longview’s Zach Fogle is someone we’ll remember. He has been the American Bass Anglers (ABA) Angler of the Year the past two seasons.

Zach will be taking his fishing to the next level next year with the Toyota Series and the BFL’S. All of us are glad to see Zach move up in the world as we’re all tired of donating to his future fishing endeavors!

Next, let’s talk about one of the legends of bass fishing announcing his retirement. For 30 years California’s Skeet Reece has set the standard for what it means to be a professional angler. Other than Kevin Van Dam, no one has capitalized on their fishing success better than Skeet.

He’s an angler known for his business prowess and bright yellow fishing rods, truck and shoes. He’s a master at branding and taking advantage of the worldwide bass fishing market. I would like to wish Skeet happy days in his retirement.

Nothing is more exciting than the start of football season and nothing goes by faster as we are already into Week 3 or 4 depending on what state you’re in (Texas high schools kick off a week earlier than on this side of the Sabine River and Toledo Bend). The Dallas Cowboys have been a pleasant surprise as they opened playing very competitively with their conference rival, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. In Week 2 the ‘Boys defeated the New York Giants in an overtime thriller, 40-37.

With football well underway, it means that hunting season is here, starting with dove season. A dove hunt is nothing more than a social gathering that gets hunters excited to pull the trigger. A passing cold front, days getting shorter, and fall foliage puts everything in motion for all hunters.

To all those who will be hitting the woods and waterways this fall for both bucks and ducks, we would like to wish each of you success in whatever game you’re pursuing. ‘Til next time, happy hunting!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com


Ponderings: No Plan B

The Kingdom Chronicle

“No Plan B: Heaven’s Bold Strategy to Rely Entirely on Us”

By Ima Disciple | Staff Writer

In a shocking revelation that has theologians, churchgoers, and coffee shop philosophers buzzing, it appears that Jesus Christ—Son of God, Savior of the World, and occasional foot-washer—has absolutely no backup plan for spreading the Gospel, healing the broken, or ushering in the Kingdom of God.

Sources close to the Trinity confirm: “It’s us. Just us. That’s the whole strategy.”

Straight from Scripture

According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, believers are described as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Which sounds lovely until you realize it’s not just a compliment—it’s a job description. “You were chosen to declare His praises,” the verse continues, which theologians now interpret as divine shorthand for: ‘Tag—you’re it.’

Heaven’s HR Department Speaks Out

When asked why the Creator of the Universe would entrust His mission to a group of people who routinely forget where they put their keys, Heaven’s spokesperson replied: “Look, we tried outsourcing to angels once. They’re great at singing and smiting, but they just don’t get nuance. Humans, though? They’ve got stories. They’ve got scars. They’ve got TikTok. That’s how the message spreads.”

No Contingency Plan Found

A recent audit of Heaven’s strategic documents revealed no alternate plan, no celestial task force, and not even a divine intern waiting in the wings. The folder labeled “Plan B” was completely empty except for a sticky note that read: “See Plan A.”

So What Now?

If you’re wondering who’s supposed to feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, challenge injustice, and share the good news—it’s you. Yes, you. The one reading this while procrastinating on laundry.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel unless you’re tired or it’s raining.” He said, “Go.” Period.

Local Pastor Reacts

Pastor Linda of Grace Fellowship Church responded to the news with a sigh and a shrug:
“Well, I guess we better get to work. Apparently, if we don’t do it, it doesn’t get done. And Jesus isn’t sending in the reserves. We are the reserves.”

So next time you feel unqualified, overwhelmed, or tempted to wait for someone holier to step up—remember: Heaven’s counting on you. There’s no Plan B.

And if you’re still unsure, just reread 1 Peter 2:9-10. Then grab a coffee, say a prayer, and get moving. The Kingdom won’t build itself.


Remember This: Peggy Lou’s Adventures

Peggy Lou Snyder was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1909. Peggy Lou’s adventures in the entertainment industry began when she was just six weeks old and her parents brought her onstage in a play in which they were performing. Peggy Lou’s father, Roy Hilliard Snyder, was an actor and director at the Princess Theater in Des Moines. Her mother, Hazel, was a musical comedy actress. Roy and Hazel adopted Roy’s middle name, Hilliard, as their professional last name. At three years old, Peggy Lou got her first speaking role in a comedic play called “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” When not in school, Peggy Lou was working on the stage with and, as she got older, without her parents.

In 1930, Peggy Lou and her parents moved to New York City for more acting opportunities. In August of that year, she began a brief and troubled marriage with comedian Roy Sedley. In 1931, Peggy Lou appeared in her first film entitled “Musical Justice,” in which she fittingly played the wife in a divorce hearing. It was her first of many films. In 1932, Oswald, an attorney who decided he enjoyed playing his saxophone and singing with his band more than practicing law, met Peggy Lou when she was the mistress of ceremonies at a New York night club. Soon thereafter, the band leader hired Peggy Lou to share vocal duties in his band. “It was strictly a business arrangement initially,” Peggy Lou later explained, but when her marriage ended, she married the band leader. In the following year, Peggy Lou made her radio debut.

Peggy Lou was a star of every entertainment medium of the era. She was performing on stage, on recordings, and on radio with her husband, and she was also acting in Hollywood films. Her schedule was hectic. In 1936, her schedule grew more hectic when she had her first child, a son named David. Four years later, she had a son named Eric. Peggy Lou struggled to balance her career and family. Something had to give. Between 1931 and 1944, in addition to her other performances, Peggy Lou had appeared in 19 films. Then, Peggy Lou and her husband decided that she would pause her film career, and they would focus more on their family. Before you judge her husband too harshly, it was he who came up with a plan in which the whole family could spend every day working together. Twenty years later, she said, “I’m Lucky. How many actresses get the chance to work with their family every day?” It was a whole new adventure.

You may not remember Peggy Lou for her film career which included roles in Hollywood classics such as “Follow the Fleet” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, “Cocoanut Grove” with co-star Fred MacMurray, and “Honeymoon Lodge,” which also featured her husband. You have probably never heard the names Peggy Lou Snyder or Peggy Lou Hilliard, but for 22 years, she entertained millions of people on radio and television as America’s favorite mother. You see, Peggy Lou’s most notable adventures began when she, under her lifelong stage name, created with her husband a radio show which evolved into a television show called “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.”


Sources:
1. The Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 29, 1976, p.40.

2. The York Dispatch, October 4, 1994, p.2.

3. The Des Moines Register, December 24, 2000, p.19.

4. “Harriet Nelson,” IMDb.com, accessed September 7, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384948/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2


On This Day in History: The Lone Ranger’s Radio Debut and the Birth of a Pop Culture Legend

September 17 holds a special place in American pop culture history. On this day in 1937, the masked hero known as the Lone Ranger made his debut on national radio, galloping out of regional obscurity in Detroit and into living rooms across the country. What began as a small-scale radio drama would soon evolve into one of the most enduring legends in American entertainment, spawning television shows, comic books, films, and a cultural legacy that still echoes nearly nine decades later.

The Lone Ranger had already been riding the airwaves for a few years in Michigan before this national breakthrough. Created by WXYZ radio station writer Fran Striker and station owner George W. Trendle, the character was imagined as a heroic Texas Ranger who survived an ambush and fought for justice in the American West. With his iconic silver bullets, trusty horse Silver, and loyal companion Tonto, the Lone Ranger embodied a romantic vision of the frontier.

By the time the program went national on September 17, 1937, the United States was in the depths of the Great Depression. Families gathered around radios not just for news, but for escape, and the Lone Ranger delivered. His adventures brought listeners into a world where good triumphed over evil, and where the lawless frontier could be tamed by courage and honor. The show quickly gained a devoted following, making “Hi-Yo Silver! Away!” one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the era.

The significance of the Lone Ranger’s debut goes beyond entertainment. The show helped set the template for modern serialized storytelling. Its weekly cliffhangers, character arcs, and strong moral center influenced everything from superhero comics to today’s television dramas. Scholars have also pointed out how the Lone Ranger reflected American ideals of the time: rugged individualism paired with a sense of duty and justice.

Yet the series was not without its complexities. Tonto, portrayed by Native American actor Jay Silverheels in later television adaptations, became both a groundbreaking role for Indigenous representation and a controversial stereotype. Historians and critics have debated the cultural impact of the character for decades, noting how the show reinforced some outdated tropes while also giving audiences their first mainstream Native American hero.

The Lone Ranger’s influence stretched far beyond radio. The first television adaptation premiered in 1949 and ran for eight years, cementing the character in visual culture. A string of films, comic books, and merchandise followed. Even as late as 2013, Disney attempted to revive the franchise with a blockbuster film starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, though the movie met with mixed reviews. Still, the fact that the story continues to be retold speaks to its lasting resonance.

September 17, then, marks more than a date on the calendar. It marks the birth of a pop culture icon that bridged radio, television, film, and literature. The Lone Ranger’s call to justice, his silver bullets, and his bond with Tonto are all reminders of how a character created during the hardships of the 1930s could ride into the national imagination and stay there for generations.


Notice of Death – September 16, 2025

Yvonne Frances Young
December 27, 1941 — September 14, 2025
Visitation: Wednesday September 17 at 9:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Joyce Bates Hatcher
October 13, 1941 — September 14, 2025
Visitation: Friday September 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Saturday September 20 at 11:00 a.m.at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church

Johnny Louis Abraham
05/27/1950 – 09/12/2025
Visitation: Friday September 19 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday September 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Shiloh B.C.

Maurice Sims Walker – Robinson
06/23/1926 – 09/11/2025
Visitation: Friday September 19 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill B.C.

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


City of Mansfield announces change to trash collection schedule effective October 1

Parish officials have announced a change to the residential trash collection schedule that will take effect on Oct. 1, 2025.

Currently, trash pickup in the affected areas takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginning next month, collection will shift to once a week on Wednesdays.

Parish leaders said the adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and provide better service to residents.

Officials are reminding residents to place their trash bins out on Wednesdays to ensure timely collection.
Anyone with questions regarding the new schedule is encouraged to contact Ronnie Morris at 318-481-9200 for additional information.


DeSoto Parish School Board honors September Employees of the Month

During its Sept. 5 meeting the DeSoto Parish School Board recognized outstanding educators and staff who have gone above and beyond in their service to students and the school community.

The September Employees of the Month honorees are:

Support Staff of the Month: Eunice Harris, NDMS

Teacher of the Month: Jennifer May, SHS

New Teacher of the Month: Katy Cash, LHS

Leader of the Month: Leah Bush, MES

The initiative celebrates excellence in education and highlights the individuals who contribute to a thriving learning environment throughout the parish.