Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.
In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.
For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.
Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.
This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.
Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.
May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.
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.
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a wanted sex offender on Monday morning after members of the Warrants Division, aided by the K-9 Division, located the suspect hiding inside a Mansfield residence.
Deputies had received credible information regarding the whereabouts of Leo Thomas Horton, 45, of Pelican, who was wanted by the State of Louisiana for a parole violation. Horton is a convicted felon and registered sex offender.
When deputies arrived at the residence, they deployed K-9 “Karen” to assist in the search. The K-9 quickly alerted to a closet inside the home, where Horton was found attempting to conceal himself. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Horton was booked into the DeSoto Detention Center on charges of Fugitive Warrant and Resisting an Officer.
Booking photos and additional information are available at http://www.dpso.org.
Several DeSoto Parish families in need received full Thanksgiving meals this week thanks to a partnership between the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and a local business.
With a generous donation from Billy B’s Cajun Grill in Mansfield, investigators from the Sheriff’s Office assembled and delivered complete holiday meal packages, including turkey, dressing, green beans, and rolls. The initiative was coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, whose staff personally delivered each meal across the parish.
Families were identified through the Sheriff’s Office based on need, ensuring the meals reached households facing hardship this holiday season.
Sheriff’s Office officials expressed appreciation for the restaurant’s generosity and community spirit.
“We are thankful for the kindness shown by the staff at Billy B’s and for everyone who helped make this effort possible,” the department said. “Their willingness to step up and support local families made a meaningful difference this Thanksgiving.”
The Sheriff’s Office says acts of community partnership like this one highlight the compassion and commitment found throughout DeSoto Parish.
The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
Location:
Government Plaza Shreveport City Council Chambers 505 Travis Street Shreveport, LA 71101
District 04 (Bossier, Bienville, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, & Webster Parishes)
Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.
All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.
Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:
Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee C/O LA DOTD (Section 45) P.O. Box 94245 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245
To read more information about planned construction projects for District 04 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4riSbGw.
My friend bought her daughter a car. Not a fancy one—no heated seats, no moonroof, no button that launches it into orbit. Just a good ol’ reliable vehicle to get her from dorm room to dining room and back again for those sacred college holidays like Thanksgiving, when students return home to eat, sleep, and pretend they still remember how to do laundry.
One day, the daughter had a flat tire. No big deal—she had AAA on speed dial, right next to “Mom” and “Pizza.” She called the flat tire hotline and waited for the cavalry. The AAA guy showed up, popped the trunk, checked under the mat, looked in the glove box, maybe even peeked under the seats. No spare tire. No jack. No tools. Just a lot of empty space and one very confused roadside technician.
Cue the anguished phone call to Mom: “Mom! There’s no spare tire! I’m stranded! The car is broken! The dealership sold us a lemon! I’m going to die here next to the Chick-fil-A!”
Now, I know this mom. She’s articulate. She’s passionate. She’s fluent in “colorful metaphors.” I’ve heard her use her big girl words before, and let’s just say she doesn’t need a thesaurus when she’s fired up.
She called the dealership and unleashed a verbal tsunami. Somewhere in the background, I imagine the receptionist ducking under the desk and whispering, “It’s her. The metaphor lady.”
Just as Mom was winding up for Round Two, the dealership guy calmly asked, “Ma’am, is your daughter’s car a 2023 model?”
“Yes,” she snapped.
“Well,” he said, “that car comes with run-flat tires. You can drive up to 50 miles on a flat. There’s no spare because you don’t need one.”
Silence.
Then a dial tone.
I don’t think Mom apologized. I think she just hung up and prayed the Holy Spirit would interpret her sighs.
Now, I’m grateful this wasn’t my story. But let’s be honest—I drive cars with spare tires. I think. I mean, I assume they’re in there somewhere. Probably under the mysterious carpet flap in the trunk next to the ancient granola bar and the rogue umbrella. Maybe I should check.
But this story made me laugh. It reminded me that sometimes we panic before we understand. We yell before we read the manual. We assume the worst before we remember that God might’ve already built in a solution.
And that brings me to Thanksgiving. It’s almost here. Can you believe how fast this year flew by? I blinked and it was Advent again. I’m thankful for so much—especially for you, dear reader. You’ve prayed for us, encouraged us, and shared stories that have become sermons, devotionals, and the occasional punchline.
I’m thankful for my church family, my neighbors, and the beautiful traffic chaos of life in Ruston, Louisiana. I’m thankful for the characters in my life—especially the ones who call me with flat tire emergencies and teach me new vocabulary.
So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment. Look at life through grateful eyes. Even the flat tires. Even the missing spares. Even the run-flat moments when you realize God’s grace lets you keep going, even when you feel deflated.
Thank you for being part of the ride. And if you’re wondering whether your car has a spare… maybe check before you call Mom.
The excitement is surging across DeSoto Parish as all three parish high school football teams punched their tickets to the LHSAA Quarterfinals, marking a standout moment in local sports history.
Fans were treated to a night of adrenaline, resilience, and heart as Mansfield, Logansport, and North DeSoto each delivered playoff victories that showcased the strength and spirit of DeSoto Parish athletics.
The Mansfield Wolverines stunned crowds in a double-overtime classic, edging out Marksville in a dramatic 62–60 win. The back-and-forth battle will go down as one of the most memorable games of their season.
In Logansport, the Tigers fought to the final whistle, securing a tight 34–31 victory over Welsh. Their perseverance under pressure pushed them onward in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the North DeSoto Griffins dominated their matchup with DeRidder, cruising to a commanding 56–13 win. The Griffins showcased explosive offense and disciplined defense in one of their strongest performances yet.
The parish now prepares for an electrifying Quarterfinals week as community pride swells across Mansfield, Logansport, and Stonewall. Residents, students, and fans are rallying behind their teams as they continue their pursuit of championship glory.
DeSoto Parish is ready. The energy is rising. And the road to the state title is heating up.
Students from across DeSoto Parish Schools joined together last week for the district’s annual Special Olympics events, creating a day filled with excitement, encouragement, and unforgettable moments of achievement.
The event showcased the district’s commitment to cultivating a Positive and Caring Culture, as athletes were supported by classmates, staff, families, and volunteers who lined the fields and stands with cheers and applause. Every participant was celebrated for their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship.
The district extended heartfelt gratitude to the athletes and the community members who made the day possible, noting that their spirit and enthusiasm continue to demonstrate the true meaning of perseverance, inclusion, and unity.
DeSoto Parish Schools commends all athletes for their outstanding accomplishments and thanks the supporters who helped make this year’s Special Olympics a memorable success.
Sports has been a huge part of my life, especially when it comes to baseball and football. I’ve always taken pride in the fact that I never used any form of performance-enhancing drugs to play at a high level. In my mind, this would be a form of cheating, and I made a conscious choice to never be a part of that culture of athletes.
I saw first-hand how some athletes abused and became victims of decisions and choices they made. It was a huge eye-opening experience my first spring training with the Montreal Expos organization as I saw how many players were using enhancers to perform at a high level.
I saw the organization basically turn a blind eye to what players were doing to become better. Oh, it was no secret, and most players did not try and hide what they were using as it was on full display in their lockers. It was just another form of cheating!
Cheating has now become rampant in the tournament bass fishing world. It seems that in every tournament, someone breaks a rule, fails a polygraph test and gets disqualified.
In the past three years, it has gotten worse — from professional anglers getting caught to amateur anglers trying to win specialty events like big bass tournaments. What happened to the days of anglers going out and fishing with honesty and following the rules?
Why has there been such a surge in anglers’ cheating? The first answer is probably the amount of money tournaments are putting up. Even the lower levels of MLF (Major League Fishing) and the B.A.S.S. organizations have anglers fishing for hundreds of thousands of dollars and opportunities to advance up the ladder of professional bass fishing.
Even big bass events have anglers fishing for over $100,000 for catching one fish! Like anything else, when there’s a lot of money on the line, it seems to bring out the worst in people. Just like in any form of criminal activity, just follow the money.
Some anglers will say that there are just too many rules. We all know that the more rules you have in any sport, the more that must be enforced. This makes a bass tournament director’s job even more difficult.
So how do we hit the reset button and get anglers to find their moral compass and follow the rules? I’m not sure we can put the genie back into the bottle, as our society in general has so many people with no morals who will do whatever they can in order to win or get ahead in life.
I think the first course of action must be making the punishment fit the crime. Organizations must come down harder on these individuals who think it’s OK to cheat! Guidelines need to be established for the severity of the rule or rules that have been violated.
We aren’t looking for anyone to go before the firing squad, but suspending anglers for the entire season would be a great start. The harder you come down on these anglers, the more they will think twice about cheating.
Maybe we need to go the legal route, as cheating in a bass tournament is considered fraud. By making a few examples with prosecution, it will probably make others think twice about bending the rules.
These are sad times we live in and it’s a shame we have so many anglers that think it’s OK to cheat. This is one of many reasons why tournament participation is down nationwide. But with more severe punishment, maybe we can reset the course of tournament bass fishing.
In the summer of 2021, a new neighbor moved into what had been a peaceful mobile home park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, a suburb just north of Minneapolis. Until then, the residents of the mobile home park held regular barbecues and other outdoor gatherings when the cold Minnesota weather allowed. Their kids played outside and walked to and from the bus stop without the slightest hint of hesitation. The trailer park residents got along well with each other. That all changed when the new neighbor moved in.
The new neighbor was a bully who victimized the residents of the mobile home park. The bully chased them, taunted them, and sometimes attacked them. The residents were unable to relax even when they were inside their own homes because the bully peaked through their windows and made sounds that they said became terrifying to them. One day, 41-year-old Rachael Gross was carrying her groceries from her car to her home when the bully dropped down from her roof and knocked her to the ground. During the struggle that followed, the bully ripped her jacket before Rachael was able to escape into her house. Her groceries lay scattered on her front lawn. The bully even followed Rachael to the nearby nursing home where she worked and to her favorite local restaurant. Each time, Rachael rushed inside to safety. The bully always stopped just shy of following her in. During another attack, Rachael slung water from her water bottle onto the bully. The shock from the water gave her just enough time to get inside before the bully ran back toward her. After numerous attacks, Rachael and her neighbors began to carry sticks, brooms, golf clubs, and baseball bats anytime they went outside. Rachael and her neighbors called the authorities on several occasions, but the bully continued to terrorize the neighborhood. Because Rachael was most often the target of the bully, her neighbors began to suspect that she was somehow helping him despite her emphatic denials.
Rachael felt trapped. She said, “I’m pretty stressed out and pretty anxious all the time. I can’t even have peace. I’m so exhausted. I hope this gets a solution and somebody comes to help so I don’t have to deal with this anymore, and so that we can all have a peaceful summer with our kids and our grandkids and actually have a barbecue and just relax.” Summer turned into fall and there was no relief from the bully. Parents had to walk their kids to and from the bust stop armed with a variety of weapons. The kids used their backpacks as shields. The neighborhood cancelled all of their usual outside activities including trick-or-treating at Halloween. For two years, the residents of the trailer park lived in fear of the bully. In the fall of 2023, reports of the bullying ended. Rumors persist that someone in the mobile home park murdered the bully. Perhaps they were all involved in the murder conspiracy. Some of the rumors go as far as to say that there is no evidence to be found because the residents ate the bully during a Thanksgiving celebration. The new neighbor which plagued that mobile home park was a wild turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!
British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”
Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.
Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.
Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.
The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.
November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.
Josephine Sewell Garrett 10/10/1949 – 11/21/2025 Visitation: Friday November 28 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel Services:Saturday November 29 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul C.M.E. Chruch
Aubrey Clyde Fields 08/19/1963 – 11/19/2025 Visitation: Friday November 28 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel Services: Saturday November 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Shady Grove U.M.C.
Paula Childress July 24, 1957 — November 24, 2025 Visitation: Friday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until service Services: Friday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Baptist Church
Betty Sue Walker February 15, 1934 — November 23, 2025N/A
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 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.
A months-long investigation into the illegal distribution of multiple controlled substances in the Mansfield area resulted in two arrests on November 12, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Narcotics agents, along with the Street Level Unit and the DeSoto S.W.A.T. team, executed a search warrant Wednesday afternoon at a residence on McDonald Lane. Upon entry, S.W.A.T. officers located a man identified as Dalton D. Duran, 28, of Mansfield, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants tied to the distribution of methamphetamine, Xanax, and Suboxone. Duran was taken into custody without incident.
A second individual, Whitney Coleman, 30, of Grand Cane, was also found on the property. Deputies discovered she was wanted in Caddo Parish on drug-related charges, and she, too, was taken into custody without incident.
During the search, narcotics agents recovered over 100 Xanax bars, a large amount of methamphetamine, several firearms, and various pieces of drug paraphernalia, the sheriff’s office reported.
Both individuals were transported to the DeSoto Detention Center, where they were booked on the following charges:
Dalton D. Duran
Booked on a DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics warrant for:
Two counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
One count of Distribution of Schedule III (Suboxone)
Three counts of Distribution of Schedule IV (Xanax)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule IV (Xanax)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Whitney Coleman
Booked on a Caddo Parish fugitive warrant for drug-related offenses
The sheriff’s office noted that all arrests indicate probable cause and emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On Sunday, November 16th, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified by Louisiana State Police Troop E and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office of a high-speed pursuit entering DeSoto Parish from Natchitoches Parish on Interstate 49. The pursuit stemmed from an earlier disturbance in Robeline, LA.
Deputies with DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the south end of the parish to engage with the fleeing suspects as they traveled north into the parish. The fleeing vehicle exited I49 at the Asseff Road interchange and traveled for some distance before it eventually reached a dead-end behind a locked gate. Two occupants remained in the vehicle, while two male suspects fled into the woods just as DeSoto deputies arrived on scene. DeSoto immediately deployed the Sheriff’s Office K-9, Aerial Helicopter, and Drone Divisions to engage in a foot pursuit through a heavily wooded area on the east side of I-49. The DeSoto PIO was contacted at 3:55 p.m. to issue a public safety alert through the DeSoto Sheriff App and Facebook page to keep residents informed of any potential dangers as the search unfolded.
K-9’s Clyde, Karen, and Cujo, along with their respective handlers, began tracking through thick brush following both suspects, while from above, two drone operators and helicopter Pilot/TFO provided heat-seeking overwatch and spotlight, giving ground teams critical visibility during the search. K-9 Clyde, handlers, and an agent with Wildlife & Fisheries tracked the suspects for 4.06 miles, eventually leading teams back toward I-49. There, K-9 Cujo managed to locate both individuals concealed in dense brush, and they were taken into custody at approximately 6:05 p.m.
The suspects were identified as: – Dewitt D. Edwards, 21yo black male from Natchitoches, LA – Larris Edwards, 28yo black male from Natchitoches, LA
Both suspects were breifly treated at a local hospital, one for a K-9 (Cujo) bite to the arm, and the other a stab wound to the leg that he allegedly sustained prior to the beginning of the pursuit. They were subsequently transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center and booked on the following charges: – Aggravated Flight from an Officer – Resisting an Officer by Flight – Driver Not Licensed
DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson extends his thanks to everyone involved in this search as each showed the utmost professionalism and clear communication in securing public safety. Our K-9 handlers, Sgt. Blake McCoy and Cpl. Kelby Pearah, along with numerous deputies on patrol and others who arrived hours prior to their shift to assist…worked diligently through rough terrain to ensure these suspects were located and apprehended accordingly. We also extend a special thanks to our DeSoto Dispatchers who played a pivotal role in communication between agencies and identifying the suspects. And finally, to Louisiana State Police Troop E, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, whose agent remained with DPSO’s K-9 teams for the entire 4.06-mile track. Everyone’s cooperation and dedication were critical to the safe resolution of this incident.
DeSoto Parish is preparing to kick off the holiday season with the 3rd Annual Spirit of DeSoto Tree Lighting, set for Saturday, November 29, behind the Stonewall Government Plaza.
The community event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the official tree-lighting ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature expanded attractions, including food vendors, live local worship music, an enhanced light show, children’s crafts, and a special appearance by Santa, who will be available for photos under the Christmas tree.
To accommodate parking, attendees are asked to park at North DeSoto High School, where a free shuttle service will be provided by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office to transport visitors to and from the event.
Officials encourage families across the parish to come out and join the festivities as DeSoto Parish ushers in the Christmas season.
Preachers read. I read because I’m not very smart—and because I’m terrified of being boring. Let’s be honest: some sermons are so dull they could be used as sleep aids. I’ve heard paint dry with more enthusiasm. Sorry, colleagues, but we might be the reason folks choose brunch over the Body of Christ.
Jesus told stories that made people lean in, not nod off. So, I read, hunt, and scavenge for stories that make the Gospel feel like a live wire, not a library whisper.
The other day, I went trolling for a story in one of my Bible commentaries. I glanced at my shelf and noticed something odd. One of the volumes looked… moist. Not “anointed” moist. Just suspiciously soggy. The one next to it looked like it had been baptized by a leaky roof. I thought, “Well, that’s interesting. Maybe the Holy Spirit is hydrating my theology.”
I pulled the books down and—surprise!—termites. Not just a few. A full-blown theological buffet. These bugs had eaten the entire guts out of two volumes. I mean, they didn’t just nibble—they feasted. Paper to termites is what McDonald’s fries are to me: irresistible, regrettable, and always followed by a need for repentance.
My preacher friends had a field day. One said, “Well, at least they were feasting on the Word.” Another asked, “Were they Old Testament termites? Maybe they skipped the New Testament because they couldn’t handle grace.” Someone else suggested I start a new ministry: Exegesis for Insects.
The exterminator came out, gave me a price, and looked at me like I was the weirdest theologian he’d ever met. I’ve got carpentry repairs to make, commentaries to replace, and a new sermon illustration that’s practically begging for a pulpit.
But here’s the real question: Do you have termites? Not cellulose kind. I mean the soul-chewers. Anger, bitterness, jealousy, revenge, those little varmints that sneak in through the cracks of your spirit and start munching on your joy. They don’t knock. They just move in, set up a recliner in the lobby of your heart, and start gnawing away like it’s a buffet.
So, what’s the treatment? Grace. Not the kind you say before meals. The kind that fumigates your soul. The kind that kicks out the termites and replaces them with peace, purpose, and maybe a little laughter.
Go to church on Sunday. Your preacher’s been reading all week, dodging termites, and praying for a story that’ll wake you up, shake you up, and maybe even make you laugh while Jesus does His deep work.
In today’s saturated real estate market, your property listing can easily disappear into the digital noise. Between Zillow, Realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and countless other platforms, potential buyers are drowning in options—and your listing risks becoming just another scroll-by on someone’s smartphone.
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BY THE NUMBERS: 2024
In 2024, The Parish Journals of Louisiana saw over fourteen million articles read by over three million unique readers!
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Beautiful Homesite – This place is less than 2 miles from I-49, so it has easy access to everywhere, without having to pay those high in-town property prices. There are no utilities on site, and this property will require some clearing, a septic system and a water well. BUT there are no restrictions, you can build a house, barndo, install a manufactured home the possibilities are endless.
Lot #1 Price: 169,900.00 Lot #3 Price: $95,000.00 Location/Address: Persley Rd, Stonewall, LA 71078 (DeSoto Parish)
The North DeSoto High School Varsity Cheer team brought home top honors this weekend, earning the title of Regional Champions at the Lonestar Classic in Sugar Land, Texas.
Competing against squads from multiple states and divisions, the Lady Griffins delivered a standout performance that also earned them the event’s Superior Showmanship Award, an honor presented across all divisions for exceptional spirit, execution, and crowd engagement.
Their championship routine secured the team a bid to the NCA High School Nationals, set to take place in January, marking another major accomplishment for the NDHS cheer program. North DeSoto High officials and supporters praised the athletes for their discipline, teamwork, and school pride.
“Congratulations to our Lady Griffin family,” the school shared. “Our cheerleaders represented North DeSoto with excellence and brought home a first-place victory on one of the biggest regional stages.”
The team will now shift focus to preparing for the National Cheerleaders Association competition, where they will take the national stage among the country’s top high school cheer squads.
The North DeSoto Middle School cheerleaders are celebrating a major achievement after officially securing their bid to the NCA Nationals set for January.
The Lady Griffins earned the honor following a strong performance that demonstrated the program’s growing talent, teamwork, and school spirit. School officials highlighted the accomplishment as another proud moment for the North DeSoto community.
The team will now begin preparing for the national stage, where they will compete against top middle school squads from across the country.
North DeSoto Middle School congratulated the athletes, saying the squad continues to embody the district’s values of determination and excellence.
The postseason is here for DeSoto Parish football, and the community is gearing up for some Friday night excitement. According to announcements from the DeSoto Parish School Board, the first round of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) playoffs kicks off this week with hometown matchups. Mansfield Wolverines and Logansport Tigers will both host playoff games at home, while the North DeSoto Griffins enjoy a bye and will take the field in a later round.
Fans are encouraged to pack the stands and bring the energy as DeSoto Parish shows its spirit under the lights. The community is rallying behind the teams with slogans like #DeSotoStrong, #GriffinPride, and #WinningTogether in support of the athletes’ efforts.
With district championships already secured for all three football programs in the parish this season, expectations are high as the teams aim to translate regular-season dominance into playoff success.
Have you ever been asked, “Can you keep a secret?” Sure, you have but there’s probably not another group of people on earth who have more secrets than tournament bass anglers. Secrets that they will take to their grave! Let’s dive into the secret world of tournament bass fishing and look at the mental side — how anglers think.
It’s absolutely amazing how anglers won’t ever give up any of their secret baits or locations where they catch bass. I don’t care how long you’ve been fishing, there are just certain bits of information a tournament bass angler will never reveal, not even to his best buddies.
This is why it’s hard for one angler to trust another! It’s like opening a closet door and revealing everything you never wanted anyone to find out. Every angler thinks they know something no one else does, but if the truth be told, there are no secret baits or secret locations any more on any body of water.
Anglers, as I have said so many times in the past, are a funny bunch. Every single tournament angler on the water is always looking for that ONE bait that no one else is throwing. That one bait that they have the utmost confidence which no matter the conditions, will catch fish. Anglers are always searching for anything that will give them a leg up on their competition.
This is where the mental side of tournament bass fishing comes into play. Bass fishing, as so many pro anglers will tell you, is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. This is actually what separates the average anglers from the great ones.
The greatest angler of all time, Kevin Van Dam, once told me that if you believe in the bait you’re throwing, you’ll fish that bait totally different than one you don’t believe in. Confidence in bass fishing goes a long way in catching bass!
That’s another key word in tournament bass fishing — confidence. It’s funny how this one word is crucial for anything we do in life. It’s a word that can make you average, or great.
Again, I reference a conversation I had with Kevin Van Dam when I asked if he believed in adding scent to the bait he’s fishing? His answer was not what I was expecting when he reversed the question and asked me if I believed in adding scent to my baits?
My answer was “yes.” I do think it makes a difference in the number of bites I get in a day. He then said, “That’s all that matters; if you believe in it, use it! Because the more you believe in what you’re doing, the better you ‘ll fish that bait! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it only matters what you think.”
So, I guess you could say that the best-kept secret of any angler is not a certain bait or location on any body of water, but it’s the confidence they have in what they’re doing!
There’s no place quite like Ruston, LA for the holidays. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston produces all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays.
Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a holiday season full of festive fun, making it the perfect time to make the drive and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family. From parades and performances to light displays and shopping events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Thursday, November 20, kick start the holiday season in the heart of Ruston. Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas invites you to shop and stroll downtown’s special promotions, get your pictures with Santa, and see the downtown tree lighting. While you’re around for Kickoff to Christmas, stroll Ruston’s quarterly Art Ramble happening 5:30pm-8:30pm. Local artists will be displaying and selling artwork and curated creations, perfect for finding your loved ones that one-of-a kind gift.
Thursday, December 4, Ruston’s Annual Christmas Parade will hit the streets. This parade fills Ruston with festive floats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bring your blanket, grab a warm drink from a local coffee shop, and enjoy one of the merriest events of the season.
December 4-7, experience the timeless story of A Christmas Carol brought to life at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Ruston Community Theatre brings you Ebnezer Scrooge, the three Spirits of Christmas, and musical adaptations by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynee Ahres.
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines is a Ruston holiday staple and a can’t miss event. Pack up the whole family and come experience Ruston’s only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park happening December 4-6 and 11-13. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor all from the warmth of your vehicle as you take in the glow of the season.
December 5-7 is a big weekend in Ruston, LA and full of holiday adventures. You can shop Big Creek Trade Days on December 5-7, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items, and more to help you knock out your holiday shopping list. December 6, visit the OWL Center for their Christmas on the Farm. This holiday event brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, pictures with Santa, rock wall, zip line, games, and so much more. Also on December 6, you can visit downtown Choudrant for Christmas in the Village featuring a parade, bounce houses, cookies with Santa, a movie in the park, and more.
On December 12, the Dixie Center for the Arts presents A Christmas Blues. This benefit concert is full of holiday spirit and down-home blues bringing together some of the area’s most gifted musicians for an unforgettable night of music.
Downtown Ruston hosts the Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 14. Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season and sign up to get a delicious holiday cookie at each participating local business all while you shop the local, holiday deals and specials. While you’re in town, step into the holiday spirit with Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center happening December 14. Tour beautifully decorated homes and gather festive inspiration for your own holiday decor.
Ruston has it all – late night shopping, downtown deals, cookie crawls, parades, live music, light displays, and of course, the annual holiday5K race. On December 18 the Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will take place at the Ruston Sports Complex. Grab your holiday running gear, strap on your Santa Claus hat, and get ready for the most festive race of the year.
End the holiday season on a high note. The Ruston Sports Complex brings you Christmas at the Complex on December 20. Spend a festive day with friends and family and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, take your picture with Santa, watch a Christmas movie, and go ice skating.
This is just a quick look at the holiday adventures you can go on this year in Ruston, LA. Recurring events throughout December include artificial ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex and the Ruston Farmers Market happening every Saturday – perfect for finding your holiday gifts and festive flavors all while enjoying some live music.
Come experience the holidays in Ruston, LA, where small town charm and big holiday spirit bring you back to those nostalgic feelings of Christmas when you were a kid.
To learn more about the holidays in Ruston, visit rustonlincoln.com/events/holidays/.
Ethan Zuckerman is a name you are probably unfamiliar with, but there is little doubt that you have interacted with his invention. Almost everyone on the planet has had to deal with Ethan’s invention. Let me explain.
In 1993, Ethan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1994, Ethan dropped out of graduate school and focused on what was the newest technological craze, the World Wide Web. These days, we call it the internet. Until mid-1993, there were only about 50 websites in existence, but it snowballed shortly thereafter. Within a year, the number of websites grew into the thousands. (In October 2025, there were over 1.2 billion websites worldwide, and a new website was built about every three seconds.)
In the first year of the internet boom, Ethan and a couple of his friends in Williamstown began building an internet-based company called Tripod. Their intention was to provide content and services for graduates, what Ethan described as “tools for life.” The website was popular, but it was not making enough money to cover expenses. At its peak in the mid-1990s, about 15 million people visited their website daily. Although the number of visitors was certainly impressive, few people bought anything from the company. Ethan and his partners switched from trying to sell products to trying to get customers to pay for a subscription to gain access to their content. It was not successful. They tried to sell content in an online magazine format, but that failed too. As a last resort, they turned to advertisers, just as many other popular websites had done. Finally, they were making a hefty profit.
Then, a problem arose. A major car company which he refused to name purchased an ad that was placed on numerous websites indiscriminately. Executives at the car company were surprised and angered when their company’s ad appeared at the top of a popular pornographic website. They feared that the public would think that they were promoting pornography which could have destroyed the company’s reputation. Ethan began working to find a way to continue to have advertisements for websites but in a way that they seemed somewhat disconnected from the content on the website. After a period of trial and error, Ethan invented something the world had never seen before. Within a short time, his invention became almost inescapable. It also became one of the most hated inventions in history. In 1999, Ethan and his partners sold their company, and Ethan began to regret his invention. In August 2014, Ethan apologized to the world by saying, “I’m sorry. Our intentions were good.” Once opened, Pandora’s box is not easily closed. Ethan’s invention still pops up on computer screens across the world. You see, Ethan was the inventor of pop-up ads.
