At dawn on November 19, 1942, the frozen plains of southern Russia erupted in artillery fire. Soviet forces launched Operation Uranus, a massive counteroffensive that surrounded German troops at Stalingrad and shifted the course of World War II.

For months, Nazi forces had besieged the city bearing Joseph Stalin’s name, determined to seize control of the Volga River and cripple Soviet industry. But by late fall, the German Sixth Army was exhausted, its supply lines stretched thin.

Commanded by General Georgy Zhukov, Soviet troops struck from the north and south, encircling more than 300,000 Axis soldiers. Within days, the hunters had become the hunted. By February 1943, the trapped German army surrendered, delivering Adolf Hitler one of his greatest defeats.

The Battle of Stalingrad cost an estimated two million lives, military and civilian. Yet its outcome marked the beginning of Germany’s retreat across Eastern Europe and solidified Soviet resolve.

For the Allies, the victory on November 19 signaled a turning tide. It demonstrated that the German war machine could be beaten and gave new momentum to resistance across occupied Europe.

Today, historians regard the Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad as the pivotal moment of the Second World War — a triumph of endurance and sacrifice that turned a river city into a symbol of resilience.

---

Daniel Thomas – Jr.
12/30/1974 – 11/11/2025
Visitation : Friday November 21 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday November 22 at 12:00 p.m. at Friendship 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

---

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 major step toward expanding Louisiana’s renewable energy capacity will take place next week as D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and Cleco Power break ground on a new 240-megawatt solar power facility in DeSoto Parish.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dolet Hills Solar Power Facility is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at 1005 Shamar Patrice Road in Mansfield. The project, once completed, will stand as one of the largest solar developments in the state, providing cost-effective and reliable clean energy to Louisiana residents.

According to project officials, the facility represents a significant investment in the region’s energy infrastructure and marks another milestone in the state’s transition toward renewable power sources.

DESRI and its affiliates specialize in developing, acquiring, owning, and operating long-term contracted renewable energy assets across the United States. The company’s portfolio currently includes 70 solar and wind projects with a combined capacity exceeding ten gigawatts. More information can be found at http://www.desri.com.

Cleco Power LLC, a subsidiary of Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC, is a regulated electric utility serving approximately 295,000 customers across Louisiana. With eight generating units and a rated capacity of 2,676 megawatts, Cleco Power provides both retail and wholesale energy services. Visit http://www.cleco.com for details.

Members of the public and local officials are expected to attend the ceremony, which celebrates a joint effort to expand sustainable energy production and economic growth in DeSoto Parish.

Media Contacts:
DESRI Media — media-inquiries@desri.com
Cleco Power Media — news@cleco.com

---

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A series of Public Hearings will be held in accordance with LA R.S. 48:231 and conducted by the Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee. Below is a list of the times and places where the hearings will be held. The purpose of the hearings is to review highway construction priorities for the state fiscal year 2026-2027. A copy of the Preliminary Program for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will be available for review on October 1, 2025, by interested persons at the LADOTD Headquarters Building, 1201 Capitol Access Road, Room 200M, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 or online at https://www.dotd.la.gov/ (navigate to Highway Priority Program Legislative Public Hearings).

All interested persons are invited for the purpose of becoming fully acquainted with the proposed program and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views in person. Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Comments may also be provided at the link above. All interested parties will be able to listen to the meeting virtually. The information to participate virtually will be posted at the link above. Written statements and comments can be handed to the committee conducting the hearing or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the final hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways AND Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (SECTION 85)
P.O. BOX 94245
BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9245

Should anyone requiring special assistance due to a disability wish to participate in this public hearing, please contact LADOTD (Attn: Ms. Mary Elliott) by mail at the address above or by telephone at (225) 379-1218 at least five days prior to the date of the public hearing.
LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR THE HIGHWAY PRIORITY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM (2026-2027)
Monday, December 1, 2025; 10:00 am at Franklin Parish School Board, Franklin Media Center, 7293 Prairie Rd, Winnsboro (District 58: Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, LaSalle, Tensas)

Monday, December 1, 2025; 2:00 pm at Monroe Civic Center, Bayou Room, 401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe (District 05: E. Carroll, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Union, W. Carroll)

Tuesday, December 2, 2025; 8:30 am at Shreveport City Council Chambers, 505 Travis St, Shreveport (District 04: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Desoto, Red River, Webster)

Tuesday, December 2, 2025; 2:30 pm at Pineville City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 910 Main St, Pineville (District 08: Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, Winn)

Wednesday, December 3, 2025; 9:00 am at Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Council Chambers, 1015 Pithon St, Lake Charles (District 07: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis)

Wednesday, December 3, 2025; 1:30 pm at Lafayette Consolidated Government, City Hall Council Chambers Auditorium, 705 W University Ave, Lafayette (District 03: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermilion)

Monday, December 8, 2025; 9:30 am at NO Regional Transportation Mgmt. Ctr., Conference Room A/B, 10 Veterans Blvd, New Orleans (District 02: Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Terrebonne)

Monday, December 8, 2025; 2:30 pm at Livingston Council Chambers, 20355 Government Blvd, Livingston (District 62: Livingston, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington)

Tuesday, December 9, 2025; 9:00 am at State Capitol Basement, House Committee Room 6, Baton Rouge (District 61: Ascension, Assumption, E. Baton Rouge, E. Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, St. James, W. Baton Rouge, W. Feliciana)

---

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)

Property Size: 4.05 Acres
Parcel Number:  02001666450
Zoning Description: Residential

Owner/Contact:
Contact: Hayli Cagle
Phone: 318-210-6939
eMail: haylicagle@kw.com

Keller Williams Realty Northwest Louisiana
795 Brook Hollow Dr
Shreveport, LA 71105

---

It’s a season for the record books in DeSoto Parish, as all three parish high school football programs have claimed district championships in the same year — a first in parish history.

The North DeSoto Griffins, Mansfield Wolverines, and Logansport Tigers each secured titles in their respective divisions, capping off an impressive regular season for DeSoto Parish Schools athletics.

North DeSoto Griffins – District 1-4A Champions | 10–0 undefeated regular season

Mansfield Wolverines – District 3-2A Champions | 8–2 overall record

Logansport Tigers – District 3-1A Champions | 7–3 overall record

Together, the teams have dominated the gridiron, combining for an undefeated stretch across the parish for five consecutive weeks (Weeks 6–10).

Superintendent and athletic officials say the achievement reflects not only athletic excellence but also the strong community spirit and work ethic that define DeSoto Parish.

“This success is the result of incredible dedication from our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters,” district leaders said. “It’s a proud moment for our schools and our entire parish.”

With district titles secured, all three teams now turn their focus to the LHSAA Playoffs, where they’ll look to carry their momentum into postseason competition and continue representing DeSoto Parish with pride.

---

By Steve Graf    

No matter what lake you’re on, it’s almost impossible to get away from other anglers even during hunting season. No longer can you go to your favorite lake in the middle of the week without waiting in line to launch your boat. So how can you as a bass fisherman avoid frustration and maintain your focus while fishing behind other anglers?

First, does anybody work any more? It seems that no matter what day of the week it is, boat ramps are full — every single day! One thing you need to do is to be aware of what events are being held on your lake of choice.

This time of year, most tournament trails have their end-of-season two-day championships, therefore increasing fishing pressure on certain lakes in September and early October. Facebook is a place that can be a good source of information in terms of what’s happening on area lakes.

Overcrowding issues can be a little lighter later in the fall as many anglers are in the woods hunting or just taking a break from fishing. The problem today versus 10 years ago is that there are more tournament trails, not just for the weekend warriors, but also with high school and college organizations.

Another issue anglers must deal with on certain lakes is drawdowns. This has been an issue in Northwest Louisiana for several years as state wildlife officials attempt to eradicate salvinia, an invasive species of vegetation that has taken over certain waterways in our region.

These drawdowns help to shrink the size of the lake which allows officials to reduce the amount of acreage they must spray. Some lakes will be pulled down four feet or more depending on the lake and the severity of the salvinia.

Lakes that go through this drawdown period allow anglers to catch more fish as the process reduces the size of the lake and makes fish more accessible. Some anglers hate this and feel that it hurts the lake in terms of the quality of the fishery, as some anglers take advantage by catching and taking out huge limits of fish.

The biggest issue is that bass fishing is more popular today than ever before! The influx of young anglers today is due to the popularity of high school and college bass fishing. More anglers equate to more people on the water, plus more pressure on the fish.

Even during the fall season, a lot of anglers continue to fish. There was a time when you could go to a boat ramp in October and November and be the only boat and trailer in the parking lot. Not any more!

For me personally, it’s a great time to try new lures or learn a new technique. It’s also a great time to get better and more efficient with my electronics. One thing is certain; the fishing can be awesome this time of year as bass go through a feeding frenzy fattening up for the winter.

So don’t sit at home this fall. Hook up that boat and head to your favorite body of water and enjoy some of the best fishing of the year. But understand, you might have to wait in line to launch!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

We are entering the season of anticipatory waiting. There is lots of movement in this season. We travel. We welcome out-of-town guests. We hurry to the door when Amazon arrives. Soon the Liturgical churches talk about the waiting of Advent. Lowes, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby have gone all Christmas all the time. They have been anticipatory waiting since September! Before you dive head long into your ritual chaos, I wanted you to ponder Sue Monk Kidd’s When the Heart Waits. She wrote:

“One afternoon as the children watched television and I folded laundry; we heard a terrible thud against the patio door. I turned in time to see blue wings falling to the ground. A bird had flown into the glass.

None of us said a word. We looked at one another and crept to the door. The children followed me outside. I half-expected the bird to be dead, but she wasn’t. She was stunned and her right wing was a little lopsided, but it didn’t look broken—bruised, maybe.

The bird sat perfectly still, her eyes tiny and afraid. She looked so fragile and alone that I sat down beside her. I reached out my little finger and brushed her wing.

A voice came from behind me, “Why doesn’t it fly off, Mama?”

“She’s hurt,” I said. “She just needs to be still.”

We watched her. We watched her stillness. Finally, the children wandered back to the television, satisfied that nothing was going to “happen” for a while. But I couldn’t leave her.

I sat beside her, unable to resist the feeling that we shared something, the two of us. The wounds and the brokenness of life. Crumpled wings. A collision with something harsh and real. I felt like crying for her. For myself. For every broken thing in the world.

That moment taught me that while the postures of stillness within the cocoon are frequently an individual experience, we also need to share our stillness. The bird taught me anew that we’re all in this together, what we need is to sit in one another’s stillness and take up corporate postures of prayer. How wonderful it is when we can be honest and free enough to say to one another, “I need you to wait with me,” or “Would you like to me to wait with you?”

I studied the bird, deeply impressed that she seemed to know instinctively that stillness is healing. I had been learning that too, learning that stillness can be the prayer that transforms us. How much more concentrated our stillness becomes, though, when it’s shared.

The door opened again, “Is she finished being still?”

“No, not yet,” I said, knowing that I was talking as much about myself as the bird. We went on waiting together. Twenty minutes. Thirty. Fifty.

Finally, she finished being still. She cocked her head to one side, lifted her wings and flew. The sight of her flying made me catch my breath. From the corner of my eye I saw her shadow move along the ground and cross over me. Grace is everywhere I thought. Then I picked myself up and went back to folding the laundry.”

---

Peter wanted to be a writer. His father, Nathaniel, was an author. His grandfather Robert was a humorist and co-founder of the Algonquin Round Table, an informal group of writers, critics, and actors who met for daily lunches at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Writing seemed to be in Peter’s genetic makeup.

After earning a degree in English from Harvard in June 1961, Peter received a student grant which allowed him to spend the next year traveling the world and making notes about his experiences. Upon his return, he served a six-month stint in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, but his passion was writing. In 1963, Peter began working as a reporter for The Washington Post and soon thereafter began working as the radio and television editor for Newsweek magazine. It was far from the writer’s dream that Peter had envisioned, but he was earning a living. In the summer of 1963, 23-year-old Peter joined other tourists on a tour of the White House. He purchased the $1 White House guidebook that first lady Jacqueline Kennedy had organized. During the tour, Peter got the idea for a children’s book in which a little girl visits the White House on her birthday. She smuggles her kitten onto the tour, but it escapes, causes all sorts of chaos, and she ends up face-to-face with President Kennedy. During the writing process, Peter decided the mischief was more befitting a boy and his puppy than a girl and her kitten. In the book, the boy, Jonathan, eludes guards and ignores the numerous roped off areas as he chases his puppy, Tiger, through the Blue Room, the Red Room, the State Dining Room, the Lincoln bedroom, through the garden on the White House lawn, and ends up in the Oval Office where he finds President Kennedy scratching Tiger’s ears. “You’re—you’re the president,” Jonathan gasped. “And you must be Jonathan,” President Kennedy replied. “You—you know me?” President Kennedy responded with a chuckle, “Everyone in the White House knows you now.”

President Kennedy never saw Peter’s book. He was assassinated on November 22, 1963, just two months before the book was published. In her first public document as first lady, “Lady Bird” Johnson wrote the foreword for Peter’s book on White House stationary. She ended the foreword with this invitation to young readers: “My husband and I hope one day soon you will come to visit the White House in person.” The book went on sale in February 1964. Six months later, Peter published his travel memoir entitled “Time and a Ticket.” His books sold well but failed to provide Peter with the financial security necessary for him to focus solely on writing books.

Peter worked for Newsweek until 1967 when he was hired as “a (very) junior” speechwriter for President Lyndon Johnson. When President Johnson’s term ended in January 1967, Peter was determined to build a career as a freelance writer. He wrote stories for newspapers and magazines such as National Geographic, LIFE, The New Yorker, and pitched book ideas to publishers. In 1974, Peter published what was advertised as “a novel of relentless terror.” The book was such a big hit that Peter was hired to co-author a screenplay based on the book. Peter, who wrote the popular children’s book about the White House, who was a speech writer for President Lyndon Johnson, is Peter Benchley, mostly known for his “superthriller” shark tale “Jaws.”

 

Sources:

1. The Boston Globe, June 15, 1961, p.12.

2. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), January 5, 1964, p.50.

3. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), June 27, 1964, p.9.

4. Peter Benchley, “Jaws, (New York, Doubleday, 1974).

---

By Nutrition Agent Erin Stockton

Every Louisianian knows about red beans and rice, but did you know it’s an excellent source of fiber, iron, and potassium? While most locals grew up enjoying this dish with andouille sausage, this low-sodium vegetarian style red beans and rice recipe is a great option for folks with high blood pressure who are craving a Southern comfort meal.

Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

– 1 lb dry red beans
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 large bell pepper, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 3 bay leaves
– 3 tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped OR 3 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped OR 3 teaspoons dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon no-salt Creole seasoning
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 quarts of water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Dash of liquid smoke (optional)

Instructions:

1. Put the dry beans in a large bowl and remove any bad beans, stones, or other debris. Rinse thoroughly. Cover them with water 2 inches above the beans. Let the beans soak overnight. Rinse and drain.

2. In a 5-quart pot, add the vegetable oil. Sauté onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic for about 5 minutes.

3. Add red beans, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, black pepper, nosalt Creole seasoning and water. If desired, add liquid smoke. Do not add salt. Stir well.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer

uncovered. Stir occasionally until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2-2 hours. If necessary, add more water as it cooks.

5. Once the beans are tender, add salt and remove the bay leaves. Mash some of the beans on the side of the pot with a fork and stir in the mashed beans. This will create a thick consistency.

6. Serve over brown rice.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches Parishes. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto & Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health.

---

For more than six decades, the small island in New York Harbor served as America’s front door. But on November 12, 1954, Ellis Island processed its final immigrant and closed as a federal immigration station, marking the end of an era that had defined the American story.

Since its opening in 1892, more than 12 million immigrants — many from southern and eastern Europe — had passed through its gates. For countless families, Ellis Island represented both hope and hardship, offering a chance at new beginnings in the United States.

By the mid-20th century, immigration laws had changed, and air travel replaced ocean liners as the dominant mode of international arrival. Screening and processing were relocated to U.S. embassies abroad, leaving Ellis Island largely obsolete.

Its final detainee, a Norwegian seaman named Arne Peterssen, departed quietly that November day. The closure signaled a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy, one increasingly focused on regulation rather than mass arrival.

Ellis Island later became a museum and national monument, preserving the stories of millions who entered through its halls. For historians and families tracing their ancestry, the site remains a symbol of the nation’s immigrant roots.

The date — November 12 — continues to stand as a milestone in the evolution of American identity. It reminds the country of its promise to those seeking opportunity, and of the ever-changing definition of what it means to become an American.

---

Bobbie Ann Price
10/29/1946 – 11/07/2025
Visitation : Friday November 14 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday November 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

Lynda R. Craig
May 16, 1951 — November 8, 2025
Visitation of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00-12:00, at First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Louisiana.

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

---

Louisiana State Police Troop G Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Nov. 5 around 4:30 am on Interstate 49 near Louisiana Highway 177. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Lawrence Irchirl of Natchitoches.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer traveling north on Interstate 49 during reported dense fog conditions were involved in a crash, resulting in the tractor-trailer overturning on the roadway. For reasons still under investigation, this crash subsequently began a series of additional crashes in the northbound lane of Interstate 49. Moments later, a 2002 Ford F-350, driven by Irchirl, approached the location of the crash and collided with an 18-wheeler parked on the roadway and occupied by another motorist.

Irchirl, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other drivers involved were properly restrained, with several sustaining minor injuries and receiving treatment at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists that visibility is significantly reduced when driving in dense fog and low-light conditions. During these times, reducing your speed, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe following distance is imperative. While not all crashes are survivable, taking these simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.

---

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.

Adoption of Samuel Haze Goleman, et al
Docket No. 659770, Juvenile Court Caddo

NOTICE:  To Tommy Yernell Bussie Goleman- A hearing has been set on 11/10/25 at 9:30 a.m. at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, 1835 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA, for the purpose of determining whether the proposed adoption of Samuel Haze Goleman by Jeremy & Megan Borja should be approved by a judge.

Published 11-5-25

Juvenile Notice of Filing – Please download & read.

---

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) has announced a series of narcotics-related arrests as part of its October enforcement operations. Nine individuals were taken into custody during the final days of the month, facing a range of charges including possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, firearm violations, and other related offenses.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the arrests involved substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and Schedule III drugs. Several suspects also face charges related to illegal firearm possession and drug paraphernalia.

All individuals were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center. Authorities emphasize that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Sheriff’s Office notes that an arrest is an indication that probable cause existed at the time of the alleged offense.

Below is a summary of the arrests reported by S.L.I.U.:

Oct. 21, 2025 – Curtis D. Jones, Mansfield, LA
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Schedule II), Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Oct. 22, 2025 – Ronald C. Alexander, Diana, TX
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Schedule II), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Modify Exhaust System, Improper Lane Usage.

Oct. 22, 2025 – Gary W. Williams, Stonewall, LA
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Schedule II), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Turn/Stop Lights Violation, Driving Without a License.

Oct. 22, 2025 – Terry W. Colton, Frierson, LA
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Schedule II), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Modify Exhaust System.

Oct. 23, 2025 – James H. Townsend, Gloster, LA
Charges: Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Schedule II), Possession of Firearm in Presence of CDS, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, Expired Registration.

Oct. 30, 2025 – Kyle V. Wampler, Mobile, AL
Charges: Possession of Fentanyl (Schedule II), Possession of Cocaine (Schedule II), Possession of a Legend Drug without Prescription (Baclofen), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Vehicle Equipment/Display of Plate.

Oct. 30, 2025 – Chelsea N. Cade, Bossier City, LA
Charges: Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Improper Display of License Plate.

Nov. 1, 2025 – Norman R. Farris, Mansfield, LA
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Schedule II), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fugitive Arrest Warrant.

Nov. 1, 2025 – James C. Gaskin, Logansport, LA
Charges: Possession of Buprenorphine (Schedule III), Possession of Firearm in Presence of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Display of License Plate, Improper Lane Usage.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that the S.L.I.U. will continue its proactive efforts to reduce drug-related activity across DeSoto Parish through targeted enforcement and community partnerships.

---

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to remind the traveling public that several projects remain underway to upgrade traffic signals across the northwest region to include the flashing yellow left turn arrows (FYA).

Flashing Yellow Left Turn Arrows Phases 1, 2, & 3 are currently under construction, and include signal upgrades in Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River & Webster Parishes.

It is important to understand how to navigate an intersection that features a flashing yellow left turn arrow. The FYA are in addition to the traditional red, yellow and green signals.

HOW THE SIGNALS OPERATE:

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning.

Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light.

Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals.

For more information visit DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov/. 

---

Once upon a time, the preacher’s hair was a theological marvel—thick, resilient, and capable of withstanding even the fiercest stewardship campaign. But somewhere between the fifth funeral and the twelfth vision meeting, the follicles began to falter. The once lush locks now resemble the sanctuary after a youth lock-in: scattered, exhausted, and in need of divine intervention.

Is this simply aging? Or is the church, in its mysterious ways, sanctifying its shepherd one strand at a time?

Let’s examine the evidence.

Sermonic Stress: Each sermon must be biblically sound, emotionally stirring, and short enough to beat the Baptists to lunch. That kind of pressure could make Samson reach for a razor.

Liturgical Load: From Lent to Laity Sunday, the preacher must pivot from lament to celebration, all while remembering which stole matches the season. Hair doesn’t stand a chance.

Pastoral Care and Hair Despair: One moment you’re comforting a grieving family, the next you’re navigating a debate about the color of the new fellowship hall chairs. Emotional whiplash is real—and follicular fallout follows.

Vision Casting and Hair Blasting: Rolling out a church-wide vision like L.I.V.E. (Learn and Apply the Word, Invest in Others, Voice the Gospel, Engage with God) requires graphics, podcasts, small group guides, and enough coffee to sanctify a Starbucks. The preacher’s hair, once thick with possibility, now thins under the weight of holy ambition.

And yet—here’s the grace.

Jesus once said, “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Not counted in judgment, but in love. Not tracked for vanity but treasured for intimacy. Every strand lost in ministry is known to God. Every follicle that falls is a testimony to a life poured out in service.

So let the strands fall where they may. For every hair lost, a story is gained. Every patch of bare skin becomes a canvas for resurrection. And in the end, the preacher doesn’t go bald.

He goes bold!

---

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is announcing the distribution schedule for state-funded emergency assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households that include the elderly, disabled, or children. The Department is also announcing SNAP staff furloughs.

Households consisting only of able-bodied adults will not receive state-funded emergency assistance. Any unused SNAP benefits from previous months will remain on all recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and can be utilized as usual.

Every SNAP-eligible household has a set day of the month when benefits are issued. Starting November 1, 25% of the SNAP household benefit allotment will be provided as state-funded emergency assistance on the assigned date that SNAP benefits are normally issued.

An additional 25% of the benefit amount will be provided to each household every seven days for the month of November, as long as the federal government shutdown continues. Following is an example of the issuance schedule:

EXAMPLE: Household Benefit Amount = $200

Normal benefit issuance day: November 1 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 8 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 15 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 22 – 25% of benefit = $50

Eligible SNAP recipients do not need to take action to receive state-funded emergency assistance. However, SNAP recipients must continue to meet all program requirements on time to continue their federal SNAP eligibility.

Report household changes: Continue to report any changes to your household circumstances.
Complete paperwork: Ensure you complete simplified reporting or recertification paperwork, if applicable.
Submit verification: Submit any requested verification documents:
By mail to the LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826; or
By fax to 225-663-3164.

Food banks

SNAP recipients who won’t receive state-funded emergency assistance should contact their local food bank for help. The Department also encourages Louisiana residents able to donate to support their local food banks and fellow Louisianans.

LDH employee furloughs

The Department has furloughed 786 SNAP employees due to the federal government shutdown, effective Monday, November 3. A total of 298 employees are essential staff and will not be furloughed. The furlough will continue until the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., ends.

The Louisiana Department of Health is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown and will provide updates to retailers and beneficiaries directly as they become available.

---

DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce the selection of the 2025–2026 District Students of the Year, honoring three outstanding students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

This year’s honorees represent the best of DeSoto Parish—students who lead with purpose, learn with passion, and make a positive impact both in and out of the classroom.

Elementary Student of the Year: Cooper Hatcher – Stanley High School

Middle School Student of the Year: Tinlee Cardone – North DeSoto Middle School

High School Student of the Year: Cecilia Flanders – North DeSoto High School

“These students truly embody the spirit of DeSoto Parish Schools,” district officials said. “Their dedication to learning and leadership inspires others to strive for excellence.”

The Students of the Year program recognizes exceptional academic achievement, citizenship, and leadership at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each district winner will now advance to regional competition for the opportunity to be named a state finalist.

For more information about DeSoto Parish Schools and student recognition programs, visit http://www.desotopsb.com.

---

Under the bright lights of Friday night football, DeSoto Parish is celebrating a historic moment. For the first time in the modern era, all three of the parish’s high school football programs have earned a spot in the Top 10 of their respective Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) divisions — a testament to the strength, tradition, and talent found in DeSoto athletics.

The latest rankings highlight impressive performances from across the parish:

North DeSoto Griffins – Ranked #1 in Division II Non-Select, the Griffins remain undefeated (8–0) in regular season play.

Logansport Tigers – Ranked #6 in Division IV Non-Select, with a solid 5–3 record.

Mansfield Wolverines – Ranked #8 in Division III Non-Select, holding a strong 6–2 record.
All three programs remain undefeated in district play, reflecting the hard work, discipline, and dedication of DeSoto’s student-athletes and coaching staffs.

“This is a proud moment for our parish,” said DeSoto Parish School officials. “Our football programs embody teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit — values that define DeSoto Parish both on and off the field.”

As the regular season winds down and playoff hopes rise, fans across the parish are encouraged to continue showing their support and DeSoto pride for these outstanding teams.

---

By Steve Graf    

Why are anglers making the decision to walk away from the bass tournament scene? This is a loaded question that has many answers! But first, let’s go back in time to what many call the heyday of tournament bass fishing and see why anglers today are frustrated and angry on so many levels. Let’s look at our crystal ball and see how it used to be.

Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, bass tournaments were pretty much a bunch of guys getting together at a local boat ramp on a body of water while putting up a $20 entry fee. Depending on how many showed determined how many places would pay and, in some cases, it was a winner- take-all payout.

Then around the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, team tournaments became the craze with several organizations creating nationwide tournament trails. These usually had a four or five tournament schedule on local bodies of water but offered the chance to advance to a regional or maybe a national championship to wrap up the season.

Entry fees ranged anywhere from $100 to $200 per team depending on the circuit. Most of these team trails were very popular as it was normal for 200 boats or more to show up for these events.

This lasted for over 25 years as the sport of tournament bass fishing grew to record levels up until about 2020 and the Covid outbreak. Also, along the way around 2014, the economy and gas prices soared to levels that made anglers think twice about entering a tournament.

Between gas and travel expenses, anglers during this time period were forced to either park their boats or pony up more money. Entry fees were also raised with certain organizations which also forced anglers to decide what trails they were willing to fish. There was a time when a lot of anglers would fish several circuits each year, depending on what lakes they were on as well as the payouts.

So, for the question of the day: Why are anglers walking away from tournaments today? I guess you could sum it up in a couple of ways with one being money! The pricetag adds up fast — the cost of entry fees, fuel for the truck and the boat, as well as the travel costs involved with food and housing.

But then another situation really turned the tournament world upside down with three words: forward-facing sonar (FFS)! This has been the beginning of the end In regards to angler participation — especially in regards to co-anglers as they were literally put at a disadvantage by fishing out of the back of the boat while pro/boaters controlled the boat and fishing out in the wide-open lake.

Co-anglers and some boater/pros have walked away in droves due to this one factor! They no longer want to put up their hard-earned money to fish against anglers using this new technology as they feel it’s no longer a level playing field.

The only other thing that can make a co-angler’s experience miserable is the boater/pro sight fishing and looking for bass on beds during the spawn. But even this technique pales in comparison to how co-anglers feel about fishing with a boater/pro using forward-facing sonar.

So, after much thought and looking at where competitive fishing is today, anglers are thinking twice about entering tournaments. One thing ALL anglers want that will never change is a level playing field and forward-facing sonar has changed that.

From an angler’s perspective with over 30 years of tournament experience, forward-facing sonar is the new technology that has forced so many boater/co-anglers to load their boats and go home.

I personally have no opinion on whether it should be allowed or banned. I use it on a limited basis mainly because I’m a shallow water angler where forward-facing sonar is not that effective.

What I have seen since the introduction of FFS, is anglers who win, are winning big. There’s a bigger separation in the standings; where it used to be ounces separated first from fourth, today’s margin of victory is by pounds.

Tournament organizations have failed to recognize and address this issue in a way ALL anglers will be happy. There’s one thing I know for sure about tournament bass fishermen. Once they form an opinion on a certain topic, it’s hard to change their minds and once anglers walk away like so many have, I’m not sure how tournament organizations will ever get them back.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

Louisiana emerged as a major winner at the 2025 JRNY America Awards in London last week, recognized with three of the 11 awards, earning more honors than any other U.S. destination. Louisiana was awarded the prestigious State of the Year, while the city of New Orleans received two additional accolades – Best Food City and Best New Tourism Initiative for the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service out of New Orleans.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser praised the recognition as further proof that Louisiana’s cultural richness and accessibility are drawing visitors from around the world. “We’ve always said there’s nowhere quite like Louisiana – and the world is taking notice,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “International travelers are discovering that Louisiana offers everything they’re looking for: incredible food, music, and history, all at an unbeatable value. These awards are a testament to our people, our diverse culture, and the unforgettable experiences that make visitors feel right at home.”

According to the JRNY America Awards committee, the State of the Year award honors destinations that demonstrate excellence in tourism through innovation, sustainability, and visitor satisfaction. Louisiana’s selection reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting authentic culture, exceptional hospitality, and one-of-a-kind experiences across every region of the state.

“Louisiana is one of the best international destinations in the world. With its diversity of culture, music, and food, Louisiana stands out among the 49 other states,” said Louisiana Office of Tourism Assistant Secretary Doug Bourgeois. “I’m so proud Louisiana won this award. This recognition is a tribute to the cumulative efforts of Louisiana’s tourism industry to create rewarding, authentic experiences that keep visitors coming back.”

The JRNY America Awards celebrate the very best in American tourism, recognizing destinations, experiences, and organizations that make exploring the United States truly unforgettable. Each award honors innovation, creativity, and passion within the travel industry, highlighting those who enrich the visitor experience and showcase the diversity of America’s landscapes, cultures, and communities.

The JRNY America Awards feature 11 categories judged by a panel of travel industry experts, including authors, editors, tour operators, destination managers, and sustainability professionals.

JRNY magazine is a leading travel publication in the United Kingdom and is expanding its reach into the U.S. and Australia.

---

Ronald’s job required him to travel all over the world. His career was hectic, sometime chaotic, and he was constantly on the go. He was always surrounded by people. When Ronald got a much-needed break from work, he wanted to spend his time somewhere peaceful and quiet. His favorite hobby, fishing, provided him the perfect escape.

And so it was early one evening in the 1980s. Ronald and his dog, a toy fox terrier named Tuffy, boarded Ronald’s bass boat and headed out onto Lake Shasta in northern California. Ronald was sure to find solitude in the 30,000-acre lake whose shoreline spans some 365 miles. Ronald motored his boat into a cove on the lake near a grove of tall pine trees which jutted out from the depths. Some of the pine trees, the Sugar Pine, grow to a height of up to 200 feet, but about half of the height of the trees Ronald anchored his boat near that day were underwater. There was hardly a ripple on the water. He could hear a slight breeze blowing through the trees and the calls of a few birds. A dog barked in the distance. Ronald cast his bait into the water. As he slowly reeled it back in, he glanced at the beautiful snow-capped Mount Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade mountain range. He scanned the shoreline and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, it was as if months of pressure was released from his body and mind. With each cast, he became more relaxed. The catching of a fish was beside the point. There were no other boats in sight. Nothing, he thought, could interrupt the tranquility that he was experiencing.

Suddenly, without any buildup or warning, the silence was broken by a sound he described as being “as loud as a hundred freight trains.” Ronald was born and raised in a refrigerated boxcar that his father had converted into a home just about a rock’s throw from the main line of the Santa Fe railroad. The noise was instantaneous and deafening. Ronald thought someone had thrown a case of dynamite into the lake. He was sure it was the end for himself and Tuffy. One of the tall pine trees near his fishing spot, a tree he estimated to have been about 110 feet tall, “was released by mother nature from the bottom of the lake.” With so much of the tree underwater, when its deep roots let go it shot up into the air like a rocket to a height of about 300 feet then broke into three pieces. Ronald said, “millions of gallons of water flew from its branches.” The tree shattered when it crashed back down onto the lake’s surface near his boat. Then, there was a deafening silence. The sounds of the birds singing, the distant dog’s barking, even the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves in the trees had stopped.

As Ronald looked around in stunned silence, he realized that he had survived. Tuffy was also visibly shaken but uninjured. He thought about what he had just witnessed and understood how lucky he was once again. He had spent much of his youth in juvenile detention centers, and as a young adult, he had survived a stint in the notorious San Quentin prison. Ronald concluded that if the trajectory of that hurtling waterlogged tree had been slightly different, he would have been killed, and the cause would have remained a mystery. After his shocking fishing trip, Ronald returned to work performing his hit songs including “Mama Tried,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” and “Okie From Muskogee.” You see, Ronald was the middle name of Merle Haggard.

 

Sources:

1. “Trees of the Shasta-Trinity,” United States Department of Agriculture, accessed October 26, 2025, https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/legacy-media/shasta-trinity/Trees%20of%20the%20Shasta-Trinity%20ROG.pdf.

2. Merle Haggard and Tom Carter, Merle Haggard’s My House of Memories, (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1999), 209.

---