Rick Eugene Pharris, age 68, of Mansfield, Louisiana, passed away on December 18, 2025. Born July 2, 1957, Rick lived a life marked by faith, service, strength, and a love that showed up in real ways.

Rick was the kind of man people felt safe around. Strong and fearless, he carried himself with purpose and took the utmost pride in his job and in life in general. He believed in doing things the right way, standing on what you say, and giving your best—because that is the standard he lived by.

Rick was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps and was also known for his time with the Sheriff’s Department. He had a protector’s spirit—steady, loyal, and unshakable. A man of God, Rick believed in putting God first, family second, and everything else last, and he passed those values down through the way he lived.

To know Rick was to know what it meant to have someone in your corner. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, one call or one text away, and he didn’t just offer help, he showed up. He gave his time, his strength, and his heart without needing recognition.

Rick was also a skilled carpenter who built many things throughout his life, but one of the most meaningful was building a tree house with his son—creating not only a place to play, but a place where work ethics, pride, and perseverance were taught hand-to-hand and board-by-board.

And if you knew Rick, you knew his motorcycle wasn’t just a hobby, it was part of him. His pride and joy was his 1997 Heritage Springer Harley-Davidson, black with red stripes. Many joked it was his “second wife,” and Rick would’ve probably agreed. He could spend hours cleaning it, and he made sure everyone understood one thing clearly: don’t go near it.

Rick is survived by his son, Nick Pharris; his daughter-in-law, Megan Pharris; his granddaughter, Meadow; his grandson, Blayton; his sister, Debbie; and his brothers, Randy Pharris, Roger Pharris, and Ronnie Pharris.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Pharris, who passed away in 2024.

Rick will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his faith, his strength, his service, his work ethic, and the way he loved people fully. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the lives he helped, and the example he left behind.

Funeral services celebrating Rick’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, Louisiana at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

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On December 24, 1914, the frozen battlefields of World War I witnessed one of the most astonishing and unlikely events in military history. Along multiple points of the Western Front, thousands of British and German soldiers climbed out of the trenches, exchanged greetings, and celebrated Christmas together—forming an informal truce that defied commanders and surprised the world.

By late 1914, the war had already produced staggering casualties. Trenches stretched for hundreds of miles. The ground was cold, muddy, and riddled with shell craters. Yet on this particular Christmas Eve, something unplanned and extraordinary unfolded.

As evening approached, British troops near Ypres reported seeing small lights flickering across no-man’s-land. At first, soldiers feared a trap. Soon, however, they realized the lights were candles set atop Christmas trees placed along the German parapets. Moments later, voices rose in carols. British soldiers recorded hearing the familiar tune of “Silent Night,” sung in German, followed by cheers.

What happened next defied military expectations. Soldiers on both sides began shouting holiday greetings, some in broken English or German. Eventually, individuals cautiously emerged from the trenches. As more men followed, the two forces met between the lines, shaking hands and exchanging small gifts, including tobacco, buttons, and preserved sweets.

Remarkably, several eyewitness accounts describe soldiers organizing impromptu soccer matches. Using makeshift balls and marking goals with military caps, they played in the center of the devastated battlefield. Others used the moment to bury fallen comrades who had been unreachable due to sniper fire in previous weeks.

The truce spread along stretches of the front, though not uniformly. In some areas, fighting continued. Commanders on both sides issued orders forbidding such contact, fearing that fraternization would undermine discipline. Despite this, the Christmas Eve Truce held through much of the night and into Christmas morning, with soldiers exchanging food, repairing trenches, and even assisting wounded opponents.

By December 26, leadership reasserted control, and combat recommenced. Military authorities quickly worked to prevent any repeat truces, implementing stricter guidelines and reorganizing units. Yet the memory of Christmas 1914 lived on in letters and diaries, providing future generations with a rare example of humanity amid war.

Each December 24, historians revisit this moment when soldiers facing the horrors of trench warfare chose peace, if only briefly. The Christmas Eve Truce stands as one of history’s most striking reminders that even during conflict, ordinary individuals can defy expectations to find common ground—even if just long enough to exchange a gift, share a song, or kick a soccer ball across the frozen mud.

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Heather Palmer
February 13, 1973 — December 21, 2025
Visitation: Friday, December 26 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Rick Pharris
July 2, 1957 — December 18, 2025
Visitation: Tuesday, January 6 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services: Wednesday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

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

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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 released details this week of multiple arrests made during December as part of its ongoing effort to combat illegal drug activity throughout the parish.

According to Sheriff Jayson Richardson, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) conducted several enforcement actions between December 2 and December 13, 2025, resulting in arrests for narcotics-related offenses and associated violations. Those arrested were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center.

Among the arrests:

Brittany N. Jones, 35, of Shreveport, was arrested December 2 on charges including possession of Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, improper display of a license plate, and driving under suspension.

Shon K. King, 52, of Many, was arrested December 7 on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, and defective brake equipment.

Merrianne Anderson, 42, of DeQuincy, was arrested December 13 on charges of possession of Schedule IV narcotics (Xanax and clonazepam), no proof of insurance, and illegal window tint.

Diane S. Law, 61, of Shreveport, was arrested December 11 on a charge of possession of Schedule II narcotics (crack cocaine).

Stacey L. Crager, 55, of Gloster, was arrested December 11 on a charge of possession of Schedule II narcotics (crack cocaine).

Jeffery W. Fuller, of Gloster, was arrested December 11 on a charge of possession of Schedule II narcotics (crack cocaine). The Sheriff’s Office did not list an age in the arrest summary.

Jessie L. Williams, 64, of Gloster, was arrested December 11 on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics (crack cocaine), failure to use required headlamps, and improper display of a license plate.

Tiffany J. Frame, 41, of Shreveport, was arrested December 10 on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), second or subsequent offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to use required headlamps.

Sheriff Richardson said the arrests reflect the department’s continued commitment to aggressively addressing drug-related crime in DeSoto Parish through proactive patrols and targeted narcotics investigations.

An arrest indicates that deputies had probable cause to believe an offense had occurred. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that the “Spirit of DeSoto” Christmas Tree will remain out of operation for the rest of the holiday season due to damage caused by a recent lightning strike in the area.

Officials said the unexpected weather-related incident created issues that cannot be resolved in time for Christmas. As a result, the popular holiday display will not be operational for the remainder of the season.
While the cancellation is disappointing for residents and visitors, the Sheriff’s Office noted that this year’s weather challenges and event disruptions will allow additional time to plan improvements for the future.

Organizers say the focus is already shifting toward next year, with plans to make the 2026 “Spirit of DeSoto” celebration bigger and better than ever. The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for its understanding and continued support.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

After the biggest game of the year ended painfully, the North DeSoto Griffins football team’s leaders saw the bigger picture.

The scene last Friday afternoon on the field at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans as the game clock evaporated was agonizing to behold – heartbreaking for NDHS players, coaches, managers, trainers, and cheerleaders to experience.

It went deeper than simply the bitter disappointment of losing 50-43 to Iowa from Calcasieu Parish in the state championship game for Non-Select Division II. It was the first loss of the season for the Griffins, and their second defeat in the state finals in the four-year careers of their seniors, some who will always rank among not only the school’s best players, but in a couple cases, among the most outstanding in the area and even the state.

As the searing emotions calmed during the postgame awards presentations, and after the team made its way into the locker room, the hurt lingered. It will for quite some time. But the Griffins began to gather themselves, and reflected who they are and what brought them to the state’s biggest stage.

“This in no way diminishes what these guys have done,” said their coach, Dennis Dunn, minutes later in the postgame press conference. “The four-year run here, with Luke Delafield as our leader and these seniors, won 46 football games. That’s pretty amazing – two state championship games in four years.”

What they accomplished was rooted in that senior group, said Dunn.

“They modeled the standard and the culture in a way that represents who we want to be. They met the standard every day, 365 days a year. They left a legacy that’s unmatched… one that will be remembered forever.”

And it will be treasured by all involved, especially the boys who wore the red jerseys with the white numerals in the last football game most of the seniors will ever play.

“It’s been a blessing to be a part of it … the train horns, the packed house every Friday night,” said Delafield, the record-breaking quarterback, whose career will continue down I-49 in Natchitoches as the latest in his family to attend and compete for Northwestern State.

“I’ve been playing football since kindergarten and every time I’ve stepped on the football field I’ve had ND on my chest,” Delafield said. “It’s been a really, really, really fun ride … we never quit, we played as hard as we could, and in the end, they executed one more time than we did.”

It was the Griffins’ third straight game trading scores with stout playoff opposition. Friday, the teams combined for 1,007 yards and 93 points, the highest scoring of the eight championship contests staged by the LHSAA over three days.

There were eight lead changes, six after halftime, two in the final quarter. After Iowa regained the lead on a seven-play, 80-yard drive with 8:38 remaining, North DeSoto missed on its next chance and the Griffins’ offense never got another.

NDHS reached the Yellow Jackets’ 16 but was halted with 6:45 remaining. Twice afterward, the Griffins appeared to have stopped Iowa, but each time, major penalties allowed the Jackets a new set of downs – once on a just-too-late hit out of bounds at Iowa’s 24, then with just over two minutes to go, a controversial roughing-the-punter penalty after a snap sailed over the kicker’s head.

The Griffins ran out of time outs before that punt. The penalty allowed Iowa to erase the remaining time and celebrate their first-ever unbeaten season and first state crown.

“The (roughing) call wasn’t the game,” said Dunn. “We did not do enough to win. I want to credit Iowa for having a very good plan and staying with what they do. They beat us up front, in the trenches, and we didn’t get enough stops.”

Senior running back Kenny Thomas, headed to play at Louisiana Tech, provided 210 all-purpose yards for NDHS and scored once. Braelyn Latin plowed in for a pair of short TD runs.

Delafield had 233 passing yards on 17 of 24 aim, with two touchdown throws, both to Colton Lacour, who caught six balls for 113 yards. Delafield also ran for 79 yards and another TD.

Ethan Ivy led the Griffins with nine tackles, while Logan Anderson and Brayden Thomas had eight apiece. Hayden Bell made seven stops and came up with the only Iowa turnover, a fumble forced by Landyn Berry.

As the postgame press conference drew to a close, the NDHS contingent used its platform to explain the core of its success.

“It’s been an uncanny, organic move of God on this team,” said Dunn. “Jesus has been the hero.”

“I’m extremely blessed,” said Delafield. “God has had His hand over this whole ordeal.”

“I can’t wait to see what Jesus does in their lives going forward,” Dunn said. “It’s going to be so much fun to watch.”

Delafield and his fellow seniors will be watching future editions of the Griffins. Anchored in the culture that Dunn, his staff and the Class of 2026 have established, he offered a confident prediction.

“I can tell you this ain’t gonna be the last time North DeSoto plays on this field, and next time, they’re going to win.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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DeSoto Parish Schools is recognizing three Mansfield High School students for representing the district on a national stage at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Student Leadership Academy held in Washington, D.C.

Jacques Burton, Yuxi Zheng, and Celina Husein were selected to attend the prestigious leadership program, where students from across the country gathered to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and engage in civic-focused learning experiences.

District officials praised the students for demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and leadership throughout the academy, noting that their participation reflects positively on Mansfield High School and DeSoto Parish Schools as a whole.

The JAG National Student Leadership Academy is designed to prepare students for future success through hands-on leadership training and exposure to national-level opportunities. School leaders said Burton, Zheng, and Husein exemplified excellence while representing their school, community, and district during the event.

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By Steve Graf    

There are many things or hobbies in life that we enjoy, and for me that would be tournament bass fishing. But like many other hobbies, fishing bass tournaments is expensive and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t justify the cost! For myself, with over 30 years of tournament experience, here’s how this works.

I don’t care what level you’re fishing, whether club tournaments, pro-am, weekend warrior or professionally, it’s hard to break even. Now some guys will boast that they have been making money for years with tournaments. Liars! They just hope their wives don’t figure out how much money they are spending on fishing!

They want you to think they’re making money because they’re not looking at the whole picture and, in most cases, don’t want to! It’s a sport that has so many hidden costs that anglers forget by choice.

Very few anglers sit down and truly put a pencil to how much money it costs to fish any tournament trail. If you’re really honest with yourself and include everything, the numbers just don’t add up.

First, there are entry fees which can range from $150 to $300 per event for lower-level events like the BFL’s and team tournament trails. On the high-level circuits and the professional side, entry fees can range from $1,700 up to $5,000 per tournament.

Next, you’ve got to make sure you have insurance for your boat. You’ll not only need collision, but most high-level pro/am events won’t let you enter without $300,000 in liability insurance.

Now let’s talk about boat gas expense, which can vary depending on how long the tournament is. Some events are one day while others are three days, but you also have at least three days of practice. This means you’re looking at 5 or 6 days per event.

Gas prices obviously fluctuate, but on average for me I spend anywhere from $125 up $175 just on boat gas alone. Truck gas, I usually spend around $150 up to $200 depending on how far away the tournament is.

Ok, we’ve covered gas and entry fees, now let’s look at housing. The one good thing that really helps with this is having a couple of other anglers to help split the cost. On average, for five days and nights which includes practice time, you’re probably looking at around $300 each if you find a really good deal.

Food! This can be an area where you can cut a few corners. Eating out is expensive and convenient but it can also be costly. Hopefully you have a couple of guys in your house who can cook and don’t mind doing it.

I will cook at least one night, sometimes two. It might be homemade burgers one night or spaghetti another night. I‘ve also made a good vegetable beef soup or chili, which is nice on those cold early events. Cooking your own meals is certainly one way to reduce expenses.

Now for me, I usually bring something for breakfast like a sausage biscuit or maybe I’ll eat a small turkey sandwich. Then I’ll pack another turkey sandwich for lunch. This way, I’m only actually eating out one meal at night which will be in the range of $15 to $25 per dinner.

But the one thing that we must add into the cost of tournament fishing: tackle! Holy cow, the money I have spent on the road simply because I’ve run out of a particular color worm or lost a crankbait that I must replace or maybe I’ve had a lot of breakoffs and need more hooks or weights.

One thing I do now, that I did not do early in my fishing career, is bring extra tackle with me that I think I might need for a particular body of water. But it never fails, no matter how many containers I bring full of baits and tackle, there will be that one thing I did not pack and must go buy. But that’s the life as an angler!

As you can see, tournament fishing is and can be very expensive. It is a sport that requires money if you want to compete. What I’m starting to realize after all my years of doing this is that nowadays just having the skill of catching fish is not good enough to fish at the highest professional level.

To fish as a pro in 2025, it takes money, and lots of it to cover all the expenses required. This to me is sad and is taking the sport in a direction that I don’t think is good. It’s now becoming a sport that is pretty much for the elites since many great fishermen can’t afford the day-to-day costs involved.

In the long run, this will not be good for the sport of professional bass fishing. Which means the average Joe, with a depleted checkbook, will no longer be welcome on any pro circuit.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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If you want to experience a rich, full life—forget fairness. Life is not fair. Jesus was not fair. He said, “The last will be first and the first will be last.” That’s wonderful if you’re at the end of the line, but if you’re at the front? Well, suddenly you’re wishing you’d grabbed a cup of cocoa and stalled a bit before lining up.

Jesus told stories about workers in the field. The early morning crew had a contract. The mid-day hires had a handshake deal. By the time the late afternoon folks showed up, they had nothing but a promise.

And when payday came, everyone got the same wage. That’s not fair! Imagine the early risers muttering, “We skipped breakfast for this?” Meanwhile, the latecomers are whistling “Joy to the World” all the way to the bank.

And then there’s the older brother in the prodigal story. He’s out in the field, sweaty and tired, hearing music and laughter from the house. He’s thinking, “Great. My brother gets a party, and I get blisters.” If it had been Christmas, the father would’ve handed the younger son a stocking stuffed with candy canes and the older brother a fruitcake. Not fair—but oh so right.

Think about the thief on the cross. He never joined the church, never got baptized, never served on the finance committee (lucky him). He didn’t even have time to learn the words to “Silent Night.” All he said was, “Lord, remember me.” And Jesus replied, “This day you will be with me in paradise.” That thief is now strolling the streets of gold, probably humming “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” off-key. Not fair—but grace never is.

And the first Christmas? Talk about unfair. Mary and Joseph weren’t traveling to Grandma’s house for figgy pudding—they were trudging to Bethlehem for a Roman tax enrollment. No hotel, no Airbnb, just a barn with a cow mooing the bass line. Then Herod’s rage brought tragedy to Bethlehem. It was not fair.

But it was right.

Because justice is not about fairness—it’s about God’s power to set things right. Justice rolls down like waters, righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. And out of that stream grows grace—lavish, undeserved, overflowing grace.

So this Christmas, when someone says, “It’s not fair!”—smile and say, “Exactly. That’s the point.” Fairness gives us what we deserve. Grace gives us what we could never earn. And that’s the best Christmas gift of all.

Justice is tough. Grace is extravagant. Jesus is merciful. And thank God—He is not fair!

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By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

You remember the excitement of freshman year. You picked out the dorm decor, bought the textbooks, and had a clear picture of how college was supposed to go.

But sometimes, despite the hard work you’ve put in, the reality doesn’t match the dream. Maybe the campus feels too big and impersonal, or perhaps the program isn’t what you expected.

For many students across Louisiana, coming home for a weekend or a semester break brings a quiet realization: the school you chose at 18 might not be the school you need to become the professional you want to be.

There is a common misconception that transferring means failure or, worse, losing all the ground you have gained. The fear of wasted credits and tangled paperwork often keeps students stuck in places where they aren’t thriving.

At Northwestern State University, the philosophy is different. We believe that realizing you need a change isn’t a step back. It is a step toward a future that fits.

The biggest hurdle to transferring is the uncertainty. Will my classes count? Will I graduate late? These questions create a gap between where a student is and where they want to be.

“We get it. Transferring can feel stressful because of the unknowns,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting at NSU. “Our goal is to close that gap immediately. From day one, we provide a dedicated transfer advisor and fast credit evaluation. We look at the work you’ve already done and find every possible way to apply it to a degree at NSU. We want you to move forward, not start over.”

This approach transforms the process from a bureaucratic headache into a personalized welcome. Whether you are looking for the traditional on-campus experience in Natchitoches or the flexibility of our robust online programs, the focus remains on the individual student.

One of the primary reasons students transfer to NSU is the desire for connection. It is easy to feel like a number in a lecture hall of 400 people. Northwestern offers a different environment, one defined by small classes and professors who actually know your name.

“Transferring to NSU was one of my best decisions,” says Chris James, a Communication Arts and New Media transfer student. “From the start, I felt like I’d found a place to grow. I’ve covered live events with ESPN+ and worked with NSU TV News, the student newspaper, yearbook, and on-campus radio station, pushing me further than I imagined.”

“When a student joins the Demon family, they are bringing their unique story and potential to our campus,” says James T. Genovese, President of Northwestern State University. “We empower every student to shape their future. We are committed to providing the culture, the scholarships, and the academic support to ensure every transfer student finishes strong.”

This commitment includes scholarships specifically designed to recognize the progress transfer students have already made. It is a validation that your previous hard work matters here.

If you are feeling like your current college isn’t the right fit, you don’t have to wait a year to fix it. You can change your trajectory right now.

Spring classes at Northwestern State University begin January 12, 2026, and registration is currently open.

Ready to become a Demon? Visit www.nsu.la/transfer to see how your credits transfer and start your application today.

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Erwin Perzy built and repaired surgical instruments for local physicians in Vienna, Austria. In 1900, one of his clients requested a brighter light for his operating room. Just 23 years earlier in 1879, Thomas Edison filed a patent for his carbon-filament lamp and thus began the electric light age. Edison’s electric light was practical for most homes and businesses, but in 1900, light bulbs produced a warm, yellowish glow with the maximum brightness comparable to a modern 25-watt light bulb. The dim bulbs also produced a lot of heat which meant that the assistants had to keep the bulbs a certain distance away from surgeons and their patients. Surgeons squinted their eyes, wiped sweat from their brows, and snapped instructions to their assistants on the positioning of the dim bulbs. If you have ever held a flashlight while your father worked on a car, you know the frustration that those surgeons and their assistants endured. They needed a brighter light.

Erwin began searching for ways to increase the light produced by the light bulbs while making them cooler at the same time. Rather than looking for a brand new method, he looked to history for the answer. For hundreds of years, shoemakers and other craftsmen used schusterkugels (cobbler-spheres), glass spheres with a tubular end filled with water, to magnify and redirect candlelight into a concentrated beam. They were primitive spotlights. Erwin experimented with schusterkugels, but the light was still not bright enough. He added various substances to the water to reflect and intensify the light such as flakes of metal and fine glass particles, but they quickly sank to the bottom. Erwin was able to intensify the light but only for about a second. He tried just about everything he had in his workshop, but the substances either sank too quickly or failed to sink at all. Erwin turned to his kitchen and tried a multitude of edible items, including rice and flakes of a coarse flour called semolina flakes, but none enabled him to produce a brighter light for more than a second or two.

Erwin ultimately failed to create the brighter light that the surgeon had requested, but with his failure came an accidental invention for which he received the first patent. Erwin’s invention became popular worldwide. He built a company to produce his invention which is still owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Perzy family. You see, Erwin was drawn to the effect the semolina flakes produced when added to water. With the addition of a pewter miniature of Vienna’s Mariazell church at the base of the sphere, he had created what people in German speaking countries call “schneekugels.” You and I know Erwin Perzy’s invention as a snow globe.

 

Sources:

1. “Thomas Edison Biography,” National Park Service, NPS.gov, accessed December 7, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/edis/learn/historyculture/edison-biography.htm.

2. “Die Original Wiener Schneekugel,” Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur, accessed December 7, 2025, https://schneekugel.at/geschichte.

3. Erik Trinidad, “How an Experiment to Amplify Light in Hospital Operating Rooms Led to the Accidental Invention of the Snow Globe,” Smithsonian magazine, December 27, 2024, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-an-experiment-to-amplify-light-in-hospital-operating-rooms-led-to-the-accidental-invention-of-the-snow-globe-180985742/.

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On December 17, 1903, a cold wind swept across the sandy dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, setting the stage for one of the most transformative moments in modern history. While the Wright brothers’ first powered flight is widely taught, the unusual circumstances surrounding that morning—particularly the coin toss, the failed first attempt, and the unexpected crash—still capture the curiosity of historians and aviation enthusiasts.

The day began with a bitter 27-mph headwind, strong enough to lift sand in sweeping sheets across the dunes. Wilbur and Orville Wright had spent several seasons conducting glider experiments at Kitty Hawk due to its steady winds and isolation. But on this morning, their focus shifted to the powered Wright Flyer, a machine built from materials including spruce, muslin, and bicycle components.

Before making their historic attempt, the brothers flipped a coin to determine who would fly first. Wilbur won the toss. What followed, however, was far from the clean takeoff schools teach today. After speeding along the track, Wilbur pulled too sharply on the controls, sending the Flyer into the air briefly before it stalled and crashed back into the sand. Though the damage was minor, the failure delayed the attempt by several hours.

Following the repair, it was Orville’s turn. His flight lasted only 12 seconds, covering 120 feet—yet it marked the first controlled, sustained, powered, heavier-than-air human flight. What many overlook is that the aircraft again landed hard, breaking parts of the skids and requiring additional adjustments.

Throughout the morning, the brothers made three more attempts. Their final flight, piloted by Wilbur, lasted an impressive 59 seconds and covered 852 feet. As they wheeled the Flyer back toward camp, a gust of wind suddenly flipped the aircraft repeatedly, damaging it beyond immediate repair. The Wright Flyer never flew again.

A single photograph—taken by John T. Daniels, a lifesaving station worker who had never used a camera—captured the moment of takeoff. Daniels later recounted that he accidentally smashed the camera after the final crash while trying to break free from the tangled wreckage.

Despite the chaotic nature of the day, the achievements of December 17, 1903, changed not only transportation but global culture. What began with a coin toss, a stall, and a crash led to a technological revolution that reshaped commerce, defense, travel, and communication.

The Wright brothers’ imperfect yet groundbreaking morning remains one of the most captivating stories of innovation, demonstrating that monumental success often begins with trial, error, and a willingness to try again—sometimes in the face of wind, sand, and unexpected setbacks.

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Geneva Farris
March 28, 1940 — December 10, 2025
Visitation: from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. December 17 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Wednesday, December 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Carmel

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

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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.

Investigators with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office concluded a lengthy and detailed investigation on Dec. 4 that resulted in the arrest of two Stonewall residents:

Sean D. Hightower, a 51-year-old White male, and Tracey L. Hightower, a 40-year-old White female.

Sean Hightower was arrested and charged with 14 felony offenses, including:
– Molestation of a Juvenile (5 counts)
– Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (6 counts)
– Sexual Battery (3 counts)

Tracey Hightower was arrested and charged with 7 felony offenses, including:
– Molestation of a Juvenile (4 counts)
– Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (3 counts)

Each charge includes multiple counts as investigators worked through extensive evidence and victim statements. Due to the sensitive nature of this case and to protect the confidentiality of all victims, no further details will be released at this time.

Investigators advise that, in cases of this nature, there is always the possibility of additional victims. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance. If you or someone you know has been a victim specifically related to this case, please contact the DPSO Mansfield Main Office at (318) 872-3956 and request to speak with an Investigator. Any information you provide—regardless of your age—will be handled with confidentiality.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. You may find other information related to these arrests at http://www.dpso.org.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that residents are receiving scam calls from people pretending to be their bank. The stories often change with each call.

Remember: never trust an unsolicited phone call or text claiming to be from a bank, law enforcement, or any other agency. If you are unsure whether a call or message is legitimate, hang up immediately and call the agency back using a verified phone number.

Do not click on any links in text messages. Stay alert and protect your personal information.

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COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) – BPCC, Natchitoches Campus

Program Overview

This course prepares students for employment as professional commercial drivers and follows all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training rules, regulations, and guidelines. Classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training will cover topics such as DOT rules and regulations, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, backing and maneuvering, day and night driving on rural, urban, and interstate highways, trip planning, logging hours, coupling and uncoupling, handling cargo, and defensive driving.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to test for one of the following licenses:

• CDL Class A-tractor-trailer
• CDL Class B-straight truck

A contracted state-approved examiner administers the final skills test.

To be eligible for this course, students must meet all the criteria listed below before they can begin their CDL training:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a valid LA Driver’s License with no flags or blocks;
• pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen; and
• obtain a CDL Class A Permit through the LA Office of Motor Vehicles.

Classes will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM for 6 weeks.

Cohort 3         Monday, January 12, 2026 – Friday, February 20, 2026

Cohort 4         Monday, March 2, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026

What’s required, overview and estimated costs: Click Here > bpcc.edu/CDL

Enroll Today: https://www.bpcc.edu/academics/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics/commercial-drivers-license

Sherie Moore
CDL Program Coordinator
smoore@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

Vernon Sykes
CDL Instructor
vsykes@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

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Back in the 1960s, Christmas shopping was an event. Families piled into cars, drove downtown, and pressed their noses against frosty department store windows. The glow wasn’t from a screen—it was from a color wheel shining on an aluminum Christmas tree, turning silver branches into psychedelic blue, red, and green.

And if you wanted to dream big? You didn’t scroll Amazon—you flipped through the Penny’s or Sears catalog. Those glossy pages were the original “wish list generator.” Children circled toys with crayons, then wrote letters to Santa with the confidence that he had a bulk account at Sears. The catalog was basically Santa’s shopping cart.

Fast forward to today: shopping is done in pajamas, with coffee in hand, scrolling through endless digital aisles. No frosty windows, no jingling bells—just the glow of a screen and the occasional “Your package will arrive Tuesday.” We’ve traded window shopping for browser tabs, and clerks in bow ties for chatbots that say, “How can I help you?” (though they never look nearly as cheerful).

And yet—amid all this cultural change—the church still gathers to sing the same carols. “Silent Night” hasn’t been updated to “Silent WiFi.” The story of the baby born in Bethlehem hasn’t been rebranded as “Bethlehem Prime.” While the world has gone from aluminum trees to LED lights, from catalogs to clicks, the heart of Christmas remains unchanged: God’s gift of love, wrapped not in shiny paper but in swaddling clothes.

There’s something comforting about this contrast. In a season when everything else demands “new and improved,” the church offers something beautifully old and enduring. Nostalgia for the simple isn’t just a warm memory—it’s a reminder that the best gifts don’t need upgrades. They’re timeless.

So, whether you’re circling toys in a catalog, clicking “Buy Now,” or humming “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” may you find joy in the simple, the familiar, and the eternal story that still outshines every holiday sale.

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The North DeSoto High School Griffins are officially dome-bound after a thrilling playoff victory in Stonewall, securing their spot in the State Championship game. The Griffins will now travel to New Orleans to face the Iowa Yellow Jackets at the Caesars Superdome, with kickoff scheduled for Friday at 12:00 p.m.

The win marks one of the most memorable moments in school athletic history, fueled by what coaches described as one of the best atmospheres in Louisiana high school football. Fans filled the stadium, delivering nonstop energy, enthusiasm and support that players credited as a difference-maker during their playoff run.

School officials say the celebration isn’t over yet. A campus-wide sendoff will take place Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and the community is invited to take part. Supporters are asked to stand along the side of the street closest to the student parking lot as the team makes its departure.

Families and students planning to attend the championship game can review stadium rules, clear-bag requirements, entry instructions and other procedures through the links provided by Caesars Superdome and the LHSAA.

The Griffins now turn their focus to one final matchup with a state title at stake. Administrators are calling on North DeSoto families, alumni and supporters to “fill the seats” and match the playoff-level intensity seen throughout the season.

North DeSoto moves into Friday’s contest with one message echoing across campus and throughout the community:

One more round. One more fight. One more chance to make history.

The Griffins will compete for the championship trophy in hopes of bringing it home to DeSoto Parish.

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By Steve Graf    

Over the course of my lifetime after growing up as an athlete, very few people have had the impact that coaches have. Today I’m going to salute a man that literally changed my life – a man who many hold with high regard not just as a coach, but as a person.

Back in 1979, Northwestern State head football coach A.L. Williams, and my recruiter, coach Al Miller, offered me the opportunity to play on the Division 1 level and get a college degree. Like most 18-year-old’s, you don’t always appreciate the opportunities you’re offered until later in life.

While I had several offers from other schools, there was just something different when I made my official visit to Northwestern. Right off the bat, the NSU Demon football players involved in my recruiting trip were great guys who really welcomed me as I felt right at home with both players and coaches.

Now understand, that when it comes to recruiting a player to any university, you’re going to see the best side of everyone involved as they will say and do anything to get a commitment from you. But there was something different about my visit to NSU; it felt comfortable and it felt like home.

Coach Williams is a Louisiana high school and college coaching legend and is also a former legendary running back for Louisiana Tech University. As a coach at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, he coached some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game like former Arkansas Razorback and Buffalo Bills QB Joe Ferguson, on the heels of former Louisiana Tech and Pittsburgh Steeler QB Terry Bradshaw.

Coach Williams, while at NSU, also groomed former USFL MVP (Michigan Panthers) and New Orleans Saints QB Bobby Hebert. I was truly proud to be a part of an era that many considered the greatest talent to ever play at Northwestern. That list starts with the Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney (1981 AFC Rookie of the Year, who died a hero two years later drowing trying to rescue three kids, one who survived). His track and football teammate was future Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Mark Duper. There was Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Victor Oatis and three-time All American and two-time Super Bowl champion Gary Reasons, the former New York Giants linebacker who is in the College Football Hall of Fame along with Joe.

There was a reason these guys came to Northwestern — to play for coach Williams! Coach did not put on a show when it came to recruiting players. He was honest and a man of great integrity who led by his actions. He was a man of great character and a tremendous judge of talent.

The one thing I remember most about playing under coach Williams was his dedication to family. Every week after practice, he would emphasize the importance of us calling our mom and dad and staying in touch with all family members.

They say behind every great man is an even greater woman and that was definitely the case for Coach Williams as his wife Sarah was the best team mom ever. Mrs. Sarah, as I called her, was such a sweet lady and treated all players as if they were the sons she never had.

She even gave my roommate and I a full-size roast one evening after we ran into her at the local grocery. We were actually looking for a good frozen pizza when Mrs. Sarah spotted us and said to follow her out to the house. Upon arrival, she proceeded to pull out of the oven a full-size roast; wrapped it in foil and said ‘enjoy’!

For two college kids, this was as close to a home-cooked meal as you could get! So, as we arrived back at the dorm, we had to hide the roast under a bunch of clothes in a laundry basket so we could get to our second floor room undetected. But that did not work well, as a bunch of hungry Demon football players followed the smell and raced up the stairs banging on our door. But no door was opened until we had our fill.

In today’s college athletics world, so many recruiters make promises they cannot keep. They tell players what they want to hear and flatter them with BS in order to get them to sign on the dotted line. Coach Williams was straight up with all his players. The only promise coach Williams made was giving you the opportunity; the opportunity to prove that you deserve to be in the starting lineup.

In 1979, Coach Williams took a chance on a young boy from East Texas and offered me that opportunity to play both college football and baseball while gaining an education and receiving my college degree. He helped to set me up for the rest of my life and there’s no way a person can ever repay that.

Coach Williams and I have stayed in touch over the years, and I still enjoy our phone calls. While he’s just one of many coaches who have had a huge impact on my life, A.L. Williams is the one who truly changed the course of my life and made me a proud NSU Demon.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Children in DeSoto Parish now have a direct line to the North Pole. DeSoto Parish Fire District #2 has officially opened its annual Santa’s Mailbox at the Gloster fire station, inviting local children to drop off their letters to Santa Claus this holiday season.

The bright red mailbox is located at 3828 US-171 South, positioned at the end of the station driveway. Families are encouraged to stop by and let children place their handwritten letters inside throughout the Christmas season.

Officials remind parents to include a return address with each letter so that Santa can respond personally from the North Pole.

Residents are invited to spread the word and help bring holiday excitement to young writers across the parish. Fire District #2 hopes the mailbox sparks joy, imagination, and festive spirit as Christmas approaches.

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During the holidays, we spend a lot of time and effort on what we eat. One mandatory item on most of our tables is bread, one of the oldest prepared foods. In 2018, scientists discovered the earliest known evidence of bread-making, including a bread oven and 24 charred bread crumbs, from a 14,400-year-old dig site in the Black Desert in Jordan. The stone age bakers ground flour from wild wheat and barley, mixed it with the pulverized roots of plants, added water, and then cooked it. This was before the advent of farming, when people were hunter-gatherers. The bread they made looked similar to modern flatbread because it contained no rising agent such as yeast and tasted like today’s multi-grain bread. Professor Dorian Fuller of University College London said, “this is the earliest evidence we have for what we could really call a cuisine, in that it’s a mixed food product.” Dr. Amaia Arranz-Optaegui of the University of Copenhagen, who discovered the remains of the bread, said “bread is a powerful link between our past and present food cultures. It connects us with our prehistoric ancestors.”

Fluffy loaves of bread that look like the bread most of us eat today came several thousands of years later. In 2017, archaeobotanist Lara González Carretero studied the remains of unbaked, leavened bread found at the ancient Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in southern Turkey. They dated back to 6600 BCE, making it the oldest evidence of leavened bread found to date.

Through the ages, people bartered for bread rather than bake it themselves. The barter system had a major disadvantage in that the two parties involved each had to want what the other party was offering to trade. Sometime around 640 BCE, people in China began to mint the oldest known standardized forms of metal coinage. As money became the more common medium of exchange, bakers sold their bread. The problem was that money was standardized but bread was anything but standardized. It came in a variety of sizes, qualities, and prices. Unscrupulous bakers took advantage of the situation and sold poor-quality bread for premium prices. In 1266, the Parliament of the United Kingdom created the “Assize of Bread and Ale” to regulate the production and sale of bread and ale. Under this law, the weight and quality of a loaves of bread were specified and the price was set according to the fluctuating price of wheat. Bakers whose bread was not to up the standards set forth by the law were subject to the wrath of King Henry III. This law slowly began to weed out the dishonest bakers, but honest bakers became worried that a simple mistake could get them into trouble. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, they could be fined, placed in a pillory (where the community was expected to throw things at them), be jailed, or have their trade taken away. Honesty was the best policy. They were able to make bread that was good quality and sold it according to the law, but getting a standardized weight for each loaf was difficult. To ensure that they were well within the weight limit prescribed by law, bakers began adding a bonus loaf, what they called the “vantage loaf,” when someone bought 12 loaves of bread. That is why when visiting a bakery, you sometimes get a baker’s dozen.

Sources:

1. Helen Briggs, “Prehistoric bake-off: Scientists discover oldest evidence of bread,” July 17, 2018, BBC.com, Accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-44846874.

2. Sarah Bond, “Discovery of 8,600-Year-Old Bread Gives Rise to Half-Baked Claims,” Hyperallergic.com, March 18, 2024, accessed November 30, 2025, https://hyperallergic.com/discovery-of-8600-year-old-bread-gives-rise-to-half-baked-claims/.

3. “Oldest Fermented Bread,” Gunness World Records, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/768791-oldest-fermented-bread.

4. Andrew Beattie, “Evolution of Money: From Barter Systems to Bitcoin,” Investopedia, November 25, 2025, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/roots_of_money.asp.

5. “Why 13? The Tale of a Baker’s Dozen,” Freshly Baked, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.freshly-baked.co.uk/2015/02/why-13-tale-of-bakers-dozen.html.

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On December 10, 1901, residents of Oslo, Norway, looked to the night sky and witnessed something so unexpected that newspapers across Europe published front-page rumors of extraterrestrial visitors. A series of pulsating, geometric lights appeared above the city, shifting in pattern and intensity for nearly an hour. More than a century later, the event remains one of the most debated unexplained atmospheric phenomena recorded before the era of modern aviation and satellite technology.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m., when citizens walking along Karl Johans gate noticed unusual glimmers forming high above the capital. Those who observed the display from the harbor described shapes resembling spirals, glowing “bands,” and rapid flashes that moved against the wind. While skywatchers had seen auroras in Norway countless times before, this display differed in color, behavior, and precision.

Local scientists initially suggested an unusually strong aurora borealis. However, the patterns observed that night did not match typical auroral activity. The lights shifted in rhythmic pulses and symmetrical loops, leading physicists to question whether a natural explanation was sufficient.

Complicating matters, the phenomenon occurred the same day the world celebrated the first Nobel Prize ceremony—just blocks away. Among the honorees present in Oslo was Wilhelm Röntgen, recognized for discovering X-rays. Some speculated that energy experiments or electrical demonstrations related to the ceremony might have contributed to the strange display, though there was no evidence supporting this theory.

Meteorologists documented the atmospheric conditions of the evening: stable temperatures, clear skies, and no unusual magnetic disturbances. This ruled out the possibility of a solar storm. Several professors at the University of Kristiania collected eyewitness testimonies and classified the shapes as “mechanical” rather than organic, noting the sharp edges and synchronized patterns.

For decades, scientific journals debated the event. Some theorized that upper-atmospheric ice crystals might have reflected distant light sources in peculiar ways. Others argued that military experiments—still largely unregulated and often undocumented in the early 20th century—might have accounted for the unusual geometry.

The debate resurfaced in the 1980s following renewed interest in atmospheric anomalies. Researchers compared the 1901 lights to later spiral-shaped sky events, including failed missile tests that produce visible swirling exhaust trails. However, no such technology existed in 1901, decades before the first liquid-fuel rockets.

Today, the Oslo Lights incident continues to appear in compilations of the world’s strangest natural mysteries. Scientists still lack consensus on the cause, and historians emphasize its significance as one of the earliest mass-witness light anomalies recorded before modern flight, satellites, or missiles—factors that often complicate contemporary cases.

Each year, on December 10, a small group of researchers revisits the archived sketches and written accounts stored in Norwegian libraries. Though the phenomenon remains unexplained, its legacy persists as a reminder that some events defy simple categorization. More than a century later, the citizens who looked up at the Oslo sky that night left behind an account that still fascinates scientists, skeptics, and skywatchers alike.

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James Edward Griffith
July 17, 1939 — December 7, 2025
Visitation: at 1 p.m. at Grand Cane Baptist Church
Services: Saturday, December 13th at 2 p.m. at Grand Cane Cemetery

Travion Miller
03/06/1994 – 12/08/2025
Visitation: Friday December 12 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday December 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Elizabeth Full Gospel Church in Coushatta

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

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