A patrol sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was en route to an overturned 18-wheeler crash on Dec. 8 around 3:36 am on Interstate 49 when she observed a white sedan parked in the median. She requested a nearby patrol unit to check on the driver before continuing to the crash scene.

When the responding deputy arrived moments later, he located a middle-aged black male sitting in the driver’s seat completely naked and appearing to be under the influence of a powerful narcotic. Another deputy was requested and arrived shortly after. The situation escalated when the driver suddenly fled in the vehicle, accelerating to approximately 90 miles per hour while traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, against the flow of traffic. Additional deputies responded, and the interstate was requested to be shut down as a pursuit began. One deputy moved ahead to flag and stop traffic, while two others maintained pursuit behind the suspect.

Patrol Deputy Daniel Miller, realizing the immediate danger to oncoming traffic, was ultimately able to bring the vehicle to an immediate stop in the median. Louisiana State Police, DeSoto Parish K-9, and other DeSoto deputies arrived on scene during this time. Despite repeated commands to exit the vehicle, the driver refused, continuing to dance and yell, displaying erratic behavior. After numerous ignored opportunities to comply, K-9 Karen was deployed and successfully removed the suspect from the vehicle. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.

The driver was identified as Tracarlos Audra McNeil, a 49-year-old Black male from Houston, Texas. Following treatment, McNeil was booked into the DeSoto Detention Center on charges of:
– Aggravated Flight from an Officer
– Resisting an Officer

*K9 Karen was not seriously injured in the incident.

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Louisiana State Police Troop G Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Dec. 8 around 3:40 am on Interstate 49 near Asseff Road. The crash claimed the life of Travion Miller, 31 of Coushatta.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Mack Tractor, driven by Miller, was traveling north on Interstate 49. For reasons still under investigation, the Mack exited the roadway, collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle, traveled up an embankment, and overturned.

Miller, whose restraint use is unknown due to the severity of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to obey traffic laws and remain alert while driving. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can mean the difference between life and death.

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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.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson announced the arrest of a violent felon who had been on the run since March 2025.

Isom Scott, a 44-year-old resident of Many, was wanted on charges of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault (felony), Interfering with Emergency Communications (misdemeanor), and Domestic Abuse Battery with Strangulation (misdemeanor). Warrants had been issued earlier this year, but Scott evaded law enforcement for several months.

After an extended investigation, deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force located Scott in west Shreveport, where he was taken into custody without incident. He is also facing additional charges through Federal Probation and Parole.

Sheriff Richardson expressed his gratitude to the deputies and task force personnel for their persistence and dedication in apprehending Scott, describing the arrest as the result of a coordinated and thorough effort to remove a violent offender from the community.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Jayson Richardson, announced a series of recent narcotics-related arrests as part of its continued initiative to curb illegal drug activity throughout the parish. Deputies with the Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) have made multiple arrests over the past several weeks, targeting possession of illegal substances and related offenses.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the following individuals were taken into custody and booked into the DeSoto Detention Center:

Lori R. Pritchard, 44 of Haughton, was arrested on Nov. 4, 2025. She faces charges of Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Second or Subsequent Offense, and Modified Exhaust System.

Christine A. Gonzalez, 43 of Logansport, was arrested on Nov. 13, 2025. She is charged with Possession of Schedule IV (Clonazepam).

Ronni L. Todd, 56 of Stonewall, was arrested on Nov. 18, 2025. She is charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Vanessa J. Gandy, 44 of Princeton, was arrested on Nov. 20, 2025. She faces charges of Prohibited Acts Schedule IV (Xanax) and Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles – Display of Plate.

Jessica L. Sheppard, 38 of Mansfield, was arrested on Nov. 20, 2025. Her charges include Possession of Schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession of Schedule IV (Alprazolam bars), and an active DeSoto Parish warrant.

James E. Williams, 48 of Carthage, TX, was arrested on Nov. 26, 2025. He is charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff Richardson emphasized that these arrests reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to proactive enforcement and the disruption of illegal drug activity within DeSoto Parish. The Sheriff’s Office stated that narcotics investigations remain a top priority in its mission to protect local communities.

The department also reminds the public that an arrest is based on probable cause, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Griffin Stadium will light up Friday night as the North DeSoto Griffins host the Plaquemine Green Devils in a pivotal LHSAA Division II Non-Select playoff matchup. With a trip to the Superdome within reach, the Griffins are calling on their fans to help create a decisive home-field advantage.

North DeSoto enters the game as the top seed after a dominant season. The Griffins advanced past the regional round with a 56–13 victory over DeRidder, while Plaquemine arrives following a 50–14 win over Wossman. Both teams are entering the quarterfinals on strong momentum, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

Coaches and organizers are urging fans to arrive early and bring energy to the stands, emphasizing the impact a loud, spirited crowd can have on the players.

The Griffins have enjoyed a standout season, going undefeated in district play, and are seeking to carry that success into the postseason. With the state championship scheduled for early December in the Superdome, each playoff game takes on added significance.

Game Details:
Matchup: North DeSoto Griffins vs. Plaquemine Green Devils
When: Friday, Dec. 5 (kickoff time TBA)
Where: Griffin Stadium, Stonewall, Louisiana
Stakes: Advancement in Division II Non-Select Playoffs

North DeSoto leaders stress that community support could make a critical difference as the team pushes toward the state finals. Fans are encouraged to pack the stands and make their presence felt.

This Friday, DeSoto Parish supporters are invited to join the Griffins and help carry them one step closer to the state championship.

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DeSoto Parish is celebrating another standout football season as student-athletes from Mansfield High School, Logansport High School, and North DeSoto High School continue to showcase the strength and spirit of local athletics.

Mansfield High School and Logansport High School closed out remarkable seasons marked by memorable regular-season performances and determined playoff runs. Players from both teams demonstrated resilience, grit, and sportsmanship—qualities that continue to define The DeSoto Difference. Coaches, school staff, and supportive communities played key roles in guiding the Wolverines and Tigers through competitive seasons that brought pride across the parish.

While Mansfield and Logansport conclude their postseason journeys, North DeSoto High School extends the parish’s presence in the state playoffs, securing another victory that pushes the Griffins deeper into championship contention. The team’s continued success highlights the depth of talent within DeSoto Parish and keeps local fans energized for the rounds ahead.

District officials expressed gratitude for the dedication demonstrated across all programs.

“We are so proud of our student-athletes, coaches, and communities,” the district shared. “The commitment, teamwork, and passion shown this season reflect the tradition and excellence that make DeSoto Parish Schools exceptional.”

As North DeSoto prepares for its next playoff matchup, the parish rallies behind them—celebrating a season defined by hard work, unity, and outstanding athletic achievement.

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By Steve Graf    

Shreveport-Bossier is no stranger to hosting high level bass tournaments, most recently last month the Major League Fishing organization (MLF) brought their Summit Cup Team Series to local area lakes.

Over the last 25 years or so, Major League Fishing has brought several BFL’s, the Toyota Series and Team Series to our region. The B.A.S.S. organization has brought the Bassmaster Classic twice to Shreveport-Bossier’s mighty Red River.

There’s also been the highly prestigious MLF All-American tournament that was held on Cross Lake a few years ago as local angler Nick Lebrun took home first place, and kick started his professional career that he’s still enjoying today.

While all these events have had a huge impact on the economy in our area, these team events are only a handful of guys (24 anglers) fishing in a team format with two anglers in the boat.

In these Team Series events, there are 12 two-man teams. MLF has four different Cup events each year called the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot and Summit where these teams fish in an elimination-style format cutting from 12 teams over a six-day period down to four in the championship round.

While most regular professional tours are huge in terms of the number of anglers (usually over 150), and crowds at weigh-ins, the biggest thing for a Team Series event like the Summit Cup is how the economic impact comes later once this made-for-TV tournament airs nationwide next spring.

Here’s how the team series works. First, anglers are paired up through a draft where one captain of each team picks another angler from a pool of MLF anglers. The fishing format of the Team Series is every fish counts as the fish are weighed, recorded and released immediately.

Once the teams have been established, MLF will select a city where the Team Series will converge not knowing what lake they will be fishing until the morning of the event. Each day of the elimination rounds, anglers are loaded into a truck for a ride to whatever lake MLF has selected for competition.

While anglers have no information or practice time in any of these Team Series events, it’s a true test of figuring out how to locate and catch bass on a new body of water. That’s the premise of the MLF Team Series – no practice, no information and no idea where they are fishing until they arrive at the ramp of the waterway they will be fishing that day.

The anglers themselves absolutely love this format as it brings out the best in their ability to figure a new body of water in a short time. It’s a pride thing for all professional anglers who take more pleasure in finding fish than they do catching them.

If you’re not a fan of Major League Fishing, I highly encourage you to go online at majorleaguefishing.com and follow their entire tournament organization and the many circuits they own. They host tournaments from the grass roots level like the BFL’s up to the highest professional level with the Bass Pro Tour.

Also, when you see any of the Shreveport-Bossier city officials, let them know how much you appreciate them bringing in these high-level tournaments and what it means to our economy. The economic impact is huge for the entire region when any of these top-rated bass organizations come to our area.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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I survived a family cruise, if you’ve never been on one, they are—also known as the floating palace of unlimited shrimp and questionable karaoke. I enjoy cruising to places I’ve already been to, and this is our third trip to this destination. It’s like reruns of your favorite sitcom: familiar, comforting, and you already know where the good snacks are.

Looking out over the Gulf, I feel the majesty and awe of God. It’s a transcendent moment of praise—right between the buffet and the bingo tournament. If you’ve never been on a cruise, let me share a secret: the moment you step on board, you are royalty. They greet you with a smile, a fizzy drink that tastes like vacation, and a level of attention that borders on psychic. Your cabin steward knows your schedule better than your spouse. They know when you’re on deck, when you eat, and how many towels you use.

It would be creepy if it weren’t so delightfully nautical.

But the day the cruise ends? Oh, friend. You go from royalty to livestock. Overnight. The elevators are lined with flak jackets—not for safety, but to protect the walls from your overstuffed luggage and your overstuffed self. The crew stops smiling. They start pointing. They point to the bill for those fruity drinks. They point to the herd holding pen where you wait for your number to be called to get off the ship. They point to the exit. No wave. No hug. Just a silent “don’t let the anchor hit you on the way out.”

But here’s the thing: the contrast between the cruise welcome and the cruise farewell is instructive.

I knew a couple who visited a church for five years before joining. When asked why, they said, “We liked being guests. We didn’t want to be treated like just members.” I get it. We schmooze guests like we’re selling timeshares in heaven. We offer Tupperware, a three percent tithe, eight commandments, and three free sins just to get folks to join. But once they do? Boom. Welcome to the Kingdom—here’s your Sunday School class, now start teaching!

From the outside, it looks like bait and switch. Or maybe just the cruise ship dynamic. So, we’re working on treating everyone like it’s their first Sunday. (Methodists, that was your cue. Don’t make me spell it out in Wesleyan.)

We clergy and church staffs watch people sit on the same pew for fifteen years and not know first names. So, learn a name. Make a friend. Offer grace with a side of gumbo. What if we treated everyone like a first-time guest to our neck of the woods?

Church folks, listen up: Jesus said, “Welcome the stranger.” Sunday, someone might walk into your church who’s never been in one before. In Jesus’ name, welcome them. And maybe offer them a fruity drink. Or at least a smile that says, “You’re not s number. You’re family.”

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For many families, Elf on the Shelf has become as much a part of the holiday season as Christmas trees and cookie baking. The tiny, smiling scout elf is meant to add magic and excitement to December, popping up in new spots each morning as a “messenger” to Santa. But while kids wake up eager to search the house for their elf’s latest antics, parents often wake up with something else—panic.

What started as a whimsical tradition has earned a reputation for being one of the most stressful parts of the season. Between work, shopping, school events, and the daily responsibilities of life, remembering to move a small felt doll every single night can feel like an Olympic event. Many parents admit to bolting upright at 2 a.m. with the dreaded thought: I forgot to move the elf! Others resort to emergency explanations such as “The elf must really like that spot” or “Maybe he’s resting after flying all night!”

Still, despite its “pesky” reputation, the Elf on the Shelf remains beloved by children and continues to deliver memorable family moments. For parents, the key is keeping things simple—especially on those busy, chaotic nights.

Quick, Life-Saving Elf Ideas for Parents Who Forget (A Lot)

Here are some zero-prep, 30-second, “I’m exhausted but the elf must move” ideas that can save the day:

1. The Classic Relocation: Move the elf three feet to the left. On a shelf, a lamp, a curtain rod—anything counts. Kids rarely question subtlety.

2. The “Elf Took a Nap” Move: Lay the elf flat on a couch pillow. Boom. Instant story: He was tired from reporting to Santa.

3. Hide in Plain Sight: Tuck the elf halfway into a stocking or behind a plant. Just sticking out enough to be found—zero effort required.

4. Kitchen Surprise: Sit the elf next to a cereal box, mug, or fruit bowl. Early-morning breakfast magic with no setup.

5. The “He’s Reading” Trick: Place the elf on top of any open book. Doesn’t matter what book. If it’s upside down, even funnier.

6. Bathroom Break:Put the elf on the bathroom counter holding a toothbrush or sitting on a towel. Kids love it, and it takes 5 seconds.

7. The Refrigerator Chill: Set the elf next to the milk or eggs. Explain he wanted to “cool off.” Kids eat it up.

8. The Lazy Day Note: When you completely forget, place the elf wherever he already is and add a quick sticky note that says: “Elf is watching from here today!” Kids won’t question it.

9. The Shoe Hider: Put the elf inside a shoe by the front door. Easy to spot, easy to set.

10. Emergency “Magic Malfunction”: On nights you forget entirely, leave the elf unmoved and say:
“He must’ve used all his magic helping Santa last night.” Done.

The Elf on the Shelf may be pesky, but with a handful of fast and foolproof ideas, parents can keep the magic alive—without losing their minds. After all, the holidays are about joy, not elf-induced panic.

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The game of battledore is centuries older than football, baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, and just about every sport we watch or participate in. Over 2,000 years ago, people played battledore in China, Japan, India, Siam, and Greece, but its origin remains a mystery. Although popular for millennia, battledore was not included in the Olympic games until 1992 when it made its debut at the summer games in Barcelona, Spain. Its inclusion in the Olympics went unnoticed by most of the world’s population. Many of those who did notice argued that it should not be considered a sport, especially not an Olympic sport.

The game of battledore went largely unchanged for most of its existence. Beginning in 1857, British soldiers who had been sent to India to put down an Indian rebellion against British rule learned the game of battledore and played it to combat boredom. Players used wooden paddles similar to modern ping pong paddles to hit the projectile as many times as possible without it hitting the ground. The projectile was most likely a rock or nut to begin with, but the speed at which it could travel made it dangerous and its small size made it hard to see. To slow it down, players shaped a piece of cork in an oval similar in size and shape to the half of a walnut shell. To further decrease the projectile’s speed and to make it easier to see, players eventually rimmed the oval with delicate feathers from two to three inches in length. The soldiers enhanced the game of battledore by marking out boundary lines that players had to keep the projectile within because they probably got tired of having to search for projectiles hit by overzealous players. They also added a rope to divide the play area in half and hit the projectile back and forth over the rope. Much like the game of “hot potato,” players wanted to avoid having the projectile on their side of the rope. One newspaper reported that “the pleasure of the game is derived from the puzzling antics of the [projectile], whose flight is as dependable as that of a drunken-darning needle.” “Because of the illusive vagaries in flight,” the article included, “the players display the agility of the grasshopper, hummingbird, and leaping kangaroo.”

When those British soldiers in India returned home, they brought the game battledore with them. Battledore became popular, especially with the upper classes. The most notable change to battledore happened when aristocrats began playing it at the country estate of Henry Somerset, 9th Duke of Beaufort, in Gloucestershire, England. It was there that the game of battledore had its most noticeable change. Most of us have never heard of the game of battledore, but now you will remember that the modern version of the game was named after the Duke of Beaufort’s country house, Badminton House.

Sources:

1. The Daily Reporter (White Plaines, New York), February 9, 1937, p.2.

2. “The Origins of Badminton,” Badminton New Zealand, accessed November 23, 2025, https://badminton.org.nz/courses/national-accredited-line-judge/lessons/badminton-basics/topic/what-is-badminton/.

3. “Badminton – an overview and history of the sport,” BBC.com, accessed November 23, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zs89dmn/revision/1.

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Just after midnight on December 3, 1984, a deadly cloud of gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in central India, killing thousands and injuring hundreds of thousands more in what became one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.

The leak of methyl isocyanate, a highly toxic chemical, spread quickly through the densely populated neighborhoods surrounding the plant. Residents awoke choking, blinded, and gasping for air. Many died before they could flee.

By morning, the city was overwhelmed. Hospitals filled beyond capacity, and confusion reigned as authorities struggled to understand what had happened. Estimates of the death toll range from 3,000 in the first days to more than 15,000 over time, with lingering health effects that persist decades later.

The Bhopal disaster exposed failures in industrial safety and corporate accountability. Investigations revealed poor maintenance, inadequate training, and the absence of emergency planning.

Union Carbide and its successor, Dow Chemical, faced years of legal battles and international criticism. Survivors continue to seek justice and environmental cleanup.

The tragedy also prompted reforms in industrial regulation and environmental oversight worldwide.

December 3 remains a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligence — and the need to balance technological progress with human safety. As the world reflects on advancements in medicine and communication achieved on the same date — including the first successful heart transplant in 1967 — Bhopal stands as a cautionary tale etched into the world’s collective memory.

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Jarvis Gerrell Pouncy
09/08/1982 – 11/28/2025
Visitation: Friday December 5 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services:Saturday December 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star B.C.

Ruby Doris Peterson – Dupree
12/02/1944 – 11/27/2025
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 St. Peter

Eva Alicia Springer Williams
October 30, 1947 — November 30, 2025
Visitation: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Friday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. at San Patricio Baptist Church

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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