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 continues its proactive efforts to combat illegal drug activity and related offenses throughout the parish, with deputies and task force agents making several recent arrests.

According to Sheriff Jayson Richardson, deputies with the Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) and DPSO Task Force Agents carried out a series of arrests between January 22 and February 21, 2026.

Among those arrested:

Anea C. Carter, 38, of Shreveport, was arrested on January 22 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Ecstasy), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), Fugitive Arrest Warrant (Bossier City), and No License Plate Lights.

Patrick D. Hall, 39, of Mansfield, was arrested on January 23 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Powder Cocaine), Second or Subsequent Offenses, and Display of License Plate violations.

Kristan M. Tuck, 34, of Converse, was arrested on January 24 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth) and a Fugitive Arrest Warrant.

Debbie R. Denmon, 62, of Jefferson, Texas, was arrested on January 27 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth).

Henry S. Stevens, 55, of Logansport, was arrested on January 28 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, License Plate Lights violation, and Expired License Plate.

Ethan B. Logan, 18, of West Monroe, was arrested on January 28 and charged with Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Fugitive Arrest Warrant for Attempted Burglary (Tuscaloosa, Alabama), and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things involving a stolen vehicle from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

DeMarcus D. Deculus, 23, of Delhi, was arrested on January 29 and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana, Fugitive Arrest Warrant (Richland County Sheriff’s Office), and License Plate Not on Display.

Kentraylan D. Spencer, 20, of Mansfield, was arrested on February 10 and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Olivia D. Byrd, 46, of Mansfield, was arrested on February 19 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth).

Early C. Flanagan, 46, of Shelbyville, Texas, was arrested on February 21 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, White Light from Headlamp violation, and All Rear Lights on Vehicle violation.

Lamont T. George, 42, of Keatchie, was arrested on February 21 and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jadalveyon D. Ford, 24, of Shreveport, was arrested on February 21 and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Sheriff Richardson emphasized that narcotics enforcement remains a top priority and thanked the Narcotics Division and S.L.I.U. deputies for their continued dedication to keeping DeSoto Parish safe.

An arrest indicates that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The National Weather Service is forecasting warm temperatures and breezy conditions through midweek, followed by a stretch of sunny, pleasant weather heading into the weekend for DeSoto Parish.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 78 degrees. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph at times, creating breezy afternoon conditions.

Wednesday night will remain partly cloudy, with overnight lows around 62 degrees.

On Thursday, residents can expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees. There is a slight 20 percent chance of showers during the day. By Thursday night, skies will clear, and temperatures will cool to around 50 degrees.

Friday brings sunny skies and a comfortable high near 74 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear, with lows dipping to around 49 degrees.

The weekend looks ideal for outdoor plans. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 79 degrees, followed by a mostly clear Saturday night and a low around 53 degrees.

Sunday continues the trend of sunshine, with highs near 78 degrees to close out the weekend.

Residents should prepare for breezy conditions midweek and enjoy the extended stretch of dry, sunny weather heading into the weekend.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury has approved additional funding to continue storm debris removal efforts following Winter Storm Fern.

During its meeting this week, the Police Jury authorized expanded resources to accelerate cleanup operations across the parish. Beginning Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the parish’s contracted debris removal crews will begin working parish-wide to clear tree debris left behind by the winter storm.

Parish officials are reminding residents that debris must be placed near the roadside to be collected.

Neither the debris contractor nor Police Jury road crews are permitted to enter private property. Placing debris along the road will help speed up the collection process and allow crews to move efficiently throughout the parish.

Officials emphasized that this pickup is limited to tree debris only. Construction materials and regular household garbage will not be collected as part of this operation.

Between four and seven crews will be working across DeSoto Parish. Equipment will include trucks with buckets as well as large haul trucks to transport debris.

Parish Administrator Michael Norton thanked residents for their continued patience and cooperation as cleanup efforts move forward.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury issued a parish-wide burn ban on Feb. 23.

According to Parish Administrator Michael Norton, the decision was made following consultation with local fire chiefs and the Police Jury President. The burn ban prohibits outdoor burning across DeSoto Parish until further notice.

Officials say the measure was implemented due to current conditions that increase the risk of fire danger. Residents are urged to comply with the ban to help protect property, first responders, and the community.

The Police Jury will continue monitoring conditions and will notify the public once it is safe to lift the burn ban.

Parish officials thanked residents for their cooperation and support.

Students at North DeSoto Middle School are celebrating a major victory after the Griffinettes earned top honors at the 2026 Twirling Competition.

The NDMS Griffinettes claimed 1st place in the Who Dat Middle School Twirl Line division, showcasing their precision, teamwork, and performance skills on the competition floor.

Adding to the excitement, Landry and Landrie also secured 1st place in the Middle School Duo division, bringing home another top title for North DeSoto Middle School.

School leaders and supporters praised the team for their dedication and hard work, noting that their success reflects countless hours of practice and preparation. The Griffinettes’ performance continues a strong tradition of excellence for Lady Griffins athletics and spirit programs in DeSoto Parish.

Congratulations to the Griffinettes and their coaches on an outstanding achievement.

Ever notice how quickly opinions travel faster than facts? This week’s cartoon plays with that idea, leaning into the humor of how we debate, react and sometimes overreact in the digital age. Inspired by the game-show energy of Jeopardy!, it’s a lighthearted reminder that not every buzzer needs to be hit — and sometimes it’s okay to wait for the full answer.

Baton Rouge, LA-Governor Landry formally requested on Feb. 23 that the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation be expanded to include every public institution of higher education in Louisiana to ensure full compliance with federal law across the state. Letter attached.

“Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated,” said Governor Landry. “This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, I’ve formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected.”

I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.

And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our wellintentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!

Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.

John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.

So they set out to convert him.

They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.

Until the next year.

The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.

And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”

It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.

Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.

This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?

Students from North Desoto High School are celebrating major accomplishments following an impressive showing at the Louisiana Beta State Convention held prior to winter break.

Beta members represented their school with excellence, earning top placements and multiple qualifications for the upcoming National Beta Convention.

Among the standout achievements:

Katelyn Allen – 2nd Place, Recyclable Art

Ana Maria Velazquez-Fajardo – 5th Place, 9th Grade Spanish Test

Roxie Manning – 1st Place, Digitally Enhanced Photography

Marleigh St. Amant and Jessie May – 5th Place, Solo/Duo/Trio Vocalists

Campaign Skit Team – 4th Place

These students earned the opportunity to compete on the national stage this summer against thousands of Beta members from across the country.

In addition to competition honors, the club celebrated a historic milestone. Colt McFerren, who currently serves as Louisiana State Beta Secretary, became the first member in the school’s history to be selected as a state officer — a significant achievement for both the student and the Beta chapter.

Faculty and supporters praised the students for their dedication, talent, and leadership, noting that their accomplishments reflect countless hours of preparation and hard work.

As they prepare for Nationals, the DeSoto Parish community is rallying behind these outstanding students, wishing them continued success as they represent their school and parish on a larger stage.

The North DeSoto High School Dazzlers had an unforgettable experience this past weekend as they traveled to train with the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The opportunity provided members of the NDHS Dazzlers with professional-level instruction while offering valuable insight into the discipline, preparation, and excellence required to perform at one of the highest levels of dance and entertainment. During the training, the team gained hands-on experience and learned techniques that emphasized precision, teamwork, and performance quality.

School officials expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the experience served not only as a learning moment but also as a source of inspiration for the students. Training alongside one of the most iconic professional cheerleading organizations in the country reinforced the importance of dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

The Dazzlers’ participation reflects their ongoing dedication to growth and improvement throughout the year. Faculty and supporters say the team continues to represent DeSoto Parish with pride, demonstrating both talent and determination in every performance.

The NDHS Dazzlers are widely recognized for their commitment to excellence, and this recent experience further highlights their drive to elevate their skills while proudly representing their school and community.

By Steve Graf    

When you’re young and full of pee and vinegar, you think you’re bullet proof. You have a younger mindset that nothing can happen to you. But nothing could be further from the truth. For an angler, or anyone who spends a great deal of time in the outdoors, there are three words you never want to hear, “You have Melanoma.”

This is the number one form of cancer that takes more lives than any other. Like so many others, I thought something like this would never happen to me. But God had other plans as that day came for me in June of 2023. Never in a million years did I think I would be that guy who would have to battle cancer, but here’s my story.

A couple of years earlier I started seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. Then one day while my sister-in-law was cutting my hair, she asked if I knew about this small black dot on the back of my ear. Since none of us can see the back of our ears, I had never seen this spot. She suggested I get it looked at, so I took her advice and made an appointment.

It was March of 2023 when I had this appointment, and my dermatologist suggested we try some chemo cream to help get rid of this spot. Well, after two weeks of chemo cream the spot went away. I thought my worries were over until mid-April when the spot returned. So once again, I made another appointment scheduled for the first week of May.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, we were planning a family vacation to Disney World the last week of May and I wanted this spot off my ear. But as fate would have it, my dermatologist had to go out of town to attend a convention, and my May appointment was cancelled. So, they rebooked me for the last week of June which was basically eight weeks.

Again, at this point, I’m still not overly concerned but really wanted this off my ear. Well, let’s just say when I returned for my appointment the last week of June, this spot had ulcerated and was now a deep purple color. Then the day of my appointment, the minute I was called to the back, the nurse took a look at my ear, and she instantly got very concerned and rushed out of the room to get my dermatologist.

This got my attention and now I’m nervous as my doctor walked in and said, “Oh, Steve this is not good, and I’ll go ahead and prepare you that this is probably going to come back positive for Melanoma.”

She biopsied the spot and overnighted it to a lab for testing. The next day around 10 that morning, she called and told me, “You have Melanoma.” My heart sank and I was a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what to think. But my dermatologist did an outstanding job of reassuring me that everything will be OK, as hopefully we’ve caught this early.

To shorten this story, I had two ear surgeries to remove the upper portion of my left ear and four difficult immunotherapy sessions that were hard to get through due to my reaction to the drug OPDIVO. But since then, all of my scans have been clear and bloodwork has been good.

Immediately I started the first year going to M.D. Anderson in Houston every three months. Then in late 2025, they scheduled me for testing every six months which is where I’m at today. Hopefully, if my PET scans, MRI’s and bloodwork continue to be clear, I’ll soon be moving to testing annually for the rest of my life.

The one thing my cancer doctor has told me is that Melanoma is the worst form of cancer that can hide in the body for long periods of time. It can come back at any point and that’s why I’ll continue to go back to M.D. Anderson from now on.

Here’s my advice to anyone (especially anglers) when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. First, understand this: Melanoma does not discriminate, and no one is immune to getting this form of cancer. Wear long sleeve SPF shirts with built-in sunscreen. Wear long pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. Wear a wide brim hat — even if you look goofy. I also wear fishing gloves to help protect my hands.

Always apply sunscreen to any portion of the skin that might be exposed. Do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because the words you never want to hear are, “You have Melanoma.”

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

William J. “Bill” Blythe Jr. had recently been honorably discharged from the Army and had just been hired as an equipment salesman by the Mankee Equipment Company of Chicago. Immediately following World War II, so many soldiers were returning home and looking for work that jobs were scarce. 29-year-old Bill could find no work in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, and was lucky to find work even if it required him to relocate to the windy city. It could not have come at a better time. Bill’s wife, 22-year-old Virginia Dell Cassiday, was six months pregnant. After calling home with the happy news, Bill began the 750-mile drive back to Hope, Arkansas, to prepare the family for the move.

Just before midnight on May 17, 1946, Bill had driven about half of the 755 miles to Hope when, about three miles west of Sikeston, Missouri, one of the front tires on Bill’s 1942 Buick sedan blew out. Bill lost control of the car, and it rolled over twice before coming to a stop on the side of the Brown Spur drainage ditch along Highway 60. Sikeston was surrounded by drainage ditches to help prevent flooding. Bill suffered a head injury and crawled out of the wrecked car. He could hear the sounds of passing cars and could see their headlights as they passed. He began crawling up the steep embankment toward the highway. As he was crawling, he slipped and fell into the drainage ditch which contained four feet of water. There, he drowned.

Virginia was devastated. Three months after the accident, she had her child and named him William J. Blythe III in honor of her late husband. Everyone called him Billy. Virginia, now a single parent, went to nursing school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia’s parents took care of Billy while she was away. In 1950, Virginia returned to Hope and went to work as a nurse. In that same year, she met and married a car dealership owner named Roger. In 1956, Roger and Virginia had a son whom they named Roger Jr. At some point, Billy Blythe began using his stepfather’s last name, and, in 1962, Billy legally changed his last name so that he and his half-brother would have the same last name. In the following year, Billy was selected to be a delegate to Boys Nation, a special youth leadership conference held in Washington D.C. Billy was among the other boys from Boys Nation who, along with the Girls Nation, were invited to the Rose Garden at the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. Billy was one of the first in line to shake JFK’s hand. Billy said later that meeting JFK had a profound impact on his life.

Imagine just for a second that Bill Blythe’s car wreck never occurred. Billy Blythe III would probably have been born in Chicago. The whole trajectory of his life would have been different. He probably would not have become President of the United States. If he had, we would know him as Bill Blythe rather than Bill Clinton.

Sources:

1. Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), May 18, 1946, p.1.

2. “It All Began in a Place Called Hope: Biography of the President Bill Clinton,” National Archives, accessed February 15, 2026, https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/Hope.html.

February 25 marks the birthday of Nina Simone, an artist whose music blurred the lines between entertainment, activism, and cultural revolution. Born in 1933, Simone became one of the most uncompromising voices of the Civil Rights era, using her platform to challenge injustice while reshaping the sound of American music.

Trained as a classical pianist, Simone defied expectations by blending jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and classical influences into a style uniquely her own. Her performances were emotionally raw and politically charged, reflecting both personal struggle and collective Black experience. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became anthems of resistance and pride.

Unlike many artists of her time, Simone refused to separate art from politics. Her willingness to address racism directly often made her controversial, but it also cemented her place as a cultural truth-teller. February 25 serves as a reminder of how her music functioned not just as entertainment, but as commentary on American life.

Simone’s influence on pop culture has only grown over time. Her music has been sampled and referenced by modern artists across genres, from hip-hop to indie pop. Filmmakers and television creators frequently use her songs to underscore moments of tension, empowerment, or historical reflection, introducing her voice to audiences far removed from the 1960s.

Beyond her music, Simone’s image and persona have become cultural symbols. Her unapologetic authenticity and refusal to conform resonate strongly in today’s conversations about artistic freedom and racial justice. Documentaries, biopics, and streaming playlists have renewed interest in her life, prompting deeper discussions about how Black women artists are treated by the industry.

February 25 also invites reflection on Simone’s complicated legacy. Her life was marked by brilliance, struggle, and resistance — elements that mirror the broader Black American experience she so often sang about. Today, she is widely recognized not only as a musical innovator but as a cultural icon who spoke truths others feared to voice.

As Black History Month nears its close, Nina Simone’s birthday serves as a powerful reminder that pop culture can be a force for change — and that music can carry the weight of history.

Kenneth Ray England
August 28, 1968 – February 4, 2026
Services: March 7 at 2:00 p.m. at San Patricio Baptist Church

Janice Lee Kinley Lafitte
December 3, 1953 — February 18, 2026
Services: Saturday, March 7 at noon at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Carmel

Mable Jean Cason McMillion
07/29/1946 – 02/18/2026
Services: Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

Margaret A. Lewis
02/27/1955 – 02/18/2026
Visitation: Friday February 27 from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday, February 28 at2:00 p.m. at Deliverance Temple in Coushatta

June Frances Grant
09/29/1955 – 02/16/2026
Visitation: Friday February 27 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday February 28 at 11:00 a.m. at New Morning Glory Baptist Temple

Rosie Mae Davis
06/09/1946 – 02/14/2026
Services: Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. atJenkins Funeral Home Chapel

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 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that the US 84 bridge over Bayou Pierre at the DeSoto/Red River Parish line closed on Feb. 21 for emergency repairs.

DOTD crews will be performing necessary work on the deck of the bridge, and a notification will be issued when that work is complete and the bridge has been reopened.

This bridge is located approximately 3.2 miles east of the I-49 interchange.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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February 18 marks the birthday of Toni Morrison, one of the most influential literary figures in American history and a towering voice in African American culture. Born in 1931, Morrison reshaped how Black stories were told, studied, and valued, leaving a permanent mark not only on literature but on pop culture, education, and national conversations about race and identity.

Morrison’s novels centered Black life with depth, complexity, and honesty at a time when those perspectives were often marginalized or excluded altogether. Works such as Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon explored themes of history, trauma, love, and resilience, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

While Morrison’s work is frequently studied in academic settings, her cultural influence extends far beyond classrooms. Her storytelling style, which blended folklore, realism, and lyrical prose, has inspired filmmakers, musicians, and writers across genres. References to her work appear in song lyrics, visual art, and modern television narratives that focus on generational memory and identity.

February 18 offers a moment to reflect on how Morrison helped redefine whose stories mattered. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that elevated African American voices on the global stage. Her achievement wasn’t just personal — it signaled a broader recognition of Black literature as essential to understanding the human experience.

Morrison was also deeply engaged in popular discourse. Her interviews, essays, and public speeches were widely shared and quoted, especially during periods of heightened racial tension in the United States. She had a rare ability to speak with clarity and authority while remaining accessible, making her a cultural figure whose influence reached well beyond literary circles.

Even after her passing in 2019, Morrison’s presence in pop culture continues to grow. Book clubs, social media discussions, and film adaptations have introduced her work to new generations of readers. Quotes from her novels regularly circulate online, often used to frame conversations about justice, beauty, and self-worth.

As Black History Month continues, February 18 stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling — and of Toni Morrison’s role in ensuring African American stories were not only told, but honored.

By Brad Dison

In April 1964, Walter and Betty Roberts opened the Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, “to provide younger talent in all fields with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents, and to encourage an interest and participation in theater arts among young people, especially high school students.” Walter and Betty met nine years earlier during the casting of a play. Walter and Better were cast as husband and wife who bitterly hated each other, but in real life, it was love at first sight. Three days after they met, Walter proposed and Betty instantly accepted. As soon as the tour ended, they eloped. They worked in theater together until they decided to form their own production company. The A&W Workshop guided the young actors and writers by hosting various performances based on their talents. In celebration of William Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, they selected for their first touring production, “Othello.” Walter directed and played the part of the jealous Moor who killed the tragic Desdemona, who was played by Betty. Since it was a new venture with little capital, “Othello” was presented in modern dress. Walter had an orchestra, which included three musicians from the local Briarcliff High School, prerecord the music for the production. The announcement invited “Artists wishing to associate with the group [to] apply by letter. No fees are involved.”

In 1965, Coretta King called the A&W Workshop and asked if her nine-year-old daughter Yolanda could join the troupe. At just eight years old, Yolanda had written her first play, but she had been turned away from other theater groups because they did not accept black students. Betty, who thought talent was colorblind, told Coretta, “Sure. Come on over.” Yolanda was welcomed into the A&W Workshop and was regularly cast as the lead female in productions. By April 1966, Yolanda was one of two assistant directors of the company. She was just 10 years old at the time. Walter and Betty became close friends with Coretta and her husband, Martin.

In the following year, 1967, Betty was pregnant with her second child. Although the A&W Workshop had a full tour schedule, it was struggling financially. In June, the young performers opened the summer season with “Joan of Arc,” followed by “Little Plays for Little People,” “Green Pastures,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” In September 1967, the A&W Workshop began its fall season and advertised that although it had already begun, they were still accepting applications for membership. Walter and Betty were in a financial slump and needed more students. On October 28, 1967, Walter and Betty welcomed their second child, a daughter, into the world. It was a happy occasion, mostly. Walter, Betty, and their son, Eric, were overjoyed with the new addition to their family, but Walter and Betty worried about the looming hospital bill which they were unable to afford. When Yolanda’s parents learned about their financial difficulty, they remembered when Walter and Betty had accepted their daughter when everyone else turned her away. Yolanda’s parents, Coretta Scott King and her husband, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid the full hospital bill for Walter and Betty. You know Walter and Betty’s daughter. Her name is Julia Roberts.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Journal, April 12, 1964, p.10-D.

2. The Atlanta Journal, April 23, 1964, p.71.

3. The Atlanta Journal, May 10, 1964, p.104.

4. The Atlanta Journal, July 31, 1964, p.26.

5. The Atlanta Journal, April 22, 1966, p.29.

6. The Atlanta Journal, June 29, 1967, p.79.

7. The Atlanta Constitution, September 9, 1967, p.37.

8. Caitlin O’Kane, “Julia Roberts reveals Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill when she was born,” CBS News.com, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julia-roberts-martin-luther-king-jr-and-coretta-scott-king-paid-birth-hospital-bill/, accessed February 8, 2026.

Kenneth Ray England
August 28, 1968 – February 4, 2026
Services: March 7 at 2:00 p.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

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 is being represented on an international level as K9 Sgt. Kelby Pearah travels overseas to provide specialized law enforcement training to agencies around the world.

Sgt. Pearah is currently in Cambodia, where he is instructing multiple international law enforcement agencies in the Decide & Deploy K9 training course. The course is designed to strengthen handler awareness, improve communication, and enhance decision-making based on the behavioral cues and signals provided by their K9 partners.

Widely respected for his expertise, Sgt. Pearah has previously trained law enforcement agencies throughout Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. His selection to instruct internationally highlights the growing recognition of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and the high level of professionalism within its K9 program.

Sheriff’s officials emphasized that Sgt. Pearah’s international training assignment comes at no cost to DeSoto Parish taxpayers, as all travel and related expenses are fully covered by the hosting agencies.
In addition to sharing his knowledge, Sgt. Pearah continues to expand his own training and experience, bringing back new techniques and insights that will further strengthen public safety efforts at home. The

DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office praised his dedication to professional development and his ongoing commitment to serving and protecting the citizens of DeSoto Parish.

DeSoto Parish residents can expect generally mild conditions through the middle of the week, with increasing chances for rain and possible thunderstorms heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 74 degrees. There is a slight 20 percent chance of showers early in the morning, mainly before 9 a.m. Winds will shift through the day, starting from the west around 5 mph and becoming northeast by the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, with overnight lows near 50 and light east winds around 5 mph.

Thursday will remain partly sunny and pleasant, with highs near 75. East winds around 5 mph will become southerly during the afternoon. Mostly cloudy skies will continue into Thursday night, with lows around 57.

Rain chances return Friday, with a 20 percent chance of showers developing after noon under mostly cloudy skies. Highs are expected to reach near 79. A slight chance of showers will continue Friday night, with overnight lows around 60.

The most active weather is expected Saturday, when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are likely throughout the day. High temperatures will reach near 72, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation. Showers may continue into Saturday night, with thunderstorms possible before midnight, followed by lingering rain chances. Overnight lows will drop to around 50, with a 60 percent chance of rain.

Conditions improve Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and cooler temperatures. Highs will reach near 65, followed by a mostly clear Sunday night with lows around 44.

Looking ahead to Washington’s Birthday, sunshine returns with pleasant temperatures. Monday is expected to be sunny, with highs near 70.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts as the weekend approaches, especially for updates on potential thunderstorms and periods of heavy rainfall.