Jimmy Lee Williams
09/18/1958 – 03/12/2026
Services: Friday March 27 at 4:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

James Evans Ashton – Jr.
07/13/1952 – 03/07/2026
Visitation : Thursday March 19 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Friday March 20 at 1:00 p.m. at The Community Cemetery

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.

A high-speed pursuit involving deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office ended Thursday with the arrest of a Texas man following a chase that began on Interstate 49 and concluded in a wooded area of DeSoto Parish.

According to authorities, the incident began when a deputy observed a dark gray Chrysler 300 traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near the Asseff Road exit at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver accelerated, with speeds quickly surpassing 100 mph.

During the pursuit, the driver exited at the Relay Station exit, drove up the exit embankment, and reentered the interstate heading northbound. The chase continued until the suspect exited at Stonewall-Frierson Road, traveled east, and then turned onto Red Strong Road.

Authorities say the vehicle eventually reached the end of the roadway, where the driver turned onto an oilfield pad, drove up an embankment, and abandoned the vehicle before fleeing on foot into a wooded area. Deputies pursued the suspect on foot until he surrendered at the scene and was taken into custody without further incident.

After the suspect fled the vehicle, deputies discovered a modified stolen firearm along with several rounds of ammunition inside the car.

The suspect was identified as Trievion Deshaz Adams, 20, of Fort Worth. He was transported to the DeSoto Detention Center and booked on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated flight from an officer, resisting an officer by flight, and speeding.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Residents in DeSoto Parish should prepare for a wet and stormy Wednesday before cooler, sunny conditions arrive later in the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected throughout the day Wednesday, with temperatures reaching a high near 76 degrees. Winds will be out of the south around 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is high at 90 percent.

Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to continue Wednesday night, particularly before 1 a.m., before tapering off to a chance of showers overnight. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 48 degrees. Winds will shift to the north at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. The chance of precipitation Wednesday night is 70 percent.

Conditions will improve by Thursday as sunny skies return and temperatures reach a high near 65 degrees. Clear skies Thursday night will allow temperatures to drop to around 44 degrees.

Sunny weather will continue Friday with a high near 75 degrees and a clear overnight low around 51.

The weekend looks warm and pleasant for the parish. Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 80 degrees and a mostly clear night with lows around 59. Sunday will be partly sunny with temperatures climbing to about 83 degrees.

Clouds will increase Sunday night with a slight 20 percent chance of showers and a low near 51 degrees.

By Monday, mostly cloudy skies are expected with a high around 65 degrees.

Meteorologists encourage residents to stay weather-aware Wednesday as storms move through the parish before calmer and warmer weather settles in for the remainder of the week.

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Residents in Mansfield should expect upcoming construction activity as a broadband infrastructure project is scheduled to begin later this month.

According to an announcement from the City of Mansfield Louisiana, the company Nextlink will begin construction work on broadband infrastructure within the city starting March 18, 2026.

City officials say the project is expected to last a minimum of two weeks as crews work to install and expand broadband capabilities in the area. The construction is part of efforts to improve internet access and connectivity for residents and businesses in DeSoto Parish.

Officials encourage residents to be aware of potential construction activity and temporary disruptions in areas where crews are working during the project period.

Additional details about the construction notice have been provided by city officials, and residents will be updated as the project progresses.

BATON ROUGE — State Representative Larry Bagley has introduced House Bill 838, legislation that would eliminate Louisiana’s requirement for annual vehicle inspection stickers.

Bagley said the proposal has the support of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and is part of the governor’s legislative package for the 2026 session. Landry also highlighted the effort to eliminate inspection stickers in his opening remarks Monday during the joint session address marking the start of the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

Louisiana’s inspection sticker program was created decades ago when vehicles lacked the advanced safety systems and diagnostic technology common in modern automobiles. Today, vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostic systems that continuously monitor engine performance, emissions systems, and other mechanical functions. When an issue is detected, the vehicle alerts the driver through dashboard warning lights so repairs can be addressed.

Modern vehicles also include a range of built‑in safety technologies such as anti‑lock braking systems, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring systems, and computerized engine management systems. Bagley said these advancements provide drivers with real‑time information about the condition of their vehicles, making the decades‑old inspection sticker program increasingly outdated.

“Vehicle technology has changed dramatically over the years,” Bagley said. “Cars and trucks today already have sophisticated onboard systems that monitor performance and notify drivers when something needs attention.”

Bagley also noted that Louisiana is among a shrinking number of states that still require annual vehicle safety inspections. According to national transportation data, 35 states no longer require annual safety inspections for passenger vehicles.

“This legislation simply updates Louisiana law to reflect today’s technology while removing an outdated requirement for drivers,” Bagley said.

HB 838 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.

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BATON ROUGE – The 2026 Regular Legislative Session convened on March 9 at noon as required by the State Constitution. Returning to Baton Rouge, lawmakers will tackle a variety of subjects including regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly when it comes to protecting children, regulation of carbon capture activities here in Louisiana, and proposals to increase investment in public safety and education.

“We have made such great strides in the first two years of this term, when you look at how far we have come in areas like tax reform and beginning to see insurance rates come down here in Louisiana,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “This year we want to build on those successes to encourage even more economic investment in our state and better prepare our workforce to take advantage of those opportunities.”

“As we carefully consider the proposed $47 billion state budget for next year, legislators want to fund the priorities that are important to Louisianans without committing our state to spending we can’t afford in the years ahead,” said Senate President Cameron Henry. “As we look ahead to next year when we want to bring down our state income tax rate even further, we’ll be looking to strengthen our long-term revenue sources so that whether it’s education, energy or public safety, we build revenue sources that our state can depend on going forward.

The House of Representatives welcomed four new members today. Chasity Martinez will serve District 60 in the parishes of Assumption and Iberville and has been named to the Education, Labor and Transportation committees. Ed Murray will serve District 97 in Orleans Parish and has been named to the Insurance, Municipal, and Transportation committees. Reese “Skip” Broussard will serve District 37 in the parishes of Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis and has been named to the Agriculture, Education and Transportation committees. Doyle Boudreaux will serve District 39 in Lafayette Parish and has been named to the Transportation, Administration of Criminal Justice and Retirement committees.

As of this morning, more than 1,360 bills have been filed by legislators, including the state budget, to be considered over an 85-day general legislative session.

To follow the legislative session in real time, the public can log into http://www.legis.la.gov to search for bills and watch live streams of committee room and floor debates. The legislative mobile phone app LALEGE can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. This app includes a bill search and “find my legislator” function. Other key features include legislator profiles, Senate and House schedules and a visitor’s guide to the Capitol.

The 2026 Regular Legislative Session must adjourn no later than 6:00pm on Monday, June 1, 2026.

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You know the moment. The meeting is wrapping up, chairs start shifting, and everyone thinks they’re about to head home. Then someone says the dreaded words: “Before we adjourn, I’ve got just one more thing.” Suddenly the agenda grows, the clock keeps ticking and what was supposed to be a quick meeting turns into a marathon. Around here, “one more thing” rarely means just one more thing.

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Talent is common, but experience is rare. Here is how CAPA turns students into working professionals before they ever graduate.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

There is a moment of terrifying clarity that happens to every young artist. It usually strikes midway through a senior showcase or during the quiet drive home from an audition. It is the realization that raw talent, no matter how bright, is only a starting line. The world is full of people who can sing, paint, or write. The industry does not pay for potential. It pays for polish.

This is the hard truth of the creative life. The gap between having a gift and having a career is wide, and it is paved with rejection, technical demands, and the need for a relentless work ethic. Many young creatives hesitate here. They have the vision, yet they lack the professional-grade portfolio or the stage hours to make a casting director pause. They wait to start their careers until after graduation, only to find they are already years behind.

At Northwestern State University, inside the Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), we operate under a different philosophy. We believe you cannot learn to be a professional by sitting in a classroom talking about it. You must do the work.

The halls of CAPA carry a specific energy. It is the sound of a piano practice room occupied in the early morning hours and the scent of oils in a painting studio late at night. Here, we do not view the arts as a hobby or a fragile dream. We treat them as a discipline.

This approach changes the trajectory of a student’s life.

When you walk through the doors of CAPA, you are not asked to wait for your turn. The hierarchy that exists at other institutions, where freshmen wait years to touch a camera or step into the spotlight, does not exist here. From your first semester, you are in the mix. You are auditioning for mainstage productions. You are hanging your work in gallery exhibitions. You are recording in professional studios and reporting for digital media outlets.

The faculty guiding this work are not retired observers. They are active artists, performers, and creators who understand the modern landscape of the industry. They know that a degree is necessary, but a reel is vital. They push students to build a body of work that stands up to scrutiny in New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta.

Scott Burrell, Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts and Professor of Theatre, emphasizes that the curriculum bridges the gap between student and professional. “We don’t ask you to wait until graduation to become an artist,” Burrell says. “We hand you the tools and the stage on day one. By the time you leave, you’re not starting a career. You’re continuing one.”

The results of this immersion are etched into playbills and credit rolls across the nation.

Look at the numbers. Twelve alumni have landed on Broadway. Graduates have appeared in over 120 film and television productions. Thirty-two professional dance companies feature NSU-trained talent. Our alumni are defining the arts. They are the graphic designers shaping global brands, the journalists leading newsrooms, and the music educators inspiring the next generation.

This success stems from a curriculum that balances creative freedom with technical rigor. Whether it is the NASAD-accredited Fine & Graphic Arts program, the elite ensembles of the Department of Music, or the Department of Theatre & Dance, one of only 150 NAST-accredited programs in the country, the standard is excellence.

We understand that talent is the fuel, but training is the engine. From Theatre and Music to Art and New Media, Journalism, & Communication Arts (NMJCA), our programs are defined by cutting-edge collaboration rather than outdated instruction. We prioritize career training that is pertinent to the industry and vital to the student. For example, NMJCA students are currently producing nationally award-winning podcast series. The Department of Music routinely brings Grammy-nominated producers into the studio to work alongside faculty and students. The Department of Art’s Design Center for in-house internships was recognized as one of only twenty elite models in a 2025 study by the Louisiana Board of Regents.

When an NSU student walks across the graduation stage, they carry a resume. They have a network of peers and mentors who open doors. They possess the confidence that comes from having done the job a hundred times before the first paycheck ever arrived.

The creative world is competitive, but it is not impenetrable. It yields to those who show up prepared. If you are ready to stop dreaming about the work and start doing it, you belong here. The studio is open. The lights are on.

Whether you seek to command the stage or master the craft behind the scenes, you will find your place within CAPA’s professionally oriented programs. The invitation is open to join the Demon family. Apply to CAPA today, schedule your visit, and let’s get to work.

Explore CAPA: https://www.nsu.la/capa
Schedule a CAPA Tour: https://www.nsula.edu/admissions/campus-tours/
Apply for Admission: https://www.nsula.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/

Through the whole season of Lent, I work on answering the question, “What am I giving up for Lent.”

A friend told me recently, “I’m simply frazzled.” Now, when a minister says “frazzled,” my imagination goes straight to cartoon mode. I pictured him with his hair standing straight up, soot on his face, clutching a smoldering Bible in one hand while trying to answer a phone call and a text message with the other. Ministry does that to us. Then I looked at my own calendar—those blank spaces I had optimistically filled in with “rest”—and I understood exactly what he meant.

There’s an old saying: “I’m so busy I don’t know if I’ve found a rope or lost a horse. “Some days, that feels less like a saying and more like a spiritual condition.

Our culture practically demands frazzled, frenetic activity. If we’re going to play the game, we’re expected to check email, Facebook, Instagram, and X like we’re on some sort of digital scavenger hunt. I left Facebook, I never tweeted, and my computer only checks email a couple of times a day. I do peek at Instagram—because that’s where my family hangs out—but even that can feel like a part-time job.

Maybe a good Lenten discipline would be to give up the tyranny of the immediate. If it doesn’t get done today, I’ll get to it tomorrow. And if it’s still sitting there tomorrow, maybe it didn’t need doing in the first place.

Now, I’m not suggesting you shirk your responsibilities. I’m suggesting we learn something about living for the long run, something our souls have been trying to tell us while we’ve been too busy checking notifications.

God took the seventh day off. You, however, will not—because I know you. So let me offer a substitute: two peace pockets a day.

A peace pocket is a ten-minute break where you turn off the phone, turn off the computer monitor, close the door, and do absolutely nothing. If anyone asks, tell them you’re about to “work very hard for the next ten minutes on doing nothing.” Only we could turn rest into a job description.

If you can’t take a day off, take two peace pockets and call me later.

We spend so much time ruminating over trifles. The disciples once “lost” Jesus—not because He was lost, but because they were. They finally found Him praying alone. Breathless, they announced, “The whole town is looking for you!” Jesus calmly replied that He had other places to go. In other words: “I’m not ruled by your urgency.”

Jesus had priorities. He didn’t let the trivial masquerade as the essential.

If God rested and Jesus set priorities, maybe we should take the hint.

Maybe Lent is the perfect time to let go of the things that make us feel frazzled, frantic, and spiritually threadbare.Then, perhaps, we can finally decide whether we’ve found a rope or lost a horse.

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Members of the DeSoto Parish 4-H Archery Team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 regional archery competition, earning multiple top finishes, team titles, and several qualifications for the state tournament.

Officials with the program praised the dedication of the young archers and their coaches, noting the team had an outstanding showing representing DeSoto Parish.

National Compound (Senior Division)

Several DeSoto Parish archers placed among the top competitors in the National Compound senior event.

Elijah Smith – 2nd place
Weston Walsh – 3rd place
Ava Feazel – 6th place
Jacob Berry – 8th place
Paige Bradford – 12th place (qualified for state)
Zoe Lenhardt – 13th place (qualified for state)

The National Compound senior team of Smith, Walsh, Feazel, and Berry captured 1st place overall.

Modified FITA (Junior Division, Ages 9–11)

Joanna Inman – 5th place (recurve bare bow)
Grayson Pipes – 5th place (compound open)
Jett Blakley – 6th place (compound limited)

The junior team of Blakley, Maddox Burnett, Tripp Joseph, and Jeffrey Fort finished 2nd, while another team featuring Chandler Holland, Kash Pate, Hayden Walsh, and Roman Hollister placed 4th.

Modified FITA (Junior Division, Ages 12–13)

Elliette Youngblood – 5th (compound open)
Ellie Nichols – 6th (compound open)
Hayden Walsh – 2nd (compound limited)
Roman Hollister – 9th (compound limited)

The team of Walsh, Hollister, Ryan Ward, and Tuff Welch captured 1st place in their division.

Modified FITA (Senior Division)

Gage Cobb – 8th (recurve/bare bow)
Mason Boyett – 13th (qualified for state)
Arianna Hollister – 11th (qualified for state)
Jonathan Cambre – 13th (qualified for state)
3-D Competition (Junior Division, Ages 9–11)
Grayson Pipes – 3rd (compound open)
Tripp Joseph – 8th (compound limited)
Jett Blakley – 12th (qualified for state)

The 3-D junior team of Joseph, Blakley, Burnett, and Pate earned 3rd place, while another DeSoto team finished 6th.

3-D Competition (Junior Division, Ages 12–13)

Ellie Nichols – 5th (compound open)
Elliette Youngblood – 6th (compound open)
Hayden Walsh – 6th (compound limited)
Hayden Wheless – 8th (compound limited)

The team of Walsh, Wheless, Hollister, and Chandler Carter earned 1st place, while another team featuring Ward, Liliann Thomas, Welch, and Skylar Barber placed 3rd.

3-D (Senior Division)

Gage Cobb – 5th (bare bow/Genesis)
Arianna Hollister – 5th (compound limited)
Field Competition (Senior Division)
Addison Barber – 8th (compound open)
Valerie Tlatenchi – 3rd (compound limited)

Program leaders say they are extremely proud of the archers’ performances and dedication. Several team members will now advance to the state competition, continuing to represent DeSoto Parish on a larger stage.

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A youth shooter from DeSoto Parish is heading to a national stage after earning a spot in the prestigious Junior Olympics.

According to DeSoto Parish 4-H, local participant Addison Burnley has officially qualified for the Junior Olympics in both Air Rifle and Smallbore Rifle competitions.

Burnley began her shooting sports journey through the DeSoto Parish 4-H program, where she developed the skills that helped her earn a place among some of the nation’s top young marksmen.

Program leaders say her dedication and hard work have led to an impressive milestone for both the athlete and the local program.

Burnley will compete April 8–13, where she will have the opportunity to test her skills against top junior shooters from across the country.

Leaders with the DeSoto Parish 4-H program say they are extremely proud of Burnley’s accomplishments and will be cheering her on as she represents her community on the national stage in pursuit of becoming a Junior Olympian.

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By Steve Graf    

Oh, how times have changed in the tournament bass fishing world. In the last 20 years, tournament bass fishing has had several things that have taken the sport to another level. The first being the most obvious, electronics and forward-facing sonar. But there have been a few other things like how anglers get information today.

“Back in the day” as we old timers would say, getting information was sitting down with another angler and a paper lake map. You would use a highlighter to mark spots on the map where either he had caught bass before or places you might want to check.

Anglers would spend hours staring at a waterproof paper map like it was the Holy Grail. We brought them along with us in the boat to make sure we hit every spot marked. We made notes on the map as to what we caught, what time we caught fish, what bait we caught them on and what depth the fish were. We made notes on the water temperature as well as wind direction.

Maps were our main source of information on how a lake would set up for how we wanted to fish. Maps today are still very important, but now they’re on a screen, on our I-pads, cell phones and electronic units on our boats.

But there were also other ways anglers got information just like they do today. Who has more information than an angler who guides on a particular body of water? It’s that guy that spends every day of the week taking people out fishing. This person is full of information that can be a real asset to a tournament bass fisherman.

Also back in the day, we would meet a friend for lunch who maybe fishes a certain body of water frequently. He would tell you about spots that he knew about or had caught fish before. So, word of mouth was also a way we got information.

Fast forward to 2026, and the information highway is insane. Today, there is so much information that the younger generation has grown up with that it’s mind blowing. Someone asked me before, “Can you get too much information?”

Yes, too much information can create confusion and sidetrack you on what you need to be doing in order to compete in the tournament. Also, information is only good for so long, as bass fishing can change daily or even hourly.

All anglers process information differently, and personally, I don’t like talking to a lot of anglers about what, how and where I need to fish. Over my 30-year career, I can only think of maybe twice that information actually paid off with either a win or cashing a check.

To this day, I feel confident in my ability to find fish on my own. One of the first lessons I learned was that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even with good information about a certain spot, you still have to figure out boat positioning and the best way to approach the spot.

A lot of people complain that today’s anglers are networking together and forming their own little information group, especially the rookies on tour. The young anglers today have come up through the ranks with college and high school fishing teams, where they communicate a lot.

This is nothing new. Ever since professional bass fishing started, anglers have been forming partnerships with other anglers. That’s why anglers form small groups that travel and eat together, while developing true friendships and trust.

But the younger generation of anglers today are doing some things that I feel may not be in good spirit of the sport. They have budgets they use to purchase weigh points or dots as they call it.

That’s infringing on the integrity of the sport. This, in my opinion, is going too far and should not be allowed in tournament competition.

Of course, just like so many other things today, money is a factor along with how much you have. Some of the younger anglers have budgets of $30,000 plus (provided by parents) to spend each season for weigh points.

This is an unfair advantage whether you want to admit it or not. It’s proving the point that if you have money, you can compete for the win rather than just trying to cash a check.

It’s really hard to make it as a pro on your own. Today, you need that support system of information and money because it’s so difficult to fish against the best anglers on the planet on your own. It’s a different game today than it was 20 years ago.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Lowell K. “Sandy” Robinson was a deputy for the Tulare County California Sheriff’s Department until he was elected Sheriff in 1951. From that election until the election in 1966, Sandy had easily defeated all others who vied for the office. The November 8, 1966, election day was a disaster for Sandy because he received only about half as many votes as his contender received. On January 1, 1967, he turned his office and the title of sheriff over to the incoming sheriff.

One of Sandy’s daily tasks was to retrieve his mail from post office box number 510 at the Visalia Post Office. It was a task that had become so routine that he performed it without much thought. It was just one of the routine details of his daily life such as putting on his shoes and grabbing his car keys. Soon after the election, Sandy decided to leave Visalia, California and move to Baxter Springs, Kansas to be near his parents and siblings. In the chaos of moving, Sandy forgot to return his post office box key. It remained on his keyring. Sandy was still getting things settled in Baxter Springs when a local hotel manager resigned and moved to another town. The hotel owner offered Sandy the hotel manager position and he quickly accepted. Sandy had not set up his new address in Baxter Springs when he was hired for his new job. When he visited the post office, he requested the same post office box which had been used by the previous manager just in case any mail intended for the hotel was delivered to that box. After completing the necessary paperwork, the postal clerk gave Sandy the box key. Stamped on one side of the key was the post office box number. Sandy was surprised when he looked at the key and saw it stamped with the number 510. Sandy had the same post office box number in Baxter Springs that he had in Visalia some 1650 miles to the west.

Sandy shrugged off the coincidence. He made sure the new key worked, retrieved a few pieces of mail from the box, then put the key on his key ring with little thought. Nearly two years went by, and checking his mailbox at the Baxter Springs Post Office became just another item on his daily routine. Then in August 1969, Sandy pulled out his keyring and opened box number 510. He retrieved the mail and was in the process of locking his post office box when he noticed that another key on his key ring was stamped “510.” That is when he finally realized that he had forgotten to return his key to the Visalia Post Office. Then, he wondered which of the two keys he had been using for nearly two years to get his mail. Other than normal wear, the keys were practically identical. Sandy tried both keys in each of the mailboxes in the Baxter Springs Post Office. Although they would not open any other box at that post office, both keys opened post office box number 510.

Sources:

1. The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), August 25, 1969, p.5.

2. The Daily Item (Port Chester, New York), October 1, 1969, p.8.

3. “Lowell Sandy Robinson,” FindAGrave.com, accessed March 1, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28198671/lowell-sandy-robinson.

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“How do I take our money off ‘subscription auto‑pilot’ and put it back under family control?”
 See what Ida says 

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On March 11, 1970, the beginning of the end for one of the most influential bands in music history quietly unfolded. On that day, a press release tied to the upcoming solo album of Paul McCartney included a self-interview in which he confirmed he was no longer working with The Beatles.

Though tensions had been building within the band for months, McCartney’s public comments made what many feared official: The Beatles were effectively finished.

Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles — comprised of McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — had transformed popular music in less than a decade. From early hits like “She Loves You” to groundbreaking albums such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” the group reshaped recording techniques, songwriting standards and global celebrity culture.

By 1969, however, creative differences and business disputes had strained relationships within the band. Recording sessions for what would become “Let It Be” were famously tense, later chronicled in documentaries and studio footage that revealed the fractures behind the harmonies.

McCartney’s March 11 announcement did not immediately result in legal dissolution, but it signaled to fans around the world that the Beatles’ collaborative era had ended. The official breakup would follow in 1970 after legal actions were filed.

The news stunned fans and dominated international headlines. For many, the breakup symbolized the close of the 1960s themselves — a cultural shift away from the optimism and experimentation that defined the decade.

In the years that followed, each member embarked on successful solo careers, producing enduring hits and continuing to shape music independently. Yet the impact of The Beatles as a collective remains unmatched.

More than five decades later, March 11 stands as a pivotal date in music history — the day the world learned that the band that defined a generation was no more.

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Sonda Samuel – Vanzant
09/22/1971 – 03/05/2026
Visitation : Friday March 13 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Union Spring B.C.

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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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.

Weekly K-9 training exercises continued this week at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff Training Center, where law enforcement agencies from across the region gathered to sharpen skills and strengthen interagency cooperation.

According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Wednesdays are dedicated to advancing the capabilities of K-9 teams through hands-on, scenario-based training designed to prepare deputies and their canine partners for real-world situations. The latest session was hosted by Sgt. Kelby Pearah and included multiple surrounding agencies participating in the day-long exercises.

The morning training focused on practical scenarios, with deputies rotating in and out of the bite suit to help K-9 teams practice controlled apprehension techniques. Participating agencies included sheriff’s office K-9 handlers from Panola County, Sabine County, DeSoto Parish, Red River Parish, and Sabine Parish.

Training emphasized building searches and tracking operations inside structures — skills considered critical when locating suspects who may be hiding inside homes or businesses. Teams also worked on reinforcing K-9 recognition between uniformed deputies and suspects to ensure clear identification and controlled responses during high-stress encounters.

Officials noted the training not only improves operational readiness but also strengthens partnerships between neighboring law enforcement agencies.

“We appreciate all agencies in attendance for bringing their K-9 teams and for their willingness to participate — including those who volunteered to step into the direct line of a K-9,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding a lighthearted acknowledgment to DeSoto Deputy Nolan Perot, who left training with a few scratches after assisting in exercises.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson praised the continued collaboration among departments.
“Training opportunities like this continue to strengthen partnerships between agencies and help ensure that deputies and their K-9 partners remain prepared to serve and protect the residents of their respective communities,” Richardson said. “We are always grateful to see agencies come together with a shared commitment to mastering their profession and focusing on safer, more effective methods in doing so.”

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office plans to continue hosting weekly K-9 training sessions as part of its ongoing commitment to public safety and professional development.

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DeSoto Parish residents can expect warm temperatures through the end of the workweek before a much wetter and cooler pattern moves into the area this weekend, bringing increased rain and thunderstorm chances.

Wednesday:
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after noon. Skies will begin cloudy but gradually become mostly sunny during the afternoon. High temperatures will reach near 84 degrees with south winds at 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night:
Mostly cloudy skies with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Overnight lows will fall to around 66 degrees with light south winds.

Thursday:
Partly sunny and warm with a high near 84 degrees.

Thursday Night:
Partly cloudy conditions with an overnight low around 66 degrees.

Friday:
A 30 percent chance of showers develops after noon under partly sunny skies. Afternoon highs will climb to near 86 degrees.

Friday Night:
Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Low temperatures around 68 degrees.

Saturday:
Rain chances increase significantly. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, becoming more widespread during the afternoon. High near 82 degrees with an 80 percent chance of precipitation.

Saturday Night:
Showers and thunderstorms likely with cloudy skies and a low near 63 degrees. Rain chances remain at 60 percent.

Sunday:
Cloudy and cooler with showers likely and possible thunderstorms. High temperatures will reach around 74 degrees. Rain chances stand at 70 percent.

Sunday Night:
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms continues under mostly cloudy skies. Low near 62 degrees.

Monday:
Unsettled weather persists with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy conditions with a high near 76 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as rain chances increase heading into the weekend and early next week.

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You ever notice how life has a way of barging in like a neighbor who doesn’t bother knocking? One minute you’re minding your own business, sipping coffee, feeling almost in control of your day—and the next, life taps you on the shoulder and says, “Scoot over, I’m sitting here now.” Around here, we treat interruptions the way we treat seagulls at the beach: we try to enjoy the view, but we keep one eye on the sky because we know something unpleasant might fall at any moment.

But what if we’ve been misreading the interruptions? What if the things we label as nuisances, delays, and potholes are actually holy things—God’s way of nudging us, slowing us, or getting our attention before we wander too far down the road of selfimportance and illusion of control?

We usually treat interruptions as spiritual speed bumps—annoying, jarring, and always arriving at the worst possible moment. But have you considered that the interruptions in your life might be holy things?

They might be God’s gracious way of getting your attention, redirecting your steps, or opening a door you didn’t even know was there.

Lent is a season of selfimposed interruption, if you observe it. It disrupts our usual habits and routines. Asking someone what they gave up for Lent is a bit like asking about New Year’s resolutions—we don’t always want to admit how fragile our commitments are. We resist resolutions and Lenten disciplines because they interrupt the normal choices we make. They threaten the illusion that we are in control.

But Lent brings us the gift of holy interruption. By intentionally letting go of our triedandtrue rhythms, we make room for new life to spring forth in the garden of the Resurrection. Lent is a minorkey season that unsettles the usual. It prepares us for the massive interruption of human history called the Resurrection.
Everything about Jesus was an interruption. His life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and reign as Lord and Savior interrupt human selfishness and sinfulness. Following Him certainly changes the course of your wellplanned life. He steps into our stories not to tidy them up but to transform them.

So, the next time you are interrupted, be encouraged. God may be allowing you to put aside your need to control and opening up an opportunity to experience His love and grace. God often shows up when we are not looking for Him. His love and grace can be found in holy interruptions.

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By Nutrition Agent, Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: Hearty Taco Bean Soup

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4 hours slow cooker)

This Hearty Taco Bean Soup is an easy one-dish meal that’s loaded with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies. It’s so quick and easy that you’ll even have time for a brisk evening walk after dinner. Pair with whole wheat tortilla chips, reduced fat shredded cheese, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– Vegetable oil cooking spray

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken

– 1 (28 oz) can no salt added crushed tomatoes

– 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 1 (16 oz) can reduced-sodium chili beans

– 1 (15 oz) can no salt added black beans

– 1 (15 oz) can no salt added pinto beans

– 1 (14 oz) can no salt added whole kernel corn, drained

– 1 (1.2 oz) package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix

– 3 ½ cups water

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Spray a large pot with vegetable oil cooking spray. Sauté onions until soft.

2. Add ground meat and brown well.

3. Add all remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and brown meat in a skillet.

2. Transfer to slow cooker.

3. Add all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

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

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“Why do couples fight about the same things over and over?”
 See what Ida says about breaking the cycle.

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DeSoto Parish Schools is inviting prospective and current educators to experience the district firsthand during Discover DeSoto Day 2026, a full-day event designed to showcase what officials call “The DeSoto Difference.”

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will take place at 399 Jenkins Street in Mansfield. District leaders say the initiative aims to provide teachers with an inside look at the school system’s campuses, programs, and collaborative culture.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit all nine DeSoto Parish school campuses, attend cluster meetings, and connect directly with district administrators and fellow educators throughout the day.

Organizers say the event is intended to help educators better understand the district’s educational approach and professional environment.

School officials encourage educators interested in learning more about career opportunities and district initiatives to attend and see how DeSoto Parish Schools are “winning together.”

Those interested in participating can register or request additional information by contacting Amanda Tingle at amanda.tingle@desotopsb.com or by calling 318-872-2836.

District leaders say Discover DeSoto Day offers a unique opportunity for educators to explore the community, meet leadership teams, and experience the programs and partnerships that support student success across the parish.

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Several DeSoto Parish 4-H members recently represented the parish at the Louisiana 4-H State Hunting Skills Competition, earning strong finishes during a weekend of challenging outdoor and marksmanship events.

According to DeSoto Parish 4-H officials, participants competed in multiple skill areas designed to test real-world hunting knowledge and safety, including general hunting skills, map reading, and shotgun proficiency.

In the Junior Division, Ryan May earned 3rd place in Hunting Skills and finished 7th overall, marking an impressive performance among competitors from across the state.

In the Senior Division, Clay Usrey placed 10th overall, while Mason Boyett secured 15th overall, showcasing the strength and preparation of the DeSoto Parish team.

Organizers credited the team’s success to dedicated preparation and coaching throughout the season.

Special recognition was given to Coach Jennifer Miller for her leadership and commitment to guiding the students.

Officials also thanked Miller for providing action photos from the competition and for helping develop a strong team representing DeSoto Parish at the state level.

DeSoto Parish 4-H leaders congratulated all participants on their achievements, noting that the Hunting Skills program promotes outdoor education, responsibility, safety, and teamwork among youth participants.

The competition serves as one of the premier statewide events for 4-H members interested in conservation, outdoor sports, and hunting education.