Mansfield High School is celebrating the accomplishments of five students who were selected to attend the prestigious Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy at Nicholls State University, with one participant earning a statewide leadership honor.

The academy, which brings together young women from across Louisiana, focuses on developing leadership skills, fostering civic engagement, and building connections among future leaders. Throughout the weeklong program, participants engage in leadership training, networking opportunities, and collaborative activities designed to prepare them for leadership roles in their schools and communities.

Representing Mansfield High School at this year’s academy were:

Kamille Bumcon

N’Yriah Hensley

Lindsey Peoples

Hollie Yarbrough

Yuxi Zheng

School officials praised the students for their commitment to leadership and the positive manner in which they represented Mansfield High School and DeSoto Parish during the program.

“These young leaders spent the week sharpening their leadership skills, building connections, and representing MHS with excellence,” the school said in a statement.

The celebration became even more significant when Yuxi Zheng was elected the 2026 Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy Ambassador, one of the program’s highest honors.

According to Mansfield High School, Zheng earned the position through a competitive mock election process in which academy participants voted for a representative to serve as the face of the program and help shape future academy activities.

As ambassador, Zheng will work alongside academy organizers and student leaders to assist with planning and promoting next year’s program while serving as a representative of the academy across the state.

School officials said the achievement reflects Zheng’s leadership abilities and the respect she earned from fellow participants during the academy.

The accomplishments of all five students highlight the growing leadership opportunities available to young women throughout Louisiana and underscore Mansfield High School’s commitment to developing future community leaders.

Mansfield High School congratulated each of the participants for their achievements and thanked them for representing the school with pride.

“We are proud of each of you,” school officials said.

The Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy continues to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and prepare for future success in education, careers, and public service.

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By Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John Fleming, M.D.

Now that the incumbent, Dr. Bill Cassidy, has been eliminated from the Republican Party’s runoff election, Louisiana voters need to decide who is the best candidate to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

All voters hear from my opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is that she “earned the endorsement of President Trump.” However, the endorsement was totally engineered by Governor Jeff Landry through the political back door.

What did Julia Letlow do to earn the endorsement? Was it her lifetime commitment as a liberal academic to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), policies that President Trump strenuously opposes? Was it her liberal voting record in Congress that was in direct opposition to the President’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) and America First agenda?

Was it her vote to fund the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Biden administration that allocated taxpayer money toward abortions and gender reassignment surgeries overseas?

Was it her staunch support for Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration?

Was it her record of incompetence, passing no bills into law during her five years in Congress?

In contrast to her history of liberalism and ineffectiveness, I offer Louisiana voters a record of achievement and honest service. I am a physician, military veteran, small business owner, and job creator. I served as a Louisiana Congressman, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, and was Co-Founder of the House Freedom Caucus. Presently, I am honored to serve as your Louisiana State Treasurer.

My voting record is unabashedly conservative, staunchly supporting MAGA and America First policies. I totally oppose the Green Energy and Carbon Sequestration scams.

Unlike my opponent, whose campaign has been referred to both the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice for investigation and who admitted to late filings of 210 stock trades, there is no blemish on my record. In fact, as a Congressman, I did not engage in stock trading.

As Julia Letlow’s liberal views are being exposed, her poll numbers are falling. In recent days, her own pollster announced that I am leading in the polls.

The more she drops in the polls, the more desperate and unhinged her attacks become. Her campaign is panicking and issuing shrill statements to confuse and intimidate voters.

Fortunately, Louisiana voters are smart. They know Julia Letlow will not debate me because she cannot defend her record. They know that Governor Landry and his allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into this race to support her. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.

I am running for the United States Senate because Louisiana needs a senator who will challenge the political establishment, both in our home state and in our Nation’s Capital, not accommodate it.

Louisiana voters face a clear choice in this Senate runoff. You can continue sending politicians like Julia Letlow to Washington who only talk about conservative values, or you can elect me, a proven conservative fighter who has spent a lifetime defending them.

Throughout my career, I have stood unapologetically for limited government, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, energy independence, and the sanctity of life. I have consistently placed principles above political convenience.

Friends, as the only genuine MAGA conservative in the runoff, I am asking for your vote to become Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator.

Early voting continues through June 20, and Election Day is June 27.

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The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Life Spent Singing the Blues: A Music Informance with the Wayne ‘Blue’ Burns Band” on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State, will interview the band about the cultural significance of blues music in Louisiana. Their discussion will include songs performed by the band which will also perform at the 46th annual Natchitoches-NSU Louisiana Folklife Festival, to be held July 18 in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the NSU campus.

Burns has been playing music all his life. He is a world-famous bassist, but the blues guitar is his thing. A native of Lafayette, Burns credits Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller as two of his favorite musical influences. He has performed with many artists but is most famous for nearly 20 years as bassist for Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco. He has also performed with Ernie K-Doe,

The Larks, Betty Wright, Buckwheat and the Hitchhikers, Lil Buck Senegal, Jude Taylor, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Walter Junior, The RoadDoctor and a decade with C.J. Chenier, Clifton Chenier’s son. In his life-long career, Burns has performed in all 50 United States and around the world, including in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is one of the first African Americans to perform in East Berlin after the Wall came down. Burns’ proudest moment came in 1982 when he played bass on Clifton Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band’s Grammy-winning album, “I’m Here!”

For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to www.nsula.edu/folklife/.

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

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The power of community was on full display in Mansfield as residents came together to support a local teenager whose strength and determination have inspired countless people throughout DeSoto Parish.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Humphrey family to host a Fish Fry Fundraiser for 13-year-old Alexis, who is currently in need of a wheelchair-accessible van to improve her mobility and quality of life.

According to organizers, Alexis was given only a 50 percent chance of survival at birth. Despite the odds, she has continued to overcome challenges with remarkable courage, resilience, and an uplifting spirit that has touched the hearts of many throughout the parish.

Held on June 12 at the former Market Basket parking lot in Mansfield, the fundraiser featured fried catfish plates and drew strong support from residents, volunteers, donors, and local businesses eager to contribute to the cause.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in making the event a success.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who donated, volunteered, attended, and supported Alexis during today’s Fish Fry Fundraiser,” Richardson said. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, the event was an incredible success and will help provide Alexis and her family with resources that can make a meaningful difference in her quality of life.”

The sheriff noted that the event served as a powerful reminder of what makes DeSoto Parish special.

“Moments like this remind us what community is all about—neighbors coming together, offering support, and showing love when it matters most,” Richardson said.

The fundraiser generated both financial support and community encouragement for Alexis and her family as they work toward securing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Officials with the Sheriff’s Office praised the residents of DeSoto Parish for once again stepping up when a local family needed help.

“DeSoto Parish showed up and showed its best,” Richardson said.

The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Humphrey family, thanked everyone who contributed to the fundraiser and helped make the day a memorable one for Alexis.

As efforts continue to help meet Alexis’ transportation needs, the success of the fundraiser stands as a testament to the generosity and compassion that define the DeSoto Parish community.

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NATCHITOCHES – Braden Phillips of North DeSoto High School is the newest member of Northwestern State University’s Rodeo Team and will compete in team roping. He is the son of Tammy Phillips and Mark Phillips.

Cody DeMoss, a 14-time NFR bronc rider, will be coaching the Rodeo Team, which is open to all full-time NSU students with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Male competition events will include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Female competitions will include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.

The team will compete through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), representing NSU against top programs across the Southern Region and the United States. The Rodeo Team will provide an opportunity for students to continue their rodeo careers while earning a degree, gaining experience and representing NSU at a competitive level.

Phillips is entering the Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) program through NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. AMP is a pathway for students to obtain a degree while attending classes and working hands-on in a regional manufacturing facility. The program prepares completers for high-paying in-demand jobs in north and central Louisiana by equipping them with skills in manufacturing technology. Information is available through Craig Caskey, AMP coordinator and instructor, at caskeyc@nsula.edu.

For more information, scan the QR code below or visit https://nsu.la/Rodeo. DeMoss can be reached at (318) 268-0349 or demossc@nsula.edu.

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Music, food, family fun at free Hall of Fame Rockin’ River Fest Friday, June 26

Friday night is just right for some midsummer magic under the moonlight, free for all, during next weekend’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

Specifically, it’s going to happen next Friday evening into night, June 26, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district. It’s the free Rockin’ Riverfest party presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center and Louisiana Propane Dealers.

The showcase act is Blue Crab Redemption, a Louisiana bred and fed alt blues/rock band whose major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and The Eagles.  Their sound is a raw, classic vibe from ghosts of legends past blended with the soulful influences of the modern rock era.

The opener is Connor Martin, a country artist passionate about creating music that inspires and connects. Recently, Martin has opened for Easton Corbin, Tyler Farr, Parker McCollum, and Keith Urban.

Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: at 9:15, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2026 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. Then the music cranks up again for another hour of festivities.

And yes, you read correctly. It’s free to attend.

There will be food and beverage vendors – Girlines Home Cooking, Soulful Wings, Summer Snow To Go and for the grown-ups, Maggio’s, on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.

MOVE Sport and Spine will set up their sharp-looking apparel line for sale, and Hall of Fame gear will also be available.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans will include basketball, football, baseball games and inflatables for all ages to enjoy. NSU athletes will be on hand to help the kids have all the fun, and give away some basketballs.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up some of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2026 Induction Class.

Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 26, in downtown Natchitoches.

Rockin’ River Fest is one of three free events during the Induction Celebration, starting with the free Welcome Reception Thursday evening, June 25, from 5-7 in the Hall of Fame museum. It’s not a dress-up event, just a come eat and meet the inductees and check out the world-class museum at no charge. The other free event is the Saturday morning June 27 Saints & Pelicans LSHOF Junior Training Camp for kids. Advance registration is necessary at LaSportsHall.com.

For information on all seven events during the June 25-27 Class of 2026 Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

Paid Content

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There have been a few close calls for me while fishing the big waters of Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn. Each of these bodies of water are completely different in terms of how rough and dangerous each can be, whether it’s due to high winds or approaching storms. But one thing is the same; they will both scare you nearly to death. 

Over the years, I’ve had several close encounters that had me kissing the ground once I could put my feet on dry land. Even with these two lakes being close to each other as the crow flies, navigation for boaters can be totally different due to the fact that one has boat lanes and the other is pretty much wide open.

Let’s start with Toledo Bend. Geographically, this lake runs true north and south. So, a wind coming straight out of the south or directly from the north can make for extremely rough boat rides. Even a north or south wind of 5-10 MPH can have this body of water rocking and rolling. 

Sam Rayburn, on the other hand, is a different kind of lake in that runs northwest to southeast. That means if you get a strong northwest or southeast wind, navigation can be really tough. But wind in any other direction allows anglers to run one side of the lake or the other and avoid rough water because there are no boat lanes you have to run, like you do on Toledo Bend.

The problem with Toledo Bend is the fact that you must run the pre-charted boat lanes due to all the underwater stumps and debris that engulf this entire 72-mile-long waterway. Once you get out of the boat lanes you must idle to ensure safe boating navigation. 

But this also puts you at the mercy of Mother Nature and limits your ability to ride the waves that make navigation easier. Nothing is worse than driving your boat and going with the waves rather than against them. 

When possible, it’s always easier to go against the waves, which can sometimes allow you to run from one wave (once on plane) to the next, if the crest of each wave is not too far apart. 

I had one trip a few years ago that turned into one of the worst boat rides of my life. The tournament I was fishing was going out of Fin & Feather Resort on the south end of Toledo Bend. On this particular morning it was bluebird skies with zero wind in the pocket where we took off. 

But oh, how quickly things changed! Unbeknownst to any of us fishing this event, there was a strong 20-25 MPH wind dead out of the south that morning. When you reached the main lake boat road to head either north or south, you were met with 3-4 foot rolling waves. 

It was so rough that anglers were losing rods and reels and anything else on their boats that was not tied down. It was so bad all day that some anglers lost either a trolling motor or their electronic screens off the bow of their boats as they ran back in for weigh-in.  

I personally had fish located in the back of Negreet Creek on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend and realized quickly that there was no way I was going across the lake in that kind of wind!

Like so many other anglers that day, I quickly switched to Plan B in order to try and salvage my tournament day by pulling into the first cove I found. I was simply going to fish new water and try and catch a solid limit of bass. 

My co-angler for the day asked me if I had ever fished in this pocket before. I looked him straight in the eye and said, “No, but take a good look at it, because you’re going to see it all day.” 

Around 1 o’clock that afternoon, it was time to start thinking about heading in for the weigh-in at 3, even though we were only two miles from the boat ramp. I was thinking it would take at least an hour, as the wind was now getting worse, blowing 30 mph, still out of the south. 

As I came out of the pocket and tried getting the boat up on plane, it was very apparent that this was not going to be possible and that the only way to make it back was to idle the entire two miles. 

One hour and 30 minutes later, we finally made it back to the weigh-in with only a few minutes to spare before we would have been given a late penalty — which was 1 pound for every minute you were late. 

I actually did better than I thought I would as I weighed-in a little over 15 pounds and finished in the top 15 for the day. But there were a lot of sad faces back at the ramp as guys loaded their boats, short a few rods and reels, along with trolling motors hanging off or electronics completely gone.

Tournament directors today have a very difficult job and are very conscious of sending anglers out on a body of water with either high winds predicted or the forecast of severe weather rolling in on tournament day. 

I know some anglers get frustrated when these directors make the call to cancel or postpone an event, but they’re just doing what is in the best interest of the anglers and making sure everyone gets back to their loved ones safely. After all, we do this for fun, not for a living!!!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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In a nutshell, yes.  To be fair to restaurants, though, it seems like the price of just about everything has gotten ridiculous.  In my research for this article, I found the website latestcost.com, which has a blog post on the average cost of a burger. The site has tons of pop-up ads that are a deterrent for spending much time delving into their blogs but I was intrigued with their vast list of average costs they discussed in their blog posts. According to their data, the average cost for just a hamburger with no sides or a drink is $3.50 – $12.00.  I don’t know about where you live, but in my neck of the woods, $3.50 is going to get you a burger that you would normally find in a kid’s meal with little to no nutritional value.  According to the website datassential.com, burger prices have risen by 14% since 2023 while beef production costs surged 32%. The average net profit margin a restaurant makes on each hamburger sold is 10 – 15% for a regular burger and 12 – 18% for a gourmet burger. 

There are ways to save when dining out. The easiest way to reduce your costs is to order water instead of a drink. According to moneydigest.com, the markup for a fountain drink at a restaurant ranges between 650% to 1,100%! Consider sharing a meal with your spouse, date, or friend. By sharing your meal, you’ll not only leave your wallet a little fatter, you’ll keep from growing your girth. You can also save on your meals by using coupons or discounts that may be available through your credit card or bank card. You may also find discounted gift cards at your local membership club or through gift card exchange websites. You can explore recommendations for gift card exchange websites at pcmag.com, which suggests you read a website’s FAQ section to determine if they offer a money-back guarantee before making any purchase.

Got a question about work, money, family—or just figuring life out? Ask Ida is where real people get real answers, served with humor and plain talk. Send in your question, and let’s make sense of life’s bumps together. ASK IDA

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You ever notice that God seems to run the universe like He’s driving in reverse? If any of us tried to run things the way He does, the DMV would take away our license and make us sit through that video about safe following distances. But God specializes in doing things backwards—not wrong, not confused, but gloriously, intentionally, redemptively backwards.

Take Abraham and Sarah. By all accounts, they should’ve been greatgrandparents sitting on the porch comparing prescription prices and arguing about who hid the remote. Instead, God hands them a diaper bag and says, “Surprise!” That’s backwards. And once you start looking for it, you see it everywhere.

God picks Moses the Mumbler to speak for Him. He chooses David the Kid to fight a giant. He calls Gideon the Scaredy Cat to lead an army. He uses Rahab—with the résumé no one expected—to help secure the Promised Land. That’s backwards.

Then Jesus arrives and takes the whole thing to another level. He says the first will be last. He says you win by losing. He says you gain by giving. He says love your enemies—which is so backwards we still haven’t gotten used to it.

And the biggest backwards moment of all? The King of Kings shows up born in a barn, rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and defeats death by dying. That’s not just backwards—that’s resurrection logic.

Maybe that’s why so many of us feel disoriented when life doesn’t go the way we planned. We assume something must be wrong. But what if the backwards places are exactly where God does His best work? What if the moments that feel upsidedown are actually the moments when God is turning things rightsideup?

So if your life feels a little backwards right now, take heart. You might be closer to God’s will than you think. After all, He’s been steering in reverse since the beginning—and somehow, He always gets us where we need to go.

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Herman Jerome “Jerry” Alter and Sara Rita Sinofsky married in 1956 in New York City.  Jerry and Rita both worked for high schools in New York and New Jersey; Jerry was a music teacher, and Rita was a speech therapist.  In 1974, Jerry retired at the young age of 47 and he and Rita bought a 20-acre mesa overlooking a mountain valley near Cliff, New Mexico, about 30 miles northwest of Silver City.  In 1979, they built a ranch-style home on the property overlooking the valley.  Jerry and Rita coauthored three independently published books, all of which were published in 2011.  The first was a blend of fictional and non-fiction adventure travel.  The second was a twist on Aesop’s Fables set in verse.  The third was a book of poetry based on their travel experiences.  The books sold poorly.  In the “about the author” section of the books, Jerry claimed that he had “visited over 140 countries on all continents, including both polar regions.”  

On April 9, 2012, 81-year-old Jerry died of natural causes, followed by 81-year-old Rita on June 5, 2017.  Rita’s nephew Ron Roseman, a resident of Houston, Texas, was the executor of her estate.  Ron contacted real estate agent Ruth Seawolf the following month to sell the property.  In an email discussing the property Ron said, “Ruthie, I’ve gone through the home, and I don’t think there is anything of value, but help yourself.”  Ruthie visited the home in preparation for putting it on the market and noted that it was “a little dated, older home,” but one she thought would “be fairly easy to sell.”  Ruthie contacted the owners of Manzanita Ridge Furniture & Antiques in Silver City, to visit the house to see how best to dispose of its contents.  Everything in the home was old and covered in dust.  When they removed the pictures and paintings from the walls, it was evident by the dust patterns that they had been hanging in the same positions for decades.  The antique store owners saw nothing they considered especially valuable and bought the entire contents for around $2,000.  

The antique store owners carted a few select items including furniture, small art pieces, and paintings back to their store and donated most of the contents to a local thrift store.  David Van Auker, one of the antique store owners, liked one of the paintings which had hung behind the Alter’s bedroom door for decades and intended to display it in his guest house.  Back at the store, customers were drawn to the painting in the cheap gold frame and said they recognized it.  After several customers independently expressed their belief that the painting looked familiar, David did some internet research.  He was stunned to learn that over three decades earlier, on the day after Thanksgiving in 1985, a man and woman who resembled Jerry and Rita stole a Willem de Kooning painting called Woman-Ochre from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson.  The painting was valued at over $160 million, but David returned the painting to the museum of art and refused a reward.  This was just the first of many valuable paintings that the FBI learned that Jerry and Rita Alter had stolen.  Everyone, especially their friends and family, were stunned to learn that Jerry and Rita Alter were professional art thieves.  

Sources:

1.     “Herman Jerome ‘Jerry’ Alter,” FindAGrave.com, accessed June 7, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190759614/herman-jerome-alter.

2.     “Sara Rita Sinofsky Alter,” FindAGrave.com, accessed June 7, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190758039/sara_rita-alter.

3.     Arizona Daily Star, November 30, 1985, p.1.

4.     Silver City Sun-News, August 18, 2017, p.A4.

5.     The Santa Fe New Mexican, September 10, 2017, p.A2.

6.     Carlsbad Current-Argus, December 28, 2024, p.3.

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Linda “Diane” Carter – Richard
07/12/1951 – 06/15/2026
Visitation : Wednesday June 24 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Thursday June 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Evergreen B.C.

Willie Banks
07/23/1950 – 06/13/2026
Visitation : Friday June 19 at 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday June 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Deliverance Temple B.C. in Coushatta

Walter Lee Brooks Sr.
12/23/1934-5/23/2026
Services: Thursday, June 18 at 10:00 am at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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Troopers continue to investigate the fatal crash in DeSoto Parish that claimed the lives of a driver and passenger on June 11, 2026. The previously unidentified passenger has now been identified as 34-year-old Jessie Pena of Victoria, TX. This crash remains under investigation.

See below for the initial news release.

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on June 11 around 5:15 am on Louisiana Highway 5 near Cool Springs Road. The crash claimed the lives of 23-year-old Michael Haynes of Gladewater, TX, and a passenger whose identity is being withheld pending positive identification.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Ford F-250, driven by Haynes, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 5. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford exited the roadway, overturned, and collided with a tree. Haynes, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Impairment is unknown; however, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.

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The attached report displays all individuals charged over the last 7 days, including those arrested by summons who may not have been booked directly into the Detention Center. The attached arrests have been made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Comments are disabled on crime related posts to ensure public safety.

The DeSoto Parish School Board has approved a comprehensive compensation package that includes a 6.8% salary increase for all full-time employees, along with targeted recruitment, retention, and recognition incentives set to take effect during the 2026-2027 school year.

The approved plan represents a significant investment in educators, administrators, and support staff across the district as officials work to maintain competitive compensation and strengthen employee retention.

Superintendent Clay Corley said the package reflects the district’s commitment to supporting the employees who contribute to student success every day.

“Our people are the reason we continue to be one of the top-performing districts in the state,” Corley said. “This compensation package is the Board’s way of saying what we’ve always believed — if you want great outcomes for kids, you invest in the adults who show up every day.”

Corley added that the initiative is designed to create an environment where talented educators and staff members can build long-term careers within the district.

“It isn’t just a pay increase, it’s a commitment to building the kind of district where talented educators want to stay and grow,” he said. “That matters for our kids, and it matters for this community.”

Recruitment and Retention Focus

In addition to the district-wide pay increase, the package includes targeted incentive stipends aimed at addressing staffing shortages in key areas.

Teachers serving in inclusion and self-contained special education classrooms who are working toward special education certification will be eligible for annual incentives. Additional compensation opportunities will also be available for employees serving in designated hard-to-staff schools, depending on their role and certification status.

District leaders said the incentives are intended to improve recruitment efforts while encouraging experienced employees to remain in critical positions.

Expanded Employee Recognition

The compensation package also expands financial recognition for outstanding employees through new Employee of the Year incentive awards.

Teachers, new teachers, support employees, and principals who earn honors at the school, district, semifinalist, finalist, or overall winner levels will be eligible for monetary awards recognizing their accomplishments and contributions to student achievement.

School Board President Bobby Boyd said the action demonstrates the board’s commitment to investing in employees at every level.

“This action reflects the Board’s belief that our employees are our greatest asset,” Boyd said. “By investing in competitive salaries, recognizing excellence, and supporting hard-to-fill positions, we are strengthening the foundation of student success across DeSoto Parish.”

“We want every employee to know their work is valued, appreciated, and essential to the future of our schools,” he added.
Long-Term Investment in Education

District officials said the compensation package was developed through a collaborative review process that considered employee feedback, market trends, staffing challenges, and long-term financial planning.

The board’s approval underscores an ongoing effort to position DeSoto Parish Schools as an employer of choice while maintaining a strong focus on academic achievement and organizational excellence.

School leaders expressed confidence that the new compensation structure will help attract and retain high-quality educators and support personnel while continuing to support positive outcomes for students throughout the parish.

Additional information about employment opportunities within DeSoto Parish Schools is available through the district’s website.

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Several members of the DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court’s Office recently attended the annual Nuts & Bolts Judicial Seminar, a professional development event designed to provide court personnel with the latest information on legal, ethical, and administrative issues affecting Louisiana’s judicial system.

The seminar, held in Destin, Florida, brought together court professionals from across the state for a series of educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, including ethics, civil and criminal law updates, cybersecurity, and legislative changes.

According to the DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, courses were led by Louisiana judges, justices from the Louisiana Supreme Court, district attorneys, and other legal and judicial professionals with expertise in their respective fields
Officials said the training provides valuable opportunities for court employees to stay informed about developments in state law and evolving best practices within Louisiana’s judicial system.

The seminar also serves as an important resource for continuing education, allowing court personnel to enhance their professional skills and better serve the public.

Representatives from the Clerk of Court’s Office expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the annual training event and emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development for employees.

By attending educational programs such as the Nuts & Bolts Judicial Seminar, court staff are able to remain current on legislative changes, legal procedures, and emerging issues that impact court operations and public services throughout Louisiana.

Officials noted that continued training and education help ensure the office maintains a high standard of service for the citizens of DeSoto Parish while remaining informed about changes affecting the state’s court system.

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Summer heat will remain firmly in place across DeSoto Parish through the remainder of the week, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees before rain and thunderstorm chances increase heading into the weekend and early next week.

According to the National Weather Service, residents should prepare for several days of hot and mostly sunny weather, with the greatest likelihood of rainfall arriving Sunday and Monday.

Midweek Heat Persists

Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees. Combined with humidity, heat index values could reach as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. South winds between 5 and 10 mph will continue through the day.

Wednesday night will remain mostly clear and warm, with temperatures falling only to around 77 degrees.

Thursday’s forecast calls for more sunshine and another high near 94 degrees, while overnight temperatures will once again remain mild, dropping to around 77 degrees under mostly clear skies.

Dry Through Most of Friday

Friday is expected to remain mostly sunny with afternoon temperatures near 94 degrees. While the day should stay largely dry, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops Friday night, with a 20 percent chance of precipitation before 1 a.m.

Overnight lows Friday night will hover around 77 degrees.

Weekend Storm Chances Return

Saturday will bring another hot day with highs near 94 degrees and mostly sunny skies. However, forecasters say a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will develop after 1 p.m.

Saturday night is expected to be partly cloudy with lows around 77 degrees.

Rain chances increase Sunday as a more active weather pattern moves into the region. A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast during the day, while temperatures remain warm with highs around 92 degrees.

Sunday night will see a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies. Overnight lows are expected to settle near 76 degrees.

Wet Start to Next Week

The greatest likelihood of rain arrives Monday, when forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms across DeSoto Parish.

Cloud cover and rainfall are expected to limit daytime heating somewhat, with highs reaching around 88 degrees under partly sunny skies.

Heat Safety and Weather Awareness

With temperatures remaining in the mid-90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

Officials also recommend monitoring weather conditions as scattered thunderstorms return to the forecast. Some storms may produce brief heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.

Overall, DeSoto Parish is expected to experience a typical early summer weather pattern, featuring hot afternoons, warm nights, and increasing opportunities for rain as the weekend progresses into next week.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is inviting individuals interested in a career in law enforcement to apply for upcoming employment opportunities within the agency.

According to a recent announcement from the sheriff’s office, the next employment testing date is scheduled for August 22, 2026, with all applications required to be submitted by Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Officials say the department is seeking dedicated men and women who are committed to serving others, protecting their communities, and making a positive impact through public service.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that employment with the agency offers more than just a job, describing the organization as a team united by integrity, purpose, and a commitment to the citizens of DeSoto Parish.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office offers a competitive benefits package, including:

Starting salary of $53,700 annually for POST-certified applicants

100% employer-matched deferred compensation

Employer-paid health insurance

Fully covered retirement benefits

Physical fitness incentive pay

Lateral pay credit for qualified POST-certified hires

Department-provided uniforms and equipment at no cost to employees

The agency encourages qualified candidates to begin the application process ahead of the August deadline.

Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana continue to recruit new officers as departments work to strengthen staffing levels and attract individuals dedicated to public safety and community service.

Additional information about employment opportunities, qualifications, and the application process is available through the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office careers page.

Officials say applicants interested in joining the department should submit their applications before the August 16 deadline to be eligible for the August 22 testing session.

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MANSFIELD, La. — Members of the Mansfield Fire Department recently spent time with students attending Vacation Bible School at Southside Baptist Church, providing an educational and interactive experience focused on fire safety and emergency response.
According to the City of Mansfield, firefighters visited the church and gave children an opportunity to learn important fire safety lessons while also getting an up-close look at the equipment and vehicles used by first responders.
During the visit, students explored a fire truck, met firefighters, and learned about the role firefighters play in protecting the community. The hands-on experience allowed children to ask questions and gain a better understanding of fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Fire officials say community outreach events such as these help educate young people about safety while building positive relationships between first responders and the families they serve.
The visit was part of Southside Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School activities and provided students with a memorable opportunity to interact directly with local firefighters.
City officials expressed appreciation to the church for the invitation and hospitality, noting that opportunities to engage with children and teach life-saving safety information are an important part of the department’s community service mission.
Programs like the fire safety presentation help reinforce critical lessons about emergency awareness and prevention while giving children a firsthand look at the equipment and training firefighters use every day.
The Mansfield Fire Department continues to participate in educational outreach efforts throughout the community, promoting safety and encouraging positive connections with local residents of all ages.

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Logansport High School is giving young athletes an opportunity to stay active and prepare for future athletic competition through a free summer workout program designed for boys entering grades 5 through 8.

The program, hosted at Logansport High School’s athletic facilities, began June 9 and will continue throughout June and July, with workouts scheduled every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

School officials say the program is aimed at helping participants improve their athletic abilities while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills in a positive environment.

The summer sessions will focus on several key areas of athletic development, including:

Speed and agility training

Strength and conditioning

Teamwork and leadership development

Organizers noted that no prior athletic experience is required, making the program accessible to all boys entering grades 5 through 8 who are interested in improving their fitness and learning new skills.

The initiative is designed to help young athletes develop a strong foundation before entering high school athletics while also encouraging healthy habits and physical activity during the summer months.

Participants will have the opportunity to train under the guidance of Logansport High School coaches and staff while becoming familiar with the school’s athletic programs and facilities.

There will be no workouts held during the week of the Fourth of July holiday.

Perhaps most appealing to families, the program is being offered free of charge, allowing students to take advantage of the training opportunity without any registration fee.

School officials encourage interested students to participate and take advantage of the chance to get stronger, faster, and better prepared for future athletic competition.

The program reflects Logansport High School’s ongoing commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field while fostering a culture of hard work, leadership, and teamwork throughout DeSoto Parish.

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Hall of Fame’s Round Table Luncheon will provide up-close, memorable moments

The “youngest” event during this month’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is the most exclusive, yet casual, opportunity for the public to enjoy hearing from the Class of 2026 inductees.

It’s the Round Table Luncheon Saturday, June 27, at noon at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, in Natchitoches. There are still seats available for the eighth annual Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Registration is available for the luncheon can be made by visiting LaSportsHall.com, or by calling 318-238-4255. It is a ticketed event.

Festivities begin Thursday evening, June 25 with the free of charge Welcome Reception from 5-7 open to all, no registration necessary, at the Hall of Fame museum facing the traffic circle at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash is at midday Friday, June 26 at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Friday evening brings the free Rockin’ River Fest concert on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches, from 6-10:30, with the Class of 2026 introduced at 9:15 right before a sports-themed fireworks show over the water.

Events Saturday, June 27 include the free Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp for kids, the Round Table Luncheon, and the Induction Reception and Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The Round Table Luncheon starts with tremendous Louisiana cuisine and quickly kicks into gear with Fox Sports announcer (and 2020 LSHOF inductee) Tim Brando interviewing small groups of inductees on stage in a very informal and fast-moving setting.

A poignant scene at the 2019 luncheon unfolded before the program when Peyton Manning, being inducted later that day, stopped by to greet LSU legend Johnny Robinson, who was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame two months later.

Scenes like that, up-close access and the fun-filled dialog between Brando and the 2026 inductees combine to provide a memorable 90 minutes.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Hall of Fame Round Table Luncheon shapes up as a highly entertaining opportunity for guests to have a up-close-and-personal experience and be entertained and well fed in a casual setting, with a touch of elegance at the Riverside Reserve on the banks of Cane River Lake just a mile from downtown Natchitoches.

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If you have ever experienced a summer bass tournament, then you understand the downside of one of these events. IT’S HOT! As a kid, I loved summertime, but as an adult I probably dread this time of year more than any other.  

I’ve always said that I would rather fish on a 30-degree day than a 95-degree day. Why? Because I can put enough clothes on to stay warm in the winter, but I can’t take enough clothes off to cool down in the summer.

Early mornings are usually not as bad, as temperatures will range from 75 to 80 degrees. As the morning warms up, by 10 o’clock you’re starting into the hot zone of 88 to 90 degrees. Then around noon, you’re looking at 90 to 95 degrees and starting to fry like a Natchitoches Meat Pie!

Sweat is now running down your back and into places we won’t mention. It’s dripping off your nose every time you bend over to lip a fish or change a bait. You have now entered the “miserable zone” of summertime fishing.

The problem is there’s no shade to retreat to unless you’re lucky enough to find a bridge somewhere on the lake. But the problem with bridges is that’s where all the crappie fishermen are, as they too are retreating to shade.

But there are ways to help you stay cool, or should I say cooler, depending on how you dress. First, a good wide brim hat is a must to help keep the sun and its intense UV rays off your head and neck region. 

Pull on a long-sleeve hooded shirt with built in UV protection like the ones I wear produced by Columbia Sportwear. They offer a variety of great UV protection shirts. There’s one I wear that it is truly unique; it’s made from plastic water bottles and is called the Columbia Omni Shade.

This shirt is like wearing an air conditioner, especially when you crank the big engine and run across the lake. It has a way of cooling you down quickly and giving you muchneeded relief from the heat while protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even when you’re not running across the lake, just a slight breeze will help to cool you down wearing these shirts.

I wear long lightweight pants from both HUK Apparel and Columbia that also have built-in UV protection. The key to staying cooler on those upper 90-degree days is keeping the direct sunlight off the skin.

Now most people can’t comprehend or even imagine wearing long sleeves or long pants on a hot summer day. I used to be one of those guys. But ever since my Melanoma diagnosis in 2023, I have come to realize that long sleeves and long pants not only help me to stay cooler but also protect me from the sun’s UV rays

While I still hate fishing a tournament on hot summer days, I have found ways to cope with those high temperatures from June through August.

 I’ve also found that I maintain a better concentration level throughout the day by wearing clothes to help keep me cool. Nothing is worse when fishing than being too cold, too wet or too hot, as it can make for a long miserable day. 

‘Til next time, good luck and good fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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What starts as one streaming service and a free trial can quickly become a monthly budget line item of its own. As subscription-based services continue to multiply, consumers everywhere are discovering that convenience often comes with a recurring charge attached.

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This week I’m celebrating fifty two years as a licensed driver. Like most men, I naturally assume I’m a superior driver. The truth is I’m just competent enough not to injure myself or innocent pedestrians. I also spend far too much time reading bumper stickers and watching what other drivers are doing while they’re supposed to be driving. Once upon a time I could read a bumper sticker from a safe distance. Now, if I want to read your bumper, I have to tailgate you. I won’t comment on the silly things you’re doing behind the wheel, but I am working on a book.

Recently I was driving a loaner while my car was being serviced—a luxury model from a certain company that apparently believes drivers need more buttons than a NASA vehicle. It was keyless, of course. To start it, you put your foot on the brake and push a button. I’m used to that with my hybrid. But this wasn’t a hybrid. This was an old-fashioned internal combustion engine, the kind that used to require a little finesse and a lot of prayer.

My grandfather turned me loose behind the wheel about three years before the State of Alabama thought it was a good idea. I learned on what we called the “lonesome road”—a gravel stretch with only one real hazard: the creek running alongside it. Where I grew up, a bayou was a creek, and a creek was something you didn’t want to drive into. The only traffic on that road consisted of grandparents giving driving lessons and children learning how to scare them.

Most of my self-taught Drivers-Ed happened in a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. You didn’t so much drive that car as point it in the general direction you hoped to go. Its only luxury was an AM radio. It had a starter button too—but starting that car on a cold morning was a full-body athletic event. You turned the key, depressed the clutch, pushed the starter button, and pumped the gas pedal like you were trying to churn butter. Getting that engine to fire was one of the early rites of male competency.

So imagine my amusement when I started the loaner car with a gentle tap of a button. No pumping the gas. No choke. No carburetor to flood. No vapor lock. If automakers are going to bring back push-button starters, they could at least bring back some of the drama. Cars have changed a lot in fifty-two years. Sometimes I feel like I’m not keeping up. When the service manager asked if I wanted a tutorial on all the features, I said, “I would rather not.”

And that’s when it hit me.

There are times I feel like I’m not keeping up with Jesus either. He asks me to go and do, and I would rather not. He asks me to love and forgive, and I would rather not. He asks me to look honestly at my life, and I would rather not. Sometimes the hardest thing to face is the mirror, and I would rather not.

Preachers feel it too. Some Sundays we leap out of bed ready to preach the love of God. Other Sundays we pull the covers over our head and think about calling in sick to ourselves. On those mornings, “I would rather not” feels like a full liturgy.

And you know what? Jesus understands. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the cross, He prayed a prayer that sounds an awful lot like “I would rather not.” But He went anyway. For you. For me.

So this Sunday, when you wake up and think about church and feel that tug of “I would rather not,” know this: you’re in good company. Preachers feel it. Jesus felt it. But blessings live on the other side of pushing past it.

How about it.

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Whether you combine finances or keep things separate, one thing matters most—having honest, regular conversations about money before it becomes a problem.

 See what Ida says 

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On Christmas Eve in 1870, a group of people, including about 16 prominent citizens of Hamilton, Ohio, gathered in a gambling room on the second floor of “the American Saloon,” an “aristocratic” drinking saloon on High Street directly opposite the Butler County courthouse.  Some of the men were playing casino at one table and others, including Thomas “Tom” Myers, were playing a game called faro at another table.  Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.  With the exception of E.D. Banister and Peter Schwab who were in the fervor of the game of casino and Tom who was seated at the faro table, the men began running from the room.  Tom stood up, leaned against the wall, and fired his pistol.  The bullet from Tom’s pistol struck the ceiling just above the faro table.  Mr. Bannister fled from the room and Mr. Schwab slunk to the floor for his own protection.  Tom fired another shot which struck the opposite wall.  Once sure that Tom was unable to fire his pistol again, Peter approached him and realized Tom had been shot in the abdomen.  Peter tried only briefly to get Tom to tell him who had shot him before he ran to get help.  Peter soon returned with Dr. Huber, who had been in the room but had fled when he heard gunshots.  Dr. Huber also tried to get Tom to explain who had shot him, but Tom was unable to speak.  Dr. Huber located a gunshot wound on Tom’s upper abdomen which had severed a main artery.  Within moments, 29-year-old Tom died.  

Immediately following the affray, all of the witnesses said that Tom “must have either did it himself or had it done.”  Based on the testimony of a young boy, Tom’s brother Joseph swore out a warrant for five men including Deputy Marshal Ich Sheely and Thomas McGehan.  Before the coroner’s jury, none of the witnesses could identify who shot Tom, but all said that Thomas McGehan had not been in the room before the shooting began.  When the accused men learned of the warrant, they turned themselves in.  In January 1871, the five men were indicted on the charge of first-degree murder.  Clement Vallandigham was one of the four defense attorneys in the trial which began on June 6, 1871.  The trial was long because over 120 witnesses had been called to testify.      

At about 9 p.m. on June 15, 1871, Clement Vallandigham and fellow defense attorney Andrew McBurney were in their hotel room discussing the case.  Clement was sure that Tom had shot himself and decided to show Andrew how Tom could have done it.  Clement pulled a pistol from his pocket, turned it towards himself, and pulled the trigger.  To his surprise, the pistol discharged.  The bullet struck Clement in almost exactly the same place Tom’s bullet had struck him.  The wound was fatal.  In trying to defend Thomas McGehan by explaining how Tom Myers had killed himself, Clement Vallandigham accidently killed himself too.  Based at least in part on Clement’s unfortunate accident, the jury found Thomas McGehan not guilty.    

Sources:

1.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 27, 1870, p.8.

2.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 31, 1871, p.8.

3.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, February 15, 1871, p.8.

4.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 6, 1871, p.8.

5.     The Evening Post (Cleveland, Ohio), June 17, 1871, p.2.

6.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 1871, p.1.

7.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 28, 1871, p.8.

8.     “Thomas S. Myers,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/106977757/thomas-s-myers.

9.     “Clement Laird Vallandigham,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2526/clement-laird-vallandigham.

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