DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Office will be closed July 3rd and July 4th in observance of the 4th of July Holiday. The office will resume normal business hours  July 5, 2023.  Many other offices and businesses will observe holiday hours, so check before you go to make sure they are open.

Movie day July 16 at the Pelican Branch Library will feature Matilda the Musical.  Popcorn and the movie begins at 1:00 pm.

Word out of Stonewall that the renovations are complete, and the playground is now open.

DeSoto Schools is planning a Back to School Blast-Off for July 15.  It will be jam-packed with great information from a variety of exhibitors and fun giveaways. There will be fun photos, freebies, and new knowledge for everyone.

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The Shreveport office of the National Weather service said, “Oppressive heat is here to stay. A Heat Advisory is now in effect through Wednesday.  Widespread afternoon heat indices will range from 105-110 degrees.  Isolated areas could see values in excess of 110 degrees.  Take necessary precautions.

The heat is predicted to continue through Monday.  Here is the local forecast for DeSoto Parish:

Wednesday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night-Clear, with a low around 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Nigh-Mostly clear, with a low around 79.

Friday-Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Friday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 80.

Saturday-Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Saturday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79.

Sunday-Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Monday-A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

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From the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office:

In June 2023, Javarius Holden was sentenced by the 42nd District Court in DeSoto Parish on charges of Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute.  He received 40 years in prison (10 suspended) and 3 years supervised probation.  Fentanyl is no longer a foreign substance to our area.  Currently it is most commonly used by individuals who reside outside of DeSoto attempting to gain entry and negatively affect the lives of our residents.  In an effort to protect those in our community with a weakness for these dangerous narcotics, and out of safety for our DeSoto Parish children, Sheriff Jayson Richardson will continue lead this effort to seek out, arrest, and charge those responsible for trafficking these dangerous drugs across our DeSoto Parish border.  Our Narcotics Agents have made great headway in making our Parish a safer place to live, and we are grateful for all the hard work they and our K9/Deputies put in each and every day.

Over the course of May and June, Narcotics Agents have made several arrests regarding those who wish to attempt distribution of illegal and dangerous substances within DeSoto Parish.   The pictures shared with this post are from just 3 of the 10 arrests made during this time.  All names are listed below with their corresponding charges with one exception:  Suspect Michael Lee Hampton’s image was not available at the time of this post as he is currently awaiting extradition to DeSoto.  Michael Lee Hampton was found to be in possession of approximately 10.6 ounces of suspected Meth, and one stolen firearm after an incident that began in DeSoto Parish and ended just across the border into Caddo Parish.

Retrieved on two of these arrest (pictured) are:

– 32.7 grams of powder cocaine

– 346.8 grams of Psychedelic Mushrooms

– 283.7 grams of Hashish

– 103 grams of Marijuana

– Three 16 ounce bottles and one baby bottle of liquid Promethazine

– 9 THC vape pens

– 5 Alprazolam pills

– 2 semi automatic pistols.

Anivah Blackwolf was charged with: 

Excess Speed Limit Violation

No Drivers License

Poss. of a Firearm in the presence of CDS

Poss. of Schedule II (Cocaine) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Poss. of Schedule I (Hashish) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Psychedelic Mushrooms) w Intent

Poss. of Schedule IV (Alprazolam)

Poss. of Schedule V (Promethazine)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Kelly C Williams was charged with:

Poss. of a Firearm in the presence of CDS

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Hashish) w Intent to Distr.

Poss. of Schedule I (Psychedelic Mushrooms) w Intent

Poss. of Schedule IV (Alprazolam)

Poss. of Schedule V (Promethazine)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Sarah N White was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule I Marijuana

Second or Subsequent Offenses

Justin J. Colbert was charged with:

Distribution of Schedule II (Meth)

Kathleen Wilkerson was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

Fugitive Warrant by DPSO

Window Tint Violation

Charles Mitchell was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia

James Johnson was charged with:

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Ericka Hawkins was charged with:

Distribution of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule II (Meth)

Poss. of Schedule III (Subutex)

Poss. of Schedule I (Marijuana)

Second or Subsequent Offenses

Joseph Heier was charged with:

Obtaining a CDS by Fraud

Poss. Of Schedule II (Meth)

Fugitive Warrant by DPSO

* CDS = Controlled Dangerous Substance

To be continued…

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By Teddy Allen

No one in real life ever wears what models in big city fashion shows wear.

You’ve seen clips of these things on television or, in a weak moment, clicked to see the newest styles, all the rave, “the newest line” by (Made Up Designer Names Alert!) Melik Boovoir or Salome deNeuve or Pepe Duboir.

The model looks like he or she is wearing either a pastel Hefty bag — how to you take a bathroom break with this thing on? — or something they stole off a scarecrow. Everything is really tight or really slouchy. Sometimes they have hats on their heads that look like things we used to make in Vacation Bible School.

Who wears this stuff?

Even at awards shows, most of the Who Looked Best On The Red Carpet gang appear to have lost a bet. Tip of the cap for the man or woman who bought something off the rack pulled the standard tux out of the back of the closet, shined their shoes, and showed up looking like a person you wouldn’t be scared to share either a cab ride or a hymn book with.

For the past 10 days or so, between thunderstorms and power outages and picking up limbs, most of us north Louisiana common folk were too busy looking for air conditioning and cable to watch LSU scrap its way to a seventh College World Series championship to notice that the Berlin Fashion Show was underway in Germany which, conveniently, is where Berlin still is.

Dapper dressers were all up in the Neue Natoinalgalerie to become one with the highlight of the week, the Saint Laurent show, quite a spectacle with fans taking phone videos of, as GQ reported, “the latest evolution of Anthony Vaccarello’s seductive menswear collection.”

The fashion writer continued, something along the lines of how “all eyes” would be on “nonstop action on and off runways elsewhere, too.” Yes: after the “hyper-exclusive” affair in Berlin, we are off to places like Florence and Milan, which precedes a “whirlwind blitz through a jam-packed Paris Fashion Week.”

Again, the only real people you ever see in these runway clothes are the people on the runways. And as soon as they’re off the runways, they put on jeans and T-shirts and look much, much sharper than they did wearing clothes that look like balloons.

Granted, when I was growing up my dad told me my idea of being “dressed up” was having my shoes tied. And God love him, he was right. I can tie a tie now and keep my oxfords shined, but the only sense I have of fashion I have is, “Does this look normal? Would this embarrass my grandmother?” It’s about one step ahead of Granimals.

My personal mechanic, old-school country music supplier, and fashion assistant is Shine Broussard, who is from Morgan City. (He goes by “Francois” during Fashion Season; his signature color is brown.) He has assured me that although he can’t “travel abroad” to the Big Shows this summer and fall, he is making the local circuit, which includes stops in Dubach (August 7-11, Denim Week), Greater Sibley (September 18-22, Burlap), Gibsland (October 2-6, Gingham), and Lower Summerfield (November 27-December 1, Dealer’s Choice).

“My main fashion advice,” said Shine, “is to remember that no one pays nearly as much attention to you as you think they do. Save your money and be comfortable and presentable and non-offensive. Good taste never goes out of style.”

Shine, who is a fashionista only during the fall shows, told me this on a break from changing out the transmission on a GTO his uncle willed him. This is a man you can trust.

So …

If you’re like Shine and grease is a common opponent, consider a Dickies jumpsuit. Otherwise, an iron, a white button down, shined shoes, an A-line, a Godet or flare dress, a business suit, jeans that fit, and a clean T-shirt, those are always in style. It doesn’t have to match: it just has to “go.”

Good fashion sense is good common sense.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in DeSoto,  Bossier, and Caddo parishes will automatically have a portion of their June benefits replaced following the severe storms that struck North Louisiana June 16, as a result of approval of a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS).

Under a second FNS waiver, SNAP recipients in 18 other affected parishes may also apply for replacement benefits by July 17.

“USDA has been working closely with our partners at Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to ensure affected families can receive some needed relief from the recent severe storms,” said USDA FNS Southwest Regional Administrator Bill Ludwig. “The waivers can help ease the burden and aid in Louisianans’ recovery by providing additional time to report losses or replacement depending on the Parish.”

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Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

Employment Opportunity

Transportation Coordinator

Job Title: Transportation Coordinator

Employment Status: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for supervising a staff of 5 – 10 drivers and organizing and coordinating procedures/routes within the Transportation Department.

The Transportation Coordinator must be 25 years of age or older and have a valid Louisiana Chauffeur’s Driver’s License. Must be able to complete ALL required training, be proficient with computers and can follow oral and written instructions.

Job Duties:

• Receive and schedule all transportation calls, including daily assignments for drivers.
• Prepare and enter data reports.
• Prepare and submit annual DOTD grant.
• Keep records of vehicle inspections and conduct accident investigations.
• Train and ride with new drivers to assure performance of their driving abilities for 2 weeks.
• Be able to work and communicate with DOTD and Medicaid brokers daily.
• Attend 2 mandatory out-of-town DOTD meetings a year.
• Keep accurate records of each van, drivers, and daily inspection of the vans.
• Be dependable, punctual and act as an advocate for SCOA.

Additional Information:

• Be in good physical condition and strong enough to assist passengers in wheelchairs & other disabled individuals.
• Must have knowledge of the streets and highways of Sabine Parish & other assigned areas of transportation.
• Serve as a backup driver for the Transportation Department.

Please submit resumes to the following address:

Sabine Council on Aging, Inc.

ATTN: Jeffrey Morrow, Executive Director

200 Legacy Drive

Many, LA 71449

For more information, please call Jackie Snider, 318-256-4140

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By Royal Alexander

What a sweetheart deal.  Two misdemeanors and pretrial diversion for countless crimes established by the Laptop from Hell.

It’s really no surprise to learn that Pres. Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, has received highly preferential treatment regarding the numerous criminal allegations against him, charges that would send most Americans and any Republican to federal prison for years.

It’s still important, though, to know with clarity how Joe Biden has corrupted the DOJ and the FBI to protect Hunter and himself.

What am I referring to?

This past week news broke that the Biden Department of Justice hindered, in numerous ways, the investigation of Hunter Biden.

Of course, for months, a lazy and compliant national media has spun the narrative that the investigation really wasn’t receiving any special treatment.  We now know that was false.  Two whistleblowers, one named and one anonymous came forward this week and gave sworn testimony.

The named individual, Gary Shapley, a 14-year IRS veteran, and the anonymous individual have told a story of “blocked search warrants, tip-offs to Mr. Biden’s (defense) team, squelched avenues of investigation, downgraded charges, and interference by Joe Biden’s appointees.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23). Shapley testified that the DOJ, its Tax Division and the Delaware U.S. Attorney’s Office provided Hunter Biden with “preferential treatment and unchecked conflicts of interest.” (WSJ, 6-23-23)

Shapley, head of an elite team of tax investigators, testified that his team was almost immediately prohibited from taking normal investigatory actions.

He was thwarted both in doing spontaneous questioning of witnesses and in searching for evidence because somehow the Hunter Biden defense team was tipped off and able to impede it.   Shapley was also not allowed to ask questions about “dad” or “the big guy”.  They were also prohibited from investigating campaign finance violations. 

It goes on and on.

Shapley provided further evidence of influence peddling when he revealed a WhatsApp message in which Hunter Biden tells a Chinese businessman:  “I’m sitting here with my father” and urges the businessman to fulfill the “commitment.”

Hunter Biden then warns the businessman to personally resolve the issue that night or “I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction.” (K. Strassel, WSJ, 6-23-23).

There are also photos of Hunter Biden on his later-abandoned laptop showing him at President Joe Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware home on the day he included his father’s name in the WhatsApp message he sent to threaten his Chinese business associate, Henry Zhao, an official working with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC Energy. (Newsmax, 6-23-23).

While Shapley did not provide evidence that Joe Biden was actually in close physical proximity to Hunter Biden as he threatened businessman Zhao, “if Joe Biden was sitting next to his son as he sent the message as it suggests, it would be a fatal blow to the president’s repeated claims that he never discussed overseas business deals with his son, and the photographs of Hunter Biden at what appears to be a family gathering at the Delaware home is the strongest indication that he was in close proximity to his father when he threatened the Chinese businessman.” (Free Beacon, 6-22-23).

In another email later that day Hunter Biden also mentioned “me and my family”, confirming an agreement for a $10 million contract for “introductions alone,” with bonuses for any successful deals that come about as a result of the Biden family’s efforts.

Still further, Shapley also points out that Hunter’s one-time business partner, Rob Walker, admitted to investigators that an “orchestrated” appearance of Joe Biden while out of office was made to “bolster” the odds of a “deal work (ing) out. “

For obvious reasons, Shapley recommended more serious felony charges than the minor counts to which Hunter Biden has now pled.

If this is not an example of influence peddling—and blatant corruption of our Constitutional principle of equal justice for all—then I don’t know what is.  If this is not what favorable treatment by prosecutors and glaring political interference which benefits the powerful at the expense of hardworking, law-abiding Americans looks like, I don’t know what it would look like.

This is rank corruption and those guilty of it need to be held accountable.  While that will not likely happen it is, nevertheless, important that the American people continue to be made aware of it.

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The Lions meet every second and fourth Tuesday for a catered lunch at the Clista A. Calhoun Center.  Everyone is welcome to come by.

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Fire District #1 posted, “As we are getting equipment together for this year’s 4th of July fireworks show on the Logansport riverfront, we have discovered that one of our floating docks that the fireworks are built on has gone missing. It was last seen a couple weeks ago. We have been up and down the river but have not spotted it anywhere.

Fire District #1 requested help finding this floating dock.  It is a vital part of the show that our town enjoys so much.  This entire show is possible through donations to cover the cost of the fireworks and materials.  This floating dock was also donated to the department for our use during the show. When not in use it is secured at the edge of the river just north of the stage.  Shooting from the water upriver is the only way we are able to use the bigger commercial fireworks that we use and still have room for the crowds at the river front. 

If you see the floating dock, contact the fire station at 318-697-5150.

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The DeSoto Weekly Arrest Report is being provided each Friday.  It includes of all arrests made in DeSoto Parish by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.)

This report covers June 5-23, 2023.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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LCCM Policy Solutions is a non-profit established to advocate and educate legislators and the public on public policy based on conservative principles.

By utilizing a myriad of scholars, policy wonks, pollsters, and activists, we help craft and promote top conservative policy priorities for Louisiana.

From fiscal issues to social issues and everything in between, LCCM Policy Solutions is a beacon for those interested in advancing Louisiana to a more conservative run government.

Paid Content by LCCM Policy Solutions

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Andy Drew

12/5/1942 – 6/25/2023

Service: Saturday, July 1, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel.

Carrie McClinton

4/14/1960 – 6/13/2023

Service was Saturday, June 24, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Antioch #2 B. C. Pleasant Hill, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances of Loved Ones” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The Remembrance will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.

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North DeSoto High recently published their summer office hours.  They said, “We hope all of our Griffin families are enjoying their summertime.  Rest and relax – August will be here before we know it.”  The school reminded everyone office hours are 7:30 am until 4:00 pm on Monday through Thursday.   The NDHS Office will be closed on June 26th, 28th and 29th and July 4^th.

The Logansport Library had creepy, crawlies everywhere last Thursday.  Omega Hill Exotics Farm brought a few of their animals to meet the community.  They included Pop the Deer, Dino the Sulcata tortoise, Izzy the Iguana, two leopard geckos, and a very fuzzy Tarantula.

Registration deadline is Friday, June 30^th for the DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association Summer Field Day.  The event will be July 7^th at the Branch Ranch in Mansfield.  To pre-register contact Joshua Salley at 318-872-0533 or jsalley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The DeSoto Parish Library Logansport branch last day to log books in the summer reading program is June 29 at 2:00 pm.  Their summer reading program theme is “All Together Now.”  The deadline for the Pelican branch is Friday June 30^th at 1:00 pm.  Deadline for the Mansfield Main Branch is today at 3:00 pm.

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The DeSoto Weekly Arrest Report is being provided each Friday.  It includes of all arrests made in DeSoto Parish by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.)

This report covers June 5-23, 2023.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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If you have damage to report from the recent storm, there is a link for you to click.   Damage.La.gov will walk you through the process of reporting your damage to the State.  This information was provided to the Sheriff’s Office, and all questions should be directed to this website (there is also a number to call on the site).

Damage.LA.Gov is a Virtual Louisiana initiative and damage reporting process launched by GOHSEP in the spring of 2020. It gives the citizens of Louisiana access to self-report damages in the aftermath of significant disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and winter weather.

Your reports help parish, state, and federal authorities better understand the location and severity of damage impacts. That information also helps expedite the individual assistance process following major disasters and emergencies.

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The DeSoto Sheriff’s Office tells the bad guys to cool it this summer.  Their memo to the public, especially the bad guys:

Due to the numerous excessive heat advisories we have recently experienced, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is requesting that all criminals kindly “Stop it.” 

Cut it out.  It’s too hot for that, and we all know it. 

Any further questions can be referred to your gramma, meemaw, big mama, nanny, nana, moomoo or whomever in your household controls the switch, flyswatter, flip-flop, tv remote, extension cord, or nearby inanimate object. 

Find you some business, preferably legally in the A/C somewhere, and we promise to do the same.  Teamwork makes the Dream work.

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By Brad Dison

It was the 1969 Toronto Pop Festival and Malcolm “Mac” John Rebennack Jr.’s band was scheduled to perform.  Mac looked like something from a strange other world.  He had strands of beads and other trinkets interwoven into his hair and “powders coming out of his ears.” Strips of colorful rags hung from his clothing.  He used a walking stick which looked like its intended use was for casting spells rather than walking.  The 18-year-old musician was in perfect health and did not require any type of apparatus for walking.  The stick was just part of who Mac was.  When Mac walked in a room, everyone instinctually turned their gaze his way.

The concert was held at an outdoor venue, and it had been raining periodically throughout the day.  Mac and his band were onstage playing their unique mixture of jazz, blues, rock and roll, and funk which the media nicknamed “voodoo rock,” when the rain began to pour.  As if it were a part of the show, Mac raised the unique walking stick toward the sky and held it there for a few moments.  His eyes focused on the dark clouds.  Some say he mumbled a few words.  Suddenly, as if under Mac’s spell, the rain stopped completely.

Mac was born and raised in New Orleans’s middle class Third Ward.  His father owned and operated an appliance store.  In addition to household appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators, Mac’s father sold sound systems and records in a variety of genres Mac later described as “gospel, bebop, real filthy party records, and hillbilly stuff like Hank Williams.”  Mac’s father also repaired appliances and sound systems.  Mac was first subjected to the gypsy world of musicians as a child when he accompanied his father on sound system repair jobs at local clubs.  Mac was more than a decade away from the required age to enter the clubs, but he was allowed since he was helping with the repairs.  Mac was entranced.  He recognized at this early age that he wanted to be a performer just like them.  Within a short time, Mac learned to play multiple instruments with almost no instruction.

By the time he was a teenager, he was writing songs for other artists and playing guitar for recording sessions.  Mac said, “New Orleans produced a lot of good piano players and some good drummers, but for some reason there weren’t a lot of guitar players around, so I kind of filled the need.”  Mac was always modest.  Aaron Neville recalled that “the ratty dude,” which is how he referred to Mac, “was a bad dude on guitar.”  But that changed when Mac was 20 years old.

In 1961, Mac was on tour with his friend, fellow New Orleans native Ronnie Barron.  When Mac and Ronnie were not performing, they spent most of their time at a local motel.  During their stay, Ronnie and the motel manager’s wife became friends, maybe more than friends.  The motel manager confronted Ronnie about the possible infidelity and an argument ensued.  In a fit of rage, the motel manager pulled a pistol from his pocket.  Mac grabbed the pistol with his left hand just as the motel manager pulled the trigger.  POW!!!   Because of Mac’s quick action, the bullet missed its intended target.  For Ronnie, Mac was in the right place at the right time.  For Mac’s left ring finger, Mac was in the right place at the wrong time.  The bullet passed through his finger and left it “hanging by a thread.”  Surgeons repaired his mangled finger to the best of their abilities, but Mac’s career as a guitar player had ended with that pistol shot.  Mac transitioned from guitar to bass and then to piano, his first instrument.

Mac fell into a deep depression and tried to dull it with drugs.  He was arrested for possession of narcotics and spent time in a federal prison.  Upon his release in 1965, Mac moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a session piano player for artists such as Buffalo Springfield and Sonny and Cher.  In 1967, Mac recorded his first album, Gris-Gris, with other transplanted New Orleans musicians.  While working on the album, Mac began working on a way to incorporate the Mardi Gras tradition that he was so fond of into his live shows.  He created a character for his live shows that he named after a 19th-centuryth century Louisiana voodoo priest.  In creating this character, Mac said he was “just tryin’ to hustle album deals, just tryin’ to hustle money.”  Rather than being a one-off character as Mac had planned, he became known as the character.  Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. may have been known as Mac to his close friends, but the world knows Mac as Dr. John.  He is most associated with his biggest hit single released in 1973 called “Right Place, Wrong Time.”

 Sources:

1. Browne, David. “Dr. John: The Joy and Mystery of a New Orleans Saint.” Rolling Stone, 24 July 2019, rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dr-john-joy-mystery-new-orleans-saint-861931/amp/. Accessed 18 June 2023.
2. “Dr. John – Right Place Wrong Time (Official Audio).” youtube.com, youtube.com/watch?v=W4PjWgiH-LQ. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.

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Logansport High posted, “What started off as a project for some of our LHS students under the guidance of Deputy Burns & Coach Stroud has now been presented across the state. 

From Mark Pierce with the Sheriff’s Office:

Just want to give a shoutout to my guy Lane Burns for taking initiative, involving students, and putting in the work to achieve a greater law enforcement tool for school safety in our parish. Now’s he’s taking it abroad!  Lane, along with a representative with MapMe spoke today to a room full of School Resource Officers and others across the state about a program he and students started at Logansport High School.

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By Steve Graf

Over my years of traveling all over the South from one tournament to another, I’ve had a few funny and sometimes difficult encounters. Most of the time it’s something mechanical like a flat tire, a wheel bearing going out on my boat trailer, or motor trouble with my outboard engine like a lower unit going out. But sometimes Mother Nature decides to invade my territory with a snake trying to get into my boat or an occasional alligator who likes to make his presence known. But one recent event at Toledo Bend was a different kind of incident.

As anglers, we spend all day searching for fish we hope will put us in the winner’s circle or at least get a check. Practicing for an event can be physically exhausting and mentally draining. So, a good night’s sleep is very important for an angler to be able to function at a high level. The last thing we want is for our sleep to be disrupted in the middle of the night.

Well on the night of May 25th at Toledo Bend, I was in my deep sleep phase when I heard something outside my bedroom window. As anglers, we are all paranoid about someone stealing things out of our boat and are on constant alert. On this particular night, I awoke to a loud noise like someone was outside. There were three of us staying together at this VRBO house and we each had our own boat. The area we were staying in seemed to be a very quiet neighborhood, so to think that someone was outside going through our boats got my full attention. 

Just like the Night Before Christmas, “When out on the driveway there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the back door I flew like a flash, threw open the door to see all the trash.” Well, there he was, standing in the trash and enjoying some leftover wings from the previous guest. It turns out that the bandit was a massive raccoon who decided to order the trash can wings. Now as I opened the door, you would think this raccoon would scurry away. But not this guy; he was not intimidated by me at all. He actually had a look on his face like, “What do you want? Can’t you see I’m eating?”

Not looking to abandon the buffet of chicken wings he had found, he let me know really quickly, as he stood up on his hind legs, that I had better back off if I knew what was good for me. Now I’ve come across a few raccoons during my 62 years on this earth, but none as bold or as bad as this one. He was not going away easily, and it would take my best bluff to send him down the road to another feast.

It was at this point that I reached down and grabbed the lid of the trash can he had destroyed, and I started banging it and ran toward him. At first, he didn’t seem to even give me a second thought as he continued to devour his order of wings. Then I decided to get on his level as I bent over, with my lid for protection and gave him a hardcore stare which turned out to be a game changer for some reason. I had gained the advantage over this wing-eating bandit as he scurried off and headed back to the woods. 

Understand, raccoons are smart and very persistent, and I knew he would probably return to face me again, maybe with backup. I was right! As I got back into bed, the bandit returned and began to attempt to open another trash can by literally running and jumping on it. It was so loud that I could not believe my two fishing buddies weren’t getting up to see what was going on! They slept right through all the commotion and never even rolled over. Once again, I headed to the back door and faced this evil doer for the last time. As I opened the door, I ran directly at the chicken wing bandit and this time he ran off for good as I shouted, “And never come back!”

You never know what will transpire on a fishing trip, but sometimes you must sleep with one eye open just in case a bandit of the night shows up. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen!

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All branches of the DeSoto Parish Library have a full schedule of activities this summer for kids and grown-ups alike.  Check with your local branch for all they offer. And be sure to get your children involved in the summer reading program.

The Stonewall Library is having too much fun each week during Storytime. Join them every Wednesday at 10:00 am to hear a great story, make a fun craft, play games and more.  The photo is from a recent fun session.

At the Pelican Branch Library, the kiddos really enjoyed their visit with Ms. Amy. She talked to us about all the cool cameras she brought to show and the different types of photographs.  She also let the kids become photographers taking pictures with her camera.

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CHRISTOPHER JORDAN COOPER

March 18, 1966 ~ June 17, 2023 (age 57)

Services TBA

Patricia Ann Gannon

July 3, 1938 — June 17, 2023

Funeral service was at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana.

Carrie McClinton

4/14/1960 – 6/13/2023

Service: Saturday, June 24, 2023 @ 11:00 A. M. Antioch #2 B. C. Pleasant Hill, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances of Loved Ones” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The Remembrance will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.

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Curtain going up tonight at 6:00 pm at Back Alley Community Theatre.  The summer production by the Dramaniacs youth drama camp is taking center stage.

They are going Back to the 80s! When modern teen Mary Fitzfry gets sent back in time by an eccentric professor, she finds herself in the middle of a totally tubular cavalcade of 80s pop culture.

Your favorite young actors are all there in this hilarious parody to make all ages cheer “I love the 80s!”

Performances are tonight, June 23rd & Saturday, June 24th at 6:00pm and a matinee on Sunday June 25th at 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $10 and are available on their website. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

More than twenty Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance students have been hired for summer work by professional companies around the United States or have been admitted to nationally recognized graduate programs. Students work as actors, choreographers, hosts or in a variety of roles. Several professional companies come to NSU annually to audition students. NSU students also submit an audition directly to companies. Students have an opportunity to attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) that allows them to audition for over 50 companies looking to hire talent for summer or year-round employment. 

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Recovery efforts are well underway following a series of storms that moved through the parish late last week.  Many residents remain without power.  And the work of clearing away all the downed trees and debris is just beginning.

Cooling Station in Stonewall:  The Stonewall Substation (Government Plaza) was open again Tuesday morning (8am – 4:30pm) for those seeking a place to cool off, charge devices, and grab water and a snack. In addition, Fire District 3 will remain available after business hours as well. 

1746 Hwy 171 in Stonewall – Substation

5200 Hwy 3276 in Stonewall – Fire Dist 3

Road closures as of Tuesday morning

CLOSED ROADWAYS – UPDATE

UPDATED Tuesday @8am:  It would appear that all roadways are back open at this time.  You may experience some areas that are passable but still have debris close to or on the sides of the roadway, until a full cleanup can be conducted.  Please be careful, and mindful of your surroundings.  Thank you to all that shared our posts during this storm.

UPDATED Saturday @ 3pm: The following is a list of roadways previously deemed closed due to downed trees and/or power lines. We have updated these to reflect what we know to be cleared or remain closed.  Some are currently being double-checked now, and may reflect an update momentarily.

✅ Passable = you may cautiously pass through

🚨 Not Passable = do not attempt traveling 

⚠️Checking = we are currently working to confirm

✅- Hwy 5 at Westwood Dr. (passable)

✅- 484 Blunt Mill Rd   (passable)

✅- Red Bluff Rd (passable)

✅- 171 at Duncan Road (passable)

✅- 306 Meadow Dr. (passable)

✅- Hwy 3015 West of Smyrna (passable)

✅- Hwy 5 at Jesse Latin Rd (passable)

✅- Long Rd Gloster  (passable)

✅- Hwy 175 north of I49 (passable)

✅- Linwood Rd north of 3276 (passable)

✅- L B Bailey Rd (not passable)

✅- Hwy 172 west of Hwy 169 (passable)

✅- Jefferson St. at Schley St. (passable)

✅- Mounce Rd at Blunt Mill Rd (passable)

✅- 300 Block of Jeanne Ln (passable)

✅- Holly St and Third St in GC (passable)

✅- 183 B B Lane Stonewall (passable)

✅- 379 Harris Rd  Keatchie (passable)

✅- 1432 Stanley Rd (passable)

✅- 144 Marr Rd  (passable)

✅- 156 Cartwheel Dr (passable)

✅- 1763 Jessie Latin Rd  (passable)

✅- 193 J2B Ln  (passable)

✅- 213 Jackie Ln (passable)

✅- 275 Bozman Rd (passable)

✅- 379 Harris Rd  (passable)

✅- 396 Meadow Dr (passable)

✅- 519 Woodlawn Park (passable)

✅- 522 Vinson Dr  (passable)

✅- 7457 Hwy 5. (passable)

✅- Black Oak Dr (passable)

✅- Third St and Beech St (passable)

✅- Palmer Rd off Hwy 481 (passable)

We will be updating this list live on this Facebook post as we receive new information.

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Late last week Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a State of Emergency Declaration for North and Central Louisiana in response to several waves of severe weather and strong winds that moved across the area in the past week.

Several Louisiana parishes have declared states of emergency, and it is anticipated that other parishes may declare states of emergency and may be in need of assistance to response to this event.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) along with emergency crews have been deployed to the impacted areas and repairs are underway, however, it is anticipated that it may take days or up to one week before the power is fully restored.

“This emergency declaration will give parish officials access to much needed resources to help with the impacts of this severe weather and the significant power outages,” said Gov. Edwards. “I have directed GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle to travel to Shreveport to meet with local officials from the impacted parishes and am receiving constant updates. We are making certain officials receive the assistance they need as quickly as possible. We are urging everyone to pay close attention to the information and warnings from state, local and emergency officials.”

The following parishes are experiencing water outages: Bienville; Bossier; Caddo; Caldwell; DeSoto; and Jackson.  The following parishes have been placed under boil advisories: Bienville; Bossier; Caddo; Catahoula; Grant; Natchitoches; Tensas; and Webster.

“In addition, the National Weather Center predicts excessive heat in Louisiana and has issued a Heat Advisory & Excessive Heat Warning over the next couple of days. Please take this heat warning seriously. Heat related illness can occur in many different ways, and it is important to stay hydrated and cool to prevent illness but to also recognize the signs and seek help immediately should it be necessary. Also, we know that some people may choose to use a generator. Remember the following for generator safety: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions; do not place the generators inside; place them at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from doors, windows and vents. Please check on the elderly, your family, friends and pets and stay safe.”

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An update from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office:

Many of you may have noticed by now that our “Inmate Roster” website is down, both online and in the Sheriff App.  Yes, we know all you nosey folks out there (like us) need to get the tea on what’s going on in the parish.  (seriously, the site gets over 10,000 hits per day)  The truth is, we’ve migrated over to a new software, and it is being reconnected as we speak.  This new software allows us to pull the stats below much faster, and we thought we’d share.  You can expect the Inmate Roster to come back online in the DeSoto Sheriff App by Wednesday (fingers crossed) and the website shortly after.  So, to satisfy those nosey desires a bit, we thought we’d share the following stats, so you are all able to get your fix until that day arrives.  Check this out:

Between Monday, June 12th and Today (7 days):

– 446 Total Calls for Service

SUMMARIZED:

4 calls regarding illegal use of ATVs on Roadways

5 calls regarding Harassment

5 calls regarding a Unwanted Person(s)

6 calls regarding Livestock or Dogs at Large

7 calls regarding Disturbing the Peace

7 calls regarding Theft and/or Burglary

14 calls regarding Traffic Accidents

14 calls regarding Disputes, Fights, Domestic Disturbances

15 calls regarding Reckless Operation

15 calls regarding a Welfare Check

15 calls regarding Suspicious Person/Vehicle/Activity

20 calls regarding Burglary Alarms

24 calls regarding Downed Power Lines

42 calls regarding Trees Across the Road

180+ calls regarding drivers requesting assistance, traffic stops, flat tires changed, out of gas, stranded motorists, or traffic control.

Of course, there are various other calls in there that aren’t shown, but this is a pretty decent relevant summary.  When we start back publishing the Weekly Arrest Report, who would want to see something like this posted more frequently

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