Recently the Unstoppables Club at Logansport High. hosted the annual parish wide Bringing Joye Christmas Party. It was held at the high school.
Thanks to all of the sponsors, students and community volunteers to make this even a success for all involved.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology hosted its annual Robotics Competition and Smart Structures Show (RC&S3) earlier this month, drawing about 75 middle schoolers to campus to put their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the test.
Winning teams were, Caddo Middle Magnet, first place; North DeSoto Middle School, second place, and Donnie Bickham Middle School, third place.
This year, the Engineering Technology Department presented a new award for teachers and Robotics Club sponsors. Flynn Dulle of Caddo Middle Magnet is the inaugural recipient of the STEM Teacher Award. He has been teaching for 21 years and has participated in the RC&S3 since its inception in 2015. Dulle supervised last year’s winning team for the RC&S3 competition.
The ET Department also recognized STEM teachers who brought teams Stephanie Mason of North DeSoto Middle School, Jermaine Thomas, Natchitoches Junior High and Billy Coutet, Donnie Bickham Middle School.
Tug of War:
Landyn Tipton and Tatyana Tucker, both of Donnie Bickham Middle School, prepared their robots for a tug of war competition during the RC&S3 Robotics competition at Northwestern State University, with Engineering Technology student Michael Harden judging.
STEM Teacher:
Flynn Dulle of Caddo Middle Magnet is the inaugural recipient of the STEM Teacher Award, presented at NSU’s annual RC&S3 robotics competition.
This Week’s report covers a one week period as of 9:00 am Monday morning and 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 December 5-12, 2022
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.
Rubie Allene Eakin
September 23, 1933 to December 9, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/09/rubie-allene-eakin/
Jewel Marie Thornton
May 2, 1932 to December 10, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/11/jewel-marie-thornton/
The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media. Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)
It is Christmas Spirit Week at Mansfield High. Today is “The Night Before Christmas” and kids are welcome to wear Christmas themed pajamas. Thursday will be “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and your chance to show off your best ugly Christmas sweater.
The kids were delighted to get to talk with Santa and sit on his lap. They told him all the things they wanted for Christmas. Rhonda and the elves at the coffee house in Grand Cane hosted St. Nick on Saturday morning. A great time was had by all.
Funeral services for Jimmie H. Hardee will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk St. Mansfield, Louisiana. Burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Dean Johnson.
Jimmie was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on June 1, 1937 to Lonnie and Ida “Pink” Hargett and passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.
Jimmie was preceded in death by her husband, Joe T. Hardee; parents; brothers, Charles Hargett and Paul Hargett; sister-in-law, Janice Hargett; and son-in-law, Roger L. Reynolds, Sr. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Joe T. Hardee, Jr. and Duska Bennett; Lloyd Hardee and wife, Carole; daughters, Monica Wright, Melissa Reynolds, and Anna Sistrunk; grandchildren, Drew Hardee, Jarred Hardee, Breanne George; Lane Reynolds, Logan Reynolds; Tucker Hardee and wife, Cara, Jase Hardee, Brendan Hardee and wife, Rebecca; Lauren Burkett and husband, Adam, Megan Sistrunk, Landry Sistrunk; great-grandchildren, Trystan Hardee, Aria Hardee; Saylor Hardee, Harper Hardee; and Beck Burkett; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Honoring Jimmie as pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The family would like to express a special thanks to caregivers, Martha Fox, Carolyn Elliott, Patricia Holmes, Paula Poore, and Sharon Turner for the care and compassion shown to our mama.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Jewel Marie Brantley Thornton passed away peacefully Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the age of 90. She is survived by her son, Doug and his wife Denise, cousin Walter Lee, grand-nieces Sharon Yates, Debbie Rushing and her husband Ray. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank M. Thornton, Jr., son Donald E. Thornton, parents Henry Brantley and Lena Lee Brantley, and siblings Henry Brantley, Jr., Malva Brantley, Alma Maxie and Dietz Arnold.
Marie Thornton was born May 2, 1932, in Many, Louisiana. She moved to Shreveport after graduating from Many High School in 1950 where she met Frank, her husband of 67 years. They were married on April 11, 1955, subsequent to Frank’s return from Naval service in Korea, and then moved to Houston, Texas where they spent the next four years before moving back to Shreveport to be closer to family members.
It was in Houston where Marie first joined South Central Bell Telephone Company, which would later become part of AT&T. After transferring to Shreveport, she would go on to work for the company for nearly 30 years until her retirement in 1985. In the early-1970’s she became the first female manager of the Shreveport office where she supervised the company’s coin telephone collection operation. Shortly after retirement, she and Frank moved to Stonewall, Louisiana where she managed the family businesses that included a cattle farm, rental property and oil and gas property on land that has been in the family since the early 1900’s.
As a strong-willed businesswoman, she was known for her decisiveness, keen instincts, and undeniable work ethic. As an individual, she was selfless, warm-hearted, and well-loved by many. She was always more comfortable serving other people, rather than putting her interest first. As a member of Landmark Baptist Church, Marie was also very dedicated to her Christian faith. Over the years she and Frank gave generously to many charitable causes and helped to support a number of needy families in the Stonewall area, often anonymously.
The family would like to extend their warm appreciation to the many friends for their love, support and prayers. The family is particularly grateful to the wonderful and caring staff at the Guest House skilled nursing facility.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 13th, at Landmark Baptist Church in Stonewall, Louisiana beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place following the funeral at St. Ann’s Catholic Church cemetery in Stonewall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial donations be made to Landmark Baptist Church in honor of Marie Thornton at the following address:
Landmark Baptist Church, P.O. Box 393, Stonewall, Louisiana 71078
On Saturday, DeSoto Voters overwhelmingly approved three amendments to the state Constitution, gave approval to two tax propositions, and elected a member of the School Board. Voter turnout was extremely light, about 10% Parishwide.
The race for District 5 on the DeSoto Parish School Board was the only runoff on the ballot. Alice Hamilton Thomas polled 139 votes or 66% and James “Jim” Veuleman got 71 votes or 34%. This school board race got the best voter turnout at 14%.
The Police Jury’s Parishwide tax was approved with 54% of the votes cast. Tally was 1037 yes and 901 no. This continues a 6.06 mills property tax for another 10 years. Voter turnout was at 10.2%.
Voters living in Fire Protection District #1 gave overwhelming approval to renewing the district’s property tax. Vote tally was 188 votes for or 77% to 57 votes against or 23% in opposition. The tax is a 10.69 mills renewal for 10 years.
The DeSoto Parish Griffins are the state runner-up in Division 2. They fell to the Lutcher Bulldogs 28 to 25 Saturday in the State Championship game.
Photo Credit: Peter Forest
Funeral services for Rubie “Allene” Eakin, 89, was held on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Gloster Baptist Church, 6928 Highway 5, Gloster, Louisiana. Burial followed at Gloster Cemetery. A visitation was held on Sunday, December 11, 2022 beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the start of the funeral at 2:00 p.m. Officiating the service was Brother Ron McLellan, Pastor Austin Eakin and Pastor Dan Eakin.
Allene was born September 23, 1933 to William Franklin and Sophia “Lena” Kathleen Stubbs in DeQueen, Arkansas and passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022 in Shreveport.
Allene was a resident of Gloster, Louisiana. She was married to Don Eakin for 68 wonderful years. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. “Nana,” as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, and “Nanny,” as her husband, Don, was called was always on standby to help with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a homemaker and bookkeeper for the family business. She attended Gloster Baptist Church where she was the treasurer for over 20 years and a very active participant in the church holding many positions over the years. She worked various part-time jobs throughout her life. She held numerous titles in her DAR work and was a proud member of the Bon Chasse Chapter. Allene will be terribly missed by her family but will live on in our hearts forever.
Allene is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Louis Dale Stubbs I; and brother-in-law, Albert Dwayne Eakin. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Don; daughter, Deborah Patrick and husband, Paul; son, Craig Eakin and wife, Mhonda; grandchildren, Jonathan Patrick and wife, Joscyln, Brenda Fiehn Diaz and husband, Richard, Christi Lee and husband, Steven, Jessica D’Agostino and husband, Horacio, Joseph Eakin, Daniel Eakin, Allie Lewis and husband, Blake, and Austin Eakin and wife, Grace; great-grandchildren, Emma Lee, Grace Lee, Alyssa Lee, Addisyn Patrick, Truxton Patrick, Celia-Rae Lewis, Charlee Anne Lewis, Isabela Maria Paez Fiehn, Jorge Gaston Barrera Fiehn, Maxwell Diaz Fiehn, Haddie Paige Eakin, LillyKay Faith Eakin, and Sophia Kathleen D’Agostino; and great-great grandchild, Alexandra Fern’andez Paez; sister-in-law, Sheri Stubbs; brother-in-law, Dan Eakin; and many beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family members.
Honoring Allene as pallbearers will be her grandsons and grandsons-in-law.
The family would like to express special thanks to all the family and friends that helped us make sure Allene’s end of life was full of wonderful care, compassion and love.
DeSoto residents have an opportunity to go to the polls on Saturday to vote. There are several local issues and three proposed amendments to the state Constitution on the ballot.
There is one runoff election, in school district #5. There is one parish-wide and a local tax proposition on the ballot.
Polls will be open until 8:00 pm to give everyone an opportunity to vote.
Northwestern State University’s Chapter of Blue Key Honor Society inducted 29 new members and recognized new officers. A student from Mansfield, Ar’Nijah Gabrielle Bradley is among those inducted.
Blue Key Honor Society is a premier honor society that recognizes students at institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Blue Key Honor Society bases its eligibility for membership on all-around leadership and integrity in student life, high scholastic achievement and service to others.
New Officers are Blake Chustz, president; Jesus Bravo, vice president;
Koral Richard, secretary; Adreanna Thrift, treasurer, and Mary Scruggs, volunteer coordinator.
NSU’s Blue Key chapter was established in 1959. Chapter activities include flower sales at graduation and service to the NSU campus and Natchitoches community. The chapter will be participating in the KSLA-TV toy drive December 8 and is currently making plans to collaborate with other honor societies on campus to host Honors Week in the spring.
In addition to recognizing new members, the chapter voted to establish the Jerry Pierce Service Award, which will be presented in the spring.
Inductees, listed by hometown, are as follows:
Baton Rouge – Ebenezer Robert Aggrey, Jalivia Kristina Johnson
Bossier City – Brittany Ann Charchio, Jordan Mckenzie Lacy Richardson
Denham Springs — Abigail Grace Whitam
Haughton – James Austin Grooms, Nicholas Knotts
Houma – Madson Claire Anderson
Joaquin, Texas – Jesus Bravo
Keithville – Ashley Rose Eubanks
Lafayette – Koral Richard
Mansfield – Ar’Nijah Gabrielle Bradley
Marksville — Makenzie Grace Scroggs
Natchitoches – Jazzare Burrell, Blake Scott Fowler, Mary Anna Scruggs
New Orleans – Naysia Nicol Brunswick Jones
New Roads – Blake Michael Chustz
Pineville – Cady Beth Brown, Amber Michelle Ford
Pollock – Chloe Laran Davis
Shreveport – Taylor Dixon, Kira Nicole Presley, Amyah Washington, Kacy Elleace Young
Vivian – Natalee Cook
Waxahachie, Texas — McKenzie Shae Ryer
West Monroe — Adreanna Leigh Thrift
Zwolle – Hana Micheely Lewis
By Brad Dison
In 922, Duke Borivoy, leader of Bohemia, died in battle. Duke Borivoy had twin sons, the eldest of which inherited his title of duke. The young duke was just 15 years old. He and his younger twin brother had largely been raised by their grandmother, Ludmilla, a devoted Christian who taught them the meaning of hope, faith, and charity. The duke took Ludmilla’s teachings to heart.
Shortly after becoming duke, his younger brother, Boleslaus, who had been born only a few minutes after the duke, along with their mother, Drahomira, staged a Pagan revolt against the Christian duke. They and their followers assassinated the duke’s beloved grandmother, Ludmilla, as she prayed. Remember that Ludmilla was Boleslaus’s grandmother as well and was Drahomira’s mother-in-law. Boleslaus earned the nickname Boleslaus the Cruel. After killing Ludmilla, they planned to overthrow the duke. The revolt had hardly begun when the young duke took charge and put down the rebellion. His countrymen assumed that the leaders of the revolt, Boleslaus, and Drahomira, would be executed. To everyone’s surprise, the duke treated them with mercy and kindness, and rather than executing them, the duke expelled his mother and brother from Bohemia.
This first major act as Duke of Bohemia was an example of how the duke ruled his nation, with true justice, mercy, and kindness. He often traveled throughout his country to learn what his people needed. He often shared firewood, food, and other needful things with his subjects. He took pity on the poor and urged the wealthy to help the less fortunate. Due to his kindness and charity, many of his Pagan subjects converted to Christianity.
Centuries before people began giving gifts as part of the Christmas celebration, the duke, aided by his pages, gave the poorest of his subjects gifts of firewood, food, and clothing on Christmas Eve. Much like our modern Santa Claus, nothing, not even the harshest winter weather, kept the duke from visiting his subjects every Christmas Eve. The duke’s charity gave his subjects even more reason to celebrate Christmas. The duke had become one of the most revered leaders in history.
In 929 or 935, the date varies according to sources, the duke greeted his subjects with a warm smile and asked about their health as he walked to church to say his daily prayers. The duke genuinely cared about the welfare of his people. As he neared the church, the duke heard a familiar voice, one he thought he would never hear again. The duke turned and was shocked to see his brother, Boleslaus, the brother whom he had expelled some years earlier. Acting on this as a signal, Boleslaus’s Pagan followers attacked and stabbed the duke multiple times. The duke fell on his knees on the church steps. His last words were said to have been “Brother, may God forgive you.” With this murder of the revered duke, Boleslaus became the new Duke of Bohemia.
Boleslaus became remorseful of the murderous deeds of which he was responsible. He turned against his Pagan followers and embraced the teachings that he had learned from his grandmother, Ludmilla, whom he had murdered. Boleslaus is largely responsible for maintaining the legend of the brother he murdered. The slain duke was considered a martyr and saint immediately following his murder. Multiple hagiographies, biographies of a saint or an ecclesiastical leader, were written about the slain duke within a few decades of his death. Although he was only a duke during his lifetime, Holy Roman Emperor Otto I posthumously conferred upon him the regal dignity and title of righteous king due to his faith and charity.
Nearly 1,000 years later, in 1853, English Anglican priest and hymnwriter John Mason Neale published a song based on the hagiographies of the slain duke. In Neale’s carol, the duke and his page were trekking on foot through deep snow to deliver gifts to the needy when the page decided to give up the struggle against the harsh winter weather. Neale explained that the duke convinced his page to continue in a stanza which is normally omitted from the carol we hear each year during Christmastime:
In his masters’ steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possession,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.
The slain Duke of Bohemia, who became a martyr and saint, and who was posthumously given the title of king for his faith and charity was Good King Wenceslas.
Source: Ace Collins, Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), 64-69.
Men Of Prayer meets monthly in Stonewall at the Community Center. For January, Brandon Digilormo of Insane Ministries presents “A NIGHT OF JOY.”
Welcome in the new year with Christian group, “weRcalled” and Comedian Bob Smiley. An entertaining and inspiring family night is played, including a great meal. Everyone is invited to attend. Food, Fellowship and God.
The meeting will be Thursday January 5th at 6:30 pm at the Stonewall Community Center in Stonewall, Louisiana.
A full week of activities for students in Kindergarten through fifth all next week. It will be Christmas Spirit Week with a different dress up day each day.
Monday will be Christmas Character Day. Dress an any holiday character.
Tuesday will be Headbands and Hat day. Christmas headwear will be featured, and it can be homemade if you wish.
Wednesday there will be the Christmas Program. Students should wear Christmas shirts and jeans.
Thursday is Ugly Sweater day. Self-explanatory.
By Steve Graf
Just like everything else on the market today, from gas to groceries and anything else you can think of, the cost of trying to go bass fishing is getting ridiculous. What happened to the days of $1.50 spinnerbaits, $5.00 crankbaits, and buying soft plastic worms in bulk at 5 cents each? Today’s angler better have deep pockets or a very good job if he wants to be able to go bass fishing and possibly compete in a tournament. Let’s look at what anglers are facing today and how they’re having to manage their checkbooks.
Let’s start with terminal tackles like hooks and worm weights. Only a few years ago, you could buy good quality top-name brands of hooks (pack of 10) for about $2.50. Now an angler will be paying anywhere from $4.99 to $7.20. Of course, this all depends on the brand you purchase. But in tournament fishing, hooks are a very important component to catching bass, and you don’t want to cut corners with this purchase.
Next, worm weights are another component that has really changed in the last 15 years. For years, anglers had no choice other than lead weights because there wasn’t anything else. Then around 1999, the game changed when the late Mark Pack (Lake Fork Guide) decided to try using the hard metal weight (tungsten) for a technique we call drop shooting. This is what ignited the tungsten craze and as they say, the rest is history.
Almost 95% of all anglers today will purchase tungsten weights over the lead. Why? Well, tungsten has proven to be a better choice over lead weights for a couple of reasons, one being the fact that any size tungsten weight will be smaller and more compact in size than the same size weight in a lead version. Another way tungsten weights shine is the fact they are much harder in texture than lead and make a louder clicking sound when they hit a hard surface, which can attract bass to your lure.
But there is a heavy price to pay for these two bonus features. A pack of 4 tungsten weights in 1/8 oz up to 3/8 oz will set you back at least $8.00, while ½ and 1-ounce weights will cost you $9.00 or more just for one weight. This is a hefty price to pay for weight when you can get the same size lead weight in a pack of 10 or more for $3.50.
Now let’s look at the fishing line, as this might be the greatest area of advancement in the last 20 years with the introduction of both braid and fluorocarbon fishing lines. Every company on the market today has introduced its own version of both of these. Each has its own unique benefits and of course, there’s a price to pay for technological advancements.
The fluorocarbon line has some great advantages versus the old standard monofilament line anglers have used since the 1950s. For one, both fluorocarbon and braided lines have less stretch and much greater sensitivity when combined with a really good fishing rod. It can make a big difference in the number of bites you feel that you never felt before, resulting in more fish being caught. Price difference: you pay only $4.99 for a 200-yard spool of monofilament line today versus $26.99 for 200 yards of fluorocarbon. Braid falls into the same high price category, costing anywhere from $24.00 to $34.00 for a 165-yard spool of line.
It’s pretty obvious that the cost of going fishing has skyrocketed compared to what it was only a few years ago. Again, most of the increase is based on the advancements in certain areas of fishing technology. Tournament anglers today are very conscious of every penny they’re spending, especially with the cost of gas, lodging, and food going up nationwide. Next week, we’ll take a look at the insane prices of today’s bass boats. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Branch libraries in Logansport, Stonewall and Pelican are holding Christmas Story Hour. Bring your children and grandchildren for an entertaining hour.
Story Hour is held on Wednesday at 10:00 am. Call the children’s librarian at each branch for more information. In Logansport call Diane Pitts at 697-2311. In Stonewall, Bekah Fatheree is the Children’s Librarian at 925-9191. And the Children’s Librarian at the Pelican Branch is Rena Jackson at 755-2353.
The Winter Retreat for kids has been scheduled for February at Clara Springs Camp.
Kids Winter Retreat dates are February third and fourth. Children in grades one through six are invited. Registration fee is $65. Check Clara Springs’ social media posts for registration information and other details.
Erika McCain, Executive Director of “Dress For Success” in Shreveport/Bossier talked with the Rotary of Mansfield about the work her organization does to help young ladies new to the workforce seek and gain employment. Their network of support includes V.O.A., Providence House, Project Celebration and United Way.
Dress For Success will provide for qualified ladies two outfits to interview in and two work outfits when they are employed. They also help with resume’ creations and online application processes. Since the COVID Pandemic Ms. McCain told the club that she has seen an increase in older women coming through her program.
She told the Club that she has met with Mansfield’s new mayor and Dress For Success has big plans for the area after the first of the year! If you would like to contact Ms. McCain please call her 318-674-3509 or visit at their Career Center 1520 North Hearne Ave., Suite 108, Shreveport, LA. 71107.
The next regularly scheduled meeting Of the Mansfield Rotary Club will be on 01/04/23 at the Mansfield Female College Museum Library for lunch.
Pictured are Teri Byrd, Erica McCain, Dudley Glenn, Cyndi Phillips and Nick Gasper.
Patsy Santos
November 5, 1944 to December 6, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/07/patsy-santos/
Oscar Ray Sullivan
July 2, 1953 to December 5, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/06/oscar-ray-sullivan/
Charles Thurmon
July 6, 1962 to December 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 1:00 P.M. Florien City Auditorium Florien, LA
Creola Horton
September 8, 1924 to December 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 11:00 A.M. Bethlehem B.C. Naborton, LA
Dilsie Fuller-Boyd
March 28, 1949 to December 2, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 10, 2022 @ 11:00 A.M. Mt. Mariah B.C. Kingston/ Frierson, LA
The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media. Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)
The DeSoto Parish Journal wishes best of luck to the North DeSoto Griffins in the state Division 2 State Championship game on Saturday.
The Annual Christmas Open House at the Stonewall Library is next Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 11:00 am. It is the Library’s way for us to say, “ hank You to our Wonderful Patrons.” There will not be a Story Hour, but please feel free to bring the kids. There will be light refreshments, movies, and music.
The DeSoto Ag Extension Office posted a notice about the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association annual convention in Alexandria. The dates are January 6-8 at the Hotel Bentley.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Patsy Laverne Santos, 78, of Converse, Louisiana will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Rev. Jimmy Price. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on the same day from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Patsy was born on November 5, 1944, in Ajax, Louisiana to Ernest and Margaret Free and entered into rest on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in Converse, Louisiana.
Patsy is preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Wilson Santos; parents; brothers, Don and Doug Free; and sisters, Gloria June Creech and Sue Anderson.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jessie “Jay” Santos, Leslie “Speedy” Santos and wife, Maegan; daughter, Donna Webb and husband, Thomas Roy; brothers, Ernest Free Sr. and Melvin Free; grandchildren, Amanda Houck and husband, Kevin, Carla Rivers and husband, James, Jess Santos and wife, Sonya, Will Santos, Jacob Santos and wife Alexis, and Samantha Ray; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In front of an absolutely electric atmosphere for high school football, the North Desoto Griffins punched their ticket for the LHSAA Division II State Championship Game with a 38-9 throttling over the Iowa Yellow Jackets.
With a standing room only crowd, the Stonewall faithful added a level of comfort to the Griffins as they jumped out to a 24-2 Halftime advantage. Special teams continued their dominance with a opening drive punt block that set the Luke Delafield led offense up for a 2 yard Trysten Hopper touchdown reception. Landon Falls added a 27 yard field goal to take the advantage to 10-0. As the game began to take form, the Thunder and Lightning duo of Banks and Lewis started to wear down the Jackets with back to back touchdown runs with Banks scoring for 21 out and Lewis with a highlight reel worthy 79 yard backbreaking jaunt.
Defensively led by seniors Marques ‘Gator’ Hampton and Hunter Addison were tasked with stopping the highly effective Yellow Jackets Run Game. Iowa came in rushing for well over 200 yards per game, but were held to a mere 57 yards rushing for the entire game. Defense also had multiple 4th and short stands that took the stinger out the jackets and gave the Griffins the momentum to finish out the second half.
Banks added a touchdown reception and Marques Hampton 41 yard touchdown run capped off the scoring for the night.
As the Griffins begin their preparations to head to New Orleans to face the #6 Seeded Lutcher Bulldogs (13-1), Coach Dunn, said “We will keep the schedule for the week as consistent as it’s been all year. Keep the guys in a routine that they are used to and block out as much distraction as possible.” The Griffins play in the Caesars Superdome on December 10th at 12 noon. They will be leaving Stonewall to head south for preparations on Thursday.
Congratulations came from the other team to make it to the big show in recent years, the Logansport Tigers. Congrats to the North Desoto Football team and coaches on their semifinal win to make their first ever trip to the Championship game next Saturday at 12 noon. In the words of Thomas Jefferson “If you want something you have never had, you have to do something you have never done.”
North DeSoto High posted information on tickets to the game and Superdome guidelines on video photography on their social media sites.
Mr. Barry Carter, Principal of North DeSoto Middle School, has been named the 2022-2023 DeSoto Parish Principal of the Year. Mr. Carter is the DeSoto Difference.
By LaBetha Casey
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the December 1 Men of Prayer meeting held at the Stonewall Community Center. Wives were also invited to attend this meeting. Following the meal, Keith and Fontaine Simmons led the attendees in some Christmas carols.
Tom Gatti gave an update on the ministry outreach for the disadvantaged people who live in burned out houses, under bridges and other inadequate places in Shreveport. Each Saturday morning, a gospel service is provided with 40-100 people attending. The 318 church provides a community meal. Gatti’s challenge to the crowd was, “We need more volunteers. Bring your time to invest in someone’s life.” Blankets, coats, gloves, hats and other warm items that have been donated by the community will be distributed later this month.
The annual service award was presented to Bryan and Melissa Dupont with a local catering company. On the Saturday before Easter and on Christmas Day, they provided and prepared the food for a fish fry for more than 100 Shreveport displaced citizens. Mention was made of a local lady who provides cookies for dessert for each of the Men of Prayer meetings.
Two NDHS senior girls gave a personal testimony as guest speakers. The first was Patience Edwards who shared that early April marked the 5 year anniversary of her mother’s death. She began to experience some emotional distress and struggled with her faith. A time of healing and spiritual reconciliation came at a campfire while at a summer church camp and the song “I Will Carry You” was playing. The song ministered to her, and she began to again focus on reading her Bible and praying more.
Kaity Beth began her testimony by reading Psalm 31:6,7 and 11 Chronicles 7:14. She shared that during her freshman year of high school she began experiencing anxiety and worry and sought worldly friendships. Her family relationship was suffering as well. One of the sermons of her pastor was about God’s unfailing and unconditional love. Kaity prayed for God to change her, that she would have a better relationship with her parents and to find a best friend. God answered her prayers once she began to trust God. Her talk ended with Matthew 6:33 ” But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Kaity’s goal now is to share God’s message and to be a light to the world.
The meeting ended with door prizes being given to the lucky ticket holders. Poinsettias and other gifts were available for all the ladies.