By Steve Graf    

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off.

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret.

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy.

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through.

I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge.

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more.

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos.

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career.

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass.

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable.

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon.

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.

One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.

April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.

In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.

April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.

From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.

In the 1930s, the Kutol Products soap company was dangerously close to going out of business. Cleo McVicker worked hard to get Kutol’s products into stores and ultimately in the hands of consumers. Kutol needed a new product, but what? At the time, many homes in America were heated with coal which left a sooty residue on everything in the home. Unlike regular household dust which could easily be swept or vacuumed up, coal dust was finer and more difficult to remove. Sweeping and vacuuming coal dust normally sent more of it back into the air than was collected. Coal dust also contained sulfur, nitrogen, silica, and heavy metals, which could be hazardous to health. In 1933, Cleo negotiated a deal with the purchasing agent for the Kroger grocery store chain to add a cleaner to their inventory which would remove coal dust from wallpaper. Coal dust was especially hard to remove from wallpaper because it was small enough to settle into the paper fibers of wallpaper. Cleo promised Kroger a product which did not exist.

Cleo immediately contacted his brother Noah, Kutol’s main product developer, and the two began the rigorous research and development process. After countless failures, they came up with the formula for a compound which easily removed coal dust from wallpaper. Unlike liquid cleaners which required the user to apply the liquid to a cloth and swipe away the coal dust which usually made a bigger mess, Kutol wallpaper cleaner, was non-toxic, non-staining, and made no mess at all. The user simply pressed the compound onto the wall and the coal dust stuck to it. Once the compound became saturated with coal dust, the consumer threw it away and bought another can for five cents. Because it was a replenishable product, the Kutol company was saved one nickel at a time.

For 20 years, Kutol wallpaper cleaner kept the company afloat and successful. Following World War II, many people converted their homes from being heated by coal to natural gas. No longer did homeowners have the hassle of purchasing, handling, and storing a skuttle of dusty coal. Natural gas burned cleanly and was piped directly into the home. Around the same time, manufacturers began making wallpaper out of vinyl rather than paper which made it much easier to clean. By the early 1950s, sales of Kutol wallpaper cleaner began to decline quickly. The company was once again on the brink of failure.

In 1955, Joe McVicker, Cleo’s son, was searching for a way to keep Kutol from going bankrupt when Kay Zufall, his sister-in-law and schoolteacher, convinced him that Kutol wallpaper cleaner could be used for something more fun than cleaning. Joe ran with the idea. In 1956, Kutol established the Rainbow Crafts Company Inc. and repackaged the wallpaper cleaner, but Kutol was so near bankruptcy that they had no advertising budget. That could have been the end, but Joe demonstrated his product to Bob Keeshan, better known to the world as Captain Kangaroo. Bob liked the product so much that he agreed to use it in his television show at least once a week. From 1955 until 1984, Captain Kangaroo was one of the most popular children’s shows on television. Before Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to sell their rebranded product. Because of Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to keep up with demand. Since its introduction on Captain Kangaroo, billions of cans of rebranded Kutol wallpaper cleaner have been sold. It has become one of history’s most iconic toys and it remains popular to this day. We have all played with Kuto wallpaper cleaner, but we know it as Play-Doh.

Sources:

1. The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 19, 1936, p.25.

2. The Akron Beacon Journal, April 18, 1938, p.19.

3. David Kindy, “The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh,” Smithsonian magazine, November 12, 2019, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/.

4. “The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun!” The Strong National Museum of Play, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-history-of-play-doh-good-clean-fun/.

Mable Fay Reed
March 6, 1932 — April 6, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Rhyleigh Lynette Garner
07/30/2013 – 04/02/2026
Visitation : Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Many

Damarion Deshawn – Tyrell Lewis
11/12/2007 – 04/02/2026
Visitation : Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at11:00 a.m. at Springville B.C.

Issac Gillyard
01/08/1953 – 04/02/2026
Visitation: Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

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

The 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.

DESOTO PARISH — Two educators from DeSoto Parish have been named semifinalists by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Hillary Severin of North DeSoto Upper Elementary School was selected as a Teacher of the Year semifinalist, while Brian Anderson of Stanley High School was named a Principal of the Year semifinalist.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has released details of a recent series of arrests as part of its continued effort to combat illegal drug activity across DeSoto Parish.

According to Sheriff Jayson Richardson, deputies with the Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) and DPSO Task Force Agents conducted multiple operations between late February and March, resulting in numerous individuals being taken into custody on a range of narcotics and related charges.

Key Arrests and Charges

Authorities report the following arrests:

Ezraline L. Hubbard, 49, of Shreveport — Arrested February 23 on charges including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Ecstasy) and possession of marijuana.

Rodney T. Evatt, 58, of Tulsa, Oklahoma — Arrested March 6 for possession of Schedule IV (Xanax), Schedule II (methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia.

Clifford D. Jones, 30, of Mansfield — Arrested March 11 on a charge of resisting an officer by flight.

Ashley M. Burr, 43, of Stonewall — Arrested March 10 for possession of Schedule II (meth), drug paraphernalia, and traffic-related violations.

Rodrigues D. Davis, 34, of Mansfield — Arrested March 12 on charges including possession of Schedule II (cocaine), marijuana (second offense), and a fugitive warrant.

Antonesha L. Dupree, 34, of Mansfield — Arrested March 21 for introducing contraband into a penal facility, possession of drug paraphernalia, and outstanding warrants.

Semaj Adams, 38, of Grand Cane — Arrested March 20 on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana and crack cocaine, along with driving-related offenses and warrants.

Alexis D. Ester, 41, of Shreveport — Arrested March 20 for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer L. Barajas, 41, of Logansport — Arrested March 24 for possession of Schedule II (meth), drug paraphernalia, and a traffic violation.

Lucas D. Morehead, 39, of Stonewall — Arrested March 25 on multiple failure-to-appear warrants and traffic-related offenses.

Maranda A. Magby, 34, of Camden, Arkansas — Arrested March 25 for possession of Schedule II (meth), possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and drug paraphernalia.

All individuals were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center.

Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

Sheriff Richardson emphasized that these arrests reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to reducing drug-related crime in the parish. He also commended the efforts of the Narcotics Division and S.L.I.U. teams for their continued vigilance and dedication.

Legal Reminder

Officials stress that an arrest indicates probable cause at the time of the incident. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Definitions:

CDS — Controlled Dangerous Substance

FTA — Failure to Appear

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities as law enforcement continues its proactive approach to keeping DeSoto Parish communities safe.

Residents across DeSoto Parish should prepare for a mix of warm temperatures, gusty winds, and increasing storm chances as an active spring weather pattern develops through the weekend.

Wednesday: Warm with Isolated Afternoon Storms

A mostly quiet start to midweek will give way to a slight (20%) chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny, with temperatures climbing to around 85°F. South winds near 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph.

Wednesday night remains mostly cloudy and mild, with lows near 67°F and continued breezy conditions.

Thursday: Higher Rain Chances and Storm Potential

Conditions turn more unsettled Thursday, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms—especially during the afternoon hours. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a cooler high near 79°F. Rain chances decrease Thursday night, with only a slight chance of lingering showers and a low around 65°F.

Friday: Spotty Storms Return

Friday brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Despite the storm chances, temperatures rebound to the mid-80s under partly sunny skies. A few isolated storms may continue into Friday night before tapering off.

Weekend: Stormy Start, Then Cooler Temperatures

Saturday continues the unsettled trend with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and into the night. Highs will be near 80°F before a cooler air mass begins moving in overnight, dropping temperatures to the low 50s.

Sunday turns noticeably cooler, with highs only reaching the upper 60s and a 30% chance of scattered storms. Overnight lows will fall into the mid-40s as rain chances diminish.

Monday: Clearing and Comfortable

The new week begins on a calmer note, with mostly sunny skies and a pleasant high near 69°F—offering a break from the recent stretch of unsettled weather.

Bottom Line:

DeSoto Parish will see a classic springtime pattern—warm, breezy days with increasing chances of afternoon and evening storms through Saturday, followed by a cooler and drier air mass settling in by

Sunday into Monday. Residents should stay alert for changing weather conditions, especially later in the week when storm coverage increases.

An educator from DeSoto Parish is gaining national recognition for her leadership in education policy.
Keisha Harris of Mansfield Middle School has been selected to serve on the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet (NTPC), a prestigious national cohort of educators focused on shaping education policy and advocating for student success.

Through her role on the NTPC, Harris will represent both DeSoto Parish Schools and the state of Louisiana at the federal level. The program brings together accomplished teachers from across the country to elevate the voices of educators and students in national policy discussions.

Participants collaborate on key education issues and provide insight to policymakers, helping ensure classroom perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

School officials say Harris’ selection is not only an honor for Mansfield Middle School but also a significant opportunity for the entire district. Her involvement is expected to bring valuable knowledge and policy insight back to local classrooms, ultimately benefiting students across DeSoto Parish.

District leaders praised Harris for her dedication and leadership, noting that her selection reflects the quality of educators within the parish.

Her work with the National Teacher Policy Cabinet will focus on strengthening education systems, supporting teachers, and improving outcomes for students—both locally and nationwide.

Community members are encouraged to join in congratulating Ms. Harris on this achievement as she represents DeSoto Parish on a national platform.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced bid results for multiple statewide projects in March, including a traffic safety improvement project affecting both Caddo and DeSoto parishes.

The project involves signing upgrades along Interstate 49 between the Natchitoches Parish line and the Inner Loop. The work is aimed at improving visibility and navigation for motorists traveling through the corridor.

The apparent low bid for the project came in at $3,864,006.39. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance safety and efficiency on major transportation routes across the state.

Officials indicated that projects are selected based on factors including traffic volume, roadway condition, and safety needs.

BATON ROUGE — State Representative Larry Bagley’s legislation to eliminate Louisiana’s vehicle inspection sticker program advanced Tuesday from the House Transportation Committee with unanimous support.

House Bill 838, authored by Bagley, would end the state’s long-standing inspection sticker program and replace it with a new windshield QR code sticker system designed solely to assist law enforcement with faster VIN entry during traffic stops.

Representative Bagley secured the support of Governor Jeff Landry prior to the start of the 2026 Regular Session. Governor Landry reaffirmed that support during Tuesday’s committee hearing by publicly backing the measure and sending Bryan Adams, director of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, to sit at the committee table, answer technical questions, and present the administration’s support for the bill.

Bagley said the unanimous committee vote reflects growing recognition that Louisiana’s inspection sticker system is outdated and no longer necessary for modern vehicles.

“This is about modernizing state law and removing an outdated burden from Louisiana drivers,” Bagley said. “The annual inspection sticker program was created decades ago, long before the technology we now have in today’s vehicles and law enforcement systems.”

As amended in committee, a new windshield QR code sticker will be included with motorists’ vehicle registration every two years. The QR code sticker will be affixed to the windshield and will allow law enforcement officers to quickly scan the code to more easily input the vehicle’s VIN — Vehicle Identification Number — into their in-car systems.

Bagley emphasized that the QR code will display only VIN information and serves solely as an efficiency tool for law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

Existing law enforcement technology already allows officers to obtain insurance and identifying information through license plate readers. The QR code does not expand that capability and is intended only to simplify VIN entry without requiring officers to manually type the number into their devices.

Under the legislation, enforcement of Louisiana’s inspection sticker law would cease after June 30, with the new QR code windshield sticker system scheduled to take effect on January 1.

Motorists would no longer be required to visit an inspection station for annual sticker renewals.

Bagley noted that Louisiana’s inspection sticker law was created at a time when vehicles lacked the advanced onboard diagnostics and safety systems now standard in modern automobiles. Today’s vehicles continuously monitor engine performance, emissions systems, tire pressure, braking systems, and other mechanical functions, alerting drivers through dashboard warnings when service is needed.

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

Bagley also pointed out that Louisiana is among a shrinking number of states that still require annual safety inspections for passenger vehicles.

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

HB 838 now moves forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Students from DeSoto Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.

The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.

Students from DeSoto Parish recognized include:

Alexa Gannon of Logansport, Early Childhood Education

Elizabeth Houston of Mansfield, Elementary Education

Melrose, Louisiana – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the
52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on April 18th from 9 am to 5
pm, and April 19th from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane
where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures
crafted by talented artisans, savor a variety of delicious foods, sip on beer, wine, and
other refreshing beverages such as fresh squeezed lemonade. Homemade ice cream
returns to the festival this year as a long standing fan favorite as well as iron and wood
works for your home and garden. We are also excited to feature local authors
throughout the festival, along with live demonstrations that highlight traditional crafts
such as basket weaving and quilting. These interactive experiences offer guests a chance
to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Additionally, Randolph “Randy” Deaton will be presenting a special talk on Clementine
Hunter on Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM. Guests are encouraged to bring any photos or
personal stories they may have of Clementine Hunter, which can be scanned and added
to his growing collection.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at:
https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026. Attendees will be able to shop for:
stunning jewelry, exquisite paintings, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable
desserts, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking
for something special, theres something for everyone to discover and cherish at the
Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.

“We’d love for y’all to come out, shop, and support historic Melrose. Take in the views,
check out all the vendors, and just enjoy a good day together at the festival. Tours of the
Big House and African House will be available- so bring your friends and family and
make it a day to remember, ” said Ariel Rachal event organizer.

Dont miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic
excellence at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts &vCrafts Festival. Purchase your tickets
today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, please visit
https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026

Media Contact: Ariel Rachal, Email MelrosePlantation@gmail.com

About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an
annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 52 years, the festival
has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to
discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of
artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

DeSoto Parish, LA — A historic first season for a new student-athlete program is making headlines across DeSoto Parish, as Stanley High School celebrates the success of its inaugural powerlifting team.

According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer Deputy Lane Burns helped support the launch of the school’s very first powerlifting program this academic year—an effort that quickly turned into a standout success story.

From Idea to Impact

“What started as a few students asking for an opportunity quickly turned into a season of hard work, discipline, and growth,” Burns said, reflecting on the team’s rapid development.

Training began in August, with the team competing in its first meet by December. From there, the athletes advanced through regional competitions and ultimately qualified multiple lifters for the state championship.

State-Level Success in Year One

In an impressive debut season, five Stanley High lifters earned spots at the state level—and all five finished in the Top 10 in Louisiana:

Jade Jones — State Champion (1st Place) with a total lift of 820

Amihya Stephens — 6th Place (570 total)

Colin King — 8th Place (670 total)

Tristin Thomas — 6th Place (1120 total)

Gabe Holloway — 9th Place (955 total)

The achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the athletes but for the school’s athletic program as a whole.

More Than Strength

Burns emphasized that powerlifting goes beyond physical strength, requiring discipline, focus, proper rest, and long-term commitment—qualities the team demonstrated throughout the season.

He also credited team managers Abigail Rogers, Kholey Rivers, and Kreagan Jordan for their behind-the-scenes contributions, as well as school administrators and Sheriff Jayson Richardson for their continued support.

Looking Ahead

With a state champion already crowned and multiple top-10 finishes secured, Stanley High’s first season has set a high bar for the future.

“This is just the beginning,” Burns said. “If this first season is any indication, the future is very bright.”

The success of the program highlights the growing opportunities for student-athletes in DeSoto Parish and underscores the impact of community support in building new initiatives from the ground up.

By Steve Graf    

While I was growing up, my parents fully supported my athletic career. But they also believed in hard work and understood that free time for a teenage boy was not a good thing. To say my teenage years were structured would be an understatement.

While they never kept me from playing whatever sport I wanted to play, they had a rule that if I was not playing a sport, I had to get a job after school and on Saturdays. Note — our family was in no way desperate for money as my dad was superintendent for an oil drilling company.

They wanted me to understand the benefits of a good work ethic. At the age of 10 my first job outside the family ranch was picking up trash on the mornings following all the baseball games the night before.

They believed that many of life’s lessons were learned through working. Personally, I understood early in my childhood what a good work ethic was while growing up on a cattle ranch where there’s never a shortage of things to do.

Jobs included, but were not limited to, building barns, vaccinating cattle, building fences and hauling hay. Owning a cattle ranch is a seven day a week job that requires a lot of commitment and dedication. It’s like raising kids; every day someone must do a head count while making sure they are fed.

My last three years of high school, I had a job that I really enjoyed, working at Foxworth-Galbreath Lumber Yard. While I played three sports — football, baseball and track — it was during basketball season that I worked at the lumber yard after school.

I learned a lot from that experience, like how important it is to be on time. It was good that I answered to someone who held me accountable. I learned about the different grades of lumber and plywood as well as inventory control and how a lumber yard is managed.

This also gave me a sense of independence as the job provided money for dating and gas. It taught me how to be responsible and how important people skills are in order to work with others. It also motivated me to continue my education and get a degree.

These are lessons that many of today’s younger generation have not mastered. Many of today’s youth have no idea what it’s like to work for what they have. To answer to someone else who doesn’t accept excuses for being late or not doing the job right.

Every job I ever had, and I’ve had my share, taught me something. In high school and college, I not only worked at a lumber yard, but I also worked construction with Brown & Root, unloaded box trucks for a shipping company at 4 a.m. each day, lined fields and kept the books for Dixie Youth games every night and was an engineer’s assistant for the Texas Highway Department.

Each one of these job opportunities taught me a lot. But the most important lesson I learned was accountability, which is an important ingredient for being successful in life. So, if you’re looking for a purpose in life, maybe you need to get a job!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Pulling up to the gas pump has started to feel less like a routine stop and more like a scene straight out of a horror movie. You swipe your card, start fueling up, and suddenly—there it is—the total climbing faster than you can look away. At $100 and still rising, it’s the kind of moment that makes you question every decision that led you to that pump. The real twist? No jump scare soundtrack needed—just the quiet panic of watching the numbers roll. And honestly, the caption says it best: “Based on a true story.”

Language is an art—and marriage is the gallery where half the paintings are hung upside down. Words have two lives: denotation (the dictionary version) and connotation (the emotional baggage they bring to the party). The trouble starts when two people bring different baggage handlers.

“Five minutes.”

In the male dictionary, that phrase is a stopwatch: exactly 300 seconds. In the female dictionary, it’s a flexible time zone that expands to accommodate eyeliner, the perfect earrings, and a last-minute dishwasher triage. So when the husband asks, “When will you be ready?” and the wife says, “Five minutes,” the husband hears a sprint; the wife hears a scenic detour. Either way, the car ride will include an argument about whether “on time” is a suggestion or a felony.

“Nothing.”

When a man says he’s thinking “nothing,” he’s not being evasive—he’s blissfully blank. His mental whiteboard is clean; life is a hammock and the brain is on vacation. When a woman says “nothing,” it’s a covert operations briefing: plans, feelings, timelines, and a five-year contingency plan all wrapped in two syllables. If your wife says “nothing,” consider it a red flag, a smoke signal, and a call to the nearest counselor—preferably one who accepts emergency margaritas.

The sigh.

A man’s sigh is a victory horn: lawn mowed, fish filleted, deer rack admired—mission accomplished. A woman’s sigh is a forensic report: it catalogs your idiocy, timestamps it, and files it under “Do Not Repeat.” Keep making her sigh and you’ll graduate from “nothing” to “we need to talk” faster than you can say “remote control.”

“Go ahead.”

For men, “go ahead” is a green light, a verbal thumbs-up. For women, it’s a dare wrapped in sarcasm: “Go ahead—explain why buying that thing is a brilliant idea.” If she says “go ahead” about the expensive purchase, treat it like a landmine: do not, under any circumstances, step on it.

Words trip us up because we’re using the same language with different subtitles. That’s why marriage counselors get paid—either that or they’re masochists who enjoy listening to couples argue about the semantics of socks.

And then there’s the one place where subtitles aren’t needed: the message of love and forgiveness. The Bible puts it simply: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Even in the messiest gallery of human communication, that message hangs in plain view—no translation required.

Each year on April 1, pranksters around the world embrace a day dedicated to practical jokes, hoaxes and harmless mischief. While the exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain debated, historians trace its roots back several centuries.

One popular theory links the tradition to 16th-century France. When the country shifted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582 under Pope Gregory XIII, New Year’s Day moved from late March to January 1. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year in early spring were reportedly mocked as “April fools.”

Over time, the tradition of playful deception spread across Europe and eventually to North America. Newspapers, radio stations and television networks have long joined the fun, publishing elaborate hoaxes on April 1.

In 1957, the BBC famously aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees — a prank that reportedly fooled thousands of viewers. Tech companies have also embraced the tradition, occasionally announcing outlandish fake products to entertain audiences.

While April Fools’ Day is generally lighthearted, experts advise keeping pranks safe and harmless. The best April 1 jokes are those that leave everyone laughing — not confused or hurt.

Today, social media amplifies the reach of April Fools’ jokes, allowing pranks to travel worldwide in seconds. From fake celebrity announcements to imaginary product launches, April 1 continues to blur the line between fact and fiction.

So as the calendar turns, readers may want to double-check headlines, confirm surprising announcements and approach the day with a healthy dose of skepticism.

After all, on April 1, not everything is quite what it seems.

People have dreamed about coasting back to Earth from great heights from at least the 1470s when Italian Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed a cone-shaped canopy parachute. It is the oldest known design for a parachute. In 1485, Leonardo da Vinci designed a pyramid-shaped parachute. For the following 300 years, several inventors, including Frenchman Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783, jumped from trees to test their own parachutes, but none of their designs really worked as expected.

In 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin attached a parachute he designed to a hydrogen balloon in a test in Paris, France. When the balloon reached an altitude of about 3,200 feet, Garnerin parachuted safely back to the ground and became the first person to design and test a parachute capable of slowing a person’s fall from a high altitude. Two years later, his wife became the first female parachutist. In 1802, Garnerin made a safe parachute jump in a demonstration in England from an altitude of 8,000 feet. 101 years later, in December 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In the following years, human flight became popular. Pilots were seen as heroes and daredevils. Pilots understood that if their airplanes failed during flight, the chances of survival were slim. They recognized the need for a way to escape from a doomed aircraft and saw the life-saving potential of parachutes. On March 1, 1912, during an exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri, parachutist Albert Berry jumped from an airplane flown by another pilot at an altitude of 1,500 feet. He made a safe landing and became the first person to successfully parachute from a moving airplane.

Parachutes eventually became standard equipment for airplane pilots after World War I. They worked well for pilots of propeller driven aircraft and jet aircraft up to a point. On October 14, 1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager flew an experimental Bell X-1 jet around 785 miles per hour and became the first human to break the sound barrier. Eight years later, in February 1955, test pilot George Smith was flying an experimental jet over the Pacific Ocean when the jet malfunctioned. Unable to regain control, George had to bail out. The only problem was that he was flying faster than the speed of sound and no one had ever ejected from an aircraft traveling at that speed. George knew that staying in the jet meant certain death, so he made the split-second decision and ejected. The force of the wind hitting him knocked him unconscious, but his parachute automatically opened. He landed in the water near a fishing boat crewed by a former U.S. Navy rescue expert. George remained unconscious for five days. When he awoke, he was blind in both eyes. George’s recovery required numerous surgeries and a seven-month hospital stay.

The U.S. Air Force immediately began working to solve the problem of parachuting from a supersonic jet. After seven years of testing, Air Force scientists created an escape capsule for a supersonic jet. On March 21, 1962, a flyer with the call sign “Yogi” ejected from a jet flying at about 870 miles per hour, 1.3 times the speed of sound. The parachute on the capsule opened as expected. Yogi landed successfully and became the first flyer to safely parachute from a jet traveling at supersonic speed. But Yogi was no ordinary human. He was not human. The flyer with the call sign “Yogi” was a two-year-old black bear.

Sources:

1. “First parachute jump is made over Paris,” March 4, 2010, History.com, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-22/the-first-parachutist.

2. “March 1, 1912, This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/albert-berry/.

3. “February 26, 1955,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/george-franklin-smith/.

4. “March 21, 1962,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/21-march-1962/.

5. David Cenciotti, “A bear named ‘Yogi’ was ejected from a USAF B-58 to test the Hustler’s escape capsule on this day in 1962,” March 21, 2016, The Aviationist, accessed March 22, 2026, https://theaviationist.com/2016/03/21/b-58-ejects-yogi-bear/.

Robert Bob Lee
September 10, 1949 — March 28, 2026
Services: Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. at O.E. Price Cemetery in Logansport

Reginald Renigh Elam
09/02/1957 – 03/25/2026
Visitation: Friday April 3 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Benevolent Cemetery

Twyla Arnetta Johnson
10/30/1970 – 03/20/2026
Services: April 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

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

The 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 Review Board Assists the President in Honoring Exceptional Public Safety Officers Nationwide

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, Speaker Johnson appointed DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board, which reviews nominations and recommends individuals to receive the Medal of Valor.

“I am pleased to appoint DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board,” Speaker Johnson said. “As a dedicated, trusted leader in North Louisiana, Sheriff Richardson is an excellent fit for this role, and I am confident he will be an asset to the Board and its mission of honoring the brave heroes of the public safety community.”

BACKGROUND:

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board is an eleven-member board appointed by the President, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the U.S. Senate. The Board, which falls under the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice, reviews nominations and recommends individuals for recognition of the Medal of Valor issued by the President. For more information on the Board, visit their website: Review Board | Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Sheriff Richardson has served three terms as Sheriff of DeSoto Parish and was elected in 2025 as Vice President of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association. In 2023, Sheriff Richardson unveiled the “Friends of the Sheriff” program, which alerts first responders if someone inside a vehicle or home has special needs. This initiative has since launched statewide. Sheriff Richardson is also a founding board member of Faith and Fostering, a faith-based organization in Northwest Louisiana aiding homeless young adults in housing and employment opportunities. He now serves as Vice President of the board.

Sheriff Richardson’s appointment to the Board has been entered into the Congressional Record of the United States House of Representatives.

Residents of DeSoto Parish can expect a stretch of warm, sunny weather through the workweek, followed by a noticeable cooldown heading into the weekend, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Mostly sunny skies will continue Wednesday with a high near 84 degrees and light south winds. Clear and mild conditions will follow Wednesday night, with temperatures dipping to around 61 degrees.

Sunshine remains in place Thursday and Friday, with highs holding steady in the mid-80s. Overnight lows will stay comfortable, near 60 degrees Thursday night before cooling to the low 50s by Friday night as clouds begin to increase.

A cooler air mass moves in for the weekend, bringing mostly sunny skies Saturday with a high near 70 degrees. Temperatures will drop further Saturday night, reaching the upper 40s.

By Sunday, conditions improve with sunny skies and a high near 78 degrees, providing a pleasant end to the weekend.

Forecasters say the overall dry pattern will make for ideal conditions for outdoor plans across DeSoto Parish, especially before the cooler temperatures arrive late in the week.

A Logansport High School student is headed to the national stage after an impressive performance at the state level.

Kollin earned a 4th place finish in the highly competitive Sports Entertainment & Marketing event at the FBLA state competition, securing a spot to represent his school at the National FBLA Competition this summer.

School officials and supporters celebrated the achievement, noting that Kollin’s success highlights both his hard work and the strength of the school’s FBLA program.

With another Tiger advancing to nationals, Logansport High School continues to build a reputation for excellence in student leadership and business education.

Kollin will now compete against top students from across the country as he represents his school and community on the national stage.

Students from North DeSoto High School FBLA made a strong impression at their recent state convention, bringing home top honors and multiple finalist placements.

The school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter produced an impressive total of 11 state finalists, showcasing the talent, preparation, and dedication of its student members across a variety of competitive events.

Highlighting the group’s success, student Colt earned the prestigious title of State Reporter, a significant leadership achievement within FBLA.

School officials praised the students for their hard work and commitment, noting that their accomplishments reflect both individual excellence and the strength of the program at North DeSoto High School.

The FBLA program continues to provide students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, business knowledge, and real-world experience through competition and service.