News

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, most Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What’s more, some Americans don’t know why we commemorate our Veterans on November 11. It’s imperative that all Americans know the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former service members properly.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In the late evening hours of November 3, 2023, Deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 1608 Mary Street in Mansfield, Louisiana, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located a black male lying face down on the ground, not moving or breathing, who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies rendered CPR, and the victim was transported to DeSoto Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. At this moment we can confirm the deceased was identified as 26yo Frank Edwards Jr. of Mansfield. Our condolences to family and friends during this difficult time.

This in an ongoing investigation. Further information regarding a suspect may be released as new details emerge. If you or someone you know has information pertaining to this case, please contact our office at 318-872-3956 to speak with an investigator. You may also submit a tip anonymously at www.P3Tips.com

Thank you to our amazing bus operators, who always go the extra mile to ensure that our students arrive and depart at their respective destinations safely. We celebrate National Bus Safety Week to highlight the amazing work that you all do daily. The DeSoto Parish School Board is always looking for some skilled and smiling drivers for our buses. #TheDeSotoDIfference

Mansfield Homecoming Queen Journee Jones

Mansfield Football Sweetheart Makayla Terrell

On Friday, October 27, 2023, shortly before 5:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a single- vehicle fatal crash on Rambin Road just west of U.S. Hwy 171. This crash claimed the lives of 18-year-old Peyton Plunkett of Shreveport and 18-year-old Seth Battlefield of Haughton.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Ford F-150, driven by Plunkett, was traveling east on Rambin Road. For reasons still under investigation, the F-150 crossed the centerline, exited the roadway to the left, and struck a tree.

Plunkett and Battlefield were transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Two additional unrestrained teens sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Northwestern State University announced today, October 26, that it has canceled the remainder of the 2023 football season due to the recent passing of junior safety, Ronnie Caldwell. The school cites the mental health and wellbeing of its student-athletes as the primary reason for its decision.

“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” said President Marcus Jones. “While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.”

The school has also accepted the resignation of head coach, Brad Laird, who was in his sixth season as head coach of the Demons football team.

Joaquin High School is pleased to announce that Ke’Maria Wilson has been crowned the 2023 Homecoming Queen. The crowning ceremony took place during pre-game at the Joaquin High School homecoming game on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Ke’Maria, the daughter of Stephen and Yolanda Wilson, was escorted to the field by her father, Stephen Wilson, during the ceremony.

On October 17, guests gathered at the Adams’ Residence in Keachi to celebrate and recognize the new Louisiana Champion Pecan tree. The Natural Resources Conservation Service completed the measurement of the tree on June 2, 2023, in which it was determined to be the new Champion Pecan tree. With a circumference of 15ft 1in, a height of 112ft, and an average limb span of 104.5ft, this champion tree scored 319 total points.

The DeSoto Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service presented the Adams family with a commemorative sign to signify the tree. LSU AgCenter Nutritionists were on site with nutritional information about pecans, delicious samples of roasted pecans for guests, as well as healthy pecan recipes. Pecans were donated by Louisiana Plantation Pecans in Mansfield.

The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association held their 4th quarterly meeting Monday October 16th at the DeSoto Parish Extension Office. Mr. Henry Richardson, DPCA President, welcomed the crowd and discussed current fertilizer and cool season forage seed prices. Mr. Joshua Salley, DeSoto Parish County Agent, gave a presentation on the different Extension programs offered to Louisiana beef cattle producers. Mr. Richard Longoria, Norbrook representative, introduced himself and offered his company’s services for pharmaceutical needs of producers. Our special guest was Mr. Bubba Rutherford with Rutherford Land and Cattle from Fairfield, TX. He gave a powerful discussion of his personal life and discussed the current and future cattle market. A great meal was prepared by Mrs. Marcia Griffin and a special thanks to Richard Longoria and Norbrook for sponsoring the meal. The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association hosts quarterly meetings at the DeSoto Parish Extension Office.

The Historic Grand Cane Association has been busy preparing for the big weekend of October 21st to present its 10th annual Cruisin’ in Grand Cane car, truck and tractor show. We have three food vendors lined up and our local coffee shop for your eating and coffee drinking needs. As an added attraction, we will have live music for your listening enjoyment.

Come join us in Grand Cane from 9:00am until 2:00pm. Talk cars and tractors with the men and women who have come to share their vehicles at this event. Have lunch, visit our shops and just sit a spell taking in the scenery. Only once a year can you see historic downtown filled with vehicles that are at least 30 years old! It is a sight to see and these guys and gals are always willing to share information with grownups and kids alike.

Hope to see you there! For more show information, contact Dianne Mason, Event Chairman, 318-858-2556,318-455-0296 (feel free to leave a message) or . Check us out on Facebook.