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Over the past month, deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office — across all divisions — have been putting in the work during multiple days of Defensive Tactics Training, with sessions continuing over the next two weeks.

We want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of these deputies for their commitment, effort, and professionalism. This type of training is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring long hours of classroom instruction followed by hands-on scenario-based exercises. Deputies work side-by-side, practicing real-world situations, control techniques, and decision-making skills designed to safely manage encounters with individuals who may be uncooperative or resistant.

On March 23, a Joaquin man was been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 84 East on Haslam Strip in Joaquin Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Emergency responders with the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD) and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the scene at around 7pm, as the roadway was blocked by the pickup truck involved in the incident. The other vehicle involved, a truck tractor, was able to pull off the roadway into a privater driveway.

JVFD personnel established cones around the crash scene and diverted traffic through the middle lane to prevent traffic buildup and another collision from occurring.

DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Lisa Lobrano Burson announces her first year Audit, which can be found via the link provided. Ms. Burson has worked to streamline processes, reduce unnecessary spending, and cultivate a positive public service experience that is expected with a knowledgeable and efficient Clerk of Court’s Office. Ms. Burson is grateful to ALL of the staff at the Clerk’s Office for their exemplary service to the public and the Court.

The Review Board Assists the President in Honoring Exceptional Public Safety Officers Nationwide On Thursday, March 19, 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.”

The DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to thank all members and the public for the tremendous success of the 96th Annual Banquet that was held March, 12, 2026 at the C!ista Calhoun Center in Mansfield.

Congratulations to the winners of the various awards listed below: Emeritus Award-Marsha Richardson; Outstanding Business Leader-Lisa Duty; Outstanding Business- We Care of Mansfield, LLC; Public Service Award-God’s Food Pantry; Educator/Personnel Award-Samuel “Bo” Odom; and the Edna Thornton Memorial Tourism Award-Logansport Chamber of Commerce.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the drivers of two vehicles. One vehicle is a white 2001 Mercedes E Class (not shown), while the other is a silver 2006-2010 Ford Expedition (shown). Both vehicles are sought as part of investigations into separate burglaries that have recently occurred inside DeSoto Parish. These two crimes are also not believed to be related.

If you have information that may assist investigators, please call (318) 872-3956 Ext. 224, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a $2.6 million project to repair a portion of LA 3015 near Grand Cane in DeSoto Parish.

The project, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 16, 2026, stretches from US 171 to LA 175 (6.7 miles in length) and includes drainage structures, full-depth base repairs, new asphalt paving to repair the driving surface, permanent roadway striping, and related work.

Alternating lane closures will be necessary to allow for both the replacement of the cross drain pipes and asphalt paving work.

Motorists should pay attention to advanced warning signage and any flagging operations that are being utilized, and drive with caution through the construction zone.

The entire project is anticipated to be complete in late Summer 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

Addison Burnley has qualified and is headed to the JUNIOR OLYMPICS! She qualified in both, Air Rifle and Smallbore Rifle and she got her start right here in DeSoto Parish 4-H. We couldn’t be more proud of her and her accomplishments and will be rooting for her April 8-13th when she takes her chance at becoming a Junior Olympian!

State Representative Larry Bagley announced several legislative priorities Monday as the Louisiana Legislature convened for the opening of the 2026 Regular Session.

Bagley said his legislative priorities this session include removing the cap on parish severance tax revenues, eliminating Louisiana’s vehicle inspection sticker requirement, and addressing workforce issues affecting teachers and state employees.

Among the measures Bagley has filed is House Bill 156, a proposed constitutional amendment that would remove the current cap on severance tax revenues returned to parishes where natural resources are produced. The proposal would allow parishes to receive the full share of severance tax revenues already provided for under the Louisiana Constitution.

North DeSoto Schools were excited to recognize their Griffins’ and Lady Griffins’ relay teams during this morning’s assembly. Both teams brought FIRST PLACE trophies back to Stonewall. Additionally, our two 4 x 100 relay teams placed first in their events. GREAT JOB, GRIFFINS!!