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DeSoto Parish Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Kourteni Henderson as the district’s new School Wellness Coordinator within the Department of Student Services.

Entering her 13th year in education, Henderson brings a wealth of experience in teaching, counseling, and student support. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, all from Louisiana Tech University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Since joining DeSoto Parish Schools in 2018, Henderson has served students and families in a variety of impactful roles. Her experience includes serving as a teacher, lead teacher, and master teacher at Logansport High School, as well as a school counselor at Mansfield Elementary School and North DeSoto Middle School.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that the Louisiana Department of Education has released statewide literacy screener results for the 2025–2026 school year, and DeSoto Parish has earned the #1 ranking in Louisiana for the percentage of Kindergarten through Third-Grade students reading at or above grade level by the end of the year.

The achievement comes as Louisiana continues to make significant strides in early literacy. Statewide literacy screener results released by the Louisiana Department of Education show that K–3 reading proficiency increased from 49.7% at the beginning of the school year to 66.2% by end-of-year for Louisiana students, representing a statewide gain of 16.5 percentage points. This marks the third consecutive year of significant literacy growth across Louisiana public schools.

Chamber officers, members and the general public are cordially invited to join them for the Big Reveal of our 1843 Mansfield Log House Courthouse. The ceremony will take place at the old Courthouse at 401 Polk Street in Mansfield on Tuesday, June 23 at noon.

The old log courthouse was originally located where the present day DeSoto Parish Police Jury building is, and was built in 1843. Years later when the old Hewitt house was to be torn down to build extra parking for Nabor’s trailers, it was discovered that the old log courthouse was the kitchen inside of the building. Historians went and looked through the attic to spot the historic building. The logs were removed one by one and were treated, reassembled at its present location, and the building is owned by the DeSoto Historical Society.

Please join Sheriff Jayson Richardson and the entire DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Deputy Jonathan Norwood on his graduation this morning from the Shreveport Regional Training Academy! The academy is a demanding 16-week program designed to prepare future law enforcement officers for the challenges and responsibilities of serving their communities. Of the 12 cadets who began the 95th class, only 6 walked across the stage during today’s graduation ceremony.

In addition to graduating, Deputy Norwood was honored with the Firearms Award, recognizing his proficiency and dedication in one of the most critical aspects of law enforcement. Safe and accurate firearms handling is an essential skill for every deputy, and this award reflects the hard work and commitment he demonstrated throughout the academy.

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.