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Ben Flanders, a student at North DeSoto High School, has been selected for the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Ben will perform on the Euphonium in February 2026 with the Honors Band. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highestrated young performers from across the world.

Ben auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording.

Rep. Larry Bagley has once again earned an “A+” rating from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Political Action Committee, the political arm of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association.

He received A+ ratings for both the 2024 and 2025 Legislative Sessions, reflecting his 100% support for the organization’s priority legislation and his continued commitment to Louisiana law enforcement.

Bagley said“I’m proud to stand with Louisiana’s sheriffs and the men and women who protect our communities every day. I especially value my strong relationships with Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson, and Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell — dedicated leaders who work tirelessly to keep District 7 safe.”

Remember: Shortages are real. You show up in uniform today at the DeSoto Parish Sheriffs Office and we will put you to work!

On November 5, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near Louisiana Highway 177. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Lawrence Irchirl of Natchitoches.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer traveling north on Interstate 49 during reported dense fog conditions were involved in a crash, resulting in the tractor-trailer overturning on the roadway. For reasons still under investigation, this crash subsequently began a series of additional crashes in the northbound lane of Interstate 49. Moments later, a 2002 Ford F-350, driven by Irchirl, approached the location of the crash and collided with an 18-wheeler parked on the roadway and occupied by another motorist.

The Foster Grandparents of DeSoto Parish celebrated an incredible milestone on Friday, October 25, marking 60 years of dedicated service to children and schools across the parish. Themed “Superheroes of DeSoto Parish,” this year’s celebration honored the compassionate volunteers whose time, care, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

The recognition luncheon took place at the DeSoto Parish School Board Administration Building, where local leaders and guests gathered to express their appreciation. Mayor Thomas Jones, Superintendent Clay Corley, and Sheriff Jayson Richardson participated in the program, offering the prayer, welcome, and leading the Foster Grandparent Pledge. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Kimberly Harvell of SUSLA, Ms. Lorey Polley of Volunteers of Louisiana, and Mr. Scott Green, Commissioner of Volunteer Louisiana.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser are pleased to share a new animated video created to teach Louisiana’s elementary school students about the harmful effects of litter and how they can help keep their communities clean.

“Louisiana’s future depends on the next generation, and that’s why it’s so important to teach our young people to take pride in their state,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “This new animated video from Keep Louisiana Beautiful makes learning about litter fun and memorable, showing kids that everyone — no matter how young — can be a Leader Against Litter.”

Congratulations to DeSoto Parish Schools for being formally recognized by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education at their Board meeting on October 14 Superintendent Clay Corley proudly accepted the recognition for DeSoto Parish being one of the top-performing districts in the state for both growth and overall performance on the Math LEAP Assessments for the 2024–2025 school year. (pictured with (far left), Jamie Hebert, Executive Director of Numeracy and (far right) Dr. Jenna Chiasson, Deputy Superintendent- Louisiana Department of Education) This achievement is a clear reflection of DPSB’s core value of a commitment to high performance. It underscores the incredible hard work, of our phenomenal students and the tireless efforts of our amazing teachers. Your commitment to excellence is what makes DeSoto Parish Schools shine.

Podnah’s that has had a chain in Shreveport-Bossier for the last several years is expanded to DeSoto Parish and will open at 121 Panther Drive, Suite 100 in Stonewall on Wednesday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. Make plans to stop by and sample varieties from the menu as we welcome them to Stonewall.

DeSoto Parish Schools was proudly represented at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Louisiana BESE) meeting on Wednesday, October 15, where the Louisiana Department of Education and Louisiana BESE recognized two exceptional educators from our district!

Anesha Ross, 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist, and Charday Wilson, 2024 Milken Educator Awards Winner, were each honored for their remarkable leadership, dedication, and impact on students and staff across our schools.

Their recognition on the state level is a testament to the incredible talent, passion, and commitment to excellence that define DeSoto Parish Schools. We couldn’t be prouder of these exceptional educators who continue to inspire and lead the way in Louisiana education.

The owner has reached out requesting that our office share the following post out of Natchitoches Parish. Please read and share. If you should have information please reach out to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318–352–4104.

A 2023 CanAm Defender HD10 was stolen from a residence located in the Allen community near Robeline last night.

The theft occured between the hours of 12:00am and 5:00am today.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

A $2,500 cash reward is being offered by the owner for information leading to the arrest of the individual( s) responsible.