Main

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists. These educators are making exceptional gains with students, guiding them to achieve at the highest levels in the state. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.

“Each of these finalists has gone above and beyond to ensure that students succeed,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “ We are proud to recognize and celebrate their exceptional work.”

Sheriff Jayson Richardson would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to our 2025 selected recipients of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship! Chosen this year are: — Abagail McInnis from North DeSoto High School — Jose Antonio Barbo Jr. from North DeSoto High School

— Shayoni Hudson from Mansfield High School Alternates are also selected in the event any of the above students are unable to take advantage of the scholarship. This year’s alternate students are: Shariya Boykins (LHS) and William Johnston (NDHS)!

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ ScholarshipProgram awards scholarships providing assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program. Scholarships of a maximum of $1,000 each are awarded to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Honorary Membership Program.

DeSoto Parish Schools are excited to announce the appointment of Samuel “Bo” Odom as the district’s new Supervisor of Maintenance. A lifelong DeSoto Parish resident, Coach Odom brings nearly three decades of excellence in both education and athletics to his new role.

A 1990 graduate and former athlete of Mansfield High School, Odom earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in 1994. He returned to Mansfield High in 1997, where he began his journey in education as a career and technical education (CTE) teacher and as head baseball coach and assistant football coach. In 2006, Odom took the helm as head baseball coach at North DeSoto High School, where he has led the Griffins for the past 19 years, shaping the lives of young men both on and off the field.

Join us for a night of pure enchantment as the hills come alive as Back-Alley Community Theatre proudly presents its upcoming production of The Sound of Music. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by the unforgettable melodies and the uplifting story that has enchanted generations since its Broadway premiere in 1969. BackAlley’s production will feature a talented cast and crew, bringing fresh energy to this timeless classic.

This beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical will run Friday and Saturday, May 30, 31, and June 6 and 7 @ 7:00 pm, and Sunday, June 1 and 8 @ 2:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased at backalleygrandcane. com. If you need assistance, call our box office at 318–461–0202. Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering the story for the first time, this production promises to leave you humming and hopeful.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is investing $11.2 million to improve a section of LA 175 in DeSoto Parish.

The project stretches on LA 175 from LA 509 just north of Mansfield to LA 5 at the Kingston community, which is about 10.5 miles of roadway improvements.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Motorists should plan for intermittent lane closures going into place to allow the contractor to safely and efficiently conduct construction activities.

The project includes full-depth repairs to address the roadway base at various locations, milling to remove the old asphalt, new asphalt paving on the entire project length, and permanent signage and roadway striping.

Please drive cautiously through the work zone, adhering to the post speed limit and never driving while distracted or impaired.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Todd Wedgeworth as the new Supervisor of Technology. Mr. Wedgeworth brings over 15 years of diverse experience in technology leadership spanning healthcare, emergency services, and the private sector. His proven expertise will be instrumental in advancing the district’s technology systems and enhancing digital infrastructure across all campuses. Throughout his career, Mr. Wedgeworth has overseen complex enterprise infrastructure, managed multi-site networks, implemented cybersecurity frameworks, and ensured compliance within highly regulated industries. His experience includes everything from building IT systems from the ground up to delivering strategic technology solutions at both domestic and international levels.

We will be hosting a Fish Fry fundraiser for Corrections Sgt. Luther Butler and his wife Nina at the Old Market Basket parking lot on May 15th at 11 a.m. Plates are $15 each and will contain fried fish, french fries, hushpuppies, dessert and a drink. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease in 2016, Nina Butler is currently seeking a life-saving Kidney Donor. All funds received from this fundraiser will go to assist the Butler family with hardships due to upcoming medical expenses. We sure hope to see everyone on May 15th to support this wonderful family!

Cash and Checks will be accepted at Pick-Up, and you may reserve plates by contacting Holly at 318–872–3956.

On May 6, 2025, two deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were honored at the KTAL 2025 Salute the Badge Annual Awards Banquet. In July of 2024, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office shared a story where Sheriff Richardson had honored Deputy Tristan Reed and Sgt. Angela Jordan for their life-saving efforts during a shooting that took place on July 6, 2024.

Both Reed and Jordan responded without hesitation, offering triage of the shooting victim, caring for wounds, maintaining calm, and continued treatment until EMS arrived to take over. KTAL Channel 6 News picked up on this story and selected Reed and Jordan to be honored this year at their banquet. Sheriff Richardson offers his appreciation to the Channel 6 News Team and their sponsors, Marketplace Chevrolet, for hosting this event every year to recognize and honor First Responders all across the area.

Lattorreous Deauntre Kelly is 32 a year old black male, standing 6’03” and approximately 171lb. His last know address was on Square Street in Mansfield, LA, and he is currently wanted by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office on charges of: Tier 1 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Offense 14:80 — Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile If you have information that may lead investigator to locating this suspect please contact our office at 318– 872–3956. You may also report anonymously using one of the following methods: Visit www.P3Tips. com

Use the “Submit A Tip” feature in Contact Us section of the DeSoto Sheriff App Call 1–800–505–7867

Bring your family and get ready for the Easter Bunny at 108 North 2nd Street in Logansport on Saturday, April 19. Games start at 11:00 a.m. with the Egg Drop at 1:00 p.m. Other activities include egg hunting, golden egg prizes, Easter related games and face painting.

Be sure and join in the fun while we celebrate the risen Christ and children enjoy family participation with family and friends. Baskets, blankets, insect repellant, and foldable chairs are some items you might consider bringing.