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The UM Share School Uniform Ministry, a cooperative ministry of DeSoto Parish United Methodist Churches, offers free school uniforms to all in the parish who have need. Parents are invited to bring their child(ren) to the distribution sites to help pick their favorite style and size. This organized group of Methodist is excited and happy to help those who need a little assistance in getting ready for school. This annual project is a ministry of UM Share: DeSoto Parish United Methodist Churches.

Logansport and Stanley Schools uniform distributions are Monday, July 28 and Tuesday July 29 at 4:00 p. m. until 6:30 p. m. (both days) at First United Methodist Church, located at 401 Gum Street in Logansport.

Mansfield and North DeSoto Schools uniform distributions are Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30, both dates. The distribution will be held at First United Methodist Church in Mansfield, located at 502 Polk Street in Mansfield.

When the name Raymond Edward Powell is mentioned many adjectives and terms of endearment come to mind. First and foremost, he was a beloved father to two children, Robert and Carolyn, and their spouses Susie and Don, six grandchildren and nineteen great children. Our dear friend for sure left a legacy of love and service. His grandson, Rev, Ben Mc-Gehee helped conduct his grandfather’s funeral.

Raymond’s late wife, Evelyn, preceded him in death in August 2023. They were happily married for 74 and one-half years. They were not only a perfect couple that supported each other but were also very active in parish and state projects and various philanthropy services. They met while both were teachers at Mansfield High School. Raymond also taught at Grand Cane High School and later became a supervisor within the DeSoto Parish School system. He also served as a Principal for both Mansfield and Grand Cane High Schools. They also had a beloved four-legged child, a cute little pug.

Recently, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office shared information regarding a call that took place where Dy. Tristan Reed and Sgt. Angela Jordan were able to provide life-saving assistance to a member of the public who had suffered a gunshot wound. Our office received a letter from the VW Louisiana State Convention stating that they would also like to honor both for those efforts as well.

The letter stated: “On behalf of more than 10,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and over 5,000 members of the VFW Auxiliary, I would like to extend an invitation from State Commander Debbie McElhannon for you and your family to attend the VW Department of Louisiana’s Annual State Convention Joint Opening. The event will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Randolph Riverfront Convention Center in Alexandria, LA. During this time, it will be our privilege to present you with your Outstanding Life Saving Safety Award.”

Sheriff Jayson Richardson is pleased to announce another Narcotics Roundup for the month of May, as part of an ongoing effort to hold accountable those who aim to distribute dangerous drugs among our communities. These arrests turned up various amounts of Meth, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and other illegally possessed prescription pills. We thank our Narcotics Agents, Street Level Interdiction Unit, K-9 unit and SWAT Teams for their steadfast dedication to keep the streets of DeSoto Parish safe!

On 04/29, Taylor R. Burns (White Female of Bossier City, DOB05/28/93) was taken into custody by DeSoto SLIU on charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On 04/29, Hunter J. Burns (White Male of Benton, LA, DOB07/25/94) was taken into custody by DeSoto SLIU on charges of Possession of Schedule IV, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Second or Subsequent Offense, and Expired Registration.

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.