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Northwestern State University’s School of Education signed two agreements April 8 that will facilitate credit articulation for teachers seeking master’s degrees.

One agreement signed between NSU and the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) addresses the articulation of the Ready to Teach Louisiana (RTL) curriculum developed by A+PEL that leads to alternative teacher certification and Louisiana Level 1 teacher

licensure. Per the partnership with NSU, students who complete the Ready to Teach curriculum and earn a Louisiana Level 1 teacher certificate can receive 15 hours of credit from NSU towards a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Transition to Teaching concentration.

On April 12, Mrs. Lottie Joyce of Pelican celebrated her 101st birthday. She was one of twelve children born to Joe Henry and Georgia Joyce, born somewhere in the middle. She was originally from Sligo in Bossier Parish. Later she would marry and become Mother to 7 boys, with 5 sons still alive today. Mrs. Joyce has been blessed by God with her lengthy life because she has blessed so many family and friends with all of her love and goodness. She is still active but she no longer is a caretaker, something she did for years. Her granddaughter Tamesha, in addition to other family members, wish her a special 101st year in 2025 as she continues to bless us with her presence. Have a Happy and Blessed Birthday!

At the DeSoto Parish School Board April 10 board meeting, they proudly recognized three outstanding team members for their dedication and excellence: Sherica McDaniel (MMS) — Support Staff of the Month: Mrs. Mc-Daniel’s exemplary efforts not only helped the students, but the school’s success as a whole.

Samantha Wilson (NDMS) — New Teacher of the Month: Ms. Wilson’s natural ability to self reflect is positively impacting students during her first year of teaching.

Jessica Rawlings (NDUE) — Teacher of the Month: The DPSB states that they are blessed to have her as part of their team and immensely grateful for her efforts to grow the capacity of others.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and schools!

DeSoto Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the (3) three individuals in the attached images. The photos were taken from the surveillance footage recorded at Love’s Travel Stop on February 1st, 2025. Detectives are aiming to speak with one or all of the individuals pictured regarding an incident that took place on that date. Any information you may have can be sent to our detectives through the DeSoto Sheriff App “Submit a Tip” form, or you may call our Main Office at (318) 872-3956 and ask to speak with a detective. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. To report anonymously and directly through Crime Stoppers, you may call 1-800-505-7867 or visit www.P3Tips.com

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in regard to (2) two wanted individuals. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.

— Zachary Ingram, a 35yo white male of Mansfield, is currently being sought on one Felony Charge of Simple Burglary.

— Frederick Williams, a 27yo black male of Logansport, is currently being sought on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

You may submit any information you may have anonymously by calling 1-800-5057867 or visiting www. P3Tips.com. You may also send your information using the DeSoto Sheriff App by using the “Submit A Tip” form, and choose to remain anonymous as well. *All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shreveport native and former businessman and longtime U.S. Sen. J. Bennett Johnston died on Tuesday, March 25. He was 92 years old.

The C.E. Byrd High graduate attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., and later graduated from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in Baton Rouge.

The attorney, politician and later lobbyist from Louisiana served in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature, as a representative from 1964-68 and as a senator from 1968-72. During the latter part of that period, Johnston ran for governor of Louisiana. But in 1971, then U.S. Rep. Edwin W. Edwards scored a razor’s edge triumph over Johnston in a runoff for the Democratic nomination.

DeSoto Parish Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Christopher Bush as a new Supervisor of Student Services. Mr. Bush brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success, making him a valuable addition to the district leadership team.

Mr. Bush began his career in education in 1999 following a tenure with the State Department of Corrections. Over the years, he has dedicated his career to the development of students both in and out of the classroom, having coached basketball, football, and track in Natchitoches, Lincoln, and Bienville Parishes. His leadership journey led him to Logansport High School in 2015, where he took on an administrative role before moving to Caddo Parish for three years, serving as both Head Basketball Coach and Administrative Assistant.

On behalf of the Parker family, thank you to everyone who donated to the Heith Parker Memorial Scholarship. Your generosity ensures that Heith’s legacy will live on, providing opportunities for students to pursue their dreams.

This scholarship will directly benefit students in DeSoto Parish high schools, empowering them to further their education and make a lasting impact — just as Mr. Parker did in our community. Students interested in applying should reach out to their high school counselor for more information on the application process.

If you would like to donate to the Heith Parker Memorial Scholarship account, it will remain open at Community Bank locations.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and the shared commitment to honoring his memory.

On March 29, Louisiana voters will have the opportunity to decide on four proposed constitutional amendments. State Representative Larry Bagley stated that he voted in favor of these proposals at the Legislature because they will benefit the state and our people. He does encourage you to review you to review the details and make an informed decision for yourself.

“One amendment I strongly support is Amendment 2, which provides meaningful tax relief by lowering income tax rates, doubling the tax deduction for seniors and making teacher salary increases permanent… all while limiting government growth to protect taxpayers, “ said Bagley.

To help you better understand al four amendments, Bagley encourages voters to review the following non-partisan guide prepared by PAR Louisiana, which outlines the pros and cons of each proposal.

Due to persistent intermittent system outages affecting the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Governor Jeff Landry has issued an executive order extending the expiration date and waiving the delinquent fees of Class E driver’s licenses for up to 30 days past the expiration date on the license.

The extension will not be recognized by federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and law enforcement in other states. If residents plan to travel outside of Louisiana they will need to have a valid, unexpired, driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport to board commercial flights.