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According to DeSoto Parish Police Jury President Ernel Jones, a parish- wide burn ban has been issued as of Wednesday, March 19. The ban will continue until notices are posted or announced by area media.

According to the order, anyone violating the burn ban will be subject to the maximum fines and penalties allowed by law. The ban will be in effect until the area receives a substantial amount of rainfall. Smokers are also asked to not throw lit smoking materials out the window of their vehicles. Not only is it illegal to litter with subsequent fines, it is currently a dangerous and potential fire hazard.

Questions can be addressed to citizens’ respective Fire Districts to ascertain when and if it is once again safe to burn at their particular location.

With President Donald Trump slashing the federal education budget, Louisiana school superintendents are scrambling to determine if they will lose any of the $2.7 billion in federal K-12 funding that has supported local school districts for years.

“We don’t have any backup for the funds if they were cut,” said Johnnie Adams, the school superintendent in Catahoula Parish. “Anything they cut, there’s a very slim chance we would have any other way to continue that program. Or if we did, we would be cutting money from something else.”

“I’d just like to share that our schools are in need,” Adams added, “and any financial help they can give to help us be more successful for our students would be greatly appreciated.”

In Calcasieu Parish, school superintendent Jason VanMetre acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, saying, “Things are still a bit up in the air on this situation, so I really don’t have comment at this time.”

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the teachers, principals, and early childhood leaders who are one step closer to being named the state’s overall honorees. The LDOE named semifinalists for Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year and finalists for Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year and New Teacher of the Year.

“Louisiana’s educators play a vital role in shaping the future of students and our state,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These outstanding teachers, principals, and early childhood leaders exemplify excellence in education and a deep commitment to student success. We are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year

Love the Boot! This statewide cleanup initiative is coming to DeSoto Parish!! Grab your family and friends and join in the fun….and do something great for your community!!!

Keep DeSoto Beautiful is spearheading a parish-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 12th, as part of the Love the Boot statewide initiative. T-shirts, trash bags, and gloves will be provided to all volunteers while supplies last. Each group is invited to select their own cleanup spot but Keep DeSoto Beautiful leaders have some places selected if you need help. Afterwards all volunteers are invited to a celebration at the David Means 4-H building in Grand Cane for music, food, and prizes. Bring your filled trash bags to the site to be counted — and you might win the $100 prize that goes to the group with the most bags collected!!! Hamburgers and hot dogs will be prepared by the DeSoto Sheriff’s office.

When you see a striping truck on a construction project, you know what that means! Work is wrapping up on a $16.2 million project to repair an 11 mile section of LA 5 from Keachi to Thomas Rd, north of Logansport in DeSoto Parish. State Representative Larry Bagley stated, “The entire project should be fully complete by early Summer 2025.”

Attorney Statement Regarding Execution Warrant Issued for Christopher Sepulvado, An 81-Year-Old Wheelchair-Bound Man Suffering From Debilitating Medical Conditions

(February 11, 2025) Tuesday, the District Court for DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, entered a warrant scheduling the execution of Christopher Sepulvado on March 17, 2025. Mr. Sepulvado is a frail, wheelchair-bound 81-year-old man with many debilitating illnesses. He’s had chronic health issues for years, but has experienced a sharp decline in health in the past two weeks, prompting concern from medical professionals.

He has repeatedly fallen both in the shower and in his cell, resulting in head trauma and confusion. Following a recent fall, Mr. Sepulvado was hospitalized and medical staff have initiated the process of obtaining palliative care. Louisiana has decided to pursue the execution of an already dying man.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that on Friday, February 21, 2025, there will be brief, intermittent bridge closures on the US 84 bridges over Bayou Grand Cane east of Logansport in DeSoto Parish.

These bridge closures will take place in 5-10 minute increments from approx. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are necessary to allow for load testing operations to be conducted.

Traffic will be allowed to pass through in between the testing sessions. Overall impacts to traffic flow are anticipated to be minimal.

These bridges are located about 1.5 miles east of the US 84 intersection with LA 191. (see attached map) Restrictions/Permits: Intermittent full bridge closures for 5-10 minute increments.

Alternate Route: N/A This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Lady Wolverines Win District Champs for 3-2A

On February 13, we wished a very happy farewell to someone who has served DeSoto Parish and the State of Louisiana faithfully, for many years: Mr. Carnie Burcham!

1. Yesterday afternoon we saw at least three reports of a text message that residents were receiving regarding taking a short survey. Some are saying it’s for DeSoto Parish, others named a specific town in DeSoto. Regardless, the link that the text referenced for users to click said “votercx.qualtrics”. We contacted our Registrar of Voters and confirmed that they are NOT sending anything out. We were also not able to verify this text was sent from any other agency within our Parish.

2. This morning we received a report from a resident stating they received a Facebook Messenger message from someone claiming they would give them money in exchange for a phone call. We would give you the specific name or phone numbers that these Scams come from..... but they ALWAYS change from person-to-person. You can block them, but they will call back until you stop interacting. After a while they will get bored with you and move on to the next potential victim.