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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.

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.