News

UPDATE: DOTD advises motorists that the date for this closure has been extended to be in place through Thursday, April 4, 2024. We appreciate your patience while this work is underway.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Thursday, March 21, 2024, LA 5 from Thomas Road to LA 3015 (Longstreet) in DeSoto Parish will be closed.

This closure is scheduled to be in place until Thursday, March 28th, and is necessary to allow the contractor to replace a cross drain pipe as part of the ongoing LA 5 overlay project.

Local traffic north and south of the pipe location will be allowed access, though the roadway will be fully closed to through traffic.

The location of the pipe replacement is approximately 1.1 miles south of LA 3015 (see included map).

The entire $15.3 million project stretches from Thomas Road to Keatchie, and is anticipated to be complete in Summer 2025, weather permitting.

On March 20, the Lady Tigers recognized Mrs. Vicki McWhorter for being #thedesotodifference. She goes above & beyond for the Lady Tigers team by fixing a meal or whatever these girls need. Thank you Mrs. Vicki for your continued support & for making #thedesotodifference.

The DeSoto Parish School Board extends their heartfelt congratulations to Mansfield Elementary School Principal, Amanda LaFollette, for being named a Louisiana Principal of the Year semifinalist. This prestigious recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication, innovative leadership, and commitment to fostering a positive and caring culture within the MES school community.

Mrs. LaFollette’s philosophy of nurturing a positive and caring culture has had a profound impact on student outcomes. By creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered, she has inspired them to reach new heights of success. Her emphasis on building meaningful relationships, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging has not only enhanced the academic experience but also contributed significantly to the social and emotional well-being of our students.

On March 09, 2024, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Dispatch was notified by Guardian Alarm Systems of a suspicious person in the parking lot of Marketplace Chevy off of I-49 in Stonewall. Dispatch was able to quickly notify nearby patrol deputies who responded within 5 minutes of the initial call. The first deputy to arrive was able to locate the subject who immediately fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, deputies were able to take the subject into custody. The suspect was found to be in possession of several items presumed to be used in the process of stealing vehicles from other car dealership lots. Other responding deputies also located a second suspect walking down Hwy 3276, who turned out to be an accomplice in this incident. Both subjects have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit vehicle theft.

Logansport’s Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 3rd Annual Egg-Stravaganza on the Sabine will be held on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Dennis Freeman Memorial Riverfront Park (108 N. 2nd Street) in Logansport. There will be games and food, along with the Egg Drop from the helicopter.

The event is sponsored by the Logansport Chamber and DeSoto Parish Tourist Bureau, with help from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Bring your sunscreen, insect repellant, folding chairs, blankets, and Easter baskets for this family day of fun.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Thursday, March 21, 2024, LA 5 from Thomas Road to LA 3015 (Longstreet) in DeSoto Parish will be closed.

This closure is scheduled to be in place until Thursday, March 28th, and is necessary to allow the contractor to replace a cross drain pipe as part of the ongoing LA 5 overlay project.

Local traffic north and south of the pipe location will be allowed access, though the roadway will be fully closed to through traffic.

The location of the pipe replacement is approximately 1.1 miles south of LA 3015 (see included map).

The entire $15.3 million project stretches from Thomas Road to Keatchie, and is anticipated to be complete in Summer 2025, weather permitting.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All through traffic will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

Last week, outgoing DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Jeremy Evans entered a guilty please to two misdemeanor counts of electioneering during his arraignment in DeSoto District Court. District Judge Amy Burford Mc-Cartney sentenced Evans to the maximum of $500 plus court costs. Evans was prosecuted by the state attorney general’s office.

Louisiana State Police investigators arrested Evans in October in connection due to a complaint that he violated a law prohibiting campaigning in nursing homes during a certain time period. Photographs were posted on Evan’s social media page the previous month with him wearing a shirt inscribed with “Re-Elect Jeremy Evans” with his campaign literature in his hands as he visited the facilities.

Louisiana Registrar of Voters Association’s Secretary-Treasurer Brian J. Champagne has announced officers and board members for 2024-25. DeSoto Parish Registrar of Voters Amanda Raynes has been named as a 3 year term member to the Board.

In addition to being named to the Board of Directors, Raynes has been elected to serve on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Legislative Committee.

Raynes was also appointed to by Louisiana Registrar of Voters Association, Inc. by President Stephen Raborn to serve as Chair to the Resolutions and Memorials Committee along with DeSoto Deputy Registrar of Voters Karen Clark, Samantha Singletary, Abby Pugh, and Allison Chadwick.

DeSoto is well represented state-wide on the Louisiana ROV Association Inc. and we congratulate Raynes and her deputies on their newly acquired titles.

Governor Jeff Landry recently announced new appointments to serve on the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, the Ernest N. Morial – New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), the Parish Boards of Election Supervisors, and the State Board of Commerce and Industry. Hannah Gamble Gramm of DeSoto Parish was appointed to the Board of Election Supervisors.

Congratulations to the North DeSoto High School Griffins wrestling team for their incredible achievement as LHSAA Division II State Champions! The DeSoto Parish School Board is proud to see their hard work and dedication. They were formally recognized at the monthly school board meeting. Go Griffins