News

DeSoto EMS is honored to be recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the lifesaving work our team does every day.

Our providers at DeSoto Parish EMS remain committed to delivering the highest level of care to our community — especially in critical moments when it matters most. The recent implementation of our prehospital blood transfusion program is just one example of how training, teamwork, and clinical excellence are helping us turn potential tragedies into lives saved.

We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in their greatest time of need. This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and compassion our providers bring to every call.

Thank you to NHTSA for the acknowledgment and continued support of EMS systems across the country. (continued on Page 2)

On April 13, 2026 at approximately 7:10pm, deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were alerted to a stolen vehicle entering DeSoto Parish near the Louisiana/ Texas state line in Logansport area. Patrol Deputy Jerek Lewis was soon able to locate the vehicle traveling north on Highway 5, just north of Horn Road, and initiated a traffic stop using lights and sirens. The driver then refused to stop and accelerated, reaching speeds in excess of 110mph at times, continuing to travel northbound on Highway 5. Later into the pursuit, occupants of the vehicle were observed throwing an unknown item from the vehicles window.

On this beautiful day in DeSoto Parish, dozens of community members, leaders, and city and parish officials gathered at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for the 2026 Light of Hope Ceremony, held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Presented by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and hosted by DPSO Captain of Investigations Angela Bandy, the ceremony brought together more than 50 attendees to reflect, remember, and stand united in support of the children in our community. Donuts and coffee were also available for guests as they attended the event.

Middle School on her selection to the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet (NTPC), a prestigious national leadership cohort.

Ms. Harris will represent DeSoto Parish Schools and the state of Louisiana while helping elevate the voices of educators and students at the federal level— bringing back valuable insight to support our schools and strengthen student success.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that two outstanding educators have been named semifinalists for the Louisiana Department of Education’s prestigious Principal and Teacher of the Year awards. Mr. Brian Anderson, Principal of Stanley High School, and Mrs. Hillary Severin, 5th grade math teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary, have each been recognized for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on student success.

“Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Severin represent the very best of our district,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “Whether it’s leading a campus to historic academic growth or making sure every student in her classroom reaches their full potential, they are both making a real difference for our kids. We are so grateful for their dedication to DeSoto Parish Schools.”

CPA Marsha Millican said the COA paid $80,183 in “loyalty payments” during fiscal year 2024-25.

Millican cited a provision of the Louisiana Constitution that prohibits bonus payments, or any other “gratuitous unearned payment, to public employees.” She recommended the COA comply with the law.

In a response included in the audit, Executive Director Cheryl Lane said, “We agree with the finding. We were unaware the Loyalty Awards would constitute a bonus.”

According to the audit, the COA receives most of its funding from federal and state agencies. Because of this, the source of income for the council is rather steady. However, some of the council’s grants and contracts are contingent upon the level of service provided; therefore, revenues may vary from year to year.

24-Hour Fundraiser Kicks Off April 18; New Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Dedication Set for April 17 BFF of DeSoto Animal Services, in partnership with DeSoto Parish Animal Services, invites the community to take part in the 2026 3rd Annual Shelter Slumber Pawty, a one-of-a-kind 24-hour fundraising event beginning April 18 at noon.

This unique event brings together shelter staff, volunteers, and supporters who will spend 24 hours at the shelter — eating, sleeping, and “pawtying” alongside the animals — while raising funds and awareness through social media and community support.

Just before 9:00 PM on March 31, 2026, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a vehicle in the median of Interstate 49 near the DeSoto/Caddo Parish line. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified, and deputies from both agencies initially responded to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Nissan Sentra in the median, where two individuals were found suffering from gunshot wounds. One male (passenger, from DeSoto Parish) was pronounced deceased on arrival to the scene, while a female (driver, from DeSoto Parish) was transported to a local hospital and, as of this morning, remains in critical-but stable condition.

Visitors to the April 10-12 Battle of Pleasant Hill commemoration and re-enactments in Sabine Parish can view a newly dedicated marker honoring the Union Army soldiers and units that fought in the battle 162 years ago.

The marker was paid for and produced by the Shreveport-Marshall- based Brig. Gen. Joseph Bailey Camp 5 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, a national organization of male descendants of Northern soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War and is the direct successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, formed the Union veterans in the years immediately after the conflict. It is a rough parallel to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, formed as the successor to the United Confederate Veterans, formed by Southern Veterans after the war.