News

The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department was treated to a barbeque dinner on Monday, April 12th by the Joaquin City Council as a “thank you” for the department’s hard work and selfless service to the community throughout a very difficult year in 2020. In addition to the challenges presented by the COVID 19 pandemic, the JVFD also responded to an above average number of structure fires as well as high water rescues during the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. This service continued into 2021 with multiple unprecedented winter weather events.

Councilman Jesse Griffith spoke for the Council, saying, “No matter what the call was, these guys were here to answer it. Our EMRs (Emergency Medical Responders) had to adapt on the fly with how they handled medical calls, and they have dealt with several severe weather events. They’re always here, day or night.”

On Thursday, April 15, the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Pink Leopard Boutique, located at 211 Washington Avenue, Suite D in Mansfield, with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Owner Linda Duncan and her staff welcomed clients, friends, and the business community to their Open House, complete with a DJ and charbroiled hamburgers and hot dogs. Those that made purchases were treated with a free gift bag that contained a manicure set.

Duncan is originally from Mansfield, but moved to Center, Texas when she was 14 year old. Coming back to Mansfield several years later she has worn several different hats in her past employment history. She worked for Calhoun Property Management, the Mansfield Police Department, and was the manager of Factory Connection.

At the April 5 meeting of the DeSoto Parish Police Jury discussion was raised with State Representative Larry Bagley and Senator Barry Milligan in attendance to help clarify the parking lot situation at the Clista A. Calhoun Center with the state. Although the Jury paid for the majority of the work done on the lot at the Center, the state is the actual owner. Bagley said that the best deal he could work out with the state was an agreement between the state and Jury to lease the parking lot for 20 years, but all repairs would have to be done by the Jury.

Jeri Burrell asked if the Jury ever was repaid for doing the original work, and that she was against leasing the lot. Ernel Jones also added that the Jury built the parking lot.

The DeSoto Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome two new businesses to the parish, with ribbon cuttings and grand openings set for both this week.

Make plans to join chamber members, officials and friends of the Pink Leopard, located at 211 Washington Avenue, Suite D in Mansfield on Thursday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. (the location is across the highway from the old Capital One building.) for their grand opening and ribbon cutting. Owner Linda Duncan is excited to bring her upscale boutique and gifts to Mansfield, offering sizes ladies small through 3X. The Pink Leopard will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information call 318-461-4558.

The following day, Friday, April 16, come join the same group of people for the festivities in Grand Cane at the new 4C Coffee House, located in downtown historic Grand Cane in the Geo. N. Parker Co. Building, at 9:00 a.m.

Most people from this area are familiar with the Chesapeake building that was built in close proximity to I-49 a few years ago. It seems right after the grand opening and dedication ceremony was held Chesapeake’s interest started to fade in DeSoto. The beautiful facility was there, but was barely used.

Fast forward to March 2021, when Love’s Vice President Rick Shuffield began looking for property along the I-49 corridor to expand the large travel station/truck stop chain into northwest Louisiana, and possibly DeSoto. Shuffield found his contact with Walker-Alley and Associates in Shreveport when he spoke with commercial realtor Chris Stokes.

On Monday, April 12, a regular early morning at the Best Western hotel in Mansfield ended with a hotel desk clerk fatally wounded and a patron critically injured during a robbery attempt. While the clerk was being held up at approximately 3:45 a.m., an unsuspecting guest stepped off the elevator not knowing what he was walking into.

The Mansfield Police Department and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff ’s Office worked together the entire morning and at one time had him surrounded in a building on the DeSoto Parish School Board’s property off of Oxford Road. After concentrating on that area, he was not found until later in the day.

During the manhunt for 20-year-old Terry Dewayne Powell of Mansfield, all area businesses, banks, and schools were on lock down since the alleged shooter was classified as armed and dangerous, and the public was asked not to interact with Powell.

The Logansport Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new restaurant to the area by hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony launching the Grand Opening for Tio Nacho Mexican Restaurant, located at 1100 Main Street.

Owner Leyla Olvera is excited to bring her recipes and versions of Tex-Mex cuisine to Logansport and believes her menu has something to offer every taste from children, to salad and vegetables lovers, to steaks, and of course, true Mexican lovers of Tex-Mex. The menu is broken down into the categories of appetizers, Tio Nacho Classics, Lunch Specials (from 11:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.), Dinner Plates including combination meals, child plates, side orders, and desserts. Most meals are served with rice and beans unless otherwise noted. Beverages offered include Coca-Cola products in addition to Mexican drinks of Norchata, Jamaica, and Tamarindo.

Plans are currently underway by the Historic Grand Cane Association (HGCA) for “The Village Market at Grand Cane” set for Saturday, April 17 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The event was formerly known as Grand Cane Trade Days and has had several successful runs. If you are interested in being a vendor you can contact HGCA at grandcanehistoric@gmail.com , call them at 318-858-0800, or message them on Facebook at Historic Grand Cane Association.

These events, like many others held in the Village, are to attract visitors and tourism to Grand Cane, DeSoto Parish, and Northwest Louisiana as a whole. HGCA consists of a group of citizens that love their historic village and want to share its many charms and history with visitors.

Some restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including strict occupancy restrictions for bars and restaurants, will be eased this week following sustained improvements in COVID-19 hospitalizations and vaccinations, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday. Social distancing of six feet will still be required in businesses and Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place.

The Louisiana Department of Education today announced the 2022 Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists. The 48 semifinalists are elementary, middle and high school educators from school systems across the state. Finalists will be selected from this group and announced live at the 2021 Teacher Leader Summit during the plenary event on May 25 in New Orleans. DeSoto Parish is honored to announce that North DeSoto Upper Elementary

Teacher Leah Darden is in the Semifinalists category. The DPSB website reads, “Leah’s commitment to student success exemplifies the teaching profession and she DeSoto Strong! We wish her the best of luck.”