News

RABIES ! ALERT

DeSoto Parish Animal Services Director Connie Philipp reported that two cases of rabies have been confirmed in the last week in DeSoto Parish. While there were 3 cases reported only 2 of those tested positive for rabies. The locations that the skunks were captured from for testing were in the Keachi/Gloster/Grand Cane areas.

While skunks are the main carriers of rabies in this area, any kind of mammal can carry it. Phillip recommends vaccinating cats, dogs, and horses, adding that the fee is usually around $15.00 to $20.00 for a yearly shot. It is important to vaccinate cats and dogs because rabies symptoms are harder to recognize in them than in other mammals.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Mansfield%20EnterpriseID391/

The DeSoto Parish School Board honored 42 members of the Class of 2019 at its annual Elite Scholars’ Dinner Monday, April 8, 2019. Select students from Logansport, Mansfield, North DeSoto, and Stanley received the distinction of being an elite scholar.

Students were selected on the basis of their performance on National recognized exams, cumulative GPA, and accumulation of college credits. The annual event highlighted the achievements of these students and featured a speech from the DeSoto Parish High School Student of the Year, Kyle Deas.

The Superintendent of the DeSoto Parish School System, Clay Corley, expressed his pride in the accomplishments of these students and the entire DeSoto Parish School System. He stated that an annual event of this type is not featured in many school districts, and he is proud to be a part of a school system that recognizes the academic achievements of its students.

Many of us have taken the American College Testing or ACT during our senior year of high school, and were happy when we scored in the mid 20’s. Those scores are in the average percentile nationwide, and are nothing to be ashamed of. If the mid 20’s are good scores, what would be an amazing ACT score? It seems that if you score 34 or higher you are in the 99th percentile, and are in the 1% of testers. When you get to a 33 score and above you are in Ivy League and competitive college territory.

The officers of the Logansport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invite its members and the community to the Chamber’s Annual Banquet to be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Logansport High School Elementary Gymnasium. This year’s theme is “April Showers Bring May Flowers and Festivals, Too!” Join us in taking the opportunity to celebrate the festivals that bring so much joy and economic value to our area and local businesses. Let’s show our appreciation and pride for these events.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m., and you will enjoy previewing all the silent auction items, which will be on display. Generous and creative donations by local businesses and supporters throughout DeSoto Parish and beyond provide many fun surprises for the silent auction! At 7:00 p.m., dinner will be served. Be sure to join us to honor those selected for this year’s awards.

The Battle of Pleasant Hill Reenactment Committee and Miss Battle of Pleasant Hill, Isabelle Kathleen Davis, are hard at work planning and promoting this year’s event scheduled for April 14 - 16, 2019. This will mark the 155th Anniversary of the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and is held on the ground hallowed those many years ago by the blood of Americans locked in mortal combat.

Citizens of Mansfield are still beaming with pride over the recent Mansfield High School Lady Wolverines State Championship win in Division 3A. So far, they have been honored with a steak dinner by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department, an award presentation by the DeSoto Parish School Board, an award presentation and pizza party by the DeSoto Parish Police Jury, plaque presentation by the City of Mansfield, and various other parties hosted by businesses and private citizens.

It’s now the high school’s turn to do something special, with MHS and MMS Master Teacher Amanda LaFollette and her helpers organizing a Victory Parade, entitled ”Show Your Wolverine Pride” and Tail Gate Celebration on Friday, April 12. The tailgate party will be held immediately following the parade at Washington-Taylor-Rogers Stadium.

On April 4 around 11:20 p.m., DeSoto Fire District 1 received a call, ironically from one of their own volunteer members. The firefighter had arrived on the scene to find a pipeline station engulfed in flames, at the Bell Bower Road and Marshall Road intersection.

DFD 1 Chief Rusty Canton said that they had the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department shut down Hwy 3015 and have residents’ shelter in place in case an evacuation became necessary. There were no homes in the immediate area, but at the time Canton stated he had rather be prepared for the worse.

DeSoto Fire Districts 2 and 5, in addition to the Joaquin Fire Department responded to the call and were on stand-by. Enterprise Products Partners LP. was in charge of the property, with numerous other oilfield and gas production companies assisting with the shutting down of the wells and lines to aid in the bleeding down of the gas lines that were feeding the high-pressure line.

A memorable evening was enjoyed by all at the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Award Banquet that was held on March 28 at the Clista A. Calhoun Center in Mansfield.

President Blaine Hodges (Vice President of Community Bank) welcomed members and guests to the event with Pastor Linda Gatlin of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Logansport presenting the Invocation. Mansfield City Clerk Marvin Jackson led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed the National Anthem with his usual acapella vocal flair. A buffet dinner was prepared and served by Village Cuisine of Grand Cane.

While standing in line waiting to receive their meal, members and guests were entertained by local vocalist Terry Sparks, who offered her trademark Patsy Cline tunes.

Late Friday afternoon on March 29, a DeSoto Parish Jury found Cody C. Parker innocent of manslaughter charges. He had originally faced second-degree murder charges from an incident that occurred on February 26, 2017 at a residence on Canary Street in Mansfield.

At that time, a subject, later identified as James Hewitt, age 50, of Mansfield approached a residence on Canary Street and began vandalizing a vehicle. The homeowner had previous issues with vandalism and noticed the subject outside of his residence. Through investigation, it was learned the homeowner exited the home and engaged the subject with a rifle. The victim ran from the scene.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Mansfield Mayor John Mayweather is helping get the word out by signing a proclamation for the month. “I Ask” is the message that Project Celebration wants to remind everyone know that you ask and get consent before any action is taken.

April was first declared as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in 2001. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the widespread prevalence of sexual assault nationwide and those who have survived sexual violence. Sexual violence includes a range of actions and behaviors including rape, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and sexual harassment. Sexual violence happens to people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, professions, incomes, and ethnicities.