News

Last week the DeSoto Parish School Board wished farewell to two wonderful employees of the DeSoto Parish School System. Both ladies have consistently exemplified the DeSoto Difference daily!! Mrs. Janice Lingle retires after 36 years of service from the classroom to the central office. Mrs. Grace Carlson is relocating with her family. We wish both ladies well; they will both be missed tremendously!

On July 1, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held for the new DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center in Mansfield.

Over 40 years ago in the heart of a growing community a sturdy building rose from the ground — born of steel, brick and ambition. The DeSoto Parish Police Jury, tasked with the responsibility of constructing and maintaining a Sheriff’s office and Detention facility, built what was at that time a state-of-the-art facility. Built in 1985, the facility stood as a response to growing incarceration rates, evolving public safety concerns and the legal standards of the day. At its peak, it represented modern corrections practice-designed to house inmates securely, process individuals efficiently, and support law enforcement and judicial systems in a rapidly changing society.

During the state of Louisiana’s 4-H University held on the LSU Campus in Baton Rouge, Ami Altom was recognized as the 2025 Northwest Louisiana 4-H Agent of the year. Her award was presented by Kayla McGuire from the state 4-H office.

Ms. McGuire said, “It is my honor to recognize Mrs. Ami Altom as the 2025 Northwest 4-H Agent of the Year. In just over a year, Ami has reignited the spirit of 4-H in DeSoto Parish with passion, vision, and unwavering dedication.

She launched the parish’s first-ever 4-H auction and started new clubs in horses, cooking, and arts—creating exciting opportunities for youth to grow and thrive. Under her leadership, enrollment and engagement have soared, and struggling programs are now vibrant and strong. Mrs. Ami is more than an agent— she’s a mentor, a cheerleader, and a role model. She shows up to every event with a smile and a heart full of encouragement. As one parent shared, “She makes every kid believe in themselves.”

One of the annual events that is most anticipated in our area is the Annual Rickey Warren Memorial Fireworks Display on the banks of the Sabine River in Logansport. Unfortunately due to the death of Rickey (and Lona Lee’s son) in February 2025, the name has been upgraded to include the entire Warren Family.

If you notice the top of the paper (the official term is the masthead) on this week’s edition, The Enterprise and Interstate Progress has turned over to Volume 125, Issue 1 effective July 1, 2025. The Enterprise officially marked its 125th anniversary to begin its 125th year of publication.

In 2021, we had to leave our much-loved address at 202 Adams Street on the DeSoto Courthouse Square to move to our beautiful new office facility, located at 110 Welsh Street, still in Mansfield. We are situated behind the DeSoto Clerk of Court’s Archives building and across the street from Progressive National Bank’s drive-through at 110 Welsh Street in Mansfield. If you haven’t stopped by to see our current location, we’d love to have you come by for the grand tour of our beautiful “Lagniappe House: Home of the Enterprise”. It truly is a “little something extra” just like the name says.

Over 40 years ago in the heart of a growing community a sturdy building rose from the ground — born of steel, brick and ambition. The DeSoto Parish Police Jury, tasked with the responsibility of constructing and maintaining a Sheriff’s office and Detention facility, built what was at that time a state-of-the-art facility. Built in 1985, the facility stood as a response to growing incarceration rates, evolving public safety concerns and the legal standards of the day. At its peak, it represented modern corrections practice- designed to house inmates securely, process individuals efficiently, and support law enforcement and judicial systems in a rapidly changing society.

Now, over 40 years later, the once-modern structure has reached the end of its useful life. In its place, just a couple blocks away, a new Sheriff’s office and Detention facility is being constructed-not just as a replacement, but as a reimaging of what a correctional facility can be in the 21st century.

A Keachi man who burglarized his employer’s business and then set fire to the building must serve a decade in prison, a Caddo District judge has ruled.

Cross McCray, 23, was convicted of simple arson Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Caddo District Court. Judge Chris Victory sentenced him Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to spend the next 10 years in prison at hard labor.

The jury in Judge Victory’s court determined that on December 20, 2022, McCray burglarized his place of employment. Before leaving in a stolen vehicle, he went back into the building and set it on fire. The fire caused extensive damages resulting in more than $500 in damages.

Assistant District Attorneys Briana C. Spivey and Courtney N. Ray prosecuted McCray. He was defended by Michael Enright and Silver Sanders.

The case was docket No. 399445.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson announces the latest string of arrests related to the illegal possession and/or distribution of dangerous narcotics in DeSoto Parish. These arrests involve Possession of Fentanyl, Ecstasy, Crack Cocaine, Meth, Resisting Arrest, and a Stolen Firearm among other charges. Each suspect has been booked into the DeSoto Detention Center and charged with the following. An arrest is an indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ADRIAN WALSH (W/F DOB: 01/01/1999 OF JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS) POSSESSION OF METH POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

ARRESTED BY: DESOTO NARCOTICS AGENTS ARRESTED ON: 05/22/2025 MAURICEEDWARDS (B/M DOB: 07/19/1975 OF FRIERSON) POSSESSION OF CRACK COCAINE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SPEEDING ARRESTED BY: DESOTO S.L.I.U. ARRESTED ON: 05/30/2025

At its June 5th board meeting, the DeSoto Parish School Board held a special ceremony to dedicate its board room in memory of the late Louis James (L.J.) Mayweather, Jr. honoring his extraordinary legacy of service to public education and the DeSoto Parish community.

Mr. Mayweather faithfully served on the DeSoto Parish School Board for four decades, from 1980 to 2020, making him the longest- serving board member in the district’s history. During the dedication, Superintendent Clay Corley, current board members, and members of the Mayweather family gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque and reflect on his lifelong commitment to students, families, and the advancement of education in DeSoto Parish.

The plaque reads: “With profound respect and deep appreciation, this Board Room is dedicated to the memory of L.J. Mayweather, Jr. His unwavering dedication and consistent devotion to DeSoto Parish Schools has left an everlasting imprint on this community.

Grab your dancing boots and get ready to pop your fans with singer of viral song, “Boots on the Ground” 803 Fresh. It’s countdown to Juneteenth 2025! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 12th Mansfield Annual Juneteenth Festival happening June 26 through 29 with ticket sales moving fast! The gates will open at 6:00 p.m.

Here’s what you don’t want to miss! On June 27, #803fewah, Boots on the Ground. On Saturday night, June 28 headliner Frank Johnson will perform numerous favorites including his hot single, “Don’t Hate on Me”.

Also, on Saturday Night, the Mansfield “Boots, Hats, and Fans” Street Dance, featuring B-Cam will take place. Also performing will be Bodacious and Breeze Mrdotoomuch comprising music ready to party to on stage throughout the weekend. The annual music vibes provide a family reunion feel full of unforgettable live music.