News

DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson has been unanimously elected by his fellow Louisiana sheriffs to serve as Vice President on the Executive Board of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA). Sheriff Richardson has served on the Executive Board since 2021, when he was first elected as Sergeantat- Arms, and now steps into one of its highest leadership roles, helping guide the direction of law enforcement priorities statewide.

The LSA Executive Board plays a vital role in shaping public safety policy, coordinating statewide law enforcement initiatives, and advising on key matters such as budgeting, equipment, training, jail operations, and legislation that affects protecting citizens from crime. Traditionally, board members move through a progression of officer roles, culminating in the presidency of the association.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that on Thursday, August 14th and Friday, August 15, 2025, the LA 513 bridge over Ten Mile Bayou in DeSoto Parish will be closed.

This bridge closure is necessary to allow DOTD crews to perform necessary piling repairs in order to ensure the structure remains in service.

This bridge is located approximately 1.27 miles south of the LA 346 intersection.

Restrictions/Permits: Total bridge closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place. This work will be performed weather permitting.

Safety reminder: DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Let’s meet your 2025‘26 School Resource Officers! Sheriff Jayson Richardson and Superintendent Clay Corley have once again made it their #1 priority to have a well-prepared SRO stationed on every campus in the Parish, ensuring that school safety is of the utmost importance! These men and women have spent their summer running, training, and preparing for a safe and secure new school year! DeSoto Parish is fortunate to have such a strong bond between Law Enforcement and our DeSoto Parish Schools, where each agency works tirelessly in preparation to face any challenge that may arise.

*Remember: The DPSO Sheriff App & Website have features for students and teachers to “Send a Tip to Your SRO” which is instantly sent to that schools SRO, the Sheriff himself, Chief Cason, and SRO Supervisors. Tips can also remain anonymous. While we hope you never have to use it, please ensure that your students and staff members have it!

On Thursday, June 7, at the meeting of the DeSoto Parish School Board, board members unanimously approved the naming of the Logansport High School football field in honor of longtime coach, educator, and board member Coach Dale Morvan.

The newly named Dale Morvan Field at Tiger Stadium marks the culmination of a major renovation project funded through the 2023 bond issue, bringing new life and enhanced facilities to one of the most tradition- rich athletic venues in DeSoto Parish.

“Coach Morvan has spent most of his adult life serving Logansport High School — as a coach, educator, and board member,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “His impact goes far beyond wins and championships. Naming the field in his honor is a tribute to a legacy that has shaped generations of students, athletes, and leaders.”

The Pioneers of Central Christian Academy in Grand Cane will be hosting various western themed events at the Circle T. Ranch, located at 11654 Hwy 5 in Keachi with the first one beginning on August 9 at 6:00 p.m. You can come participate or watch the action at 6:00 p. m. with Barrel Slots first on the program from 6:00 p.m. until 8:15 p. m., followed by the Poles event from 8:30 p. m. until 9:00 p. m. Tickets for slots available start at 5:15 p. m. with prices set at one ticket for $5.00 or three for $12.00. They will accept cash, PayPal, or Venmo for payment. There will be no concessions but they will have drinks. For more information, call or text Jenny at 318–602–5392.

Cpl. Kelby Pearah (left in black/green) was in Carthage, Texas last week assisting Sheriff Cutter Clinton (center) of the Panola County Sheriff’s Office and their K-9 Division. Cpl. Pearah, K-9 Karen, and others with DPSO have been working with surrounding agencies in teaching a “Decide and Deploy” course that involves knowing your K-9 and making swift decisions in different scenarios.

DeSoto Parish Schools were incredibly proud to celebrate the following educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education and Dream Teachers.

Ms. Anesha Ross — 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist Ms. Anna Jackson — 2026 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalist Ms. Charday Wilson — 2024–2025 Milken Educator Award Winner These remarkable educators embody the core values that drive our mission in DeSoto Parish Schools — fostering a sense of community, promoting excellence, and providing innovative educational experiences. Their unwavering commitment of The DeSoto Difference reflects DPSO’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students every single day.

Six members of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department recently attended a week of training at the 96th Annual Texas Fire Training School presented by the Texas Engineering Extension Service, a division of the Texas A&M University System. The school is held at the Brayton Fire Training Field, the largest training facility of its kind in the world.

Firefighter Brock Pugh, Firefighter Julie Bates, and Assistant Fire Chief Michael Bates completed HAZMAT Awareness and Operations. Firefighter Michael Parker took Common Passenger Vehicle Extrication, and Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Ewing served as a Guest Instructor in ASP-701 Fundamentals of Fire Attack. Over 800 students and 300 instructors participated in the school this year. The school offers courses in all disciplines of fire/ rescue, from basic firefighter skills to all types of technical rescue, to officer development and leadership training.

The Mansfield State Historic Site, located at 15149 Hwy 175, just outside of Mansfield will host the Terry’s Texas Rangers on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. This is an opportunity to experience what happened during the Red River Campaign through the eyes of the Texas Rangers that participated in the Battle of Mansfield.

The Saturday demonstration will be held all day, and on until noon on Sunday. For additional information you can find them on Facebook, or you can call 318–872–1474.

Mayor Marvin Frazier stated that each year, the town has applied for funding for a new water well and has been denied funding. The Town contacted Representative Larry Bagley to stress the need for funding. After speaking to Rep. Bagley, the Town of Zwolle has been awarded $750,000 in state financing.

With the additional $300,000 allocated from Weyerhaeuser for the water well project, the town will have 1 million dollars of funding to drill an alternate well. Mayor Frazier stressed that the town has had two water wells down, and that there was an extreme need for the well.