News

John William “Bill” O’Neal, the Texas State Historian, will be the key-note speaker for the Rio De Sabinas Heritage Days, to be held April 15 and 16 at the 140 year old First United Methodist Church of Joaquin, Texas. Dr. O’Neal has written forty-two books, and over 300 articles and book reviews. He has written about gunfighters, lawmen, ghost towns, Country music, and Texas League baseball. A member of the Western Writers of America, he has appeared in television documentaries on Turner Network Television, The History Channel, the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Discovery Channel, and the Arts and Entertainment Channel.

On April 30, DeSoto Parish residents and guests from all across our area will join together once again as they raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This year’s event will center around the DeSoto Parish Courthouse square from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. As in years past, vendors will be selling food, various snacks, beverages and related merchandise with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

The Mansfield Alive Committee is proud to present the dates for the Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration to be held June 24, 25 and 26, around the DeSoto Parish Courthouse Square. Festival favorites that will be returning include musical entertainment, food and beverage booths, arts and crafts booths and the parade. Also returning to this year’s festivities will be the Juneteenth Pageant on June 16 at the Clista A. Calhoun Center at 7:00 PM.

 

On Friday, March 18, members of the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Phydeaux’s Crawfish, Shrimp and More, located at 820 Holly Street in Grand Cane. Chamber officers and members, officials, friends and family were present to participate in the event. Phydeaux’s is owned by Todd and Tammy Kennedy and is open Thursday from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

 

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

The DeSoto Parish School System is proud to name Sedric Clark as Principal of the Year. Clark, the educational leader at Mansfield High School, is a strong representative for DeSoto Parish Schools. “With the help of his school team, Mr. Clark has done an outstanding job of giving students opportunities to experience success,” said Dr. Cade Brumley, Superintendent of DeSoto Parish Schools.

The new DeSoto EMS Facility, located at 4944 Hwy 3276 (Stonewall-Frierson Hwy) in Stonewall, will hold an Open House on Saturday, March 26 from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM.

On Tuesday, March 8, rain began to fall across most of Louisiana, with DeSoto Parish catching its fair share. After Tuesday night’s downpour, a volunteer evacuation was advised to residents that lived along the Sabine River in Logansport, with River Road, Garrett’s Park and Caraway Island the most affected. In Stonewall, Sleepy Hollow subdivision was also under the volunteer order. As the rain continued to fall, the saturated ground could hold no more.

 

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

Leaders within the DeSoto Parish School System understand the necessity of having high-quality teachers in front of every child. Because of this, the system invests heavily in its employees and, in turn, those teachers invest in their students. Due to this dynamic, student outcomes in DeSoto Parish have steadily increased over the last few years. For example, the systems graduation rate leads the State of Louisiana at 95%, student proficiency scores are above state average for the first time in history, the parish has no failing schools, and the system is ranked a “B” by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Organizers are working hard on last minute details for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) annual banquet. The Saturday, March 19 affair will be held once again at the Dave B. Means, Jr. Memorial 4-H Building, with doors opening at 5:30 PM, and the dinner to be served at 7:00 PM. While ticket sales have been brisk, those that are interested in attending but have not been able to purchase a ticket due to DeSoto Parish’s recent weather can do so at the door. Sponsors are also still being accepted.