News

Recently, Governor Jeff Landry announced a new LERN Board appointment by choosing one of DeSoto Parish’s own, Captain Phillip Daniels of our 9-1-1 Communications Division! Captain Daniels, a 27year long employee of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, has also been serving as President of the State Chapter on NENA (The 911 Association), and has now been tapped by Governor Landry to represent the Louisiana Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association. You may recognize Capt. Daniels from his years of teaching Hunter Safety to our DeSoto students, and his various efforts in helping our Senior Residents through other Sheriff’s Office programs as well. He’s certainly a multi-talented asset to our Office, Parish, and now our State!

Christopher Sudds-Support Staff: He is dependable and takas initiative everyday to make sure Mansfield Elementary School is clean and running smoothly.

Fontaine Simmons- Teacher: For over thirty years Mrs. Simmons has exemplified the essence of teaching. If the word, “teacher” were to have a face it would undoubtedly be hers.

Joshua Sarpy-New Teacher: Coach Sarpy is detail oriented and is constantly offering to help and be involved in all events on campus.

If Devarjave “DJ” Daniel looked, or if his name sounded familiar’ at the joint address to congress its because he was honored on March 25, 2024 by the Mansfield Police Department and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office by being sworn in as a Honorary Deputy and Honorary Law Enforcement Officer.

DJ, who is now thirteen years old has returned home to Houston, Texas after receiving the biggest honor that he has received from over 900 law enforcement agencies from around the United States.

President Trump stated that doctors gave him five months at the most to live, and that was more than six years ago. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true.

The President continued, “Tonight, we are going to do the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service Director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.

You are cordially invited to join the DeSoto GOP and Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stonewall Community Center, located at 5208 LA 3276 in Stonewall. Nelson will be discussing the Louisiana Tax Reform CA at the free event. Light refreshments will be served.

It’s National School Social Work Week, a time to recognize and appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our school community. Worlita Jackson, Candice Preston, and LaKimberly Edwards tirelessly provide emotional support, guidance, and resources that enhance our students’ academic and personal growth. Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for our DPSB School Social Workers’ dedication and commitment. It’s through their efforts that we see the true spirit of DeSoto Parish Schools shine — supportive, inclusive, and always striving for the best in each student. Thank you Worlita, Candice, and LaKimberly for being an essential part of our school family and for all of the incredible work you do every day!

Sheriff Jayson Richardson is pleased to announce the newest member to our K9 Division, to be filling the shoes of recently retired K9 Rex. Cpl. Kelby Pearah will now be sharing a seat with a two year old female Dutch Shepherd obtained from Ten8 K9, with a name everyone is sure to remember: KAREN! She will be serving in a dual purpose capacity, assisting in both Narcotics and Patrol duties. Karen was hand selected specifically to fit the needs of our department from dozens of other K9s and tested highest among all others as well. Karen is highly trained. Karen is high energy. Karen bares all the attitude one could expect from a K9 named Karen. If you consider running, maybe don’t. Karen won’t call the manager, Karen IS the manager.

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program will award scholarships providing assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program. Sheriff Jayson Richardson has long participated in this program, and happily offers scholarships to students each year!

Scholarships of a maximum of $1,000 each will be awarded to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Honorary Membership Program.

The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) celebrated the graduation of Charlotte Knotek, Executive Director of the DeSoto Parish Tourism Commission from the 2024 class of Louisiana’s “Certified Travel Specialists” (CTS) program at the association’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Monroe.

Throughout 2024, the 25 dedicated members of the CTS class embarked on a transformative journey, honing their skills through three educational sessions. They delved into the art of exceptional customer service, gained invaluable insights from esteemed leaders in Louisiana’s travel industry, and embarked on a path of personal growth. Along the way, they mastered the intricacies of navigating Louisiana’s rich tourism resources and forged meaningful connections between their roles and their communities.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Josh Dahlem as the new Director of Operations. A dedicated educator and district leader, Dahlem has served the district for 17 years and will step into this leadership role following the passing of the late Heith Parker.

Throughout his career, Dahlem has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and operational excellence. He spent a decade as a classroom teacher at Mansfield High School and Stanley High School where he primarily taught Agricultural Sciences in various curriculums. He has served for seven years at the DeSoto Parish Schools Central Office as a College and Career Coordinator and later as Supervisor of Strategic Initiatives and Student Opportunities.

Boy Scout Troop #160 held a formal Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on February 23, 2025. Numerous fellow scouts, friends and family met at the Stonewall Community Center to honor Drake Blankenship.

He was awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank. Eagle is the highest rank that can be attained in scouting. Only 6% of youths who start scouting reach this level. The Eagle rank signifies a high standard of dedication, leadership, community service and character development.

Drake started as a cub scout in first grade. He advanced through all the different ranks, earning all the required merit badges and many voluntary ones. Drake worked for the last few summers as a youth counselor at Kinsey Scout Ranch.

Drake is also a brotherhood member of Order Of The Arrow, scouting’s honor society.