News

Mansfield, LA Pharmacy Retains Independent Spirit and Local Ownership under Health Mart Brand

Beginning April 22, 2025, Mansfield Drug, located at 132 Jefferson St. in Mansfield, LA, will be sporting a new look. The pharmacy, which has served the greater Mansfield and DeSoto Parish area for more than 60 years, is joining the Health Mart network. The announcement was made by Dr. Nilay A. Patel, PharmD, Owner of Mansfield Drug.

While this new partnership will result in fresh signage, décor and a new logo, the pharmacy will remain independent and locally-owned with the same high level of quality services and personal care upon which the city of Mansfield, LA has come to rely while increasing its ability to compete with the national pharmacy chains.

The DeSoto Fire District 9 Ladies Auxiliary in Frierson will be hosting their Annual Catfish Fish Fry Fundraiser Dinner. The event will be held on Saturday, April 12 from 11:00 a. m. until 2:00 p. m. at 258 Stonewall Frierson Road in Stonewall.

Plates are $10.00 and consist of catfish, coleslaw, french fries, hush puppies, dessert and a drink. You are invited to sit and dine with your neighbors or grab a carry out plate to go. Bring your family, friends, and appetite and come join us!

Also, this year we are partnering with Life Share Blood Center and hosting a blood drive. Anyone who donates blood will be given 1 free fish dinner.

For more information call Synda Dillard at 318–872–4905.

Exciting News! DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce Mrs. Lyndsey Rhoads as the next Principal of North DeSoto Middle School!

With years of dedication to our students and a passion for education, Mrs. Rhoads is ready to lead NDMS to new heights. Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved achievement!

Robbin Hardee of Crescent Bank in New Orleans has been installed as president of the Louisiana Bankers Education Council. Hardee succeeds Kathryn Richard of Bank of Zachary. Richard will serve as immediate past president on the LBEC executive council for the next year.

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.