News

Around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, an explosion was reported at the Logansport Water Plant located near 189 Water Plant Road. The explosion resulted in a chemical release; however, the release has been contained to the immediate area, and there is no need for an evacuation order at this time.

For the safety of the public and to allow emergency personnel to work efficiently, the immediate area surrounding the water plant has been closed to through traffic while first responders and hazardous materials (HazMat) teams continue their response.

At this time, the water system appears to be operating normally, and there are no indications of a widespread issue with the public water supply. Residents should be aware, however, that minor interruptions to water service may occur later today as crews work to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Four plant workers were sent to the hospital to be checked out.

On the evening of June 16, 2026, Agents with the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation involving 46-year-old Antonio Robertson of Mansfield, Louisiana.

Throughout the investigation, Agents gathered evidence that led to the issuance of felony arrest warrants for Robertson, including seven counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and one count of Distribution of Cocaine. During the operation, Agents positively identified Robertson leaving a residence known to be associated with him and entering a vehicle. Shortly thereafter, members of the Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU) and a K-9 Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely took Robertson into custody without incident.

Louisiana motorists should be aware of an important change to state law regarding vehicle inspection stickers.

During the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, HB 1085 was passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Under this new law, personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana will no longer be required to display a vehicle inspection sticker beginning January 1, 2027.

Additionally, from June 30, 2026, through January 1, 2027, law enforcement officers are prohibited from issuing citations solely for failing to display or produce a certificate of inspection. As a result, Louisiana State Police have immediately ceased enforcement of inspection sticker violations.

As with any change in Louisiana law, our focus during this transition period will be on educating motorists, answering questions, and helping the public understand how these changes affect them moving forward.

Raymond James Financial Services is proud to announce that Client Service Associate Logan Bailey has successfully passed the Series 7 examination, a significant milestone in her professional development and commitment to serving clients at the highest level.

The Series 7 license is a comprehensive securities qualification that demonstrates extensive knowledge of investment products, regulations, and industry practices. Earning this credential reflects Logan’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to expanding her expertise within the financial services industry.

Since joining Raymond James, Logan has consistently demonstrated professionalism, exceptional client service, and a strong desire to grow her knowledge and skills. Passing the Series 7 examination further enhances her ability to support clients and contribute to the firm’s mission of helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab continues to monitor the emergence of cychlorphine, a powerful synthetic opioid that has now been detected in multiple North Louisiana parishes.

Since our first detection in March 2026 in a case from Caddo Parish, additional cychlorphine- positive submissions have been identified from DeSoto, Ouachita, and Natchitoches Parishes.

Laboratory analysis has confirmed cychlorphine in several counterfeit tablet types, including: Blue “M30” tablets Green “M15” tablets Pink “K56” tablets Yellow “T259” tablets White “M367” tablets These tablets are made to resemble legitimate prescription medications, but appearances can be dangerously misleading.

The reality is simple: there is no way to know what is contained in an illicit pill purchased on the street. Counterfeit tablets may contain potent synthetic opioids, including cychlorphine, that can significantly increase the risk of overdose and death.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Sheriff Jayson Richardson on being recognized with the “Spirit of Louisiana” Award on May 28, 2026, during a ceremony held in Bossier City and presented by U.S. House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson. This recognition reflects Sheriff Richardson’s continued dedication, leadership, and service to the citizens of DeSoto Parish and the State of Louisiana. We are extremely proud to see his hard work and commitment recognized on such a meaningful level.

Retiring District Attorney Don Burkett, for his work as the longest- serving DA in state history. He was elected in 1984 and reelected six times without opposition.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson for his service in DeSoto Parish and as Speaker Johnson’s appointee on the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board.

Sheriff John S. “Sam” Craft for his 40 years of service in law enforcement.

The DeSoto Parish School Board has approved a comprehensive salary package that includes a 6.8% pay increase for all full-time employees, along with targeted incentives and salary schedule enhancements designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee recognition across the district. The new salary schedule and incentive package will officially take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

The approved plan represents a significant investment in the district’s workforce and reflects the Board’s continued commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and support staff while ensuring competitive compensation for all employees.

“Our people are the reason we continue to be one of the top-performing districts in the state. This compensation package is the Board’s way of saying what we’ve always believed, if you want great outcomes for kids, you invest in the adults who show up every day,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.

North DeSoto trailed Parkway by nearly 100 points after the winter sports, but used a dominant spring that included a state softball championship to clinch the inaugural 318preps Advocate Cup, “The Chip,” in the Non-Select Division.

North DeSoto players celebrate after winning the LHSAA Non-Select Division II State Softball Championship at Frasch Park in Sulphur, La., Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The contest, designed to identify the best overall athletic programs in the Shreveport- Bossier City area, is divided into two classifications according to the LHSAA’s Non-Select/ Select format.

North DeSoto scored 260 of its 430 points to capture the victory. The group from Stonewall finished 97 points ahead of runner-up Benton. Parkway scored just 30 points in the fall and finished third. Logansport was fourth and Bossier High was fifth.

The Lady Griffins’ state softball crown and top finishes in baseball and track helped the program pull away.

At 9:52 pm, The Desoto parish jail was reported on fire and the inmates were still in the facility with smoke and ants eating them up like crazy Next reported at 10:05 P.M.-The DeSoto Detention Center was briefly on fire, my girlfriend called me from there about an hour ago saying that they moved the women into the gym and evacuated the men from the building. She called me back 20 minutes ago to let me know that it was contained and they were back in their dorms but the building was still smoked out.

At 10:42 pm From Desoto Parish Sheriff Department Smoke Causes Brief Evacuation At Detention Center: This evening, a dryer inside the DeSoto Detention Center at 205 Franklin Street in Mansfield began producing heavy smoke, prompting staff to quickly evacuate inmates and personnel to the secure yard area as a precautionary measure.