News

The sky darkened on a Saturday afternoon. The wind blew and blinding sheets of rain came down. The storm broke and the residents of Grand Cane gathered on Main Street heard the clicking of horse’s hooves on the pavement. A large group of horses could be seen in the distance moving down the street. The horses and riders were leading a “trail ride,” a Grand Cane tradition for the past 40 years. Following the lead horses were individual riders on prancing horses with colorful bridles. Many of the riders wore traditional cowboy attire. Following the horses were pickups filled with cowboys celebrating the trail ride. Those gathered on Main Street watching the parade, both young and old, could be seen tapping their feet to the rhythm of hip hop music coming from the vehicle speakers.

Last week, Coday Johnston pleaded guilty to domestic abuse battery, which is a misdemeanor offense and does not require his resignation from elected office. His sentence included payment of a fine, court fees, and probation costs.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff ’s Office is assisting the City of Mansfield Police in locating a suspect involved in an early morning shooting that took place in Mansfield just before 6am ton June 15. They are seeking information from the public who may have knowledge of the suspect, or can assist in bringing him to justice. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest, and you can provide this information 100% anonymously.

Louisiana Connected and the city of Mansfield, are pleased to announce a partnership allowing the company to construct a fiber optic network that will deliver highspeed internet service directly to the homes and businesses in this Northwest Louisiana town.

The Mansfield City Council, on May 22, 2023, voted unanimously on a Binding Memorandum of Understanding(MO U) with Louisiana Connected to design, build and operate the fiber-based broadband municipal system.

Louisiana Connected will fullyfund the multimilliondollar construction and operation of the Mansfield network with private capital.

“Since the pandemic, I have worked alongside the City Council to fulfill the desire of many residents for efficient broadband in the city,” said Mayor Thomas Jones. “I am excited to be on track with my goal to deliver on that strategic plan and look forward to a collaborative partnership with Louisiana Connected going forward.”

Recently, S&P Global Market Intelligence released its annual rankings for 2022’s best-performing community banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranks institutions based on their returns, growth and efficiency and places a premium on the strength and risk profile of the financial institution. Based on the S&P Global Market Intelligence criteria, Red River Bank is ranked 45th of the top 50 banks nationally.

“We’re delighted to see these banks and credit unions continue to serve their local markets as they weather swift increases in interest rates and elevated inflation,” said Nathan Stovall, Director of financial institutions research at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Quality data and insights continue to be a vital source for the market especially during these volatile times, and we are committed to providing transparency through these rankings to help the market make informed decisions.”

Brian Horn, who was previously convicted of killing 12 year old Justin Bloxom more than 13 years ago will soon be in the courtroom again for his second trial set to begin in the Vernon Parish Courthouse in Leesville toward the end of June. Court personnel will return to begin jury selection on June 19. Once chosen, the jurors will be taken to DeSoto Parish for the trial DeSoto Parish District Attorney Charles Adams is once again seeking the death penalty in the case and is hoping to start the trial on June 26.

The City of Mansfield Fire Department has added a Rescue Truck to their fleet. Mayor Thomas Jones and Fire Chief Bryan Ross are pictured beside the unit. Chief Ross and his employees are very ecstatic about the department coming up to code, especially during the fire grading data collection year in advance of our fire rating next year.

The DeSoto Parish Tourist Bureau board of directors is happy to announce Charlotte Miller has been hired to be the new Executive Director. She will begin June 5, 2023.

On Saturday morning, May 7 around 2:30 a.m., LSP initially stopped Thomas Jones for a traffic violation in Mansfield. In addition to DWI, Jones was charged with Improper Lane Usage.

Jones, who is serving his first term of Mayor of Mansfield, told KTBS news that this was now a personal legal matter and has nothing to do with the operation of the city. He continued that he trusted in the judicial system and that this will be litigated in court.

He bonded out of the DeSoto Detention Center with his bond amount set at $3,227.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chairman of the Deacons Ted Brasher led the event and music as Deacon Raymond Powell is saluted for his 74 years of service at FBC. Those in attendance also enjoyed a fish fry with all the trimmings in celebration.

Raymond and Evelyn are pictured at Mansfield Nursing Center in January 2023 celebrating this 74 wedding anniversary. Evelyn was celebrating in spirit from her bedside in MNC for Raymond’s dedication at FBS this past week.

Deacon Raymond Powell (seated) is pictured with his children Robert Powell (left) and Carolyn Powell McGehee at his honorarium at First Baptist Church in Mansfield this past week. Powell’s beloved wife of 74 1/2 years was unable to attend the event in person, but was the “wind beneath her husband’s wings” for this event and many others.

First Baptist Church of Mansfield Chairman of the Deacons Ted Brasher presents a memorial plaque to Raymond Powell acknowledging his accomplishment.