News

As the investigation progressed, Investigators identified 28-yearold Quindon Thomas from Shreveport in connection with the stolen MFD credit card, which ultimately led to the arrest of former MFD fireman Donald Anthony Jr. Investigators learned that Thomas, who has no affiliation with MFD, also engaged in numerous illegal transactions using the stolen credit card.

As a result, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 42nd JDC, charging Thomas with felony access device fraud and felony identity theft. On November 18, 2024, the Bossier City Police Department arrested Thomas for this warrant. Thomas was booked into the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Jail and will be transferred to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center at a later date.

On November 20, the Louisiana Department of Education publicly released the 2023-2024 School and District Performance Scores. DeSoto ranks second in the state of Louisiana and is one of only eleven school systems with an overall rating of “A.”

DeSoto received a District Performance Score of 95.8, an increase of 2.1 points from the previous year. The District Performance Score is calculated by combining performance in LEAP 2025 state assessments for grades 3-8 and high school courses, ACT scores, graduation rates, strength of diploma, and interests and opportunities. DeSoto Parish Schools ranks second overall in the Progress Index with a letter grade of “A” and an index of 96.5 and ranks first in the state in graduation rate at 99.1%.

DeSoto Ranks District DPS increased by 2.1 points. District Score Performance is 95.8 DeSoto Parish ranks 2nd in the state of Louisiana DeSoto Parish ranks 1st in Graduation Rate DeSoto Parish ranks 2nd in K-8 and HS Growth.

DeSoto Parish ranks 9th in HS Assessment Index.

DeSoto Parish ranks 3rd in High School Progress.

DeSoto Parish ranks 2nd in Strength of Diploma.

DeSoto Parish ranks 5th in DCAI (Dropout/ Credit Accumulation Index).

DeSoto Parish ranks 14th in ACT.

Six schools recognized as Top Gains Honorees (Mansfield High School, Mansfield Elementary, North DeSoto Lower Elementary, North DeSoto Upper Elementary, North DeSoto Middle School and North DeSoto High School) Three schools recognized as Opportunity Honorees (Mansfield High School, North DeSoto High School, and North DeSoto Middle School)

As previously posted, on November 30th we will be hosting our annual “Spirit of DeSoto” Christmas Tree Lighting event! Complete with food trucks, live local worship band performances, jump houses, and more! Another awesome feature will be setup at 6 separate booths as a giving opportunity to some of our local non-profits, listed below. Our office has been in contact with these agencies to see what they may be in need of, which is listed below. Although it’s not required at all, we certainly encourage everyone to take a look and consider bringing a donation! We can’t wait to see everyone (and Santa) on Saturday, November 30th at the Stonewall Government Plaza!!

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has implemented a groundbreaking 2024 law that overhauls delinquent debt procedures and offers relief to more than 350,000 residents saddled with unpaid fines. This pivotal legislation establishes a more equitable path for Louisianans who owe fees to OMV. Pursuant to Act 629, OMV has established a more efficient system and enacted a series of changes aimed at easing the financial burden on residents while enhancing overall fee collection processes.

“This law reflects our commitment to fairness in governance. By reforming the OMV’s reinstatement program, we are providing essential relief to our residents and getting more drivers back on the road and back to work,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

Early Voting dates for the December 7, 2024 Election are 11/22/24-11/30/24 (closed Thursday, Friday & Sunday) at both locations. In Mansfield — Registrar of Voters Office at 104 Crosby St and in Stonewall — Governmental Plaza/ Sheriff’s Substation at 1746 Hwy 171.

Bishop Cynthia Fiero Harvey of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has notified the congregation of the Joaquin Methodist Church that it is seizing their church building and all their property, and will be offering these for sale to the highest bidder. The original property for the Joaquin Methodist Church was purchased by the congregation in 1904 with deed issued and filed in 1905. Members donated additional properties to the church in 1944, 1962, and 1980.

In 1905, the congregation built a frame church building on the property, which they used for services for almost 50 years. In 1951 members of the congregation tore down the wood building and with their own hands built the brick building where they have worshiped for the past 73 years.

In July 2024, the Mansfield Police Department contacted the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office to investigate a stolen credit card belonging to the Mansfield Fire Department (MFD).

The preliminary investigation revealed that the MFD credit card was used in over 180 unauthorized transactions, resulting in illegal purchases totaling more than $14,000.00 for gas. These transactions occurred between February 2024 through July 2024 at gas stations in Louisiana and Texas.

Investigators learned that 22-year-old former MFD Fireman Donald Anthony Jr. of Mansfield stole the MFD credit card following his termination from MFD in February 2024. Thereafter, he engaged in numerous unauthorized transactions using the stolen credit card.

Last week, House Republicans again unanimously selected Speaker Johnson to lead the House Republican Conference and continue serving as the 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress.

“We had a very productive day together as a Republican Conference, and the theme that you’ll hear over and over from all of our members across the conference is that we are unified and energized and ready to go,” Speaker Johnson said. “We have to deliver for the American people beginning on day one in the new Congress, and we will be ready for that.

House Republicans also elected Rep. Steve Scalise to serve as Majority Leader, Rep. Tom Emmer to serve as Majority Whip, Rep. Lisa McClain to serve as Conference Chairwoman, Rep. Richard Hudson to serve as NRCC Chairman, Rep. Blake Moore to serve as Conference Vice Chairman, Rep. Kevin Hern to serve as Conference Policy Chair, and Rep. Erin Houchin to serve as Conference Secretary.

A House tax committee voted Thursday to advance Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal for a flat 3% personal income tax rate.

If approved by the full House and Senate, the plan would eliminate the current income tax brackets and move the state closer to Landry’s ultimate goal of eliminating the income tax.

Thursday’s vote by the House Ways and Means Committee marked the first step in passing what is seen as Landry’s flagship portion of the tax plan introduced during his Wednesday speech at a special session of the Legislature.

“This is an income tax cut for everyone in Louisiana,” said Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, who chairs the committee. “The overall goal is to stimulate the economy and broaden our tax base. We want to show the people we are lowering their personal income tax rates, just like other states where they are thriving.”