News

The DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to thank all members and the public for the tremendous success celebrating our 93rd Annual Banquet that was held March, 30 at the Clista Calhoun Center in Mansfield.

Congratulations to the winners of the various awards listed below: Emeritus Award, William Dorroh Outstanding Business Leader, Christopher Davis Outstanding Business, 4C Coffee House Public Service Award, DeSoto Parish Animal Services/BFF DeSoto Animal Services Volunteers for Economic Impact, Kathleen Davis Edna Thornton Memorial Tourism Award Battle of Pleasant Hill We would like to thank Down Home Sausage, Louisiana Plantation Pecans, Lisa Lobrano Burson, Attorney, Sew Unique Monogramming & Boutique, Kickapoo Twist Winery & Vineyards, Mansfield Drug, Walmart, Back Alley Theatre and Legacy’s Jewelry for their generous donations for our raffle.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson would like to inform the public that over the past month, Narcotics Agents have made several arrests involving the distribution of dangerous narcotics in and around DeSoto Parish. These arrests involve Meth, Cocaine, and Crack, among other drug and firearm related charges. Each month we try to let the public know what is being done about those who aim to distribute dangerous drugs within our Parish, and potentially to our younger and more vulnerable community. The following individuals have been taken into custody and transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson asks everyone make sure to send a “HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY to Mr. Waymon (Sam) Shoalmire this past week. With that many years this man has certainly seen a lot in his day. Born on May 11, 1923, Mr. Sam has served as a Navy Veteran, and worked at Western Auto for 43 years! He currently resides in Mansfield, LA. He has 2 sons (Shelby & Randy), 4 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren!! How awesome is that. Happy Birthday, Mr. Sam!

Mayor Thomas Jones, Jr., Mansfield Police Chief Chris Johnson, and Asst. MPD Chief Michelle Thomas ask the citizens of Mansfield to join them as they extend congratulations to Officers Skylar Ross and Jacob Wilkerson on their graduation from the Caddo Parish Training Academy. Pictured l-r are MPD Chief Brian Ross, Asst. MPD Chief Michelle Thomas, Officer Skylar Ross, Jacob Wilkerson, and Chief Johnson. (submitted)

Sheriff Jayson Richardson and Deputies have been out all week, working together with other businesses and agencies, honoring our teachers this week! Our educators are so very important to the lives of so many in our community, young and old. They’ve taught us, and some are now teaching our kids. So if you saw that Tactical Grilling Unit rolling this week…we were likely headed to a different school each day! Very Special Thanks to Community Bank of La, and Farm Bureau of Gloster for making this event so special for our community!

Recently, Christopher Johnson was selected to fill the Mansfield Police Chief position. Chief Johnson is a native of DeSoto Parish and currently resides in the City of Mansfield. He graduated from Mansfield High School and then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. Before transitioning to Chief, Johnson was currently employed with the Mansfield Police Department as a Sergeant. His qualifications and experience should make him a valuable asset to our team and our City.

Maria Hogan was presented to the Council as the appointment during the City Council Meeting on April 24, 2023. He received a unanimous confirmation from the city council with welcoming applauds from the crowd attending the meeting. Please welcome Chief Johnson and give him your utmost support as he embarks upon this new chapter in his life.

Mansfield Athletic Standout, Vida Blue, who was a flame throwing left-hander who became the youngest MVP in AL/NL history in 1971 and helped the Athletics win three straight World Series championships from 1972-74, died on Saturday. He was 73.

“There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue,” the A’s said in a statement. “He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award winner, and an Oakland A’s Hall of Famer. Vida will always be a franchise legend and a friend. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this arduous time.” Selected by the Kansas City A’s in the second round of the 1967 MLB Draft out of DeSoto High School in n o r t h w e s t e r n Louisiana, Blue made his debut at the age of 19 in 1969, the franchise’s second year after moving to Oakland.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) are pleased to announce volunteers removed a record 313 tons of litter during Love the Boot Week April 17-23, 2023.

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, along with other civic and community leaders from the Shreveport and Northwest LA area held meetings this week to develop strategies together to help one another as the violent crime in the Shreveport area continues.

Join us at BackAlley Community Theatre as we enjoy “To Life,” “Miracles of Miracles,” and “Do You Love Me?”- musical hits of the award winning Broadway musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Fiddler is the moving story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love, and laughter. The musical features a talented cast, lavish music, and lively dance, and will bring you an uplifting celebration that raises its cup To joy! To love! To life!

BackAlley show dates are Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13 @ 7:00, Sunday, May 14 @ 2:00, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 18, 19, and 20 at 7:00. To purchase your ticket and reserve your seat, go to our website www.backalleygrandcane. com. Season ticket holders may reserve your seat by calling 318461-0202 or on our website.