News

Louisiana voters exercised their rights to vote in the November 5, 2024 Presidential and Congressional Primaries with Republican Donald J. Trump and “J. D.” Vance winning statewide and nationally. Statewide, Democrat Kamala D. Harris and Vice President nominee Tim Walz received 766,405 Louisiana votes, or 38%, with Trump winning with 1,208,233 votes statewide or 60%. DeSoto Parish also backed Trump with 9,356 votes, or 67%, with Harris receiving 4,426, or 32%.

Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, defeating Harris after winning the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, and over-reaching the 270 electoral votes needed for victory at 295. He won not only the electoral vote majority but also the popular vote. The State of Arizona was still undetermined at this writing, but was leaning toward an increased Trump electoral vote victory, which would tally his electoral votes to 307.

Logansport High School honored Head Coach Kevin Magee on Thursday, November 7th for reaching a remarkable career milestone of 100 wins. The celebration comes after Coach Magee led the Tigers to a 55-0 victory over LaSalle last Friday, continuing his legacy as a cornerstone of Logansport’s athletic success.

A Logansport Tiger through and through, Coach Magee has the rare distinction of winning a state championship both as a player and as a coach at the same school. Taking over the program in 2014, he inherited a team that had finished 2-8 the previous year. In just one season, Coach Magee laid the foundation for a championship- caliber team, leading the Tigers to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the regional round of the playoffs. His leadership and dedication drove the team forward, culminating in an 8-5 finish and a quarterfinal appearance the following season.

As we all watched in awe of what artist Matthew Yerby was creating we wondered what the finished product would look like. The finished creation of the beautiful B52 drew oohs and ahhhs from us all upon its completion, and continues to presently. The following is a post that Yerby made on his Facebook account:

“I arrived in Mansfield, LA too late to make a stencil. The streetlights were too bright to project a 90 ft. image. After free handing the B-52 bomber with sidewalk chalk, I am beyond humbled at the size of our nation’s air destroyer. It’s never been so clear to me why NO OTHER MILITARY wants to pick a fight with us.

Each of my 16 days on this 30 ft. x 90 ft. mural, I had to make something bigger. All glory be to God because this isn’t me. That’s His work through me. I know this because I’ve never been so terrified to begin a freehand project, but there’s something about Louisiana that reminds me of faith.

The Pelican Branch Library is holding a “Big Buck Contest” from October 1 until the end of deer season on January 31, 2025. No pre-registration is required and there is no fee to enter. If you would like to enter your trophy buck, simply bring a photo with your name and phone number by the Pelican Library, 145 Jackson Street Pelican, LA 71063 during our business hours Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; email photo to ljackson@state.lib. la.us, post it to our Facebook page: DeSoto Parish Library (while you are there, click like!) or text a photo to 318-464-6425.

The largest buck taken will win $100!

Contest rules are as follows:

1. Deer must be a whitetail buck and killed in DeSoto Parish, Sabine Parish or outlying areas within the days of October 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023.

Lifelong DeSoto Parish resident Raymond E. Powell will be honored with a hundred year old birthday celebration on Saturday, November 9 from 1:00 p. m. until 2:30 p. m. His actual birthday is November 5, but the celebration will be held at the Clista A. Calhoun Center, located at 515 Louisiana Street, Mansfield, LA 71052.

Raymond was born in Deadwood, Panola County, Texas to Nelson and Lizzie Alexander Powell, with two older brothers completing the family. When he was about six years old Methodist Minister Nelson moved his family to Logansport, which was only about six miles away from their residence and farm.

The Powell boys received their education at Logansport High School, with Raymond receiving a full athletic scholarship in boxing to Southwestern Louisiana, now known as UL–Lafayette, home of the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Opening soon at BackAlley Theatre in Grand Cane is Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, a comedy/mystery by Katie Forgette.

Ken Murphy plays Moriarty, notorious arch nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. He is an experienced actor and director, having been involved in theater for almost 40 years. “I’ve played characters of all types in my lifetime,” says Murphy. “In this play, getting a chance to be an evil genius — I just couldn’t turn that down!”

“I’m so honored to be part of this cast,” says newcomer Mindy Seekford, who has is playing the dual role of Mrs. Tory and Kitty Dupree. “They are all seasoned actors and it’s been great to have them coach me as I develop my character.”

Flags at the DeSoto Parish Courthouse were flown at half-staff on Monday, October 31 to honor the memory of DeSoto Parish Police Juror for District 1-C, Keith Parker.

He was in his third term as District 1-C’s representative, which does not end until December 28. Due to this fact, the Police Jury will have to declare the seat vacant and appoint an interim member within twenty days, then set a special election date.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they fulfill Mr. Parker’s wishes for private mourning with no public service.

On Wednesday, October 16, Chamber officers and members hosted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Shield Storage Centers, located at 1793 Hwy 171 in Stonewall. For more information call 318-268-3130. You can visit them for more information on Facebook or on their website. Welcome to Stonewall!

In DeSoto Parish, safety is more than just a priority; it is the foundation of every decision made by both the DeSoto Parish School System and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. These public services have formed a steadfast partnership dedicated to ensuring that every school is a safe, secure, and supportive environment for students, staff, and the community.

Superintendent Clay Corley emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in education, highlighting the unique collaboration with local law enforcement as a cornerstone of the district’s commitment to excellence.

If we are ever going to bring unity to our community we must learn how to work together. Learn how to treat others like you want to be treated. It does not matter how much money you have, good looking you believe you are, or where you live…how you treat others is the key problem we face today is learning how to accept others opinions, personalities, character, positions, and statuses without being threatened. But it’s very important at this time for all of us to get out and vote. Let no one tell you that voting is not important. The devil has many tools but a lie is the handle that fits them all.

The 15th amendment gave all of us the right to vote. This amendment helps us choose those who will run the government. It’s time to change the status quo and improve the lives of everyone we are about through voting because our voice matters.