News

The speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress this past week was as inspiring as it was striking. His recounting of the slaughter of 3,000 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, was gripping and heartbreaking.

America has always been close friends and allies with the Jewish state and millions of Americans love and are devoted to Israel. This was the plea of a small nation—Israel is comprised of a mere 8.6 million citizens—for help.

As Netanyahu reminded us, “We meet today at a crossroads of history…This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.

Inno vations in irrigation: The smart approach to water conservation Every July, Smart Irrigation Month celebrates the benefits of efficient irrigation products, highlighting their positive economic and environmental impacts. One major component of gardening is providing sufficient water for plants. Irrigation systems offer home gardeners and landscapers the benefit of consistent and efficient water delivery, ensuring healthier plants while conserving water without all the extra work.

Applying irrigation based on plant water needs is important to maintaining a healthy and vibrant landscape in Louisiana’s hot, humid climate. With average annual rainfall totaling more than 53 inches statewide, irrigation schedules must be dynamic and ever-changing throughout the year. Efficient irrigation must be responsive to the water needs of each unique landscape. Irrigating too much or too often can result in leached nutrients, erosion, runoff, diseases and, ultimately, wasted money.

Candidates that qualified for political offices in DeSoto include Jimmy L. Hogan, Jr. and LaToya Washington Perry for Justice of the Peace for District 4, with only one to be elected. The Mayor of South Mansfield also had two candidates qualify for that office. They are current mayor Kevin Vanzant who is being challenged by Alvin “Pride and Joy” Williams.

Qualifying for Aldermen for the three Candidates that qualified for political offices in DeSoto include Jimmy L. Hogan, Jr. and LaToya Washington Perry for Justice of the Peace for District 4, with only one to be elected. The Mayor of South Mansfield also had two candidates qualify for that office. They are current mayor Kevin Vanzant who is being challenged by Alvin positions for Village of S. Mansfield Council included Dianne Hudson, Cherketha Johnson, and Jimmy Smith, which will fill those offices. Longstreet only had one person, Jennifer Cox, qualify for that “Pride and Joy” Williams.

The UM Share School Uniform Ministry, a cooperative ministry of DeSoto Parish United Methodist Churches, offers free school uniforms to all in the parish who have need. Parents are invited to bring their child(ren) to the distribution sites to help pick their favorite style and size. This organized group of Methodist is excited and happy to help those who need a little assistance in getting ready for school.

Mansfield and North DeSoto Schools uniform distribution is Thursday, August 1, 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Friday, August 2 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The distribution will be held at First United Methodist Church, located at 502 Polk Street in Mansfield. It you missed the Logansport- Stanley School on Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30, from 4-6:30 PM each day, call the numbers listed below to see if they have the particular uniform pieces and sizes that you are in need of.

DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce continued progress and sustained high performance in the 2023-2024 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) scores. These assessments are a key measure of student success and readiness for the next grade level or stage in life.

According to the recently released results by the Louisiana Department of Education, DeSoto Parish students have shown significant improvement in proficiency across various core areas: Grades 3-8: There has been a 3% increase in the percentage of students achieving proficiency in math and a 6% increase in science.

Third Grade: The number of proficient students across the district increased by an average of 5%.

Biology: DeSoto Parish also saw notable growth in the number of students reaching proficiency.

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Hunter’s Safety Class at the DeSoto Parish Training Facility, 120 Sprocket Lane in Grand Cane. Classes will begin Thursday, August 22nd and will continue through Saturday, August 24 th. The course will be led by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and hosted by Captain Michael Dunn and Captain Phillip Daniels.

Hunter’s Education Courses are open to persons of all ages, but only those 10 years of age or older are eligible for certification. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive Louisiana Hunter Education Certification. The classes are free, however spots are limited.

Dates and Times: Thurs. Aug. 22 6 pm-9 pm Fri. Aug. 23 6 pm–9 pm Sat. Aug. 24 8am–12 pm For more information contact Captain Phillip Daniels at 318.401.3017.

To Register, go to https://louisianaoutdoors. com/events/193061 and choose “Register.”

DeSoto Parish Superintendent of Schools Clay Corley has announced that after a successful trial at sporting events during the 2023-2024 school year, DeSoto Parish Schools will implement OpenGate Metal Detection Systems at all middle and high schools starting August 8, 2024. The OpenGate system is a state-of-the-art, fast, efficient, and accurate weapons detection system.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said Corley. “In light of recent events across the state and country, TheOpenGatesystem will help us to ensure that everyone who enters our facilities can experience a safe environment.”

The OpenGate system is the same system used at professional sporting events, museums, and other venues. It uses advanced sensors and software to detect weapons, including firearms, knives, and explosives. The system’s design minimizes false positives so that fans can move through the security checkpoint quickly and easily.

DeSotoParishSchools is honored to announce that Amanda LaFollette, Principal of Mansfield Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Louisiana Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, co-sponsored by Dream Teachers! This remarkable achievement makes LaFollette the third consecutive division winner for Louisiana Principal of the Year from DeSoto Parish. Tamela Phillips, former Principal of North DeSoto High School, won the 2023 Louisiana High School Principal of the Year. Barry Carter, Principal of North DeSoto Middle School, won the 2024 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year.

I have good news. After a very productive and successful meeting with the Debris Removal Contractor and the Debris Monitoring company

today, I am happy to announce that we have a date set for them to begin. That day is July 29, 2024. As a reminder, residents in need of debris removal should consider two things prior to the pickup date. First, the debris must be related to the recent severe storms. No other junk, trash, or unrelated materials will be picked up. Second, debris that remains on private property cannot be moved by the debris contractor. They will not pick up debris unless it is in the rightsof- way. Residents are encouraged to move debris to the rightsof- way. Contractors will be in large trucks hauling for at least 10 days. They will also have some heavy equipment cutting large trees and hanging limbs that may cause issues for the roads. They will provide flagging to properly

DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Lisa Lobrano Burson is proud to announce the acquisition of Mindy Brown, who will serve as office manager.

Mindy joins the Clerk’s office from Mansfield High School, after serving 10 years as an English teacher, master teacher, and the 2019 DeSoto Parish Teacher of the Year. Prior to her tenure at MHS, Mindy was an office manager and loan officer at Southern Ag Credit for 8 years.

Mindy has a Bachelors of Science in Human Resources degree, a Master of Business Administration degree, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. She is also a Notary Public.

Mindy has been committed to serving our community and is such an asset to our community. We are grateful to have her at the DeSoto Parish Clerk’s Office.