News

For Breanna James of Stonewall, a desire to serve her country dovetailed with her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Northwestern State University. James will graduate this week with a Bachelor of Science and commission as a 2nd lieutenant through NSU’s ROTC program. She has assessed Adjutant General’s Corps and will continue service in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Her initial assignment will be with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe.

James’ family has a tradition of service in the U.S. Army and Navy.

“My Pawpaw always told me stories growing up of his experiences in the military and of my great grandparents, so I developed a very deep admiration for the men and women who served our country,” she said. “I always felt a strong calling to be a part of something greater than myself and to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.”

Chef Hunter Lee a native of DeSoto Parish and resident of Mansfield, Louisiana and Jefferson, Texas has been selected to compete in a national competition with chefs across the country.

With over 17 years as a caterer, business owner, personal chef, kitchen personality and regional tv chef/entertainer, columnist, author, food critic, and founder of Benwood’s Surely Southern line of seasonings, sauces, and “Sweet Hot’s pickles his extensive life in food and entertaining has brought countless awards and recognition. In his words “this would be an amazing accomplishment and I humbly ask for your support and votes”.

On May 2, while finishing up work in the area, Sparklight Advanced Technicians Dwayne Dyess and Jasson Fitzgerald saw heavy smoke nearby and headed over to see if they could assist. As they drove over, neighbor Troy Abraham flagged them down in the street. His phone was unable to make outbound calls and he told Dwayne and Jasson an elderly woman was in the home that caught fire with six young grandchildren. The woman could not run, having a seriously medical condition.

Dwayne and Jasson run over quickly and carried the woman and the six children to Troy’s house for safety before the home was fully engulfed in flames. They then waited for EMS to arrive to make sure everyone was safe. The two then returned to work and completed their day. The woman was released from the hospital that night and all people are fine, though the home is a total loss.

A DeSoto Parish woman who’s been in a five-year legal battle with the former district attorney to get her land and an oil and gas royalty payment returned has prevailed with a settlement of her lawsuit.

Deborah Wilkinson of Stanley sued former DeSoto Parish District Gary Evans in late 2019, alleging Evans wrongfully took more land than he was entitled to — along with a royalty lease payment check — as part of a land sale.

Wilkinson’s civil lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial today in DeSoto District Court. But both parties agreed to a settlement Thursday.

Love the Boot Week recently took place April 17-23, 2023. Volunteers worked together statewide with 8,476 volunteers removed 293 tons of litter at 280 events in 54 parishes. Let’s work together to grow our impact in 2023 and Let Louisiana Shine!!

Keep DeSoto Beautiful weld their cleanup Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. They are urging citizens from all over the parish to gather a group of volunteers, select a site to clean, and register with us. We will have bags and gloves to share, additionally you may check out grabbers and vests if needed.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson wants to provide an update to the public on the progress our office has made in regards to the Distribution of Illegal Narcotics within DeSoto Parish. S.L.I.U. stands for Street Level Interdiction Unit, for which our office has a few you may see out patrolling the streets of DeSoto Parish. These narcotics related incidents sometimes reveal other crimes such as illegal weapons, active warrants, or stolen property for which you may see associated charges. Sheriff Richardson would like to thank our DeSoto Narcotics Agents, K9s and Handlers, S.L.I.U., and Tri-Parish Drug Task Force for the hard work they continue to put in to ensure dangerous illegal substances are removed from our streets, and bring to justice those who wish to distribute them among our friends, children, and families.

The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association held their 2nd Annual Field Day on May 10, 2024 at The Branch Ranch near Mansfield, LA. Those in attendance got to hear from several great speakers. Topics discussed included farm pond management, heat stress in cattle, pasture weed management, mineral supplementation, and NRCS programming. The group also got to hear from North Desoto FFA as they presented on Agricultural Land Loss due to Mineral Exploration. A special thanks to the following for sponsoring the meal for this event.

Corteva Agriscience Livestock Nutrition Center Goldman Equipment Ridley Block Operations A huge thank you to Mr. Tommie Rogers and The Branch Ranch crew for hosting us once again.

The Central Christian Academy Middle School Choir performed at Artbreak on April 12 in the Shreveport Convention Center. Artbreak is the largest student arts festival in the South.

The DeSoto 4-H Shooting Sports Club held their annual banquet on May 4, 2024, at the David Means Memorial 4-H Barn. 4-H members that competed at the Northern Regional and State Shooting Sports competitions were recognized for their accomplishments. DeSoto Parish has the title of LA Shooting Sports Northern Regionals Champion Team. Those members are Addison Burnley, Emma Houston, Weston Walsh, and Jacob Berry. DeSoto will be representing Louisiana at the 2024 National Shooting Sports Competition in June which is held in Nebraska. Four members of the DeSoto Parish 4-H Shooting Sports team will be competing at the national level. Competing in Air Rifle will be Emma Houston, Addison Burnley, and Eli Smith. Jacob Berry will be competing on the state Muzzleloader team. A huge thank you to all of the sponsors, coaches, and parent volunteers for all your hard work and dedication to DeSoto 4-H!

Join us at Back-Alley Community Theatre in Grand Cane as we present Wage Warfare. Young Hope finds herself sandwiched between prim Bonnie and surly Louise, with the only apparent “hope” for relief is a sudden opportunity for promotion. Antics ensue when the three women all vie for the promotion, and hapless boss, Mr. Clogsworth, is oblivious to their shenanigans. He believes his pep talks truly motivate his “troops.”

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm, May 24–25 and May 31–June 2. Purchase your tickets or reserve your season ticket seat at backalleygrandcane. com. For questions, call our box office at 318461-0202.