News

February kicks off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to celebrate the programs, educators, and community partners who prepare our students for life beyond graduation.

This month, we’re excited to spotlight Logansport High School, where students are gaining hands-on, real-world experience through CTE pathways that build skills, confidence, and career readiness — from the classroom to the workforce.

CTE opens doors to meaningful opportunities and shows students that success can take many paths. #DeSotoStrong At Logansport High School, Career & Technical Education (CTE) is opening doors to real- world experiences that shape students’ futures. From welding and carpentry to Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) and virtual workplace internships, students are gaining hands-on skills, confidence, and career clarity — sometimes even landing jobs before graduation.

Last week the announcement came in that the second book in Chef Hunter Lee Mannies series, Livin’ Large in Louisiana had been awarded cookbook of the year by The International Impact Book Awards. This is the first international award the series has received.

This is the same book that has won three separate national awards since publishing and also made the New York Times best seller list only months after being released in late 2022.

Chef Hunter Lee Mannies cookbook series sells both nationally and in nine other countries (that we know of) and is published in over six languages. But this was an unexpected award. Mannies states, “I am truly grateful for the support, our fans, friends, and followers not just here at home but worldwide, and I’m truly grateful”.

A DeSoto Parish man who died of hypothermia is the fourth weather-related death in the parish and ninth reported in the state.

Coroner Dr. Stacey Henderson identified the victim as Melvin Vampe, 74, of Mansfield.

Henderson confirmed Vampe died of hypothermia at his home following an extended power outage.

The three other winter storm-related deaths include Lucindy Pratt, 79, of Grand Cane, who died of hypoxia after her oxygen machine lost power; Alvin Mayweather, 87, of Mansfield, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator that was in an enclosed space; and a Texas man who died in a crash crash on an icy road in south DeSoto Parish.

There were two deaths in Shreveport and one in Sabine Parish.

Jackson and Franklin parishes also reported deaths blamed on the weather.

This National School Board Recognition Month, DeSoto Parish Schools proudly recognizes Ms. Alice Thomas, District 5 School Board Member, for her dedicated service to our students, educators, and community.

Her thoughtful leadership and commitment to our core values help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for representing.

We’re proud to recognize Mr. Phillip Palmer, District 6 School Board Member, during National School Board Recognition Month. His dedication to students, families, and educators reflects a strong commitment to the DeSoto Parish Schools community

Thank you to everyone who attended the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, hosted by the DeSoto High School Alumni Association at the Alumni Association’s Multi-Cultural Center, located at 12116 Old Jefferson Highway in the C.D. Baldwin Gymnasium. The annual event brought together community members to honor the legacy of Dr. King under the theme, “Keeping the Dream Alive.”

Ms. Connie Coleman served as Mistress of Ceremony, guiding the program with warmth and reverence. The morning began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation was led by Elder Wilber Humphrey, followed by welcoming remarks from Mrs. Mary Robbins. Youth achievement and artistic expression were highlighted as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Award, which was presented by Ms. Rosie Claiborne, a member of the National Association of University Women (NAUW) to Ms. Nina Howard, and Ms., Abby McMillian was recognized for her exceptional artistic ability in creating a drawing Dr. King.

The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association held their first meeting of the year on January 13, 2026 at the DeSoto Parish Extension Office. Mr. Henry Richardson, DPCA President, welcomed the group and introduced the speakers. Mr. Joshua Lynn Salley, DeSoto Parish County Agent, gave an AgCenter update with information on many upcoming events this Spring. Mr. Lynn DeLoach, LCA President, spoke to the crowd on the recent LCA convention and gave an update on recent legislation that affects Louisiana cattlemen. Mr. Ronnie Sale, LCA District I Vice President, was also in attendance and visited with attendees. After a great meal provided by Josh Black with DeSoto Farm Bureau, the crowd heard a beef cattle market update from Mr. Lee Faulk, Livestock Agent with the LSU AgCenter. To conclude the meeting, Mr.

This morning at 8:00a.m., members of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office paused wherever they were to pray for a family in our community walking through an incredibly difficult moment. Their young son, Eli Taylor, is currently in the hospital.

Eli’s father, Shane Taylor, serves with our office, and his mother, Christine, is a local business owner here in the parish. Staff that were able gathered together in person, while others joined in prayer from patrol units, dispatch desks, and offices across the DeSoto Parish. Different places, one heart.

We strongly believe in the power of prayer and the strength that comes when a community lifts a family up together. We ask you to join us in continued prayer for Eli’s healing, and for peace, comfort, and strength for the Taylor family in the days ahead.

After watching the outpouring of love and prayer shared through countless posts, we thank you, for being a community that stands together when it matters most.

DeSoto Parish Schools proudly recognizes Mr. Donnie Dufour for his many decades of dedicated service to the families of DeSoto Parish.

His leadership reflects a deep commitment to our community, our mission, and our core values — supporting students and educators every day. Thank you, Mr. Dufour, for making The DeSoto Difference.

You’re a three-yearold little ginger haired girl full of happiness, love and sunshine, with your fourth birthday right around the corner on April 28. Your name is Allisa Nacole Taylor and you already are known as a fighter being born with Down Syndrome, a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome. A medical term for having an extra copy April 20: Alissa Nacole Taylor and I wanna give a Hugh THANK YOU to Kathy McClain. She has been Alissa’s Occupational Therapist since Alissa was a couple weeks old. Thank you for believing in my daughter. Today was her last day. Alissa is aging out of the Early Step program because she will be turning in 3 on April 28th. She will be entering the 3 year old