News

The Krewe of Aquarius is ready to Go Looney when their Mardi Gras parade rolls down the streets of Logansport on Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme reflects on classic cartoons and the fun memories that they are associated with.

The parade route will begin at Logansport High School and proceed down Hwy. 5 to Hwy 84. It will end at the Dennis Freeman Memorial Park on the Sabine River. For more information contact Teresa Stephens at 318-518-2775 or email her at teresa102194@gmail. com Come be a part of our local celebration and Let the Good Times Roll! (see ad on page xx for more information)

Groundhog’s Day, celebrated across the United States and Canada, on February 2, is purely a North American tradition. It is based on a belief that on this day the groundhog, or woodchuck, comes out of his hole after winter hibernation to look for its shadow. If the shadow is seen, it’s a sunny day, and if not the groundhog foretells six more weeks of winter weather. If no shadow is seen due to cloudy weather, by our rodent friend spring is coming. The groundhog then behaves accordingly, going back into the hole if the weather turns bad, but stays above ground if spring is near.

At the regular meeting of the DeSoto Parish Police Jury, new officers were elected to serve for 2023. The first set of nominations for President included Ernel Jones and Reggie Roe. Both men have served in this leadership capacity. Votes for both men ended up a tie, resulting in the process to begin again. This time, the two jurors nominated for President were Roe and Rodriguez Ross, with Ross coming out on top.

Vice President candidate nominees were Greg Baker and Kyle Kennington, with Baker winning coming out on top with seven votes to Kennington’s 3. Both officials began their terms at the January 17 meeting.

Members of the Krewe of Demeter are excited and ready to celebrate Mardi Gras with a night time parade set to roll in Mansfield at 6:00 p.m. on January 28. Their lineup is at 5:00 p.m. with the parade beginning at the old Walmart parking lot on Highway 84. It will proceed down Washing Avenue and turn right on Polk Street, turn on Franklin and end in front of the DeSoto Parish Police Jury’s office.

Fireworks will light up the sky at the old Walmart parking lot after the parade. They are sponsored by Sherry Brumley in association with Granger Ford and the City of Mansfield.

This is family friendly event and organizers encourage you to bring a bag to place your cups and trinkets and overflow of beads in to keep your hands free to catch even more at this family friendly event. Foldable chairs and blankets are suggested for those that need to rest before and during the parade.

United States Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced his selection by Majority Whip Tom Emmer to serve as a Deputy Whip for House Republicans in the 118th Congress: “In the 118th Congress, House Republicans will work to deliver conservative legislative results and a government that’s more accountable to the American people. I’m humbled by the opportunity to help lead this charge as a part of the Whip Team. I want to also thank my friend Tom Emmer for his confidence. Onward!”

Starting on January 17, residents may drop by the front office of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office in Mansfield to get a sticker for each of their vehicles that will help First Responders better serve the public. Some information such as your license plate number and home address may be required so that deputies are also able to notate this in their dispatch systems as well. In the event of an accident or encounter, First Responders can quickly recognize (both visually and through our systems) that there may be a person with Autism, Downs, Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, Hearing Impared, PTSD, etc., in the vehicle, and they may respond accordingly. This helps all parties on scene better approach, assist, and serve those individuals in nearly any situation. To get your sticker, stop by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office in Mansfield beginning on Tuesday, January 17th!

Volunteers will unite in service with Brookshires, and the City of Mansfield through visiting the Retirement Centers in Mansfield, Louisiana DeSoto Parish Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Volunteers stepped up to serve our community on the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. Volunteers visited both retirement centers and presented the residents with a small token of appreciation while joining hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in volunteer service.

City of Mansfield Mayor, Thomas Jones, Jr., our local Brookshires, and the Assistant Director, Maidie McCray, of the FGP Volunteers leveraged the strength of this community to help tackle the long-lasting problem of isolation and fellowship with senior citizens to advance Dr. King’s dream of opportunity for all.

Stanley’s Homecoming Court is seated and ready to cheer on their Panthers and Lady Panthers. Pictured are SHS’s very first Princess Morgan Pugh; seated on Front Row Queen Alexis Cooper; Row 2: Senior Maids Katie Caston and Avery Barber; Row 3: Freshman Maids Jade Jones and Alyssa Gooden; Row 4: Sophomore Maids Maddie Castillo and Aliyah Bradford; Row 5: Junior Maids: Ava Sparks and Jaylie Smith; Row 6: SHS Basketball Sweetheart Samariya Thomas and FFA Sweetheart Megan Blunt; Row 7: SHS Baseball Sweetheart Aubrey Hubier and Yearbook Sweetheart Anna Tingle; Row 8: 4-H Sweetheart Elizabeth Walker. (See page 14 for additional photos.)

Sheriff Jayson Richardson has chosen another non-profit charity organization in DeSoto Parish for our monthly Whiskers for Charity program! Every month, deputies can grow out their whiskers in exchange for a $20 donation per month that will be given to a charity of the Sheriff ’s choosing. Thus far over $14,000 has been raised since November of 2021, which is money going right back into our parish! For January, Sheriff Richardson has chosen the Pelican Friends of the Library!

With her daughters Ricky Howe and Amy Bailey by her side, Mayor Marsha Richardson took the oath of office administered by Judge Amy Burford McCartney and was installed as mayor of Grand Cane for her fourth term. Also installed were Rhonda Hughes Meek, Mayor pro-tem, Alderman Ed Campbell and Alderman Clayton Davis.

There were several important accomplishments during the Mayor and Aldermens’ prior term. Additional parking spaces were added on Main Street providing easier access to the shops resulting in increased business. Today the Village has a thriving commercial district. There was a major renovation of the George Parker building, which now serves as the 4C Coffee House, a popular gathering place.

In addition the Lawrence building was purchased which is now occupied by Double B Nutrition. A major project currently underway is to place decks and railing at the rear of the stores.