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DeSoto Parish Fire District 8 would like to recognize our most recently certified and confirmed Firefighter/Operators now in full-time positions in the department. We would also like to recognize our most recently licensed Paramedics in our department. The four Paramedics are Nathaniel Boudreaux, Alex Tucker, Tyler Cassel, and Raymond Nolley. Our department now has four new firefighters and four additional Paramedics working full time. This is an incredible accomplishment by all employees and will provide our fire district and the parish with additional personnel and skills to provide exceptional public safety services. DeSoto Parish Fire District 8 currently has 22 fully certified firefighters, with five licensed as Paramedics, one AEMT, and 14 EMTs, with two in the process of finishing EMT and three more in the process of completing Paramedic training. The district also employees several certified parttime firefighters from across the area to help maintain staffing.

Mansfield Main Branch Manager Mrs. Doris Ross has curated a truly inspiring Black History Month display that invites patrons to reflect, learn, and celebrate. February marks Black History Month — a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting impact of Black Americans, past and present.

Throughout February, all DeSoto Parish Library locations are featuring special exhibits highlighting the accomplishments of African American leaders, writers, artists, and cultural icons.

These thoughtfully designed displays showcase powerful stories that have shaped our community, our culture, and our nation.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore the exhibits, take part in interactive activities, and discover stories of perseverance, creativity, and leadership. Each library location offers meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

On Friday, January 23rd, Captain Angela Bandy of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division was unexpectedly honored for a lifetime of service and advocacy.

The FREE Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Northwest Louisiana held their annual Human Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation and Awards Ceremony at the Margaritaville Resort and Casino, where three very well-deserved awards were presented. Among those recognized was our own Investigations Captain, Angela Bandy, who was acknowledged for her “amazing and heroic anti-trafficking work in law enforcement.”

As DPSB wraps up National School Board Recognition Month, we proudly recognize District 11 Board Member Rosie Mayweather for her dedicated service to our students, families, and community. Thank you for making The DeSoto Parish Difference!

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.