News

Each year DeSoto Regional Health Services sponsors Health Fairs in Logansport, Mansfield, and Zwolle with various companies, both health and finance, set up booths with information to help educate the public about services offered in the area. These events have been taking place for several years, and Mansfield’s 2022 event was most impressive with the variation, organization and number of entities involved, with the entire lower floor of the Clista A. Calhoun Center filled.

All three locations offer discounted lab work with the female panel costing $30.00, which included CBC (complete blood count), CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), Lipid Panel (for cholesterol levels), T4 (thyroid function test that is free), Vitamin D panel, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone level). The male panel fee was $35.00 and included the entire previously mentioned test, along with a PSA (prostate specific antigen).

On Tuesday, August 9, the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of Doug James’ new facility for DeSoto Physical Therapy. The new location is at 318 Plantation Blvd., behind North DeSoto Pharmacy and Gifts, just off of the Stonewall-Frierson Road.

Doug and his wife, Sabrina, have made Stonewall their home for over a decade and their two children attend school at the North DeSoto complex. Sabrina was teacher at North DeSoto High School for around 10 years, until her retirement.

Inside shot of the main therapy room at DeSoto Physical Therapy in Stonewall.

DeSoto Regional Health System Foundation Director Terri Byrd has announced that they will host a fundraising Sporting Clay Tournament on Saturday, August 20, 2022. The event will be held at the Shreveport Gun Club, located at 4435 Meriwether Road in Shreveport. Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., with the shoot starting at 8:00 a.m. Raffle prize disbursements, awards, and lunch will immediately follow the shoot.

The registration fee for a 5-person shooting team is $500.00, with the cost for an individual set at $100.00. Military, First Responders and Youth registration fees are discounted to $75.00 each. DRHS Foundation is also seeking sponsorships for the event, with price ranges varying from $100.00 to $2,500.00. This is one of the foundation‚ Äôs main fundraising events and they are expecting a great turnout.

Last week, North DeSoto Upper Elementary announced that the school has been certified and named as a “Leader in Me Lighthouse School” by Franklin Covey Education. This recognition is evidence that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes by implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence. It is also because of the extraordinary impact the school is having on staff, students, parents, and the greater community.

Leader in Me is an evidence-based PK-12 model, developed in partnership with educators, designed to build perseverance and leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and help improve academic achievement. This model equips students, educators, and families with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive, adapt, and to contribute in a dynamic world.

The REAL ID enforcement date is approaching and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is reminding residents to prepare sooner rather than later. Beginning, May 3, 2023, citizens 18 years of age and older will need to present a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, a valid passport, or another acceptable form of federal identification to board domestic flights, access certain federal buildings, military bases and enter nuclear power plants. A Louisiana REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card will display a gold circle with a star cutout in the top right corner.

The City of Mansfield was well represented when several Aldermen and their spouses attended the 8th Annual Louisiana Municipal Association Convention that was held July 28-30 at the Cajundome in Lafayette. Pictured are District A Alderwoman Marylinda Green, Percy Myles (husband of Rita Myles), District E Alderwoman Rita Myles, District D Alderman Antonio G. Washington, and Frances Young (Fiancé of Antonio Washington). Not pictured but also in attendance were Mayor Thomas Jones, District B Alderman Christopher Thomas, and District C Alderwoman Victoria Jackson.

On Tuesday, August 16, Senator Barry Milligan will speak to members and guests at the regular luncheon meeting that begins at noon. Catering the event will be Big Pit Smoking. The price is $13.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door and $15.00 if you RSVP and are a no show. You do not have to eat to attend the meeting.

The DeSoto Chamber accepts Cash App: $desotochamber and Venmo:@DeSoto Chamber. For questions call 318-872-1310.

The DeSoto Friends of the National Rifle Association Volunteer Fundraising Committee are ready to open the doors for their 10th Annual DeSoto Friends of the NRA Banquet. They are still accepting donations and sponsors from area businesses to help insure the banquet’s success in support of Friends of the NRA and community.

The banquet is scheduled for Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the David B. Means, Jr. Memorial 4-H Building, located at 10117 Highway 171 in Grand Cane. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the banquet will start at 7:00 p.m. As in previous years, there will be a silent auction, live auction, raffles, and games to play. A dinner of fish, shrimp and chicken strips with all the trimmings will be served. As always, the DeSoto NRA Banquet is a family oriented event, therefore, no alcohol will be served or allowed on the premises.

Pat Taylor of Waterworks District #1 received highest honors this year at Louisiana Rural Water Association’s Annual Awards Ceremony when he was named the Water System Operator of the Year Award. The award was presented on July 20, 2022 at LRWA’s 36th Annual Training and Technical Conference held at the Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The LRWA Awards Program was established to recognize the outstanding efforts of Rural Water and Wastewater Systems and their personnel. Of all the operators across the state, Pat was selected as this year’s winner for dedication to providing safe drinking water and helping to maintain a cleaner environment through his efforts in the water industry in the State of Louisiana.

During the month of July, the 31st Annual Louisiana D. A. R. E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officers Association Conference took place with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff ’s Office bringing home the First Place trophy once again. Sgt. Natasha Jones was present to accept the winning trophy in the D. A. R. E. SUV Division Car Show. Vehicles are entered into different categories according to size, and voted on by D. A. R. E. officers and others from across Louisiana.