News

In April 2021, retired DeSoto Parish Detective Robert “Robbo” Davidson and award winning journalist P. J. Jones partnered to write his memoirs as a veteran homicide detective. Six accounts are woven together with his memories, case files, witness statements, and trial transcripts. Jones is an award winning journalist, the recipient of the Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for open records investigations. The result of their collaboration, “The Evil I Have Seen” not only peeked the interest of local readers and supporters, it spread nationally and internationally. The writing team was recently notified that their book had won First Place in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards under Non-Fiction True Crime.

The Louisiana Legislative Report, over 50 pages in length, found that the previous 42nd District Attorney, Gary V. Evans, may have used office funds for his lost election bid for re-election in 2020 for his campaign. In addition, Evans paid $14,400 for microbial fumigation services in the traffic diversion office, but no quotes or contracts for the service were in the office files.

The 2020 audit report also found that Evans requested $32,379 to pay several terminated employees for uncompensated tine and prior years’ vacation, but auditors could not locate adequate payroll records to support the payments, Additionally, the 2020 audit report found $300,000 was transferred from the Diversion Fund to the General Funds to cover operating expenses, specifically salaries. Another $800,000 transferred from a diversion fund into the general fund is also being questioned.

At the recent LegisGator Luncheon, Rep. Larry Bagley was presented the Special Achievement Award for being able to successfully navigate impactful legislation through both the House and Senate to use surplus money to lure in new industry into the state.

Bagley stated, “In every other state, their regional economic development entities have massive amounts of property that they develop to lure in new industry. This year, I passed a law to use come of our surplus money to help each region of our state begin developing their own sites.”

He closed by saying that if we want to compete, we need the same, or better, tools in our toolbox as everyone else.

Mayor Thomas Jones has announced that the boil advisory for the City of Mansfield has been lifted effective Friday, September 9, 2022. The advisory began when a water line break affected all customers in the Rambin Road area, which has now been repaired.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor this foundational document of national governance.

The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals are threefold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution.

On September 11th, 2001 “9-11”, 19 suicide bombers linked with the Islamic extremist group al-Quaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. A third plane hit the Pentagon just outside of Washington, D.C and the fourth plane intended to crash into the Capital Building, or possibly The White House, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania when passengers were able to divert that target, but dying as heroes.

The 9-11 Attacks On Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001, at 8:45 AM, the United States suffered a terrorist attack when an American Airlines Boeing 767 filled with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center (also known as WTC) in New York City.

These terrorist attacks became known as 9/11, which is how the American date of September 11 is written.

It is the belief of this writer that you “History Buffs” who read this article weekly like a variety of historical subjects. Local historical subjects are primarily discussed here but there are other things that lure me in to deeper research - Such as today’s topic Air Force One.

The Mansfield Lions Club’s Jambalaya Dinner fundraiser is set and ready for some hungry customers. This year’s event will be held Friday, September 23 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Clista A. Calhoun Center, located at 515 Louisiana Street in Mansfield.

The meal will include delicious jambalaya, corn, and a roll with drinks available for separate purchase of $1.00. Participants have the option to dine in or carry out. Deliveries are available for multiple orders locally. Tickets for the fundraiser are $10.00 and may be purchased from any Mansfield Lions Club member.

For more information, please contact Club President Terri Byrd at 318-553-2852 or Event Chairman Van Reech at 318-540-7500.

Mansfield, Louisiana native, Chef Hunter Lee has created a new national brand, Benwood’s Surely Southern, including his line of seasonings, sauces, pickles and first of three cookbooks. You have a chance to meet the author and attend a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce, located at 115 N. Washington Avenue in Mansfield, on September 20.

Chef Hunter Lee will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s September meeting on September 20, which will be held at its usual time from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. His brand, Benwood’s Surely Southern, will be providing lunch to the Chamber members and guests, and will be mingling with those in attendance to answer any questions.

On the night of August 29, 2022 at approximately 8:43 p.m., the DeSoto Parish Sheriff ’s Office received a call in reference to a disturbance at 204 Daw Road in Mansfield, with a possible shot fired.

Deputies were immediately dispatched to the location to find two subjects suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

The initial investigation indicates that Corderek Colbert, age 29, of Mansfield, died of a self-inflicted gunshot after fatally shooting Jamecia Adkins, age 29, also of Mansfield.

This investigation is ongoing and, if deemed necessary, further details may be released at a later date.

At this time, Sheriff Richardson and his staff offer their heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected in this tragedy.