News

According to DeSoto Parish Police Jury President Trina Boyd-Simpson, a parish-wide burn ban has been issued as of Monday, July 27, 2026. The ban will continue until notices are posted or announced by area media.

According to the order, anyone violating the burn ban will be subject to the maximum fines and penalties allowed by law. The ban will be in effect until the area receives a substantial amount of rainfall.

Smokers are also asked to not throw lit smoking materials out the window of their vehicles. Not only is it illegal to litter with subsequent fines, it is currently a dangerous and potential fire hazard.

It prohibits all outdoor burning, including trash, leaves, limbs and yard debris. Not included are prescribed burns conducted by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, barbeque grills and cooking wires contained within fireproof containers and any other exceptions approved by the parish fire districts.

The citizens of Mansfield proudly honor Mayor Thomas Jones, Jr. as a 2026 Mattie Brewer McCulloch 50 Over 50 Award Honoree.

A distinguished public servant, respected community leader, and devoted man of faith, Mayor Thomas Jones, Jr. has dedicated his life to leadership, service, and empowering the citizens of DeSoto Parish. A graduate with honors from DeSoto High School in Mansfield, Louisiana, he earned an academic scholarship to Grambling State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science. During his time at Grambling, he had the privilege of learning valuable life lessons from legendary Coach Eddie Robinson while serving briefly as a walk-on football player. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

On Friday, July 24, the City of Mansfield celebrated an incredible milestone as they honored Gwen Jones on her retirement after 23 years of dedicated service.

For more than two decades, Gwen has been a steadfast presence, a trusted mentor, and a cornerstone of our organization. Her knowledge, commitment, and unwavering dedication have helped shape the City of Mansfield in countless ways. To so many of us, she has been the heart of this office, always willing to lend a helping hand, share her wisdom, and make everyone feel like family.

Mayor Jones presented Gwen with a proclamation recognizing her remarkable service and lasting contributions to our community. It was a beautiful celebration surrounded by her family, friends, and coworkers, all gathered to honor a career defined by integrity, compassion, and excellence.

On the evening of July 9, 2026, agents with the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation involving Dewayne Partner of Mansfield, Louisiana. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed sufficient evidence to obtain Felony Arrest Warrants charging Partner with 10 (ten) counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine.

As part of the operation, Agents observed Partner leaving a residence known to be associated with him and entering a vehicle. Shortly thereafter, members of the Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU) attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Partner refused to stop, initiating a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended at the end of Maplewood Drive in Mansfield, where Partner exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly apprehended without further incident.

The staff of Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, located at 943 Oxford Road in Mansfield, cordially invites you to join them for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Nursing Instruction wing on the Mansfield Campus on Friday, July 31, at 10:00 p.m.

For additional information, or to RSVP contact Kelsey Meshell at 318-708-0355 or email kelseymeshell@nltcc. edu.

DeSoto Parish Waterworks District 1 is proud to announce Top Honors bestowed on one of their own.

Joshua Ryals, System Field Supervisor received top honors at the Louisiana Rual Water Association’s Annual Awards Ceremony, earning the distinguished title of 2026 Water Systems Operations Specialist of the year for North Louisiana. The award was presented on July 15, 2026, during LRWA’s 40th Annual Training and Technical Conference at the Event Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Mr. Ryals has spent over 23 years in the water and wastewater industry and is a class IV operator in all five categories. He has been with DeSoto Parish Waterworks District 1 for 10 years. He is well versed in all aspects of his job.

On July 16, city employees had the opportunity to attend the City of Mansfield Healthy Communities Visioning Session hosted by the LSU Ag-Center.

We joined community members and local leaders to discuss ideas, identify needs, and share ways we can work together to make Mansfield a healthier place to live, work, learn, and play.

Meaningful change begins with conversations like these, and we’re grateful to have had a seat at the table representing the City of Mansfield. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our community and partners to help build a stronger, healthier future for everyone.

Michelle Crawford Thomas, a dedicated public safety professional, law enforcement leader, and administrative executive with more than 17 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, emergency management, leadership, and public service, has been named the new Mansfield Chief of Police.

She is married to Christopher Dale Thomas, and together they are blessed with eight wonderful children who inspire her commitment to service, leadership, and community.

Throughout her career, Michelle has demonstrated a passion for ethical leadership, organizational excellence, and community engagement. Her experience ranges from patrol operations and criminal investigations to executive law enforcement administration and emergency management planning. She is recognized for developing innovative training programs, mentoring officers, strengthening departmental operations, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

On the evening of July 11, 2026, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified that one of its patrol units had been involved in a traffic incident within the City of Shreveport. Upon contact with the driver, he was identified as Kamari Clay, a School Resource Officer with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Supervisors responded to the scene, where Clay was arrested by the Shreveport Police Department on charges including DWI.

As a result of the investigation, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has also filed charges related to Clay’s misuse of a Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle and the improper exercise of his official authority while acting outside the scope of his assigned duties. Clay’s employment with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was terminated prior to his arrest on the DeSoto Parish charges.

Raymond James Financial Advisor Laurie Alexander is pleased to announce that she has successfully earned the Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional (ABFP) designation, a credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge of the psychologi- cal factors that influence financial decision-making.

The ABFP designation provides specialized training in behavioral finance, helping advisors better understand how emotions, biases, and personal experiences impact investors’ financial choices. This knowledge enables advisors to help clients make more informed decisions, avoid common behavioral pitfalls, and remain focused on their long-term financial goals.