Lifestyle

Thank you to everyone who joined FCA this morning for See You at the Pole. It was a great way to start our day. A special thank you to our FCA President, Emma, for coordinating this morning’s event and to the Roberson family for leading us in worship. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a school community!

The Mansfield Police Department would like to congratulate our officers on their nominations for the 2026 KSLA News 12 First Responder Awards! Pictured left to right: Officer Amber Davis was nominated for Officer of the Year.

Lieutenant Jones-Green was nominated for Dispatcher of the Year.

Chief Michelle Thomas was nominated for Chief of the Year.

Detective Brittney Byrd was nominated for Public Information Officer of the Year.

To commemorate what would have been Vera Mae Lewis’s 103 birthday, the children of Brad and Vera recently gathered for a family reunion dinner. Names of two of the brothers that may sound familiar are former City of Mansfield Mayor Pro Tempera Mitchell Lewis and retired Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Albert Lewis.

As the large group of children and grandchildren came together, they enjoyed reminiscing about stories that the large family looked back on. By the time the event had ended they realized that they had the best mom and dad that anyone could have.

Neither of their parents were able to achieve much of an education, which in turn made them make their children graduate high school, with several going on to college. Mother Vera Mae was able to complete eighth grade with Father Brad the third grade. When you are raised in poverty, children some times had to help provide money putting work before education.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45.

In these classes, students will learn the art of painting using stepby- step instructions to create a masterpiece of your own. No special or prior skills are required. Students will take home a completed painting titled “Beautiful Fall Trio” at the end of the class.

Children ages 7–12 are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child throughout the class. Parents do not have to enroll unless they participate. All supplies are included.

For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout. nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 3576355. Stay up to date with course offerings by following NSU Electronic Learning and Global Education on Facebook at facebook. com/NSULA.ece.

The Mansfield Main Branch Library is celebrating Independence Day with a festive 4th of July display created by Mrs. Doris Ross.

The display features patriotic decorations, American flags, flowers, and a collection of books about American history and freedom. It has added a special holiday spirit to the library and is available for the community to enjoy.

We invite everyone to stop by the Mansfield Main Branch Library to see the display and celebrate the Fourth of July with us.

Braden Phillips of North DeSoto High School is the newest member of Northwestern State University’s Rodeo Team and will compete in team roping. He is the son of Tammy Phillips and Mark Phillips.

Cody DeMoss, a 14time NFR bronc rider, will be coaching the Rodeo Team, which is open to all full-time NSU students with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Male competition events will include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Female competitions will include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.

The team will compete through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), representing NSU against top programs across the Southern Region and the United States. The Rodeo Team will provide an opportunity for students to continue their rodeo careers while earning a degree, gaining experience and representing NSU at a competitive level.

Thirteen-year-old Carla Heard earned both First Place and the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Caddo’s Rising Star Competition.

A homeschooled student and aspiring singer, Heard impressed judges and audiences with performances of Beyoncé’s “Love on Top” and Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Her strong vocals and stage presence helped secure the competition’s top honors.

In addition to winning First Place, Heard became the inaugural Caddo’s Rising Star, marking a historic achievement in the competition’s debut year.

Carla is the daughter DeCarlos Heard & LaTesha Heard and the granddaughter of Canavery Martin and Larry and Glenda Heard.

Family, friends, and supporters are celebrating her success and looking forward to her future in music.

Congratulations to Carla Heard on her outstanding achievement at the 2026 Caddo’s Rising Star Competition.

The Mansfield Library would like to invite you to come by and view our feature exhibition highlighting our Juneteenth display, which is currently on exhibit throughout June.

The display, curated by Mr. David L. Walker of Frierson, showcases a unique collection celebrating Juneteenth and African American history. The exhibit includes historical documents, books, artwork, cultural artifacts, music memorabilia, and educational materials that honor the lives, sacrifices, achievements, and lasting contributions of African Americans.

Under the leadership of our Branch Manager and Cataloger, Mrs. Doris Ross, the Mansfield Library is proud to offer educational and cultural displays that encourage learning, reflection, and community engagement. This special exhibit provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the significance of Juneteenth and gain a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and heritage that continue to shape our community.

Mansfield Branch Manager Mrs. Doris Ross recently created a beautiful Father’s Day display at the DeSoto Parish Library in Mansfield. The display features inspirational books, floral arrangements, and a heartfelt Father’s Day blessing honoring fathers and father figures.

We appreciate Mrs. Ross’s creativity and dedication in putting together this meaningful exhibit for our patrons to enjoy during the Father’s Day season.

A brother in arms, a Green Beret A friend and family each and every day Strong, humble and devoted Honors rarely noted Head kept down doing his job Then back to the FOB missions Conquered and defeated Never once being retreated.

Always from home many times…only once in the headlines Nor for glory nor for fame Most never knew his name Starred fear in the eyes while standing tall One great hero to us all Rode that plane called the “Angel Flight” So we could sleep in peace at night Many left here, here to sob For he was to become a Soldier of God Saluting you my hero, my friend Until we meet yet once again!