The Louisiana Department of Education publicly released the 2023-2024 School and District Performance Scores. DeSoto ranks second in the state of Louisiana and is one of only 11 school systems with an overall rating of “A.”

DeSoto received a District Performance Score of 95.8, an increase of 2.1 points from the previous year. The District Performance Score is calculated by combining performance in LEAP 2025 state assessments for grades 3-8 and high school courses, ACT scores, graduation rates, strength of diploma, and interests and opportunities. DeSoto Parish Schools ranks second overall in the Progress Index with a letter grade of “A” and an index of 96.5 and ranks first in the state in graduation rate at 99.1%.

“This achievement reflects the sound commitment of our students, educators, families, and communities to achieving excellence in our schools. Moving to 2nd in Louisiana’s rankings speaks to the hard work and perseverance of everyone in DeSoto Parish Schools. Together, we are setting and meeting the standards of achievement when we prioritize our students’ learning and success,” said DeSoto Parish School Board President Dr. Neil Henderson.

Logansport High School, Mansfield High School, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School earned an “A” letter grade for overall SPS. Six schools earned an A in student growth. Those schools are Mansfield Elementary, Mansfield High School, North DeSoto Lower Elementary, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School.

The Louisiana Department of Education also awards designations to individual schools. The “Top Gains” designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in student progress from one year to the next. Mansfield High School, Mansfield Elementary, North DeSoto Lower Elementary, North DeSoto Upper Elementary, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School were all awarded this honor.

The distinction of “Opportunity Honoree” is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in educating students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students, which were awarded to Mansfield High School, North DeSoto High School, and North DeSoto Middle School. For the second consecutive year, Mansfield Elementary showed the most significant increase in overall SPS with a 6.2 point increase, totaling a 14.9 point increase in two years.

“Our students, teachers, support staff, and administrators continue to inspire with dedication to the daily work that makes such a difference in the lives of students. The commitment of our school and district teams to serve, support, and guide our students as they learn and grow is the very essence of our mission,” said Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning. “This accomplishment showcases the strong work ethic and passion of our school communities.”

This achievement highlights the incredible effort and dedication of our teachers, students, staff, and school community,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “It’s a testament to the power of teamwork, the support of our school board, and a shared focus on ensuring the best outcomes for our children. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students.”

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Mansfield High School reached a milestone as the district broke ground for the new covered practice facility for Mansfield athletics and auxiliary groups.

The district is grateful to have Mayor Thomas Jones, School Board Members Alice Thomas, Rosie Mayweather, Bobby Boyd, Ronnie Morris, and Donnie Dufour, Athletic Director, Coach Darrell Barbay, Principal Anesha Ross, Director of Administration Brandon Burback, and Supervisor of Strategic Initiatives and Student Opportunities Josh Dahlem join it for this special occasion.

Thanks to DeSoto Parish board members for their support. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a space for students to train, perform, and grow—all while keeping DeSoto’s core value of high performance at the core of student success.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., US 84 (Polk Street) at the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad crossing in the City of Mansfield in DeSoto Parish will be closed.

This road closure is scheduled to be in place until Tuesday, Dec. 17 at approximately 5 p.m., and is necessary to allow the railroad company to replace two of the crossings at this location.

This crossing is located 0.22 miles west of the intersection with LA 175 (Lake Road). See included map.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

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DeSoto Parish K9 Deputy Hunter Martinez and his new partner K9 Cholo recently completed the K9 Academy together and officially begin all sniffing duties on Dec. 4. Cholo is a male German Short Haired Pointer, specially trained in Narcotics and Tracking. He will be a great addition when handling missing persons and/or children.

Also to note: He doesn’t seem at all interested in taking photos. Cholo we mean, not Martinez.

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By Doug De Graffenried

If you read “Bob, a DJ and a clown” on a guest list, are three people coming to the party, or only one? That depends on whether you are for or against the Oxford comma — perhaps the most hotly contested punctuation mark of all time. The “Oxford comma” is an optional comma before the word “and” at the end of a list. The following is an example of the use of an Oxford comma.

We sing songs, hymns, and choruses.

The question for those of us who write is whether to use the Oxford comma. Sometimes I use an Oxford comma and other times I ignore the convention depending on my mood. The comma does have the grammatical ability to add clarity to communication.

You may need that extra comma for clarification.

This is an apocryphal book dedication, but it shows what happens when the Oxford comma is omitted.

This book is dedicated to my parents, Amy Rand and God.

The omitted comma has given theological import to the sentence. Your eyes might fix it, and your brain knows that Amy Rand and God are not the parents of the author. From a grammatical point of view the sentence is correct, but the meaning is muddy or heretical depending on your perspective.

Today remember the comma.

Small acts of kindness, hospitality, and patience will make a positive impression on the guests God sends to our lives at Christmas. Perhaps after you show kindness you will have the opportunity to talk to someone about why Christmas has a special meaning to you. You might hear a God story coming from a stranger. Something small could open the way to a bigger event.

God is always trying to sneak that Oxford comma into the grammar of our souls. He sends little blessings and reminders of His love for us. He moves in small ways that allow our hearts to experience His grace. We want God to speak big and boldly. We want fireworks! We want certainty. The essence of faith is to believe where we can’t clearly see. Believe that in those small commas that drop into your soul God is working His plan in your life.

Finally, the comma makes you pause. Read the earlier comma examples aloud and hear your brain and voice pause for each comma. We need those pauses in our lives. We need time to just sit and be. I had a friend who sent me what became an annual Christmas tie. Ned lived into her mid-nineties. She loved her beloved pastor friend, such that I received a dozen Christmas ties from her.

The last line of her last Christmas note encouraged me to “linger in His presence long enough to let God’s blessings, happen.”

What a gracious and wise comma.

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Congratulations to the Logansport High School Tigers with a commanding 35-6 victory over the Franklin Hornets, they’ve made Tiger Nation proud once again.

Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have earned them a well-deserved spot in the semifinals against South Plaquemines.

The North DeSoto High School Griffins season came to an end.

The North DeSoto High School Griffins gave an incredible season and made a great run through the LHSAA Football Playoffs. They filled the Stonewall community with pride with every game played that showcased their heart, grit, and determination. Thanks to the players and coaches for their hard work and dedication to setting a standard of high performance and excellence. Their no-quit attitude represents the true spirit of what it means to be a Griffin.

The DeSoto Parish School District can’t wait for the Friday night lights in Griffin Stadium in 2025!

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By Steve Graf

Over my many years of traveling the country and fishing tournaments, most places and the people that live there are usually friendly. Texas has always held a special place in my heart since I’m from there and there’s nothing like Texan hospitality. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Arkansas also have some fine folks, but there’s one place you need to proceed with caution; that would be south Louisiana down on the Bayou.

Now let me clarify the last statement. South Louisiana folks, or Cajuns as they like to be called, are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Most have never met a stranger and most have a big heart willing to share their dinner table with anyone.

But when you get into the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana, the demographics change over to a different kind of soul. These people who live on the swamp see the outside world as infringing on their way of life and do not welcome outsiders with open arms.

I learned this firsthand during a bass tournament just outside of Morgan City. There’s an area down there where Bob’s Bayou Black Marina is located and was the host for this tournament. The minute you pull up to this marina, it’s like going back in time. It has an earie feel to it and reminds you of the movie, “Deliverance.”

It has a feel that makes you very uncomfortable just getting out of the truck and going inside to pay the boat ramp fee. Locals at the ramp give you a look that simply asks, “Are you lost?” But as I entered the store, I noticed a photo on the wall that was signed by Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin Van Dam (greatest bass angler of all time) which did make me feel a little more at ease.

Now being new to this area, I was looking for information; not about what the bass were biting, but where I could and could not run my 20-foot Ranger bass boat. I had heard stories about anglers getting in trouble in the swamp by fishing areas they were not welcome in.

The gentleman who owned the marina was more than willing to show me on a wall map the areas I should avoid at all costs. Due to horror stories of the past that were embedded in my brain, he had my full attention.

So, now that I had a good idea as to where I could and could not fish, I dropped my boat in the water and, without fear, headed out for a day of fishing looking for the winning stringer of bass.

Now if you want to get lost and test your navigational skills, venture into the swamp and bayous of south Louisiana! All I will say is this, “Thank the Lord for GPS!” Because I can now understand the stories I’ve heard of anglers getting lost. It truly is a maze of waterways and canals that seem to branch off in every direction like a state road map.

While fishing a stretch of a canal, I noticed a house, on stilts of course, just about 50 yards in front of me. As I approached this house, a man walked out holding a 12-gauge shotgun and looking at me in a not so friendly way. He asked me, “Son, are you lost?” I responded with a very kind, “No sir.”

He then informed me that I had two options, “Leave now or stay for dinner and never be heard from again!” I chose the first option and left that area never to return! It was nice of him to offer me dinner, but I did not want to stay for dessert.

I’ve also learned through other’s mistakes when dealing with these so-called swamp people. One such unwritten rule is to never enter a canal that has a gate at the front of it. Another fact is that one place you do not want to be after dark would be the Louisiana swamp! Ask Elite Series Pro Gary Kline who found out firsthand just how spooky the swamp can be when the sun goes down.

Gary also found out first-hand how unwelcoming swamp people can be when he was shot at while practicing for the Bassmaster Classic. So, the next time you’re headed for the bayous of south Louisiana, make sure you know the lay of the land and what areas you might want to avoid.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and just because it’s December, does not mean the fish won’t bite. You just need to slow down with your presentation and be a little more patient. You might not get as many bites, but the ones you catch will be good ones.

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Meet Rani, a 1-year-and-3-month-old Shepard Mix.

This super laid-back, happy girl is a bundle of love and joy who adores EVERYONE she meets.

When Rani arrived, she was struggling with terrible Demodex mange, but thanks to the incredible care and affection from her friends at Desoto Parish Animal Shelter, she’s had a total transformation.

Not only is Rani healthy and glowing now, but she’s also full of energy and would make a wonderful running buddy or the perfect addition to an active family. Whether it’s jogging trails or playing in the yard, Rani’s ready to join in on the fun.

Come meet this amazing girl and give her the forever home she’s been waiting for.

Desoto Parish Animal Shelters is a non-profit shelter and thanks the public for its support.

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By Brad Dison

Jimmy was born in Atlanta, Georgia in November 1900, the second child of Eugene and Maybelle Mitchell. Maybelle wanted Jimmy to have an education and to have the best possible chances in life, as most parents do. From the time Jimmy was born, Maybelle read to the child. Once old enough to write, Jimmy began writing original stories of adventures in faraway lands. From childhood, through adolescence, and into teenage years, Jimmy continued to create vivid characters in worlds which were sometimes real and other times imaginative.
In September 1922, Jimmy got married against the advice of Maybelle and Eugene. John Marsh, a friend of the couple, was the best man at the wedding. Jimmy’s spouse, nicknamed “Red,” worked in a bootlegging ring and often drank more product than was sold. When juiced up on bootlegged liquor, Red liked to party, carouse, and turned violent toward Jimmy. In December 1922, after less than three months of marriage, Jimmy gave up. The marriage was over, but not legally. At first, Red refused to give Jimmy a divorce. Finally, with a loan from John Marsh, the best man at their wedding, Jimmy was able to get a divorce. Six months later, Jimmy married for a second time.

Jimmy went to work as a reporter for a newspaper called the Atlanta Journal. It was a nice job that Jimmy thoroughly enjoyed. Then, Jimmy injured an ankle which failed to heal as quickly as anyone expected. Unable to walk without crutches, Jimmy had no choice but quit the reporting job. Jimmy’s spouse brought armloads of books into the house to keep Jimmy occupied. Finally, Jimmy’s spouse’s patience was exhausted. Tiring of the constant trips back and forth between their apartment and the public library, Jimmy’s spouse said something to the effect of, “For God’s sake, can’t you write a book instead of reading thousands of them?” With that challenge, Jimmy began writing. For three years, Jimmy wrote, edited, fact-checked, and rewrote. Finally, in 1936, Jimmy published a book that became a bestseller and won the Pulitzer Prize. Three years later, a film was released based on Jimmy’s novel which is now considered one of the greatest films ever made.

Let me back up just a moment. Remember Jimmy remarried six months after the divorce? Jimmy married John Marsh, the best man at her wedding and the man who paid for her divorce. Her wedding? Her divorce? You see, when Jimmy was only three years old, her dress brushed up against an iron grate and caught fire. Luckily, she was unharmed, but the experience was traumatic for her mother who feared that the child’s clothing would catch on fire again someday and she would not be so lucky. From that moment on, her mother dressed her in boys’ clothing. Her brother mockingly nicknamed her Jimmy and, much to her chagrin, the nickname stuck. Jimmy was the nickname of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Constitution, December 6, 1936, p.12.

2. The Atlanta Journal, August 12, 1949, p.1.

3. The Atlanta Journal, August 16, 1943, p.1.

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Every year on December 4, cookie lovers unite to celebrate National Cookie Day, a day devoted to the delightful treat that has warmed hearts and kitchens for centuries. From their humble beginnings as simple test cakes in ancient Persia to the endless variations enjoyed today, cookies hold a special place in culinary traditions worldwide.

The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch koekje, meaning “little cake,” a nod to their origins as small test batches of cake batter. As trade routes expanded, these sweet treats traveled across continents, evolving into beloved cultural staples. In Italy, biscotti pair perfectly with espresso, while France offers the delicate, almond-flavored macaron. Swedish pepparkakor, spiced with ginger and cinnamon, are a holiday favorite, and Mexican wedding cookies, coated in powdered sugar, have become a cherished tradition at celebrations.

In the United States, cookies are an integral part of the holiday season. Favorites like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and gingerbread evoke nostalgia and bring families together for festive baking sessions. National Cookie Day is the perfect excuse to explore these timeless recipes or try something new, like the chewy sweetness of South African hertzoggies or the crisp butteriness of Danish butter cookies.

For those looking to celebrate, holiday baking offers endless opportunities to experiment. Add a personal touch by mixing unexpected ingredients—cranberries, pistachios, or dark chocolate—or shape cookies into festive designs that double as edible decorations. Baking as a family is a wonderful way to create lasting memories while filling your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh cookies.

On National Cookie Day, take a moment to share a plate of your favorites with loved ones or donate a batch to those in need. After all, few things bring people together like the universal joy of a warm, freshly baked cookie.

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Robin Dawn Castillo
December 2, 1967 – December 3
Funeral service- December 7 at 1:00 p.m. Lakeside Baptist Church, Converse, LA 71419

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