The DeSoto Parish Board of Election Supervisors will meet at 10AM on 4/17/26 at the Registrar of Voters office at 104 Crosby St in Mansfield to select commissioners and alternate commissioners for the 5/16/26 election.
04-10-26, 04-13-26 & 04-15-26
Paid Content by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office
Attached Notice of Public Meeting
The DeSoto Parish Board of Election Supervisors will meet at 10AM on 4/17/26 at the Registrar of Voters office at 104 Crosby St in Mansfield to select commissioners and alternate commissioners for the 5/16/26 election.
04-10-26, 04-13-26 & 04-15-26
Paid Content by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office
Attached Notice of Public Meeting
The attached report displays all individuals charged over the last 7 days, including those arrested by summons who may not have been booked directly into the Detention Center. The attached arrests have been made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Comments are disabled on crime related posts to ensure public safety.
A dedicated educator from Logansport High School is being recognized for her outstanding commitment to both her students and the community.
Nicole Ezernack, a mentor teacher at Logansport High School, has been named the recipient of the Northwest Region Champions of Service Award for 2026, an honor that highlights individuals who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The Champions of Service Award is given annually to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service, leadership, and community involvement. Ezernack’s recognition reflects her tireless efforts in shaping young minds while also contributing positively beyond the classroom.
She will be formally honored at an awards banquet scheduled to take place in Baton Rouge on April 27, where community leaders and fellow honorees from across the region will gather to celebrate service and achievement.
School officials and community members alike have expressed pride in Ezernack’s accomplishment, noting that her passion and commitment exemplify the spirit of DeSoto Parish.
Her achievement not only brings recognition to Logansport High School but also serves as an inspiration to students and educators throughout the parish.
Residents of DeSoto Parish can expect a warm and mostly sunny stretch for the remainder of the week, with only a slight chance of rain entering the weekend.
Wednesday will bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 78°F, accompanied by light southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 58°F and southeast winds around 5 mph.
Thursday continues the sunny trend with highs near 78°F, and partly cloudy skies overnight will bring temperatures down to about 60°F.
Friday will be slightly warmer, with highs near 81°F and overnight lows around 62°F under partly cloudy skies.
Saturday promises another sunny day with a high near 84°F, followed by a mild night low of 64°F.
By Sunday, a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms moves in, with partly sunny skies and a high near 83°F. Sunday night brings mostly cloudy conditions and a slight chance of rain, with lows around 67°F.
Monday will remain partly sunny with a high near 85°F, along with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Overall, the week ahead offers plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, though residents should keep an eye on the small chance of scattered showers over the weekend.
Families across DeSoto Parish are invited to enjoy a fun evening under the stars as the National Honor Society at North DeSoto High School hosts a special “Griffin Movie Night.”
The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. and will take place on the football field at North DeSoto High School. The featured film for the evening is the family-friendly hit Zootopia 2, offering entertainment for all ages in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Admission is affordable for families, with tickets priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children, while children ages 2 and under will be admitted free of charge. Concessions, including snacks, drinks, and treats, will also be available for purchase.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs to stay comfortable during the movie, along with their school spirit to support the Griffins.
The event aims to bring the community together for a night of entertainment and fellowship, giving families an opportunity to enjoy a movie in a unique outdoor environment.
Officials say they look forward to welcoming residents from across DeSoto Parish for an evening of fun, food, and community connection.
Most of us know that laughter is good for us. It eases stress, strengthens relationships, lightens the workplace, and boosts our overall sense of wellbeing. Proverbs puts it plainly: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” And honestly, who among us couldn’t use a refill.
But humor, like everything else, needs healthy boundaries. We don’t have to be standup comedians or laugh at every mishap. And “putdown humor”—the kind that gets a chuckle by bruising someone else—doesn’t heal anything. It just dries up the bones faster.
What we need is the kind of humor that grows out of a joyful, grounded way of seeing the world. And believe it or not, Jesus modeled that beautifully.
Jesus wasn’t the stonefaced figure we sometimes imagine. He used humor—sharp, surprising, and downright funny—to open people’s eyes. When he talked about someone obsessing over the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the log in their own, that wasn’t just a teaching. That was comedy.
Picture someone with a telephone pole sticking out of their face saying, “Hold still, I think you’ve got a little something right there.”
Or his line about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. That’s ancient satire. Jesus knew that sometimes the best way to expose our blind spots is to make us laugh at them.
And that’s the invitation for us today. We can choose joy over cynicism. We can practice humor that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. We can resist becoming a “Negative Nate”—the person who finds the downside of winning the lottery—and instead cultivate the kind of cheerful heart that heals.
Life is serious enough. Faith gives us permission to smile anyway. And the Great Physician still prescribes a good laugh.
“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”
See what Ida says
Freshman Connection gives new students a clear path into college life, from class registration to campus relationships, before the semester begins.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.
For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?
At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.
The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.
That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.
Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.
During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.
“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”
That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.
Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.
The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.
That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.
And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.
At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.
Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/mystatus
Louisiana residents are once again battling their annual sworn enemy as a thick layer of pollen quietly takes over cars, porches, and anything that dares to exist outside. Visibility is fine, but everything now has a nice yellow finish—whether it asked for it or not. Officials have yet to confirm when it will end, but locals agree: the pollen is winning.
A Mansfield High School student-athlete is bringing home statewide recognition after an impressive performance at the recent LHSAA Weightlifting Championships.
Darrien “Debo” Wells secured second place in the Division IV Super Heavyweight class, showcasing his strength, discipline, and commitment to the sport. His performance stood out among competitors from across Louisiana, earning him runner-up honors at one of the state’s top high school weightlifting events.
School officials and supporters praised Wells for his hard work and dedication, noting that his achievement reflects both personal determination and the strength of Mansfield High School’s athletic program.
“This is a major accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of Debo,” the school shared in a statement, encouraging the community to celebrate his success.
Wells’ performance continues a tradition of strong athletic achievement in DeSoto Parish, highlighting the talent and perseverance of local student-athletes.
By Steve Graf
We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off.
Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret.
There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy.
But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through.
I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge.
One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more.
I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!
That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.
Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos.
Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career.
While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass.
I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.
Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.
Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable.
But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon.
To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!
Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.
One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.
April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.
In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.
April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.
From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.
In the 1930s, the Kutol Products soap company was dangerously close to going out of business. Cleo McVicker worked hard to get Kutol’s products into stores and ultimately in the hands of consumers. Kutol needed a new product, but what? At the time, many homes in America were heated with coal which left a sooty residue on everything in the home. Unlike regular household dust which could easily be swept or vacuumed up, coal dust was finer and more difficult to remove. Sweeping and vacuuming coal dust normally sent more of it back into the air than was collected. Coal dust also contained sulfur, nitrogen, silica, and heavy metals, which could be hazardous to health. In 1933, Cleo negotiated a deal with the purchasing agent for the Kroger grocery store chain to add a cleaner to their inventory which would remove coal dust from wallpaper. Coal dust was especially hard to remove from wallpaper because it was small enough to settle into the paper fibers of wallpaper. Cleo promised Kroger a product which did not exist.
Cleo immediately contacted his brother Noah, Kutol’s main product developer, and the two began the rigorous research and development process. After countless failures, they came up with the formula for a compound which easily removed coal dust from wallpaper. Unlike liquid cleaners which required the user to apply the liquid to a cloth and swipe away the coal dust which usually made a bigger mess, Kutol wallpaper cleaner, was non-toxic, non-staining, and made no mess at all. The user simply pressed the compound onto the wall and the coal dust stuck to it. Once the compound became saturated with coal dust, the consumer threw it away and bought another can for five cents. Because it was a replenishable product, the Kutol company was saved one nickel at a time.
For 20 years, Kutol wallpaper cleaner kept the company afloat and successful. Following World War II, many people converted their homes from being heated by coal to natural gas. No longer did homeowners have the hassle of purchasing, handling, and storing a skuttle of dusty coal. Natural gas burned cleanly and was piped directly into the home. Around the same time, manufacturers began making wallpaper out of vinyl rather than paper which made it much easier to clean. By the early 1950s, sales of Kutol wallpaper cleaner began to decline quickly. The company was once again on the brink of failure.
In 1955, Joe McVicker, Cleo’s son, was searching for a way to keep Kutol from going bankrupt when Kay Zufall, his sister-in-law and schoolteacher, convinced him that Kutol wallpaper cleaner could be used for something more fun than cleaning. Joe ran with the idea. In 1956, Kutol established the Rainbow Crafts Company Inc. and repackaged the wallpaper cleaner, but Kutol was so near bankruptcy that they had no advertising budget. That could have been the end, but Joe demonstrated his product to Bob Keeshan, better known to the world as Captain Kangaroo. Bob liked the product so much that he agreed to use it in his television show at least once a week. From 1955 until 1984, Captain Kangaroo was one of the most popular children’s shows on television. Before Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to sell their rebranded product. Because of Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to keep up with demand. Since its introduction on Captain Kangaroo, billions of cans of rebranded Kutol wallpaper cleaner have been sold. It has become one of history’s most iconic toys and it remains popular to this day. We have all played with Kuto wallpaper cleaner, but we know it as Play-Doh.
Sources:
1. The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 19, 1936, p.25.
2. The Akron Beacon Journal, April 18, 1938, p.19.
3. David Kindy, “The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh,” Smithsonian magazine, November 12, 2019, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/.
4. “The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun!” The Strong National Museum of Play, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-history-of-play-doh-good-clean-fun/.
Mable Fay Reed
March 6, 1932 — April 6, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Rhyleigh Lynette Garner
07/30/2013 – 04/02/2026
Visitation : Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Many
Damarion Deshawn – Tyrell Lewis
11/12/2007 – 04/02/2026
Visitation : Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at11:00 a.m. at Springville B.C.
Issac Gillyard
01/08/1953 – 04/02/2026
Visitation: Friday April 10 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com
The attached report displays all individuals charged over the last 7 days, including those arrested by summons who may not have been booked directly into the Detention Center. The attached arrests have been made by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), Mansfield Police Department (MPD), and Louisiana State Police (LSP.) An arrest is indication that probable cause existed during an alleged offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Comments are disabled on crime related posts to ensure public safety.
DESOTO PARISH — Two educators from DeSoto Parish have been named semifinalists by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Hillary Severin of North DeSoto Upper Elementary School was selected as a Teacher of the Year semifinalist, while Brian Anderson of Stanley High School was named a Principal of the Year semifinalist.
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has released details of a recent series of arrests as part of its continued effort to combat illegal drug activity across DeSoto Parish.
According to Sheriff Jayson Richardson, deputies with the Street Level Interdiction Unit (S.L.I.U.) and DPSO Task Force Agents conducted multiple operations between late February and March, resulting in numerous individuals being taken into custody on a range of narcotics and related charges.
Key Arrests and Charges
Authorities report the following arrests:
Ezraline L. Hubbard, 49, of Shreveport — Arrested February 23 on charges including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Ecstasy) and possession of marijuana.
Rodney T. Evatt, 58, of Tulsa, Oklahoma — Arrested March 6 for possession of Schedule IV (Xanax), Schedule II (methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia.
Clifford D. Jones, 30, of Mansfield — Arrested March 11 on a charge of resisting an officer by flight.
Ashley M. Burr, 43, of Stonewall — Arrested March 10 for possession of Schedule II (meth), drug paraphernalia, and traffic-related violations.
Rodrigues D. Davis, 34, of Mansfield — Arrested March 12 on charges including possession of Schedule II (cocaine), marijuana (second offense), and a fugitive warrant.
Antonesha L. Dupree, 34, of Mansfield — Arrested March 21 for introducing contraband into a penal facility, possession of drug paraphernalia, and outstanding warrants.
Semaj Adams, 38, of Grand Cane — Arrested March 20 on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana and crack cocaine, along with driving-related offenses and warrants.
Alexis D. Ester, 41, of Shreveport — Arrested March 20 for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Jennifer L. Barajas, 41, of Logansport — Arrested March 24 for possession of Schedule II (meth), drug paraphernalia, and a traffic violation.
Lucas D. Morehead, 39, of Stonewall — Arrested March 25 on multiple failure-to-appear warrants and traffic-related offenses.
Maranda A. Magby, 34, of Camden, Arkansas — Arrested March 25 for possession of Schedule II (meth), possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and drug paraphernalia.
All individuals were booked into the DeSoto Detention Center.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
Sheriff Richardson emphasized that these arrests reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to reducing drug-related crime in the parish. He also commended the efforts of the Narcotics Division and S.L.I.U. teams for their continued vigilance and dedication.
Legal Reminder
Officials stress that an arrest indicates probable cause at the time of the incident. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Definitions:
CDS — Controlled Dangerous Substance
FTA — Failure to Appear
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities as law enforcement continues its proactive approach to keeping DeSoto Parish communities safe.
Residents across DeSoto Parish should prepare for a mix of warm temperatures, gusty winds, and increasing storm chances as an active spring weather pattern develops through the weekend.
Wednesday: Warm with Isolated Afternoon Storms
A mostly quiet start to midweek will give way to a slight (20%) chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny, with temperatures climbing to around 85°F. South winds near 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph.
Wednesday night remains mostly cloudy and mild, with lows near 67°F and continued breezy conditions.
Thursday: Higher Rain Chances and Storm Potential
Conditions turn more unsettled Thursday, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms—especially during the afternoon hours. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a cooler high near 79°F. Rain chances decrease Thursday night, with only a slight chance of lingering showers and a low around 65°F.
Friday: Spotty Storms Return
Friday brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Despite the storm chances, temperatures rebound to the mid-80s under partly sunny skies. A few isolated storms may continue into Friday night before tapering off.
Weekend: Stormy Start, Then Cooler Temperatures
Saturday continues the unsettled trend with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and into the night. Highs will be near 80°F before a cooler air mass begins moving in overnight, dropping temperatures to the low 50s.
Sunday turns noticeably cooler, with highs only reaching the upper 60s and a 30% chance of scattered storms. Overnight lows will fall into the mid-40s as rain chances diminish.
Monday: Clearing and Comfortable
The new week begins on a calmer note, with mostly sunny skies and a pleasant high near 69°F—offering a break from the recent stretch of unsettled weather.
Bottom Line:
DeSoto Parish will see a classic springtime pattern—warm, breezy days with increasing chances of afternoon and evening storms through Saturday, followed by a cooler and drier air mass settling in by
Sunday into Monday. Residents should stay alert for changing weather conditions, especially later in the week when storm coverage increases.
An educator from DeSoto Parish is gaining national recognition for her leadership in education policy.
Keisha Harris of Mansfield Middle School has been selected to serve on the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet (NTPC), a prestigious national cohort of educators focused on shaping education policy and advocating for student success.
Through her role on the NTPC, Harris will represent both DeSoto Parish Schools and the state of Louisiana at the federal level. The program brings together accomplished teachers from across the country to elevate the voices of educators and students in national policy discussions.
Participants collaborate on key education issues and provide insight to policymakers, helping ensure classroom perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
School officials say Harris’ selection is not only an honor for Mansfield Middle School but also a significant opportunity for the entire district. Her involvement is expected to bring valuable knowledge and policy insight back to local classrooms, ultimately benefiting students across DeSoto Parish.
District leaders praised Harris for her dedication and leadership, noting that her selection reflects the quality of educators within the parish.
Her work with the National Teacher Policy Cabinet will focus on strengthening education systems, supporting teachers, and improving outcomes for students—both locally and nationwide.
Community members are encouraged to join in congratulating Ms. Harris on this achievement as she represents DeSoto Parish on a national platform.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced bid results for multiple statewide projects in March, including a traffic safety improvement project affecting both Caddo and DeSoto parishes.
The project involves signing upgrades along Interstate 49 between the Natchitoches Parish line and the Inner Loop. The work is aimed at improving visibility and navigation for motorists traveling through the corridor.
The apparent low bid for the project came in at $3,864,006.39. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance safety and efficiency on major transportation routes across the state.
Officials indicated that projects are selected based on factors including traffic volume, roadway condition, and safety needs.
BATON ROUGE — State Representative Larry Bagley’s legislation to eliminate Louisiana’s vehicle inspection sticker program advanced Tuesday from the House Transportation Committee with unanimous support.
House Bill 838, authored by Bagley, would end the state’s long-standing inspection sticker program and replace it with a new windshield QR code sticker system designed solely to assist law enforcement with faster VIN entry during traffic stops.
Representative Bagley secured the support of Governor Jeff Landry prior to the start of the 2026 Regular Session. Governor Landry reaffirmed that support during Tuesday’s committee hearing by publicly backing the measure and sending Bryan Adams, director of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, to sit at the committee table, answer technical questions, and present the administration’s support for the bill.
Bagley said the unanimous committee vote reflects growing recognition that Louisiana’s inspection sticker system is outdated and no longer necessary for modern vehicles.
“This is about modernizing state law and removing an outdated burden from Louisiana drivers,” Bagley said. “The annual inspection sticker program was created decades ago, long before the technology we now have in today’s vehicles and law enforcement systems.”
As amended in committee, a new windshield QR code sticker will be included with motorists’ vehicle registration every two years. The QR code sticker will be affixed to the windshield and will allow law enforcement officers to quickly scan the code to more easily input the vehicle’s VIN — Vehicle Identification Number — into their in-car systems.
Bagley emphasized that the QR code will display only VIN information and serves solely as an efficiency tool for law enforcement officers during traffic stops.
Existing law enforcement technology already allows officers to obtain insurance and identifying information through license plate readers. The QR code does not expand that capability and is intended only to simplify VIN entry without requiring officers to manually type the number into their devices.
Under the legislation, enforcement of Louisiana’s inspection sticker law would cease after June 30, with the new QR code windshield sticker system scheduled to take effect on January 1.
Motorists would no longer be required to visit an inspection station for annual sticker renewals.
Bagley noted that Louisiana’s inspection sticker law was created at a time when vehicles lacked the advanced onboard diagnostics and safety systems now standard in modern automobiles. Today’s vehicles continuously monitor engine performance, emissions systems, tire pressure, braking systems, and other mechanical functions, alerting drivers through dashboard warnings when service is needed.
“Vehicle technology has changed dramatically over the years,” Bagley said. “Cars and trucks today already have sophisticated onboard systems that monitor performance and notify drivers when something needs attention.”
Bagley also pointed out that Louisiana is among a shrinking number of states that still require annual safety inspections for passenger vehicles.
“This legislation updates Louisiana law to reflect today’s technology while removing an outdated requirement for drivers,” Bagley said.
HB 838 now moves forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives.
Students from DeSoto Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.
The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.
Students from DeSoto Parish recognized include:
Alexa Gannon of Logansport, Early Childhood Education
Elizabeth Houston of Mansfield, Elementary Education
Melrose, Louisiana – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the
52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on April 18th from 9 am to 5
pm, and April 19th from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane
where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures
crafted by talented artisans, savor a variety of delicious foods, sip on beer, wine, and
other refreshing beverages such as fresh squeezed lemonade. Homemade ice cream
returns to the festival this year as a long standing fan favorite as well as iron and wood
works for your home and garden. We are also excited to feature local authors
throughout the festival, along with live demonstrations that highlight traditional crafts
such as basket weaving and quilting. These interactive experiences offer guests a chance
to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Additionally, Randolph “Randy” Deaton will be presenting a special talk on Clementine
Hunter on Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM. Guests are encouraged to bring any photos or
personal stories they may have of Clementine Hunter, which can be scanned and added
to his growing collection.
Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at:
https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026. Attendees will be able to shop for:
stunning jewelry, exquisite paintings, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable
desserts, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking
for something special, theres something for everyone to discover and cherish at the
Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.
“We’d love for y’all to come out, shop, and support historic Melrose. Take in the views,
check out all the vendors, and just enjoy a good day together at the festival. Tours of the
Big House and African House will be available- so bring your friends and family and
make it a day to remember, ” said Ariel Rachal event organizer.
Dont miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic
excellence at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts &vCrafts Festival. Purchase your tickets
today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!
For ticket information and event updates, please visit
https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026
Media Contact: Ariel Rachal, Email MelrosePlantation@gmail.com
About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an
annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 52 years, the festival
has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to
discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of
artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.
DeSoto Parish, LA — A historic first season for a new student-athlete program is making headlines across DeSoto Parish, as Stanley High School celebrates the success of its inaugural powerlifting team.
According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer Deputy Lane Burns helped support the launch of the school’s very first powerlifting program this academic year—an effort that quickly turned into a standout success story.
From Idea to Impact
“What started as a few students asking for an opportunity quickly turned into a season of hard work, discipline, and growth,” Burns said, reflecting on the team’s rapid development.
Training began in August, with the team competing in its first meet by December. From there, the athletes advanced through regional competitions and ultimately qualified multiple lifters for the state championship.
State-Level Success in Year One
In an impressive debut season, five Stanley High lifters earned spots at the state level—and all five finished in the Top 10 in Louisiana:
Jade Jones — State Champion (1st Place) with a total lift of 820
Amihya Stephens — 6th Place (570 total)
Colin King — 8th Place (670 total)
Tristin Thomas — 6th Place (1120 total)
Gabe Holloway — 9th Place (955 total)
The achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the athletes but for the school’s athletic program as a whole.
More Than Strength
Burns emphasized that powerlifting goes beyond physical strength, requiring discipline, focus, proper rest, and long-term commitment—qualities the team demonstrated throughout the season.
He also credited team managers Abigail Rogers, Kholey Rivers, and Kreagan Jordan for their behind-the-scenes contributions, as well as school administrators and Sheriff Jayson Richardson for their continued support.
Looking Ahead
With a state champion already crowned and multiple top-10 finishes secured, Stanley High’s first season has set a high bar for the future.
“This is just the beginning,” Burns said. “If this first season is any indication, the future is very bright.”
The success of the program highlights the growing opportunities for student-athletes in DeSoto Parish and underscores the impact of community support in building new initiatives from the ground up.
