Opinion by Pat Culverhouse

A soon-to-be Happy New Year to all, friends and neighbors. Your obedient messenger took a temporary breather to get in some last minute shopping and check on the status of some of our holiday traditions. Happy to say most are doing well.

Although there’s still a few days to go, we thought it might be appropriate to mention a couple of resolutions your humble rocker is considering. We do, however, reserve the right to change our mind when the woman who promised to love, honor and feed our furbabies five times a day tells us to do so.

Rocker’s first resolution could be better described as irresolute. It could be harder to keep than our system can bear. I would like to resolve to be less critical of my fellow inhabitants of this planet, especially those seeking public office on any level.

As that thought formed, the images of Beto O’Rourke, Stacey Abrams, Mitch McConnell, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, The Donald and a directory of Congress did smite the brain. This collection of intellectually deformed  is more than reason to search the WWW for nonflatteratory adjectives. 

To quote Charlie Brown on just about any occasion: Rats.

Rocker annually tries to resolve to be tolerant of the views of others, but that usually vanishes before the imaginary ink dries on the mental parchment. Considering these upheaving societal times, it is most difficult to remain tolerant when airwaves and social media brings us the latest Wokeisms from a myriad of untellectuals.

We are amused that these ideas are called woke. One of our progressive friends tells us that term defines millions across America who have “woke up” to our countless failures as a country. These suddenly enlightened awakened are showing us how we can be better; that by destroying the current system we create Utopia. All we unlightened must do is shut up, pay up and do what wokers tell us.

To learn more about what it means to be woke, it may help to check out the works of Engels and Marx (not the brothers) or Alinsky. One may find the philosophies remarkably similar.

Another resolution that may prove hard to keep is the promise to give Republicans credit when they deserve it. A few Congresses ago, Republicans held the majority in both House and Senate. To put it mildly, they got their heads handed to them daily by the minority Democrats. As my ol’ Daddy used to say, they could screw up a two-car parade.

Today, the Elephants are barely a majority in the House only. If the Biden Democrats are as smart as their media hypemeisters would have us believe, there won’t be a lot of credit to be given. Republicans seem quite capable of mucking up their own stuff without help from the friendly opposition. The Red Wave is proof.

This isn’t a resolution, but it is resolved that occasionally we poke a little fun at some of those who love to give us insignificants a poke. For example:

What has 12 arms, 12 legs and an IQ of 50? The Kardashian/Jenner women.

What do you get when you breed a ground hog and Stephen Colbert? Six more weeks of bad monologues.

Do you know what you have if you find Whoopi Goldberg buried up to her neck in cement? Not enough cement.

Do you know why Donald Trump loves to Tweet? It’s the best communication venue for a birdbrain.

Here’s hoping you make no resolutions, but are resolute to make this little planet a little better.  And don’t listen to those who claim to know what’s best for us because they believe they’re smarter. Remember, there are lots of people who are educated far beyond their intelligence.

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Judith “Judy” Elaine Hicks

July 31, 1941 to December 28, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/29/judith-judy-elaine-hicks/

Christopher Simpson

April 27, 1975 to December 25, 2022

Service: Friday, December 30, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin Street Mansfield, LA.

Bobby Short

August 18, 1958 to December 23, 2022

Service: Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at Summer Hill B.C. in Evelyn, LA.

Mary McIntyre

October 3, 1959 to December 23, 2022

Graveside Service: Saturday, December 31, 2022 @2:00 P.M. New James Cemetery Pelican, LA.

Sandra Denise Jackson

February 21, 1972 to December 21, 2022

Service: Friday December 30.2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Mary Elizabeth B.C. Pleasant Hill, LA.

Jesse Sumers, Sr.

September 22, 1966 to December 17, 2022

Service: Saturday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at New Friendship B.C. in Frierson, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)

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LSU Health Science and the Parish Health Units will be closed from this Friday, December 30, to Monday, January 2, for New Years.

There will be a free concert on Friday Dec 30^th at 6:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Mansfield.  The group performing will be Brian Free and Assurance.

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Judith “Judy” Elaine Hicks, 81, of Keatchie, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2022. Judith was born on July 31, 1941 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Andrew and Vera Bonnette.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, LA 71118. Funeral services honoring her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 located at St. Stephen Lutheran Church-8400 E Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108. Officiating the service will be Rev. Jeff Borgwardt with Justin Gould assisting. Burial will be held at Forest Park East Cemetery-3700 St Vincent Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Jerry Hicks. She is survived by her son, Joel Hicks and wife Angelia; grandson, Jacob Hicks; granddaughter, Katelyn Hicks and friend Parker; sisters, Lynn Dougherty and Ann Coleman and husband Mike; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Judy was an honorary grandmother to many.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Steph

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The tremendous blast of Arctic air that paralyzed much of the nation just before Christmas is beginning to withdraw from our area.  Lows in our area this morning were predicted to be at or slightly above freezing.

Here is the Mansfield area forecast for the remainder of the Week:

Wednesday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday – A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday – A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.

Friday Night – A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.

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Water Works District 1 Update issued late Tuesday morning said, “ District 1 is completely back up and pressurized.   If you do not have water, check for leaks.  The District is under “boil advisory ” until we take samples and get clearance probably Friday.”

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From The Desk Of Mayor Thomas Jones, Jr.

During my first six months as Mayor of Mansfield, we hired a full-time Code Enforcement Officer who has been intimately engaged in instituting a comprehensive plan to beautify our city. Pastor Ronnie Morris has worked with several of the council members and community volunteers in their perspective districts in removing trash and debris from ditches and roadways. Community service workers, trustees, youth groups and adult volunteers have all contributed to our clean-up efforts. The city has also purchased another dumpster to facilitate the clean-up efforts, especially with the demolition of dilapidated houses and abandoned, trashed properties. As of today, seventeen dilapidated houses have been removed, several others are in the process of being removed. Twenty-Three properties that had extreme overgrowth have been cleaned. We will purchase one more dumpster in early 2023 to further expand our clean-up campaign in our Mansfield communities.

Another area that we have placed a high priority is our police department. When I started working as mayor, the department was understaffed with six vacancies. Today, our Police Department is fully staffed including the addition of a veteran female detective. We have also purchased two new police cars to replace older units in our fleet.

Over the past 6 years, our Fire Department has been requesting a new modernized fire truck. We looked at our budget and financial position regarding available liquidity and determined that we could afford the purchase. We now have the new Fire Truck, and it is fully equipped and ready for fire response. In addition, a new Sprinter Truck (Medical Response Vehicle) was purchased.

Our Public Works departments were also severely understaffed, which was causing unwarranted hardships for the entire workforce. None of our Garbage Trucks were in service when I took the office of mayor. Employees were having to use trucks, loaders, and trailers to pick up trash on the daily routes. This was an embarrassment for the city that lasted for weeks. It took a few weeks after learning about this that we turned things around. Today, we have filled all seven vacancies in public works and all three Garbage Trucks have been repaired and are available for service.

Since taking office as Mayor of Mansfield, our employees have gained added benefits for them and their families. City employees and their spouses received a free $3000 Life Insurance Policy through Globe Life. Employees now have Short Term Disability, which has never been a part of the benefits package offered by the city. The city council also approved a budget amendment to allow us to give all employees $2000 Premium Pay from the American Rescue Plan Act funds received this year. Wages for new employees have been adjusted upward to offset the continuous increase in the cost of living. Current employee salaries are being increased as well to assure fairness and equity in compensation.

In an effort to continue moving our city into the 21st Century, we have posted a new Human Resources Director position to be filled in early 2023. We will then be able to take a thorough look at our policies and procedures while creating job descriptions with pay ranges for all positions within the City of Mansfield.

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Sheriff Jayson Richardson has chosen another non-profit charity organization in DeSoto Parish for a cool $1,000 donation.  Every month, deputies can grow out their whiskers in exchange for a $20 donation per month that will be given to a charity of the Sheriff’s choosing.  Thus far over $13,000 has been raised since last November, which is money going right back into our parish.  For December, Sheriff Richardson has chosen the DeSoto Parish 4:H Foundation.

The DeSoto Parish 4-H Foundation hosts several project clubs such as the Junior Leaders, Livestock, Sewing, and Shooting Sports.  We are fortunate that each school in our Parish has its own 4-H program hosted by teachers and parents across DeSoto. 

4-H is the world’s largest youth organization to date and aims at shaping young lives into become young upstanding leaders of their community.  The Shooting Sports team alone hosts over 130 youth, many of whom have gone onto state and national championships in recent years. 

Anyone wishing to donate, or volunteer for the 4-H program should reach out to their office at 318.872.0533, or you can visit their social media page.

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By Teddy Allen

In good ol’ 2022, we celebrated the 30^th anniversary of Love Languages, a lady named Amy earned $1 million-plus and made the Jeopardy! TV game show cry “Uncle!”, LSU’s football team won more games than even the Tigers’ most loyal and optimistic fan thought possible, and Port-O-Lets again made their presence known during Mardi Gras as one of the best inventions since indoor plumbing — which turned out to be heavy plastic outdoor plumbing. 

Good times.  

These were just some of the more light-hearted and trivial happenings of a somewhat gray 2022, a year that had this One Big Thing going for it: it wasn’t 2021 or, Lord help us all, 2020, when our leaders didn’t.  

I was born at night, but not last night. 

Actually, I was born at 8:15 in the morning, just in time to clock in, and have been carrying my little toolbox and lunch pail since. Like you, the past two years have beaten all I’ve ever seen and have tried, overly hard, to beat us down. 

But here we are, still flying the flag, like the old man in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a little thinner and gaunt, showing some deep wrinkles and splotches, some deep-creased scars, but our eyes are bright and cheerful and undefeated.  

We can hardly afford to buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel apiece, but we soldier on. The world keeps spinning and we’re happy to be along for the ride into what we trust will be a more upbeat 2023.  

2022 was the year that brought us Wordle. Remember last year this time when everybody was Wordleing? The fad has worn off a bit, but last spring, Wordle was almost as popular as Taylor Swift. 

2022 was also the year when Top Gun: Maverick became required viewing. Is it the best sequel since The Godfather Part II? 

Fair Grounds Field was demolished in 2022 — until it wasn’t. Red tape and bat poop sort of sums up the year; the higher-ups don’t want to admit a mistake and get things back on greased grooves.  

Closer to home, we became grandparents in July 2022, a definite highlight. She’s a healthy five months old. Because we are good grandparents, we took her to see Top Gun: Maverick five times and sold all we have except our toothbrushes to get her a Taylor Swift concert ticket. She’ll have to go alone because one is all we could afford but the kid has got to learn to stand on her own at some point.  

We did not get her a ticket to Monday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando when 9-4 LSU takes on 8-5 Purdue/Purdon’t because although we love Chees-Its, one of the highest quality dairy foods you can eat, who knew LSU could threaten a 10-win season? This is a team that started a receiver at quarterback and had 38 players on scholarship in last year’s bowl game, something called the TaxAct Texas Bowl when Kansas State beat what was left of the Tigers, 42-20.  

Hat tippage to new coach Brian Kelly and Tiger fans everywhere for their expectation-exceeding results this fall. 

Since this is the first time ever the two programs have met and since the only alum of Purdue people in these parts might know is New Orleans Saints forever-hero Drew Brees, you might find it of interest that the nice lady who invented Stovetop Stuffing, Ruth Siems, went to Purdue, as did Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn magnate. Doubtful that either of those things will come into play during Monday’s game — unless the Boilermakers have Stovetop Stuffing and popcorn for pregame. Then we really like LSU to cover the two-touchdown spread. Kick is at noon Monday, Jan. 2. 

2023 kicks off the day before.  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that a resident sent us a message saying that now would be a great time to remind the public that DeSoto Parish has “Safe Exchange” locations.  See, we listen, and thank you.

The DeSoto Sheriff’s Office currently has three “Safe Exchange” locations located at the Stonewall Substation, Logansport Substation, and in front of our main office in Mansfield.  It is best to contact dispatch ahead of time at 318-872-3956 so that they can ensure the location is being monitored, or they can have a deputy meet you there.  The goal, eventually, is to have all three locations under 24/7 recorded/live video surveillance.

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North DeSoto teams have concluded play for 2022.  The Griffins final game was December 20^th with a 76-68 loss to Plain Dealing.  The boys are 1-6 on the season. Their next game is at Doyline January 5^th.

The Lady Griffins went into the break with a win against Plain Dealing. The final was 57 to 35. That brings the season record to 5-11. Their first game of 2023 is Homer on January 5^th.

Logansport wrapped up play for the year on December 20^th.  The Tigers won 73 to 62 against Converse.  That brings the season record to 2-3.  The boys next play at home, hosting Zwolle on January 3^rd.

The Lady Tigers suffered a 68-52 loss at Converse.  Their record is 1-7.  Their next Game is at Stanley on January 2^nd.

The Mansfield boys defeated Northwood-Shreveport at home December 20^th.  The score was 57-30.  They have one more game this year tonight in the Airline Tournament against Ringgold.  Their first game next year is at home January 3^rdagainst Woodlawn.  Their record is 5-2.

The Lady Wolverines took two out of three games in the Minden Tournament December 14-16.  They defeated Arcadia 33-30 in overtime, they defeated Homer 33-28, and they lost to Gibsland-Coleman 56-36.

Stanley’s Panthers have the best record in the parish going into the holiday break at 11 and 5.  The Panthers got their 11^th“W” in a row December 20^th by defeating Weston 66-43.  They begin 2023 on January 10^th hosting Florien.

The Lady Panthers ended the year with losses to Ebarb 47-40 on the 19^th and to Weston 46-33 on the 20^th.  Their record is 6-10.  Next game is January 2^nd at home against Logansport.  Their record is 6-10 on the year.

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By Labetha Casey

When Santa arrived at the Stonewall Town Hall, he found the 16 degree temperature a little warmer than the -24 degree temperature of the North Pole.  He flew in 2 days before Christmas to hear those last minute wishes before he packs his sleigh for the big ride on Christmas Eve.

A few of the children had to be coaxed to approach the man in the red suit, while others had no qualms at all, but all received the message of “Santa loves you.”  They were rewarded with offers of cocoa and cookies after their visit.  Even some adults showed up to get their picture made with the jolly man.

On hand was the Gingerbread Man, aka Jacob Berry, to welcome the guests.

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A hearing is scheduled this morning on an injunction to block Louisiana’s Office of Group Benefits from entering into a $2 billion pharmacy contract with CVS Caremark.

As News Channel 5 reported back on Dec. 20, the contract would potentially impact over 200,000 state workers, including teachers and other state employees, on where they go to fill prescriptions and get vaccines. The contract was set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, despite continued opposition from lawmakers and pharmacists.

The complaints stemmed from independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, saying they will take a financial hit and lose the state employees as customers due to what they called inadequate reimbursement rates listed in the contract. Some local pharmacies complained they would lose up to nine dollars for every prescription that is filled. This caused them to opt-out of the state contract.

For the pharmacies that chose to opt-out of the contract, it greatly affects the state worker customers, as they would have to find other big-box pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. District 28 State Senator Heather Cloud, one of many lawmakers against the contract, argued that in rural areas, big box pharmacies are few and far between, causing some customers to potentially have to travel over an hour to get their prescriptions filled.

KALB-TV contributed to this report.

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By The Center Square

A recent report cites New Orleans and Shreveport on a list economically disadvantaged cities.  Detroit, Michigan, is the most economically disadvantaged city in the United States, followed by Brownsville, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio, according to a new report from Wallethub.

These cities are characterized by high poverty rates, high unemployment, food insecurity, low access to computers or the internet, and a large share of delinquent debtors, according to the report’s findings.

Other cities in the top 10 include Gulfport, Mississippi; Fresno, California; Laredo, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana; Los Angeles, California; and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Nearly 37 million Americans live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated more than half a million people had experienced living in homeless shelters or on the streets in 2021.

Some of the neediest cities are also among the most expensive places to live in the United States, such as Los Angeles and Fresno. The Wallethub report found that Fresno had the worst homelessness rate in the country.

Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for Wallethub, told The Center Square that the lack of affordable housing options drives up the rates of homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles.

“Homelessness is a huge problem in Los Angeles,” Gonzalez said. “It has the biggest homelessness rate among the cities analyzed and several homeless criminalization laws in place. Plus, the city saw an almost 47% increase in family homelessness in 2020 compared to the previous year.”

Increasing inflation rates also contribute to an increase in poverty, according to Gonzalez.

“Rising prices mean that people are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet,” Gonzalez said. “As a direct consequence, more people become delinquent on their debt, file for bankruptcy or even become homeless.”

Another complicating factor is demographics. In recent years, poverty has disproportionately impacted certain groups more than others, including children and minority groups such as African Americans or Native Americans, Lauren Hall, a research director in family welfare at the University of Maryland, told Wallethub.

“Low-income families face a multitude of challenges including, but not limited to: finding affordable childcare and housing; healthcare challenges due to social determinants of health; and lack of quality employment that provides steady hours and income, a predictable schedule, and paid leave,” Hall said.

These challenges for minorities are especially present in southern cities with a higher rate of poverty and food insecurity, according to Gonzalez.

“The cities in the South historically tend to struggle more with poverty and food insecurity,” Gonzalez said. “They have less access to resources, and they lack job opportunities and economic security. Plus, they have a lower education level, and a lot of people lack health insurance coverage.”

The Wallethub report compared 182 cities across the United States, including the 150 most populated cities, across two dimensions: “economic well-being” and “health and safety.” The report weighted 28 metrics of economic disadvantage on a 100-point scale to determine each city’s ranking.

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Olan Dean Garrett

July 9, 1932 to December 25, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2022/12/27/olan-dean-garrett/

Jesse Sumers, Sr.

September 22, 1966 to December 17, 2022

Service: Saturday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at New Friendship B.C. in Frierson, LA.

The DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers.  Contact your funeral provider or DeSotoParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)

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The Mansfield Female College Museum is closed for the holidays.  They will reopen on January 3^rd.

The Sabine River Book Club meets next on January 23^rd at 10:00 am.  The topic will be Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams.  The club meets at the Library in Logansport.

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Dean was born July 9, 1932, in Pelican, Louisiana, to Thomas Charles Garrett and Esther Mae Hight Garrett and God called him home on Sunday, December 25, 2022, in Mansfield, Louisiana

Dean was a lifetime resident of the Lula Community in Desoto Parish. He was a very hard worker and began his first paying job at the age of 14 as a Cowboy, rounding up and penning cows and bulls for cattle companies with his horse Dan and his dogs. Later he started working at the Mansfield Auction Barn as a foreman, a job that he loved. He also broke and trained horses for himself and the public.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dean taught himself to weld at a very young age which landed him a welding job at Nabors Trailers in Mansfield. Years later he worked overseas as a welder on drilling rigs in the North Sea, Brazil, Holland, and Scotland for Penrod Drilling Company. He operated heavy equipment, did dozer work clearing land, and worked on the expansion project of Hwy 171. Dean worked for the DeSoto Parish Police Jury for 32 years and retired at the age of 85.

Dean absolutely loved deer and fox hunting with his dogs. He also enjoyed participating in Field Trials with his fox hounds and won numerous trophies. Dean also had a passion for raising a garden and loved giving it away to family and friends, raising cows, chickens, and horses, but the thing he loved and enjoyed most was spending time with his grandchildren.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Charles Garrett and Esther Mae Hight Garrett Rascoe; son, Danny Dean Garrett; grandson, Corey Dean Roberts; great-granddaughter, Katelyn Garrett; brother, Thomas Charles Garrett, Jr.; and sisters, Mary Boyt and Edith McElroy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Betty Jean Tarkington Garrett; children, Carolyn Roberts Calhoun and husband, Larry, Ronald Garrett and wife, Brenda, Charlie Garrett and wife, Donna, Freda Smith and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Bridgette, Shane, Jason, Cara, Justin, Brandon, Hunter, Danny, James, Josh, Deziray, Dalton, Shelby, Morgan, Matt, Chase, Ashley, and Veronica, numerous great-grandchildren and his loving sister Missy Carroll.

Honoring Dean as pallbearers will be Larry Calhoun, Randy Smith, Vic Garrett, Rodney Rascoe, Ronnie Latham, and G.W. Hatcher.  Honorary pallbearers will be Don English, Bob Hight, and Chal Rascoe.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Olan Dean Garrett will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Old Union Baptist Church, Benson, Louisiana. Reverend Delman Rogers and Reverend Alton Middleton will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Old Union Cemetery, Benson, Louisiana.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

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From Mayor Thomas Jones

We have just gotten an update from our water plant operator and water treatment supervisors that we are still pumping water to the system but had a pump to go down earlier at the treatment facility. During that time, we lost the level in our elevated tanks, which lowered our water capacity and pressure significantly. All pumps are currently pumping, and water flow is at its maximum.

The goal is to get the elevated tanks at a level today that will give the system enough pressure to get water to all of our customers.

As you spend Christmas with Family and Friends, I ask for your continued patient as our city employees work to get everything back to normal for all our water customers.

God Bless!!

Waterworks District 1

Update Christmas Day

Sorry to report that we have lost pressure over the entire system due to customer leaks and dripping faucets.  We will restore pressure as soon as possible when we can get water back into tanks.  Please check around your house for water in strange places.  Help us help you.  Everyone will be under a “boil advisory” until further notice.  You do not “have” to boil your water; this is only a notice of low pressure and that contaminants could have entered the system.  We have not had a line break.  This applies to customers of Waterworks District #1. 

South Desoto Water System

Issued 2 days ago.

At this time we are requesting that you check all water lines and cut off at the meter if needed. The water tanks are losing water quickly. We believe this is due to home pipes breaking. If our employees have to cut meters off, you will be locked out until the leak is fixed.

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From Parish Administrator, Michael Norton:

“Due to water issues related to the recent winter event, the DeSoto Parish Police Jury’s main office, Office of Community Services, the Courthouse in Mansfield, the Clerk’s office, the District Attorney’s office and other jury facilities located in the immediate area of Mansfield will be closed tomorrow Tuesday 12/27/22.

The Mundy landfill, the Road Department, the Animal Shelter and the Rusty Williams Airport have running water so they will not be closed. We anticipate returning to our regular hours on Wednesday 12/28/22.”

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A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect for all of the Four State Region from 7 pm tonight through 10 am Sunday, as another night of prolonged subfreezing temperatures are expected. Look for temperatures to fall into the mid and upper teens areawide.

Here is the latest Mansfield forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Christmas Day – Sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Sunday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the evening.

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DESOTO PARISH WATER UPDATE

December 24, 2022 at 4:58:27 PM CST

The Sheriff’s office received updates from several water systems across the Parish. Generally, all water systems are in working order but can’t keep up with demand.

As the temperatures have risen above freezing today lines that were broken are beginning to leak at residences. That issue is compounded by those who are still dripping their water.

Water Systems are asking that if you have a leak to cut your water off at the meter. Several systems are being forced to shut off customer supply until holding tanks can refill. To sum it up, the system is bleeding out at the customer’s end.

Service restoration time is difficult to pinpoint as that requires customers to reduce the drain on the system.

This information was provided to our office to share with the public. Any concerns or questions should be directed to your utility provider.

From Clay J. Corley, Superintendent of Schools

As we step away for a few weeks to celebrate the holidays, I want to thank each of you for what you do for our school system, more importantly, what you do for the DeSoto Parish Schools Community. We truly live and work in a great community – there are few places left in this world where the values of family, faith, education, and community are held in high regard.

Once again, our students and staff distinguished themselves in the classroom, as evidenced by our “A” rating and #6 state ranking. But just as important, so many of our students participated in plays and performances, volunteered at local nursing homes and other community events, and gave back to the community in many different ways. This is what makes our community so great – helping neighbors in need and giving back to those who are less fortunate. What makes it even more genuine is the look of pride on the faces of our students as they volunteer or perform on stage in front of their classmates, parents, grandparents, and friends. We truly live in a great community. Each day, you see people throughout the parish and the school district giving back to the community and going above and beyond to help those in need.

The mission of DeSoto Parish Schools is to care for our students, ensure their learning, and celebrate their graduation as citizens prepared to transform their dreams into realities. Though student achievement plays a primary role in fulfilling this mission, community service is also important. We must continue to think more about others and less about ourselves. The more we focus on the greater good and less about ourselves, the stronger we become collectively. With so much tragedy happening around the world, it is the perfect year to think about helping others. As we look to 2023, let’s work together even more and make our community even better, stronger and greater.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Superintendent. Serving alongside each of you continues to be the honor and privilege of my life. On behalf of our School Board and the entire DeSoto Parish Schools family, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please have a safe and relaxing holiday break. I look forward to seeing you in 2023.

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We’re waking up this morning to the coldest day of the year.  Overnight low forecast by the National Weather Service for Mansfield was 13 degrees with a wind chill of -3.

A Hard Freeze Watch is in effect from through noon on Saturday. The coldest air of the season is forecast during this timeframe with bitterly cold temperatures and even colder wind chills.

A Wind Chill Watch is in effect for the entire region through Friday morning. Wind chill values will drop near to below zero behind an Arctic cold front as gusty northwest winds combine with cold temperatures in the single digits to lower teens to produce dangerously cold wind chills.

The local Mansfield forecast from the weather service:

Overnight – Mostly clear, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -3. North wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Friday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -2. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night – Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Wind chill values as low as 9. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night – Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Christmas Day – Sunny, with a high near 41.

Sunday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

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Southwestern Electric Power Co. urged customers to be prepared for a potential extreme winter weather event. Forecasts predict dangerous, below-freezing temperatures, high winds and some wintry precipitation across Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. These factors can stress the electric grid and cause utility problems. SWEPCO personnel are prepared if power outages occur and are asking customers to do the same by following these tips.

Plan ahead

• Develop a plan for you and your family. Decide now what you’ll do if there’s an extended power outage.
• If you or a family member relies on uninterrupted electric service for health reasons, make a plan now in case there are extended outages.
• Gather an emergency outage kit that includes a portable heater. Review and follow safety specifications before using.
• Make sure your contact information – including your cell number – is current with family, friends and others.
• Learn more about making an emergency kit and get other preparedness tips at SWEPCO.com/Outages/StormPrep

Stay connected

• Charge power banks ahead of time to help keep your cell phones charged.
• Report outages and check power restoration status at SWEPCO.com/Outages
• Download the SWEPCO mobile app for quick access to outage information: SWEPCO.com/App.
• Sign up to get SWEPCO alerts: SWEPCO.com/Alerts.
• Follow SWEPCO on social media.

Be safe

• Treat all downed lines as dangerous — they can carry an electric current that can cause serious or even fatal injuries. If you see a fallen wire, stay away and keep others away, including children and pets. Call SWEPCO at 1-888-218-3919 or 911 immediately.
• Always use caution with any alternate sources of lighting, cooking, cooling or heating. Never operate lanterns, heaters, generators, fuel-fired stoves or burn charcoal without proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
• If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your home’s main electrical panel. This can “back-feed” electricity into outside utility lines, creating the danger of electrocution for repair crews and the public. Instead, read the manufacturer’s instructions, and only plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
• Be careful when driving or walking near all utility work zones.

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By LaBetha Casey

Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand at North DeSoto Upper Elementary School on Thursday, December 15, to help give approximately 767 students a big sendoff for the Christmas holiday season.  While Santa was in the upstairs hallway entertaining by  telling Christmas stories, showing magic tricks and having his picture taken with the students, Mrs. Claus was in the library reading Christmas books and singing Christmas songs for some of the other students.  The students also rotated downstairs to make some Christmas crafts with the art teacher.

Santa fielded several interesting questions from the students, such as,” Who is your favorite reindeer?”  and “How old are you?”  Mrs. Claus was asked other questions such as, “What do you feed the reindeer,?” “How did you get here?” and  “Are you real?” Another question was “Do you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer?” and the student was meaning the reindeer and not the song.

The theme for the second graders was Polar Express.  Their wing of the school building was decorated like a train and had a conductor taking tickets, etc. The third graders had Cajun Christmas for their theme.  The area of their classes was decorated like swamps and cabins, and they had a feast with jambalaya, meat pies and King Cake.  Fourth grade students’ theme was Christmas in Whoville with the Grinch, and the fifth grade celebration theme was Elf and New York City.

Students will return to their classes on January 5, 2023, to begin their spring semester.

 

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