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.

The City of Mansfield has announced a public town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Mansfield City Hall to discuss proposed redistricting plans for the DeSoto Parish Police Jury.

According to the city’s announcement, the DeSoto Parish Police Jury has been ordered by a federal court to develop a new redistricting plan for its Police Jury districts.

Two proposed plans are currently under consideration by the federal court: the Special Master’s Plan and the 2027 DeSoto PJ Plan 1.

During the town hall meeting, attendees will have an opportunity to review both proposals, including detailed reports and maps outlining the proposed district boundaries.

The meeting will also provide residents with an opportunity to offer feedback regarding the potential impact of the proposed redistricting plans on their communities and representation within the parish.

The meeting will take place at Mansfield City Hall, located at 705 Polk Street, Mansfield, LA 71052.

City officials are inviting residents to attend, review the proposed changes and share their input as the federal court considers the redistricting proposals.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish will remain warm through the middle of the week before temperatures drop significantly heading into the weekend.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 91 degrees. South winds will range from 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 67.

Thursday will be sunny with a high near 90. Clear skies are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 65.

Cooler conditions will begin arriving Friday, when skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 83. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 55.

Saturday will bring a noticeable change, with sunny skies and a high near 72. Saturday night will be mostly clear and chilly as temperatures drop to around 48.

Sunday will remain sunny, with temperatures beginning to rebound and a high near 78.

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MANSFIELD, La. — Young students at Prime Time Head Start in Mansfield recently received an up-close look at the work of local first responders as part of the school’s Community Helpers Week.

Deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office joined personnel from DeSoto Fire District #8, the Mansfield Fire Department and Mansfield Police Department for the event. Several other agencies also participated throughout the morning.

Students had an opportunity to explore fire trucks, the Sheriff’s Office Command Center and other emergency response equipment while learning more about the roles first responders play in their community.

The visit also included time in the classroom, where deputies and firefighters traded emergency equipment for storybooks and read with the children.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked Prime Time Head Start for inviting local first responders to participate in the week’s activities and providing them an opportunity to interact with some of the community’s youngest residents.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging students and parents to use good judgment during Homecoming Week after deputies responded to several calls involving junior-senior pranks in the Stonewall area.

Three DeSoto Parish schools are celebrating Homecoming Week, and the Sheriff’s Office said it wants students to enjoy the traditions and activities while recognizing the difference between harmless fun and actions that endanger others or damage property.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to six calls for service in the Stonewall area Sunday night connected to Homecoming activities.

One incident involved an injury reportedly caused when someone was struck in the eye with an airsoft gun. Deputies also received calls involving groups of approximately 20 to 30 vehicles blocking public roadways and reports of apparent confrontations believed to be associated with ongoing “kidnapping-style” pranks.

The Sheriff’s Office said it receives numerous calls each year involving junior-senior war pranks. While many activities are intended to be harmless, officials warned that situations involving injuries, property damage or threats to public safety can become criminal matters.

“These incidents are concerning, and they serve as a reminder that what starts as fun can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

Officials also noted that responding to preventable prank-related incidents can pull deputies away from other calls and emergencies throughout DeSoto Parish.

Parents are being encouraged to speak with their children about appropriate boundaries, while students are being asked to consider the potential consequences before participating in Homecoming pranks.

“A few minutes of fun are not worth an injury, criminal charges, or a decision that could follow you for years,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

The Sheriff’s Office said students should enjoy Homecoming Week, support their schools and have fun while respecting the law and the safety of others. Deputies will take appropriate action when activities cross the line into criminal behavior.

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DeSoto Parish high school football teams turned in a strong showing during Week Six of the 2026 season, with North DeSoto, Logansport and Mansfield all earning victories.

The North DeSoto Griffins delivered an impressive offensive performance against Minden, while Logansport secured a narrow one-point victory over St. Mary’s. Mansfield also celebrated a win during Thursday night’s action.

North DeSoto Defeats Minden, 61-27

The North DeSoto Griffins continued their winning ways Friday, Oct. 9, with a commanding 61-27 victory over the Minden Crimson Tide.

The Griffins’ offense put together a 61-point performance, securing a 34-point victory in front of the home crowd.

North DeSoto will return to action Friday, Oct. 16, when the Griffins host Southwood.

Logansport Edges St. Mary’s, 29-28

The Logansport Tigers earned one of the closest victories of the week, defeating St. Mary’s 29-28 on Friday night.

The one-point victory gave Logansport another win as the Tigers continued their 2026 football season.

Logansport will return home Friday, Oct. 16, to face Lakeview.

Mansfield Defeats Lakeside, 42-15

The Mansfield Wolverines also added a victory to the parish’s Week Six results, defeating Lakeside 42-15 on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Mansfield’s offense scored 42 points while its defense limited Lakeside to 15, giving the Wolverines a 27-point victory.

The win came as Mansfield prepared for its Homecoming Week celebrations.

DeSoto Parish Teams Finish Week Six Unbeaten

The three victories gave DeSoto Parish teams a combined 132 points scored and 70 points allowed during the week’s matchups.

Week Six Final Scores:

North DeSoto 61, Minden 27

Logansport 29, St. Mary’s 28

Mansfield 42, Lakeside 15 (Thursday)

With the regular season continuing, all three programs will look to build on their Week Six performances as they move further into October.

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Logansport High School softball player Ainsley Morvan has announced her commitment to continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Texas.

The Logansport Lady Tigers Softball program shared the announcement on October 11, congratulating Morvan on reaching a major milestone in her softball career.

The program recognized Morvan’s determination, humility and faith as qualities that helped her achieve her goal of playing softball at the collegiate level.

“Your determination, humility, and faith have helped make your big dream a reality,” the Lady Tigers Softball program stated in its announcement.

Morvan’s commitment marks an important achievement for the Logansport softball program as she prepares for the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

The Lady Tigers concluded their congratulatory message with a nod to the University of Texas Longhorns’ familiar rallying cry, “Hook ’Em, Ainsley!”

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Mattie Jean Loe Fair Jones
1927 – October 11, 2026
Services: Wednesday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Old Saline Baptist Church.
Interment: Old Saline Cemetery.

Mary Nell Graves
August 23, 1946 – October 10, 2026
Visitation: Thursday, October 15, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield.
Services: Thursday, October 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield.
Burial: Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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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, La. — Put away the quill, uncover the fire pit and tell the man who has been standing beside his burn pile since August that his time has finally come.

The DeSoto Parish burn ban has been lifted, effective immediately, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, following some much-needed rainfall across the area.

The Sheriff’s Office announced the news with a little more flair than the average government notice, declaring the latest installment of the “Great DeSoto Drought — Day 947” a turning point in what had begun to feel like an endless dry spell.

“The heavens opened, and from them came a mighty abundance of water,” the department wrote. “The dust has now settled. The earth is damp. The cattle appear bewildered.”

According to the department’s highly scientific account of local reaction, three grown men were spotted standing on a porch with their hats clutched to their chests, silently watching the rain fall. Eventually, one reportedly asked the question on everyone’s mind:

“John Boy, reckon that’s enough to lift the ole’ burn ban?”

It was.

Word from the Parish Administrator confirmed the burn ban had been lifted, allowing residents to once again conduct outdoor burning where otherwise permitted.

As the Sheriff’s Office put it, Southern civilization can now begin rebuilding. Bonfires can return. Fire pits can once again know flame. And, perhaps most importantly, “We shall know cold beans no more.”

The humor came with a serious reminder, however.

Despite the recent rainfall, officials warned that conditions can still be dry enough for an unattended fire to spread quickly. Anyone conducting outdoor burning should remain with the fire, pay attention to wind conditions, keep flames under control and make certain all embers are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

After surviving what the Sheriff’s Office dubbed the “Great Dry Spell of ’26,” residents can return to their outdoor fires — just with a little common sense.

And as for that fellow patiently waiting beside his burn pile since August?

His hour has finally come.

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White Springs Road will close to through traffic beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7, as the DeSoto Parish Police Jury begins a road construction project in the area.

According to Parish Administrator Michael Norton, the first phase of construction will involve replacing culverts along a short section of White Springs Road between White Road and the Caddo Parish line.

Once the culvert replacement is completed, crews will move into the next phase of the project, which will include reconstruction of White Springs Road from Old Church Road to the Caddo Parish line.

White Springs Road will remain closed to through traffic while the work is underway.

Motorists traveling through the area should follow posted detour signs and allow additional time to reach their destinations.

The designated detour will use Louisiana Highway 175 to Ellerbe Road.

The Police Jury asked motorists to use caution around the construction area and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation while the road improvements are completed.

A reopening date was not provided in the public notice.

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MANSFIELD, La. — The City of Mansfield recently issued a clarification regarding the cleanup of blighted properties and who is responsible for associated costs.

According to city officials, Mansfield has not incurred any costs to date for cleaning blighted properties. Property owners who have received notices from the city’s code enforcement officer have either cleaned the properties themselves or paid contractors or other individuals to complete the work.

The city said it is currently updating its ordinance to allow Mansfield to clean blighted properties when necessary and add the cost of the cleanup to the property owner’s annual taxes.

Officials also clarified costs associated with structures burned by Mansfield Fire Department employees as part of property cleanup efforts. When a house is burned, the property owner is charged a fee by the Fire Department to cover fuel costs.

The city issued the information to clarify the current process as Mansfield continues addressing blighted properties and updating its ordinance.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish can expect several days of sunny skies and warm afternoons this week before a slight chance of rain returns over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will begin calm before becoming northeasterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 63.

Thursday will remain sunny with a high near 90, followed by mostly clear skies Thursday night and a low around 63.

Similar conditions will continue Friday, with sunny skies and a high near 90. Friday night will be mostly clear as temperatures fall to around 62.

Saturday will bring another sunny day with a high near 89. A slight chance of rain will develop Saturday night, with a 20% chance of showers and a low around 64.

Rain chances will increase slightly Sunday. The National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of showers, although skies are expected to remain mostly sunny with a high near 88. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 66.

For Columbus Day on Monday, there will be a 20% chance of showers. Otherwise, conditions will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office recently took its message about technology, social media and online safety beyond the classroom, speaking separately with parents and teenagers about the risks that can come with an increasingly connected world.

Public Information Officer Mark Pierce first visited Holy Angels in Shreveport, where the discussion was geared toward parents and focused on addressing online dangers with both compassion and firmness.

Parents had an opportunity to ask questions about popular apps and technology, including what different platforms are capable of, potential warning signs and tools available for parental controls and monitoring.

The discussion also emphasized communication and the importance of creating an environment where children and other loved ones feel comfortable turning to a trusted adult when something goes wrong online.

Later in the week, Pierce visited Magnolia Baptist Church in the Hunter Community during a youth lock-in. This time, the conversation was directed at teenagers and designed to be interactive.

Students were encouraged to ask questions about social media apps, technology, online dangers and law enforcement. They also participated in an exercise involving a mock social media post and were challenged to identify how much personal information a stranger might be able to gather from what appeared to be an innocent photo.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the students actively participated in the exercise and provided feedback throughout the presentation. Stickers, bracelets, cups and other DPSO items were also handed out to students who participated and asked questions.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked Holy Angels CEO Laurie Boswell, Senior Director of Family Engagement June Bennett and Senior Director of Operations and Compliance Tammy Kennedy for hosting the presentation. The department also thanked Pastor Amador Santos, Beth Lynch and Becky Atkins at Magnolia Baptist Church for inviting Pierce to speak with the church’s youth.

Officials said the presentations are part of an effort to provide both adults and young people with practical knowledge as technology and social media continue to evolve.

“Whether we’re talking with parents or sitting down with teenagers, these conversations matter,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “One of the best tools we can provide is knowledge — and an opportunity to ask questions without fear of judgment.”

Schools, churches, organizations and community groups interested in hosting a similar presentation can contact the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office to arrange a date and time.

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First-grade students at North DeSoto Lower Elementary recently received a hands-on introduction to skilled trades with help from welding students at North DeSoto High School.

The NDHS students shared their welding skills and knowledge with the younger students, giving first graders an opportunity to learn more about the trade and potential careers in the industry.

The activity also provided the high school students with an opportunity to take on leadership and mentoring roles while sharing skills they have developed through their career and technical education.

DeSoto Parish Schools said experiences connecting students across grade levels can help bring classroom learning to life while introducing younger students to career possibilities at an early age.

“Today’s 1st graders may just be tomorrow’s welders, craftsmen, and industry leaders,” the district stated.

The district said the experience reflected its goal of preparing students for future success beginning in their earliest years of school.

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Louisiana gardeners still have plenty of opportunities to plant cool-season vegetables this month, according to recommendations from the LSU AgCenter.

The AgCenter said October is an ideal time to work on fall vegetable gardens, although recommended planting dates vary between northern and southern Louisiana.

Broccoli transplants can be planted statewide through Oct. 31, while cabbage plants can go into gardens throughout October and into November. Collards and turnips grown for their roots can also be direct-seeded through Oct. 31 across the state.

For North Louisiana, gardeners have a shorter window for several crops as cooler temperatures approach. Carrots and Swiss chard should generally be planted by Oct. 15. Kale can be planted from seed or transplants through Oct. 31, while lettuce can be planted through Oct. 30.

Mustard and turnip greens can be direct-seeded in North Louisiana through Oct. 31. Spinach has one of the longer planting windows and can be direct-seeded through Nov. 15.

Gardeners in South Louisiana generally have additional time for several fall crops. Carrots can be planted through Nov. 15, cabbage through Nov. 30, mustard and turnip greens through Nov. 10, and kale and lettuce through Nov. 15. Swiss chard can be planted through Oct. 30.

The AgCenter recommends direct-seeding carrots, collards, mustard and turnip greens, spinach and turnips grown for their roots.

Broccoli and cabbage should be planted as transplants, while kale and lettuce can be established either from seed or plants.

Gardeners can find additional crops, planting dates and growing recommendations in the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide.

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Johnny Loyd Myers
September 18, 1942 – October 3, 2026
Visitation: Saturday, October 10 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Maple Springs Baptist Church in Logansport
Services: Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Springs Baptist Church
Burial: O.E. Price Memorial Park in Logansport

DeSoto Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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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, La. — A Logansport man was arrested following an investigation into the alleged online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office received information from the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General concerning possible online distribution of child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM.

Detectives identified Augustus Westbrook, 26, of Logansport, as the individual allegedly responsible for possessing and distributing the material, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators obtained a warrant that was executed at Westbrook’s residence on Sept. 22. During the search, authorities seized a cellular device as evidence.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that Westbrook was advised of his Miranda rights and subsequently admitted to investigators that he knowingly possessed and distributed CSAM.

Westbrook was taken into custody and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on 10 counts of child sexual abuse material, in violation of Louisiana R.S. 14:81.1.

The investigation remained ongoing, with authorities saying additional charges could be filed following a digital forensic examination of the seized device and review of any additional evidence.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General for identifying the alleged activity and providing information to local investigators.

All charges are accusations, and Westbrook is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging parents to have conversations with their children not only about the dangers of inappropriate cell phone use, but also about what happens when a teenager makes a serious mistake and needs help.

Public Information Officer Mark Pierce said the Sheriff’s Office has recently encountered too many situations involving teenagers, cell phones, inappropriate images and decisions that can quickly spiral beyond a young person’s control.

Parents frequently warn children not to send inappropriate photographs, share images of others, communicate with strangers online or post something they may later regret. Pierce said another important conversation is making sure children know how their parents will respond if they do make one of those mistakes.

A photograph or message can be captured in a screenshot within seconds, shared beyond its intended recipient and become a source of embarrassment or ridicule among classmates. The emotional consequences can leave a young person feeling ashamed, isolated or hopeless.

Pierce emphasized that while young people need to understand that their choices have consequences, they should also know that seeking help from a parent is safer than attempting to hide a serious problem.

“When it comes to mistakes such as these, the way you react could be the difference between a correction of behavior and planning a funeral,” Pierce wrote. “That’s a difficult sentence to read, but it’s an important one to consider.”

The Sheriff’s Office encouraged parents to discuss their response before a problem occurs. While disappointment, discipline and consequences may follow a poor decision, children should understand that they will also receive help and support from their families.

“Correct them. Discipline them. Teach them. Hold them accountable,” Pierce wrote. “But make absolutely certain they know where to run when the world suddenly feels too big for them.”

The message comes as law enforcement agencies continue addressing concerns involving teenagers, inappropriate digital images and the ease with which content can be copied and distributed through cell phones and social media.

Pierce said creating an environment where children know they can approach their parents when something goes wrong can serve as an important safeguard.

“At the end of the day, the most secure safety setting is a child that knows they can talk to you about anything,” Pierce said.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish will begin the period warm and mostly dry Wednesday before showers and thunderstorms become more likely Thursday and continue through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees. South winds will range from 5 to 15 mph. Wednesday night will become mostly cloudy with a low around 73.

Thursday will bring a chance of showers during the morning, followed by showers likely and a possible thunderstorm after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with partly sunny skies and a high near 90. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 70.

Friday will feature a 60% chance of showers under mostly cloudy skies. The high will be near 86. Friday night will remain mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and a low around 68.

Saturday will bring a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy skies are expected with a high near 83. Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 68.

Sunday will bring another 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 82.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates a wetter and cooler pattern will settle over DeSoto Parish beginning Thursday, with daily rain chances continuing through Sunday and afternoon temperatures falling from the lower 90s into the lower 80s by the weekend.

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The City of Mansfield and Mansfield Police Department are hosting a benefit raffle to help Kaine Christian and his family with expenses as he continues recovering from injuries sustained in an ATV accident earlier this year.

Christian was injured in an ATV accident in June 2026 and has remained hospitalized while receiving treatment. According to the Mansfield Police Department, he is currently in New Orleans and has made encouraging progress in his recovery.

Christian is the son of Mansfield Police Corporal Rodney Christian. His mother, father and bonus parents have remained by his side as the family continues to face medical and travel expenses associated with his treatment.

The benefit raffle will give one winner two chairback tickets to the LSU Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs football game on Oct. 17 in Baton Rouge, along with a pregame sideline experience.

Raffle tickets are $20 each and will be available through Oct. 9 at any Community Bank location. The Christian family will draw the winning ticket on Oct. 10.

All proceeds will be deposited directly into the Team Kaine Christian benefit account at Community Bank. Those wishing to purchase raffle tickets or make a donation can visit any Community Bank location and reference the Team Kaine Christian account, with the last four digits 6333.

Officials emphasized that neither the City of Mansfield nor the Mansfield Police Department will collect or handle money associated with the fundraiser. All payments will be handled directly through Community Bank.

For additional information about the benefit, contact Detective Byrd with the Mansfield Police Department at 318-872-0520.

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The North DeSoto High School football team will be recognized during a special “Food-Ball Night” event on Saturday, Oct. 3, with players receiving complimentary tickets to the game.

The event will combine football, food and fundraising for the school’s athletic department. Friends and family members can purchase a $20 ticket package that includes game admission, a slice of pizza, a Coca-Cola product and access to a pre-game skate.

Of each $20 ticket sold, $5 will be donated back to the North DeSoto High School Athletic Department.

Additional support will be available through a post-game auction. The five schools with the highest attendance at the game will each receive proceeds from the auction of one game-worn jersey.

Those purchasing tickets in support of North DeSoto should use the promotional code GRIFFINS when ordering.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

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Another group of hunters has earned certification following a full-house Hunter Education Certification Course hosted through a partnership between the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The annual course is offered free of charge and once again drew a packed group of students seeking to learn the skills and safety practices needed for hunting.

The Sheriff’s Office credited numerous instructors, volunteers, sponsors and agency representatives with helping make the course possible. Special recognition was given to Josh Dahlem with DeSoto Parish Schools, who has helped lead the course for several years. Dylan Dickson and Pam Hunt were also thanked for their assistance and support.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson recognized Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels for his work organizing the event and creating an experience that extended beyond the certification requirements. Daniels helped secure sponsors and door prizes and decorated the classroom with taxidermy, wildlife mounts and other displays.

Organizers also made sure each participant received at least one door prize, including items that could be used as the newly certified hunters begin their first hunting seasons.

The course included a skeet shoot, providing some participants with their first experience using a firearm. Camden Ray and Victor Avila were named this year’s Top Shot winners.

The Sheriff’s Office congratulated all of the newly certified hunters and thanked those who attended, taught, sponsored or otherwise supported the program.

“From Sheriff Richardson and all of us at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, congratulations to our newly certified hunters, and we wish each of you a safe, successful, and enjoyable hunting season,” the department stated.

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North DeSoto High School encouraged families to explore the Steve Carter Tutoring Program, a Louisiana Department of Education initiative that provides eligible public school students with financial support for literacy and math tutoring.

Through the program, eligible students in kindergarten through 12th grade can receive up to $1,500 in tutoring support for high-quality reading and math instruction.

North DeSoto officials said the program could provide additional help, practice and confidence for students who may need extra academic support and encouraged families to determine whether their children qualify.

Eligibility varies by grade level. Kindergarten students may qualify based on their scores on the 2026-2027 beginning-of-year literacy or numeracy screener, while students in grades 1-3 may qualify based on results from the 2025-2026 end-of-year literacy screener. Students in grades 4-12 may qualify if they scored below Mastery on the Spring 2026 LEAP Assessment. Students who participated in the Louisiana Alternate Assessment or LEAP Connect are also eligible.

To begin the application process, parents will need their child’s 10-digit Louisiana Department of Education Student ID, or LASID. The number can be obtained from the child’s school or found on official school documents such as a report card.

Families then provide the student’s LASID, school district, school, grade level, date of birth and parent or guardian contact information through the Louisiana Tutoring Initiatives website. Once eligibility is confirmed, parents can create an account and select from participating tutors.

Additional information and applications are available through the Louisiana Tutoring Initiatives website.

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