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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Billie Jean Alexander
06/10/1936 – 09/22/2026
Visitation: Friday, October 2 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, October 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Burial: Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit

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.

MANSFIELD, La. — A man accused of committing an armed carjacking and leading law enforcement officers on a pursuit through Mansfield and surrounding areas was taken into custody Sunday afternoon following a crash, according to the Mansfield Police Department.

Police identified the suspect as Torreal Woods Jr.

At approximately 2:58 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, Mansfield Police responded to the Dollar General at 505 Washington Avenue after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Washington Avenue.

Officers spotted the stolen white 2018 Ford Explorer traveling at a high rate of speed through the Shop-A-Lott parking lot and attempted to catch up with it. Police said the vehicle briefly stopped on Schley Street before the driver sped away.

According to investigators, Woods refused to stop and drove recklessly while leading officers in and out of the Mansfield city limits. During the pursuit, police allege Woods displayed a firearm outside the driver’s side window toward pursuing officers and drove into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed on Highway 171.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted Mansfield Police as the pursuit continued outside the city limits. The vehicle later returned to Mansfield before traveling westbound into South Mansfield.

The pursuit ended after a PIT maneuver caused the vehicle to crash into multiple trees and come to rest in a wooded area. Mansfield Police officers removed Woods from the vehicle following the crash.

Woods sustained injuries in the crash and was transported by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office to Ochsner LSU Health for treatment. Police said he remained under arrest while receiving medical care.

Investigators said the incident began when Woods allegedly approached a woman in the Dollar General parking lot, pointed a firearm at her head and demanded her vehicle. The woman was able to drive away.

Police said Woods then approached another woman who was putting groceries into her vehicle, allegedly pointed a firearm at her and demanded the vehicle. A juvenile was inside the vehicle at the time but was able to safely get out before Woods allegedly entered the vehicle and fled the parking lot.

Officers also learned that Woods had entered Pro Vape Shop and repeatedly asked an employee whether she had a vehicle or knew anyone with one. Police said the employee saw that Woods had a handgun and feared for her life.

Woods was arrested on two counts of aggravated flight from an officer, two counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer, two counts of armed robbery, one count of carjacking, four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and reckless operation.

The Mansfield Police Department said Woods had been captured and there was no longer a threat to the public following the incident. Traffic in the affected area also returned to normal.

The allegations against Woods are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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Mansfield residents and other members of the public will have an opportunity Thursday to review and provide feedback on a new court-ordered redistricting plan for the DeSoto Parish Police Jury.

The Town Hall meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at Mansfield City Hall, 705 Polk Street.

According to a public notice issued by the City of Mansfield, a federal court ordered the DeSoto Parish Police Jury to establish a new redistricting plan for its Police Jury districts. The court appointed a special master to develop the plan, which the city said was scheduled to be made public Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Federal court records confirm that the redistricting matter stems from Means v. DeSoto Parish Police Jury, a case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Court records show the case entered a remedial phase this summer and included proceedings involving the selection of a special master.

During Thursday’s meeting, a detailed report and maps showing the proposed district boundaries will be presented for review.

The City of Mansfield is inviting residents to attend the meeting and provide feedback on how the new redistricting plan could affect the community.

The meeting is open to the public.

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DeSoto Parish residents are being reminded that a parishwide burn ban remains in effect as dry conditions continue to create an increased risk of wildfires.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office said Sunday, Sept. 21, that it confirmed with the DeSoto Parish Police Jury that the burn ban remains active.

Residents are being asked to comply with all restrictions on outdoor burning until parish officials formally lift the ban.

“Dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfires, and even a small fire can quickly become difficult to control,” DeSoto Parish Administrator Michael Norton said. “We ask everyone to exercise caution and refrain from any prohibited outdoor burning during this time.”

Norton said the Police Jury will notify the public when conditions have improved enough for the burn ban to be officially lifted.

“We appreciate the cooperation of all DeSoto Parish residents in helping protect our communities, property, and first responders,” Norton said.

Residents can also monitor the current burn ban status through the DeSoto Sheriff App by selecting the “Burn Ban” option. DPSO said the information is updated when the Sheriff’s Office receives notification from the Police Jury.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish residents can expect a mostly dry and sunny stretch of weather through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures remaining in the lower to mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 94 degrees. Northeast winds will range from 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 69.

Thursday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 92. Partly cloudy conditions are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 67 degrees.

Similar conditions will continue Friday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 92. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 68.

Temperatures will climb slightly for the weekend. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 94, followed by partly cloudy skies Saturday night and a low around 70.

Sunday will bring another mostly sunny day with a high near 94 degrees.

The National Weather Service forecast currently shows no mention of rain from Wednesday through Sunday, providing DeSoto Parish with several consecutive days of warm and generally dry weather.

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Logansport High School Principal Dr. Joshua Sims has been selected as a 2026 Northwestern State University School of Education Hall of Distinguished Educators Outstanding Young Professional Honoree.

The recognition honors emerging education professionals who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, leadership, service and a commitment to making a positive impact in their schools, organizations and communities.

Logansport High School said Sims’ selection recognizes both his accomplishments as an educator and leader and the impact he continues to have on students, educators, families and the Logansport community.

As principal, Sims has focused on student success, educational excellence and creating opportunities for students while supporting faculty and staff.

The Northwestern State University School of Education’s Outstanding Young Professional Award recognizes alumni whose work demonstrates exceptional professional achievement, leadership and service while positively impacting their communities.

Sims will be formally recognized during the Hall of Distinguished Educators Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at

Northwestern State University, where he will be inducted as a member of the 2026 Outstanding Young Professional class.

Logansport High School congratulated Sims on the honor, expressing appreciation for the leadership and dedication he brings to the school and its students.

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DeSoto Parish Schools has named North DeSoto Lower Elementary Principal Russell Tabor its 2026–2027 Principal of the Year, recognizing more than two decades of service in education and his leadership in improving student achievement.

Tabor has spent 23 years in education, including 18 years with DeSoto Parish Schools. He has served as principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary since 2020.

A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Tabor earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2002 and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006. He began his career at Homer Elementary in Claiborne Parish, teaching there from 2003 until joining DeSoto Parish Schools in 2008.

Tabor began his DeSoto Parish career as a first-grade teacher at North DeSoto Lower Elementary. He later served as a master teacher from 2010 to 2013 and was named the school’s Teacher of the Year for 2010–2011. From 2013 to 2020, he served as assistant principal at North DeSoto High School before returning to the lower elementary campus as principal.

District officials credited Tabor’s leadership with significant gains in early literacy and mathematics, along with the implementation of the Leader in Me program and development of the Little Steps to Big School initiative.

North DeSoto Lower Elementary saw the percentage of students reaching proficiency on the DIBELS literacy assessment increase from 75.6% during 2024–25 to 91.3% in 2025–26, a gain of 15.7 percentage points.

Overall student growth increased from 76.2% to 83.8% during the same period. Among students in the lowest-performing 25%, the percentage demonstrating growth increased from 60.5% to 72.5%.

“Mr. Tabor’s commitment to early literacy and data-driven instruction has transformed learning at North DeSoto Lower Elementary,” Superintendent Clay Corley said. “Under his leadership, NDLE has risen to the top of the state in literacy performance.”

Corley said Tabor’s dedication to student success reflects the district’s focus on high performance and called the recognition well deserved.

Anesha Ross, director of administration for DeSoto Parish Schools, also praised Tabor’s leadership and the academic progress achieved at North DeSoto Lower Elementary.

“His visionary leadership is most evident in our tremendous literacy data—driving higher proficiency, accelerating overall student growth, and closing the gap for our highest-needs students,” Ross said. “He is a remarkable educator and a true champion for student success.”

Tabor said the recognition reflects the combined efforts of the entire North DeSoto Lower Elementary community.

“While this recognition carries my name, it is truly a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication that fill the halls of North DeSoto Lower Elementary every single day,” Tabor said.

Tabor and his wife, Paige, have been married since 2003 and have three sons, all of whom have attended North DeSoto schools.

Their oldest, Lathan, is a North DeSoto High School graduate; Landon is a senior; and Lawson is a sophomore.

As DeSoto Parish’s honoree, Tabor will advance to the Louisiana Department of Education’s state-level Principal of the Year competition.

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LOGANSPORT, La. — Logansport High School has recognized three students for demonstrating the qualities of being goal oriented as part of DeSoto Parish Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate initiative.

The district’s Portrait of a Graduate program focuses on skills and characteristics students are encouraged to develop as they prepare for success in school, future careers and life beyond the classroom. The competency highlighted for September is Goal Oriented.

Logansport’s September honorees are fourth-grader Nolan Wilson, eighth-grader Kelly Herrera Espinoza and senior Abbie Kate Forrest.

Wilson was selected as the Elementary Portrait of a Graduate Student of the Month. School officials said he consistently demonstrates a desire to succeed and puts forth the effort needed to accomplish his goals, whether working to improve academically, completing classroom responsibilities or developing positive habits.

Herrera Espinoza was named the Middle School Student of the Month. She was recognized for taking ownership of her education, setting goals and remaining focused on academic and personal growth. School officials said her determination and willingness to overcome challenges demonstrate how commitment and perseverance can lead to success.

Forrest was selected as the High School Student of the Month. As a senior preparing for life after graduation, she was recognized for establishing meaningful goals and taking purposeful steps toward achieving them.

School officials highlighted Forrest’s academic commitment, personal responsibility, perseverance and willingness to continually improve, noting that she demonstrates the qualities DeSoto Parish Schools hopes to see in its graduates.

Being goal oriented, according to the district, involves having a clear vision of what a student wants to accomplish while demonstrating the focus, responsibility, determination and perseverance needed to reach those goals.

Logansport congratulated all three students for setting an example for their classmates and representing the September Portrait of a Graduate message: “Set the goal. Make the plan. Do the work. Achieve it.”

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Tommy Lynn Tisdom III (Tank)
04/29/1998 – 09/11/2026
Visitation: Friday September 25 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday September 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Mariah B.C.

Willie Perry King – Sr.
05/29/1955 – 09/15/2026
Visitation: Friday September 25 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Chapel
Services: Saturday September 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Moore Chapel B.C.

Ricky Nelson Adkins
04/18/1964 – 09/15/2026
Visitation: Friday, September 25 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 A.M. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

Annie Thomas
03/10/1931 – 09/12/2026
Visitation: Friday, September 25 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home
Services: Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 P.M.

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 Schools will implement a new clear bag procedure for fans attending district athletic and extracurricular events beginning Thursday, Sept. 17.

The district said the policy is being implemented to provide a safer and more efficient entry process for students, staff and spectators at school events, including those held at Mansfield High School.

Under the new procedure, approved bags include clear bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, clear one-gallon freezer bags and small clutches or purses no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags will also be permitted but will be subject to screening.

Prohibited bags include backpacks, drawstring bags, duffel bags, large or non-clear purses, non-clear totes, mesh bags, fanny packs and camera bags.

All bags and other carried items will be subject to search before entry. Anyone arriving with a bag that does not meet the requirements will be required to return it to their vehicle before entering the event.

School officials are encouraging spectators to plan ahead, bring only necessary items and allow additional time for screening when arriving at athletic and extracurricular events.

The clear bag procedure will apply to all DeSoto Parish Schools district athletic and extracurricular events beginning Sept. 17.

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DeSoto Parish high school football is off to a strong start this season, with three teams entering Week Three undefeated and ranked among the top 10 in their respective classifications by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

The North DeSoto Griffins lead the parish contingent, earning the No. 3 ranking in Class 4A. North DeSoto enters the week with a 2-0 record.

The Mansfield Wolverines have also opened the season 2-0 and are ranked No. 10 in Class 2A, putting Mansfield among the state’s top-ranked teams in its classification.

Rounding out the parish’s ranked programs are the Logansport Tigers, who hold the No. 6 position in Class 1A. Logansport is also undefeated at 2-0 heading into Week Three.

DeSoto Parish Schools credited the early-season success to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes and coaches, along with continued support from the communities behind each program.

With North DeSoto, Mansfield and Logansport all unbeaten and ranked, DeSoto Parish will have plenty to watch as the teams look to continue their early momentum in Week Three of the 2026 season.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — A prolonged stretch of hot and mostly dry weather is expected across DeSoto Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures remaining in the mid-to-upper 90s before rain chances increase early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees. Light and variable winds will become southeasterly at 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 76.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Thursday night with a low around 72.

The hot and dry pattern continues Friday, with sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with temperatures falling to around 71.

Saturday is expected to be sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Saturday night will remain mostly clear with a low around 74.

A slight chance of rain returns Sunday, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.

By Monday, rain chances increase to 40%, with showers and thunderstorms possible. Temperatures will moderate slightly, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 93.

With several consecutive days of temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values reaching triple digits, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from outdoor activities and limit strenuous work during the hottest portion of the afternoon.

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Mansfield High School has earned the Distinguished Project Lead The Way School designation for the third consecutive year, recognizing the school’s continued commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.

The achievement highlights the work of Mansfield High School’s PLTW students and the leadership of PLTW teacher Mr. Ziegler, who provides students with engaging educational experiences designed to help prepare them for future academic and career opportunities.

Project Lead The Way programs emphasize hands-on, project-based learning while allowing students to develop skills in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration.

Mansfield High School celebrated the recognition as another example of the accomplishments of its students and faculty.

“Three years. One standard. Excellence,” the school stated in announcing the designation.

School officials congratulated the PLTW students, Ziegler and the entire Mansfield High School community on earning the distinction for a third straight year.

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Registration is now open for a free Hunter’s Safety Course hosted by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office later this month.

The course will be held Sept. 24-26 at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff Training Center, located at 120 Sprocket Lane in Grand Cane.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will lead the course, with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office serving as host.

Classes are scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24; 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26. Participants must attend all three sessions to receive certification.

Hunter education courses are open to people of all ages; however, participants must be at least 9 years old on the first day of the course to be eligible for certification. Students who successfully complete the course will receive their Louisiana Hunter Education Certification.

There is no cost to attend, but enrollment is limited to 100 participants. Early registration is encouraged due to the limited number of available seats.

Those interested can register through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Hunter Safety Course Registration.

Questions about the course may be directed to Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels at pdaniels@dpso.org.

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DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson recently met with students and community leaders, sharing messages about leadership while also providing updates on several projects underway in the parish.

On Friday, Sept. 11, Richardson attended the Mansfield High School Jobs for America’s Graduates Installation Ceremony at the DeSoto Parish School Board, where JAG student officers and members were recognized.

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a national nonprofit organization focused on helping students develop leadership and career skills while preparing them for graduation and future success in education, employment and life. Richardson spoke to the students during the ceremony and encouraged them as they continue developing into future community leaders.

Richardson also addressed local business and government leaders during the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15.

During the meeting, the sheriff provided an update on construction of the new DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and Detention Facility. According to DPSO, construction continues to move forward, with both projects remaining on track toward their previously anticipated completion timelines.

Richardson also discussed plans for a new Youth Shooting Sports Complex, which is now scheduled to be constructed just south of the existing DeSoto Parish Sheriff Training Center on Sprocket Lane in Grand Cane.

The proposed facility is intended to provide DeSoto Parish students with a dedicated location for firearms safety education and shooting sports programs. DPSO said State Sen. Thomas Pressly helped secure state appropriation funding for the project.

The Sheriff’s Office pointed to the success of local students in shooting sports, noting that competitors from the parish regularly earn trophies and honors at state and national competitions. The proposed complex is also expected to provide a facility for area hunters following the closure of a range previously used in the area.

DPSO said the project is part of Richardson’s broader effort to invest in opportunities for young people while expanding resources available to the community.

The Sheriff’s Office noted that images released of the proposed Youth Shooting Sports Complex are conceptual renderings only.

The final design and features could change as planning continues and officials determine how the facility can best serve DeSoto Parish and its shooting sports programs.

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