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.

Preston DeWayne Thomas
10/12/1977 – 09/09/2026
Visitation : Friday September 18 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services : Saturday September 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel B.C.

Lillian Sue Lee
August 9, 1937 — September 12, 2026
Visitation: Thursday September 17 from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Services: Thursday September 17 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

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.

The Mansfield Police Department is inviting residents, businesses, churches and community organizations to come together for an evening of fellowship, safety and family fun during the City of Mansfield Annual Community National Night Out.

This year’s event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at Mansfield High School, 401 Kings Highway.

The Mansfield Police Department is partnering with Mansfield High School to hold National Night Out as part of the school’s 2026 Homecoming Week, Oct. 12-16, combining community engagement with Wolverine school spirit.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, first responders and the communities they serve while promoting safety, unity and positive interaction.

Families attending the Mansfield event will have an opportunity to meet local police officers, see emergency vehicle displays and enjoy food, games and other activities. Organizers are planning the evening as a family-friendly event for residents of all ages.

The Police Department is also seeking help from local churches, businesses, organizations, vendors and other community partners to make this year’s event a success.

Community partners can participate through food and beverage donations, school supplies, prizes or giveaways, event supplies and equipment, activity sponsorships, educational resources or volunteer service. Local vendors interested in providing free services or family activities, such as bounce houses and other attractions, are also encouraged to participate and set up booths.

The event will help kick off Mansfield High School’s Homecoming Week, with students, families and community members encouraged to show their Wolverine pride by wearing green and white.

Organizers said National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring together the people and organizations that make Mansfield a place to live, work, worship and raise a family.

Organizations or individuals interested in donating, sponsoring an activity, volunteering or participating as a vendor may contact

City of Mansfield Public Relations representative Kimberly Fair at 318-872-0406.

Event Details: The City of Mansfield Annual Community National Night Out will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Mansfield High School, 401 Kings Highway in Mansfield.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, September 21, 2026, the LA 3015 bridge over Bayou Castor Relief near Grand Cane in DeSoto Parish will be closed for replacement.

This bridge is located approximately 1.7 miles east of the intersection with LA 5.

This closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately 7 months, weather permitting.

DOTD is sending out this notification on behalf of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), who is managing construction activities for non-federal aid (NFA) routes, as well as the bridge bundle projects across the state.

Inquiries regarding this project should be directed to OLHC.

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

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

Safety reminder:

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

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

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — Summer heat will remain firmly in place across DeSoto Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and small chances for showers and thunderstorms each day, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95 degrees. Heat index values could reach 102 degrees during the hottest part of the day. A slight chance of showers will develop between 1 and 4 p.m., followed by a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Rain chances are around 20%. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low near 75.

Thursday will bring another mostly sunny day with a high near 94 degrees. There is a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 74.

Friday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees. A slight chance of showers is possible, with thunderstorms also possible during the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 75.

Saturday will be sunny and hot with temperatures reaching around 95 degrees. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible after 1 p.m. Mostly clear skies are expected Saturday night with a low around 75.

Sunday will continue the hot pattern with mostly sunny skies and a high near 95 degrees. There will again be a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday night will be mostly clear with temperatures falling to around 74.

Looking ahead to Monday, mostly sunny skies are expected with a high near 94 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

With afternoon temperatures consistently reaching the mid-90s and Wednesday’s heat index potentially topping 100 degrees, residents should continue to take precautions when spending extended periods outdoors. Staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

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North DeSoto Middle School’s Griffins and Lady Griffins started their cross country season on a strong note, with two teams earning second-place overall finishes during their opening meet.

The season-opening competition was hosted by CMM and featured impressive performances from several North DeSoto runners.

The sixth-grade Lady Griffins finished second overall in the team standings. Liliana led the way with a seventh-place overall finish, followed by Claire in 10th place and Brooklynn in 12th.

North DeSoto’s seventh- and eighth-grade boys also captured second place overall. Zack finished sixth overall, while Briggs placed 10th to help lead the Griffins to their runner-up team finish.

The results gave North DeSoto Middle School plenty to celebrate as its runners opened a new season of competition.

With two team runner-up finishes and five runners placing among the top 12 individually, the Griffins and Lady Griffins have gotten their cross country season off to a promising start.

Congratulations to the North DeSoto runners on a strong season opener!

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DeSoto Parish 4-H members turned in an impressive showing at the recent Red, White, and Bossier Show, earning multiple championship and showmanship honors across several livestock species.

DeSoto 4-H celebrated the performances of its young exhibitors, who competed in swine, cattle and goat events.

Landri Jeter earned Champion Market Hog and was named Reserve Champion Junior Swine Showman, while Lauralye Jeter captured the title of Champion Overall Swine Showman.

In the cattle competition, Addison Salley exhibited the Champion Brahman Influence Heifer, which went on to earn the prestigious title of Supreme Heifer.

Jenna Bamburg also had a standout performance in the goat competition, earning Supreme Overall Doe and Grand Champion Market Goat. Bamburg also won Champion Sales Talk and was named Reserve Intermediate Goat Showman.

DeSoto 4-H congratulated all of its exhibitors following the competition, noting that the parish was well represented across multiple species.

The strong results showcased not only the quality of the animals exhibited, but also the time, preparation and livestock knowledge DeSoto Parish 4-H members have invested in their projects.

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Residents from across the area are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during the Kaine Christian Replenishment Blood Drive & Mansfield Car Show, set for Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Mansfield State Historic Site.

Presented by the Red River Street Rod Association and Logansport Chamber of Commerce, the event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and combine an urgent community blood drive with a day of cars, demonstrations, food and activities.

The blood drive will be conducted in partnership with LifeShare Blood Center, with organizers emphasizing the need for donors throughout the community.

“Every donation can help someone get a second chance,” organizers shared.

Those who donate blood during the event will receive a limited-edition T-shirt while supplies are available. Participants can also pre-register to donate using the QR code included on the event flyer.

Along with the blood drive, the Mansfield State Historic Site Car Show will welcome vehicles of all types. Organizers are planning a massive vehicle display, with plaques also part of the event.

Visitors can also enjoy cannon firing demonstrations, a food truck, a 50/50 drawing and additional activities throughout the day.

The event offers residents an opportunity to support Kaine Christian and the community blood supply while enjoying a day at one of DeSoto Parish’s historic attractions.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is helping spread the word about the event and the need for donors.

Event Details

Kaine Christian Replenishment Blood Drive & Mansfield Car Show

Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mansfield State Historic Site

All vehicles welcome

Blood donors receive a limited-edition T-shirt

Car display, cannon firing demonstrations, food truck, plaques, 50/50 drawing and more

Those who are able to donate are encouraged to pre-register and help replenish the blood supply. Residents who aren’t donating are also invited to attend the car show and support the event.

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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.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Street Level Interdiction Unit made nine arrests during August as part of ongoing efforts targeting illegal narcotics and related criminal activity in and around the parish.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the arrests involved allegations including possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, mushrooms and drug paraphernalia, along with firearm and traffic-related offenses.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson commended members of the Street Level Interdiction Unit, or S.L.I.U., for their continued work addressing illegal drugs in DeSoto Parish. The Sheriff’s Office said those efforts are part of its mission to protect local communities and reduce the availability of dangerous narcotics.

The following arrests were reported during August:

Brett R. Westley, 47, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was arrested Aug. 6 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael B. Speights, 50, of Keatchie, was arrested Aug. 6 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine and license plate lights required.

Ashley Banks, 38, of Branson, Missouri, was arrested Aug. 7 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of Schedule I mushrooms and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Billy J. Franklin, 37, of Zwolle, was arrested Aug. 8 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of minors and second or subsequent offense.

Paul R. Johnson, 47, of Bossier City, was arrested Aug. 20 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane usage.

Michael G. Hunt, 39, of Shreveport, was arrested Aug. 22 on a charge of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine.

Paul C. Stevens, 61, of Shreveport, was arrested Aug. 22 on charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal tint and turn signal required.

Kathy A. Jones, 53, of Shreveport, was arrested Aug. 26 on charges of possession of Schedule II oxycodone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rashad H. Ware, 38, of Grand Cane, was arrested Aug. 31 on charges of possession of Schedule II powder cocaine, possession of marijuana and tail lamps required.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office said the August arrests reflect the continued work of S.L.I.U. members to address illegal narcotics and criminal activity throughout the area.

An arrest is not a conviction. All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson has graduated from the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Richardson’s completion of the prestigious Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, or LEEDS, an intensive two-week executive leadership program.

The highly selective program brings together approximately 35 police chiefs, sheriffs and other senior law enforcement executives from across the United States and partner nations.

Participants receive advanced training covering leadership, organizational management, officer wellness, public trust, crisis leadership and emerging public-safety challenges.

According to DPSO, Richardson’s completion of the program represents an investment in the future of the Sheriff’s Office, with the knowledge, professional relationships and perspectives gained through LEEDS expected to support the agency’s continued growth and modernization.

The Sheriff’s Office said Richardson’s participation also reflects his continued commitment to improving the professional public-safety services provided to DeSoto Parish residents.

DPSO congratulated Richardson on the achievement, describing him as one of the hardest-working sheriffs in the country and noting his continued efforts to grow and develop as a leader for both the department and the community he serves.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish will see a combination of hot temperatures and scattered rain chances through the weekend before drier conditions arrive for Labor Day, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will bring the highest rain chance of the forecast period, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95 degrees. Heat index values could climb as high as 102 degrees. Light southeast winds will become southerly at 5 to 10 mph during the morning.

Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76.

Thursday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 1 p.m. A 20% chance of storms will continue into Thursday night before 1 a.m., with otherwise mostly clear skies and a low around 76.

Friday will be sunny and hot with a high near 97 and a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 76.

Similar conditions are expected Saturday, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 97 and a 20% chance of showers. Thunderstorms will also be possible after 1 p.m. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 76.

A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains in the forecast for Sunday. The day will otherwise be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 75.

For Labor Day, the National Weather Service is forecasting sunny and hot conditions with a high near 98 degrees, with no rain mentioned in the current forecast.

Overall, afternoon temperatures will remain in the mid-to-upper 90s throughout the forecast period, while scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible each day through Sunday.

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DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson and Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels were recently recognized for their leadership and work to advance the future of 9-1-1 and public safety communications.

Richardson and Daniels received the APCO International Presidential Award on Aug. 5 during the APCO International Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The award was presented by outgoing APCO International President Jack Varnado and recognized Richardson and Daniels for their leadership and commitment to advancing Next Generation 9-1-1, or NG911, as well as their efforts to support the professional reclassification of public safety telecommunicators.

APCO International is an organization representing public safety communications professionals worldwide. The organization has more than 45,000 members and works to support and advance the public safety communications profession.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office said the recognition highlighted the work Richardson and Daniels have done to strengthen the future of 9-1-1 services and public safety communications.

DPSO also recognized Varnado, who serves as 911 Director for the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, for his leadership and service as APCO International President and his continued service to Louisiana.

The Sheriff’s Office congratulated Richardson and Daniels on receiving the award and being recognized for their efforts on an international stage.

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Mansfield High School is seeing significant growth in its dual enrollment program, with the number of participating students increasing from eight to 52 as more Wolverines take advantage of opportunities to earn college credit before graduating from high school.

The expanded program allows students to complete college-level coursework while still attending Mansfield High School, giving them an opportunity to accumulate college hours and begin preparing for their education and careers after graduation.

School officials said the growth from eight students to 52 represents more than an increase in participation. It reflects a growing focus on providing students with additional pathways and opportunities for success beyond high school.

Helping students navigate those opportunities is Kemariya Thomas, a recent college graduate and Mansfield High School alumna who has returned to her former school to help guide current students through the dual enrollment process and prepare for their next steps.

As a former Wolverine herself, Thomas brings firsthand knowledge of the Mansfield High School experience while helping a new generation of students begin planning for college and career opportunities.

Mansfield High School praised the 52 participating students for taking on the additional academic challenge and investing in their futures.

“52 students earning college hours represents more than a number—it represents opportunity, ambition, and a commitment to the future,” the school shared.

With the expansion of dual enrollment, Mansfield High School officials said students are not only working toward their high school diplomas but also getting an early start on what comes next.

“Earn the credits. Build the future. Be a Wolverine.”

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DeSoto Parish Schools has earned the top spot in Louisiana for K-3 literacy achievement, with 80.4% of students scoring on or above level on the 2025-2026 K-3 Literacy Screener.

The Louisiana Department of Education recently announced the state’s top 10 achieving school systems, recognizing districts with the highest percentage of kindergarten through third-grade students meeting or exceeding expected literacy levels.

DeSoto Parish Schools ranked No. 1 statewide, narrowly ahead of West Feliciana Parish Schools at 80.2%. Ascension Public Schools ranked third with 78.7%.

The top 10 school systems and proficiency rates were:

DeSoto Parish Schools — 80.4%

West Feliciana Parish Schools — 80.2%

Ascension Public Schools — 78.7%

St. Charles Parish Public Schools — 77.5%

Plaquemines Parish Schools — 75.7%

Vermilion Parish Schools — 74.5%

St. Bernard Parish Public Schools — 74.1%

LaSalle Parish Schools — 74%

Rapides Parish School Board — 73.6%

Central Community Schools — 72.5%

The Louisiana Department of Education said the achievement comes as Louisiana ranks No. 1 among states in reading growth, crediting work taking place in school systems across the state as an important part of that progress.

Each of the top-performing school systems was recognized during the August meeting of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

For DeSoto Parish Schools, the statewide No. 1 ranking highlights the district’s continued focus on building strong reading skills during the earliest years of a child’s education, when literacy development can play a critical role in future academic success.

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Friday night’s DeSoto Parish Football Jamboree offered more than action on the field, as DeSoto Parish Schools used the annual event to celebrate community traditions and recognize students, educators, employees and school leaders for their contributions to the district.

Under the Friday night lights, DeSoto Parish School Board members were recognized for their leadership and service to the school system and community.

The district also honored its 2025–2026 Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year, New Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year, highlighting individuals who made a positive impact throughout DeSoto Parish Schools.

District officials said the honorees represent the heart of the school system and demonstrate the many ways students, educators, employees and community leaders make a difference each day.

The recognition was part of DeSoto Parish Schools’ “Make a Difference Monday” spotlight and emphasized the close connection between local schools and the communities they serve.

“Small-town traditions. Difference Makers. One DeSoto family,” the district stated, highlighting what it calls “The DeSoto Difference.”

The jamboree brought students, families, educators and community members together for a night that celebrated both DeSoto Parish football traditions and the people whose work and leadership contribute to the success of local schools.

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Irma Jean Hatcherson
02/18/1947 – 08/24/2026
Visitation:Friday September 4 from 2:00-6:00 p.m.at Jenkins Funeral Home ChapelServices:Saturday September 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Everygreen B.C

Peter Billy Cassel, Sr. 
March 26, 1960 — August 29, 2026
A private ceremony will be held to honor his memory

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 21-year-old Texas man who was wanted by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office on a felony charge involving a juvenile is now in custody.

The Sheriff’s Office had identified Zackery Levi Byrd, 21, of Joaquin, Texas, as a wanted suspect on a charge of felony indecent behavior with a juvenile.

DPSO initially released information seeking the public’s assistance in locating Byrd. The agency later updated the notice at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, announcing that the suspect was in custody.

The original notice also advised that Crime Stoppers could pay up to $1,000 for information leading to a suspect’s arrest and provided options for submitting anonymous tips through P3Tips.com, the DeSoto Sheriff App or by calling 1-800-505-7867.

No additional information regarding Byrd’s arrest was provided in the update.

An arrest is an accusation and does not constitute a conviction. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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A Texas man was taken into custody within two minutes of a reported burglary in progress at a downtown Logansport business Thursday night, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 9:49 p.m. on Aug. 20, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a burglary in progress at Main Street Market, located along Highway 84 in downtown Logansport.

Patrol deputies who were already in the area were immediately dispatched to the business. By 9:51 p.m., deputies had a suspect identified as Aaron C. Brazzel in custody.

A DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was also dispatched to clear the perimeter and ensure no additional suspects were involved.

Brazzel, 29, of Joaquin, Texas, was transported to the DeSoto Detention Center and booked on charges of simple burglary and possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson commended the department’s dispatchers, patrol deputies and K9 Unit for their swift response and coordinated efforts, which resulted in the suspect being taken into custody without further incident.

The information was released by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Mark Pierce.

An arrest indicates that probable cause existed in connection with an alleged offense. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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DESOTO PARISH, La. — DeSoto Parish will continue to experience hot conditions this week, with temperatures reaching around 100 degrees before rain chances increase Wednesday night and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 100 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph. Wednesday night will bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by a chance of showers after 10 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent, with a low around 77.

Thursday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. A slight chance of showers will be possible before thunderstorms become more likely after 10 a.m. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. and a low around 74.

Friday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. There is a 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 74.

Saturday will be sunny and hot with a high near 97, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 75.

Sunday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees.

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant as scammers continue using phone calls and text messages to impersonate banks, government agencies, law enforcement and other trusted organizations.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies receive multiple scam reports each day, with criminals continually changing their stories and tactics in an effort to obtain money or personal information.

Scammers may claim to represent a bank or fraud department, law enforcement agency, Medicare or Medicaid, or another organization. Residents are urged not to provide personal or financial information, send money or click links contained in unsolicited text messages.

The Sheriff’s Office said one of the biggest warning signs is an unexpected call concerning a problem the recipient knew nothing about, particularly when the caller creates a sense of urgency and demands immediate payment.

Officials advise residents who receive such calls to hang up immediately.

Anyone concerned that a call may have been legitimate should independently locate the official telephone number for the business or agency the caller claimed to represent and contact that organization directly. Residents should not call a number supplied by the suspicious caller.

“Never use any phone numbers provided to you by a caller either,” DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Mark Pierce said. “We receive multiple reports a day, and every single one is different, but all of them can be avoided by simply hanging up.”

The Sheriff’s Office is also offering its “Surviving Scammers” presentation to local groups interested in learning more about recognizing and avoiding scams. Presentations can be arranged for small groups, apartment communities, facilities, churches and other organizations.

Those interested in scheduling a presentation may contact the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-872-3956, ext. 251, or contact Pierce at mpierce@dpso.org.

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A pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies came to a safe conclusion on Interstate 49 in DeSoto Parish after Louisiana State Police successfully deployed spike strips, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, DeSoto Parish Dispatch was notified by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office of a pursuit involving a silver 2012 Honda CR-V traveling northbound on I-49 toward DeSoto Parish.

Natchitoches Parish authorities later advised that they had terminated their pursuit and asked DeSoto Parish law enforcement agencies to remain alert for the vehicle.

Shortly afterward, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit located a vehicle matching the description traveling northbound on I-49. The department’s Real-Time Crime Center assisted in confirming that the vehicle spotted from the air was the same vehicle involved in the earlier pursuit.

DPSO patrol deputies then located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after observing it traveling at a high rate of speed. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver did not stop and continued fleeing, resulting in another pursuit.

The DPSO Aviation Unit maintained visual contact with the vehicle from the air and provided information to deputies on the ground.

Louisiana State Police joined the pursuit and successfully deployed spike strips near the 185-mile marker, just south of the Highway 175 exit. According to DPSO, the spike strips brought the pursuit to a safe and quick conclusion.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending. Additional details may be released at a later time.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson commended the DPSO Patrol Division, Aviation Unit, Real-Time Crime Center and Dispatch, along with Louisiana State Police, for their response.

“This incident is a great example of what can be accomplished when multiple agencies and divisions work together,” Richardson said. “What began as a dangerous situation was brought to a peaceful and safe conclusion because everyone involved worked together and communicated effectively. I am proud of the way our people handled this incident.”

The information was released by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Mark Pierce.

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The DeSoto Council on Aging and DeSoto Parish Sheriff Department will host a Senior Fun Day on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, for area residents ages 60 and older.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff Facility, located at 120 Sprockett Lane in Grand Cane.

Senior Fun Day will feature door prizes, bingo, guest speakers and lunch.

Guest speakers will include Gina Martinez, an outreach representative with the Attorney General’s Office, and Dr. Richie Bell, a statewide insurance agent.

Transportation will also be available for those who need a ride to the event. Seniors who would like to schedule transportation should contact the DeSoto Council on Aging Transportation Department at 318-872-2270.

Lunch will be served during the event.

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