DeSoto Parish Journal

(BATON ROUGE, LA) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will release LEAP results for the 2023-24 school year Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley will hold a virtual presentation at that time. Louisiana students have improved two straight years on LEAP, including the largest year-over-year gains since 2016. LEAP measures proficiency in English/language arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12....

LDOE to release 2024 LEAP scores (BATON ROUGE, LA) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will release LEAP results for the 2023-24 school year Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Bruml…

In a significant move to support the dedicated staff of DeSoto Parish Schools, the DeSoto Parish School Board recently moved to match the state's one-time supplement approved in June by the Louisiana Legislature. This decision was officially approved at the July 2nd Board meeting and results in a total of $4,000 for teachers and certified employees and $2,000 for all support employees to be paid on or before October 10th....

DPSB matches state one-time supplement for employees In a significant move to support the dedicated staff of DeSoto Parish Schools, the DeSoto Parish School Board recently moved to match the state’s one-time supplement approved in June by the L…

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James T. “Jimmy” Genovese was introduced Tuesday in Natchitoches as the 21st president of Northwestern State University. The event is archived on the university website, nsula.edu, and the Facebook/NorthwesternStateUniversity page. Since the retirement of longtime President Dr. Randall J. Webb in 2014, in each of the following presidential searches, the NSU Alumni Association has endorsed a candidate....

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2024/07/24/northwesterns-alumni-association-embraces-new-nsu-president-genovese/

Northwestern’s Alumni Association Embraces New NSU President Genovese Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James T. “Jimmy” Genovese was introduced Tuesday in Natchitoches as the 21st president of Northwestern State University. The event is archived on the university webs…

Olympics News hot of the press: There was a danger that our world-class American athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games from Paris might not have air-conditioning. No one loves the “good ol’ days” more than me. AM radio and Tammy Wynette. Screen doors. Front porches. Movies with dialogue. The only travel ball was in the major leagues. Old days were the best — EXCEPT for automatic banking, streaming channels, and air-conditioning....

Chill out! USA Olympians will have AC (we think …) Olympics News hot of the press: There was a danger that our world-class American athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games from Paris might not have air-conditioning. No one loves the “good ol’ …

Roman Collins has been busy since his time on American Idol. He performed on the American Idol Finale, released his album, and joined others for worship experiences in multiple cities. His latest endeavor is to join one of his idols, CeCe Winans, on her Christmas Concert tour. On her social media, Winans commented that this is her first Christmas tour in over a decade....

Roman Collins teams up with CeCe Winans Roman Collins has been busy since his time on American Idol. He performed on the American Idol Finale, released his album, and joined others for worship experiences in multiple cities. His latest e…

It’s summer time; it’s hot and outdoors activities are best confined to early and late in the day. It’s proper to sit back under the cooling hum of the air conditioner and remember how special the outdoors can be and to be reminded of events of the past that made impressions of me. I remember once when visiting my hunting club in later summer, I experienced something that was news to me....

A upclose look at nature in action It’s summer time; it’s hot and outdoors activities are best confined to early and late in the day. It’s proper to sit back under the cooling hum of the air conditioner and remember how special the …

LSUS assistant professors Dr. Margaret Gifford (left) and Dr. Rosie Cooper attend the opening of the second The Goldman School location this past February. CREDIT: Submitted photo SHREVEPORT – With The Arc-Caddo Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Center adding a second location this year, the nonprofit’s ability to impact children with and without disabilities nearly doubled. But so did the need to prepare current teachers and staff as well as find new staffers....

LSUS faculty partner with The Goldman School staff for classroom management training LSUS assistant professors Dr. Margaret Gifford (left) and Dr. Rosie Cooper attend the opening of the second The Goldman School location this past February. CREDIT: Submitted photo SHREVEPORT – With…

George Carlin once made this comment on why he had such a congenital distrust of religious neophytes who claim to be “born again.” “They talk too much, pure and simple! When I was born, I was so stunned that I couldn’t speak for two years! If someone has a religious experience and shuts up for a couple of years, I will take them seriously.” Carlin had nothing nice to say about organized religion, but in this regard, he points out a spiritual truth....

Ponderings: What Silence Says George Carlin once made this comment on why he had such a congenital distrust of religious neophytes who claim to be “born again.” “They talk too much, pure and simple! When I was born, I was so st…

These arrests were made by DeSoto Sheriff, Mansfield Police, and Louisiana State Police. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Bonner, Ben LeggioB M 35Probation violationMansfield Jones, Debrandon CortezB M 34Contempt of courtMansfield West, Michael GlennB M 31StalkingMansfield Williams-Daniel, Janice MarieB F 46Possession of CDS II…...

Weekly Arrests July 15 – 21 These arrests were made by DeSoto Sheriff, Mansfield Police, and Louisiana State Police. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Bonner, Ben LeggioB M 35Probatio…

The Pelican Library will host Back to School Family Movie Night Friday, July 26 at 8pm. The movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, will be shown Under the Stars. For more information contact the library 318.755.2353. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office will hosting a Testing Date Saturday, July 27 at 9am for those seeking a career with DPSO. Before attending, be sure that you visit their website at www.dpso.org/careers to sign up and start your hiring process. ...

https://desotoparishjournal.com/2024/07/24/this-that-wednesday-july-24-2024/

This & That…Wednesday, July 24, 2024 The Pelican Library will host Back to School Family Movie Night Friday, July 26 at 8pm. The movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, will be shown Under the Stars. For more information contact the library 318.755.2…

Louisa Elizabeth "Beth" Valentine AdamsJuly 30, 1955 — July 21, 2024Service: Wednesday, July 24, 2024at 10am at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church - Mansfield Mildred Norwood GentryJuly 30, 1955 — July 21, 2024Service: Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11am at Rose Neath Funeral Homes - Mansfield

Notice of Death – July 23, 2024 Louisa Elizabeth “Beth” Valentine AdamsJuly 30, 1955 — July 21, 2024Service: Wednesday, July 24, 2024at 10am at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church – Mansfield Mildred Norwood Gentry…

I have good news. After a very productive and successful meeting with the Debris Removal Contractor and the Debris Monitoring company today, I am happy to announce that we have a date set for them to begin. That day is July 29, 2024. As a reminder, residents in need of debris removal should consider two things prior to the pickup date....

Latest update on debris removal I have good news. After a very productive and successful meeting with the Debris Removal Contractor and the Debris Monitoring company today, I am happy to announce that we have a date set for them …

As the warm rays of summer shine brightly upon us, I am delighted to welcome you to another season of exploration, learning, and community engagement at our beloved library. Summer at the library is a time of vibrant activity and exciting opportunities for patrons of all ages. Whether you are looking to escape the heat with a good book, engage in stimulating programs, or discover new hobbies, our library has something special for everyone....

Library director shares summer highlights As the warm rays of summer shine brightly upon us, I am delighted to welcome you to another season of exploration, learning, and community engagement at our beloved library. Summer at the library i…

North DeSoto cheer racks up awards at national camp The North DeSoto cheerleading squad laid the foundation for what it hopes is another national championship this month with a host of awards at National Cheerleading Association camp. The squad was named Cheer Champions and band Chant Champions at the camp. Individually, five were named All-Americans, including the NCA Top All-American, which is the highest scoring All-American from the 21-team camp....

Weekly Roundup North DeSoto cheer racks up awards at national camp The North DeSoto cheerleading squad laid the foundation for what it hopes is another national championship this month with a host of awards at Na…

Portrait of Kip Holloway by Revel Artist, Stan Routh, who has been showing at the Red River Revel Arts Festival for over 45 years. Shreveport, LA – It is with deep sadness that the Red River Revel mourns the passing of our former Executive Director, Kip Holloway. He passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, after a brief illness. Kip Holloway was a key member of the team that founded the Red River Revel Arts Festival in 1976 and then became the Executive Director in 1987, where he served in that role for over 25 years....

Red River Revel mourns the loss of former Executive Director Portrait of Kip Holloway by Revel Artist, Stan Routh, who has been showing at the Red River Revel Arts Festival for over 45 years. Shreveport, LA – It is with deep sadness that the Red River Reve…

Kathy Babers, representative from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s Office, attended the Webster Parish Police Jury meeting this month to give an update on recent happenings and upcoming outreach programs offered by the congressional office. “We are starting a new school outreach. We have a lot of things, that no matter who’s in office, that congress offers to students,” said Babers....

Service Academy nominations now open Kathy Babers, representative from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s Office, attended the Webster Parish Police Jury meeting this month to give an update on recent happenings and upcoming outreach…

We’ve all heard the stories about how people claim to have been saved by a guardian angel. For years I never really bought into this notion that someone is actually watching over us, that we all have an angel making sure we don’t die before our time is up here on earth. There’ve been several movies depicting the idea of guardian angels like, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Preachers Wife, Heart and Soul, Always, and The Family Man. ...

Do you believe in guardian angels? We’ve all heard the stories about how people claim to have been saved by a guardian angel. For years I never really bought into this notion that someone is actually watching over us, that we all ha…

Michael Doughty, assistant director of career services at LSUS, leads incoming freshmen through the "Finding Your Fit" program, which is designed to help students explore their choice of major, the types of careers in that field, and how each student aligns with the skillsets and tasks in those careers.CREDIT: Submitted photo SHREVEPORT – The Career Services office on any campus is best known for resume building, job hunting, and interview prepping aimed at students nearing the end of their college careers....

Incoming LSUS freshmen can ‘find their fit’ in academic majors, careers Michael Doughty, assistant director of career services at LSUS, leads incoming freshmen through the “Finding Your Fit” program, which is designed to help students explore their choice o…

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System will celebrate its 40th annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion on Sunday, July 21. The event, themed “Adventure Awaits,” will take over the West Wing Conference Room from 2-4 p.m. to recognize NICU graduates at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. “More than anything it’s just a time to reconnect. When our babies are here, they really do become a part of our family and we become a part of their family,” said Christy Bailey, NICU clinical director with CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center....

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System to host 40th annual NICU reunion celebration CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System will celebrate its 40th annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion on Sunday, July 21. The event, themed “Adventure Awaits,” will take over the Wes…

Shreveport, LA – LifeShare Blood Center is proud to announce its partnership with the All of Us Research Program, an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This collaboration provides community members and blood donors in the Shreveport, Louisiana area with a unique opportunity to positively impact health outcomes for generations of Americans. The All of Us Research Program aims to recruit over one million people who reflect the diversity of the United States and its territories....

LifeShare Blood Center Partners with NIH’s All of Us Research Program Shreveport, LA – LifeShare Blood Center is proud to announce its partnership with the All of Us Research Program, an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This collaboration provid…

SHREVEPORT – The accreditation of LSU Shreveport’s College of Business has been extended by the most prestigious business accreditation body, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.LSUS is part of an exclusive worldwide group with less than six percent of colleges and business schools earning AACSB accreditation. “The LSUS College of Business is proud to have more than three decades of continuous accreditation by AACSB,” said Dr....

LSUS College of Business extends accreditation with AACSB SHREVEPORT – The accreditation of LSU Shreveport’s College of Business has been extended by the most prestigious business accreditation body, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Busine…

On August 12, 2003, J.L. Hunter “Red” Rountree parked his car and walked into the First American Bank in Abilene, Texas. Red carried two envelopes, one of which had the word “Robbery” written on it. Red walked up to the counter and handed the bank clerk both envelopes. The bank clerk read the writing on the envelope and thought it was some sort of joke. ...

Red’s Record On August 12, 2003, J.L. Hunter “Red” Rountree parked his car and walked into the First American Bank in Abilene, Texas. Red carried two envelopes, one of which had the word “Robbery” written on i…

Every day can feel like a scorcher during the summer months. That is why it is important to take the heat seriously since overheating can pose a risk to your health. Here are a few ways to prevent heat exhaustion when it’s really hot outside: Avoid becoming dehydrated – Staying properly hydrated can help your body regulate its temperature. Dress for the heat (and humidity) – ...

Avoid Overheating in the Summer Sun Every day can feel like a scorcher during the summer months. That is why it is important to take the heat seriously since overheating can pose a risk to your health. Here are a few ways to prevent …

Fish Fry Fundraiser for Captain Brian Walker is today, Friday, July 19 at 11am at the Fire District 8 Training facility, 13011 Hwy 175. Plates of fish, fries, hushpuppies and a bottle of water will cost $15. All proceeds will go to Walker and his family. Mark your calendars for the DPS 2nd Annual Back to School Blast-Off. Learn about community programs, IEPs, 504 Plans, and more Saturday, July 20 from 10-1 at the DeSoto Parish Schools Administration Building at 399 Jenkins Street in Mansfield....

This & That…Friday, July 19, 2024 Fish Fry Fundraiser for Captain Brian Walker is today, Friday, July 19 at 11am at the Fire District 8 Training facility, 13011 Hwy 175. Plates of fish, fries, hushpuppies and a bottle of water will…

Thomas BellMarch 18, 1945 — July 11, 2024Service: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church - Kingston Nora SantiferJanuary 11, 1944 — July 14, 2024Service: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 3pm at Jenkins Funeral Home - Mansfield Damien Ray WilliamsDecember 19, 1985 — July 15, 2024Service: Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10am at Rose Neath Funeral Homes - Mansfield

Notice of Death – July 18, 2024 Thomas BellMarch 18, 1945 — July 11, 2024Service: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church – Kingston Nora SantiferJanuary 11, 1944 — July 14, 2024Service: Saturday, July 2…

What started as a bad cup of hot chocolate between friends will soon be a premier destination for Stonewall, LA. Lumiere is the vision of these friends who wanted to create an immersive Christmas experience for north Louisiana. The 32-acre park will offer a ½ mile walk through a trail of lights, synthetic snow tubing, an interactive light maze, a local artisan village for crafts and gifts, and culinary offerings from local partnerships....

Lumiere Christmas experience to open in Stonewall What started as a bad cup of hot chocolate between friends will soon be a premier destination for Stonewall, LA. Lumiere is the vision of these friends who wanted to create an immersive Christmas e…

Your DeSoto Parish Journal gained a new team member this week. Jackie Carroll joins the Journal as the new media sales representative. Her job will be to work with businesses and the public to produce the best advertising experience for their needs. Hailing from Marthaville, Louisiana, Jackie has been in sales for over 25 years. When she is not working, Jackie loves to play piano and sing in the church choir....

Jackie Carroll joins the Journal team Your DeSoto Parish Journal gained a new team member this week. Jackie Carroll joins the Journal as the new media sales representative. Her job will be to work with businesses and the public to prod…

On July 16, 2024, Sheriff Jayson Richardson recognized Patrol Division Dy. Tristan Reed and Sgt. Angela Jordan for their exceptional service in responding to an active shooting that took place in DeSoto Parish on July 6, 2024. Both Dy. Reed and Sgt. Jordan responded without hesitation, thereby offering life-saving techniques in triage of a shooting victim, caring for wounds using combat gauze to pack two (2) bullet wounds, and continued treatment of the victim until EMS arrived to take over the scene....

DPSO Sheriff recognizes two for life saving efforts On July 16, 2024, Sheriff Jayson Richardson recognized Patrol Division Dy. Tristan Reed and Sgt. Angela Jordan for their exceptional service in responding to an active shooting that took place in D…

Matt Vines NATCHITOCHES – Transitions from high school to college athletics can be tricky, and playing time for freshmen is never guaranteed. But for North DeSoto products Cameron Curtis and Aly Delafield, they were fresh faces that broke through on a senior-laden Northwestern State softball team. Curtis and Delafield both started more than 30 games and saw the field as early as the opening weekend....

CATCHING UP: North DeSoto softball pair cracked starting lineup as Northwestern State freshmen Matt VinesNATCHITOCHES – Transitions from high school to college athletics can be tricky, and playing time for freshmen is never guaranteed.But for North DeSoto products Cameron Curtis and Aly Dela…

I saw the name William Kinnison Haddox in an obituary and it didn’t ring a bell until I realized this was the real name for one of my best friends in the outdoors media. His nickname was one I could grasp as could thousands of others who have read and appreciated his work down through the years. Everybody knew him as Kinny Haddox....

A friend and colleague gone too soon I saw the name William Kinnison Haddox in an obituary and it didn’t ring a bell until I realized this was the real name for one of my best friends in the outdoors media. His nickname was one I coul…