News

A former DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy, Javarrea Pouncy, 30, pleaded guilty to depriving a detainee of his civil rights under color of law by willfully using unreasonable force against the detainee.

“Like any law enforcement officer, the defendant had a duty to protect people in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead of fulfilling his duty, the defendant abused his authority by beating a detainee who posed no threat to him, leaving the victim broken, bloodied and bruised. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting officers who violate the civil and constitutional rights of those in their care.”

Parishwide, voters will be deciding if the Parish will continue to levy a 5 mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish, an estimated $4,583,500 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year, for a period of 10 years. This would begin in the year 2026 and end with the year 2035 for the purpose of collecting and disposing of solid waste, including operating and maintaining the Parish’s solid waste landfill facilities and equipment, which facilities and equipment may receive and dispose of solid waste from within and from without the Parish.

Area Softball Teams Sulphur Bound! All Games Scheduled at High Noon

#6 Stanley Lady Panthers V. #7 Anacoco

Each year, the River City Fest Committee strives very hard to raise funds for its Spring Festival, which is held on the beautiful Logansport Riverfront. The 41st Annual River City Fest dates are slated for May 9-11, 2024, beginning with food, arts and crafts vendor, an Arm Wrestling Tournament, Cornhole Tournament, Treasure Hunt, Car Show, Fireworks, Pageant, Petting Zoo, Balloon Release, Boat or Pet Parade, and live entertainment provided by some of the best in the business. Headlining this year’s Fest on Saturday, May 11th will be Nashville recording artist, Wyatt Pulman. Opening for Wyatt will be Louisiana’s very own Adam Legar Band and East Texas native Jacob Wheeler.

We try to add new events and attractions each year. This year we are trying to bring back some of the old events from the Pioneer Trade Days and have had a mechanical bull bought and donated to our organization in which we can provide the local children and adults wit their very own “Bucking Rodeo”.

Despite the plea, Mansfield Mayor Thomas Jones said he wasn’t driving drunk but entered the plea because “it was determined that I would not get a fair trial in our local judicial system.”

Jones shared information about his plea on his Facebook page.

Because the charge is a misdemeanor offense, the plea will not require Jones to resign from office. He’s serving his first term as mayor.

“I take full responsibility for my actions, even though I was not driving while intoxicated. I am an advocate against driving under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. I want the public to take heed to my experience and please don’t drive, even after having a few drinks,” Jones wrote.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson proudly announces that Dy. Coleman Caston and Dy. Micah Latin have officially completed Academy and are ready to serve DeSoto Parish! The Shreveport Police Academy is a 16 week program for those seeking a career in Law Enforcement. The course is a major achievement, but it does not come easy. Academy is challenging in many different areas ranging from physical, mental, and strategical operations. There is a minimum of 496 hours which must be completed and is set forth by POST, the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Both have officially passed the Louisiana POST Certification!

Deputy Coleman Caston will be serving as an SRO in our Special Services Division, while Deputy Micah Latin will be serving as a Patrol Deputy in our Patrol Division! We are certainly proud to have them both a part of our DPSO Family!

Join keep DeSoto Beautiful on April 20 for a parish wide cleanup! Our cleanup will be one of hundreds across the state the week of April 20 through 27. T-shirts, bags, and gloves will be provided and you can pick your own area to cleanup, or one can be provided for you. Litter is an expensive and ugly problem in DeSoto Parish! Keep DeSoto Beautiful on Saturday April 20 and help us do something about it. KDB is joining with Keep Louisiana Beautiful during Love the Boot month It’s easy! Call 318-872-2500 or go to keeplouisianabeautiful. org and click on Love the Boot and sign your group up under Keep DeSoto Beautiful. Litter pickers will also be loaned for the day. Some join us for food, music and prizes at 404 Polk Street at the Office of Community Services but drop your trash off first, then pick up a tarp. It’s a great day to keep DeSoto beautiful, so do your part and have a fun day, too.

An Emergency Preparedness meeting was conducted Thursday morning (April 11) among various agencies to evaluate preparation, response, and rising river levels expected over the next few days. The Logansport gauge on the Sabine River is forecasted to rise to 34.3 feet tomorrow, which is considered Major Flood Stage and higher than it has been since 2016 (when it crested at 35 feet.)

There is at least some low potential for the river to crest a foot or two higher than this, and of course a higher crest has potential to cause even larger issues. The attached image will show everyone what to expect over the next 4 days, with a possible crest on Monday around 35.7 feet.

Residents in low areas near the river such as Caraway Isle and Garrett’s Park in Logansport have already either evacuated, or are in the process of leaving now.

Each year, the River City Fest Committee strives very hard to raise funds for its Spring Festival, which is held on the beautiful Logansport Riverfront. The 41st Annual River City Fest dates are slated for May 9-11, 2024, beginning with food, arts and crafts vendor, an Arm Wrestling Tournament, Cornhole Tournament, Treasure Hunt, Car Show, Fireworks, Pageant, Petting Zoo, Balloon Release, Boat or Pet Parade, and live entertainment provided by some of the best in the business. Headlining this year’s Fest on Saturday, May 11th will be Nashville recording artist, Wyatt Pulman. Opening for Wyatt will be Louisiana’s very own Adam Legar Band and East Texas native Jacob Wheeler.

We try to add new events and attractions each year. This year we are trying to bring back some of the old events from the Pioneer Trade Days and have had a mechanical bull bought and donated to our organization in which we can provide the local children and adults wit their very own “Bucking Rodeo”.