Red River 4-H Grub N Science Fun Day

RRPJ-4H052317A

The Red River 4-H club members attended the annual 4-H Fun Day at Grand Bayou Resort on May 11th. There was a total of 117 4-H members, leaders and parent volunteers.

The students have been focusing on Grub N Science experiments during school club meetings. They did experiments such as making Tie-dyed milk to learn about surface tension, Science Of Popcorn to learn about what makes popcorn pop, the Butter Side of Milk to learn how to actually make butter and numerous other experiments during the school year.

To complete the year they did Kitchen Chemistry experiments at Fun Day to learn that it also takes a chemist to be a great chef! To complete the day they took a trash walk to the beach to help beautify the park while also getting to see a demonstration of paddle boarding on the lake.

The favorite part of the day was 4-H members visiting the Clover Bucks Store to spend their hard earned $$$ from participating in monthly club meetings.

To learn more about Red River 4-H contact Terry Foster at 932-4342 or at tfoster@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Book Sale

RRPJ-Book Sale-17May24a
The annual book sale was held at the Red River Parish Library last week. Librarian Trey Lewis told the Journal the books had been collected all year from donations of library patrons.

As they prepared, there were tables full of books lined up in the library meeting room. Bargains were everywhere. Lewis posted on the library Facebook page to “bring a bag or box and come get the bargains.” Hardback books were 25-cents and paperbacks just a dime.

Lewis says the books were going out the door by the box full beginning on Thursday morning. The sale lasted through Saturday. Lewis said, “The sale was a big success.”

ETC…May 24th

rrpjetc
More changes are coming in the local schools. The Red River Parish School Board has posted employment ads. They are looking for a principal and an assistant principal at Red River High School. The job search runs through May 31st.

Abundant Life Worship Center is beginning their summer Sunday service schedule. Beginning May 28th there will be one Sunday service at Abundant Life beginning at 10:30. Abundant Life’s Wednesday night service (Tonight) is being moved to Friday May 26th at 7:00 pm.

More on the movement of mining equipment across I-49 comes from Erin Buchanan at the Department of Transportation and Development:
“Another closure for I-49 in the same section as the previous closure is planned for this Saturday in order to move additional mining equipment across the interstate. This is in preparation for another dragline crossing to be scheduled at a later date.
Motorists are advised that on Saturday, May 27, 2017, the northbound and southbound lanes of I-49 between mile markers 161 and 163, just south of the US 371/LA 177 interchange, will be closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
This work is associated with the movement of AEP’s Dolet Hills Mining equipment.”

New Red River High Football Coach Scott Hale reports that football was back at Red River this past weekend. The culmination of Spring practice was a scrimmage between Red River Bulldogs and the Bossier Bearkats. Red River got on the scoreboard first with its offense scoring twice in its first fifteen plays.
The first TD came on a 34-yard pass from Gakerreon McDonald to Chad Keith. McDonald then added a 63-yard bomb to Pat Perkins for the second score.
Bossier got a score on their next set of plays. But the Bulldogs came back strong with two more scores in their second set of plays. Demonte Calhoun made a dazzling run of 28 yards through the Bearkats defense. And Gakerreon McDonald finished out the scoring with a 3-yard run.
Defensive standouts included Rapheal Lemons, Cardaryous Moody, DeAndre Moore, Waylon Washington and Demonte Calhoun. Malik Gay also had an interception and added two extra points.

Whitney Allison notified the Journal that her church, Freedom Worship Baptist next to American Bank, is having their Veterans breakfast this Saturday morning at 8:00 and we would love to invite any local military to attend. Thanks Whitney. If you know of events happening in Red River Parish, let us know. Send info to TheRRJournal@gmail.com.

The Re-Emergence Of The Haynesville Shale

By Don Briggs
Article and photo re-published courtesy of the hayride.com

haynesville-shale-map-800x400

The oil and gas industry could not be more diverse in Louisiana. In south Louisiana, in particular, the industry is experiencing historically low and stagnant rig growth, while the rest of the country sees a resurgence in rig activity. In northwest Louisiana, there is a glimmer of hope for the oil and gas sector, and that driving force is the Haynesville Shale.

The Haynesville Shale formation is a layer of sedimentary rock situated more than 10,000 feet below the surface and stretches from northwest Louisiana to parts of eastern Texas and also grabs the southwest part of Arkansas. The formation covers an area of approximately 9,000 squares miles and averages between 200 and 300 feet in thickness. It accounts for the third largest shale play with the potential of holding nearly 500 trillion cubic feet of gas.

At one point in time, this formation was thought to be too financially burdensome to explore, but with advances in hydraulic fracturing, directional drilling, and a spike in energy costs, companies began to explore. What they found was vast amounts of recoverable natural gas known as shale gas.

This discovery would eventually lead to the Haynesville Shale boom between 2008 and 2010. It was estimated that during 2009, approximately $10.6 billion in new business sales, nearly $5.7 billion in household earnings, and nearly 58,000 new jobs were created.

Unfortunately, in recent years, the Haynesville has been pushed out of the way in favor of more low-cost plays such as the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York areas, and Utica Shale in Quebec. Due to the northeast’s lack of pipeline infrastructure and their shut-in production, the Haynesville is becoming more attractive again. Doug Lawler, CEO of Chesapeake, said it best, “[The Haynesville] was largely written off by industry two to three years ago, but it has reemerged stronger than ever.”

Louisiana’s access to the gulf, abundance of pipelines and processing plants, along with the industry’s advancements in drilling technology, has led to a resurgence in the Haynesville Shale. Just last March output from Haynesville fell to a six year low. Production in this formation will now climb for the seventh straight month in June, reaching the highest since October 2014.

The infrastructure needed to export and process the natural gas produced from the Haynesville is contingent upon economic growth in Louisiana. As of January 2017, there were six LNG Export terminals approved, two of which are currently under construction. Even more recently, Venture Global announced an $8.5 billion LNG complex, G2 LNG is planning for an $11 billion natural gas facility, Magnolia LNG announced a planned $3.45 billion facility, and Cheniere shipped over 100 cargoes of domestic LNG starting back in February.

As stated in a Forbes article, “Louisiana [has] an underrated edge because oil/gas production is ingrained in the culture.” The Haynesville Shale was once a shale play left for dead, but now we are seeing the reemergence that could completely change the game for Louisiana. This culture of oil and gas production that hailed from generations past must be realized. This culture and tradition must be carried on for decades to come for the sake of Louisiana.

Students First and Athletes Second

RRPJ-Athletic Banquet TOP-17May19
The annual Athletic Banquet was held in the Red River High School Gym last week. Outstanding athletes were recognized. But this year the emphasis of the evening was on something else.

New Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr. told the gathering, “Our players will be scholars first. We must remember that the reason for the athletic programs is to educate our athletes.”

During the evening there was emphasis on accomplishments in the classroom. All sports presented awards for athletic achievement, however there were also trophies presented for earning high academic marks.

The coaches selected the overall student athletes from all sports. The girls overall athlete is Kori Allen. The boys overall athlete is Jon Russell.

Recognition of Overall MVP from all sports went to Greg Wallace for the boys. Ziaya Drakes was named girls Oveall MVP.

A head coach and assistant coach from all sports was announced. Earl Martin was recognized as the Assistant Coach of the Year for his 30+ years service to Red River sports. Head Coach of the Year honors went to Zachary Thrasher for coaching the girls softball team to a winning season. Missy Antilley was recognized for being named the Shreveport Times District 1-2A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

Dez Bryant of the track team was recognized for winning the state 2-A championship in the 400 meters for the third year in a row. Bryant presented three pair of cleats, one from each year, to be retired in the school trophy case.

RRPJ-Athletic BAnquet BOTTOM2-17May19RRPJ-Athletic Banquet BOTTOM 1-17May19

They Bring Home the Pizza

RRPJ-Pizza TOP-17May19
If someone comes calling from the Sheriff’s Office, it just might be lunch! C’Ann Norman works for senior citizens in the parish through one of the Sheriff Department’s programs. She gets help from Mary Evelyn Jowers of First Methodist Church in making deliveries every Thursday.

Jowers said, “We never know in advance what we will be getting, so we take it out as far as it will go.” Pizza, wings, breadsticks and other items come from the Pizza Hut in Coushatta. They donate the orders that are phoned in but never picked up.

Norman says she enjoys getting out and meeting the people. Shown in pictures with this article are bread sticks taken to Katherine Wallace, a local newspaper columnist. She has been in the hospital recently and Norman told the Journal “she said bring me some pizza to the hospital. So we did.”

The other folks getting pizza are Tommy “Pan-Am” Horton and his wife Azalee. Mary Evelyn Jowers isn’t in any of the pictures because she operates the camera. And she said, “And that’s the way I like it!”

RRPJ-Pizza BOTTOM-17May19

More Accolades for Honor Students

By Wanda Lemoine

RRPJ-Honor Student Brunch-17May19
On May 2nd, RRJH hosted a brunch, catered by the RRHS Culinary Arts class, to recognize students qualifying for the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and the Principal’s Honor Roll for the 2016-2017 School Year.

Superintendent’s Honor Roll (GPA 4.0 or higher): Kaitlyn Antilley.

Principal’s Honor Roll (GPA 3.5 or higher): Jieron Calhoun, Shaniquica Frazier, Kelcee Bamburg, Shaniya Beavers, Elizabeth Hughes, Jamira Beaner, Brianna Latson, Jeyden Young, Korie Williamson, Antonio Kirts, Carlena Henry, Haley Loe, Madison Hillin, Chloe Pickett, Brett Danzy, Malajah Golatt, Ariuna Johnson, Zintayvious Smith.

Outstanding job, students!

It’s the Season for Love…

RRPJ-Love Bugs TOP-17May19
The poet waxes “In the spring a young man’s fancy often turns to thoughts of Love!”

In this area the redneck waxes “in the spring a young man’s fancy often turns to thoughts of Love………BUGS!”

They’re everywhere. Those black and red bugs. They pile up on your grill and windshield. And if you don’t get them off soon they can damage the paint, or so the story goes.

Wikipedia says “The love bug (Plecia nearctica) is a species of March fly found in parts of Central America and the southeastern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast.It is also known as the honeymoon fly or double-headed bug. During and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days.”

The only good news is when you hit one with your windshield, you get two!We are in Love Bug season. So enjoy it while you can.

RRPJ-Love Bugs BOTTOM-17May19

Deputies Get their Man

 

RRPJ-Fugitive Captured-17May19

Shortly after 11:00 on the morning of May 9, 2017, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) detectives learned of the possible whereabouts of Daryl L. Williams who had two outstanding arrest warrants. The first warrant, issued in August of 2016, stemmed from a probation violation. The second warrant was issued on May 1, 2017 after Williams fled on foot from deputies following a traffic stop.

As multiple units gathered just south of Coushatta to finalize plans to approachthe residence, another deputy maintained surveillance at the Rolling Hills Trailer Park. Prior to approaching the residence, a vehicle believed to be occupied by the suspect was observed leaving the trailer parktraveling north on U.S. Hwy 71.

As the vehicle cleared the intersection of U.S. Hwy 71 and LA Hwy 784, a responding deputy initiated a traffic stop just south of Horton’s Texaco. After coming to a stop, the front seat passenger, believed to be Williams, exited the car and fled on foot through a wooded area. A pursuing deputy observed the suspect run behind a house and crawl under a storage building.

Multiple responding deputies established a perimeter around the building to prevent escape. Following repeated opportunities for the subject to voluntarily surrender, deputies disbursed a chemical agent under the building. Shortly thereafter, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. He was positively identified as Williams.

Red River EMS was subsequently dispatched to the scene to treat Williams for chemical exposure. Upon recommendations from medics, Williams was transported to the Christus Coushatta emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.After being released from doctor’s care, he was transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking.

Daryl L. Williams, B/M, age 31 of the 500 block of Arlington St., Coushatta, LA was charged with two counts of Resisting an Officer as well as a probation violation. His bond was set at $5,000 and he remains incarcerated. A probation/parole hold has also been placed on his release.

NEED A LIFT?

RRPJ-COA Transportation-17May19

Red River has only one provider of public transportation, the Rural Transportation Program operated by the Council on Aging. It’s open to anyone regardless of age. It is not just for folks 60 and over.

COA Executive Director Liz Cannon says, “Anyone can schedule a ride to a doctor’s appointment, to go shopping, or for any other purpose. There are a couple of requirements, “ she adds.

A 24-hour notice is required, so call the Council on Aging at 932-5721 ahead of time. A person may schedule a ride to one destination or make several stops on the same trip. Transportation is available from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm weekdays.

Transportation is provided anywhere within Red River Parish. Fees are reasonable at $4 inside Coushatta and $6 outside town. There is a 50-cent charge for additional stops. Cannon said Section 5311 Rural transportation is underwritten by the Louisiana Department of Transportation.

The Council on Aging helps people who need medical transportation outside of Red River Parish. Although they do not transport out of the parish, call the council for information on medical transportation service providers.

Parish-Wide Crusade Starts Monday

RRPJ-Crusade 2-17May19
The Red River AssociationCrusade begins Monday May 22nd. Services will be at the Red River Parish Fairgrounds. The Crusade is Monday through Saturday evenings (May 22nd to 27th). There will be a meal at 5:30 pm followed by services at 6:30 pm.

The Evangelist is Sam Moore of Sam Moore Evangelistic Ministries. Donna Weaver will lead music each evening.

Wednesday night is Youth Night. Guest speaker is NSU Men’s Basketball Coach Mike McConathy.

Transportation to the services will be available. Contact Richard Carey at 318-521-5665 if you need a ride. All are welcome to this parish-wide crusade.

RRPJ-Crusade-17May19

ETC…May 19th

rrpjetc
The school year is ending but the learning never stops. Red River Parish summer school will be held at Red River Elementary this year. Dates are May 30th through June 29th.

I heard from Joe Taylor the other day. There was a feud in Red River Parish akin to the famous Hatfields and McCoys. And it was just as deadly. Joe brings you the story next week in the Red River Parish Journal. So tell your friends to go to our website (RedRiverParishJournal.com) and subscribe.

Camps for gifted and talented students in the parish will be held mid to late June. The Camp dates are June 19th through 29th. The Gifted and Talented Camp will also be held at Red River Elementary School.

Occasionally, we come across a picture that just has to be shared. Here are the Kindergarten graduates from Riverdale Academy. Mrs. Betty got the boys and girls dressed up in their Sunday best for their graduation photo. Way to go kids.

RRPJ-ETC... Bottom-17May19

 

Riverdale Senior Commits to Centenary Softball Team

RRPJ-RA Sign TOP-17May17
Surrounded by Mom, Dad and her coach, and backed up by members of the Riverdale Academy Softball Team, Jaylee Riggs signed on to play ball for Centenary College in Shreveport. Riggs said, “I got my number one choice.”

Riverdale Principal Jamie Lawrence said, “I believe Riggs is the first Riverdale student to ever sign a college scholarship to play softball. Her team supports her and we do to.”

Riggs described her emotional state as “nervous but excited to play softball for Centenary. I’m ready to play.” She said she will major in biology and then go to physical therapy school after graduation.

Her coach, Debbie Guidry said, “I am proud for the opportunity to coach Jaylee. How proud we are of her. We wish her the best. Go show Centenary all the good things she can do with a bat.”

Jaylee Riggs becomes the third senior this spring to sign a college athletic scholarship. A couple of weeks ago Dez Bryant of the Red River Track Team signed to the Western Texas College track team. And back in March Greg Wallace signed to play football for Louisiana College.

RRPJ-RA Sign Bottom-17May17

A Night of Beautiful Music

RRPJ-Band TOP-17May17
The Red River Bands performed their spring concert on Wednesday May 5th to the delight of proud parents, students and faculty. The concert featured the beginning band and the advanced band.

Band Director Yasmine Jason led the Beginning Band, mostly 6th and 7th graders, to a rousing rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In. That was followed by Old McDonald Had a Band. The evening concluded with Ode to Joy. All beginning students were presented certificates.

Jason said, “I love their excitement and tenacity. They want to learn more music.”

After intermission the Advanced Band, made up mostly of high school students, showed their versatility with Clouds followed by Stone Mountain Stomp. The program also included Two-Minute Symphony and concluded with Jazzoo.

Jason introduced the new leaders of the band for the 2017-18 school year. They are:
Michael McNatt- Librarian, Jasmine Ward- Librarian, Nicholas Hassell- Lieutenant, Angel Baird –Lieutenant, Justin Johnson- Lieutenant, Ethan Morgan- Lieutenant, Clement Jones- Lieutenant, Antwaine Lewis- Low Brass Captain, Zachary Riolo – Low Brass Captain, Bobby White – Band Captain, Steven Williams– Drum Captain, Tyniesha Callahan- Co Drum Captain, Aaliyah Luke- Dance Line Captain, Sha’Crystal Haskett- Dance Line Captain, Jimmy Putek– Drum Major, and Shantwaine Lewis- Drum Major.

During the past year the band has participated in all-district and all-state band competitions. And they have marched and played in several parades including the Morgan City Mardi Gras Parade. Jason says, “they got excellent ratings in every marching band contest.”

At the conclusion of the concert, Jason presented awards to band members as follows:
Special Awards…
Excellence in Leadership -Sha’ Crystal Haskett, Excellence in Leadership – Aaliyah Luke, Most Improved – La’Miracle Allen, Most Dedicated – Crystal Jackson, Most Productive – Brittney Perkins, and Excellence in Leadership – Kenya Horton.

Other awards presented included:

Directors Choice Award- Bobby White, Most Outstanding Musician – Jimmy Putek, Excellence in Music –Shantwaine Lewis, Excellence in Performance– Clement Jones, Most Improved High School- Tyniesha Callahan, Excellence in Performance – Antwaine Lewis, Excellence in Music / Jr High- Justin Johnson, Most Improved Brass / Jr High- Layton Kerby, Excellence in Music/ Jr. High- Ethan Morgan, Most

RRPJ-Band BOTTOM-17May17

Today is Opening Day – Anderson’s Produce

RRPJ-Anderson TOP-17May17

It is May 17th already!!! And the veggies are ready!

Anderson’s Produce is now open for the 2017 season. Farmer Jason Anderson said, “We are going to have a bumper crop of tomatoes.”

“Warm weather has created an early and productive crop,” added Anderson “we are ready to get the vegetables going for the year.”

In addition Anderson’s Produce will also have ferns and flowers to sell as well. The greenhouses are packed with big, lush Boston Ferns and lots of varieties of flowers.

Stop for a moment and gaze at the new waterfall and pool in the rear of the produce stand. Take a few minutes to relax in the shade and see all that is new at Anderson’s for this season.

Opening day features tomatoes, potatoes, onions and so much more. The weather has been just right to grow delicious vegetables in the rich river soil of south Red River parish.

Jason Anderson invited you to “come to the farm.” Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm on Highway 174 half way between I-49 and LA 1.

Paid Advertising

Two from Red River Accepted at LSMSA

LSMSA-NSU
The Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is this state’s premier secondary school. Students follow advanced courses of study including some college credit courses.

High achieving students from throughout the state apply each spring to join the next year class at LSMSA. This year two students from Red River Parish applied and were accepted for the 2017-18 school year.

The students who have been accepted to attend LSMSA from Red River Parish are Sagar Patel and Thomas Harvey. Both attend Red River High School.

Patel is a sophomore and the son of Kishor and Sharmistha Patel. Harvey is also a sophomore. His parents are Vince and Betsy Harvey of Coushatta.

Theft of 4-Wheeler Lands Two in Jail

RRPJ-Theft 4 Wheeler
On May 3, 2017 a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputy was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Elria Road east of Coushatta in reference to a missing four wheeler. The complainant stated that the ATV had been stolen from her propertyovernight and that nothing else seemed to be disturbed or missing.

After gathering information from the victim, a report was generated and forwarded to the RRPSO’s criminal investigators for further investigation. Data from the missing ATV was subsequently entered into the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) database.

Five days following its disappearance, deputies were once again dispatched to the area. Anoccupied four wheeler, thought to be the missing ATV, had been observed by its owner parked on the side of Hwy 784. Upon arrival, deputies met the owner andpositively identified the four wheeleras her stolen ATV. The subject in possession of the ATV was transported to the RRPSO for questioning.

Following an interview by an RRPSO investigator, on May 8, 2017 Joshua S. Edwards, W/M, age 17 of the 5000 block of Hwy 784, Coushatta, LA was placed under arrest. He was booked into the Red River Parish Jail and charged with one count of Theft over $750 but less than $5,000.

Later that day, investigators developed a second suspect also alleged to have been involved in the theft. On May 9, 2017 a warrant was issued for the arrest of Casey D. Keith, W/M, age 26 of the 300 block of Pete Slaughter Road, Campti, LA. Shortly after obtaining the warrant, detectives located Keith at a residence in the 200 block of WPA Road northeast of Coushatta. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Red River Parish Jail on one count of Theft over $750 but less than $5,000.

The bond amount for Edwards was set at $5,000 and he remains incarcerated. Keith’s bond was set at $4,000 and he also remains incarcerated at this time.

Seniors Walk for Inspiration

RRPJ-Senior Walk TOP-17May17
The graduating class of Red River High School went to the elementary school Tuesday morning for a “Senior Walk.” They went to inspire young students about their future.

“They’re encouraging our students to stay in school,” said Principal Shenell Deville. She said Red River Elementary School just had career day, and now the “Senior Walk” will add encouragement to the young scholars. Deville added “It will get them thinking what they (the elementary students) will need to do to be in that walk themselves some day.” Her emphasis is on encouraging student to stay in school.

The elementary students are winding up the school year. Today is the pre-K ceremony at 9:30 and the Kindergarten ceremony at 1:00 pm. Thursday is the 5th grade ceremony at 1:00 pm. And on Friday the 3rd and 4th grade ceremony will be at 9:00 am followed by the 1st grade ceremony at Noon and the 2nd grade ceremony at 1:00 pm.

RRPJ-Senior Walk BOTTOM-17May17

Local students in NSU Spring Graduating Class

 

NSUSeal

Northwestern State University awarded degrees to 865 graduates during Spring Commencement Exercises held May 12 in Prather Coliseum. The commencement speaker was Stewart Ewing, executive vice president and chief financial officer for CenturyLink, and a 1973 graduate of Northwestern State’s School of Business. Ewing was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Spring graduates from Coushatta were: Anthony Scaturro, Associate of General Studies; Macie Wood, Bachelor of General Studies; Dustin Allen, Caroline Doughty, Barbara Johnson, Raquel Lewis, Jesseca Tomerlin, Mackenzie Williams, Bachelor of Science; Juliana Handy, Master of Music; Sh’Kea Sibley, Associate of General Studies;

Etc…May 17th

rrpjetc

Spring Football is Friday. The gridiron comes alive. Friday night at 6:00 pm you’ll hear the quarterback call the plays and the pop of shoulder pads as the Red River Bulldogs scrimmage Bossier High School. The game will be played at Pat Strother Memorial Stadium. If you are looking forward to next season, Athletic Director Billy Henry said the Bulldog’s 2017 schedule is posted on the Max Preps website.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church announced that their Memorial Service will be held as part of morning worship on Sunday at 11 am. There will be a covered dish meal after the service.

Some Notes as Time Passes. This past weekend the community said goodbye to Patsy Cole. She touched so many lives through her work in the school system that her effects will go on long after her passing. The Journal has heard it said she was a fighter who never gave up and never gave in. Patsy you will be missed.

Also note the passing of Frank Bryan at age 94. Bryan was in business in the Coushatta area for a number of years. He also was the last surviving member of the first NBA All-Star game.

Also passing are two “institutions” in Coushatta. Friday was the last day for Fred’s Pharmacy, formerly Red River Drug. I can still see the murals on the side where the drive in window is. And the alligator asking us to save the planet because we need a place to shop.

And loyal patrons and the breakfast bunch have dined for the last time at Kayla’s before the doors closed Friday afternoon. The windows are shuttered now. But the great memories live on.

Kids can ‘get their adventure on’ with Jr. Watermen Camp this summer

SUP-Paddle 2

Kids, get your adventure on with six fun days of Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking! Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports in Natchitoches will offer a Jr. Watermen Camp for boys and girls ages 7 and above June 5 – July 21.

Campers will be given the opportunity to explore and experience a new world on Cane River Lake via Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking while also learning water safety.

“We want to help everyone access and experience Cane River Lake and foster a sense of adventure in our campers,” said Gerry Kiefer.

The SUP experience starts with quality instruction from beginner strokes and maneuvers to more advanced techniques during this fun-filled week. Beginner paddlers will develop a solid foundation for Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking.
Camp Dates (Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays- weather permitting):

• June 5th – 16th
• June 19th – 30th
• July 10th – 21st

Times: 

• Ages 7-10, 9-11 am
• Ages 11-13, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Ages 14+,  2-4 pm

Week 1: Stand-Up Paddleboards

• Monday: Basic paddling (how to get on/off the board, row, steer)
• Wednesday: Review basics/Intermediate paddling (new turn techniques, effective paddling strokes)
• Friday: Review intermediate/Racing

Week 2: Kayaks

• Monday: Basic Kayaking
• Wednesday: Review basics/Intermediate paddling.
• Fri.: Review intermediate/Racing

***Participants must be able to swim***

No skills are required. Registration is recommended but drop-ins will be accepted. The fee is $90 per week. To sign up for a class call 318-527-0066 or email caneriverpaddlepedal@yahoo.com.

With the warm weather of summer on the horizon, Cane River Paddle & Pedal reminds the Natchitoches community that rentals start at $20/hour. Spring days & hours are 12-7 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 1-7 pm on Sundays (weather permitting).

Cane River Paddle and Pedal recommends comfortable active or swimwear (all under $30) for your best paddling/pedaling adventure. Browse the Showroom location at 780 Front Street, Suite 104, for great accessories, activewear (brands such as 90 Degree high-performance moisture wicking technology) to keep you cool and comfortable. For more information go online to http://www.caneriverpaddlepedalsport.com.

Paid Advertising

Tax Election Calls

RRPJ-TAX Election Calls-17May12
Local governing bodies are in the process of renewing their tax base. The Police Jury and School Board are taking the legal steps for renewing their taxes.

On May first the Red River Parish Police Jury approved their call to renew their Ad Valorem Taxes.

At their meeting of May 8th the Red River Parish School Board passed the resolution to put their tax renewals on the ballot.

The tax renewals will be on the ballot Saturday October 14, 2017. That is the date of local and statewide elections, including electing a replacement for the State Treasurer. Treasurer John Kennedy ran for and won a seat in Congress.

Homecoming at Wesley Chapel

By Laura Tomerlin

RRPJ-Wesley Chapel TOP 2-17May12D

The service and floral arrangements were in memory of Pastor Billy Turner (New Orleans Saints) and Wayne Browning (LSU). Bro. John Kavanaugh delivered the inspiring message “A Heart Like Daniel.”

Florence Bethard played the piano and that’s always a special treat. The hymns we sang were “We Gather Together,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Buddy Fowler did the welcome/ announcement, introduced Rev. John Kavanaugh, read scriptures and read the memorial for Billy Turner that was written by Mary Turner. Rev. Jerry Brannen gave the memorial for his father in law Wayne Browning. Arthur Mangham and Dickie Milner took up the offering.

Dr. William Peeples & his wife Fane came. And Rev. Doug Cain and his wife Martie came for the dinner after he preached at FUMC Coushatta.

Of course there was plenty of delicious food. It was a wonderful day filled with many blessings!

RRPJ-Wesley Chapel TOP 1-17May12CRRPJ-Wesley Chapel Bottom-17May12BRRPJ-Wesley Chapel Bottom 2-17May12A