Funeral services are pending for 17-year-old Rachel Barnett of Coushatta at Rocket-Nettles Funeral Home. She was killed by an impaired driver on Wednesday afternoon. The photo is of Barnett and Lacy Ross (on the left) who was injured from the Hickory Grove Baptist Church Facebook page.

The church posted on Thursday “Please pray for everyone concerned with the tragic death of the teenager yesterday, including the driver and his family. So many lives ‘messed up’ in an instant.”

Here is the release from State Police in Shreveport”

On July 26, 2017, at 5:42 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to crash involving a vehicle and two pedestrians on Louisiana Highway 784 just east of US Highway 71 that claimed the life of a Coushatta teenager.

The preliminary investigation revealed that 19-year-old Lacy Ross and 17-year-old Rachel Barnette of Coushatta were walking on the side of LA 784, when they were struck by a westbound 2002 Buick Century operated by 47-year-old Kenneth Morse of Coushatta.

Ross sustained minor injuries from the collision and was transported to University Health Shreveport for treatment. Barnette sustained fatal injuries from the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Red River Parish Coroner.

Morse was not injured in the crash and but was impaired at the time of the crash. At the completion of the on-scene investigation, Morse was transported to the Red River Parish Jail and booked for vehicular negligent injuring, vehicular homicide, open container, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Impairment is a factor in this crash. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Each year, on Louisiana’s highways, numerous people are killed or seriously injured in automobile crashes that involve impaired drivers. In 2016, 52% of the fatal crashes in the Troop G area involved impaired drivers. Motorists are asked to designate a sober driver any time alcohol is consumed.
To report impaired drivers, motorists are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Bossier Sheriff’s Office detectives called off their search late Thursday morning for possible human remains in Red River Parish that involved one of Bossier’s missing person’s cases. However, Bossier detectives are continuing their investigation and encouraging anyone with information to speak up.

A tip received by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office earlier this week led Bossier and Red River detectives and deputies on a nearly three-day search in a wooded area just behind an abandoned trailer home off of Highway 507, about 11 miles south of Coushatta on Highway 71.

The search began just before noon July 25 and was called off around 11 a.m. July 27.
“We conducted as thorough a search as any law enforcement agency could,” said Bossier Sheriff Whittington. “Our deputies were joined by Red River deputies, and they worked tirelessly to search for human remains or clues that would help us in our investigation. Unfortunately, none were found.”

When deputies began their search on Tuesday, they had to clear the wooded area just behind the house. They then diligently and methodically sifted through the soil and ground area.

“When we receive tips and leads about any of our cases under investigation, we take them seriously,” said Sheriff Whittington. “When those tips involve a missing person, we are very aware that there are family members wanting answers, and we will leave no stone unturned.”

Sheriff Whittington dispatched the Crime Scene Investigation team, Mobile Command bus and patrol deputies to the scene off of Highway 507 to conduct the search and have a place where deputies could have a cool place to break and eat during the hot, humid days. They worked from daybreak and used portable lighting to keep searching until around midnight Tuesday and Wednesday. They were hopeful something would turn up to help provide a break in the investigation.

“I want to emphasize that anyone who has any information, please forward it on to us,” said Sheriff Whittington. “Even though in this case it didn’t work out, that doesn’t matter. We’re persistent, and we’re going to keep following leads as long as it takes. I encourage you to call your Crime Stoppers or your local police or your sheriff’s agency and let them know what’s going on because it may be the break that we’ve been waiting for. Don’t hold back; don’t hesitate. Please, if you have information, pass it on.”

Contact the Bossier Sheriff’s Office at (318) 965-2203, the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-932-4221, or your local law enforcement agency with your tips. You can also leave your anonymous tip at Bossier Crime Stoppers at (318) 424-4100.

On July 20, 2017 Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a complaint at a residence on Suzanne Street off of LA 155 in Coushatta. The subsequent investigation led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 81 grams of Marijuana, along with numerous baggies consistent with those commonly used for the distribution of illegal narcotics. Two juveniles were inside the home at the time of the seizure.

Devontis S. Brewer, B/M, age 34 of the 1300 block of Suzanne St., Coushatta, LA was taken into custody and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. He was charged with one count each of the following: Possession of Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Use of Controlled Dangerous Substance in Presence of Persons under Seventeen Years of Age.

On July 24, 2017 Brewer posted a $5,000 bond and was released pending a trial date.

It is still the heat of summer surrounding Coushatta’s Pat Strother Memorial Stadium. But the Red River High School Bulldog Football Team is hard at work. And they face a couple of tough challenges this year.

The Bulldogs new head coach, John Bachman has been in the job about a week. He had been with the team during most of the summer as assistant coach.

Another challenge is a new football district configuration to play in. This year Red River faces Winnfield, Bunkie, Many, and Holy Savior Menard in district play in addition to old competitor Lakeview.

And there is just over a month until the first game!

Red River Football kicks off with a road game at Grambling September 1st against Lincoln Preparatory School. The first of five district games begins October 6th at home facing Winnfield. The complete schedule is posted below.

The Bulldogs have a way to go. But the coaches the Journal talked to say they are up to the challenge. Make plans to follow the team to Lincoln Prep September 1st, then be in Strother Stadium to welcome Arcadia September 8th.

Myra Evans-Manyweather is a 1981 Graduate of Martin High School. She is an author and Air Force veteran retiree born and raised in Coushatta, LA. Evans-Manyweather told the Journal, “I graduated from Martin High School. I currently work for the Department of Defense at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX where I reside with my husband Arthur and son AC. I just earned the Air Force Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award, and would like to share it with friends and family back home in Coushatta.”

Here is the Air Force’s announcement of the award:

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — Air Force officials recently named the winners for the 2017 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. The award honors military members and Department of Defense civilian employees who have supported military missions or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomize the qualities and core values of their service branch or other DOD component.

The 2017 distinguished recipients include:
Myra L. Evans-Manyweather, Support Agreement Manager Program Analyst, 502nd Air Base Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Air Education and Training Command.

Evans-Manyweather’s superb leadership and dedication to service were crucial to the management of the 502nd’s $38 million reimbursable intra-/inter-service support agreement program, terminating 47 of 69 expired and superseded agreements, consolidating 15 into five and improving currency rate by 40 percent. On- and off-duty, Evans-Manyweather lives out her personal mantra, “start where you are.” She became a published author in July 2016. In her book, Start Where You Are: My Journey from Childhood Poverty to Passionate Entrepreneur, she shares personal trials and triumphs in overcoming discrimination and eliminating barriers that hinder equal opportunities in what she refers to as “underserved communities.” Additionally, she volunteered more than 20 hours facilitating focus groups to gain actionable data from participants to help find the root cause of the tendency of former offenders to reoffend within a one-to three-year period after release.

On July 17, 2017 Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a complaint at a residence on Mary Street off of Ringgold Avenue in Coushatta. As deputies entered the residence, a suspect attempted to flee through the back door of the residence. He was immediately taken into custody and identified as Donald Miller. As Miller attempted to flee, he threw what was later identified as a substantial amount of synthetic cannabis on the bedroom floor.

A subsequent search of the residence for illegal narcotics yielded the following: ten grams of synthetic cannabis, a digital scale and baggies commonly used in the weighing and packaging of illegal narcotics for resale, cigars and $252.00 of U.S. currency in small denominations, which is consistent with street level narcotics sales. All items were seized and placed into evidence.

Donald D. Miller, B/M, age 36 of the 1800 block of Jones St., Coushatta, LA was taken into custody and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. He was charged with Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule I Synthetic Cannabinoids with Intent to Distribute.

On July 20, 2017 Miller posted a $5,000 bond and was released pending a trial date.

Pastor Harry Bamburg says they are worshiping in their new church building and loving it. He invites you to service Sunday to see their new facility.

Liberty Baptist is located off Highway 507 down Benton Adkins Road to Liberty Church Road. Turn at the large telephone tower on Highway 507. Bamburg has pastored the church since 2008. When the Journal spoke with him he was excited over completion of the new facility.

Sunday, August 13th is the 155th anniversary of the church’s founding. Bamburg said they are having a special anniversary service. The new facility is ready just in time for the anniversary.

August 13th the church is also beginning a week-long revival series lasting through Friday August 18th. Bamburg says Brother Sam Moore will be the Evangelist and Brother Price Harris will lead the music. Moore is known in Red River Parish as a powerful preacher of the Word. He was the Evangelist for the recent Red River Crusade and has appeared at numerous other local churches.

If you want to see a great smile, just talk to Harry Bamburg about Liberty Baptist Church. Or you can see for yourself at Liberty Baptist Church this Sunday. Sunday School starts at 9:45 and the Worship Service begins at 11:00 am.

The “Back to School” rush is in full speed ahead. Teachers and other school personnel are making their final preparations to get their classrooms “just right.”
There are new teachers who will be introduced to students and parents at open house coming up soon.

The Back to School Bash is happening next week. We will have an update on the tremendous offer of backpacks and school supplies being made available to our students.

Riverdale Academy is getting ready with their Ice Cream Social coming up in the near future.

Both schools are putting together their fall athletic programs, dance lines, the RR Bulldog Marching Band is practicing in the school parking lot, and it goes on and on.

If you need details, please consult earlier editions of the Journal. Or go to your school’s Facebook page.

There is a baby shower in the near future at the parish health unit.

Riverdale is planning a “Rebel Fest” on September 9th.

Our children go back to school on August 9th. The big yellow school busses will be picking up children every morning and taking them home in the afternoon. Please be aware if you travel on a road with a blind curve or other feature that could block your vision. Tragedy struck just this week with teenagers walking on the side of a road. Slow down, you’ll get there safely. Drive carefully!

Riverdale Academy posted on their Facebook page that they are looking forward to watching the Rebelettes perform this fall. They did extremely well at their recent camp.

Their page stated:
“The Rebelettes attended Marching Auxiliaries Dance Camp in Houston this week. Officers Kaylee Merry and Emily Hodge, received grand champion rating on their jazz routine and the team received grand champion rating on their Pom routine. All five members received an All American ribbon. Kaylee Merry, Emily Hodge and Tylee Adams also earned an Honor Roll Award.”

Shown in the group picture are Tylee Adams, Kenley Loftin, Kaylee Merry, Emily Hodge, and Emily Kirkland

You’re away from home at annual training with the Louisiana Army National Guard. Imagine a home cooked breakfast served hot just for you. That is what happened on Thursday July 20th at the armory in Coushatta.

Several members of Auxiliary 7287 to the Coushatta Veterans of Foreign Wars post prepared a delicious breakfast of sausage and egg casserole, breakfast burritos, fresh baked muffins, sweet bread, cinnamon rolls and donuts. It was served at 0730 hours, that’s 7:30 am and consumed in almost total silence. Too good tasting, no time to talk.

The Guard’s C/2-108th Cavalry Squadron was participating in their annual two week training. They were well fed that day. Everyone from the privates to Captain Ford was gracious in their compliments and praise for the work of Ramel Fields, Susan Wastlund, Dawn Brewer and Angelia McCoy. There was very little left over.

Serving the Coushatta guard unit is one of the missions of VFW Post 7287 and Auxiliary 7287. Other activities of the veterans organization include visiting and working at the War Veterans Home in Bossier City, support and flag ceremonies at vets funerals, as well as providing the annual Americanism programs for students in Red River, Bienville and DeSoto parishes.

Is it really time? Yes it is time to say goodbye to fresh fruits and vegetables we’ve enjoyed all summer. These are the final days at Anderson’s Produce on Highway 174. The stand closes at 5 pm Saturday.

But now, today, you can still enjoy all of the great tastes of summer. Come to Anderson’s and stock up before the season ends. Andersons has fresh tomatoes and squash, okra, corn, watermelons, cantaloupes and so much more. All picked at the peak of freshness.

On a warm afternoon you can enjoy a cold drink while sitting by the garden pool and waterfall. Tour the grounds and pick a bouquet of zinnias. Take a break and relax for a few minutes. Then stock up on your favorite vegetables this week. Anderson’s will close at 5 pm Saturday for the season.

Jason Anderson and his staff thanks you for shopping with them this spring and summer. They are already planning for next year. There is much work to do between now and next May. Before you know it the new crop will be ready. We’ll see you in 2018.

Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm. Phone 318-932-1432. Or come to the farm, half way between I-49 and LA 1 on Highway 174.

Paid Advertising

The Athletic Booster Club at Red River High School will hold a Fish Fry Friday, July 27th. Fresh fried fish plates will be available at the Rivertown parking lot at noon. And they are providing delivery.

Randy Thomas, Jr. told the Journal “we’re supporting the various athletic programs at Red River. Proceeds from the sale of fish plates will go to provide picture signs for senior athletes.” Those signs will be displayed at Pat Strother Memorial Stadium for football games and also in the basketball gym.

The price is $10 for fish, fries, and the trimmings. Your drink is included. Call Randy Thomas for pre-orders. His number is 318-517-8140. Local delivery for the fish plates is available. Just ask Randy.

RRPJ-Fish Fry-17Jul26

Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) is co-hosting a series of hands-on crafting workshops entitled, “Crafternoons at Los Adaes” in partnership with Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts.

“It is our pleasure to once again partner with the School of Creative and Performing Arts, and to offer this heritage-inspired crafting series to our community,” said Cynthia Sutton, CRNHA CEO.

The final Crafternoons will take place inside the visitor center at Los Adaes State Historic Site and will take place from 1-3 p.m. July 27th. Leslie Gruesbeck, associate professor of art, will lead the workshops.

“Each of these workshops is designed to teach novice students new techniques and encourage seasoned crafters to consider new directions. It’s our hope that participants will be inspired by these traditional crafts and continue exploring ways that crafts can enrich their daily lives,” Gruesbeck said.

The final event on the schedule is tomorrow, July 27th. The topic is Bead on It! When bead weaving on a loom, designs are made by locking the beads in between the warp threads by the weft threads. Participants will have the opportunity to learn to read bead patterns and create a beaded piece of his or her own.

All attendees must be at least 12 years of age or older. Call (318) 356-5555 to reserve a space. Los Adaes is located just off Highway 6 near Robeline at 6354 Highway 485.

Some advice from the Red River Parish Health Unit. Don’t wait for the August rush. Have your children immunized for back to school.

Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner said, “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call for your appointment today. If you delay until a Friday afternoon you could see a long wait.” Everyone is thinking about kids going back to school. Turner said, “College students need immunizations also. The health unit serves children from kindergarten through college age.”

Immunizations are covered by Medicaid’s vaccination program. People with private insurance and those who have no insurance pay only $10 per visit regardless of the number of vaccinations received.

The Red River Parish Health Unit is located in the Annex building on Red Oak Road beside the courthouse. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Call 318-932-4087 for your appointment. Get back to school immunizations now, and avoid the last minute rush.

For the first time students at Red River High School may be able to enroll in a Graphic Arts Course. The instructor is Jeff Edwards. He has been teaching art and associated subjects, and this year is adding graphic arts.

Edwards said, “The course will teach the basics of creation and design for commercial purposes. We will delve into t-shirts, signs, banners, posters and similar items.“

Initially Edwards expects they will be dealing with school related items such as t-shirts for a school club. However they will get deeper into creating effective advertising campaigns as the school year progresses.

Here is a sneak peak at a future event for expectant mothers in our area. The Red River Parish Health Unit is celebrating World and National Breastfeeding Month during August. A special “Baby Shower” will be held the afternoon of August 11th at the health unit on Red Oak Road.

The Martin Water System advises customers that the system is under a boil advisory. This is due to water supply system problems. It is in effect until the water supply is cleared by health officials.

The start of school is quickly approaching. Both Red River and Riverdale have posted school supply lists and uniform requirements on their facebook pages. It is time to get ready now. Red River public schools are welcoming seven new teachers this fall, plus Red River High School has a new Principal and Assistant Principal.

Remember the “Back to School Bash” is happening late this month. All public school children who attend will receive a backpack and school supplies. There will be a hot dog supper, free haircuts, bounce houses, and many other surprises. It is all happening July 31st between 5:30 and 8:00 pm at the high school gym.

Scott Hale has resigned as Head Coach of the Red River Bulldogs. His assistant, John Bachman, Sr. has been named as the new head coach. The change was confirmed by Red River Parish School Superintendent Alison Hughes.

Hughes said, “We are very excited that Bachman is our new head coach.” Bachman had been considered for the head coaching job at the time Scott Hale was selected to be head coach. Hughes said, “It was an almost exact tie, and that is why we recruited him for the Assistant Coach position after we hired Scott Hale.” She added, “He has a wealth of experience and a wealth of success and I think we are going to be just fine.”

As for Hale’s reason for resigning, Hughes says she has only received a text message from Hale. He turned in his resignation to the school board office while Hughes is vacationing this week with her family. Hughes said, “I do not have a reason directly from Scott other than he did not feel that he could teach and coach and be successful.” Hughes added, “The main thing to stress is that anyone we hire to be a coach is number one hired to be a teacher.”

Hale had been on the job less than 3 months. He was introduced to the community on May 4th (see story in May 5th’s Red River Parish Journal). In his acceptance remarks at that time Hale said, “I’m so glad to be back. This is home. This is where I wanna be because Red River has so many great athletes.” The Journal’s attempts to reach Hale for comment on what changed since May have not been successful.

Superintendent Hughes shared with the Journal this text from Coach Bachman,
“With God’s continued blessing, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve RRHS and the community, as the new Head Football Coach. I look forward to the future, as we work together to mold our student athletes into ‘Men of Character’ on and off the football field.”

John Bachman will meet with the players at 8:00 am this morning (Friday July 21st) and continue preparations for the fall football season. Bachman has been on the job as assistant coach for about a month.

Family, friends, coaches and school officials looked on and cheered Thursday morning for Lakeya Lewis. She signed to play basketball for the Pratt Community College Beavers of Pratt, Kansas. The signing ceremony took place in the school library.

Lewis has an infectious smile and it was on display as she spoke with the Journal. She said, “The coach at Pratt told I was fast enough and a good shooter. After I work hard he would recommend me to a four year college. And perhaps someday to the WNBA.” Lewis added, “The advice he had was for me to be dedicated and work hard and put in the number of hours it takes to build up my skills.”

Lewis’ coach Missy Antilley said, “I think she will be picked up by a D-1 school next year.” Lewis has been considering several schools this spring and summer. “She made a very good decision (to go to Pratt)” added Antilley.

Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr. and Lewis cut a huge congratulatory cake. Henry said, “Our athletes having the opportunity to go to college and advances themselves in sports and academically is an amazing site. Lewis’ success lets the younger kids coming up through elementary and middle school know what it takes to be successful.”

Monday afternoon July 17th the Red River Parish Library’s activity room was filled with excited children, and many adults too! They came to be amazed. They were not disappointed.

The program, part of the Library’s summer reading program, presented David G. Wonders. He is billed as “Texas’ Magic Ambassador.”

Children’s’ Librarian Kala Sims said there were 39 children in the audience for Wonders’ presentation. Sims said he involved many of the children in his performance, as you can see in the photos.

The weekly activities for children at the library will wrap up next week. On Monday, July 24th at 2:00 pm it’s a musical presentation by Elizabeth Vidos. She is a percussionist whose nickname is “Lady Chops.” The brochure for the event said, “Ms Vidos was a member of the musical group STOMP and still travels the world making music with any thing she picks up.”

Many children took part in this years Summer Reading Program. Children’s’ Librarian Kala Sims said to get all of your reading requirements in by Monday July 24th. Then on Thursday July 27th at 2:00 pm, there will be the end-of-the-summer celebration along with games, crafts and fun. And that will wrap up the library’s summer program for kids.

Several members of the athletic department of Red River High School traveled to Baton Rouge this week. The delegation, lead by Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr, took part in the Louisiana High School Coaches Association annual conference.

The Journal went along representing the RRHS soccer program and after a thee-plus hour trip to Baton Rouge the first people I encountered at the hotel were from Winnfield. Lyn Bankston is their head football coach and it is his first year at Winnfield.

Bankston said, “It is an honor to be in our new district with Red River and other great schools. This district has a reputation for being one of the most competitive district in 2-A.” Winnfield is Red River’s first district opponent.

Topics presented during the three-day conference included sessions on coaching various sports including football, basketball, track & cross country, soccer, dance and cheer, powerlifting and other sports offered by high schools in the state. There were also sessions on sports administration and conditioning for athletes.

A highlight of the two day event was a presentation on defense in the college game by LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron. He said, “My objective is to keep our best high school players here in the state” He probably meant to add keep them playing for LSU! Orgeron generously shared the LSU defense with the high school coaches. Orgeron closed his remarks by saying “I wish everybody a tremendous season. Do your best!”

Two ballrooms at the Crowne Plaza hotel were filled with vendors offering game and practice equipment, uniforms, shoes, protective gear sports hydration and nutrition products, and the latest technological innovations in sports. Attendees came away with an arm load of catalogs and samples.

Attendees from Red River High in addition to Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr. were head football coach Scott Hale, Track coach Billy Henry, Sr., Cheer and Dance coach Alice Everett, and soccer coach John Brewer. Coach Hale left the conference early Tuesday morning.

Summer Dinner Theatre at NSU will present “Murder in the Court” July 26-29 and August 2-5 on the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage. Scott Burrell is the director.

Burrell said, “Murder in the Court” is a mystery comedy in which Judge Horton, called “Hanging Judge Horton,” is the most feared judge in town. He can find a man guilty and have him in jail quicker than most judges can bang a gavel. To make matters worse, the mayor has fired every judge in town except him. And some around town think Judge Horton is a little nuts. Legend has it Judge Horton once gave a guy “The Chair” for excessive parking tickets. But nuts or not he’s the only judge in town. And it’s got folks a bit nervous. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, none of them want to take their chances with the hanging judge. Not to mention, those who throw themselves at his mercy.”

“We’re offering our audience a truly immersive theatre experience,” said Burrell. “The show will be a crowd pleaser with a lot of audience interaction. It won’t be your typical show where you just sit and watch as the characters will mingle with the audience.”

Court will be in session when Northwestern State University’s Summer Dinner Theatre presents “Murder in the Court” July 26-29 and Aug. 2-5 on the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage. Tickets are $30, including dinner. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. For ticket information, call (318) 357-4218 or (318) 357-4483.

Services offered by the Family Justice Center of Northwest Louisiana. The program operates under the umbrella of the Webster-Bossier District Attorney’s office on a state grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the federal Victims Against Crime Act.

For Red River residents they provide a one stop referral service working with victims of domestic violence. Red River District Attorney Julie Jones is on their board of directors.

The Journal spoke with Family Justice Center Executive Director Jeri Bowen. She said, “We help abuse victims with finding shelter, getting protective orders, food and clothing, and relocating if that is necessary.” Bowen added, “There is a victims assistance office in each DA’s office in this part of the state. We assist approximately 25 to 30 people each month.

The Family Justice Center of Northwest Louisiana is located in Bossier City. Their phone number is 318-584-7171. After hours Hotline is 318-226-5015. Information is available online at nwlafamilyjusticecenter.org.

Here are a couple of advisories from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development that could cause you to alter your travel plans.

First, on Monday, July 24, 2017, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the LA 509 Bridge over Crooked Bayou in Red River Parish will be closed for approximately three (3) weeks for substructure repair. DOTD said this bridge is located approximately 1.1 miles East of the DeSoto Parish line and 0.9 miles West of the junction of LA 1, near Abington. ALL vehicles must detour using I-49 to US 84 to LA 1 to LA 509.

The second advisory from DOTD advises motorists that on Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., one lane of the LA 174 Bridge over Bayou Pierre in Red River Parish will be closed for routine bridge inspection. This bridge is located approximately 2.9 miles West of LA 1. This closure will allow vehicles 10 feet wide or smaller to pass through the bridge inspection zone. Larger vehicles must detour using I-49 to US 371 to LA 1.