Red River Bulldog Football – LIVE 

LISTEN LIVE – CLICK HERE

The Red River Parish Fair and Rodeo opens for a one week run on Tuesday.  Entries in the exhibit building can be brought in on Monday.  Also booth setup is Monday.

The Johnson Brothers Midway opens Tuesday at 6:00 pm and will be open through Saturday.  Tuesday and Thursday are armband nights.  Armbands may be purchased at a local fried chicken restaurant.

Wednesday night is 4-H night at the fair.  4-H’ers may purchase discount ride tickets at the midway booth.

This year’s rodeo is produced by two companies.  Friday night J2 Rodeo Company will produce the show.  On Saturday night the show will be produced by Champion Rodeo Company.

With the Red River Parish Fair beginning on October 3rd, Sheriff Edwards would like to share the following tips to help keep your family safe while enjoying the festivities:

• Keep your children in sight and teach them to stay close to you. It is easy to become separated in large crowds.
• Talk to your children about what being lost means and instruct them in what to do if they become lost.
• Should your child get lost, don’t look for them alone. Immediately notify law enforcement by contacting an officer or deputy at the fairgrounds or by calling the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) at 932-4221.
• Have your children carry or wear emergency information that tells how to reach you. Include phone numbers, emergency contacts, important medical information, and anything else you think is important.
• Dress kids in bright colors to make them easier to spot.
• Use your phone to take a photo of each child before leaving home. This will ensure that you have a current photo and will provide a record of exactly what they are wearing.
• Teach your child that it is okay to say NO and GET AWAY from any person or situation making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Instruct them to tell a trusted adult if anything happens that makes them feel this way.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast and prepare appropriately. On hot days, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Know where the first aid area is located should you need to access it quickly.
• When riding carnival rides, follow the safety rules and instructions of the carnival workers.
• When attending the parade, keep children a safe distance from moving vehicles and floats. Allow your children to eat only factory-wrapped treats.

Fair week is always an exciting time for the children and families of our community. Sheriff Edwards and RRPSO deputies look forward to seeing you all at the fairgrounds and will be present to help ensure that all have a fun and safe week!

Wednesday was national “See You At the Pole” observance as students around the nation and internationally gathered around their flagpole to pray. Red River High School met at the pole at 7:15 am, prior to the start of school, for their observance.

Many schools have active FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) chapters that organize this event. Red River Principal JC Dickey told the Journal, “We are now organizing FCA at Red River High. We are looking for the faculty member to sponsor it.”

The student led event featured many members of the student body who played and sang and lead the prayers. A moving rendition of “Spirit Break Out” was given by Bobby White.

Guest speaker was Maurice Rogers of the Red River Church of God in Christ of Coushatta. He reminded the students that in 1 Samuel 17 there is the story of a young man who battled a giant. Rogers said “In life there are battles you have to fight that others are afraid to fight. When others were afraid to pray in public, you prayed.” He urged the students to use “your unique ability God gave you to do what He wants. You can do what you were meant to be.”

Rogers closed his remarks by saluting the school and Principal Dickey for letting the young people pray and stand up when others are hesitant. Dickey estimated there were about 200 students and faculty gathered around the flagpole Wednesday morning.

Mid morning students attending Riverdale Academy were dismissed from classes to attend their “See You At the Pole” event. The program opened with student led prayer and singing and closed with everyone gathered around the flag to pray and sing “Sanctuary.”

The Journal spoke with Nicole Williams, the president of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) chapter. They organized the school event. Williams said, “It is important to have the freedom to say this is what we believe and we’re going to show it. It is students standing up and speaking out.”

Williams recalled that “See You At the Pole” began in Texas with ten students who gathered one morning at their flagpole to pray. She said, “It has grown into a large international event as students around the world gather at their flagpole to pray.”

Guest speaker at the Riverdale event was Jonah Morrow, Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Coushatta. Morrow spoke from Daniel 3, the story of three men thrown into the fiery furnace. Morrow asked the students, “Do you follow God, and is he the first person who comes to mind? If not, better check yourselves.”

Using the example from Daniel, Morrow told students, “Three ordinary people stood up for what they believed in the face of impossible odds. Ordinary people can do amazing things.” Morrow concluded by telling students, “Choose Him over sports, girlfriend or boyfriend, over family, over everything. Check yourself. Are you putting God first?”

Riverdale’s program concluded with students gathered around the American flag. There was student led prayer and singing to conclude the day’s activities.

Recently the Louisiana DARE Officers Association held its 26th annual training conference in Shreveport, LA. Red River Parish DARE Officers Lt. Roger Longino and Lt. Troy Murray were among the nearly 175 DARE Officers from across the state in attendance. Several workshops were offered covering a wide range of issues facing our young people today.

Sheriff Glen Edwards would like to thank Red River Elementary and Riverdale Academy as well as the community in general for supporting our DARE program. A special thanks goes to the Red River Parish Chamber of Commerce and Natchitoches Meat Pies for donating door prizes for the conference. The chamber provided gift certificates for a weekend lodge rental and another for a weekend RV site at Grand Bayou Resort while Natchitoches Meat Pies provided two cases of its signature pies.

DARE lessons are well under way in 5th grade classes at both Riverdale and Red River with graduations scheduled for November and December respectively.

The fall revival concluded Wednesday night at First Baptist in Coushatta. The sanctuary was nearly packed and those The Journal talked with said attendance had been good all week.

Wednesday’s speaker was Bro. Leland Crawford of First Baptist in Minden. Music Director for the services was Bro. Todd DuBose. He brought his family and many members of the Minden First Baptist choir. Their performance was outstanding.

Music of this great resounding choir filled the sanctuary with worship and praise songs. The congregation joined in on some selections and they gave generous applause to every song performed the choir. The music was dynamic, moving, uplifting and refreshing. It was a performance to be remembered.

Bro. Crawford said the choir was a tough act to follow as he described himself as “an obnoxious Texan living in Louisiana. I had Louisiana roots and growing up in Texas we always rooted for LSU.”

The message was based upon Matthew 23. Crawford said, “Jesus was talking about nit picky church members. Those who major in minor things.” He denounced the church today, “We’re being picky while the world is burning. That’s why people don’t come.”

“You’re not looking at the things that are important,” said Crawford, “Put the emphasis in the right place.” Bro. Crawford brought his message to a close telling the church “Don’t neglect the weightier matters: Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness. Be concerned with building relationships with the lost members of the local community.”

First Baptist Pastor, Dr. Nathan Davis concluded the revival series proclaiming it had been a great revival series. “We heard amazing singing and preaching. The Lord is good. He blesses us so much. We want to see God working across this state and our nation. Thank you for a wonderful week.”

Title of the revival series was Through the “Pulpit to the Pew.” Speakers in addition to Bro. Crawford and Dr. Davis were Dr. Eddie Wren, Dr. Adam Dooley, and Dr. Denny Autrey.

Soon there will be a new, larger welcome sign at the foot of the bridge coming into town. The Chamber of Commerce is working on a replacement for the sign that recognized sports greats from Coushatta. That sign was removed recently after being damaged.

Chamber President Karen Squires reported at this month’s meeting that three new sports figures are being added and possibly a fourth to the list of sports greats from our town.

The sign is a joint project. Squires said the town will put up the poles and mount the sign. The sign is being paid for by the chamber and its cost is approximately $1,200. After the sign is mounted the chamber will pay for landscaping the area around the sign.

The sign is being created by Century Marketing Solutions. It will be made of 5 metal panels. Squires said, “The sign can be updated and expanded easily by adding an extra panel as desired to honor more of Coushatta’s famous personalities.” The artwork for the sign will be released at a later date.

No date for completion was given. Chamber members discussed having the sign mounted in the next few months. The new sign will greet people coming into Coushatta across the US 84 bridge.

Residents of the parish are being encouraged to join the relief effort for Puerto Rico. The island was devastated by hurricane Maria.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has directed the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to lead a statewide donation drive to help Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico. Maria’s hurricane force winds whipped through the island and knocked out most forms of communication, while heavy rain caused severe flooding and has put a major dam at risk of failure. Thousands have been left without power or access to basic survival provisions like food, water and medication.

Shane G. Hubbard, Director Red River Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness is asking local residents to help. Hubbard said, “The Governor has asked each parish to help with the collection of the items listed below in Puerto Rico’s time of need.”

The drop off point for Red River Parish will be at Central Fire Station between the hours of 8:00am till 5:00pm. The point of contact will be Cyndy Freeman. Call her at (318)932-6676 or bring items to Central Fire Station. Also all items should be new and in original unopened box or container.

“We must work together during these difficult times to help those in great need,” said Gov. Edwards. “Puerto Rican officials say the island is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis if help does not arrive soon. I am asking everyone in Louisiana who can to once again support those facing tremendous adversity. We know how difficult the long road to recovery can be. We are looking for basic items to help the people of Puerto Rico begin that process.”

The items will be collected through Wednesday, October 11:
• Diapers
• Non-perishable formula
• Baby wipes
• Bottles and nipples
• Feminine care products

It is important to only donate the items on the list. Donation drives, at times, can cause more burden for a disaster area if a planned system is not used from start to finish. Keeping the initial statewide drive limited to specific items will make shipping the donations easier and will speed the delivery of the items to the people of Puerto Rico.

A news release from state officials said, “The Louisiana Army National Guard (LANG) will handle collecting the donated items and transporting them to Puerto Rico. LANG has previously helped with this type of drive after Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America.”

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Pops Concert Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.
Tickets are $10. Northwestern State University, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is music director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony. Guest conductors will be graduate assistant Jolie Gonzalez Masmela and graduate instructor Milovan Paz. Four NSU faculty, sopranos D’Nissa Hester, Dr. Marcy McKee and Terrie Sanders and baritone Dr. Corey Trahan will be featured along with baritone Michael Martin of Pineville, a sophomore music major at NSU. Martin will be the featured soloist on the premiere of “Sea Fever” by Northwestern State alumna Nettie Chenevert.

The RRHS Softball and Golf teams will be selling lunch plates at the Fair Grounds Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, from 10:45-1:00
The plate lunch includes a Down Home Sausage Dog with grilled onions and bell peppers, chips, dessert, and water…$10
Please support this fundraiser by pre-purchasing a $10 plate ticket by Friday from any of the team members or coaches…local delivery is available for those who cannot pick up.

Another reminder. Early Voting begins Saturday, September 30th.

Sheriff Glen Edwards would like to congratulate the 44 participants who recently completed the Louisiana Hunter’s Education Course! Following two days of classroom activities at the Grand Bayou Resort Event Center, the students finished with a field day at the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) Firing Range.

The course was led by instructors Captain Tracy Scott, Lt. Roger Longino and Sgt. Johnny Tingle all of the RRPSO, Trooper Melvin Massey of the Louisiana State Police and Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) Director Shane Hubbard.

Earlier this summer when it was learned that the local VFW Hall would no longer be able to host the training, Grand Bayou Resort stepped in and graciously opened its facility for this year’s class.

A special thanks to Grand Bayou Resort for use of its event center, the instructors for volunteering their time and the VFW for all of its support in past years!

The Chamber of Commerce makes it official, the annual Trunk or Treat event at Halloween is becoming “Trunk on Front Street.” The event has been held for the past few years at Grand Bayou. But the chamber approved last week a change of location.

The moving force behind Trunk on Front is Catherine Bijolle the owner of Jolie Vintage Art Studio. She is a member of the chamber and said, “This is to be an event for children age 3 to 12 years. Nothing scary, just fun stuff. Participants should bring plenty of candy and other giveaways and plan on keeping their trunk open until at least 7 O’clock.”

Chamber President Karen Squires said she had talked with town officials. “We will be able to close Front street from Alonzo to Ringgold Avenue at 4:30 on October 31st” said Squires. She also said she would contact the Sheriff’s Department and the town police department about providing traffic control and security for the event.

Bijolle said, “In organizing this event we will reach out to churches, businesses and individuals to have a trunk. There is limited space so participants are asked to register to be assured a spot. Register at Jolie Vintage on Front Street, or call 932-0039, or text to 318-871-7946.”

Trunk on Front Street will be held beginning about 5:00 pm on Halloween night, October 31st.

It had been at least two years since local football games had been broadcast. The Journal’s new Sports division brought the broadcasts back last Friday night. Game announcers were Billy Henry, Sr. and Billy Henry, Jr. Both men are experienced coaches and play by play announcers.

Here is the story of Journal Sports’ first broadcast from Billy Henry, Sr.:

Friday night was a great game. The Red River Bulldogs travelled down south to Alexandria to go up against the ASH Trojans. This game was dubbed the Bachman Bowl. The father Head Coach of the Red River Bulldogs Coach John Bachman Sr. vs Son Head Coach of ASH Trojans Coach Thomas Bachman. Note: this is the first time Father and son are on opposite sides of the ball.

The Bulldogs fought hard and never gave up to the end of the game. This is nothing new for the Bulldogs. The Trojans dress out 100 players, and this 5A power house team simply kept moving players’ in and out thru whole game trying to wear down the Dogs. But true to form the Bulldogs fought to stay in the game.

Coach Bachman Sr. prepared the Bulldogs well and the fight was on against his son’s Trojans. The Trojans, under Coach Bachman Jr. where true to their name as they marched to victory The final score was Trojans 40 and the Bulldogs 20. Son may have beaten his father, but rest assured the Trojans have a new found respect for the Bulldogs. It is not over, this game will be replayed next year.

This coming Friday night will see the Bulldogs on the road again. They play Richland High School of Monroe. Kickoff is 7:00 pm with the broadcast of the game beginning at 6:50 pm. To listen to the game, go to http://www.redriverparishjournal.com or the like the Red River Parish Journal on Facebook or follow the Journal on Twitter. The game will also be broadcast on Coushatta radio station KRRP 950.

Riverdale Academy and Red River High School are observing the national See you At the Pole day. Get to the high school early tomorrow morning. Red River High students will gather at the flag pole in front of the High School at 7:15 am for their See You At the Pole event.

Tiffany Foshe is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader at Riverdale Academy. She and Nicole Williams planned the event. Riverdale will dismiss classes at 10:00 am and students, faculty and the public will gather on the football field for their observance.

Five adults and five youth were recognized Sunday as the best skeet shooters at the conclusion of Straight Shooters 2017 at Fairview Baptist Church. The skeet shooting competition was held Sunday afternoon and a gala banquet was held Sunday evening.

Pastor Matt Endris described Straight Shooters as “a way to have a community wide event that is an opportunity to fellowship with people we might not see everyday. We bring them together to demonstrate their skeet shooting ability. It is also an opportunity to share the gospel with them.”

Guest speaker for the banquet was Gevan Spinney, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Haughton and President of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He spoke on the outdoors and hunting and some of his adventures as a youngster. He then shared one of his favorite verses, John 10:9.

Spinney said, “Some people think there are many ways to get to heaven, or that there is a back door such as good works, or ways to earn your way in. In John 10:9 Jesus states ‘I am the door’ meaning He is the only way.” Spinney added, “Many people may be disappointed when they find out too late that their way is not His way.”

There were prizes presented to the adult and youth shooting champions, including camping gear, Yeti coolers, and other great prizes. And there were many door prizes awarded to guests at the banquet.

The top shooters in the adult category were:
1. Clancy Scarbrough
2. Josh Franks
3. David Beard
4. Ethan Roberts
5. Dylan Waters

Top shooters in the youth category were:
1. Brennan Edie
2. Connor Roberts
3. Jordan Nealy
4. Kate Shaw
5. Levi Endris

On September 18, 2017 Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Rolling Hills Trailer Park in reference to a theft. The caller alleged that ten days earlier a female visiting his home had stolen his cell phone.

After talking with the complainant, deputies proceeded to the last known address the female subject had frequented. Upon arrival, occupants of the house informed deputies that she was not there and that her whereabouts were unknown to them.

Later that afternoon, deputies visited a second residence where the subject, later identified as Ashley Dyner, was thought to be located. Upon arrival, deputies were approached by Dyner who immediately handed over the cell phone in question but denied that she had stolen it. Unable to produce any identification, she twice misled deputies by providing false names.

After receiving consent to search her personal property, deputies recovered three used syringes consistent with those used in administering illegal drugs and collected them as evidence. Dyner was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. Throughout the booking process Dyner continued to misrepresent her name before being positively identified by Red River Communications.

Ashley N.Dyner, W/F, age 34 of the 300 block of Ringgold Avenue, Coushatta, LA was charged with Theft less than $750, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two counts of Resisting an Officer by giving False Information Regarding Identity.

Her total bond was set at $1,000. She was subsequently transported to the Claiborne Parish Jail for housing where she remains incarcerated.

By: Joshua Loftin

The Council on Aging is a government based organization established to serve the elderly. But what the Red River Parish Council on Aging is widely known for is its lunches.

From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm it feeds all elderly people from the age 60 and up. If you choose to you can come and eat and hang out with friends and enjoy a good laugh.

But, it is not just people from Red River people that come, Riba Friday, a 92 year old woman comes all the way from Campti, LA (20 miles away) even though she has a Council on Aging in her parish. Her reason, “The food is good and I have lots of friends who I love to visit and sit and eat with.”

Diane Slatten who has been going to the Council on Aging for years said “The food is great! I come 5 days a week.”

Barry Hilton a worker for the Council on Aging for 16 years said when asked about what he thinks about the Council on Aging. “I think it is a wonderful idea and a good job that they are doing on helping the elderly.” He also stated that the Council on Aging opened in the early 1970’s. He also said they usually get good turnouts on most days. “Like fish Friday averages about 160” Hilton stated that fried chicken day and beef tips and rice day is also a hit.

A well balanced and nutritious meal is served every week day for people 60 and older. The price is $3. The Council on Aging is located on Front Street in downtown Coushatta.

Editor’s Note: Joshua Loftin was The Journal’s “shadow” last Thursday. It was part of a course he is taking at Red River High School. The Journal took Loftin to lunch then assigned him to report on the feeding program run by the Council on Aging. This is his report.

By Yasmine Jason, Red River High School Band Director

This past weekend, I took ten students to Tioga High School to audition for our District Honor Band. They were Angel Baird, Bobby White, Shantwaine Lewis, Justin Johnson, James Putek, Zachary Riolo, Clement Jones, Antwaine Lewis, Steven Williams and Ashton Smith.

Honor Band is when Band Directors from different parishes select their most outstanding players to audition against others from different schools. The top ranked students then form a super ensemble, which we call Honor Band. For our district, these students came from Rapides, Grant, Winn, Avoyelles, Sabine and Red River Parishes.

I am very excited to announce that our very own James Putek not only was selected, but he had the highest audition score for Euphonium in District 2! He will now advance to All State Competition, which put students all over the state of Louisiana against each other to see who is the best instrumentalist in the state. We have NEVER had a student qualify for All State Band before. James Putek made Red River History this weekend.

This is a TREMENDOUS achievement and I am amazingly proud of all the students that auditioned and especially proud of James’ accomplishment. His next audition will be October 14th and hopefully he’ll make it to the final round audition and be named the best Euphonium player in the state of Louisiana!

Have you ordered your sweet potatoes yet? The local 4-H Club is pre-selling sweet potatoes. Orders must be placed before October 31st. Come to the 4-H office in the LSU Ag Center Red River office. They are located in the parish Administration Building, second floor on the Red Oak Road. Call 932-4342 for more information.

Early voting for the October 14th election begins Saturday September 30th. Early voting lasts one week, through Saturday October 7th. Go to the Registrar of Voters office in the courthouse to vote early.

Tonight is the last night of revival at First Baptist Church in Coushatta. Tonight the speaker will be Bro. Leland Crawford.

Several of the softball players from Riverdale Academy have been selected to the all district teams. Details were posted on Riverdale’s Facebook page “Congratulations to the following Lady Rebel Softball players:

1st Team All- District- Madison Alexander, Josey Cobb, and Jamie Swayze.
2nd Team All-District- Gracie Almond, Bailee King, and Alyssa Woodard.
Madison Alexander and Josey Cobb were selected to play in the MAIS All-Star game also!”

By Joshua Loftin

September 19th the Red River Elementary Paw Parents had another meeting. Christy Suggs the secretary of Paw Parents said, “This is the biggest turnout we have ever had at these meetings.” 25-30 parents showed up to support their kid’s school. The group’s purpose is to provide financial support and organize events that the school doesn’t provide or budget for.

What the Paw Parents have provided the school with so far is but a phase of the new playground; new equipment and gaga pit. They have done numerous fundraisers including; volleyball tournament, pageant, Christmas Store, Carnival, and candy sales. This was all of last year’s accomplishments and now there is some new business to get done and new goals to be accomplish.

Projects and goals that parents want to achieve have now been addressed and one step further in the process. Their first achievement was purchasing $250 worth of books along with donating a huge sum amount. Up next on their list is to purchase a new dryer for the school. Also they’re wanting to get a stage for school activities, such as at the high school. Repairing some things in the school is a priority as well. Folding chairs, Academic and sport recognitions are a few more on their to – do list. A donation of $250 for the art program for new supplies. Drama/Music is all needing a $250 donation to help with a parent Christmas Program. At the meeting projects amounting to approximately $7,000 were approved for this school year.

Editor’s Note: Joshua is a junior at Red River High School and enrolled in the Advanced Careers Readiness course. On Thursday, September 21st he shadowed the Journal observing the activities of putting together the Friday edition. Those activities including covering news, doing interviews, writing stories, taking pictures, and polishing the final story. Look for additional stories by Joshua in coming editions.

Red River High School Football returns to the airwaves and the internet tonight . (Friday Sept 22nd). The Red River Parish Journal has made arrangements to present live play-by-play of both home and away games for the remainder of this season.

Game announcer will be Red River’s Head Track Coach Billy Henry, Sr. Color commentary will be provided by school Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr. The Henry’s were announcers for games on KRRP several years ago.

Friday night the Bulldogs travel to Alexandria to play ASH (Alexandria Senior High). They are a 5-A school with over 80 players on the roster.

The Bulldogs are 3-0 coming into the game. ASH’s record is 1-2. Neither team has played in district competition thus far. Red River’s Coach is John Bachman, Sr. and his son, Thomas Bachman is the head coach for the ASH Trojans. This is the first time teams coached by them have met in a head-to-head contest.

You can listen to the game beginning at 6:50 pm. There is a player to click on the Journal’s home page, http://www.RedRiverParishJournal.com. Or you may follow the Journal on Facebook and listen from there. Over the air, the games will be broadcast on Coushatta’s radio station KRRP 950 AM.

Local sponsors for the broadcasts include Tyler Insurance Agency, American Bank, Quality Ford, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Bank of Coushatta and Bethard and Bethard Attorneys. If you would like to sponsor Red River High Football, call John Brewer at the Journal, 318-564-3609.

A group is forming by Social Springs Baptist Church to go next month to the recreation of Noah’s Ark located in Kentucky. Church member Billy Davis filled in the details:

“We plan a van trip and the van is full. We could make it a bus trip if several additional people wish to join us. The dates are October 9 through 13th. We will drive straight thru each way. We will visit Ark Encounter on Tuesday October 10th. We will spend two days at nearby Creation Museum on Wednesday and Thursday October 11th and 12th. The group will travel home on Friday.

Room reservations are for double occupancy @ Days Inn in Florence, KY. We have tried to hold the price at $500 for tickets (3 days), lodging and transportation.”

Here is the description of the Ark from their website:
“Ark Encounter features a full size Noah’s Ark, built according to dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high. This modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. The Ark is located at Williamstown, Kentucky half way between Cincinnati and Lexington on I-75.”

For more information about the trip to see the recreated Noah’s Ark contact Social Springs Baptist Church or call Billy Davis at bdavis71068@yahoo.com. Davis said, “We would encourage more people to join our trip. If there is sufficient interest, we would get a tour bus for our group.”

On October 14th voters will have two tax renewals on the ballot proposed by the Police Jury. The total amount of property taxes asked for is 5 mills. Police Jury Supervisor Jessie Davis said, “It is a renewal. There currently is the same tax on the books, and it was renewed back in 2008.” Property taxes are renewed every 10 years.

There is a long list of benefits the people of Red River Parish receive from the parish Health Unit. Benefits range from immunizations, family planning, birth and death records, sight and hearing services, and many additional services. The Health Unit is supported by a 2 mill local property tax. The Red River Parish Police Jury oversees their operations and funding. Your taxes pay for those services.

Also on the October 14th ballot is a renewal of the 3 mill tax for public properties. Davis explained, “Without public properties the government would be outdoors!” Public facilities include the Courthouse, Annex, Administration Building, the Airport, the Fair Grounds, Pine Belt offices, and nearby parish Highway Barn. All of these facilities are used to house various government entities.

Davis said, “These facilities are owned by the people of Red River Parish and administered by the Police Jury. Without the property tax these buildings and grounds would suffer badly.”

The total amount of tax renewals the Police Jury is asking for is 5 mills. That is 2 mills for the Health Unit and 3 mills for all other public facilities in the parish. Voters may vote early September 30th through October 7th at the Registrar of Voters office in the Courthouse. Or you may wait until election day, October 14th to cast your vote.

Talk about good…a Down Home sausage plate with all the fixings, including dessert and water, for just $10. And it is for a very worthy cause.

Members of the Softball team and the Golf team at Red River High School are selling the tickets. Ginger Craig coaches both teams and she told The Journal, “It is a joint fundraiser for both teams. The money we raise will help pay for equipment and entry fees for tournaments.”

The dinners will be available on Tuesday, October 3rd at the Fairgrounds Food Booth. They may be picked up between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm. Ask the student offering the ticket about delivery of group orders.

Mark October 3rd on your calendar. Lunch is on at the Fairgrounds.