Superintendent Alison Hughes surprised members of the school board at their meeting Monday night. Hughes noted it was “Bosses Day” by recognizing her bosses, the members of the board. She presented each board member a goodie bag that included a Spirit Shirt.

Hughes said, “Thank you for making my job easy. I appreciate each of you for the job you do and for the support you give to the schools and our employees.“ Hughes added, “We could not do anything without the support of the board. My job has een easier because of the support I get from them.”

Board President Valerie Cox then thanked Hughes. She said, “Rarely do we (the board members) get highlighted. I want to thank you, but words are not enough for the job you do.”

There was one more surprise waiting. Receptionist Deborah Webb had a goodie bag hidden under her desk that she presented to Hughes. Webb said, “You highlight a lot of individuals and groups over the course of the year. We (the staff) want to highlight you. You make our job easy. You make it easy to come to work.” In Webb’s goodie bag was also a Spirit Shirt that she presented to the Superintendent.

By Eletha Seabaugh, Executive Director

We are happy to announce that the employee of the month this month (October) at Red River Industries is Chris Haire. Chris’ accomplishments this month have distinguished him in both the community and his work place.

In the community, Chris has begun to work with the Red River Bulldogs Football Team as a trainer. He is so excited about this opportunity and enjoys helping the players have their best possible game! A big thank you goes out to Coach John Bachman for giving Chris this opportunity. Coach Bachman said, “Chris does more for us than we do for him. He is always so willing to do whatever is needed.”

Chris Haire has also added a new responsibility to his work duties. Due to his work as a volunteer fireman he recently called the fire department and asked them to install some new alarms for us at Red River Industries. Chris has now been put in charge of fire drills and checking the alarms periodically. This is in addition to his regular work duties, which include going out on the cleaning crew and helping with the change of decorations each season to keep us festive! Chris does an excellent job of keeping our decorations organized and always has fresh ideas for every season.

Chris has been at Red River Industries over 8 years now and we have enjoyed our time with him so far! We, at RRI are so proud of Chris and his accomplishments this month. Way to go Chris, and congratulations on being named “Employee of the Monlth!”

The flu season is approaching, so the Red River Parish Health Unit is emphasizing getting immunized against the disease this month. The especially stress flu shots for people 65 and older and children 3 and older.

Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner said, “This group is called ‘high risk’ for the flu. Also people with chronic conditions such as asthma and heart conditions need to get the immunization even though you may not be 65 yet.”

No appointment at the Health Unit is necessary, however Turner said, “I would call ahead just to make sure that we’re not busy for that day. Some days are busier than others.” The number to call is 318-932-4087.

As for charging for flu shots, Turner said, “Medicare and Medicaid is free of charge, just bring your information. And if you don’t have insurance it is $10. I think people with private insurance pay $10 as well.”

The parish health unit has the flu vaccine year round, however Turner said the emphasis on everyone getting vaccinated is made during October just prior to the cold and flu season.

According to Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards, a Coushatta man is behind bars after being arrested on multiple charges.

At approximately 10:25 a.m. on October 9, 2017, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended Larris Edwards at a residence in the 3100 block of Hwy 155, just east of the Army Road. After observing Edwards exit a wooded area and enter a nearby house, deputies were able to safely make entry and take him into custody without incident.

Three days prior to the arrest, multiple deputies made a concerted effort to apprehend Edwards in the same general area near Hwy 155 but were unable to locate the subject. Edwards was wanted on five active Coushatta Police Department arrest warrants, all issued in August of 2017.

Larris Edwards, B/M, age 20 of the 900 block of Second Street, Coushatta, LA was transported to the Red River Parish Jail (RRPJ) for booking. He was charged with Disturbing the Peace, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Cruelty to Juveniles, Simple Battery and Theft.

His total bond was set at $16,000 and he remains incarcerated in the RRPJ.

“Trunk on Front” is coming Halloween night. If you haven’t signed up to participate yet, the deadline is approaching. Call Catherine at Jolie Vintage on Front Street. Trunk on Front is the new name for the Chamber of Commerce’s Trunk or Treat. The event moves this year from Grand Bayou Resort to Front Street.

Football is in the air with both parish high schools looking for a playoff spot. Tonight the Riverdale Academy Rebels are playing Briarfield at home. It is Senior Night at Riverdale. The outcome of this game could determine a playoff berth for the Rebels.

Red River’s Bulldogs are at home tonight also. They host the Bunkie Panthers. The game will be streamed live on http://www.RedRiverParishJournal.com, on Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal, and also broadcast live on Coushatta’s local station Easy 950 KRRP. Air time for the broadcast is about 6:45.

The Chamber of Commerce board met on Thursday and received a report that the new sign to welcome visitors to Coushatta has arrived in town. The sign consists of 5 panels and will be assembled and installed at the foot of the Red River Bridge. No date for installation has been set.

Voters in Red River Parish approved of the four tax proposals on the ballot last Saturday. Three were renewals of existing property taxes. The fourth was a bond election for school construction projects.

Members of the Board of Election Supervisors met Tuesday morning at the voting machine warehouse to examine the machines and certify the results of the election. The board consists of Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw, Registrar of Voters Mary Jones, Republican Party representative Bill Bacle, and Florence Bethard, the member appointed by the Governor. Democratic Party representative Valerie Cox was not present.

Each machine was checked and recorded. The voting books were gathered and the Registrar of Voters posted the rolls of citizens who voted Tuesday afternoon. The vote totals from each machine had been turned in to the Clerk’s office Saturday night after the polls closed.

There was also a statewide Treasurer race and three constitutional amendments. Candidates Derrick Edwards (Democrat) and John Schroder (Republican) were the top vote getters. They will be in a runoff election November 18th.

Thirty-seven percent of Red River voters selected Edwards or 37 percent of the vote. Second in Red River was Neil Riser (Republican) with 21 percent and third was John Schroder with 18 percent. Riser’s local lead did not hold up in statewide voting.

Here is the vote for the Red River tax propositions:
Police Jury Proposition 1, a 2 mills renewal for the Health Unit, won with 627 votes or 57 percent. There were 466 “no” votes or 43 percent.
Police Jury Proposition 2, 3 mills renewal for public facilities was approved with 605 yes votes or 56 percent. There were 478 “no” votes or 44 percent of the votes cast.
School Board Proposition 1, 5.62 mills renewal pass with 650 votes or 58 percent. There were 473 “no” votes or 42 percent of votes cast.
School Board Proposition 2, $29,500,000 bond issue for 20 years was approved by 619 voters or 55 percent. There were 499 “no” votes or 45 percent of the votes cast.

“We have such a wonderful future ahead of us!” said Alison Hughes, Superintendent of Schools. Hughes addressed the Red River Parish School Board Monday night on the two tax propositions the board placed on the ballot last Saturday. Both were approved. Hughes added, “I want to thank the residents of the parish who went to vote for their vote of confidence.”

Hughes said, “We will start work very soon. In the near future the school board’s Building and Grounds Committee will begin meetings to finalize construction projects approved by voters.” And Hughes said, “There will be meetings with the board’s bond attorney and special meetings of the whole board to finalize plans for school improvements.”

Among things to accomplish is the purchase of some additional land near the present football stadium. And Hughes said, “We will have to coordinate new projects with current classes to assure the safety of school children during construction.”

Two of the propositions approved were for the Red River Parish Police Jury. Both were property tax renewals and they total 5 mills. Jury Superintendent Jessie Davis said, “We want to thank everyone for supporting the renewal.”

Davis said, “We will continue to use the resources in the manner prescribed. And we will continue offering services prescribed.” One proposition provides for the parish health unit. The other provides for maintenance of all public facilities including the courthouse and road maintenance barn. Davis added that these were renewals, a process required every 10 years. He said, “This is nothing new. Your taxes will not change.”

Please join the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy for the launch of the HEART Program in Red River Parish on November 13th at the CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Care Center located at 1635 Marvel St, Coushatta, LA 71019.

The HEART Program works to promote health in the communities we live in. To help you and your family prevent or manage chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy will host wellness events each month for adults identified to be at risk or struggling with chronic conditions.

Enrollment will take place through assessment clinics hosted every other month. The first assessment clinic will be November 13th from 4PM – 7PM at CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Care Center. You must pre-register for these free screenings. Give Essence a call at 318-227-2912 ext. 5 and we will get you on our list. Invite your friends to join us too!

We believe healthy communities start with healthy families. The MLK Health Center & Pharmacy is honored to partner with local advocates to help equip you and your families with healthy living tools and tips. Together we can build healthier communities.

The HEART Program would not be possible without our partners at BHP. BHP is one of the world’s largest diversified resource companies with a commitment to investing in the communities where it operates.

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The man who started the football program at Coushatta High School in the early 1950s was laid to rest this past weekend. Coach Gene Knecht passed away last Monday at age 88.

Knecht was a long time assistant coach and employee at Northwestern State University. He and wife, Dot were strong supporters of the university sports programs. But before that, he was a coach fondly remembered by residents of Red River Parish for his tenure in Coushatta.

In 1952, Knecht started the football program at Coushatta High and over his last four seasons went 37-3, winning three straight district championships. Among his standout players at Coushatta, several moved on to play for the Demons, including N-Club Hall of Fame members Jerry Fowler, Johnny Ray Norman and Ferrell Yarbrough. They all played professionally, along with N-Club Hall of Fame member and longtime state senator Don Kelly.

After leaving Coushatta, Knecht went 15-5 in two seasons at Winnsboro before joining coach Jack Clayton’s Demon staff. He came on board as a graduate assistant in 1961, and then became full-time as an assistant coach and physical education instructor in 1962.

Former Coushatta Mayor Archie Worsham says it was Knecht who got him involved in the school athletic program in the early 50s. Former Coushatta High Principal Larine Adcock also remembered Knecht as a great individual and friend.

Friday afternoon the spotlight will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness at the Red River Parish Health Unit. The event will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner says the event is titled “Posh, Pink and Pedicures.” She explained that, “We will have someone here who is going to do mini-pedis or painting toenails. And we’ll have information on breast cancer and it’s detection.”

“My Grandmother and Aunt died of breast cancer,” said Turner, “so that cause is really dear to my heart.” Turner added, “Come on by. Awareness is important and so is prevention. Louisiana is high on the mortality of women finding out that they have it.” She also said the state is high on the list with women seeking treatment once they find out they have it.

The Health Unit is located in the Administration Building next to the courthouse on Red Oak Road.

Senator Gerald Long will host a scholarship event to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of his late wife, Rose Landry Long. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Northwestern State University Student Union Ballroom and will feature Louisiana Chef John Folse, assisted by students from NSU’s culinary arts program. Proceeds will go towards two scholarships that will be awarded to first generation students.

Rose grew up in rural Vermilion Parish seven miles from Gueydan in the farming community of Klondike. Her parents Andy and Leontine Landry were hard working rice farmers who farmed land owned by her grandfather. Rose was the fourth of five children. She always had a desire to learn, which would become evident in her school work and pursuit of excellence. After graduating from Gueydan High School in 1965, she entered NSU on the recommendation of her high school French teacher who graduated from what was then Louisiana State Normal College, and that would later become Northwestern State University.

While a freshman at NSU, Rose met and fell in love with Gerald Long. They married one year later. Rose was the first member of her family to enter college, and her parents were so proud. In only three years, she would graduate with honors.

The Rose Landry Long Scholarship will allow other first generational students to fulfill their dream of a college education. The Louisiana State Senate passed Senate Resolution No. 107 in 2017 establishing this scholarship for students across Louisiana. Requirements are that a 2.5 GPA be kept and the student must be full-time, which is equivalent to taking at least 12 hours.

Two accounts are currently set up to fund two scholarships. It is the goal of Senator Long to raise $250,000, which will yield about $15,000 annually.

Tickets are $500 per couple, or $2,500 for a sponsored table, which seats 8 guests. The Long family thanks you for your support. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Rebekah Burleson at (318) 357-5213 or burlesonr@nsula.edu.

At approximately 11:55 p.m. on October 10, 2017, Red River Sheriff’s Communications received a call concerning a domestic dispute at a residence southeast of Coushatta near Hwy 71 and Parker Road. The caller indicated that his neighbor, Mark Doughty, had sustained a laceration to his arm during an alleged altercation with a female.

Multiple Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputies were dispatched to the residence where it was confirmed that Doughty had been stabbed in his left arm. Red River EMS subsequently transported Doughty to the Christus Coushatta Emergency Room for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A RRPSO detective was called to the scene to assist deputies with the investigation.

Upon initial contact with the female, deputies immediately observed multiple bruises and bodily injuries consistent with those obtained during a physical altercation. Following interviews with both parties, investigators believed Doughty to be the aggressor. The female victim, who Doughty would not allow to leave the residence or contact authorities for assistance, was determined to be acting in self-defense when she injured Doughty.

After being treated and released from the hospital, Doughty was transported without incident to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. Mark A. Doughty, age 36 of the 6500 block of Hwy 71, Coushatta, LA was charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. His bond was set at $10,000 and he remains incarcerated.

Finally, we may have a football weekend that feels like football weather. Temps are expected to remain cool for the rest of the week. Not cold, just cool. Kickoff Friday night should see temps in the low 70s or upper 60s.

Journal Sports will broadcast live the Red River High football game from the local stadium. Kickoff time is 7:00 pm. We will take the air about 6:45. The game will stream live on http://www.RedRiverParishJournal.com or Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal. The game will also be broadcast live on local radio station KRRP 950.

Plans are underway for Journal Sports to broadcast all home and away basketball games from both schools in the parish. Coverage will be provided for boys and girls matches of both the Red River Bulldogs and the Riverdale Rebels. Games begin in a couple of weeks. Watch the Journal for more details coming soon.

Here is this week’s line-up of games. It is senior night at Riverdale. They play Briarfield at home. Red River is also at home, hosting the Panthers from Bunkie.

Red River Bulldog Football – LIVE 

LISTEN LIVE – CLICK HERE

A burn ban has been declared for all of Red River Parish. The weather has been extremely dry in recent days. The next significant rain in the forecast is a 60 percent chance of rain on Sunday night.

Thursday the Red River Parish Fire Protection District posted on their Facebook page the following burn ban notice:

“10-12-17. Effective today, Red River Parish is now under a parish wide burn ban. No outside burning at this time.”

Red River’s football team is packing up this afternoon for the trip to Lakewood High, just east of Campti. If you can’t make the trip, you do not have to miss the game.

Journal Sports will broadcast the game live beginning about 6:50 tonight. Kickoff is 7:00 pm. You can listen to the game on The Journal webpage, www.TheRedRiverJournal.com and at Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal. No app needed. No registration required. Just click on the Listen Live button. The game will also be broadcast on Coushatta’s local radio station KRRP 950.

The Bulldogs are 4 and 2 this season after winning their first district game last Friday. It was homecoming and the Bulldogs defeated the Tigers from Winnfield 34 to 16.

Every exciting minute of Bulldog Football will be broadcast live tonight on The Journal’s web page and Facebook page. Also on KRRP 950. Bookmark it now!

There is a Wild Game diner and Creation Celebration coming Saturday, October 28th at Social Springs Baptist Church on Highway 371 in north Red River Parish. This is a free event the church is putting on for the public.

The church’s pastor, Bro. James Hester described it as “A Creation Celebration and wild game being part of creation we will have a wild game dinner at 5:30.” The event will feature local game mounts, camp house coffee, door prizes, testimonials and a family fun event.

Hester said, “Then we will have the Allen Family of Branson, Missouri at 7:00. They travel year round on a bus. They haven’t owned a home in over 20 years. The entire family lives on that bus. The Allen Family will share with us in song.”

Hester said, “Todd Allen and his family does a wonderful job providing the music while everyone else is eating. They have a worldwide ministry including an orphanage in Uganda and spend a couple of months every year over there. They support that ministry from the funds they generate stateside. They are doing a wonderful work.”

“It is going to be a wonderful time,” added Hester. The Creation Celebration Wild Game Dinner and Concert is October 28th. The meal will be served at 5:30 and the concert is at 7:00 pm. In inviting the public, Bro. Hester said, “There is no charge and everybody is encouraged to come and be a part of it.”

Social Springs Baptist Church is located at 5455 Highway 371 in the northern part of the parish just south of Ringgold. If you would like more information about the event, go to the church’s page, Facebook.com/socialspringsbc.

Friday, October 13 is a big night at Riverdale Academy! This will be the school’s Pink Out Night. Students, faculty and parents are encouraged to wear pink to the home game. October is breast cancer awareness month and many groups are observing it with wearing pink.

Riverdale also plans to honor their seniors prior to the football game. That will occur at 6:00 pm. At 7 O’clock the Briarfield Rebels will be at the field for a district football game. Last week Riverdale soundly defeated Rebul Academy of Learned, Mississippi 56 to zero.

Last Friday night Briarfield defeated Prentiss Christian in a tight yet high scoring game. Briarfield won 42 to 40. Briarfield is 6 and 1 overall and 4 and 0 in district. Riverdale comes into tonight’s game with an overall record of 6 and 1 or 6 and 0 in district.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court’s decision in Baker v. Conroy rejected a challenge to Congress’ ability to open its meetings with a prayer:

“As an attorney who defended legislative prayer for many years prior to being elected to Congress, I am thankful for the court’s decision invalidating this latest atheist challenge to our cherished tradition. As the Supreme Court has acknowledged many times, ‘we are a religious people, whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.’ I look forward to continuing to start our work in Congress each day as our founders did, with a prayer to God.”

Popular Natchitoches musician and former Red River High Band Director, Hardrick Rivers will be honored as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. The event, “A Life Playing the Blues,” is free and open to the public.

As part of the program, Rivers will discuss his music with Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University, and perform. Rasmussen will honor Rivers on behalf of the Louisiana Folklife Commission and Louisiana Folklore Society.

October has been declared as Folklife Month in Louisiana by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. Rivers is one of six Louisiana musicians and craftspeople being honored as a Tradition Bearer.

Rivers, a 2001 inductee into the Hall of Master Folk Artists at Northwestern State, began playing music early in his life. At age 13, Hardrick began to study under and play with one of the masters of Louisiana music, Overton Owens—sometimes called Dr. Drip Drop. Hardrick quickly joined Overton’s new group, Overton Owens and the Mustangs, which was formed during the late 1960s. Hardrick worked hard in those early years to find his unique sound on the saxophone.

Eventually, Rivers formed his own group, the Lighthouse Crew, with Pop Hymes, B.B. Major, Jackie Banks and James Lee. Rivers left for Los Angeles in 1992 and the band continued to play without him. In 1994, he returned home to Natchitoches Parish and formed the Rivers’ Revue Band, while B.B. Major started the B.B. Major Blues Band. Since Roque’s Grocery, Pool Hall, and House of Blues has been the location that started many of these musicians in their musical careers, Rivers decided to organize a Blues Reunion there in 1996. This reunion turned into a monthly jam session at Roque’s, which, according to a local blues authority, has become known as “the best juke joint/blues bar in the South.”

 During the summer of 2003, Rivers, along with the B.B. Major Blues Band, comprised of Bud Albright, Monty Lamaze, Shane Ward, and Les Whitt, toured Italy playing at numerous blues events.

Rivers is an annual headline performer at the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and performs throughout north and central Louisiana. He is a former band director at Red River High School in Coushatta.

Great news for the many students and alumni of Northwestern State University residing in Red River Parish. The first look at the 2017 men’s and women’s basketball bseasons will take place during Southland Conference Basketball Social Media Day at the Toyota Center in downtown Houston on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, from 9:00 am to2:30 pm.

Media are encouraged to attend the event in person, which will include participation from all 26 Southland head basketball coaches — 13 women’s and 13 men’s. Activities for the day include interviews with coaches from NSU at 10:05 am. Also to be revealed is the results of the Coaches’ and Sports Information Directors’ predicted order of finish for the conference.

Southland television broadcasters Tatum Everett and Lincoln Rose will sit down for Q&As with each coach in the Houston Rockets’ visitors’ locker room. This is a part of a comprehensive preview of each team for a show that will stream on ESPN3 at 6 p.m. It will be available on-demand immediately follows its initial showing.

Both the NSU men and women begin their seasons on Nov. 10. Men’s teams begin conference play on Dec. 28, while women’s teams first tip on Dec. 31.

This Sunday, October 15th is Homecoming Sunday at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Their Facebook page notes there will be no Sunday School. Worship Service is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am. Following the service, there will be a covered dish meal. Everyone please come and bring your favorite casserole (or whatever) to add to the meal.

The annual Friends and Family Day along with “Kingdom Fest” celebration is scheduled for Sunday October 29th at Abundant Life Worship Center. The event will begin at 10:30 and all children in town are invited.

Michele Long is coordinating the event. She told The Journal that they are asking for donations of supplies to put on this year’s program. Their flyer and supply list accompanies this article.

Long said, “Kingdom Fest is being held in conjunction with Friends and Family Day at the church. We need supplies by October 18th, and we are getting together the night of October 28 to do the decorating.”

There will be several event stations set up in the Abundant Life gym and the children will rotate through all of them in small groups. Long said those events include a Royal Tea, Archery, Court Jester, Knight School (each kid gets a crown), Glow in the Dark Party and a Castle Moat (searching for lost sheep). There will be challenges and rewards at each station.

“Kingdom Fest is something extra for the kids to look forward to,” added Long. She said Kingdom Fest will take place during the Sunday School hour, while adults are attending worship service. Long said, “After worship there will be games and activities for everyone, adults and children, and we’ll serve a meal.”

The date for Kingdom Fest is October 29th at Abundant Life Worship Center on Ashland Road. The date for bringing donated supplies to the church is October 18th. Abundant Life Sunday Worship begins at 10:30 am and Wednesday evening service is at 7:00 pm.