Are you superstitious? Today is Friday the 13th. Supposedly today is a very unlucky day. Here is what Wikipedia says about the day:

The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: “triskaidekaphobia”; and on analogy to this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning “Friday”), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning “thirteen”).

The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, “originating from the story of Jesus’ last supper and crucifixion” in which there were 13 individuals present in the Upper Room on the 13th of Nisan Maundy Thursday, the night before his death on Good Friday. While there is evidence of both Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two items being referred to as especially unlucky in conjunction before the 19th century.

Tomorrow is Election Day. If you did not vote early, please vote Saturday. Turnout is expected to be light, however there are tax propositions on the ballot that will effect everyone.

Schools are in Fall Break and it is quickly coming to an end. Students of Red River Schools and Riverdale Academy go back to the books on Monday. That means drivers should be award that the busses are rolling again next week. Look out for kids morning and night and slow down near schools.

This Sunday is Laity Sunday at First United Methodist Church and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Dr. Greg Bell will bring the message at both churches. Wesley Chapel service is at 9:00 am and First Methodist service is at 10:50.

On October 20th there will be a Breast Cancer Awareness event at the parish Health Unit on Red Oak Road. They promise information, prizes and special treats.

CORRECTION: A recent story in the Journal referred to the upcoming PAW Parent Bazaar at Red River Elementary. The correct date for the Bazaar is November 18th.

The annual Fair Parade rolled out of the Fairgrounds about 5:00 pm Thursday afternoon. There were many floats and entries by schools and local businesses.

The parade was led by the Sheriff’s Department and Red River High’s Air Force JROTC carrying the colors. It was to have been lead by units of the fire and EMS services, however there was a truck wreck on US 71 shortly before parade time, so those vehicles went on the call.

This story is best told in pictures, so see the video of the High School marching band and the photo gallery included.

This past Sunday was a milestone day for Liberty Baptist Church in the
Martin community. Their new building was dedicated. Every pew was filled and the service concluded with everyone holding hands in a very large circle around the edge of the sanctuary.

Bro. Harry Bamburg brought the message. He recalled the history of Liberty Baptist, which was founded in 1862. Bamburg said, “I want to thank the members of the church who worked hard and donated funds to the building. They are extremely generous.”

“I remember the first time I came here as pastor in 1995,” said Bamburg “Just look at the changes over the years it’s remarkable.” Bamburg added “My grandfather went to church here and he told me as a boy about the church and the people who go here. I know our world is becoming a mess, but I also know that Jesus is in control and everything will work out.”

There was a wonderful video presentation of hundreds of photos of members past and present. The soundtrack was “Precious Memories” and the scenes depicted elicited many precious memories in those in attendance. You could hear people comment about the past events and people they recognized during the slide show.

Bamburg said, “It doesn’t matter if you recall the old wooden building, or our new shiny metal structure, Liberty is still the ‘old white church on the hill’ we’ve always loved.” He based his dedication remarks on 2 Chronicles 5, the story of Solomon dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem. Bamburg added, “We dedicate this building to the living God, but always remember that our hearts are the real temple.”

Editor’s Note: There were many families with small children who attended the dedication service. There was no nursery to which the kids were sent off at the beginning. The children sat quietly with their parents the entire time.

Red River Elementary School is having a bazaar later this month. It is a fundraising event put on by the school’s PAW Parents, and proceeds will go toward the many projects the group does at the school. See an earlier Journal issue for details of their projects for this school year.

The Bazaar will held on Saturday October 18th. Hours are 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mark the date on your calendar and come shop.

The PAW Parents are inviting local merchants to get a booth and offer their wares. Contact Christy Suggs for more information at ChristySuggs@att.net. Entry fee is $35.

Red River High School’s first-year head football coach has achieved his 100th win as a head football coach. It came last Friday night as the Bulldogs defeated Winnfield 36 to 14.

Red River Principal JC Dickey went to the middle of the field immediately after the game concluded to present Coach John Bachman, Sr. a plaque commemorating his 100th victory. The whole team gathered around to congratulate their coach.

Bachman’s father, Thomas Bachman, Sr., sent The Journal an article published several years ago about “The Man With the Towel.” Bachman was coach of Calvary at the time. From that article:

Bachman said he was influenced and knew at a young age that he wanted to become a coach. “I was influenced from the time that I was a peewee. Coach Jerry Adams told me to find something that you could wake up to every morning and look forward to going to work. For me that ended up being coaching.”

Bachman said others also influenced his career. “God just put in my life great coaches like Coach Rhodes, my elementary PE coach, and Coach Kenny Cochran, my long time administrator at Caddo,” Bachman said. “They really spoke a lot into my life.”

Bachman said they spoke in such a way that he reflects upon their teachings in his own coaching system. “Their influence in me was just how to deal with young men, set a goal that works for all of us to go after, hold everybody accountable and create a family atmosphere,” Bachman said. “These are some of the things I try to do today.”

When asked how he does try to manage these, Bachman said he focuses on love. “I just tell them they are loved,” Bachman said. “I also remind them that if we lose that it is my fault because I didn’t do a well enough job getting them ready and if we win then it’s all about them and their performance.”

Throughout Bachman’s career, he hopes for one thing to be placed into their lives. “I hope they are in church and serving God,” Bachman said. “I tell them all the time that I don’t want them to miss Heaven. This whole thing is a way little about football and way big about living your life because you are going to live you life way longer than you are going to play football.”

The article is from Louisiana Football Magazine. It was written by Lacy Camp. And the story was furnished to The Journal by Coach Bachman’s father, Thomas.

Catch the Bulldogs in action Friday night at Lakeview when they play the Gators at 7:00 pm. If you cannot go to the game, it will be broadcast beginning about 6:50 pm on Journal Sports. Click on the player at http://www.redriverparishjournal.com or Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal. The game will also be broadcast on Coushatta’s local radio station KRRP 950.

The Homecoming Court was presented in ceremonies prior to Friday night’s game. Gracie Almond was crowned Homecoming Queen. Members of her court were Isabella Stephens, Crown Bearer; Ryder Shaver, Ring Bearer; Pacey Lindsey, Freshman Maid; Brooklyn Azlin, Sophomore Maid; Alyssa Woodard, Junior Maid; Nicole Williams, Senior Made; and Nicole Williams, Football Sweetheart.

Riverdale’s opponent was Rebul Academy from Learned, Mississippi. Final score was 56 to 0 in favor of the Rebels. Riverdale is now 6 and 1 overall and 6 and 0 in district play.

Coming up Friday night, Briarfield Academy from Lake Providence will be in town. They are 6 and 1 overall and 4 and 0 in district. Last Friday, Briarfield defeated Prentiss Christian in a high scoring yet tight game. Final score was 42 to 40.

The Journal thanks Bruce Watkins and the Coushatta Citizen for photos of the homecoming court.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and The Victorious Life Ministries wants you to join us as we Celebrate God’s chosen leaders. We will be having our fall Revival on October 8-10. Apostle A.E. Hyde will be our guest on Sunday; Pastor Christine Sibley on Monday; and Elder Maurice Rogers on Tuesday. We will plateau on Sunday October 15th with a special service Honoring our own leaders-Pastors Joey & Marsha Miller! Our guest speaker will be Pastor J.T. Mitchell-Come out and join us in these services, but most of all to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Do you have a smoke alarm?
Does it work?
Do you know someone who needs a smoke alarm?

Fire Chief Shane Felts told The Journal “We emphasize installing fire alarms all year long, however when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends there is extra emphasis on installing smoke alarm and changing the batteries on some older models.” That program is “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries.” Felts explained that the newer model smoke detectors have a 10 year battery life.

Felts said, “We install the smoke detector. There is no charge for the detector or installation. We don’t just hand them out, we come and install them. If you live outside Red River Parish, call your local fire department.” The local number to call is 318-932-6676.

Thanks to the Red River Elementary School PAW Parents for supplying The Journal with the school’s outstanding employees:

Congratulations to our RRES October Employees of the Month
Teacher: Mrs. Brandi Jones 1st Grade
Support Staff: Nurse Fletter Taylor

Mrs. Debra Logan presented them with the great gifts she made and donated. Mrs. Logan knows just how hard they work. She retired from RRES in 16-17. We miss her but we are glad she’s on our parent team now.

Or was it? The Powder Puff football game, faux cheerleaders, and Homecoming Court that arrived in the back of a pickup truck could be called football. A better description is a farce in several acts played out on a field.

The annual game and show at Riverdale Academy has become a traditional part of Homecoming week festivities. The football players and dance line and cheerleaders trade roles. And that leads to high comedy.

The Journal has provided a few moments from the event. There is a video of the “Cheerleaders” performing their best routine. When you think of it, the participants had to work pretty hard on timing for that one. Members of the dance line who performed at halftime, including a “young lady” performing a flip and catching and reattaching her wig in mid air.

Some serious moments came during the football game. Riverdale students who put on the game jerseys really got into the match. Probably more than their coaches and referees. There were several great runs and a couple of long passes for touchdowns.

Overall it was a great evening of fun for the whole family. And laughter roared up from the stands every time the “cheerleaders” lead cheers. Lots of applause was given to the whole crew.

The Journal thanks Andy Griffith for supplying the title to this article. When you need another good laugh, look up Griffith’s comic routine called “What It Was Was Football.”

Just three percent of the registered voters in Louisiana turned out for the week of early voting. That is a very light turnout.

In Red River Parish, Registrar of Voters Mary Jones told The Journal 249 people took advantage of early voting. Out of 6,000+ registered voters in the parish that is only a four percent turnout. Jones said, “I hope everyone gets out and votes on October 14th. It’s important.”

Polls will be open Saturday, October 14th from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. “You will need to vote at your local precinct,” said Jones. She added, “You may call the Registrar’s office at 932-5027 if you are unsure of the location of your precinct.”

On the ballot is one statewide race, to elect a new State Treasurer. There are also three constitutional amendments. There are four local tax propositions. The Police Jury has two tax renewals to fund their operations and maintain local government facilities. The school board also has two, one of which is a renewal for operations and maintenance. The other school board proposition is a bond issue to fund expansion of school facilities over the next 20 years. Both the police jury and school board say approving these issues will have little effect on the amount of property tax homeowners now pay.

On October 5, 2017, at 4:22 p.m., Troop G Troopers were dispatched to a one vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer on US 71 just south of Hughes Road in Red River Parish.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Mack Truck operated by 32-year-old Shannon Sikes of Georgetown was traveling south on US 71 when for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Sikes was restrained at the time of the crash and sustained moderate injuries. Sikes was transported to University Health in Shreveport where he was treated and released.

On the evening of October 6, 2017, a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputy observed a white truck, believed to be operated by Christian T. Ward, entering the Red River Parish fairgrounds. Ward was wanted in Red River Parish on an active 2017 bench warrant for failure to appear in court.

As Ward parked and exited the vehicle, an approaching deputy advised her that she was under arrest. Ward attempted to reach inside the vehicle prior to complying with the deputy’s instructions. She was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Following the arrest, deputies recovered items from the passenger compartment of the vehicle which resulted in additional charges. Deputies seized one glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and one clear bag containing 6 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Both items were collected as evidence.

Christian T. Ward, W/F, age 22 of the 8100 block of Lawnwood Drive, Greenwood, LA was booked into the Red River Parish Jail on the following charges: Failure to Appear (Resisting an Officer), Possession of Schedule II CDS with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Her total bond was set at $7,000 and she remains incarcerated.

Attention prospective NSU students: Several hundred high school juniors, seniors and parents are expected to attend the Fall N Side View Day Saturday, Nov. 4. It is sponsored by the Office of University Recruiting. There is no cost to attend Fall N-Side View, but advance reservations should be made by visiting nsula.edu/recruiting/preview-days/. For further questions, call (800) 327-1903.

Registration begins at 9:00 am in Magale Recital Hall in the New Wing of the A.A. Fredericks Creative and Performing Arts Center. The program will begin at 10:0 am in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. The day’s events will include a guest speaker, a student panel, a panel for parents covering scholarships, financial aid and housing options, tours of the campus and housing and the city of Natchitoches. Prospective students and parents can learn about Northwestern State’s academic programs and campus student organizations. Lunch will be available in Vic’s Café from 1 p.m. to 3:30 pm for a small fee.

Prospective students can get free tickets to the NSU – Abilene Christian football game that kicks off at 6:00 pm in Turpin Stadium. Reduced price tickets will be available for $5 for parents and guests. There will also be tailgating near Turpin Stadium.

The Fire Department Auxiliary pancake breakfast that was scheduled for last Saturday was cancelled. No word yet on when it might be rescheduled.

The Donkey Basketball game is coming soon. Advance ticket purchase will save you $3. Get those tickets at the Parent Center on Alonzo Street. The price is $7.00, or you will pay $10.00 at the door.

Friday night the Red River Bulldogs travel to Lakewood to play a district game against the Gators. They are 0 and 6 overall and 0 and 1 in district. Red River is 4 and 2 overall and 1 and 0 in district. It is Lakeview’s Homecoming. The game starts at 7:00 pm however you may wish to go early, as the stadium will be packed. Lakeview-Red River games are always well attended.

If you cannot go, Journal Sports will provide play-by-play coverage beginning at about 6:50 pm. Listen to the live stream at http://www.RedRiverParishJournal.com, on Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal, or listen on Coushatta’s local radio station KRRP 950.

Red River Bulldog Football – LIVE 

LISTEN LIVE – CLICK HERE

A one vehicle tractor-trailer accident on US 71 south of Coushatta sent one person to the hospital. Fire Chief Shane Felts said The accident happened at Hughes road about 4:00 pm Thursday.

The victim was airlifted to Shreveport on Life Air. No identity, medical condition or details of the cause are available at this time. The accident was under investigation by State Police.

By Kelli Bufkin

“On September 17th my uncle Casey English was on his way home from church when a car pulled out in front of him and they collided. His right side went down the passenger side of car and his bike veered into the ditch hitting a log where he was thrown approximately 75 to 100 feet.

He was airlifted to University Health where they worked to save his right arm and leg for almost ten hours due to traumatic injuries. He suffered a brain bleed, broken pelvis, broken ribs, fractures to his left wrist and thumb, and right foot. He has had 5 wash out surgeries to right arm and leg.

Today Casey is able to communicate but has confusion at times. His right arm is severely damaged and the doctors are very concerned about it.

My uncle has ridden motorcycles his whole life. He has traveled to many places across the United States. He has been to Sturgis the past 12 years in a row. He has the sweetest soul and always wears a smile on his face. Please pray for him and his recovery.

I am coordinating a benefit for him where all proceeds will go toward medical bills and expenses.”

The flyers for the Casey English benefit at the Coushatta Country Club and the T-Shirt sale are included with this article. Bufkin may be contacted at 318-553-0900 to purchase a shirt or get more information.

Election Day is October 14th. Early voting is now underway. Registrar of Voters Mary Jones said it has been “very slow so far.”

Jones said, “As of this morning (Thursday) 110 people have voted early. I expect more to come in before we close early voting on Saturday.”

The Journal asked how the turnout compares to other election cycles. Jones said, “In the last presidential election over 1,200 people voted. That was an early voting record for us.” She added, “It’s hard when there is not a lot of interest. Some people don’t even know we are having an election.”

There is only one statewide race on the ballot. That is to elect a new state Treasurer. The office became vacant when John Kennedy moved to the US Senate. There are three constitutional amendments on the ballot. And there are four local tax propositions, two from the Police Jury and two from the School Board. Most are renewals or a re-do of present taxes.

Early voting will be daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Go to the Registrar’s office in the Courthouse to cast your ballot.

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.

A group of area residents have been helping their neighbors get into and out of their homes for some time now. They spend weekends building wheelchair ramps. The group is headed by Dale Feazel and they accept local donations of supplies and labor.

Last Saturday they gathered in Coushatta for their latest project. Feazel said, “This ramp was built on East Carroll here in town for Ms. Retha Scott. It was sponsored by International Paper’s Mansfield Mill. “

Feazel sent the pictures with this article. He said, “The volunteers, shown left to right are J.C.Merritt, Jeff Hillidage, Joe Dauster, Brad McCoy, Ms. Scott (seated) Tommy O’Rear, Keith Richards, and Jack Ward.”

If you desire to get involved with the project, contact Feazel through his Facebook page.

Cheerleaders at Red River High School are preparing their homecoming performance. But Cheerleader Coach Alice Everett said they do more than cheer. “We do community service and we are in the process of going to Green Meadow Haven and we’re in the process of having a mini-cheer camp” said Everett.

Everett said there are 16 members of the cheer squad at present. They are selected during tryouts each spring. She said, “It takes a lot of practice, a lot of practice. They have to have trust in each other, to know that their partner will catch them when doing some of the stunts they do.”

Practices are strenuous and Everett said practice sessions include stretching, running, and sometimes a trip to the weight room. “They definitely have to be in shape because they have to jump, lift and perform their cheers” added Everett.

Coach Everett said she lets the kids select their routines. Her role is to assure that those routines are proper for the high school setting.

Red River cheerleaders are very visible at football games. Everett says they support basketball games. Everett says basketball is more involved because there are so many more games.

You can see the Red River Cheerleaders performing through the Homecoming game on Friday night. And Everett added the invitation has gone out for cheer squad alumni to join them during the homecoming activities.

The homecoming game will be broadcast Friday night direct to your smartphone. You can listen in the stands, or anywhere in the world there is an internet connection.

Journal Sports is now broadcasting all Red River High School football games, home and away. The Homecoming game will be carried live, with pre-game activities beginning at 6:50 pm Friday night. The full halftime show, including presentation of the Homecoming Queen and her court, will be broadcast live.

To hear the game, take your smartphone to the game. No special app is needed. Just go to the Journal’s home page www.RedRiverParishJournal.com or Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal and click on the listen live button. Works on desktops, laptops, and other devices too. In the Coushatta area you may listen to the game on KRRP 950, Coushatta’s local radio station.

Sponsors for the Homecoming game are Tyler Insurance Agency, Quality Ford, American Bank, CP-Tel, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Bank of Coushatta, Bethard and Bethard Attorneys at law, Shaver’s Catering, the Famous Natchitoches, LA Meat Pie Co., and Beard’s NAPA.

The game will be produced by Journal Sports, a project of the Red River Parish Journal.

The Fair wraps up this weekend. The midway closes after Saturday night’s run. The rodeo is Friday and Saturday nights. The animals and other displays are being judged in the next few hours. Drop by and see the work many parish youngsters put into getting ready for the fair.

Homecoming at both Red River High and Riverdale Academy is tonight. Red River hosts Winnfield. Riverdale hosts Rebul Academy.

Saturday morning there is a pancake breakfast at Central Fire Station. It is a fundraiser put on by the Fire Auxiliary. Start your weekend with a satisfying breakfast for a good cause.

Sunday is the dedication service at Liberty Baptist Church. They recently completed their new sanctuary building. Service starts at 11:00 am. Bro. Harry Bamburg is the pastor at Liberty Baptist.

Parish 4-H’ers are taking orders for sweet potatoes. You get a 40-pound box for $25. Orders must be pre-paid at the LSU Ag Center office upstairs in the Administration building on Red Oak Road. Call 318-932-4342 for more info.