Attention retail stores:  Remember to reprogram the registers to comply with the new state tax rate.

Act 1 of the 2018 Third Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature has amended La. R.S. 47:321.1(A), (B), and (C) reducing the sales tax rate for this tax imposition from 1 percent (1%) to forty-five hundredths of one percent (0.45%). This tax in the amount of 0.45 percent is levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the consumption, the distribution and the lease or rental of an item of tangible personal property; and upon the sale of services. The 0.45 percent state sales tax is in addition to the sales taxes already levied pursuant to La. R.S. 47:302, 321 and 331. This tax is to be collected by the dealer and wholesaler as provided by Chapter 2 of Title 47 of the Revised Statutes.

Beginning July 1, 2018, the overall state sales tax rate will be reduced from 5 percent to 4.45 percent. If a dealer charges and collects state sales tax at the rate of 5 percent on or after July 1, 2018, then the dealer must remit the excess sales taxes collected to the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Excess sales taxes collected are reported on Line 8 of the Sales Tax Return Form R-1029.

Beginning July 1, 2018, the overall state sales tax rate for the sale at retail, the use, the consumption, the distribution, and the storage to be used or consumed of steam, water, electric power or energy, natural gas, or other energy sources for non-residential use (“business utilities”), will be 2 percent (2%) levied pursuant to La. R.S. 47:302. The exemptions for steam, water, electric power or energy, natural gas, or other energy sources for non-residential use in La. R.S. 47:305(D)(1)(b),(c),(g) and (h) will apply to the sales tax levies in La. R.S. 47:321, 321.1 and 331.

The new tax rate of 0.45 percent levied pursuant to La. R.S. 47:321.1 and the sales tax rate of 2 percent on business utilities imposed pursuant to La. R.S. 47:302 will sunset on June 30, 2025.

Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) introduced H.R. 6213, the History and Tradition Protection Act of 2018, to combat the abuse of the Establishment Clause, which was intended to serve as a shield for people of faith, but has been twisted and perverted into a powerful weapon to be used against them. The bill has 34 original cosponsors.

Rep. Johnson released the following statement:

“Religious symbols and expression are deeply embedded in the history and tradition of our country, but for more than a half-century, radical secularist organizations have engaged in an aggressive campaign of fear, intimidation and disinformation in their quest to rid the public square of all religious symbols, history and expression. We must protect the principles on which our nation was founded. My legislation will ensure activists can no longer profit off the abuse of our laws, so we can better protect the religious liberties of all Americans.”

Background
Johnson’s bill abolishes the award of monetary damages and attorney fees in Establishment Clause cases where a plaintiff complains of (1) any monument, memorial, statue, or other figure containing religious words, imagery or symbolism, (2) a public building containing religious words, imagery or symbolism, (3) the presence of religious words, imagery or symbolism in official seals and flags, or (4) religious expression in the context of the proceedings of any deliberative body.

Johnson’s bill removes the extraordinary financial incentive for radical secularists and their lawyers to feign “offense” and advance their agenda.

The former home of “Sewing God’s Love” is being demolished. The sewing program moved recently to a new home on Fair Street. The old house, owned by First Baptist Church was deemed unsalvageable.

It past years, the old house had been the home to staffers of the church. It has also been rental property.

The demolition began at mid-week. The same contractor that recently removed two houses on either side of the library did the demolition. Earlier in the year several other structures owned by First Baptist Church were removed.

Low-income households in Red River Parish may be eligible for funds dedicated to assist eligible low-income households in Red River Parish. Walk Ins will be accepted on July 10, 2018 at Red River Council On Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. Applications will be accepted between 8:30AM-Noon. The program is administered in Red River Parish by the DeSoto Parish Office of Community Services.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE SEE THE LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION BELOW.
An eligible household is one whose total income is at or below the levels listed in the table below and who have not received a previous benefit within the past six months. Applicants MUST provide, at a minimum, the following documentation at the time the application is taken:
(1) Copies of each household member’s social security cards
(2) Proof of income for all household members. If you are employed, you will be asked to provide your last four consecutive check stubs. If you have unearned income, you will be asked to provide your income for 2016.
(3) A copy of an energy bill (must be within the last 6 months)
(4) A current LA ID or driver’s license for all household members 18 and older.
(5) Another document which was mailed to the applicant at the service address indicated on the energy bill and which lists the same address as the service address on the energy bill.
(6) If you rent you must bring your lease showing utility allowances and reimbursements. If it is determined additional documentation is required, the applicant will be notified at the time of application. Households reporting Zero Income must provide additional documentation. All information provided is subject to verification. Intentional misrepresentation of information may result in criminal prosecution of the applicant and anyone assisting in the misrepresentation.

Applications are taken by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, you may call: 318-872-0880 or 1-800-872-0889.

 

Household Size
Maximum Income
Per household per month
1
1913
2
2502
3
3090
4
3679
5
4267
6
4856
7
4966
8
5077

Northwestern State football season tickets are now on sale to the general public. The Demons are revving up for the first season under new head coach Brad Laird. Laird’s return has generated a new wave of excitement as football season ticket sales have increased 34 percent compared to June 2017.

“Folks have a unique opportunity to snap up some fantastic seats for the upcoming football season,” said Mike Jacklich, assistant athletic director for ticketing and special events. “We’ll release all unpurchased season tickets — including available seats on or near the 50-yard line, aisle seats and seats that have been held for generations. It’s a great time for potential new season-ticket holders.”

After the Demons head to Texas A&M on Aug. 30 as part of the first slate of college football games, NSU opens its home schedule against Grambling on Sept. 8. The Demons aim to sell every purple seat in Turpin Stadium when Grambling, the 2016 HBCU college football champions, come to town.

NSU’s five home games include Grambling (Sept. 8), Nicholls (Oct. 6), Sam Houston State (Sept. 13), Houston Baptist (Oct. 27) and McNeese (Nov. 10). Three of NSU’s home opponents finished in the top half of the Southland Conference while Grambling claimed the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

Fans can order their season tickets at nsudemons.com, by calling 318-357-4268 or by visiting the ticket office on campus.

Here is the report on 4-H members who attended summer camp this month. Thanks to Jennifer Moseley for the information.

Red River Parish attended on June 11-15, 2018 4-H Camp a premier 4-H event of the year for 4-H members 9 to 12 years old at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, Louisiana. 16 Red River 4-H club members, 4 Jr. Counselors and an adult volunteer traveled to Camp Grant Walker to represent Red River Parish.

4-Her’s who attended were Hannah Worsham, Chloe Jordan, Jaci Carter, Rafe Suggs, Eian Jennings, BriAunna Taylor, Xavier Bishop, Kenneth Thomas. Luke Williamson, Ben Moseley, Tristen Tipton, Madison Chamberlin, Ava Darby, Cyli Hinson, Emily Morgan, Raegan Cannon, Regan Prosperie, Jayden Scott, Renee Prosperie, Chloe Pickett. 4-H Agent Terry Foster and Volunteer Erica Morgan.

The camp week consists of four days, beginning on Monday afternoon when the campers arrive at camp and ending on Friday morning after breakfast. 4-H Agents, volunteer leaders, and teen counselors from each parish attend camp and stay in the cabins with the campers.

Campers participated in one of (7) educational tracks: Science, Engineering, and Technology; Outdoor Adventures; Hunter Safety; Water Safety; Louisiana Wetlands; Food and Fitness; and General Arts. Campers will also have recreational time to play various sports, archery, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and line dancing. Other choices include team-building activities, performing arts, visiting with friends, and shopping for souvenirs in the Camp Store. Evening programs consist of skits, talent show, Vespers, and special guest speakers.

We would like to thank the following Sponsors for your support of Red River 4-H program by being a donor helping us to raise $900 to help defer cost of attending camp. With your donation you have been instrumental helping 4-H to shape the leaders of tomorrow. These campers will bring back memories they will keep for a lifetime. Your kindness will never be forgotten by me, the parents and camper from Red River Parish. Sponsors: Jerry Glover-Bank of Coushatta, John Brewer-Red River Parish Journal, Tray Murray-State Farm Insurance, Mr. Neil and Mrs. Jullie Mikkalo, Mrs. Rhonda Shaver, Mr. Merel and Mrs. Marry Waters, Better Finance, and Mr. Chris Slatten.

There are some pictures of camp life accompanying this article. Included are Madison Chamberlin making spin art with a bicycle, Jayden Scott and Regan Prosperie helping do lunch duty at camp, Jaci Carter and Ava Darby swimming in the lake at summer camp, and Luke Williamson enjoying his track.

The library’s summer series of programs for children takes a week off next week for the July 4th holiday. The series resumes July 9th with the Red River High School Band appearing at the Library at 2:00 pm. Bring the children and meet Band Director Yasmine Jason and band members.

Children’s Librarian Kala Sims reminds you that you can join the summer reading program. Children who read a set number of books, or have books read to them (for younger kids) are invited to an end of summer celebration at the library.

The Red River Council on Aging is having their annual membership drive through July 5th. It costs nothing to join and membership is open to residents of the parish who are 18 or older. The annual membership meeting will be Tuesday, July 17th at 1:00 pm at the Council on Aging on Front Street.

We’ve got a holiday coming up. It is NOT to commemorate grilling or boating or fishing. But do you know what it commemorates? Here is a hint “When in the course of human events…”

The Journal first reported two weeks ago that the Riverdale Academy board had selected Dr. Robert Peters as the school’s new Principal. Dr. Peters sat down with The Journal last Friday to discuss his thoughts and plans for the coming school year.

Dr. Peters is no stranger to Red River Parish. He has resided at Fairview, just below the parish line since 1994. He is a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Dr. Peter was Principal at Coushatta High in 2001 and transitioned the school to Red River High School in 2002. From 2008 to 2014 he was Headmaster at Central School at Grand Cane.

His office is just to the right as you enter the school’s front doors. It is small and sparsely furnished. He said, “That’s not my priority. Pictures on the wall and other fixtures can come later. I’ve got some other things to do first.”

The new principal describes Riverdale as “a school that nurturers a set of traditions to which families are very attentive.” He cited the Ice Cream Supper and the way the school conducts graduation ceremonies as two examples. “Riverdale is very dedicated to tradition,” he added. “The school’s culture is oriented toward sports,” said Dr. Peters, “with plenty of room to grow and expand academic excellence.”

The Journal asked Dr. Peters what would be his first task as principal. He said, “We have to recruit more students. We have to further enhance our academic excellence. And we have to maintain the tradition of sports and academic excellence.”

A couple of points Dr. Peters emphasized during the interview are that Riverdale Academy has to assure that all teachers are certified or working to complete their certification by the state of Louisiana. He said, “This is necessary so that we can offer the TOPS scholarships and also so that we can participate in MAIS sports. My job is to assure that our teachers are properly certified to meet the requirements of both the state of Louisiana and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. And that our traditions of a strong sports program and emphasis on academic excellence are maintained.”

Dr. Peters stressed, “Riverdale does not discriminate on the bases of race, sex or national origin.” He added, “Our board claims an overarching Christian world view. A school making that claim can talk about all subjects in the context of the divine origin. We place subjects in proper context so that students will be taught their subjects pointing to the divine origin.”

“We will build upon and strengthen our academic excellence,” said Dr. Peters. “We are offering dual enrollment classes with colleges and universities and this will be strengthened. This is of particular interest to our seniors,” he added.

Another challenge Dr. Peters noted, “We are working to make the public aware of Riverdale Academy’s accomplishments. And we are working to attract more students to both our athletic and academic excellence.”

Coushatta native Angelia McCoy was installed as the President of the Louisiana Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Louisiana. The installation was made during the 84th annual state convention of the Auxiliary held in Alexandria.

McCoy told the gathering, “This year my theme is ‘Angel Flight – Till They All Come Home.’ All of our missing should be accounted for.” McCoy added, “I am looking forward to a year of working for veterans and supporting programs of the VFW at the state and local level. The Auxiliary supports the work of the VFW for veterans. I am excited to be working with Matthew West, the new VFW State Commander in carrying out our service to vets.”

McCoy comes from a military family. Her father, the late Dan Cotton was a Marine who served in combat in Vietnam. Dan and wife Anna Cotton served the Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 for years. McCoy is married to husband Barry of 30 years. He is a veteran of Desert Storm in 1991-92 and also the commander of the Coushatta VFW Post.

Also at the Auxiliary convention, Ramel Fields and Heather McCoy of the Coushatta chapter were named to state positions. Fields was installed as State Chaplin and McCoy was named to the ceremonial post of Banner Bearer.

Fields’ husband David concluded his year as Commander of VFW District 12 covering the parishes of northwest Louisiana. Fields serves as the Adjutant of the Coushatta Post.

VFW Post 7287 and Auxiliary 7287 serve all veterans in the area. Those with combat experience are invited to join the post. Persons related to combat vets are invited to join the Auxiliary. Both groups will meet this Thursday, June 28th at 7:00 pm. Meeting will be held at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on Ashland Road.

 

A Coushatta athlete has been selected one of the top baseball players in his age division in the US. He is Tyler Hughes, son of Timmy and Alison Hughes.

Alison Hughes told The Journal, “Tyler was selected as a USSSA Baseball All American. This means he is one of the top 25 players in the nation in the 12 and under age division.”

Hughes said, “We will travel to Viera, Florida in August for him to play on the All American team. This is a huge honor and accomplishment.” Hughes added, “He was chosen as a result of being invited to a tryout based upon his stats and play in USSSA tournaments.”

Red River Schools has been approved for two programs through the Louisiana Department of Education. Approval came from the Education Department last week. They total $99,599.00.

The Education Department approved plays submitted by 44 school systems, including Red River Parish, for improving persistently struggling schools. The news release from the Education Department said, “The grants are a key component of the state’s renewed approach to school turnaround in the era of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).”

State Superintendent John White said, “The process of improving persistently struggling schools will take time, but the plans we have seen are inspiring. It is great to see so many of our school leaders thinking boldly on behalf of the students who need it most. We look forward to the progress that will follow.”

One of the grants to Red River schools is for $94,243.00 and the other is for $5,356.00 for a total of $99,599.00. Approval by the state Department of Education came after the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) voted on June 20th to approve nearly $15,000,000.00 in funding for grants to 44 school systems in Louisiana.

Each year the local American Legion unit sends area students to participate in Boys State and Girls State. This year’s event is being held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Rhoda Bethard is the Boys and Girls State Rep for Post 118 of the American Legion and Auxiliary. Bethard said “This summer the post is sending Kyle Cason from Riverdale and Logan Smith from Central School to Boys State. The Auxiliary is sending Charli Williams and Teana Eason, both students at Red River High School, to Girls State. One additional participant was selected, however they were unable to attend.”

Louisiana Boys and Louisiana Girls State programs are held June 24-30. It is a summer leadership and citizenship program sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school students between their junior and senior year. The programs are being held concurrently on the NSU campus.

Participants – called citizens — in each program are divided into groups and elect mock municipal officials and representative to a mock state legislature. They also elect state officials who meet to hold elections and pass bills in a manner similar to the actual Louisiana legislature. The program is intended to teach high-achieving students to be informed citizens while developing a sense of community, service and responsibility. More than 1,000 students, along with about 80 counselors and junior counselors and dozens of Legion and Auxiliary staff participate in each program.

An American Legion Post, local business or a community-based organization sponsors delegates. Bethard said “The Bank of Coushatta sponsored one Boy’s State and one Girl’s State participant. Other local sponsors sending one delegate each are Bethard and Bethard Attorneys at Law, Ed Lester Farms, Les Gray at American Bank and Trust Company, and Ray and Connie Mabile at Mabile’s Pharmacy.”

Unlike most other sponsoring American Legion Posts, the Coushatta post and auxiliary pay all of the expenses for the students it sends to Boys and Girls State. In addition the local sponsors provide a banquet and reception honoring the participants after school resumes in the fall.”

This week Martin Baptist Church is holding Vacation Bible School. They are meeting nightly through June 29th from 5:30 to 8:30. Classes are for kids in Kindergarten through grade 6.

Amazing Grace Baptist Church notified The Journal that they are holding Vacation Bible School July 18th through 20th. This year’s theme is Hero Central. There will be a fun day on July 21st and the program on Sunday, July 22nd.

Residents of Red River Parish who qualify can get food boxes from Pine Belt, located at the Fairgrounds. Qualification is based upon size of household and income. But everyone has to recertify at this time of year. Call Pine Belt at 932-3639 for more information.

Defiance Energy Resources has opened a Coushatta office on Ringgold Avenue. They are currently seeking qualified truck drivers.

The State Board of Regents has approved a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Northwestern State University. The new program will begin this fall and is the only one of its kind at a public university in Louisiana.

Returning back to school can be a stressful time for parents and children. Between finding new outfits and supplies the costs add up. However, the Red River School Board is trying to help diminish the cost through their Back to School Bash on July 30.

Items are supplied to all Red River Parish Students free of charge.

“It’s a joint effort, we have local business members who are our community partners and we have local churches who are doing supply drives,” said Superintendent Alison Hughes.

The Back to School Bash will also feature food, haircuts and other activities. Hughes is expecting roughly 1,500 individuals to attend, an increase from 1,200 last year.

Beta Club members from Red River Junior High have just returned from the National Junior BETA Club national convention in Savannah, Georgia. This report is from Mike Peter, Principal of the Junior High.

Members participated in club activities, club dances, watched presentations and performances by other member from all over the US. When they were not in session, members got to experience some of the fun things in east Georgia. We went to the Atlanta Zoo, The World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Studio Tours, a water park, and lastly, the National MLK Center in Atlanta.

The students and chaperones also participated in a zombie 5K at the BETA convention. Many networking opportunities were formed as well as lessons learned from the field trips.

Next years National BETA club convention will be in Oklahoma City, OK. Anyone interested in pictures of the national BETA scene can google #betacon18.

It has been said that one is never too old to learn. And never too old to have fun. Senior citizens residing in the local nursing home had an opportunity to do both this week. This is the week for Vacation Bible School at Green Meadow Haven.

Most folks remember going to VBS as a child. There are many children in our parish enjoying VBS this summer. They are making crafts, singing songs, hearing inspiring Bible stories, eating snacks and having a great time with their friends. Even after 50 or 60 years or more time has passed, vacation Bible school still evokes fond memories.

Back in 2010, parish resident Sharon Adkins came up with the idea of turning those great memories into a real experience. As Yogi Berra would say “It’s déjà vu all over again.” Adkins has been helping residents relive those great memories every year since. For the 2018 edition, Adkins received the assistance of members of several area churches including Crossroads Methodist, First Methodist, First Baptist, and Wesley Chapel.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week it is Vacation Bible School for Green Meadow Haven residents. They meet in the dining room about 1:30 and sing familiar old hymns. This year Adkins has added what she calls “some silly songs.” They are songs that kids sing like “This Little Light of Mine” that are not in todays hymnal.

There were Bible stories told after the singing. They brought great inspiration and a laugh or two.

On Wednesday, ladies from the Sewing God’s Love house came to help residents with their arts and crafts project. They made and decorated visors to keep the sun out of the residents’ eyes when they would go outside. Or just to cut down the glare from some of the bright ceiling lights.

And of course there were sweet treats. Lots of cookies and other goodies were passed out to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee from the home’s never empty coffee pot.

The Bible school sessions only lasted a couple of hours. The memories made having fund with friends will last much longer than that.

Red River High School will be seeing new updates to its athletic facilities within the next year. At the June meeting, the school board approved the purchase of nearly 28 acres behind the high school to build a new baseball, softball, seven track and field complexes, as well as a football practice field.

The purchase will cost the district roughly $161,000 for the land and the lumber on the property. The land is located behind the current football stadium and will benefit the junior high school as well.

The land is expected to come into their possession sometime within the next few weeks and bids will begin to come in to the board in July for the baseball and softball complexes. Groundbreaking would begin in August.

Meanwhile, the move of temporary buildings is almost complete. The T-buildings that housed classes for sixth graders are being moved from the west side of the campus to the old tennis courts behind the cafeteria. That is where sixth graders will go to school while a new sixth grade academy is being constructed.

The 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on July 20-21 in air conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The Festival will be on Friday, July 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 10:15 p.m. and on Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. The family-oriented festival is wheelchair accessible.

Pictured are the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers. Photo by David Holocombe.

Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $13 for a two-day pass, available in advance only, or $10 at the door for all events on Saturday or $6 for a one-time evening pass to all events after 5 p.m. For advance tickets or more information, call (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu.

The 2018 Festival theme is Celebrating Louisiana’s Folk Roots. “This year’s theme acknowledges the ways in which so many outstanding artists young and old are tapping into the power and artistry of the old ways, revitalizing and reimagining tradition as they make it their own,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Louisiana’s folkways are not just of the past, but also of the present, and the voices of these artists emerge as a clarion call, reminding us of the vibrancy of traditional culture.”

Friday evening is a dance, featuring free Cajun dance lessons, traditional Cajun music by Donny Broussard and the Louisiana Stars and the Jambalaya Cajun Band, blues with Hardrick Rivers and the Rivers Revue and Celtic music by Smithfield Fair.

The festival offers three stages of music on Saturday with free zydeco dancing lessons, Cajun music by the Choupique Cajun Band and the Huval-Fusilier Trio, zydeco by Joe Hall and the Cane Cutters, blues by Lil’ Buck Sinegal, rockabilly by Jim Oertling, and French Creole la la music by Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys. There will also be traditional Americana music by Sabra and the Get Rights, a Hank Williams tribute by Hugh Harris and the Drifting Cowboys, a demonstration by the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, and swamp pop by Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs with special guests James Burton, Estelle Brown and Jo-El Sonnier. Friday and Saturday will also feature acoustic open jam sessions, as well as numerous food vendors. Saturday’s outdoor activities include demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing and black pot cooking.

The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will also be part of the Festival. The Fiddle Championship will be held July 21 at 1 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. Registration is at noon in the first floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.

The Festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. On Saturday, July 21, fiddlers Gina Forsyth, David Greely and Terry Huval will conduct a Cajun fiddler workshop. Participants in this interactive workshop will learn and trade tricks, techniques and theories with these master artists. Participation in the Cajun fiddle workshop will be free for members of the Festival audience.

“The Festival attempts to bridge the distance between artists and the Festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Rasmussen. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.”

Narrative sessions will include programs on the legacy of folk artist Clementine Hunter, traditional crafts such as bousillage and coopering, folk stories and family history, blues music, Cajun music, zydeco music and music informances by John de Chiaro and Smithfield Fair. Saturday will also feature a guitar Q&A with James Burton, and “Memories of the King” with Estelle Brown of the Sweet Sensations and Burton recalling their time performing with Elvis Presley.

More than 70 crafts vendors have been invited to display their traditional work on Saturday and discuss their work with those attending the Festival. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, music instruments, Pysanky eggs and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display filé making, needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade lye soap, spinning & weaving, white oak baskets, master accordion maker, handmade dream catchers, handcrafted knives, handmade wooden furniture, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more.

KidFest will once again be available on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state.

Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

 

Early Wednesday morning an 18-wheeler loaded with rolls of paper ended up in a ditch on LA 1 just south of the Caddo Parish line. It took a good part of the day to get everything cleaned up.

Sheriff’s Deputies directed traffic around the wreckers from the towing company out of Minden that was called in. One of the workers said that the paper rolls had to be unloaded from the overturned trailer, then loaded onto a flatbed trailer and carried away.

Then the overturned truck could be righted and moved from the scene.

The accident was said to have occurred about 6:00 am Wednesday morning. State police investigated he accident.

There is only about a week left to recertify for the food boxes from Pine Belt. Call 932-3639 for details.

Saturday there is a fish fry fundraiser put on by the Riverdale cheer group. Fish and all the trimmings at $10 per plate. They will be in the parking lot by the glass shop across from the Chevron station.

A Prayer Chain is forming for this weekend at Abundant Life. Details on their Facebook post. The chain is from 7:00 pm Saturday June 30th until 10:30 am on Sunday.

Next Monday Harvey Rabbit and Friends will be at the Red River Parish Library. They are a returning act from last summer. It’s all part of the library’s summer reading program for kids.

There are six Red River residents named to the President’s List this spring at NSU. A total of Six hundred and twenty-three students made the list. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List from Coushatta are Sydney Anderson, Colton Campbell, Lajustice Johnson, Baley McAlexander, Shalondria Rainey, and Jon Russell.

Fourteen students from the parish were included when Northwestern State University announced the names of 1,087 students named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2018 semester. Students on the Dean’s List maintained a 3.5-3.99 grade point average. Students from Red River Parish are Jason Bell, Nick Ezernack, Erikka Johnson, Jamary Jones, Sidney Jones, Aaron Murray, Jacob Shaver, Precious Smith, John Squires, Keyairrowa Thomas, Treasure Wilson, Caroline Wren, Lauren Young, and Rena Yount.

And there were seven students from the parish among one thousand and ten students named to the Spring 2018 Honor Roll at Northwestern State University. Students on the Honor Roll earned a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49. Those named to the Honor Roll from Coushatta are Kori Allen, Elizabeth Cummins, William Jordan, William Lee, Aston Lester, Amey Sepulvado, and Mikailah Smith.

The Journal congratulates these students on their academic success.

Red River High’s Mickael Lewis signed a football scholarship this week. Lewis will attend Lyon College at Batesville, Arkansas. It is a four-year college playing NAIA football.

The signing was held in the school library. Athletic Director Billy Henry, Jr. told Lewis, “This is the college you wanted. He held out until he got what he wanted.” This is a great opportunity, said Henry, “the opportunity to go to college with a lot of it paid. Lewis gets the most money for school coming to a Red River Athlete this year.”

Lewis’ coach John Bachman told him, “You’re a big boy now. Your mom and dad aren’t going with you.” He added, “They’re paying you to do a job, to play football. So go to class and do everything to graduate. You’re going there to get an education and an education will give you your life.” Bachman added, “You have what it takes to play football and you are a good academician.”

Principal JC Dickey posted, “Red River High School is extremely proud of you and everything you have done. Keep up the good work.”

During the school year, Superintendent Alison Hughes has been highlighting the accomplishments of teachers and students. However, this time around she decided to highlight community members who have “gone the extra mile to make [the] schools great.” David and Cindy Coffey have supported the district by helping the band buy new uniforms, supplying food for school board members at different events, hiring students and sponsoring school teams.

“They’re pillars in our community,” Hughes said. “For years they have generously helped the school district. They are always right there if we need something.”

Before the school board and members of the community, the Coffeys accepted a plaque in recognition for everything they have done. Before sitting down, Cindy Coffey explained why they helped the band members buy the new uniforms. “We gave those [band] uniforms because the band is wonderful and we’re proud of it and it’s really given the kids in our parish an opportunity to give our kids a chance to know more about music,” she said.