Northwestern State University reached a record enrollment this fall for the second straight year with the registration of 11,081 students. Enrollment at the university, which has increased for five consecutive years, is up by 509, a 4.8 percent increase over the previous enrollment record last fall of 10,572.

NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio said, “This continuing growth in enrollment reflects the vibrant atmosphere at Northwestern and the positive reputation and image of the university in this region, the state and beyond.”

This fall’s freshman class enrollment of 1,562 is an increase of 1.3 percent over last year, according to Acting Registrar Barbara Prescott. Maggio said increased freshman registration “should help assure future enrollment growth.”

Louisiana Tech University has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) as one of the best National Universities for the eighth consecutive year, according to its 2019 Best Colleges list.

“Our approach to creating an unparalleled educational experience results in national recognition from a number of publications each year,” said Dr. Les Guice, Louisiana Tech president. “We consider it important that these types of recognition validate the efforts of our faculty to build programs that are among the top in their fields, and that our studios, labs, and classrooms are special places of innovation.”

Louisiana State University is ranked in the top tier for “Best National Universities” for the 11th-straight year in the USNWR rankings. And LSU is the only public university in Louisiana ranked in the top tier this year. LSU is ranked 70th among public universities and 35th among flagship universities nationwide.

“While we are pleased to be recognized as the only public university in Louisiana ranked in the top tier, input-based rankings such as U.S. News are becoming more obsolete,” said LSU President F. King Alexander. “People are paying more attention to rankings that focus on outcomes like Washington Monthly and Forbes because that’s what really matters to students and their families.”

The USNWR rankings evaluate colleges and universities on 16 measures of academic quality including outcomes, faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence, and alumni giving. USNWR assessed more than 1,800 four-year colleges and universities across the country. Based on categories developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, “National Universities” include institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and Ph.D. programs, and emphasize faculty research. The Carnegie classification has served as the basis for the Best Colleges ranking category system since the first rankings were done in 1983.

We’re off to the games tonight! John Brewer will follow the Red River Bulldogs to Alexandria for a game against Alexandria High. The Trojans are 3-0 this season and the Bulldogs are 2-0. Steven Bryant and Ty Hester will provide the play by play from Riverdale Academy. The Rebels are 2-2 and tonight they host Claiborne Academy.

You may listen to both games on The Journal’s website or social media pages. Pre-game is at 6:45 and the games kickoff at 7:00 pm. Just click on the link for the game you wish to listen to.

LSU’s just-announced 2019 football schedule includes a Sept. 14 visit to Tiger Stadium for Northwestern State. It will be the second meeting this decade between the Demons and Tigers. No game time has been set.

First Methodist and Wesley Chapel churches have begun a new Bible study of the book of Mark. Study sessions are Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 pm in McLemore Hall on Front Street. Dr. Curtis Carroll is presenting Mark in new ways that you may not be familiar with. All are welcome.

The Journal saw Bro Harry Bamburg at the Post Office the other day. He said the Wild Game Dinner held last Friday night at Liberty Baptist Church was a big success. There was great music, an inspirational speaker and of course lots of fantastic food.

Abundant Life Worship Center posted this week “Pastor Tyler and Lauren Kelley Bushnell will be with us this Sunday AM!! You don’t want to miss it!!” Abundant Life is located on the Ashland Road at Army Road.

 

The “new” elementary school was constructed on the Ashland Road about 20 years ago, following school consolidation in the parish. There was a sign erected at the front of the property. This week the school’s presence in the neighborhood was proclaimed with a big, beautiful new sign installed on the front of the building.

This is the latest change to the elementary school campus. Earlier this year a new front door was installed with an entrance directly into the school office. This is a security measure to assure that everyone entering the school checks in at the office first. Also, the rear entrance has been designated as the bus entrance for students arriving and departing. It is also used by the faculty and staff.

The new sign proclaims “Red River Elementary School” in bright blue letters. And there is a huge Bulldog paw print to the left. There are also new signs on the entrance drive to direct parents and visitors to the proper parking lot and entrance.

The changes at the elementary school aren’t just external. See the story elsewhere in today’s edition of the academic accomplishments of our students.

Owners of houses that have become run down, abandoned, damaged or otherwise might be considered blighted will soon get letters from the town’s attorney. The Town Council at the September meeting authorized attorney Cloyd Benjamin, Jr to send the letters out.

There are a number of properties in the town that are not livable due to damage or neglect. A couple of months ago the town council began taking action to get the property owners to clean up or demolish these buildings.

The purpose of the letters is to get the property owners to bring their houses up to an inhabitable condition. Attorney Benjamin explained to The Journal recently that it is a legal process of notices required to either get the property owners to act or face further legal actions by the town.

The Red River Parish Police Jury is being asked to join a nationwide series of lawsuits growing out of the opioid crisis. Several attorneys representing other police juries in the state made a proposal to the jury at the September meeting.

Present were Walter May, John Young and other attorneys representing a group of law firms who are seeking to represent the Police Jury in the suits. May said, “Our group represents 22 police juries in Louisiana. All over the country local bodies are getting involved.” Young said the suit includes “RICO or racketeering legislation. We believe we can bring in elements of RICO which will give treble (triple) damages.” Young added, “There is no political downside to suing opioid manufacturers. No one is coming to their defense.”

Young went on to say, “The drug companies are making billions of dollars and sticking the taxpayers with the cost of dealing with victims. Manufacturers had a fraudulent marketing campaign promoting opioids as safe and denying risks.”

Jury President Shawn Beard told the Journal afterward that he was caught by surprise by their presentation. Beard and other jurors questioned the attorneys on what they were proposing. They also questioned the deadline to join the suit, which is only a month away. The attorneys promised to send more detailed materials on the case, a copy of their contract they said had the approval of the Louisiana Attorney General and a schedule of compensation the law firms would get from any settlement. Beard said the members of the jury would take a look and consider what action to take.

Next week is Voter Registration Week across Louisiana. The emphasis will be on to get citizens who are not registered to do so before the fall elections. Locally there are several school board district races to be decided. Statewide there is the Secretary of State race. And all of Louisiana’s US Representative seats are being contested.

In Red River Parish, acting Registrar of Voters Debra Jones told The Journal, “I will be delivering Voter Registration Applications to the Library and to the Council on Aging. Or you may register at the Registrar’s office in the Courthouse.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is joining registrars of voters across the state the week of Sept. 24-28, 2018 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote. The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the congressional primary on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Louisiana’s registration push also coincides with National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote,” said Ardoin. “This fall, Louisianians will choose their congressional representation, as well as a host of other local races and propositions. Get registered today so your voice can be heard on Election Day.”

Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana Special ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for/renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:
• _be a U.S. citizen;
• _be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;
• _not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony;
• _not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;
• _be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;
• _apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

I, Susan Taylor, ask the voters of District 7 to cast your vote for Me.

Education has been in the forefront of my life for as long as I can remember and the children of Red River Parish have been my passion for more than 40 years.

I pledge to continue to work for more opportunities for all students, pay for all employees that is competitive with or surpassing surrounding parishes, making sure quality teachers prepare our students for future success, and creating policies that support the laws and needs of our parish.

We have made tremendous changes in the past four years. We have created a system that rewards excellence in teaching. We are beginning to show growth to mastery for students in high stakes testing, and are promoting our own teachers and employees to leadership roles.

We need to keep moving forward. We cannot take a step back. Help me to continue to champion this fight for our children. Help me to serve the people of District 7 and the children I so dearly love.

Vote # 54, Susan Taylor, School Board District 7.

New lifesaving equipment will be installed in public buildings and schools across the parish soon. Office of Homeland Security head Shawn Hubbard told the police jury this month a grant from the US Department of Homeland Security is making the purchase possible.

Hubbard said Automatic External Defibrillators or AEDs would be posted in public buildings, including schools, in Red River Parish. The AEDs have pads for both children and adults. In addition the grant included tourniquets for sheriff’s deputies to use in emergencies.

Workers and other personnel at the schools and public facilities will be given training on how to use the AEDs to save lives. Hubbard said that Steven Johnson has volunteered EMS to train users at no cost.

The Red RES PAW Parents recently awarded students for Mastery and Advanced scores on the LEAP 21 test. The tests were given in April and scores came in this summer.

PAW Parents along with students raised money from World’s Finest Chocolate to purchase prizes. Students had a choice between a tablet, action camera or a bike if they scored Mastery or Advanced. Perfect scores would receive $100.

In addition to each student getting an individual prize, a raffle was held for some major prizes. They included things like a TV, Xbox, Drone, Basketball goal, gift card, and Chromebook to name a few.

The kids held up their end of the deal and parents came through with the prizes. 111 students received prizes. All prizes have been ordered and the parents will be notified once they arrive for pick up.

RRES is proud of each child who took the test and did their best. PAW hopes this little incentive helps give the students the drive to do even better for 2018-19.

Guess who The Journal ran into last weekend? It is Virginia Webb who was sitting in Ronald Webb’s 1947 Ford Coupe. Virginia drove the old Ford to Bossier City for the 25th annual Mustang and Ford show put on by the Mustang Club. A nice contingent from Red River went along for the daylong event.

Last Friday night there was a great night of music, food and fellowship at Liberty Baptist Church. Here is their post from Facebook, “Our annual Wild Game Supper went great! We had Stuart Shaw and his best friend come and give a great presentation and one of our very own, Jennifer Breedlove, sang a few songs with God’s Country. There was great food and fellowship! Glory to God for allowing us to have this event and tell people about Him!”

After reading the news do you ever feel like saying, “Tell me something I didn’t know?” Well this is one of those type items. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has posted that summer has returned! Hot afternoon temperatures!
The Journal’s own Cajun Weather Rock is hanging steady and it is hot and dry. That seems correct. There is a 50% or better chance of rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Journal would like to apologize to our Riverdale Academy football fans. Many of you tried to listen to the Riverdale-Collegiate Christian Academy game Friday night. There were technical reasons it could not be broadcast including threatening storms and a “press box” that our crew did not think was safe or would offer any protection from precipitation or lightning. See the picture below.

Congratulations to both local football teams. Friday night Riverdale defeated CCA 10 to 6. The Bulldogs from Red River traveled to Mansfield and came back with a 9 to 6 victory.

Red River Football – CLICK HERE

Riverdale Football – CLICK HERE 

A Louisiana Department of Public Safety officer is recovering after undergoing surgery for injuries sustained in a vehicle wreck last Friday. The accident happened on Highway 1 and as you can see from the photos his vehicle was heavily damaged.

Troop G Public Information Officer Glenn Younger confirmed the accident and told the Journal, “He has come through surgery and is recovering now.” Younger identified the officer as Sergeant Bradley Salter.

Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade may participate in one of the patriotic programs offered by Coushatta’s Veterans of Foreign Wars. Students in public, private and home school situations are eligible.

This week entry materials were distributed to schools in Red River and Bienville parishes. Students in Kindergarten through 4th grade have art projects to complete. Fifth graders write an essay on “How I Honor Veterans.” Sixth through 8th graders have 300 word Patriot’s Pen essays to write. High school students perform an audio essay on a patriotic theme.

The VFW awards scholarships for the best entries in each category. The top scholarship for the Voice of Democracy national winner is $30,000. There are other amounts for local, district and state winners.

The entries must be completed and submitted to no later than October 31st. The post will gather the entries from schools on Monday, October 29th. Or they may be mailed directly to VFW Post 7287, P.O. Box 712, Coushatta, LA 71019. To get further information, call the post at 318-932-6557.

This program is designed to empower participants with awareness about their risk factors for chronic conditions through an array of health screenings, which include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI, and on-site prostate and mammogram screenings. The program is free and open to the public.

Each health screening event is staffed with a registered nurse to review screening results with individuals and a registered dietitian to answer any questions about diets and their impact on chronic conditions.

The H.E.A.R.T. team wants to partner with your congregation on a free health screening event and healthy living program. The healthy living program will include weekly classes featuring different topics and activities to help participants live their healthiest life together in community.

Please email Essence Smith, HEART Community Engagement Coordinator, at essence@mlkhealth.org or call her at 318.227.2912, ext. 5.

The Town Council approved a resolution at the meeting Tuesday night concerning a loan for water system improvements. It is a project that has taken many years so far and work has not yet begun. Mayor Johnny Cox thanked the council for sticking with it all these years.

Cox said, “We have tried for almost 10 years. We have been funded $7,000,000 to redo the water system for the entire town of Coushatta.” He added, “We have had to submit and resubmit paperwork. We stuck with it and we got the funds.”

Money for the water system refurbish will come from the US Department of Agriculture. Work is expected to start within the next nine months. “It is a huge undertaking, awesome infrastructure repair,” said Cox.

Although the money has not been finally granted and the work has not begun on water system upgrades, Mayor Cox says they are already planning the next big upgrade. Cox said, “We are already proposing and negotiating for repairs to our sewer system.” That project is in the planning stages.

Mary Ann Longino is a Pre-K teacher at Red River Elementary School. She was selected school employee of the month for August. And Longino was presented a plaque and goodie bag at the School Board meeting Monday night.

She was nominated by Principal Shenell Deville who said in her nomination statement, “Mrs. Longino truly loves all students. She holds high standards for her students and within the first few weeks of school, her precious Pre-K students are in routine and ready to learn.”

Deville went on to say Longino looks beyond her student’s educational needs and is concerned with their well-being away from school. “She used her personal money to buy for her students and families in need,” said Deville. Her principal concluded by saying, “They just don’t make teachers like Mrs. Mary Ann Longino anymore.”

School Superintendent Alison Hughes presented many honors at the School Board meeting this week. “I want to honor adults who give countless hours and other resources to make sure things happen in our schools,” said Hughes.

Hughes presented plaques to several individuals and businesses. She introduced Pam Bamburg who volunteers at the Elementary School. Hugh said, “She is phenomenally talented and gives her time painting bulletin boards and backdrops for school functions.”

Next Hughes honored Colette Smith. “She is the backbone of just about everything at the Junior High,” said Hughes. She said Smith “loves kids and they love her. Thank you for giving your time to our kids.”

Pastor Tommy Eason, his wife, and his church were honored for work at the Junior High. Hughes said, “They have adopted our school. He is in the hallway every day greeting the children. We appreciate what they do and they are certainly making an impact on our children.”

Next to be honored was Mary Marston. Hughes said, “She is there daily as well. She mentors the kids who need a little extra time.”

Hughes recognized Randy and Adair Thomas for “constantly traveling, feeding and working for our kids,” said Hughes. Randy and Adair Thomas head the Athletic Booster Club. You see them at every home game and every time the Bulldogs score you hear their horns sound.

Next the Superintendent turned to recognize businesses in the community that contribute to the schools. Hughes thanked Fausto’s Fried Chicken. She said, “Fausto’s feeds the football team before every away game. They also offer discounts to fans and stay open late after home games.”

Next the Bank of Coushatta and President Jerry Glover were thanked by Hughes “for sponsoring everything we do. Not one event, one team, one school, nothing that we do that they do not sponsor. They give money and their staff does fundraising for the schools. Thank you Jerry for all you do.” Glover responded, “You’re welcome. You deserve it.”

And the Coushatta Pizza Hut and John Feazell were thanked. Hughes said, “they provide sponsorship to schools and they offer discounts to students.”

The Superintendent concluded with another thank you to these individuals and businesses. Hughes said, “We want to thank them for all they do for Red River Parish Schools.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church showed their appreciation for their pastor recently. They posted on social media, “We surprised Bro Mike with cake and punch today to celebrate his 55 years in the ministry.”

Bro Mike Fort was presented with a plaque that read, “In appreciation for your faithful and dedicated service. Your ministry makes a difference in so many lives, and is deeply appreciated!” The plaque was presented by the Members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church September 2018.

Bro Mike also got a delicious, beautifully decorated cake to mark the occasion.

Last weekend was drill weekend for the Louisiana National Guard unit in Coushatta. This was a one-day drill instead of lasting the whole weekend. It was also family day.

The soldiers spent the morning completing their duties, inspecting and storing gear, planning and other activities. At lunch they were treated to lunch prepared by members of the local veterans organization. It took two grills flaming at high speed for members of the VFW Post to help prepare hundreds of burgers and dogs. Members of Auxiliary 7287 spent the morning in the kitchen and dining room preparing all the trimmings and many scrumptious deserts.

It seemed just when the pit was hot the skies opened up and welcome rain fell on the armory. Just enough to break the heat and humidity, but not enough to douse the fire, so the cooking began. The rain certainly did not put a damper on the festive spirit as children of guard members tossed balls, played tag and had a great time.

Members of the unit and their families enjoyed lunch at noon. While they ate, the Commander of VFW Post 7287 presented a check to First Lieutenant William Hall, the unit commander. The Post earlier voted to buy the unit a new sign for the front of their building and also a new guidon for the troops to carry.

Thomas Edwards is a retired US Air Force Major. He is the commander of the Junior ROTC Squadron at Red River High. Recently he was crowned King.

For the 2018-2019 year, Thomas Edwards is King of the Krewe of Sobek XVI. The photos show the crown being placed upon his head at the beginning of his year-long reign.

Edwards was excited about the honor when The Journal caught up with him this week. Edwards said, “The Krewe of Sobek is much more than just an excuse to party and have a good time. We play, but we also pay.” He said the Krewe gives scholarships to high school students. They also provide bicycles to Boys and Girls Clubs.

Edwards is looking forward to presiding over the Krewe’s Ball next January 18th.

 

The students who will lead the Junior ROTC Program at Red River High School this fall have been selected. Major Thomas Edwards, Squadron Commander, provided this list of the Cadet leaders and their positions:

Cadet Captain Alexis Keith, Cadet Commander
Cadet Captain Teanna Eason, Cadet Deputy Commander
Cadet 1st Lieutenant Josiah Jackson, Drill Team Commander
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Alexandria Brown, Rifle Team Commander
Cadet Master Sergeant Skye Davis, Color Guard Commander
Cadet Technical Sergeant Kaitlyn Antilley, Saber Team Commander

Recently several cadets earned a promotion in rank.
[Insert ROTC1 Here] Maj. Thomas Edwards, Cadet Captain Alexis Keith, and SMSgt Lawrence Bunton.
[Insert ROTC2 Here] SMSgt Lawrence Bunton, Cadet Captain Teanna Eason, Maj. Thomas Edwards.
[Insert ROTC3 Here] SMSgt Lawrence Bunton, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Josiah Jackson, and Maj. Thomas Edwards.
[Insert ROTC4 Here] SMSgt Lawrence Bunton, Cadet Staff Sergeant Steven Waters, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Ethan Morgan, Cadet Master Sergeant John Lewis, Cadet Captain Alexis Keith, and Maj. Thomas Edwards
[Insert ROTC5 Here] SMSgt Lawrence Bunton, Cadet Technical Sergeant James Mangham, Cadet Master Sergeant Ariel Babers, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Alexandria Brown, and Maj. Thomas Edwards.
[Insert ROTC6 Here] SMSgt Lawrence Bunton, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Josiah Jackson, Cadet Technical Sergeant Kaitlyn Antilley, Cadet Master Sergeant Skye Davis, Cadet Captain Teanna Eason, and Maj. Thomas Edwards.

The JROTC Squadron supports all school activities such as presenting the colors at home football games, raising and lowering the flag in front of the school, and representing Red River High at military competitions.

Red River Elementary School has awarded MVP status to four staff members for the month of September. Each month the schools designates employees who have gone the extra mile.

The 4 MVP staff members for the month of September are Roshawnda Taylor, Marsha Miller, Mary Ann Longino, and Fonda Moseley. To commemorate their selection, all were given a box of goodies from Sweet Cakes and Treats donated by the PAW Parents.

RRPJ-Police Jury Legal Notice BOTTOM-18Sep14