Denise Upshaw notified The Journal that Hickory Grove Baptist Church held their annual Christmas play on Sunday, December 9th. It was “The Fumbly Bumbly Angels.”
Upshaw said, “Pictured in the Manger Scene are Kori Allen, Ellie Norwood (sheep-in the manger), Brandy and Josh Longino, Edward Norwood, Anthony Cox, Mackenzie Grigg, Raelynn Cox, Raelynn Bice and Daniel Grigg.
Thursday is the last day to enter The Journal’s “Christmas Turkey Dinner Giveaway.” The winner will be selected tomorrow afternoon and published in Friday’s edition.
Some lucky reader will win the turkey, dressing, side dishes, cranberry sauce and everything that goes into a great holiday feast. Want desert? That is included too! But you have to enter to win.
Full contest details, rules and entry method are posted on our social media pages. Don’t wait to enter. Do it right now while you are thinking about it. And find out first thing Friday morning if you are the winner in the Journal’s first “Christmas Turkey Dinner Giveaway.” Good Luck!
Marcus Dewayne Davis is being held in the parish jail on a $1,000,000 bond. He was arrested recently on a grand jury indictment.
The Journal reported on Davis’ original arrest in the October 24th edition. The series of incidents was first reported as an altercation at the Natchitoches Meat Pie facility in the Industrial Park about 8:00 pm on October 15th. That was closely followed by a report of a gunshot victim at a residence on Jones Street. A third call came in from a residence on nearby Brittain Street.
According to the Sheriff’s Report at the time, the suspected shooter held a worker at gunpoint at the meat pie plant in what appears to be an armed robbery. The suspect forced a worker to drive him to the worker’s residence on Brittain Street. The victim tried to flee and was shot twice.
The suspect fled that scene where he encountered the second (unrelated) victim at a nearby residence on Jones Street. The second victim, unaware of the earlier incident, was shot in the face.
Davis was arrested on October 16th and held in the parish jail on a million dollar bond. Earlier this month the Red River Parish Grand Jury indicted Davis on armed robbery, attempted first degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated kidnapping, carjacking, possession of a firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of weapons, and possession of schedule I synthetic Cannabinoids charges. He was rearrested and remains in the parish jail.
By Shenell R. Deville, Principal of Red River Elementary School
For the 2018-2019 school year, Red River Elementary School (RRES) has adopted the theme “Game On Team.” Every month, we are recognizing staff members as our “Most Valuable Players” MVP. These faculty members are recognized for their attendance, positive spirit, team effort, and their motivation to do above and beyond.
For the month of December our MVP Staff are from the Leadership Team: Danny Rester, Assistant Principal, Christy Suggs, Instructional Coach, Cassandra Turner, Instructional Coach, and Alvester Barfield, Instructional Coach. I am very blessed to have them on my team. They are very supportive of my vision and goals for our school.
RRES Staff Recognition Committee awarded the staff with a treat bag with their favorite snacks, a duty free lunch, a certificate, and picture on the MVP spotlight bulletin board. In addition, our our wonderful PAW Parents presented them with a basket full of sweet treats.
Six students from Coushatta are among those earning degrees from Northwestern State University. A total of 922 graduates who completed coursework in the Summer 2018 and Fall 2018 semesters were conferred degrees. The commencement speaker was State Sen. Gerald Long.
Students from Coushatta are:
LaToya Gray and Erikka Johnson, Associate of General Studies; Dillon Foshee, Bachelor of Arts; Allison Pearah, Bachelor of General Studies; Baley McAlexander, Bachelor of Science; Precious Smith, Bachelor of Social Work;
Northwestern State University recognized top graduates from the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences during morning commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 14. From left are Kenedy Lampert of Deville, Madison Milligan of Natchitoches, Antavious Roberson of Arcadia, commencement speaker and NSU alumnus State Senator and Senate President Pro Tempore Gerald Long, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Baley McAlexander of Coushatta, Lauren Nelson of Ringgold Hannah Glaze of LeCompte.
Two groups gathered at Green Meadow Haven last Friday morning to help the residents brighten up their rooms for Christmas. Members of the Wise Ones Working and the Sewing God’s Love house assisted residents in the making of festive holiday ornaments.
Celia Ann Norman lead the project and supplied the assembly kits. Residents smiled, joked, and laughed as they decorated miniature Christmas trees, Santa heads and Rudolph faces. The workers pitched in to assist.
After about an hour, each resident had two or three ornaments assembled just like they like them to take back to their rooms. About a dozen of Green Meadow’s residents took part. It is no exaggeration to say that a great time was had by all!
Schools in the parish are dismissing today (Dec 19th) for the Christmas-New Years holiday. Public and private schools dismiss at noon. Teachers return January 7th and Students will go back to class on the 8th of January.
Santa will be at Rivertown Market this Saturday, December 22nd 8-11 AM!!!
Also present on Saturday will be members of the Red River High School Band and Carolers playing and singing Christmas Carols.
The children of Red River Cowboy Church will be singing Christmas carols during morning worship Sunday. Young singers from the littlest angels through high school age will take part.
A PERSONAL NOTE: It is the Christmas season and unfortunately the scammers are out in force. It seems The Journal’s phone rings constantly with amazing offers or threats of legal action or whatever they can dream up. You have to act immediately, or they will repossess your first-born! Folks, hang up or even better don’t answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. If they are legit they will leave a message. As they used to say on Hill Street Blues, ”Be careful out there.”
Both Red River and Riverdale basketball teams are in action this week. Red River is at home with boys and girls games against Green Oaks at about 6:00 pm Thursday. Riverdale’s boys and girls teams are at home hosting Tensas Academy. Both Red River and Riverdale games will be streamed live by Journal Sports. A notice and link to the broadcasts will be posted on The Journal’s social media pages on Thursday and Friday evenings before the broadcast.
The family of Roger Norris held a fundraiser to offset medical bills. They sold chicken plates and deserts last Saturday in the MaxWay parking lot. See the picture at the end of the article. A family member told The Journal Norris has been battling health issues for several months and the family came together to help offset the cost of being in four hospitals over three months.
Shortly before midday on Thursday a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on the Red Oak Road. Units from the parish Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office and EMS responded.
At the scene, The Journal learned that a man had been struck on the Red Oak Road in front of his residence. Those at the scene said only that the individual was still alive. The Journal observed the ambulance leaving the scene headed toward Shreveport.
State Police spokesperson Glenn Younger said, “I can confirm a single vehicle struck a pedestrian in the area of LA 2091 and Highway 480 in Red River Parish. The pedestrian was talking to EMS on the scene and has been transferred to UH (University Health) in Shreveport with moderate injuries.” Younger said the investigation is ongoing.
At publication deadline, the identity of the victim had not been confirmed by either the Sheriff’s Office or state police. Also it had not been confirmed that relatives have been notified.
Lee Smith is known as one of the greatest baseball relief pitchers of all times. Now Smith is getting the recognition he deserves.
From MLB.com’s website:
“Lee Smith was perhaps the most feared reliever of his generation and helped define the closer’s role in the modern game during 18 seasons in the Majors. Smith learned on Sunday that he will be a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame induction class of 2019.
“Smith was selected by the Today’s Game Era Committee, a 16-member panel appointed by the Hall of Fame to review players retired for at least 15 seasons who were passed over by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as well as managers, umpires and executives.
Smith was a unanimous selection.
“I never, never, never gave up hope,” Smith said, “and then when they started the second-chance ballot, I thought my chances got a little better. Today was probably the most nervous I’ve been with this Hall of Fame voting thing.”
Smith pitched in an era when closers routinely pitched more than an inning. He got at least four outs for 169 of his 478 saves and had 12 straight seasons of at least 60 appearances, a Major League record. He’s also the only reliever with 13 straight seasons of 25-plus saves and 10 straight of at least 30. He finished top five in Cy Young voting three times.
Smith initially resisted efforts by the Cubs to move him to the bullpen, but it cleared his path to the Majors and eventually the Hall of Fame.
“You gotta have really thick skin,” Smith said of the role. “But you know the one thing I learned really myself, was like when you’re going good, don’t get too high, and when you’re struggling a little bit, don’t beat yourself up. “If I could go home and put my head on the pillow and say, ‘I did the best I can that day.’ If you go out there and you make quality pitches day in and day out, good things are going to happen.”
Portions of this report come from MLB.com and the photo of Lee Smith is by Ron Vesely and is from MLB Photos.
CORRECTION: Smith was born in Janestown, LA and grew up in Castor, LA.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy voted against the Farm Bill before the US Senate. He issued this statement on his “No” vote:
“Our farmers are an integral part of our country’s history and economy, but unfortunately this bill has become about more than supporting our farmers,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Too much of this bill is devoted to irresponsible food stamp distribution that fails to help people realize the dignity of work. I could not support this bill because it does not contain stronger work requirements for food stamps. I am disappointed at this missed opportunity to reform the SNAP program, and I am more disappointed in the failure to negotiate a more fair and effective Farm Bill for our farmers.”
The students selected as Students of the Month at Red River schools were presented to the school board on Monday night. Superintendent Alison Hughes and representatives of the local VFW Post and Auxiliary presented certificates and gift cards to Dairy Queen.
Superintendent Hughes introduced Red River Elementary student Gabriel “Gabi” Bounds. Hughes said, “Gabi is a hard worker and loves to help others. She is caring and offers assistance to other students when she completes her work. Gabi is motivated to learn and is a model student. She is well deserving of this special honor.”
The high school student of the month is Mya Bradley. Hughes said, “Mya is a senior at Red River High School. She is well-deserving because she demonstrates a level of maturity that is admirable for her age. She is kind and thoughtful. She demonstrates that maturity in choosing complex courses, in carefully planning out her future, in predicting obstacles that may come between her and success, and in taking the proper steps to reach her goals. When other seniors are getting “senioritis,’ she meticulously treads on.
The student honored from Red River Junior High was Cannon Perkins. She was not at the meeting, however Hughes noted, “Cannon is a very motivated student who provides exceptional work in the classroom. She also performed excellently on her end-of-year tests. Cannon shows outstanding effort and leadership skills in the classroom, always helping her peers achieve success. She is active during classroom discussions and is a joy to have in class. Cannon recently had the highest score on the ELA interim in her age group. Students like Cannon are the ones who lead themselves and their peers to success.
The Student of the Month is a project of VFW Post 7287 and Auxiliary 7287 of Coushatta. Post Commander Barry McCoy represented the post at the meeting. State Auxiliary President Angelia McCoy represented the auxiliary.
There were some nervous moments as students from Riverdale Academy awaited the results of their recent debate. The school posted on its Facebook page:
“The 11th grade did an outstanding job participating in their first public forum debate and I could not be more proud! Special thanks goes to Dr. Robert Petersand Mrs. Bethany Seales, who served as judges! #riverdaleacademy”
First United Methodist Church is holding a special Christmas Eve Candle Light Communion service. It will start at 5:00 pm on December 24th. Rev. Curtis Carroll explained that the communion celebration is open to all believers, that you do not have to be a member of the Methodist Church to take part.
Young people in our community are invited to share Christmas with the youth group at Abundant Life on Sunday. The church posted the event on their Facebook page. YOUTH CHRISTmas party December 16th at ALWC Ages 12-18. Create a tacky shirt and bring a friend. If you have any questions, ask Marcus or Hannah Long.
Also members of the church are being asked to help fulfill wishes in the Christmas Stockings. A few of the wish lists still up for grabs. Message us if you would like to sponsor a child for Christmas!
The latest update on the Red River from the Waterway Commission is that the public boat ramp at Coushatta is still open. Rain in northwest Louisiana on Thursday may change that situation. Check the commission’s Facebook page for the latest.
Northwestern State University will be closed Dec. 17 – Jan. 1 for the winter break. Administrative offices will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2. Spring 2018 classes begin Monday, Jan. 14. Watson Library will close Dec. 14 at noon and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Red River High School marching band will be having their annual Christmas concert and fundraiser on December 18th at 6pm at the school Auditorium. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students and children. There will be a bake sale with fresh goodies and hot chocolate. Door prizes will be given out.
The Red River Parish Health Unit is holding Vaccination Day on Thursday, December 13th. It is in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Health’s statewide day of emphasis on fighting the flu.
Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner passed the word to The Journal that Flu shots will be available locally from 2:00 pm until 6:30 pm at the Health Unit. The health unit said, “An annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.”
There is no cost for the vaccination whether you have health insurance or not, but bring your private insurance and Medicaid or Medicare card if you have one. The event is open to the public.
The Coushatta Christmas Parade was the big topic of conversation at the Red River Parish School Board meeting Monday night. Floats from public schools won the top three trophies. They were presented at the meeting.
“It was a wonderful Christmas Parade and our schools went above and beyond to create their entries,” said Superintendent Alison Hughes. She added, “Board employees, faculty, staff and students answered the call to create floats that reflected the ‘Christmas Around the World’ theme.”
Trophies were presented by Karen Squires, President of the local Chamber of Commerce. First Place went to Red River High School. Their float had a large globe and they followed Santa around the planet.
Second place was awarded to Red River Elementary’s Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Their entry had a Hawaiian theme, complete with teachers dressed as hula dancers in the middle of a Hawaiian Christmas.
Hughes remarked, “The first and second grades at the elementary school created a very cool float. It celebrated how different countries celebrate Christmas.” Squires presented them with the third-place trophy.
Board members and those in attendance were treated to a very creative slide presentation with pictures of all the floats entered by the schools.
The All District Team for District 3AA has been announced. Many Bulldogs including the quarterback are named to district honors.
Quarterback Gakerron (Tank) McDonald was named the First Team Quarterback. Other First Team selections included Shadetrick Davis on the Defensive Line; Deandre Moore Linebacker; Chadrick Keith Punt Returner; Kenneth Bradley Flex Team; Demaj Newmann Offensive Lineman; and Markell Washington Running Back.
Second Team All-District selections included Romary Brock and Jonathon Brisker Defensive Line; Cameron Keith and Branden Harris Linebackers; Qylil Mosley, Jaylen Guye, Eric Grant, and Malik Gay Defensive Backs; Johnnie Maxey Running Back, Chadrick Keith Tight End; Ryder Hogan Kicker; and Patrick Perkins Punter.
These Bulldogs made District Honorable Mention: Darius Owens, Seth Wimberly, Jaylen McDonald, and Marcus Brewer.
The Bulldog players who made the all-district team received praise from Head Coach John Bachman, Sr. He said, “We are very proud of the accomplishments of our young men from Red River on the all district team. It’s nice to know that the coaches of our district recognize their abilities.”
The Journal thanks Coach John Bachman, Sr. and Charski McDonald with gathering information for this article
Have you entered The Journal’s Turkey Dinner Giveaway yet? You have another week to do so. Go to the Journal’s Facebook page to enter the contest.
Deadline for entering is December 20th. The winner will be announced in The Journal’s issue of Friday, December 21st.
Our winner’s family will enjoy turkey, dressing, cranberries, side dishes, pie and ice cream for desert. Or select the menu of your choice. Details are posted on The Journal’s Facebook page along with entry instructions. Good Luck!
On December 7, 2018 staff at Springville Alternative School received information that a student in attendance had a firearm inside his vehicle which was parked on school property. All school campuses are designated firearms free zones, therefore, the Red River Parish Sheriff Office (RRPSO) responded to investigate.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., RRPSO deputies made contact with the school principal and subsequently interviewed the student, identified as Christian Baird, age 17. During the interview, Baird admitted to having two firearms and ammunition inside his vehicle. He advised that he meant no harm and that he possessed the guns because he planned on going squirrel hunting after school.
Deputies recovered two unloaded firearms from behind the seat of Baird’s pickup truck, along with ammunition which was located on the front seat. The items were collected as evidence and Baird was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking.
Christian X. Baird, W/M, age 17 of the 5200 block of Duke Avenue, Hall Summit, LA was charged with one count of Firearms-Free Zone (misdemeanor). Later that evening he posted a $1,000 bond and was released pending a court date.
Press Release from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office
Just in time for the holidays are many new scrumptious treats from Red River Industries. Spokesperson Teal Lowring gave The Journal all their new items.
Lowring started with two shortbreads. She said, “One has coconut, pecans and chocolate chips. The other is covered with chocolate and sprinkled with pecans. Both are delicious.”
“Also new this year are orange mini-cakes and mocha brownies,” said Lowring. She added, “And we’re baking pies. Favorites include Lemon Ice Box, Chocolate, Sweet Potato, Strawberry Ice Box, and Coconut Crème pie.” Lowring reminded The Journal that they are also offering their regular lineup of cookies and cakes featuring the very popular Italian Crème cake.
Red River Industries is now taking orders for holiday pick-up. Call 932-6520 or come by their shop on US 71 South. They are open until 2:00 pm weekdays. Orders may be placed through December 19th for pick up on December 21st.
On December 7, 2018, DARE graduation was held at Red River Elementary School with 111 students graduating. DARE is a drug awareness program that is taught all across the United States. Students learn the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco as well as resistance strategies (how to say no).
Students also learn a decision making model that helps them make smart and responsible choices. Topics include communication skills, peer pressure, stress, and bullying along with facts and health effects of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
This year’s DARE Essay winners were Emily Morgan, Samantha Taylor, Skylar Roberson, Mason Brittain, and Amiyah Williams. DARE Officer’s Awards were presented to Kaitlyn Coffelt, Kaden Brown, Johnny Meshell, Idrevious Harville, and Riley Walsworth. After the presentation of awards, Sheriff Glen Edwards spoke to the students about the importance of making good decisions. Superintendent Alison Hughes followed with remarks which reemphasized the values taught in DARE.
On behalf of Sheriff Edwards and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank the Red River Parish School Board and Administration for allowing us to teach the DARE program in the school. I would also like to thank the fifth grade teachers Sherry Pickett, Ellie Drew, Sheila Davis, Intha Fields, and Ranette Crockett-Smith. In closing, I would like to thank the fifth grade students for their hard work and dedication.
Story from Lt. Roger Longino, DARE Instructor
Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office helped a local business prepare its employees for an emergency situation. On December 8, 2018 a small but enthusiastic group of employees from the Bank of Coushatta took part in a 5 hour Basic Safety and Self Defense class.
Participants were not only presented valuable safety information but also had the opportunity to learn several practical self-defense moves.
The training was conducted by Captain Suzanne Gallier and Lieutenant Troy Murray of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.
If you are associated with a group of ladies in Red River Parish that is interested in receiving similar training, please contact Captain Gallier at 318-932-6701 to discuss scheduling.
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