This Friday night the Red River Bulldogs host the Lakeview Gators in boys and girls basketball matches. As usual this rivalry will be a sell-out.
Advance tickets are available at the school office. School officials predict they will be in short supply the night of the game.
The evening begins with a JV Boys game at 5:00 pm. The Lady Bulldogs play at 6:00 pm and the Bulldogs will play at 7:00. To accommodate the anticipated crowd, the Red River Gym will open at 4:40 pm.
Journal Sports will broadcast the boys and girls games live Friday evening. The broadcast will begin shortly before 6:00 pm. A link to the broadcast will be posted on the Journal website and social media pages a few minutes prior to air time.
Also Friday night, Central School is scheduled to play games at Riverdale Academy. The evenings program includes both boys and girls JV games. The Lady Rebels are scheduled to play at 6:00 pm with the Rebels taking the court at 7:00.
Journal Sports will broadcast the Riverdale games also. Links to the broadcast will be posted on the Journal website and social media pages a few minutes prior to air time.
Cowboy Church postponed its Kids Playday this weekend because of the extremely cold weather. The reschedule date is February 3rd. And the February 17th Kids Playday is moving a week earlier to February 10th. So mark your calendars.
The gospel group The Hoppers were in Coushatta Saturday night. They performed to several hundred people at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.
On your calendar of public meetings, move the School Board meeting back a week. The normal second Monday date falls during Winter Break February 11th through 15th. The board will hold its February meeting on Monday February 18th.
The outstanding students of the month for December were recognized at the School Board meeting on Monday. Each one’s accomplishments was highlighted by Superintendent Alison Hughes.
The students are:
Zoey Kirts from Red River Elementary School
Desmon Mitchell from Red River Junior High
And Latasia Perkins from Red River High School.
The Student of the Month is a recognition program presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7287 and Auxiliary 7287. Each student was presented a certificate and gift card to Dairy Queen by Post Commander Barry McCoy.
The teacher of the year for the 2018-19 school year at Red River High is Rachel McCain Urda. The school posted a congratulatory note this week.
School Superintendent Alison Hughes presented Urda a gift basket in front of her class. Urda teaches Algebra I.
The school post said, “Congratulations to Red River High Schools Teacher of the Year Rachel McCain Urda. We are blessed to have her at our school. Thank you for all you do.”
Many people had that question answered for them Wednesday night. The HEART program came to Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church on Highway 371 to offer free health screenings. The event was underwritten by the MLK Health Center and Pharmacy of Shreveport. They have been conducting health and wellness events in our parish for over a year.
Church Pastor Richard Logan and Yashica Turner from the Health Unit took advantage of the screenings. So to find out more, this reporter signed up. It was quick and painless, and the health questions were easy to answer. First station was weight and blood pressure. All good so far.
Then it was on to blood sugar and cholesterol screenings. These tests once required a blood draw being sent off to the lab, but not the case Wednesday night. A quick finger prick was all there was to it. The results were fed into a computer for a colorful one page print-out in about a minute. Again, all is good.
Many of the questions dealt with lifestyle. Do you eat fried foods? Duh Bacon! Do you eat veggies? Yes. Smoke, drink alcohol, exercise regularly, and then they got into meddling. Just kidding.
And I had my Body Mass Index read. Very good. Body fat is at 19.5%.
In addition to these screenings there was information for men on Prostate Cancer screenings and PSA tests. That test was offered free at the event.
And for ladies, information was presented on mammograms. They were making appointments for free mammograms. Spokesperson Essence Smith said they will have a mobile mammogram van back at Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church on March 6th. Call Smith to set an appointment for a free mammogram at 318-227-2912, ext.5.
One of Red River’s outstanding basketball players is getting a lot of attention nationwide. Emaryeon McDonald is a sophomore this year. On Thursday morning Robert Kirby came to Coushatta from Georgetown University in Washington, DC just to see McDonald work out.
The Journal caught up with Kirby and Emaryeon and his father Charski McDonald in the Red River gymnasium. While Emaryeon was sinking three pointers from deep right, Kirby said, “We are interested in him. We have made an offer to him for a full basketball scholarship.” And it is two years before he graduates.
Kirby was very complimentary of Emaryeon’s family for encouraging him to follow up on the game. “Just keep working on the fundamentals. Keep pushing every day,” added Kirby. He told the Journal they hope to have young McDonald on their team and get to the Final Four during March Madness in not too many years.
From Shenell Deville, Principal at Red River Elementary:
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 January our MVP Staff are Erikka Caldwell, Nurse’s Assistant, Callie Smith, Paraprofessional, Caroline Doughty, 1st Grade Teacher, and Hannah Kennedy, Kindergarten Teacher.
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 box of decorative cookies from Southern Bakes.
The Beta Omicron-Louisiana Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma International Society participated in two projects for the 2018-2019 year. One of the projects was collecting reading books for the children at the Ware Youth Center. Mrs. Rhonda Flores chaired this committee and collected 80 books.
Our second project was under garments and socks for Red River Elementary. The following members participated: Kay Easley, Carol Doyle, Pam Hesser (NW District Director), Sherry Bohannon, Karen Moseley, Rhonda Flores, Judy Cannon, Christy Suggs, Donna Prosperie, Jamie Lawrence, Heather Wren, Mary Ann Longino, Ashley Dees, Sheila Peter, Wanda Lemoine, Kelly Yelverton, Joy Cannon, Elaine Sessions and Christy Cannon.
Delta Kappa Gamma International Society mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Human hand touching illuminated lightbulb on gray background
It is time to certify for energy assistance funds for low income families in Red River Parish. The program is administered by the DeSoto Parish Police Jury’s Office of Community Services.
If you have not received benefits in the past six months, call for an appointment to discuss your situation and make application. The number is 318-872-0880.
Documentation required includes proof of income for household members, social security cards and valid ID, and proof of residency.
Saturday night is the monthly dance at the Council on Aging on Front Street. The Playmates will be performing so get a partner and your dancing shoes and enjoy the evening. Admission is $6.00.
Louisiana Tech University’s online Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) and online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management (MSEM) have been named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 list of Best Online Programs released today. The online MBA was ranked No. 77, up more than 50 spots from last year’s rank of 131 in the nation. The online MSEM received a ranking within the top 100 of best online engineering programs.
Saturday night catch The Hoppers in concert at First Baptist Church. Admission is free however the church requests you call 932-4023 for tickets. It will help with their preparation process. Doors will open at 5:00 pm and the concert will begin at 6:00.
Hoot of the Week! Terry Bradshaw as the Deer on The Masked Singer.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested two Coushatta men for alleged deer hunting violations on Dec. 21 in Desoto Parish.
Agents arrested Phillip L. Morgan, 35, and Phillip M. Morgan, 60, for possession of an illegally taken deer, failure to wear hunter orange and criminal trespassing.
LDWF agents received multiple complaints of people criminal trespassing on the Dolet Hills Mining Company property in Red River and Desoto Parishes. Agents setup surveillance on the property and came into contact with the subjects on Dec. 14.
Through the investigation, agents determined the men were deer hunting on the property without permission, not wearing hunter orange and in possession of an illegally taken nine-point deer.
Agents with the cooperation of the Dolet Hills Mining Company were able to obtain arrest warrants. On Dec. 21, agents arrested the men, and booked them into the Desoto Parish Detention Center.
Possession of an illegally taken deer brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to wear hunter orange carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail. Criminal trespassing brings a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
The men may also face civil restitution totaling up to $2,033 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.
Photos courtesy of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office
My name is Gabe Firment and I am running for LA state representative in District 22 in 2019 because I am gravely concerned about our state and what the future holds for our children and grandchildren. The state of Louisiana has been blessed with abundant natural resources and is home to the greatest people in the world, however, decades of mismanagement, corruption, and good ole boy politics have decimated our communities and forced our family members to flee to other states to make a decent living. As your next state representative I will fight to bring jobs and opportunity to District 22, and will work tirelessly to make sure that the American dream is still attainable for anyone with a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed.
I am happily married to the former Erica Miller of Pollock, who is a 5th grade teacher at Pollock Elementary School. We are the proud parents of 3 children, all of whom are enrolled in Grant Parish public schools. I have over 20 years of experience in the insurance and construction industries, and I have been a small business owner for more than 10 years. My family attends Pollock First Baptist Church where I am honored to serve as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. In addition to my service in our local church, I am an active member of the LaSalle/Grant camp of the Gideons International, and I have coached youth sports in Grant Parish for several years. I have a Bachelors degree in Public Administration from Louisiana College, and a Masters of Business Administration from LA Tech University.
I am a true conservative who is sick and tired of politicians in Baton Rouge raising taxes on the hard-working middle class citizens of District 22 in order to grow government and further their personal agendas. Our local governmental officials are struggling to secure funding for failing water systems, crumbling roadways, and school safety while our elected officials in Baton Rouge are wasting billions of dollars on failed social welfare programs. As your state representative I will work with our elected officials in Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Red River, and Winn parishes to find solutions to these problems. I have the experience, education, and determination to fight for good government that works for all people and communities in District 22.
It is time for us to kick the career bureaucrats out of Baton Rouge and turn our state legislature over to men and women who will demand accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility from state government. If elected to serve as your state representative I will bring strong leadership, integrity, and common sense to the state capitol. Please join me on October 12, 2019 as we drain the swamp in Baton Rouge and give the people of this great state a government of the people, by the people, and for the people! For additional information about our campaign please call or text (318)201-6769, email
gabeforstaterep@gmail,com or check out social media – facebook.com/Gabeforstaterep. Thank you for your support!
The Red River Council on Aging has received a new mini-van to add to its transportation fleet. It is a brand new Dodge and it is handicap accessible. The van will be used in the transportation program operated by the Council on Aging.
Transportation is available to all residents of the parish. Call the council at 932-5721 to arrange a ride. Rides will be furnished weekdays with the exception of major holidays. Round trip fare inside Coushatta is $4 and outside the city limits $6.
Council Director Liz Cannon said the van was funded in part by a grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The council spent $5,000 of local money as a match on the van. The driver will be Peggy Evans.
The council now has two full sized vans in its fleet that are used for backup. Cannon said only one is needed so the other one will be sold.
Just before 9:00 p.m. yesterday (Friday January 11th), Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single vehicle crash on LA 783 about three miles north of US 71that claimed the life of a Hall Summit man.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 1998 Chevrolet pick-up truck driven by 40-year-old Clifton J. Harris of Hall Summit was traveling north on LA 783 at a high rate of speed. After crossing the centerline, the vehicle ran off the road and hit a culvert. Harris was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Due to the severity of his injuries, Harris was pronounced dead at the scene by the Red River Parish Coroner’s office.
Impairment, speed and lack of seat belt usage are all suspected factors in this fatality crash. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that always wearing a seat belt, avoiding all distractions, obeying the posted speed limit, avoiding fatigued driving, and not driving while impaired can often mean the difference between life and death.
In 2019, Troop G has investigated one fatal crash resulting in one death.
Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) investigators and Louisiana Livestock Brand inspectors are seeking the public’s help in locating two horses reported stolen on December 12, 2018. The horses were taken from a pasture off of Newton Rd. in the Springville Community just south of Coushatta. Also stolen from the same location were eight bags of livestock feed, three go-carts and a mini-bike.
One of the missing horses is described as a black gelding with a small star on its forehead while the other is a bay (brown with a black mane and tail) mare with a white stocking on a rear hoof. Photos will be shared if/when they become available.
Two additional stolen horses were recovered on December 29, 2018 by RRPSO deputies and a Louisiana Livestock Brand inspector. They were found tied to a tree on Jenny Lane off of Huckabay St. south of Coushatta.
Anyone with information or leads concerning the whereabouts of the missing livestock is asked to contact RRPSO investigators at 318-932-6701/318-932-4221 or the Louisiana Livestock Brand inspector locally at 318-949-3225.
There is a reward offered through the Louisiana Farm-Related Crime Stoppers at 1-800-558-9741 for those wishing to remain anonymous.
New officers for the coming year were elected by the Red River Parish School Board at their meeting Monday night. Gene Longino was elected President and Cleve Miller was elected Vice President. The new officers were installed by Superintendent Alison Hughes.
Hughes said, “Thank you to each board member for a wonderful four years. And thanks for the hard work you do and all the sleep you lose over the decision you make and all that is going on in the classroom.”
Once installed, the new President took his place on the dais. Longino replaces Richard Cannon who presided in 2018. Cannon said, “It makes it easy when you have a good board and all work together. Last year was a good year. So I thank all the board members and the Superintendent for their support and hard work to make it possible.”
Incoming President Longino said, “Thank you for allowing me to do this. I will do my very best.” He took the gavel and presided over the rest of the meeting.
Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Pick Up Your Brush painting class on Jan. 17 and 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The session on Jan. 17 is titled “Winter Cardinal” and the session on Jan. 26 is titled “Rustic Church.” Sessions are $45 each.
In these classes, participants will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece. No special or prior skills are required. Students will take home a completed painting at the end of every class. Children ages 7 – 12 years old are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child the entire class. The parent does not have to enroll unless they participate. Each date is a separate session. All supplies are included.
Saturday is the annual Women’s Conference at Red River Cowboy Church. Everything starts at 9:30 am. The theme this year is “Faith of a Cowgirl.”
Tonight is the HEART Event at Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church. The hours are 5 pm to 7 pm.
It is well known that Red River is a poor parish in a relatively poor state. Now a new study from the Louisiana Association of United Ways and it’s member United Way of Northwest Louisiana focuses on the “working poor” or those whose income barely covers the necessities of life. The report was released this week is ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
The overview in a release from United Way of Northwest Louisiana states:
New research shows that in Louisiana, 828,255 households — 48 percent — could not afford basic needs such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology in 2016, according to the ALICE Report for Louisiana released today by the Louisiana Association of United Ways, in partnership with Louisiana United Ways. In Northwest Louisiana, 28 percent of households are ALICE and 23 percent live in poverty as defined by the Federal Poverty guidelines.
The report “places a spotlight on a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings, and are one emergency from falling into poverty.”
The figures for Red River Parish indicate almost half of our families (49%) are in the “poverty” or ALICE category. There are 3491 households in the parish. 844 live in poverty and another 860 are in ALICE or the “working poor.” And that is something United Way of Northwest Louisiana is working to do something about.
The Journal spoke with Bruce Wilson, President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. Wilson said, “We wanted to see what the status of the working poor was. We are refocusing the agency on this segment of society to create ladders to help them improve their lives.
Wilson cites the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is one program launched in Red River in August of 2017. Wilson said, “Children age birth to 5 years old enrolled in the program receive a book a month. There is no charge. They can be read to or begin reading on their own at a very young age.”
“Another program we launched is 2-1-1, to offer people real time help in a time of crisis,” Wilson added. In the near future Wilson said United Way would be offering financial counseling in the parish as the program now offered in Shreveport and Bossier expands. Another help citied by Wilson is offering free help getting their taxes done and tools to help people who are working and living paycheck-to-paycheck to get the job education needed in order to get better paying employment.
Registration for the spring soccer season at Open Door Fellowship is now underway. Soccer registration runs through the end of February. ODF shares the gospel of Christ to children and their families through sports. Sign up today to play soccer this spring.
Information can be found at ODFSports.com, including registration forms and all information. That website said, “ODF Sports programs are designed to introduce young athletes to each game while providing a safe environment to grow in the sport. We believe strongly in teaching sportsmanship and character as fundamentals of life.
Players are assigned to soccer teams by age. And rules of the game are modified to provide appropriate challenges for each age group. ODF invites you to get involved in the program. ODF Sports offers opportunities for volunteers to serve as coaches, referees, team mons and dads, concession workers and other needed jobs. Contact the church office for more information at 932-6267.
Open Door sport fields are located adjacent to the church at 285 Esperana Road. Online registration and fee payment are available through the ODFSports.com website. Here is the link to register: https://www.odfsports.com/register
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