An old wives’ tale proclaims, “Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.”  But it did strike the Coushatta Post Office a second time.

Not lightning, but a motorist!

On Thursday afternoon someone drove into the front of the post office building.  Several support pillars were heavily damaged.  But the pillars prevented the vehicle from striking the building.

Almost two years ago, a motorist plowed into the east side of the post office.  The vehicle took out part of the wall and several windows. See the Journal of August 16, 2017 for the report on that incident.

There is police tape around the damaged area.  Patrons can enter by the East door or through the right door at the front of the Post Office.

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Lee and Barbara Dixon checked in.  This is the week!    It is already time for the next 4th Friday Night Fish Fry of 2019.   It is set for this Friday, June 28th, starting about 5:00 PM, and serving until about 7:30.

The cost is $10 for Adults, a real bargain, and a great “night out”.    This month, our friends from First Baptist Church of Coushatta, will be there volunteering their services to cook, serve, and clean up.

ALSO, as the Camp is in the busiest part of the year, we want to say “THANKS” to those of you, as Individuals and Churches, who have already given financially to the “Scholarship Assistance Fund” which helps very needy children to attend a camp at Clara Springs.  PLEASE continue to give, and/or make a gift if you have not done so already.  Your help is needed more than ever.

ANY amount will be greatly appreciated.  Just send a Check to the Camp at the address shown below, or bring it with you to the Fish Fry on Friday.  It could make an Eternal difference for some of these Young People.

In addition to great fish and fellowship, the Allen’s will be performing.  If you haven’t heard the Allen Family in concert, come to Clara Springs Friday night.

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The Journal is rewarding local sport fans with $100 cash each week.  All you have to do is register for text message notifications of sporting event broadcasts.  The football season begins August 23^rd, so sign up today.

Our first drawing will be next Wednesday, July 3rd.  Register once and you will be eligible for each weekly drawing.  The Journal will publish the name of the first $100 winner on Friday, July 5^th.   A new winner will be announced each Friday through August 2^nd.

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

Listen each Friday to Red River and Riverdale football games broadcast on Journal Sports.  Sign up today to receive a text message shortly before each game.  Just click on the link in the text to listen.  Sign up for Bulldog broadcasts, or Rebel games, or sign up for both team broadcasts and switch back and forth.  It has never been easier to listen to your favorite team.

Have friends or relatives that live out of town?  They probably already subscribe to The Journal to get the latest news.  Let them know they can hear local sports teams in action all season.  And might win $100!

Everyone who registers will be eligible for each weekly $100 drawing.  Good luck.  Register today to be included in the first drawing.  The first winner will be published July 5^th.

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It was a dark and stormy night…

Until the Allen Family took the stage at Social Springs Baptist Church on Wednesday night.  The Allen’s opened with “Higher Ground” and the show took off!  This was quickly followed as the youngest family member, Christian Allen joined the group and led “I’ve Been Changed.”

The Social Springs family was joined by members of other area churches.  Everyone sang and worshiped.  Michelle Allen gave an update on the family’s mission work in Uganda. She said they have obtained property, dug a well, nearly completed the first building to house meetings, church, and residence quarters for missionaries working there.

She gave thanks to the Garrett family for their generous gift that allowed the Allens to dig that well, which will provide drinking water to people living nearby.  But Michelle Allen said, “Just beyond that property there are a million Ugandans who are non-believers or believe in local religions.  We want to reach them with true Christianity.”

A plaque is to be placed on the well saying it was in memory of Ann Garrett, who passed away about a year ago.  Her husband Wiley Garrett and Bro. James Hester presented remembrances of Ann and the impact she had and continues to have on this community.  And now the impact Ann’s life will continue to have for the people of Uganda.

Todd Allen followed with “How Firm A Foundation” and echoes of their project being built on solid rock to bring the Jesus to the people of Uganda.

Every song the Allen family performed was familiar to those gathered Wednesday night.  However the songs were performed as if they were brand new. There was a new approach and a new arrangement.  It seemed if they were being head for the very first time.

The final song was performed by Todd Allen.  He played the keyboard and sang “Victory In Jesus” in a strong voice.  Members of the congregation joined in.  By the conclusion of the evening the storms had ended and moved on.  There was just a sliver of sunlight breaking through distant clouds around 9:00 pm as people returned to their homes.

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Why should children have all the fun?  “I bet our seniors would enjoy it too,” thought Sharon Adkins several years ago. So she organized Vacation Bible School for seniors at Green Meadow Haven.

Each year it has grown larger and larger.  This year the VBS for seniors was huge.  Just about every resident who was able made it to the three days of fun, games, and Bible stories.  It was the same spirit these “seasoned citizens” enjoyed when they were growing up.

In addition to the organizational and leadership skills of Sharon Adkins there were plenty of folks in the community who turned out to lend a hand.  So here are most of them (apology in advance if anyone was left off the list). Helpers included Mary Anne Smith and her grandchildren Haylee Smith and Matthew Smith, C’Ann Norman, Charlotte Browning (the cookies were divine), Kate Adkins (on piano and guitar), Ana Craft, Bethany and daughter Molly Seals, and Leigh Adkins. 

The residents got help making crafts on Wednesday and Thursday.  Wednesday the residents decorated small boxes with a Christian theme. They were given to them for storing small items in their room.  Bible bookmarks were the craft for Thursday.  In addition to other helpers, Paige, Trevor and Dolly Bell gave a helping hand with decorating the bookmarks.

On Friday afternoon Paige Bell and her children Trevor and Dolly dropped by to assist with preparing and serving banana splits.  Dawn Brewer, Jane LeBrun, and Laura Tomerlin came by to help out also.  And the kids got into leading the singing on a couple of songs including their favorite “Jesus Loves Me.”

At the conclusion on Friday, Sharon Adkins expressed her gratitude to all the members of the local community who pitched in this year.  And she gave thanks for the Green Meadow Haven staffers for help with the banana splits.  Adkins said she is tired but grateful for the opportunity.  She closed with “I hope you and I will be back again next summer, and we can do it again.”

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Students in 4-H in Red River have been busy this summer.  There were educational activities plus leadership building too. And they are going to LOST Camp in July.

Red River 4-H posted, “I’ve spent the week with over a thousand young people and I have to say that I’m so extremely proud of these young men and this young lady from Red River Parish. They’ve set a good example of how to treat others and support and enjoy each other. We may be few, but we are MIGHTY!!!”

On contest day Aurora Phillips competed in child development, Bryce Hunt and Jayden Scott in ATV, and Ellis and Elliot Grant in Computer Simulation.

All roads lead to 4-H U, and then all roads lead back to Red River Parish in hopes of recruiting more 4-hers to join us next year. If you missed out, you can still join us at LOST camp at the end of July. If you see Deputy Chris Sibley around town, please tell him how much we appreciated him going with us this past week!  He was awesome!!!!

Also recently 4-Hers showed off their sewing skills learning to crochet and sew. They made port pillows, which are small pillows that can go over someone’s port so seatbelts, etc. won’t bother them. The ladies of the Sewing God’s Love house went above and beyond to treat us like queens!

LOST Camp stands for Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology Camp and it will be held July 28^ththrough 31^stat the Grant Walkereducational Center in Pollock.  Campers enjoy interactive recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, ayaking, archery, volleyball, dancing, arts & crafts, and much more.  4-H promotes Camp Grant Walker as “The Original Social Media.”

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The Journal heard from Crystal Wagoner.  She invited all children in the Hall Summit area to attend Vacation Bible School in mid-July.

Wagoner said, “Mark Your Calendars! The annual Kid’s Camp at Hall Summit Baptist Church will be held July 15^ththrough the19th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for kids 1st through 8th grade! Campers will be served breakfast, lunch and snacks.

“If you have any questions, you can contact Crystal Wagoner at 318-286-1081,” she added.

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Here is a note from Ginny Hines at the School Board.  “Could you help us out by putting in the Journal that the track is closed for resurfacing until further notice?  The surface has to dry and cure before it can be used without damaging the new surface.  Apologize for any inconvenience, and we will let everyone know when it is okay to walk on it again.”

The PAW Parents at Red River Elementary are looking for volunteers.  Who would be willing to volunteer for the Back to School Bash on July 29th at the High School? Volunteers need to be on site between 3:00 – 3:30pm. We need folks to watch at the bouncy house, help with crowd control, help direct folks, and to help in the Vendor area in the Junior High Gym.

We could also use more folks on July 26th, which is the Friday before. We will be stuffing the backpacks by grade and getting them set up for the event. That begins at 8:30 in the High School gym.  A volunteer sign up form is posted on the PAW Parents Facebook page.

Sunday June 30^ththere will be a potluck at Red River Cowboy Church.  They say bring your favorite dish and come enjoy.

The Red River Parish Library has announced that there will be a Town Hall Meeting at the Library on Tuesday.  Congressman Mike Johnson will host the meeting on July 2^ndbetween 1:00 and 3:00 pm.

Jason Anderson told The Journal these are the peak weeks of the season.  He is planning the celebration of Anderson’s Produce 20^thyear in business next month. 

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From Principal Shenell Deville.

Red River Elementary School (RRES) BETA students were invited to compete in the National Songfest Competition due to our 2nd place award in the State Competition in January 2019.  RRES competed against 11 other schools across the United States and placed 2nd for the National Songfest competition in Oklahoma City, OK on Saturday evening, June 15.  BETA participants consisted of nineteen 5th Grade Students.

Because of our 2nd place award during the State Competition, we were able to select five of our students as Premier Performers to perform during  the opening general session on Saturday evening, June 15. They performed with other BETA students from different states. RRES Premier Performers were Makilah Murphy, Fa’Dasia Demery, Malique Smith, Kinya Gray, and Ja’skyla Williams. 

Along with participating in the competition, BETA Ball, and other convention activities during our five-day trip, students, district chaperones, and traveling parents had some fun exploring the Myriad Botanical Gardens, playing arcade games, bowling, and laser tag at Main Event, shopping and movies at the Quail Springs Mall next to the hotel, and  grilling hotdogs and swimming in the pool area of the hotel.

This is RRES second year with a BETA club, and we are strategically planning for the 2019-2020 BETA activities, academic and talented state competitions, and the membership process for students.  In the Spring of 2017, I charged Mrs. Tiffany Williams to establish an Elementary BETA Club. I  am thankful for her efforts along with Mrs. Ranette Crockett-Smith, 5th grade teacher who has assisted Mrs. Williams with preparing our students for their competitions and planning fundraisers to make this National win for the Parish of Red River possible.

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A large crowd of children came to the Library to see the animals.  The Jubilee Zoo was in town as part of the Red River Parish Library’s summer reading program.  Children’s Librarian Kala Sims said the zoo draws the largest crowd every summer.

The children were excited and filled the side yard at the library.  There was only room inside the enclosure for about a dozen kids at a time, so they waited patiently in line.  That line wrapped all around the enclosure.  The children spent time in line petting some of the animals through the fence.

There was a miniature horse tied outside, and he got the attention of several of the larger children. Inside was a small cow.  And there were goats and sheep needing shearing, a white donkey, rabbits and chickens and even a large turtle.

Sims told the Journal the turnout for the Jubilee Zoo was even larger this summer than last. Parents and children were excited to pet the animals.  And for many kids they will have a lifelong memory of the event.

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Outstanding academic performances were turned in by thirteen Red River Parish students attending NSU this spring. The school reported that six students achieved a 4.0 gpa to make the President’s list and another seven students earned 3.5 gpa or better to make the Dean’s List.

One thousand one hundred and thirty-one students were named to the Spring 2019 Dean’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99. Those named to the Dean’s List from Coushatta are Colton Campbell, Elizabeth Cummins, Aaron Murray, Tianna Rock, Jon Russell, Mikailah Smith, and Caroline Wren.

The school said five hundred and sixty-four students were named to the Spring 2019 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List from Red River Parish are Sydney Anderson, Kaylee Antilley, Mary James, Sidney Jones, William Lee, and Carmie Williams.

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The new turf surface at Pat Strother Memorial Field is nearly complete.  It looks great.  School Superintendent Alison Hughes said, “I go and check it every day, sometimes more than once a day.  It looks like they are moving at a snail’s pace, but I know they’re making progress in spite of the wet weather we are having.”

There are only two months until the start of football season.  The Bulldogs begin on the road, however their first home game is less than 90 days away.

On Friday night, September 20^ththe Mansfield Wolverines come to town.  The new turf will be ready for the 2019 edition of this early season rivalry.  This will be the first of four home games for the Bulldogs.  On October 4^thRed River will host Bunkie, On October 25^thLakeview will come calling, and on November 1^stAvoyelles High from Moreauville will be here to wrap up the home schedule.

Here is the complete Bulldog Football schedule:

Red River will scrimmage Bossier High at Bossier and the Bulldogs will have a Jamboree with Loyola at Loyola before the season begins.  Dates and times to be announced later.

September 6 – at Haughton

September 13 – at Arcadia

September 20 – Home vs Mansfield

September 27^th– at Many

October 4 – Home vs Bunkie

October 11 – at Winnfield

October 18 – at Holy Savior Menard

October 25 – Home vs Lakeview

November 1 – Home vs Avoyelles

November 8 – at Northwood

On Thursday, Coach John Bachman said the Haughton and Northwood game start times and dates may be adjusted later.  Dates listed are tentative at present.

Get ready Bulldog Nation. The 2019 season is fast approaching. Journal Sports will provide live coverage of all games home and away.  Sign up for text message alerts by clicking the link below.

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

The Journal wishes to thank Ardis Almond for the great aerial view of the new field at Pat Strother Memorial Stadium.

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Here is a summary of their Vacation Bible School from Bro. James Hester:

“Blessed. That’s the best word I can think of to sum up this week’s VBS at Social Springs Baptist Church. We’ve had a wonderful group of kids and have heard some of the sweetest prayers and testimonies. The Lord put together an A-Team of volunteers who have worked together tirelessly and selflessly to keep it all about Jesus.  I love and appreciate y’all so much. Best of all, 4 new names were written down in Heaven. Ain’t God good?”

Have your children signed up for the summer reading program?  The Red River Parish Library is sponsoring “A Universe of Stories” this summer.  Whether you have a toddler, a big kid, or a teenager there is a reading program to challenge everyone.  Contact Kala Sims, Children’s Librarian at 932-5614.

Bring your children to the Library Monday afternoon for SciPort Space Adventure. The program will be “Constellation Stories and Planispheres”.  If you are curious, the Library said to come see what it is all about.

And a final note.  I went with the family to south Louisiana this past weekend. We stayed in a world famous branded hotel in the Crescent City.  The picture says it all, Community Coffee Condiments with some hotel brand coffee. I was expecting more!

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Each month this school year a “Student of the Month” was selected by Red River Elementary, Red River Junior High and Red River High.  The students selected for the last month of school were introduced at the June School Board meeting on Monday night.  They are Neriah Lewis, Colton Massey and Ariuna Johnson.

Superintendent Alison Hughes noted the students’ accomplishments and read their nomination statements at the meeting.  Neriah Joy Lewis was the only student present and she was presented a certificate and gift card to Dairy Queen.  

Hughes read the nomination statement from Lewis’ teacher Edna Webb, “Neriah Joy Lewis is a very bright and intelligent little girl.  She is a great leader.  She gets along with all her classmates.”

The nominee from the Junior High is Colton Massey.  His nomination stated, “Colton’s passion is baseball, and he realized that grades are what allow him to play sports.  He was chosen as student of the month because of his perseverance and attitude toward education.  Even though he had his struggles, Colton was willing to stick it out, buckle down and make the grades that would keep him on the honor roll.”

And the High School Student of the Month for May is Ariuna Johnson.  She will be a junior next year.  Her nomination stated, “She’s been on the honor roll for the last two years, maintaining a 3.8 gpa.  She excels in the classroom and under the Friday night lights, dancing her heart out as a member of our dance team.  She’s a very friendly young lady with a big bright smile.  It is very seldom that you see her without a smile.  Ariuna has a character and motivation about her that is bound to land her on a successful path.”

The Student of the Month is recognized each month during the school year by the School Board and the Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.  Students selected by their schools are presented a certificate and gift card to Dairy Queen.  Recently, the VFW and Auxiliary renewed their commitment to sponsor the Student of the Month awards for next school year.

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Two school sites that are in need of repair will be offered for sale by the Red River Parish School Board. The sites are not presently used by the school system and one has been vacant for over 20 years.  The Building and Grounds Committee discussed those two sites.

Board Finance Director, David Jones presented the condition of the sites to the board Monday night. Jones said of the Springville Gym, “It needs a lot of attention.  The roof on the old gym, in the back area, is leaking into back rooms.  We got a quote of a quarter million dollars to shore up the back side and put a new roof on the gym.  I don’t know what our long term needs are for that gym with all the new construction we are doing.”

“I want to get the board’s thoughts,” said Jones.  He said they are working to get a current appraisal.  Quotes received to tear the gym down are in the 25 to 60 thousand dollar range.  And Jones said they would have to get rid of asbestos first.

Board member Cleve Miller said the Springville Gym has sentiment in the community.  Miller said, “I would like to see us put it out there and see if there is anyone willing to purchase it for a community center.  For the community’s sake we should give them an opportunity.”

The committee recommended that an appraisal be obtained, and the property advertised for sale.

As for the Martin School site, Jones said, “The complex is 14.9 acres and the old high school building is dilapidated.  You can see the sky through the second story windows.” Tearing it down would not be cheap. Jones shocked the board when he said, “We had an asbestos guy tell us it would cost $219,000 to get rid of the asbestos. And 10 to 12 years ago we had it appraised at about $85,000.”  Jones described the old gym and cafeteria at Martin as “pretty well gone, but surprisingly the old gym floor is in good shape.”

There was talk of someone being interested in a long term lease with option to buy the Martin site. And there was discussion of the board’s liability as far as the asbestos situation is concerned.

The committee recommended that an appraisal be obtained, and the Martin site be offered for sale.  During the regular board meeting the committee’s recommendations were adopted.

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High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic diseases in the US. It’s estimated that 1 in every 3 adults have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of the blood on the walls of our blood vessels. When our blood pressure stays high for too long, it can damage the blood vessels and lead to other health problems. A normal, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 or below. If you have high blood pressure, medication can be helpful, but there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make too!

–Lose a Little Weight:If you’re overweight or obese, small amounts of weight loss (10-20 pounds) can help lower blood pressure.

–Limit you Salt Intake:Try to limit high salt foods like cured meats, canned foods, and salty seasoning blends.

-Alcohol and Tobacco:Regular smoking and drinking are bad news for heart health and blood pressure. If moderation is challenging for you, consider quitting.  Go to:  https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/i-want-to-quit/top-tips-for-quitting-smoking.html

-Exercise:Regular exercise and movement help keep blood pressure in check.

–Reduce Stress:Stress effects our entire body! Reducing stressors and finding healthy ways to unwind can help lower your blood pressure. 

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The Red River Parish Journal has reached agreement with the Red River Parish School Board and with Riverdale Academy to again provide coverage of high school athletic events. Live coverage of both schools will be provided during the 2019-20 school year.

Journal Publisher John Brewer said, “I wish to thank the schools for placing their confidence in us to provide live play-by-play of sports for the coming year.  We are exploring new ways of doing it so the game is more enjoyable.”

Brewer explained, “We are implementing a new notification method for athletic events that will be more timely and more convenient for fans.  We will be sending text messages shortly before each event.  All you will have to do to receive the game is click on the text message.”

Click Here – > Red River Parish Journal Sports Sign-Up

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Members of Post and Auxiliary 7287 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars continue to have a leadership role in the Louisiana VFW.  At their recent State Convention in Alexandria members of both the Post and Auxiliary were elected to leadership positions.

Post Adjutant David Fields was elected State Chaplin.  His one year term begins July first.  Fields is currently on active duty with the Louisiana Army Guard and is assigned to the armory in Coushatta.  He has served the post as Commander and Adjutant for several years.

Fields said, “I am truly humbled to be elected as the VFW State Chaplain for 2019-20. I strive to live a faith-filled life each day and it was an honor to be recognized by my peers. The Chaplain exists to minister to veterans and their families.  And according to our Congressional Charter, the Chaplain ‘shall be concerned with the spiritual needs of the members, and by precept and example, point the way toward a high moral plane for the organization.’ The Chaplain serves as a mentor, counselor, and spiritual leader and I pray I can truly fill these big shoes.”

Fields added, “It is my desire for the upcoming year to provide spiritual direction to my fellow comrades, Veterans of the State of Louisiana, and assist the State Commander and other officers to fully execute the VFW’s Core Mission of support Veterans and our Troops.”

State Auxiliary President Angelia McCoy concluded her year at the convention. She addressed the convention and said it was both a happy and sad occasion.  McCoy said, “Military service runs deep in my family.  My father was a Marine wounded during the Vietnam War. He and my mother both served the local Post and Auxiliary.  I have a 30 year old daughter who is a veteran of Afghanistan.  I want to thank them for their service to our country.” McCoy will serve as Past President for a year.

Another member of the local Auxiliary, Ramel Fields, served the state Auxiliary this past year as Chaplin.  At the convention, she was elected Junior Vice President for the coming 2019-20 year.

The local Auxiliary President for the 2019-20 year beginning July 1^stis Heather McCoy.  At the state convention this month, McCoy was installed as the state Banner Bearer. This mostly ceremonial position can lead McCoy to a position of increased responsibility in the state Auxiliary, including line officer positions and perhaps State President in a few years.

The Auxiliary won First Place in the Buddy Poppy Display competition.  The Coushatta VFW and Auxiliary sell Buddy Poppies to fund service to veterans.  In addition patriotic displays are created each year and entered into the statewide contest.  This year the Buddy Poppy Display was created by Auxiliary member Susanne Wastlund.  It was judged during the state convention.

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Members of 4-H in the parish are learning to sew this summer, just one of the summer activities planned for 4-H students.

After the first day of their 4-H sewing workshop they posted, “We went to visit the ladies at the Sewing house to see what projects they are working on and to learn to crochet.  They make blankets and caps for people with medical needs and special patriotic blankets for our veterans.  Our 4-Hers learned very quickly and had lots of fun visiting with the ladies.  Thank you to the ladies for welcoming 4-H and making our morning so enjoyable!”

Students participating included Abby Jowers, Addison Bounds, Julia Grace Riggs, and Raegan Cannon.  Assisting the students were Lawanna Fowler, Pat Almond, Mary Ann Smith, and Susan Taylor. 

The sewing program is called “Sewing God’s Love” and was organized by Taylor several years ago.  Ladies from First Methodist, First Baptist and Wesley Chapel churches meet each Monday to sew and have fellowship.  Their creations benefit many people in the parish each year.  Anyone wishing to join the group can come to their weekly gathering at 9:30 on Monday mornings.  The Sew House is located on Fair Street.

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By Major Thomas Edwards

Red River High School (RRHS) Cadets Kaitlyn Antilley, Chloe Pickett, Layton Kerby, Hannah Pickett, Erik Hanson, and Caleb Waters completed the Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) from June 9, 2019 to June 15, 2019 at Grambling State University. The course consisted of classroom education, confidence course, orienteering, rappelling tower, and drill training.  
All RRHS Cadets received individual and/or flight awards. Kaitlyn Antilley received the Warrior Spirit Award. Erik Hanson received the Military Excellence Award. Layton Kerby received the Special Recognition Award and sign the National Anthem at graduation. Chloe Pickett received the Outstanding Leadership Award and was Guide Arm Bearer for Alpha Flight. Hannah Pickett and Caleb Waters received Flight Awards. 

Red River High posted, “So proud of our RRHS JROTC cadets who attended the Cadet Leadership Course Parade at Grambling State University.  Congratulations on the graduation and extra awards you all received.  Thanks to Major Edwards for taking these kids to your last camp before you head to the retirement life.  We were lucky to have you.  We will make you proud next year Major.”

Major Thomas Edwards has concluded his duties at Red River High. Edwards has retired from teaching and his position as head of Red River’s Junior ROTC program.

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Next Wednesday Social Springs Baptist Church comes alive.   The Allen Family will be in Concert on June 26th at 7pm!

For more than 20 years, the Todd Allen family has traveled all over the world, spreading hope and encouragement through music. You may have seen them on the television show, “Home Sweet Bus” on TLC as the Gospel music family who lives full-time on their tour bus.

In addition to singing over 250 times a year across the US and Canada, they have had an ongoing mission work in Uganda, Africa for the past 7 years.

Bro. James Hester said, “We are always excited to have them at Social Springs and we know you will be blessed by their music and testimonies. So, please join us for this special event!”

Admission is free. A love offering will be received.

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Coushatta’s Red River boat launch has been reopened.  The Red River Waterway Commission posted, “The following boat launches are now open: Coushatta, Red Oak Lake, Grand Ecore, St. Maurice, Natchitoches, Montgomery, Red Bayou, Colfax, Boyce, Lock & Dam #2 & Poland. Some docks will still be closed at these sites due to high water and be aware of any workers or debris that may have accumulated near the launches.”

The National Weather Service said today could be a very hot day. When releasing the high temperature forecasts on Thursdaythey said the high Friday would be about 94 in Red River Parish, however they noted that heat indices would be near 105 degrees.

Red River Cowboy Church posted that their Summer Playday Series schedule has been updated. The next Playday will be Sunday, June 23^rd.  Books open at 12:30 and the show starts at 2:00 pm.

The 5D Jackpot Barrels and Buckle Series has an event scheduled at Cowboy Church on June 27^th.  Books open Thursday at 5:30 pm.

Voices4Autism, the area Autism Parent Support Group meets Saturday June 22^ndat the Natchitoches Parish Library.  The meeting will be from 2:00 until 3:30 pm.  The group serves Red River and parishes surrounding Natchitoches.

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New additions to the staff at Red River High School are the head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director. The two men were introduced to the School Board on Monday night.

Chris Reed has been hired as the head Baseball Coach.  He replaces Earl Martin who is retiring soon.  Martin finished out last season including his 200^thcareer win. Superintendent Alison Hughes told Reed, “There are some big shoes to fill.”  She added, “He is already on the job.  There is no contract yet, but he’s already working to build the baseball program.”

Reed told the board he has already working to get more developmental baseball programs started in the parish.  He wants to get Little League baseball started here.  Reed said, “Find me coaches to work with the kids.  We need plenty of opportunity to play baseball. There are fields already here and available.  Plus we’re building facilities that are as good as any in the state.”

Norman Picou was introduced as the high school’s Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Picou told The Journal, “I am a former boys basketball coach at Haughton High and at Southwood High in Shreveport.”  Picou was also an administrative assistant at Southwood.

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