Joe Taylor asked, “What is happening to the town water pressure?”  He said, “Almost every day between 7:00 and 8:00 am the water pressure out Highway 71 way drops to a trickle.  It’s gotten so bad if you’re planning a shower or bath you need to take it before or after that time.  Why the drop? Pump problems or a heavy use by a customer?  Customer wants to know.”

Tonight is the 4^thFriday Fish Fry at Clara Springs Baptist Camp.  The Springhill Baptist Church will be volunteering their services to cook, serve and clean up.  Fish and all the trimmings will be served from 5:00 until about 7:30 pm tonight. Cost is $10 for adults.

The Little Rebels Cheer Camp will be held at Riverdale Academy on July 29^th through 31^st.  Pre-K through 5^thgraders may sign up by calling Allison Pearah at 318-655-8101 or email apearah@riverdaleacademy.org.

“The Incredible Race” Vacation Bible School begins July 29^that Open Door Fellowship.  Call 318-932-6267 for more information and to sign up.

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With a strong handshake and a look in your eye, he introduces himself, “Hi I’m Mark.”  The Journal met retired Colonel Mark Duffield for the first time.  He was scraping old paint and prepping his office upstairs behind the auditorium at Red River High.

Duffield is preparing to be the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.  There is lots to do to spruce up his workspace and the JROTC classrooms.  On the day we were there, Senior Master Sargent Lawrence Bunton and several students who came by to help were there.  Bunton said the volunteers this summer had been Skye Davis, Chloe Pickett, Alexandria Brown, Eric Hanson, Korie Williamson and Ethan Morgan.

Col. Duffield retired from the USAF after a 27 year career.  He flew the A-10 Warthog sometimes known as tank killers.  You’ve heard them buzz over the skies of Red River for many years.  Duffield was a Squadron Commander and then Chief of Stan-Eval and Chief of Safety and then Chief of Staff to the Commander 8^thAir Force all at Barksdale Air Force Base just north of us.

Also during his career, Duffield was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.  He also worked in the Middle East for United Arab Emirates as a contractor.

He retired in 2012. And this is his first JROTC position.

His first task at Red River is to improve the facilities.  “A little paint and other touches creates a nice appearance and hopefully bring in more students,” Col Duffield said.  He added, “My feet are barely on the ground.  We will find more places to go and more things for kids to do this year.  There will be more military related outside events.  Opportunities are all around.”

We asked his goal for the local JROTC program.  Col. Duffield said, “To make kids better Americans.  The military is smaller since the end of the Cold War.  I want to raise interest in a military career.” 

Col. Duffield added, “For most of our students this will be the only exposure to the military they get in their lives.  I want it to be something they can take forward as better citizens.  They can use the leadership traits we teach anywhere they go.”

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Kala Sims is the Children’s Librarian at the Red River Parish Library. Her daughter, Abby helps out with the weekly programs for kids every Monday afternoon.  This summer Abby served as a counselor at Clara Springs with her friend and co-counselor Chloe Nash.  Here is Abby’s story in her own words:

“I had the best experience as a counselor at Clara Springs Baptist Camp in Pelican, La. Just to be around kids and teach them about Christ was so moving for me.

“It opened my eyes to the fact that some kids have the complete wrong idea of God and who He is. It taught me that I can be the influence that leads someone to Christ.

“I would encourage every kid to go to Clara Springs and if you are too old to be a camper you can also help as a counselor for a group or cabin. Adults can also find a way to volunteer. It was just an overall great week of fellowship, friends, food, and fun!”

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The Journal has had three winners in the Early Bird Sign Up contest.  We are preparing to bring you live coverage of Red River and Riverdale sporting events beginning in August.  And The Journal is offering $100 each week to someone who signs up early.

You are signing up to receive a text message shortly before each Bulldog or Rebels game.  The text message will have a link for you to get the broadcast of the game.  Early Bird sign up lasts just a short time longer.

On Friday we’ll announce the fourth winner of $100 cash!  If you are not signed up to get text messages notifying you that games are about to begin, do so today.  Here is the link:

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

One registration per person, please.  You may specify either Red River or Riverdale or if you would like to get notices of games of both schools.  However, the computer disregards duplicate entries.  Make sure your cell phone number and email address are unique to you. Our promise is not to spam you with ads or unbelievable officers.  There will be one, or if necessary two system tests prior to the first game.  It is just to make sure everything is working properly.

Sign up today while you are thinking about it.  Get every broadcast of sporting events of both Red River and Riverdale beginning with the football schedule.  And watch Friday’s edition of The Journal for the announcement of the next $100 cash winner.

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On June 10, 2019 a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputy responded to a call for service from Green Meadow Haven in Coushatta regarding a stolen credit card. The victim was a resident at the nursing facility.

It was reported that the cardholder had not made a personal transaction in several months and had not authorized its use by anyone. Recent credit card records revealed that on April 30, 2019 three unauthorized purchases were made locally and a fourth in Shreveport.

During the subsequent investigation, RRPSO investigators were able to confirm one unauthorized purchase at a local business. Surveillance footage of the transaction showed a white female wearing scrubs completing a purchase using the victim’s credit card. She was later identified by Green Meadow Haven staff as Rebecca A. McBride, who at the time of the theft, was employed at the facility as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Green Meadow Haven reported that McBride resigned her position on June 13, 2019 without notice.

On July 2, 2019 a warrant was secured for McBride’s arrest for Exploitation of the Infirmed. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on July 16, 2019, she surrendered herself to authorities at the RRPSO and was taken into custody without incident.

Rebecca A. McBride, W/F, age 37 of the 700 block of Hart Road, Campti, LA was booked into the Red River Parish Jail on one count of Exploitation of Persons with Infirmities. Additional charges are pending completion of the investigation. McBride posted a $5,000 bond and was released the same day pending a trial date.

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There is a new head Football Coach at Riverdale Academy.  Although the first day of practice has not arrived yet, Guy Hathorne is busy at work.  The new coach told The Journal he is getting everything organized and he is optimistic for a successful Rebel season.

The players come nearly every day to work out.  Conditioning is a priority and because of the heat work-outs are usually held in the late afternoon.  The players also decided to relocate their locker room and that meant a fresh coat of paint.

Coach Hathorn outlined the schedule for The Journal with his observations on each team’s strengths and weaknesses.  He coached at Prentiss Academy prior to coming to Riverdale, and he is familiar with the teams Riverdale will face in 2019.  Overall Hathorne expects the Rebels to do well in district play and perhaps beyond.    

Hathorn said, “We’ll start with the Jamboree at ULM on August 17^th.  We play Briarfield at 2:45 and Tallulah at 3:10. We play fifteen minute quarters with a running clock.  This will be our first chance to go against another team iin getting ready for the season.”

He was talking about the Third Annual Jam at the Grove MAIS Jamboree.  Riverdale has tickets for $10.  There will be 14 games in all on August 17^th beginning at noon and running until after 6:15 pm.  Hathorne said to call the school for ticket information.

The regular season begins with a trip to Bastrop to play Prairie View on August 23^rd. The last game is October 25^that home against Franklin Academy from Winnsboro, and it will be Senior Night.

All Rebel games, whether home or away, will be streamed live by The Journal.  Text message alerts will be sent approximately fifteen minutes prior to kickoff.  The link to the game will be in that text message.  Sign up for text message alerts using the link below.

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

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A new service is now offered by the Red River Health Department.  Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner told The Journal they are offering twice-monthly sessions on high blood pressure.

If you have hypertension and wish some helpful advice, get it from the Health Department in Coushatta. A health coach and dietitian will be available to help you learn how to control your blood pressure.  This is a free service offered in conjunction with the HEART Program from the MLK Health Center, funded by BHP.

Blood Pressure Management is offered each first and third Tuesday of the month at the Health Department on Red Oak Road.  The time is 9:00 am until 12 Noon.  Call Yashica Turner at 318-932-4087 to make an appointment.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

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July 8^ththrough 11^th, Red River Parish 4-Hers were “Living the Dream” at Camp Grant Walker. Camping is one of the most valuable experiences a child can have. It’s a learning experience that helps boys and girls appreciate the outdoors, live together, as a group, gain independence, get along with others, and appreciate people with different interests and backgrounds. The camp week consists of four days beginning on Monday afternoon when the campers arrive and ending on Friday morning after breakfast.

Camp starts out with leaving Coushatta on Monday and heading to Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, LA.  A camp week is full of things for the campers to do. Campers participate in one of seven educational tracks: Science, Engineering, and Technology; Outdoor Adventures; Hunter Safety; Renewable Energy; Louisiana Wetlands, Food and Fitness; and General Arts. Campers also had recreational time to play various sports, archery, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and line dancing.  Other choices include team-building activities, performing arts, visiting with friends, and shopping for souvenirs in the camp store. Evening programs consist of skits, talent show, Vespers and special guest speakers.

Our campers this year were Makilah Merton, Raegan Cannon, BriAunna Taylor, Adrianna Bradford, Dawnesha Taylor, Chloe Jordan, Hannah Worsham, Harley Sepulvado, Halle Lindsey, Hollie Lindsey, Cyli Hinson, Trey Simmons, Brayden Chicola, Jayden Scott (Counselor), Layton Kerby (Counselor), Diane Newton (Volunteer) and Jacque Fontenot (Parish Agent).

Due to incoming weather in South Louisiana our camp week was shortened, our camp was from Monday until Thursday morning. Although the week was shortened, the 4-Her’s made a lot of memories and learned many new things at recreational tracks and educational tracks. All campers had a great time!

We look forward to next year going to Camp and would encourage other 4-Her’s to attend with us. 4-H is a great tool to help youth with many things in life. For more information on 4-H in Red River Parish please feel free to contact us at 318-932-4342, redriver@agcenter.lsu.edu or come by and visit us at 2015 Red Oak Road second floor of the Health Unit.

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We gave the ETC… staff writers a week off for good behavior.  Actually just 4 days.  So they should be back at it in time for Friday’s edition.  We miss them!

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This is the arrest report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for July 14-21, 2019.

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At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 16, 2019, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Communications was notified by the Louisiana State Police that Troopers out of Troop E (Alexandria) were in active pursuit of a suspect vehicle on LA 1 northbound approaching the Catfish Bend Road. The pursuit originated in Natchitoches Parish near Robeline. The driver of the vehicle was a suspect wanted in connection with an attempted burglary/unauthorized entry of a residence in Sabine Parish.

Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputies made visual contact with the suspect vehicle and joined the pursuit near Armistead. The driver turned east on U.S. 84, crossed the Red River bridge and continued through Coushatta traveling south on U.S. 71 to LA 784. He traveled across LA 507 in Hickory Grove onto the Dayton Carlisle Road which has no outlet.

Realizing that the subject would have to retrace his route if not apprehended, RRPSO deputies positioned units on Dayton Carlisle Road in preparation to deploy spike strips. As the vehicle returned to LA Hwy 507, the spikes were successfully deployed making contact with the right front tire of the suspect vehicle.

The driver exited Dayton Carlisle Road and turned north on LA Hwy 507 traveling toward the Martin community. Just north LA 787, as the deflated tire began to separate, the driver turned off the paved roadway onto a grassy pipeline right of way.  The vehicle continued for approximately 200 yards down the pipeline and became disabled at a creek crossing. The driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area.

Numerous law enforcement personnel from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police Troops G and E set up a search perimeter as the RRPSO K-9 and drone were deployed. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan and his K-9 chase team from Winn Correctional Center also responded and thoroughly searched the rural location. Several local residents offered assistance by providing multiple ATV/UTV and night vision equipment.

The dogs tracked the suspect back to LA 507 near the intersection of LA 787 where his track stopped. It is likely he contacted someone via cell phone and was picked up at that location. The search was discontinued shortly after midnight while patrol units remained in the area through the night.

A warrant has been issued in Sabine Parish for the arrest of Dexter Trent Rivers, W/M, DOB 03/24/85 of Bossier City for Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. Additional charges will be forthcoming from the Louisiana State Police stemming from the pursuit in Natchitoches and Red River Parishes which will likely include Aggravated Flight, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Resisting Arrest.

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DAT kept asking the children in the audience to “say the magic word.”  They responded “Abracadabra!”  Sometimes softly, more likely very loudly.  Sometimes more than once.

The show featured David Trombetta who goes by the name DAT.  His show is called DAT Does the Trick.  Last Monday he brought a big box of tricks and thrills to the children of Red River parish.  DAT was the featured show this week in the Library’s “A Universe of Stories” summer reading program.

It did not take DAT long to get to it with a large variety of tricks that delighted the kids and their parents too.  He challenged them, “I’m gonna keep doing magic as long as you keep clapping.  When you get tired, stop clapping.  Then I’ll quit.”  Challenge accepted by the audience.

First trick was fold a $2 bill several times then tear it in half.  The result when unfolded was two $1 bills.  Where did the $2 go and how?  Follow that with a water pot that DAT emptied into a large jar.  Then he emptied it again.  And again.  He said it is a water pot that is never empty.

The children were fascinated, and they applauded on and on.  And that resulted in trick after trick.  They were only interrupted by a humorous story which lead to another trick.

Boys and girls from the audience came up to help out.  They performed the tricks and that amazed even the children who just did it.

Then came the big finale which everyone thought was going to be pulling a rabbit out of a hat.  Not so.  This rabbit showed up inside a round plastic tube.  What a finish.

At the conclusion, DAT invited the kids to line up and take turns petting the bunny.  This was a fluffy white rabbit that was well trained. The bunny took all the petting the kids could give out.  Some of them got back in line time and again to take another time.

Children’s Librarian Kala Sims outdid herself with this summer’s line up of programs.  In addition to musicians, there have been storytellers, a live petting zoo, a trip to a planetarium (or it came to them), the Sheriff’s Department brought K-9 officers and drones, and a singer teaching blues for kids. 

There are two Mondays to go. On July 22^ndthe Red River Parish Fire Department will be there demonstrating the gear and showing off their firetrucks.  And the finale is Lady Chops, a high energy musial show.  See you at the Library.

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It is almost time for Vacation Bible School at Open Door Fellowship.  This year, Open Door has a fun and uplifting adventure for children ages K through 6^thgrade.

Open Door Church will host a fun race filled with clues to find as part of a global scavenger hunt. From the minute your kids arrive at the Incredible Race, they’ll find fun waiting to happen. At the refueling station the kids receive clues and accept challenges.  They’ll discover the Tower of Babel account isn’t just ancient history, but incredibly important to how we live today.

The Runway Café is a snack spot,  Kids will enjoy global goodies at this yummy spot while completing food-related challenges. For recreation, kids will play Globetrotting Games as they attempt fun physical challenges of international proportions with games from all over the world.

And they will enjoy World-Class Science and crafts.  There are electrifying science experiments to perform, creative crafts to invent, high energy songs to sing, and fun memory verse games to play.

The Incredible. Race at Open Door Fellowship is a race unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. It is arace filled with fun clues to find, loaded with interesting challenges to attempt, and a global scavenger hunt like you’ve never seen. 

At the same time, it’s about another race. A race that began at the Garden of Eden and continues until this day, made up of all people from all time.  What race? The human race where we are One Family, One Race, One Savior

 Vacation Bible School at Open Door is July 28^ththrough August 1^stfrom 6:00 to 8:30 pm nightly.  Kids from kindergarten through sixth grade are welcome.  Call the church at 932-6267 for more information.

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She has something to smile about.  To really really smile.  Her name is Christy Suggs and she is The Journal’s latest winner of $100 in cash. Yes, those are $20 bills she is holding. Five of them.

Suggs is the Early Childhood Coordinator at Red River Elementary School.  She was at work preparing for the coming school year when we appeared at the school house door.  She has spent twenty-three years in education, all of it in Red River Parish.

As she was receiving her money, a co-worker showed up and ask, “Where can I get some money?”  All you have to do is sign up to be alerted to live streaming of local sporting events.

JUST CLICK THIS LINK  CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

The Journal has added text message alerts as a way to quickly deliver the games to fans.  We are doing awarding cash to a fan each week to reward them for signing up early.  Click the link above and you will be signed up also.  And you might win some cash.

All fans of local teams can sign up to get notice of the ballgames.  You will get a text about a quarter hour before kickoff.  The text will contain a link to go directly to the game. It is that simple.  Once signed up you are eligible for the weekly cash giveaways. Couldn’t be easier. 

Smile Christy!

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Several years ago when Wayne and Nancy Spears founded Abbie Lane on US 71 in South Red River Parish, they had a great idea.  Over the years, one was not enough, so Wayne and Nancy are working to build more retreats around the country.

On July 15^th, Spears posted that a change in management is in order.  Here is his post:

ABBIE LANE RETREAT ANNOUNCEMENT:  It is with great joy Nancy and I announce that we have finally found the God anointed, God appointed, God prepared couple who will replace us here at Abbie Lane Retreat Ministry as the Operational Directors.  They are Charles and Vanita Gibbs.  

For those of you  who come on a regular basis to Abbie Lane, you will love them, they have much to offer with years of pastoring and God obedient ministry experience.  Charles is pastor of West Mobile Baptist Church in Mobile AL.  He resigned today announcing his retirement from pastoring.  God is now leading them and us into new areas of ministry.  

As Charles and Vanita come to Abbie Lane Louisiana, Nancy and I will be giving leadership to the development of similar ministries in Mississippi, Texas and the Northwest as well as leadership oversight to all the Abbie Lanes.  Be in prayer for the Gibbs and be in prayer for us as we take on new challenges.

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Save the Date!!!  RRHS Freshmen Connection Wednesday, July 31st 7:30am-12:00pm.  All incoming freshmen of Red River High School need to be in attendance.  
We will have a brief parent meeting at 7:30 am when you drop off your kids in the high school gym.  Door prizes will be given out so don’t be late.  Breakfast will be served for parents and kids! Students will then have breakout sessions and activities based on:
– academics
– class schedules
– block scheduling
– meet some 9th grade teachers
– discipline 
– athletics
– clubs
– team building games
– scavenger hunt
And more! 
For questions or concerns, contact us at the high school 318-932-4913. 
Don’t miss this chance to start off your high school career the right way.

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Louisiana is officially sinking. It has been 29 years since the National Geodetic Survey, or NGS, measured the state’s subsidence. After completing four absolute gravity observations this past year, with the help of LSU’s Center for Geoinformatics, or C4G, the NGS’s most recent findings show the state’s change in elevation.

“This is the second observation NGS has performed in Louisiana, with the first one having taken place at the University of New Orleans in 1989,” LSU Chief of Geodesy Cliff Mugnier said. “Since then, the four additional observations through 2018 show a cumulative apparent subsidence of 147 mm in 29 years, which is 5 mm a year.”

A closer look at the elevation changes over the last three decades shows that Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Oakdale, Hammond and Shreveport have remained virtually unchanged, while other areas weren’t so lucky. Alexandria has subsided -49 mm, Old River -34 mm, Lake Charles -16 mm, Boothville -13 mm, and Ruston -9 mm. Some areas actually gained ground, such as Thibodaux +7 mm, Sicily Island +8 mm, Rayville +13 mm, and Natchitoches +17 mm.

“Changes in the absolute value of gravity at a location can be a result of uplift/subsidence, as well as variations in groundwater and tectonic motion,” Mugnier said. “In a generally homogenous sedimentary basin such as Louisiana, it’s likely some combination of subsidence and groundwater.”

LSU C4G now has a three-person, permanent gravity survey crew that travels to all C4G GPS Continuously Operating Reference Station sites statewide and tide gauges collocated with CORS sites throughout the northern rim of the Gulf of Mexico for the observation of absolute gravity and for deflection of the vertical.

“These observations are expected to contribute to the knowledge of the surface motions of the state, as well as to form the basis of a new quasi-geoid model for Louisiana in collaboration among the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, NGS, and LSU,” Mugnier said.

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Tyler Hughes is a member of Shreveport Dynasty. He is the son of Timmy and Alison Hughes and his mother said, “They went to the 13 U Majors Division World Series in Dallas this past week. They won the world series going undefeated 7-0. Tyler had a great tournament hitting over .400 at the plate with a triple and two doubles.”

What is next for this young man? Hughes said, “We will travel next week to Orlando where he will play in the All American games representing the Southeast region.”

If you have a young athlete in your family, keep the Journal informed of their activities.  Send details, with pictures please, to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.  

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The Journal is seeking employees to begin immediately. Must be polite, able to deal with the public, and honest. Above all, must have a strong work ethic. Experience in writing, photography, sports, and clearly communicating is extremely helpful. Send resume, recent photo, and contact information to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. 

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It’s Fish Day at the Red River Council on Aging.  It is the third Friday in July so the council will be serving fried catfish with all the trimmings from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. They will also be carrying fried fish lunches to clients receiving meals on wheels.  It is just $4.00 for seasoned citizens.

Who doesn’t like Legos?  Show off your engineering and creative skills on Monday July 22^ndat the next 4-H Summer Workshop.  All students entering 4^th through 7^thgrade are welcome to join the fun.  Call the 4-H office for details at 932-4342.

Lifeshare Blood Center is planning a community blood drive to be held in Coushatta on July 23^rd.  It will be held at 1924 Front Street.  That is the Jack and Laura Center.  There is a place on the Lifeshare Facebook page to schedule your donation.  See the Journal’s story on July 10^thfor full details.

Class scheduling for 9^ththrough 12^thgrades continues at Red River High through July 31^st.  PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE FRONT OFFICE. You can call 932-4913 to set that up today! 

Abundant Life Worship Center is holding a Kids Mini-series on July 24^thand 31^stand August 7^thfrom 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Theme is “Shipwrecked Rescued by Jesus.”

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The parish Head Start program has a new home and will offer service to more children.  The Red River Parish School Board is taking over the program from PineBelt Multi-purpose Agency.  Here is the news release from the School Board.

“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded Red River Parish School Board through the Designation Renewal System (DRS) the grant to provide services within Red River Parish​. Therefore, on July 1, the administration of the program became the responsibility of Red River Parish School Board, located at 1992 Alonzo Street, Coushatta, Louisiana.

“Red River Parish School Board has been providing early childhood services for many years. We are proud to add Head Start services to our early childhood programs. We at RRPSB are excited about this opportunity to serve the children and families in Red River Parish.​

“Both PIneBelt Multi-purpose Agency and Red River Parish School Board are committed to a seamless transition and continuity of services. ​The program will be located at Red River Elementary School and offer both 3 and 4 year old classes. 100 new seats will open to the public.

“Currently enrolled Head Start parents will be contacted in the next week regarding the programs. Parents who are interested in enrollment information or have questions may contact Red River Elementary School at 932-9290.”

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A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, July 9^thfollowing the regular monthly meeting of the Town Council.  The Mayor and members of the Town Council donned hard hats and golden shovels to officially turn the first spades of dirt on the project.

Mayor Johnny Cox described the new park expansion as something that was needed for our community.  Cox said, “We’ll have 24 concrete pads with picnic tables and BBQ grills.  This will be great for family gatherings.  There are many new pieces of playground equipment and an area for basketball, volleyball and tennis.” 

There is also a new walking track that meanders among the tall trees.  Three laps of the track is a mile.  (Editors note:  The temperature was in the upper 90s at the ground breaking, however the park is full of tall shade trees and a gentle breeze was blowing.  That made a considerable difference on a hot July afternoon.)

Councilwoman Edna Webb said, “It is awesome.  It’s really coming together.”  She added, “The basketball and volleyball courts are just what the kids need.”

Councilman Reginald Prelow, Jr. recalled, “Back in the mid 80s there were just a few pieces of old equipment to play on.  The improvements are good for kids.  They need a place to play.”

There remains just a few more pieces of equipment and the BBQ grills to install.  Cox said, “We plan to keep adding on to it every year. We’re getting stuff that will last.” Looking around at the work that has been done, Cox remarked, “The park has about 15 acres that the town has been clearing and developing for over a year.  It will all be open soon.  We’ll let you know.”

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The Red River Parish Journal will again provide live coverage of high school athletic events during the 2019-20 school year.  We’ll kick off with Riverdale Rebel football on August 23^rd followed by Red River Bulldog football on September 6^th.

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 making it even easier for everyone to get the broadcasts.”

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.”

The Journal is offering weekly cash rewards to people who sign up now.  Brewer explained, “If people sign up for the text messages early, we have an opportunity to get everything ready for them to hear the games when football begins.”

So, The Journal will select a $100 winner each week and announce it in the Friday edition.  There aren’t any complicated rules.  Just sign up for text message alerts before each sporting event and you are automatically entered in the contest.  Everyone who has signed up this summer is eligible for each weekly cash prize.  There is no need to re-sign up each week.

The smiling lady at the top of this article is Sharon Bradley.  She received her $100 while her friend Rebecca Moore looked on.  Moore asked, “How can I get in on this?”  So here is the link.

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

Sign up today.  We’ll have another winner to announce on Friday and it could be you!

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