This is the arrest report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending September 29, 2019

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Red River Bulldogs lost to the Many Tigers.  Final score 35-21

Riverdale Rebels lost to UCA.  Final score 58-28

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This was a week of inspiring events in Red River Parish.  On Tuesday evening the Women’s Ministry of First Baptist Church presented a family event with Pam Tebow, mother of professional football player Tim Tebow.

Tebow began her message with the statement that you influence people and you could positively impact a life.  She said, “You have the power to influence other people, so you need to be careful how you live your life.”

The story of the Tebow family unfolded with Pam and her husband raising a family while beginning their ministry.  She referred to the “faith muscle” and said it needs to be exercised so it will grow.

Early in her story of faith, Tebow experienced a difficult pregnancy with Tim.  She related her decision, against advice of many, not to abort and to carry Tim to term.  “We trusted God and he preserved that little boy in my womb,” she said.

A great example of the influence she had on her family was reading, telling stories, and making up Christian songs to sing to her children.  Tebow said as a grandmother she now sings to her grandchildren and “they sing along because their parents have sung the same songs they learned from me.”

Tebow gave other examples of the role faith plays in her family.  And she advised her audience, “Focus on eternity.  Do the things that really matter.  Let your light shine.  We all need to do something that impacts people no matter what is our season of life.”

Her remarks concluded with Tebow commenting, “The gospel is a most important influence.  Share your love and faith in Jesus.”

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The Sheriff’s Office investigated an incident at Red River Elementary on Tuesday afternoon and determined there was no harmful intent.  As the busses were loading at the end of the day a kindergarten student was found to have something in a backpack.

A teacher and the School Resource Officer acted quickly and checked the child’s backpack.  A toy “air soft” pistol was found.  It was not loaded and there were no soft projectiles found in the backpack.

The student was referred to school officials for an investigation and corrective action, if necessary.

The Sheriff issued two statements confirming that at no time was any student or member of the faculty in any danger.   In addition, at no time was the pistol pointed at anyone.

The Journal observed that social media was ablaze on Wednesday with the story.  And it became more embellished as the day went along.  People reacted to the story and it spread like wildfire.  The language used became offensive and abusive. The Sheriff’s Office issued a second statement at mid-afternoon Wednesday because of the reports circulating about the incident.

Below are the two updates that the Journal posted on Wednesday at the request of the Sheriff’s Office, beginning with the original statement:

“At approximately 2:50 p.m. on September 24, 2019 as buses were loading, a teacher at Red River Elementary School was alerted that something was in a Kindergarten student’s backpack.

The teacher immediately took the child and backpack to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO alerted administration and the backpack was searched. A toy gun, commonly found in stores, was confiscated. An investigation began at approximately 3:00 p.m. on September 24, 2019.

At no time was any student or faculty in danger.”

Then at mid-afternoon the Sheriff’s Office provided this clarification:

Note: “This information was provided to clarify information being circulated concerning the event and reassure those concerned that at no time were students in immediate danger. The toy gun is commonly referred to as an “air soft” pistol. It is designed to propel small non-lethal plastic projectiles by compressed air. It was not loaded, and no projectiles were found. At no time was the gun pointed at anyone and there was no indication of harmful intent. Due to the age of the student, the incident is not criminal, and the school system is conducting the aforementioned investigation and is taking necessary corrective action.”

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“Simply the RIGHT person to do the job RIGHT!” is the campaign slogan of Dovie Neal Beard.  Beard is running for Red River Parish Assessor.  She is #78 on the ballot.

Beard said, “I am dependable, devoted, and dedicated and I ask for your vote.”  Beard has the on-the-job experience necessary to be the next Assessor.

Long-time Assessor, Becky Craig is retiring and is endorsing Dovie Neal Beard for Assessor.  In her endorsement, Becky stated, “From the time I became Assessor, my ‘right hand’ has been Dovie Neal Beard.  I humbly ask you to join me in support of Dovie and elect her as the next Assessor of Red River Parish.”

Early voting begins tomorrow, September 28^that the Registrar of Voters office in the Courthouse. Hours are 8:30 am until 6:00 pm. Early voting runs through Saturday, October 5^th, except for Sunday.”

Put Dovie Neal Beard’s 22 years of experience to work for you as Assessor of Red River Parish. Vote #78 during early voting week or on election day, October 12^th.

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From Cheer Coach Alice Everett

Congratulations to our Red River High School Cheerleaders.  They placed last weekend in the Marthaville Good Ole Days Festival. They are bringing home trophies for 1st place Spirit, 1st place High School Cheer and 2nd place Overall!

Keep up the hard work ladies. Job well done.

You can see the cheerleaders in action Friday night. They will accompany the Red River Bulldogs to Many for their game against the Tigers.

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Riverdale Elementary – Pre-K4 Student Annelise Cason.  Her parents are Dan and Amanda Cason.  Annelise’s favorite food is pizza, and her favorite color is blue.  When she is not at school, Annelise enjoys playing video games with her brothers.

Riverdale Junior High – 5th Grade Student Ally Kate Hillman.  Her parents are Cody and Lauren Hillman. Ally Kate is an A student, and her favorite subject at school is social studies.  In her free time, she likes to play basketball and do art.  She is an active member of kid’s choir at Martin Baptist Church, where she recently played the lead role in the musical “The Tale of Three Trees.”  Ally thinks she might want to be a teacher when she grows up.

Riverdale High School – 9th Grade Student Molly Seales.  Her parents are James and Bethany Seales.  She is a 4.0 honor roll student, and her favorite subject is math.  She is an active member of Riverdale’s Beta Club and FCA.  Molly enjoys being a cheerleader for the Rebels.  In her free time, she enjoys watching Netflix, snap chatting, and fishing.

The Students of the Month are honored each month by our local VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.  Each student is presented a certificate memorializing their selection along with a gift card to Dairy Queen.

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The annual parish fair begins next week.  Here are some tips from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office to help keep you and your family safe at the fair.

With the Red River Parish Fair beginning on October 1st, Sheriff Edwards would like to share the following tips to help keep your family safe while enjoying the festivities:

• Keep your children in sight and teach them to stay close to you, especially in large crowds.
• Talk to your children about what being lost means and what to do if they become lost.
• Should your child get lost, don’t look for them alone. Immediately notify law enforcement by contacting an officer or deputy at the fairgrounds or by calling the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) at 932-4221.
• Have your children carry or wear emergency information that tells how to reach you. Include phone numbers, emergency contacts, important medical information, and anything else you think is important.
• Dress kids in bright colors to make them easier to spot.
• Use your phone to take a photo of each child before leaving home. This will ensure that you have a current photo and will provide a record of exactly what they are wearing.
• Teach your child that it is okay to say NO and GET AWAY from any person or situation making them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast and prepare appropriately.
• Know where the first aid area is located should you need to access it quickly.
• When riding carnival rides, follow the safety rules and instructions of the carnival workers.
• When attending the parade, keep children a safe distance from moving vehicles and floats. Allow your children to eat only factory-wrapped treats.

Fair week is always an exciting time for the children and families of our community. Sheriff Edwards and RRPSO deputies look forward to seeing you all at the fairgrounds and will be present to help ensure that everyone has a safe and fun week!

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The RRES Girls’ Basketball season has come to an end and what a great season it was for these young ladies. Learning and growing, these girls played their hearts out every single game and showed improvement every time they stepped out on the court. A special thanks to Coach Craig for taking the time to work with them and coach them. 

Team members are Sha’Chrystian Campbell, Jada Gary, Alyssa Gay, Gabi Bounds, Tiara Hayes, Adrionna Murphy, Neveah Smith, Journe’ Johnson, Morgan Housely, and Kaleah Crawford.  Ginger Craig is their coach.

From Jana Bounds

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By Yasmine Jason, Red River Band Director

I’m pleased to announce that Red River High School students auditioned for District 2 Honor Band last weekend.  One band member, Carlena Henry made the ensemble.

Honor Band is an elite ensemble of the best musicians in our Louisiana district. In District 2, there are 12 high schools that we compete against. To make the band is a very hard task to complete and the students did an excellent job. We are extremely proud of all their accomplishments.

Bottom row left to right: William Craine, Justin Johnson, and Terry Adams.
Top Row left to right: Skyler Kitchens, Billy Henry, Carlena Henry, Nevaeh Caldwell, A.J. Robinson, Michael Evans, and Kayla Williams. 

The school posted on social media:

Red River High School would like to say congratulations to Carlena Henry. She will represent RRHS as a member of the Laffitte Honor Band. She is the 8th chair out of 32 clarinets that auditioned in our district. Good luck and we know you will represent us well.

We also want to acknowledge our other students who auditioned last weekend: Justin Johnson, William Craine, Terry Adams, Michael Evans, AJ Robinson, Billy Henry, Skyler Kitchens, Nevaeh Caldwell and Kayla Williams. These students also did very well, and some came very close to making the ensemble. Great job students and thank you to Band DirectorYasmine Jason.

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By Jennifer Breedlove

Liberty Baptist Church’s 3^rd Annual Wild Game Dinner was a wonderful success.  We had great music by the Liberty Praise Team, a touching message by Mike and Peggy Pedroza, and amazing food ranging from wild Alaskan bear, local venison, and wild nilgai from South Texas.

Mike and Peggy Pedroza shared their testimony that was a story of plans changing rapidly and putting all of your faith in God to get you through the valleys of your life.  Mrs. Peggy has even written a book to share her testimony and shared a few books with those in attendance. 

In WALKING ON HIGH HEELS, Pedroza blends her life-threatening story and how the wisdom of the Bible brought her back from sudden tragedy to living beyond a devastating medical diagnosis. With her combination of humor, resolve and the persistence to overcome a life of paralysis, she opens up her life behind closed doors to give the reader insight on how acting on Biblical principles can and will bring you out of any situation to stand on His high hill. This book can be purchased on Amazon and many of our members are already saying its one that can’t be missed.

The photo shows Jerry Hester, Head of the Wild Game Dinner, Peggy Pedroza, Mike Pedroza, and Bro. Harry Bamburg.

If you missed the Wild Game Dinner, our 5^th Sunday Singing will be this Sunday, September 30^th. We will have Davis Springs Southern Methodist join us for music and fellowship at 6:00 p.m. followed by a pot luck dinner. 

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Early voting for the October 12^thelection begins tomorrow.  You may vote at the Registrar of Voters office in the Courthouse from 8:30 am until 6:00 pm through October 5^th.  There will be no voting on Sunday.  There are statewide officers, state house and senate seats, local officials, and constitutional amendments on the ballot.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum will host “The Legacy of Clementine Hunter” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the museum, 800 Front St., Natchitoches.  The event will feature a conversation with Tom Whitehead, co-author of “Clementine Hunter:  Her Life and Art,” as the inaugural Clementine Hunter Day is observed throughout Louisiana. 

Calendar note:  The Red River Parish School Board meeting for October had been moved to October 7^th.  It is usually on the second Monday of each month, however the board voted to make the move due to the regular meeting date coming during fall break October 14^ththrough 18^th.

The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will perform its first concert of the 2019-20 season on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open the public. NSU Associate Professor of Trumpet Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.  The program is “Blackbird” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and transcribed by Matt Amy featuring Boyd on vibraphone, “Little Pixie” by Thad Jones featuring Paez, Scott, Guillory and Boyd, “Seven Steps to Heaven” by Miles Davis and Victor Feldman featuring Clevenger, Chapman, Scott and Boyd and “Dat Dere” featuring Chapman and Burkhalter.

Clara Springs Camp reminds you that Fourth Friday Fish Fry is this Friday Night. Westside Baptist will be our hosts. As always $10/adult, $5/child. See you Friday!

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Here is the original statement published earlier Wednesday by The Journal:

“At approximately 2:50 p.m. on September 24, 2019 as buses were loading, a teacher at Red River Elementary School was alerted that something was in a Kindergarten student’s backpack.

The teacher immediately took the child and backpack to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO alerted administration and the backpack was searched. A toy gun, commonly found in stores, was confiscated. An investigation began at approximately 3:00 p.m. on September 24, 2019.

At no time was any student or faculty in danger.”

Then at mid-afternoon the Sheriff’s Office provided this clarification:

Note: “This information was provided to clarify information being circulated concerning the event and reassure those concerned that at no time were students in immediate danger. The toy gun is commonly referred to as an “air soft” pistol. It is designed to propel small non-lethal plastic projectiles by compressed air. It was not loaded and no projectiles were found. At no time was the gun pointed at anyone and there was no indication of harmful intent. Due to the age of the student, the incident is not criminal and the school system is conducting the aforementioned investigation and is taking necessary corrective action.”

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Here is a statement from the Sheriff’s Office concerning an incident at Red River Elementary School at the end of the day on Tuesday.

“At approximately 2:50 p.m. on September 24, 2019 as buses were loading, a teacher at Red River Elementary School was alerted that something was in a Kindergarten student’s backpack.

The teacher immediately took the child and backpack to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO alerted administration and the backpack was searched. A toy gun, commonly found in stores, was confiscated. An investigation began at approximately 3:00 p.m. on September 24, 2019.

At no time was any student or faculty in danger.”

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United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Paul Andrew Talley, 51, of Coushatta, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for accessing the internet with intent to view child pornography.  Talley is also required to register as a sex offender.

According to documents presented at Talley’s guilty plea hearing on April 11, 2019, law enforcement agents identified Talley’s computer as accessing a “Dark Web” child porn site and being a regular user.  Forensic analysis on the computer equipment seized from Talley’s home on August 20, 2015, revealed more than 2,300 images of child pornography.  The images found on the computer matched the images from the “Dark Web” site.

The Dark Web, also called the DarkNet, is a collection of underground marketplaces where websites selling illegal content design their sites to hide identities of users and evade law enforcement detection. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/news/stories/a-primer-on-darknet-marketplaces.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. 

Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.  The FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

The photo is from the KTBS.com website.

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By Samantha Sullivan

Several Red River High School students had the opportunity to attend the FLY (Financial Literacy for You) Tour at Grambling State University on September 19, 2019. Grambling, “Where Everybody is Somebody,” hosted the event performed by LOSFA (The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid).  Rick Gallot, president of GSU, addressed the students with a warm welcome and gave exciting information about Grambling, like the fact that famous singer and songwriter Erykah Badu attended Grambling and that the university is the first in the state to offer a degree through their cyber security program.  Representatives from the Admissions Office, Campus Living, Office of Academic Affairs, and Student Support Services were all in attendance, along with the GSU Tiger Marching Band, Tiger cheerleading squad, and Orchesis Dance Line. 

Through the FLY Tour, students learned about the FAFSA–a new requirement of all Louisiana graduates, Unlock My Future–a website created to help students determine which career path to take, eligibility requirements for the different levels of TOPS, acceptance requirements for most Louisiana public colleges. The Bulldog Class of 2020 in particular learned the importance of preparing for their futures by getting college and career ready.  

After the program, students were mentored by Mr. Willie Balancier, who attended RRHS from 2010 to 2012 and is currently working on a master’s degree in sports administration at GSU. The day concluded with a campus bus tour led by Student Ambassador, Adrianna Bradley, RRHS’s own student of the year and valedictorian of 2018.  LOSFA, GSU, and past alumni are helping RRHS Bulldogs succeed–”Every Child. Every Day. Whatever it Takes.”

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I would like to say “thank you” to district three for allowing me to serve you for the past eight years. It has been my pleasure to serve the people of district three and Red River Parish.

With that said, I would like to humbly ask for your continued support and your vote on October 12.  As many of you know I am recovering from a major back surgery and unable to get out and visit like I would like to. However, I do welcome your calls, text messages, and visits.

With your support, I will continue to work alongside my fellow jurymen for the betterment of Red River Parish and district three.  

Thank you, God bless!

Vote Shawn Beard for Police Jury District 3 #84.

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Bulldog fans packed Strother Memorial Stadium Friday night for the much-anticipated match against the Mansfield.  The Bulldog-Wolverine rivalry always produces an exciting game. However Friday night it was almost a no-score affair.

The first quarter saw no score.  Same for the second and then the third quarter.  Tied zero to zero after three quarters.  Then with about 8:00 minutes left in the game, Waylon Washington scored the only touchdown on a 13-yard pass play.  The point after attempt was no good due to a very high snap.

At that point the brand new scoreboard clock coughed, sputtered and died. There it sat showing 8:08 for the rest of the match. Officials kept the time on the field.

Final score was the Bulldogs 6 and the Wolverines 0.  Most of the fans stayed for the whole game, despite an on and off light drizzle.  All went away happy.

The school posted, “Bulldogs get their first win on the new field, 6 to 0 over Mansfield in a tough defensive contest.  Move to 2-1 on the year and get the game of the week game ball.”

A little later in the evening the school posted, “Let’s Go Bulldogs, We love it when Coach Bachman says, The Team and the players in one voice say, COMES FIRST!!! We are all Red River and when we stand together greatness happens.”

Coming up Friday is Red River’s first district game against the Tigers at Many.  Kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.  Journal Sports will provide coverage of the game beginning about 6:45 pm. 

Go to the Journal’s website RedRiverParishJournal.com and click on “Listen Bulldogs” on the menu.  Text message subscribers will receive a text about fifteen minutes prior to kick-off with a link to the game broadcast.  If you would like to receive the text alerts, click on the link below:

 CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

By Steven Bryant

Riverdale Football had a home game this past Friday at Marson Stadium. Riverdale had a game against the Rebul Raiders from Learned Mississippi.

Riverdale also had a new coaching change with Spencer Roland and Eric Talley as the new head coaches. They assumed their duties this past week. Despite Riverdale only having 4 days with their new coaches they seemed to sync perfectly on the field.

The new staff changed some positions around, playing Jackson Riggs at Tight End.  He didn’t disappoint while catching two touchdowns, one in the first quarter one in the third.

Adam Bryant and Justin Oliver both made it into the end zone a couple of times with some fantastic runs themselves.

Riverdale came ahead in the game 54-27 over the Raiders and looked confident in doing so. Despite the shaky start to the season this new Riverdale team looks dominant and they are here to stay.

On Friday night the Rebels are going to travel to Farmerville for a battle against the Union Christian Academy Lions.   The game will be carried live by Journal Sports on the RedRiverParishJournal.com website and on text message alerts just before kickoff.  The text will have a link to the game or just click the “Listen Rebels” button on the Journal menu bar.

Click here if you would like to receive the text message alerts:

CLICK HERE – > Sports Signup

From Riverdale’s Facebook page, Homecoming is Friday, October 11, 2019. This year we will honor the classes of 1979, 1989, 1999 & 2009.

There will be an Alumni Reception in the cafeteria beginning at 5:30. The Homecoming Court presentations will begin at 6:30, followed by the game at 7:30.

Please share!!! Call your classmates and come back HOME to celebrate! We can’t wait to see each of you this year.

Oct 11^thRiverdale plays Tallulah Academy.  Kickoff is at 7:30 pm.

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Red River 4-H members are invited to 4-H Night with the LSU Tigers on October 5^th.  The Louisiana 4-H program will be recognized on the field before the kickoff.

The schedule of events on October 5^thinclude youth activities and an appearance by LSU Cheerleaders, Tiger Girls, and Mike the Tiger.  There will be door prized and games and a silent auction. At 11:30 lunch and refreshments will be served in the Mini Farm.

The Red River 4-H office said, “This is a family event at LSU.  Transportation is not included.  If interested,  call the office for more information including a parking pass.”

In conjunction with the 4-H Night at the Tigers, commemorative t-shirts are on sale for $15.  Deadline for ordering is Thursday, September 26^th.   Shirts will be picked up at the game.

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For the 2019-2020 school year, Red River Elementary has selected “SUPER HEREOS” as the schoolwide theme to create a positive environment for students and staff.  Each month, Principal Deville and the Staff Recognition Committee selects five staff members who will be named Super Heroes.  Our monthly Super Heroes are recognized for their heroism for taking on difficult tasks, selflessness for putting the kids and others’ needs before their own, humility for adhering to protocols, team effort, and attendance. 

For the month of September our five Super Heroes are Sherry Pickett, 5th Grade Teacher, Asalee Brown, 1st Grade Teacher, Taylor Sesvold, Kindergarten Teacher, Wavylon Solton, Cafeteria Staff, and Catherine Gray, Head Start Paraprofessional.

Our Super Heroes are spotlighted on the main hallway bulletin board, presented with a certificate, granted a duty-free lunch pass, and given a bag with their favorite snacks personally selected by Principal Deville. In addition, our PAWsome Parents gifted them with a basket from Red River Industries.

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From Principal Shenell Deville

On August 26, 2019 supplies were donated to Red River Elementary School. Kellie Huckaby with ADA Carbon Solutions graciously delivered supplies such as Kleenex, hand sanitizer, pencils, notebooks, book bags, etc.   

Principal Shenell Deville and the front office staff were unexpectedly surprised.  Staff and students would like to give a huge THANK YOU to ADA Carbon Solutions and Five Forks Mine. Pictured is Kellie Huckaby and Principal Shenell Deville.

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Riverdale Academy girls softball team is winding up their 2019 season.  Recently the All-District teams were named for the MAIS districts.

Riverdale posted, “Congratulations to our MSAIS All-District Softball Players!

1st Team All District – Bailee King, Malea Edwards, and Emma Clemons.

2nd Team All District- Morgan Alexander, Jessie Kate Cobb, and Rylee Kate Woodard.”

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