The Red River Parish Journal is seeking two reports to cover local high school athletic events. Applicants will be required to attend games, write up a narrative of the event, and take a few photos.  Interest in and a working knowledge of sports is a must.

This is a part-time, paid position.  Experience is desired however the ability to present the story to Journal readers is required.  This opportunity is open to students as well as the general public.

Two reporters are sought to cover both Red River and Riverdale sporting events this school year. Applicants should state their qualifications in an email to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.

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The fall mum sale is underway by parish 4-H clubs.  Mums in several colors in 10-inch pots are available for $20 each.  Call the 4-H office at 932-4342.

Saturday is Joe Boy Day at Cowboy Church honoring cowboys in the Red River Valley.  There will be team roping and other events all day.  Call Scottie Johnson for more on roping events at 318-652-0429.

If you are not registered to vote in the October election, you can still register online.  The deadline is September 21^stto register online.  Local in person registration has closed.

Saturday night is the Senior Dance put on by the Red River Council on Aging.  The Playmates will play from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  Cover charge is $6.

Saturday is Parents Day Out at Coushatta’s First United Methodist Church.  Church members will keep the kids while parents have some time to themselves.  Time is 1:00 to 4:30 pm on Saturday.

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Lisa Carole Harris Dupree was born on September 5, 1970 and went home to greet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 14, 2019, due to complications from diabetes.  She loved and was loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Broadmoor Baptist Church with the wake from 12 noon till 2 PM and the funeral service immediately following at 2 PM.  Officiating will be Dr. Tom Harrison of Broadmoor Baptist Church, assisted by Bro. Mark Cole.  Graveside services and interment will be at Martin Cemetery located at Martin Baptist Church at the intersection of LA Hwys 155 and 507 approximately one hour after the funeral service.  Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Lisa was a 1988 graduate of Cedar Creek High School in Ruston, LA.  She then attended Louisiana Tech University, earning a BS Degree in Child Life Studies in 1992.  She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority while at LA Tech.  After graduation and marriage, she moved with her husband, Jason Dupree, to New Orleans, LA where she worked as a Child Life Specialist at Tulane University while Jason attended the LSU School of Dentistry.

After Dental School, Lisa and Jason moved to Shreveport to begin their careers as a stay-at-home mother and dentist.  Lisa was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and enjoyed her hobbies such as scrapbooking, photography, and reading.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, John Brooks Harris and mother-in-law, Barbara Cole Dupree.  She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Jason Ivy Dupree; two daughters, Rachel Morgan Dupree and Sarah Elisabeth Dupree; and one son, Jason Brooks Dupree; her mother, Carole Harris; sister, Elizabeth Peterson; three brothers-in-law, Todd Dupree (Marcia), Eric Dupree (Shana), and Dan Dupree (Lindsay), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers are Todd Dupree, Eric Dupree, Dan Dupree, Derek Naquin, Mark Hutcheson, Chad Fallin, Ben Fallin, and John McIntyre.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Christus Highland Hospital, Cornerstone Hospital and Riverview Skilled Nursing for their labor and dedication on Lisa’s behalf.

Memorials are suggested to be sent to Martin Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.  Psalm 73:26

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Monday afternoon a burn ban was issued for Red River Parish.  Fire Chief Shane Felts issued the ban on all outdoor burning until further notice.

Hot and dry weather conditions continue across northwest Louisiana. The National Weather Service said expect heat indices in the 100-105 range.  They predict a slight chance of showers south of I-20 in Texas tomorrow, otherwise the chance of rain is very slim.

The Weather Service noted on Monday morning that burn bans are now in place across an increasing number of counties and parishes across the area. With continued hot temperatures in the 90’s for the next several days, and very limited rainfall, expect additional counties and parishes to likely be added to this map in the coming week.  And Monday afternoon Red River was added to those parishes with burn bans in effect.

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Arrest report from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, September 15, 2019

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Another season of Therapeutic Riding is underway at Red River Cowboy Church.  Monday was the kickoff with two riding sessions. 

The one thing the Journal heard from many of the volunteers was, “Look at the smile on his face.” Ask someone and they would reply, “I do it for the smiles.”  Adults would tear up at the joy the riders experienced sitting atop a horse and riding around the Cowboy Church arena.

Bro. Clyde Miley said, “This is our fifth season we are starting today.  I am going to get up and ride if I can.”  Miley, who suffered a stroke during the past year, did mount up. He stayed in the saddle for about an hour overseeing the riding and making sure that everyone was safe and had a good time.

As final preparations were underway on Monday afternoon, and as the volunteers and riders were arriving the skies opened up and a heavy rain fell.  There was thunder and lightning and the temperatures dropped followed by a refreshing chilly breeze blowing in from the west.  The most common remark heard at that point was, “I hope we’re getting some of this at my house.”

A stranger walked up and introduced himself.  He is Sean Callahan from Montgomery, LA.  He is the newest volunteer.  Callahan said, “I heard about this and I wanted to come and help out with this unique approach to riding.”  Before he could conclude his conversation with The Journal someone grabbed him and put him to work walking alongside a horse with a young child riding high in the saddle.

The parish 4-H program is also getting involved.  4-H Agent Jacque Fontenot and her daughter Josie came Monday.  They brought Madison Chamberlin and Shirley Boyd with them. Fontenot said, “We are asking for other 4-Hers ages 13 to 18 years old to come with us.”

There are two Therapeutic Riding sessions every Monday afternoon.  Program volunteer Jerry Salley said they need more workers. Salley said, “We have eight riders returning from the spring session and we have several more on a stand-by list. If we can get some more volunteers, then we can accommodate more riders.”

To help out, call Jennifer Freeman at 318-471-6664.  Freeman said, “No experience is necessary.  You don’t have to know how to ride or anything.  We’ll find you a job and train you.  You will get much more out of it than you put in.”

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We are well into the fall election season.  Candidates are out every day asking for your vote and support. The Gubernatorial Primary Election is less than a month away.

Registrar of Voters Debra Jones provided election information to The Journal.  The date to register in person has passed, however online registration runs through September 21^st.  Early voting begins on September 28^th.

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Congratulations to Demetrice McDuffy.  She is the School Employee of the Month for August.  She was presented to the School Board at their monthly meeting.

Gwile Freeman with Taylor and Sons Insurance presented McDuffy with a plaque.  Freeman quoted from McDuffy’s nomination statement, “When you first come in contact with Ms. McDuffy, she will always greet you with a smile and ask, ‘How are you doing?’  It is not rehearsed but genuine.”

McDuffy is beginning her second year at Red River Elementary School.  She has dedicated 20 plus years to the school system, the last 17 at the Jeannette Lawson Family Center.

Elementary School Principal Shenelle Deville nominated McDuffy. Deville said, “It is a blessing to have someone like Ms. McDuffy who loves coming to work and comes faithfully.”

McDuffy was grateful for her selection.  She said, “Thank you all.  I appreciate it.  And I will continue doing the work you want me to do.”

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Members of the Red River Sheriff’s Office took part in a Patriot’s Day observance on Highway 1 on Wednesday, September 11^th.  Here is their story.

“Thanks to the crew from Volt Power for honoring and remembering the nearly 3000 victims of the 911 attacks! This photo was taken near the intersection of Hwy 1 and Blount Road earlier today (Sept 11^th). It will remain in place until approximately 6:00 this evening. May we never forget.”

“Yesterday (Sept 11^th), before the sun set on another Patriot Day, Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputies Kevin Caldwell and Lt. John Mahfouz joined workers from Volt Power in one final tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The photo was taken on Hwy 1 in Harmon. May we always remember!”

Sheriff Glen Edwards posted the tribute on the Sheriff’s Facebook Page. The photo was taken by Lt. John Mahfouz.

The Northwestern State University community paused at 8:46 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 to honor individuals who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families and first responders.  The university family observed a moment of silence, sang the national anthem and joined in reflection of Patriot Day and the meaning of freedom, liberty and faith. 

The NSU tribute took place at the flagpoles at the center of campus with participation of NSU’s ROTC cadets.  Members of the Student Government Association distributed American flag pins. 

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The highlight of Rebel Fest this year was the raffle with a top prize of $10,000.  The raffle had a twist this year with the student selling the winning ticket getting a $100 cash prize.

Their post said, “Here are your REBEL FEST WINNERS!!

$10,000 CASH-Georgia Allen sold by Miguel Allen.

4 Night Cabin with a Barge Rental at Swaha Lodge on Lake Green-Joy Dowden sold by Georgia Dowden.

Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor-Rhonda Murray sold by Heidi Murray.

The seller of the most tickets was Bailee King and Jayden King!! They sold 20 tickets and received $300 CASH! 
Riverdale kids together sold a school record of 405 tickets!!

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The 2019 patriotic programs sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars are underway.  VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 distributed entry materials to all schools in Red River parish and those in Ringgold.  Entry blanks were also provided to home schooled children in the parish.

Pictured is Bethany Seales of Riverdale Academy presenting the Patriot’s Pen essay information to seventh graders Bryson Smith, Colton Caskey, Jadyn King, Shirley Boyd, Aston Hester, and Haylee Smith.

New this year is a $10,000 scholarship offered to the local post to the winner of the Voice of Democracy audio essay competition.  The local winner will get the scholarship if their entry is selected the winner of the nationwide competition in Washington, DC.  Post 7287 has had one winner take the state trophy and advance to Washington in the past.

Locally there is a category for all children from kindergarten through 12^thgrade. Materials have been distributed and must be completed and returned to the post by October 31^st. They will be judged and forwarded to VFW District to compete with other Posts in northwest Louisiana.

Any child not getting an entry at school may obtain one by calling VFW Post 7287 at 318-932-6557.  You will be sent an entry.

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How do you make learning fun? 

Mrs. Wilhite’s Kindergarten class at Riverdale Academy went on a scavenger hunt to learn about living and nonliving things.

They went on the school yard to gather their examples.  Each student then sorted the things they found into living and nonliving categories.  You can see the results of their science project that was presented to the class. Way to make learning fun, Kindergarten!

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There is a new member of the Red River Council on Aging Board.  He is Alvy Slatten.  He was elected at the board meeting on Monday.  Slatten replaces the late James Brown on the CoA board.

Several recent retirees from the public school system were recognized at the September School Board meeting.  They are Billy Evans, Denise Keith, Reginald Prealow and Toni Salard.  The retirees were thanked for their years of service to the children of Red River parish.

Red River football is on the road Friday night.  They travel to Arcadia.  Kickoff is at 7:00 pm.  Riverdale is home, hosting Sharkey Issequena Academy from Rolling Fork, Mississippi. That game will kick off at 7:30 pm.

Registration is open for Focus at Cowboy Church. If you don’t know about this, go explore the Facebook page! 7-12th grade, you don’t want to miss this!

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Today, September 11^this Patriot’s Day. It is a day to remember the people killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, The Pentagon in Washington, DC, and the other attempted attack on Washington. That attack was foiled when passengers on a forth highjacked jet forced it to crash in Pennsylvania prior to reaching its target.

Patriot’s Day has not been designated a national holiday so banks, government offices and other businesses will not be closed. Expect to see flags around town flying at half-mast in observance.

From Wikipedia, The flag of the United States is flown at half-mast at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world; flags are also encouraged to be displayed on individual American homes. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday; schools and businesses remain open in observance of the occasion, although memorial ceremonies for the victims are often held. Volunteer and service opportunities are coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

A short time after the attacks, a bill to make September 11 a national day of mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on October 25, 2001, by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) with 22 co-sponsors, among them 11 Democrats and 11 Republicans. The bill requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. Joint Resolution 71 passed the House by a vote of 407–0, with 25 members not voting. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on November 30. President Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18 as Pub.L. 107–89. On September 4, 2002, President Bush used the authority of the resolution to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.

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On Monday the girls arrived. On Tuesday the boys arrived.  And by the end of this week there will be 99 students in the new Head Start program at Red River Elementary School.

Head Start Director Christy Suggs reported to the School Board on Monday night, “We’re up and running and all personnel are in place.  We’re setting up the policy council to meet each month, there will be monthly parent meetings and we are currently conducting home visits with parents.”

Suggs added, “The curriculum is going well.  It is one that the teachers will enjoy.  We have most of the equipment for the program in place except for some playground equipment that we ordered.”

There are still a few vacancies.  Suggs said they have spots for 10 to 12 students left to be filled. Superintendent Alison Hughes commended the Head Start staff.  “It has been an unbelievable thing to get off the ground,” she said, adding “Everyone played a role and had to go above and beyond to get it started.  I appreciate all of their hard work.”

Final board approval of the Head Start application was given at a special called board meeting on August 29^th.  Also at that meeting the personnel for Head Start were approved for the 2020 fiscal year. At the Meeting Monday night, the board approved a $1,600,000 budget addition for the Head Start program, as part of approving the overall 2020 budget.

Red River took over the Head Start Program this year under a five-year grant.  The program had been previously run by Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Agency in their location across form Springville Education Center.

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It is an annual tradition, checking the health status of young students at Red River Elementary School. Last week students in the High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program pitched in with the screenings.

On Tuesday the three and four year old students were screened.  The five year old students were screened on Wednesday.  These health screenings are mandated by federal regulations.

The screenings performed include vision, hearing, skin and hair, cardio, respiratory, height and weight, and developmental milestones.  All of the children assemble in the gym at the elementary school.

This year the CNA students went from the screenings to their classroom at Springville Education Center to learn how to properly protect themselves against potential health hazards they could encounter on the job in a medical facility.   Look at the bottom photo.  They applied shaving cream and pencil sharpening shavings to their gowns. The challenge was to remove the gowns without becoming exposed to the mess on the outside.

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Each month during the school year one student from Red River Elementary, Red River Junior High and Red River High School is selected as the outstanding Student of the Month.  On Monday night, the students selected for August were presented to the Red River Parish School Board.

Superintendent Alison Hughes introduced Rihanna Wilson from Red River Elementary.  Hughes said, “Her teachers say that Rihanna is the “perfect” student.  She always follows directions and she is always polite.  In addition, she is also willing to help classmates.  Rihanna is a hard worker and doesn’t complain, no matter how difficult an assignment may be.”

Passhun Miller was selected from Red River Junior High to be their Student of the Month.  Hughes said, “Passhun is a very respectful student who is hardworking and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates.”

And Hughes introduced Hanna Bice from Red River High.  Hughes said, “Hanna is a freshman at Red River High School who is a very polite, hard-working student.  She is very conscientious and always on task.  She assists other students and is helpful in general.”

Student of the Month is a cooperative effort of Red River Schools and VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 of Coushatta.  Each student is presented with a certificate and gift card to Dairy Queen.

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office has released sample ballots for Red River Parish. These show the candidates and constitutional amendments that will appear on your ballot on election day, October 12^th.  These were furnished by Julie Chism in Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s office.

There are seven ballots for the various precincts in the parish.  Look carefully, at the top center the precincts are printed in small type.  Select the one that is for your voting precinct.

Also the Registrar of Voters has sample ballots to pass out. Registrar Debra Jones told The Journal there will also be sample ballots posted on the walls in the first floor of the courthouse.  The type on them will be larger.

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The Registrar of Voters and her staff were out and about in the parish last week conducting their annual Voter Registration Drive.  Registrar Debra Jones said they did register some new voters.  In addition they took care of address updates and other items.

Stops on the drive included Rivertown Market and the Council on Aging.  Jones said, “At the Council On Aging the people were really interested in the new voting machines.”  These will be used for early voting in the Registrar’s office.  Jones said, “They liked how easy it is to use.  They had no problems with the new machine.”

Jones said, “There are over 9,000 people living in the parish.  We have almost 6,000 of them registered at present.  So we did pretty well to pick up a few more registrations.”

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From Jennifer Breedlove

I am a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Martin.  We would like to invite you and the community to our 3^rd Annual Wild Game Dinner Friday, September 20^th beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

Our praise team will open up with a few songs, we will then have a welcome from our pastor, Bro. Harry Bamburg, followed by a message from our guest speaker, Mike Pedroza.

After the message we will enjoy a buffet of various wild game prepared in different ways by our members.  If you need more information please feel free to email me or call (318) 332-2170.

Jennifer shared the event flyer with The Journal

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Just a thought…do you remember where you were and what you were doing when the terror attack began eighteen years ago today?  My grandmother vividly recalled the attack on Pearl Harbor being announced on the radio. It hit close to home because my father was stationed in Hawaii.  Somewhere in the family archives is a telegram she sent about December 14^th.  It simply said let us know if you are alright. 

As for where I was on September 11^th, 2001, I was at work doing news!  Where were you?

Enrollment at Northwestern State this fall of 10,900 is the second highest in the university’s 135-year history.  Student registration is down slightly from last year’s record enrollment of 11,081.  Northwestern’s enrollment has increased by 21 percent over the past five years at a time when college and university enrollment nationwide has declined for seven consecutive years. 

Here is a note from Red River Football Coach John Bachman, Sr. who is looking for donations of snacks for our young Bulldogs.
Mission statement: “to graduate with a diploma in one hand a ring on the other hand, and a God story in their heart.” 
We are student athletes not athlete students. The team comes first. Speak life. We fight!!!
Who can help: parents; neighbors; friends.
What do we need: snacks for our young –  when you go to the store if you could purchase and donate any of the following items? They usually eat right after the afternoon practice.
What items do they like: peanut butter (any kind or size); jelly (grape seems to be the favorite but any flavor) crackers; candy, mints, gum; pop tarts; honey; bread, chips (any kind); cookies; honey buns; etc…
Also needed are bowls, paper plates, plastic utensils, Clorox wipes, and paper towels. For the coaches: Blue Monsters, Bangs; water, Diet Cokes, Dr Pepper, Diet Mountain Dew.
Where to bring your gift: the coaches offices; anytime – any day

Another miscellaneous thought…I have been making phone calls to people at their work for the past hour. They have all left for the day and it isn’t even 4:00 pm.  Can I get those hours?

From the State Fire Marshall, a note that Lincoln Parish has joined Union and Sabine parishes with recent burn bans.

Pam at Red River Elementary Paw Parents posted that popcorn will be ready for parents to come and pick up on Friday September 13th STARTING  at 11:00 A.M.  If your student sold MORE than 5 bags, a parent or guardian will need to come to room 401 to pick it up.  If they sold 5 bags or less it will fit in their backpacks and the student can take it home.  Congrats to Mrs. Mary Ann Longino’s Pre-k class on winning the pizza party for selling the most popcorn! Hope they will enjoy it!

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Arrest report for the week ending September 8, 2019.

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From Amanda Cason

“This summer I challenged my Beta members to go above and beyond with serving in the community.  At the end of the school year, all Beta members are required to have a minimum of 10 community service hours.  I had a total of 216 hours turned in by my Beta members.  

Renee Prosperie had the most with a total of 88 hours.  I am so proud of her and all the hard work she put in over the summer.  Beta Club will be doing this again in December and in April.

Cason shared Prosperie’s summation of her summer activities:

“Over the course of the summer, I was given numerous opportunities to serve in our community as well as in other communities.  I helped in my church’s Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Coushatta. During VBS on most days, I helped out in the nursery keeping the children whose parents worked in Bible school during the week.

“I served on mission sites in the city of Houston when I attended Mission Fuge at Houston Baptist University with my youth group from church.  My mission group was assigned to go to apartment complexes to play with children and also to tell them about God.

“I also was able to serve as a counselor during Girls’ Camp at Clara Springs.  I helped go around with the girls during the day to make sure they made it to their different rotations and to help out anywhere where I was needed. I also assisted in devotionals in the evenings before bedtime.

“Being able to help out at these places was so rewarding in many ways and I learned a lot.  My most favorite thing was serving as a counselor at Girls’ Camp.  Clara Springs is a wonderful place to serve.  Everyone there is always happy and ready to serve which made it so easy to help out.

“I want to thank  my church for providing me with opportunities to serve at VBS and MFuge, Bro. Bubba and Mrs. Mandi Mills at Clara Springs for the opportunity of being a camp counselor, and Mrs. Amanda Cason for encouraging me to get out and serve in our community.”

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