The Sheriff’s Office and Christus Coushatta are issuing warnings about personal safety this Halloween. 

Haunted houses are meant to put visitors on edge. They are not for the faint of heart. However, the faint of heart are not the only ones who should avoid haunted houses.

Christus Coushatta told The Journal, “People with epilepsy and other medical conditions, as well as pregnant woman, should avoid haunted houses for safety reasons.

The news release from Christus stated, “When we get scared, we develop the fight or flight response in which our bodies release adrenaline, And then that adrenaline raises the blood pressure and raises the heart rate, and it actually can lead to a heart attack.”

Every haunted house is different and has different restrictions.  Not everyone is equipped to handle the thrills. Experts recommend you consult with your doctor if you are unsure if it is safe for you to go to a haunted house.

These safety tips were issued by the Sheriff’s Office.  As October 31^stquickly approaches, Sheriff Edwards would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Following are several trick-or-treating tips that can help keep your family safe while you are enjoying the fun and festivities:

Always trick-or-treat with an adult

Wear bright colors and stay in well-lit areas

Dispose of any unwrapped candy

Look both ways before crossing the street

Always take your time and be safe

Don’t eat candy until an adult has checked it out

Don’t go into the house of a stranger

Don’t accept rides from strangers

Don’t wear costumes that restrict your vision

Don’t go anywhere that you do not feel safe

Happy Halloween and Safe Trick-or-Treating from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office!

The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Trunk on Front in historic downtown Coushatta.  The street will be blocked off so children and families can walk safely on Front Street.  It should be a large gathering as individuals, churches and others open their trunks and give out lots of goodies.

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By Hayley Loe

Saturday night the Red River Bulldogs played against the Lakeview Gators in the fifth district game of the season. It was also the Bulldogs homecoming night. The final score was Red River 26 and Lakeview 30.

The Bulldogs are now three wins and two losses for districts and five wins and three losses for the season. Their final district game will be Friday night when the Bulldogs host Avoyelles High School from Moreauville.

The touchdowns were scored by #6 Q. Mosley, #15 KJ Bradley, and #9 Trey Smith. Ryder Hogan #36 scored all of the extra points.  The first touchdown by Mosley came when he intercepted a pass on the ten yard line and returned it 90 yards to the end zone.

Although the Red River Bulldogs lost, they are still in the run for the playoffs.  And they hope to prove themselves in the fifth game of district competition against the Avoyelles Mustangs.

Friday night is he last home game of the regular season.  It will be Red River Bulldogs Senior night.  Kickoff is at 7:00 pm in the Dawg Pound.  Journal Sports will provide live play-by-play of the game beginning about fifteen minutes before kickoff.

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By Hayley Loe

Along with the game last Saturday many alumni, faculty, and staff of Red River came out to support the Red River Bulldogs. The people who came to the tailgate enjoyed food, games, talking with past friends, and much more.

Last year’s homecoming queen Miss Allen crowned Miss Keyanna Winn for 2019’s homecoming queen.  The 2019 Homecoming King is Isiash Demease. Winn was surprised by her selection and almost fell out into a happy dance.

During the game many alumni were asked to stand in recognition of the Bulldogs that came before us. Even though the Bulldogs didn’t win the game it still allowed many past memories, along with the past generations being able to reminisce on whenever they played football or went to the school, and so much more to be brought back to our community.

Red river will hold a homecoming dance Saturday, November 2nd for RRHS students. The dance will be in the high school gymnasium.

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The Riverdale Rebels are practicing to go head-to-head with Sharkey Isaquana Academy on Friday night. The school posted, “Congratulations to the Rebels on their 36-0 win over Franklin! It’s a great day to be a Rebel!”  That victory put Riverdale into the playoff brackets.

Rebels Coach Nathan Edie posted over the weekend, “It is official…  The Riverdale Rebels are in the playoffs, and will have a rematch against SIA next Friday night at their field in Rolling Fork, MS. Rebel fans, put on your traveling shoes, and be ready to come cheer on your boys.

Friday night was Senior Night.  The seniors on the football team and the cheer squad were presented. After the game the team gathered on the field to celebrate the victory as the rainfall continued.

Kickoff is 7:00 pm Friday.  If you are unable to attend the game, Journal Sports will provide play-by-play beginning a few minutes before kick-off.  

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Last week Red River Junior High held an honors assembly.  Principal Mike Peter said, “Each  teacher at each grade level gave awards specific to their content area.” 

Principal Peter added, “There were most improved, most helpful, and greatest effort to name a few.  The administration gave awards for perfect attendance along with A/B honor roll and superintendent’s honor roll. 

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Last Friday was the Fourth Friday Fish Fry at Clara Springs Camp.  They also had a garage sale and a cinnamon roll bake sale on Friday.  All were a success, including raising the final amount needed to fund an upcoming mission trip to Puerto Rico.

Over the weekend, the camp posted, “Wow thank you, thank you, thank you to all who came out to our Fourth Friday Fish Fry, Cinnamon Roll sale, and Missions Garage Sale to support our Clara Springs staffers on Mission! We have raised the rest of the money we needed! The LORD is Sooooo good!”

On Friday night, 306 people enjoyed fried catfish and all the trimmings.  Their Facebook post said, “It has truly been an amazing Friday Night!”

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Remember grandmother’s sweet potato casserole with lots of brown sugar, pecans, and marshmallows? You can probably still smell that gooey concoction.  The Thanksgiving spread also included a big bowl of oven roasted pecan halves.

November first is the deadline to get in on the 4-H annual Sweet Potato and Pecan Sale.  The flyer is below.  Contact the 4-H office to place your order.

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Report for the week ended Sunday, October 27, 2019

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Hall Summit Baptist Church asked us to announce our trunk or treat in Wednesday’s journal.  Trunk or Treat will be held at Hall Summit Baptist Church on Halloween night beginning at 6:30pm.

Wednesday, students-grade 9-11 will take the PSAT. This is something new to Riverdale Academy  and we are very excited about this addition. 

The most common reason for taking the PSAT is to receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. Teachers can then focus their preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.

Early voting begins on Saturday, November first.  It will run through Saturday, November 9^thdaily except Sunday.  Early voting takes place at the Registrar of Voters Office in the Courthouse.

Ducks Unlimited has scheduled their fall banquet in Coushatta for Thursday, November 8^th.  It will be held at the Coushatta Country Club starting at 5:30.

“Songs for a New World” will be presented November 6^ththrough 16^thin Theatre West at NSU.  The director is Grace Edgars.  Tony award winner Jason Robert Brown’s first musical “Songs for a New World” is a theatrical song cycle spun around the theme of transformation and hope. Each song is a different scene in which the characters have to decide to “be safe or be free.” Featuring a plethora of musical styles, “Songs for a New World” addresses imperative topics including immigration, war, poverty and death while assuring us that “a new world calls in the darkness.” For Reservations call 318-357-4218.

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Saturday night – Lakeview Gators 30 – Red River Bulldogs 26

Friday night – Riverdale Rebels 36 – Franklin Academy O

Riverdale advances to playoffs.  First game is Friday November 1 on the road to Sharkey-Issaquena Academy in Fork, Mississippi. 

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Graveside services for George Hunter Yearwood, Jr., 90, of Pleasant Hill, LA will be held at 1 P.M. Monday, October 28, 2019 at Forest Park Cemetery, Shreveport, LA with Bro. Dean Johnson officiating.

Mr. Yearwood was born May 16, 1929 in Shreveport, LA and passed away October 24, 2019. Although George was challenged throughout his life, he loved the outdoors and could always be found mowing and raking. He enjoyed being around people and would always ring the church bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hunter and Ester Yearwood; mother, Dessie Mae Anderson; sister, Katherine Claxton; and nephew, Tyrone Tyler.

Mr. Yearwood is survived by his nephew, Roger Claxton; two great-nephews; and very dear friends, Truly and Janey Bozeman.

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The Rebels will advance to the playoffs following a 36 to 0 win over Franklin Academy Friday night.  Sportscaster Steven Bryant reports that Riverdale will play SIA or Humphreys depending upon the final outcome of competition Friday night.  This was Riverdale’s final game of the regular season.

Red River postponed their homecoming game Friday night due to the weather.  A full day of homecoming activities starts with tailgating Saturday afternoon and concluding with a district contest with the Lakeview Gators.  Kickoff is at 6:00 pm.  The homecoming court will be presented and the Queen revealed at halftime.

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Norman Picou, Athletic Director for Red River High School, announced a one day delay of the homecoming gave versus Lakeview.  Picou said, “Due to the inclement weather and for the safety of our students, the football game with Lakeview is being moved to Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 6:00pm at Red River High School. 

“The homecoming court presentation will occur at tomorrow’s game.  Tailgating will be held at the softball parking lot at 1:30pm.  The alumni reception will be under the tent at the softball parking lot starting at 4:30pm. 

“The homecoming dance will be held next Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 7pm in the gym.  Thank you and I hope to see you Saturday night for our Homecoming Game.”

Journal Sports will broadcast the game tomorrow night beginning about 5:45 pm.  The halftime homecoming ceremonies will be carried live.  The email notification on the game will be issued at 5:45 tomorrow evening.  If you do not receive the email notifications, there is a “Join Email Club” button on the Journal’s Menu Bar to click on.

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A natural gas leak interrupted classes at Red River High on Thursday.  The high school building had to be evacuated until the leak was found and fixed.  High school students spent more than half of the day in the gym.

The school posted:

At approximately 10:50am today (October 25^th) staff and faculty reported the smell of gas in the main building of Red River High School.  Administrators and Sheriff’s Resource Officer searched for source and contacted the Fire Department.

When the Fire Department arrived we evacuated the main building to the gym so the Fire Department could begin a search of the building.  Students stayed safely in the gym and then went to lunch. Classes resumed for our Springville Vocational Classes and our classes in the annex building at 12:20pm.  

We contacted the gas company and cut the gas off until it could be inspected.  Professional crews worked and checked every area of the main campus and found no leaks. They returned service to the main building at 6:30pm.

Students were never in any harm and school will resume as normal tomorrow, just in time for our Homecoming Festivities.

Principal JC Dickey said, “I would like to thank the Red River Fire Department, Sheriff Office and my faculty and staff for doing an awesome job today.  I would also like to thank my students for performing so well under these circumstances.  Glad this all turned out so well.”

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The Students of the Month for the month of September were recognized this week at Riverdale Academy. They were presented certificates and gift cards to Dairy Queen.

Ava Grace Waters was selected from Riverdale Elementary.  Herparents are Duke Waters and Shannon Waters.  Her favorite color is blue, and her favorite food is Cheetos.  In her free time, Ava Grace loves watching cartoons, especially Garfield.

The Riverdale Middle School Student selected was 6th grader Alaina Boyd.  Her parents are Tony and Maressa Halbmaier and Adam Boyd.  Alaina’s favorite color is purple, her favorite food is shrimp alfredo, and she likes all subjects, but her absolute favorite is science.  Alaina gives 110% each day in class and she strives to do her very best.  She has improved so much.

Sophomore Rylee Hodge was chosen High School Student.  She is the daughter of Jodi Hodge and Jody Hodge.  Rylee is a member of her youth group at Celebration Church.  She is a member of the Riverdale yearbook staff.  Rylee is a great student who is kind to everyone she meets.  She works very hard in the classroom.

Student of the Month recognition is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxilary 7287 at Coushatta.  The VFW recognizes outstanding students at all schools in the parish each month with a certificate and a DQ gift card.

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Several events were held last week at the Red River Parish Health Unit. Nursing Supervisor Yashica Turner told The Journal, “We held a Breast Cancer Awareness event last Friday.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month.  Turner says this was observed also.

And we are into flu season.  Turner said, “Flu shots are now available at the health unit. Free to of charge. Please call the health unit at 318-932-4087 for more information.” Turner reminded everyone to please bring their medical insurance card when they come for flu shots.

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The Red River Parish Registrar of Voters has issued a notice that early voting will begin Saturday November 2^nd.  Early voting will take place at the Registrar’s office in the Courthouse.

The early voting period runs from November 2^nd through Saturday, November 9^th. The office will be closed on Sunday, November 3^rd.  Voting hours are 8:30 am until 6:00 pm each day.

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Trunk on Front Street is coming.  The Coushatta Red River Chamber of Commerce is now registering trunks.  Get registration information from their Facebook page or by emailing chamber@redriverparish.org.

The annual event will be held Halloween Night starting at 5:00 pm on Front Street in downtown Coushatta. The Chamber invites businesses, churches, organizations and individuals to take part in this safe, fun and family friendly event.

Admission is free.  Trunks should be appropriate for kids ages three through twelve.  And please no scary or gory displays, trailers or animals.

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The Louisiana Secretary of State has issued Sample Ballots for Red River Parish.  The election is November 16^th with early voting November 2^nd through 9^th.

Voters in the parish will have three items on the ballot.  Statewide offices are the runoff for Governor between incumbent John Bel Edwards and challenger Eddie Rispone,  and the runoff for Secretary of State between incumbent Kyle Ardoin and challenger Gwen Collins-Greenup.

Here in Red River there is a parish-wide runoff for Assessor.  Candidates are Dovie Neal Beard and Tenisha Canterbury.  The winner will replace Assessor Becky Craig, who is retiring at the end of her current term.

Additionally there is a runoff for Police Juror district 2.  Incumbent juror Brandon Hillman is being challenged by Will Worsham.

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Pianist Corey Hamm will perform at Northwestern State University on Oct. 28-29 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is part of the Louisiana Piano Series International. Tickets are $15. Students are admitted free. Dr. Francis Yang and Dr. Christine Burczyk Allen are the organizers of the Louisiana Piano Series International.

The Oct. 28 concert will feature “The People United Will Never Be Defeated!” by Frederic Rzewski, which consists of 36 variations of a Chilean revolutionary song. His CD of the hour-long work by Redshift Records won Spotify’s Best Classical Recording in 2014 and Best Classical Recording at the 2014 Western Canadian Music Awards. He has performed the work over 80 times all over the world.

On Oct. 29, Hamm will play Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 8,” “Piano Sonate” by Henri Dutilleux and Nikolai Kapustin’s “Piano Sonata No. 2.”

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This is homecoming week at Red River High School.  There will be an Alumni Reception tonight from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the RRHS Cafeteria.  Alumni will be honored from class years ending in 9, including 1939,1949,1959,1969,1979, 1989,1999 and 2009.

An old sports rival has been invited for a game of football Friday night.  The Lakeview Gators will be in town for a district match.  For the last two weeks the Bulldogs have spoiled the homecoming festivities for Winnfield and Menard. 

The LHSAA Power Rankings in Class 2-A places Red River in third place in the state.  Ferriday is first, North Caddo is second, and Many is 6^th.  The Dogs are very strong in district competition and seek another district victory.  They are 3-1 with the only loss to Many.

The Fall Festival scheduled for October 31^stat Red River Cowboy Church has been cancelled. The church posted the cancellation on their Facebook page.

Clara Springs Camp has a big weekend planned.  Friday night is the Fourth Friday Fish Fry beginning at 5:00 pm.  Their Cinnamon Roll Bake Sale is from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Friday. And the organizers of the Puerto Rico Mission Trip will hold a garage sale Friday 3:00 to 7:00 and also 7:00 am until Noon on Saturday.

Orders for the 4-H sweet potato and pecan sale are due by November 1^st.  Order through the 4-H office at 932-4342.

Red River students got into the spirit on Thursday, zombie day.  Principal JC Dickey said, “So I banned cell phones from school this year, can’t even use them in class anymore.  Well it was zombie day at school Thursday and these 4 Zombie Girls decided to kill me and use their phones again.  I really am blessed to be the principal of RRHS. These girls really do scare me sometimes.”

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Bro. Clyde Miley posted on October 21^stthat he is stepping down as pastor of Red River Cowboy Church:
To my RRCC family,
Over the last few months, I have spent a great amount of time in prayer and have had many conversations with family and church leaders about my role as pastor at Red River Cowboy Church. As I announced this morning (October 20), I will be retiring as pastor of Red River Cowboy Church on January 5th.

I plan to take some time after this date to focus on my health, spend time with my family, and spoil my newest great-grand daughter!

This has been a wild ride since the days in the carport, chasing frogs in the tent, and finally building our church building and arena. I look forward to continue serving with you in different aspects after January 5th.

The RRCC elders will be working closely with a RRCC pastor search team and the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches to find the new pastor that God has prepared to serve at RRCC. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us at Red River Cowboy Church. Your elders and lay pastors are ready to continue serving and guiding the church as they have stepped up in the past to do! Please keep them in your prayers.

We are in the process of planning a retirement party later this year. I look forward to visiting with all of you and reminiscing on the good ole days! We will let you know as soon as a date is set! 

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Pictured with this article are Clyde speaking with the Therapeutic Riding Group and then taking part as a rider himself.

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By Michelle Castello

On Saturday, October 19^theight of our RRHS robotics students traveled to La. Tech University to participate in the STEM-Discovery Robotics Competition. Students were able to build a remote control (RC) car from scratch as well as the joystick controller. Students were also able to write the code that told the RC car to move when the joystick was activated.

Students were able to work alongside many professors from La. Tech and gain valuable knowledge and experience from them. This event provided our robotics students real-life experience with the concepts being taught in the course at Red River High School.

Out of the many, many schools that competed in this competition, we were one of the very few schools that actually got their RC car to move.

RRHS was represent well by Markell Henry, Billy Anthony Henry, Jayden Scott, Christiana Turk, Pearl Hung, Cyndi Tingle-Smith, Jarrett Castello, and Breanna Friday. A big thank you to Nikki Smith, robotics instructor, Marco Reyes, Billy Lee Henry and Samantha Sullivan for encouraging our students and giving up their Friday off to accompany them to this competition.

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