This is the report from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for the week ending January 26, 2020.

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Funeral services for Janice Sue Stout, 63, of Black Lake, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in St. Maurice Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until service time on Tuesday at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mrs. Stout was born June 25, 1956 in Port Neches, TX and passed away January 26, 2020. Janice was a member of the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana. Throughout her life, she was known for her true loyalty. She was a very gentle and caring lady who always put others before herself. She was not only a loving person but also a very humble person. Janice was always generous with her time, caring for others. She loved spending time on the phone with both friends and family. She deeply loved her family and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Stout, Sr.; step-son, Rudy Stout, Jr.; mother, Sybil McDaniel; father, Felton “Dick” Philen; grandson, Chase Brewer; and son-in-law, Chris Brewer.

Mrs. Stout is survived by one son, Hugh Charrier and wife, Kelly; two daughters, Samantha Philen Brewer and Angel Philen Hasley and husband, Don; one step-son, Donny Weaver; two step-daughters, Ramona Corder and Amanda Rice; two brothers, Kenneth Philen and Shane Collier; one sister, Dianne Stout and husband, Jimmy; seven grandchildren, Dustin, Brian, Dylan, Myra, Dalton, Jordan, and Blake; and one great-grandchild, Journey.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Charrier, Shane Barlow, Jim Stout, Shane Collier, Dylan Philen, and Jordan Philen. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Hanks, Dalton Collier, and Tyler Johns.

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Star Point Guard for the Red River Lady Bulldogs will become a Lady Cav.  Morgyn Payne on Wednesday signed an athletic scholarship with Bossier Parish Community College.

Payne was flanked by family and friends as she signed her name to the scholarship.  In a mid-day ceremony in the Red River Gym, Athletic Director Norman Picou got things started with introductions.  Her coaches heaped on the praise and good luck wishes.  Teammates and fellow students looked on and cheered.

Then Payne took the microphone to thank everyone and humbly accept BPCC’s offer.

Afterwards there were photos, hugs, congratulations all around.  The students were dismissed to the cafeteria for their lunch break.  Family and friends were treated to a buffet of finger food and a scrumptious cake with lots of gooey icing.

Payne had just come off her first district win against Winnfield the night before.  And Friday she will be back on the court as the Many Lady Tigers come to town.

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“Faith of a Cowgirl was a great success Saturday,” Cowboy Church posted.  The church added, “Had a fantastic day! THANK YOU to everyone who helped make it an awesome day! Thank you to all who came!”

The Church added, “God encouraged each one of us through song, speakers, & friends!  Men and women who helped clean up, you are the bomb!!! Finished in like 45 minutes!! Chairs & all!! Thank you!! “

From speaker Tammy Whitehurst, “Thank you, RED RIVER COWBOY CHURCH of Coushatta, Louisiana! It was a joy to be your speaker.  A packed house and a blessed place!”

Another speaker, Cindy Fowler said, “I cannot express how grateful I am to Red River Cowboy church for letting me be used by the Lord at the ladies conference. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit all over that place.”

Fowler added, “I am living proof that God can take something broken and restore it and use it for HIS glory. I covet your prayers as I allow God to show me what’s next for me. Thank all of you ladies for a wonderful day !! I Love you all.

Bro. Clyde Miley also spoke at the conference.  Miley said, “It was a Great Day! The ladies did a great job in putting on this conference.”  Miley added, “I spoke on how to use a plant as a witnessing tool and an encouragement to People.  Sometimes we are to formal in telling others about Jesus and his Salvation. Just let God lead you.
I find the best witness tool is to tell People what God has done for me!!”

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Weight loss help is available in Coushatta.  TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, meets weekly on TUESDAY at 5:00 p.m. at JACK and LAURA’S SOCIAL CENTER located at 1825 FRONT STREET. Jack and Laura’s is located directly across the street from the Council on Aging Building. The meeting is open to the public, ages 7 and up. Your first visit to any TOPS meeting is free.

Founded more than 70 years ago, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS offers an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness, with thousands of chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Members learn about nutrition, portion control, meal planning, exercise and more at weekly meetings. Consistent group support, health education and recognition are all key components to successful weight management. In fact, TOPS members collectively lose nearly 300 tons of weight each year.

Visitors to a TOPS chapter are welcome to attend their first meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable at just $32 per year in the U.S., plus nominal chapter fees. TOPS is open to men, women and children, ages 7 and older. (No child care is provided at meetings.)

For more information, contact Denise Upshaw at 318-294-2945.  PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE. Because of spam calls, messages are required in order for a response!

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Tuesday night the Red River Bulldogs Basketball teams celebrated their senior night with two big wins.  Between games there was a celebration for the graduating seniors.  Family and friends brought gifts and souvenirs to the players.

The Seniors congratulated from the Lady Bulldogs were Morgan Payne, Point Guard; Danielle Burton, Guard: Ma’kaila Lewis, Center: and Shronica Triggs, Trainor.

The senior boys were Kenneth “KJ” Bradley, Small Forward; Jaylon “JMac” McDonald, Center; Taylor “TJ” Williams, Shooting Guard; and Tyriq Beavers, Point Guard.

Both the boys and girls teams has a great night.  The Lady Bulldogs defeated Winnfield 76 to 53.  In the boys game the Bulldogs defeated Winnfield 71 to 55.

On Wednesday Red River High posted congratulations on the district wins on Tuesday.  The school said, “Friday night 6pm number 2 in state Lady Bulldogs vs 18 Many Tigers.  And number 4 in state Bulldogs vs number 9 Many Tigers. Let’s win another District Title!!!”

Games begin at 6:00 pm Friday night at the Dog Pound.  Journal Sports will broadcast both games live.

Reporter Hayley Loe took the great pictures and contributed to this report.

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By Chris Wagoner, Journal Sports

Tuesday night the Riverdale Academy Rebels hosted the Tensas Academy Chiefs. The JV boys and girls and varsity boys and girls defeated the Chiefs in these tense district games.

The scores for each of the games are as follows:

JV Girls 29 25
JV Boys 49 26
Varsity Girls 44 28
Varsity Boys 57 49

All of the players fought fiercely for their victories, but the two varsity players that lead in points were Bailey Pate and Parker Almond. Both players scored 24 points in their games.

Riverdale will host Franklin Academy starting at 4pm on Friday. If you can’t be at the game, Journal Sports will be there broadcasting live!

Thanks to Kelly Azlin for the pictures.

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The Seed Survivor Mobile Unit will be in Coushatta next week.  They will set up at the Elementary School for a series of presentations to the students.

Jacque Fontenot, the parish 4-H Agent, told The Journal, “I believe this is the only stop in Northwest Louisiana on their current tour.”

Elementary School Principal Shenell Deville told The Journal “

On next week, 4H has arranged for Seed Survivor to come and set up a trailer for students to participate in an activity.  We have selected the grade levels 1, 3, 4 and 5 to participate.” Here is the schedule:

Jan 27 (Monday):

9:45-10:40 am Presentation 1 J. Inman – Gr3 

10:40-11:40 Presentation 2  Pickett Gr – 5 

11:40-12:00 pm Presentation 3  Steinert – Gr 1

12-1230 lunch for seed survivor staff

12:30-1:35 pm Presentation 4  Stockton – Gr 4

1:40-2:40 Presentation 5 A. Morgan – Gr 4

Jan 29 (Wednesday):

9:45-10:40 am Presentation 1 Tong – Gr 3

10:40-11:35 am Presentation 2 Harris – Gr 5 

11:40-12:00 pm Presentation 3 Korn – Gr 1

12:00-12:30 pm Lunch for seed survivor staff

12:30-1:35 pm Presentation 4 Miller– Gr 4

Jan 30 (Thursday):

9:45-10:40 am Presentation 1 E. Morgan – Gr 3

10:40-11:35 am Presentation 2 M. Inman – Gr 5 

11:40-12:00 pm Presentation 3 Doughty – Gr 1

12:00-12:30 pm Lunch for seed survivor staff

12:30-1:35 pm Presentation 4 Briggs– Gr 4

Jan 31 (Friday):

9:45-10:40 am Presentation 1 Bamburg – Gr3

10:40-11:35 am Presentation 2 Williams – Gr 5

11:40-12:00 pm Presentation 3 Brown – Gr 1

12:00-12:30 pm Lunch for seed survivor staff

12:30-1:35 pm Presentation 4 Covington- Gr 4

1:40-2:00 pm Presentation 5 Nesmith – Gr 1

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By Hayley Loe

The Red River Parish Library held a formal unveiling of a new addition to its collection. Mrs. Karen Gills recently finished her newest project for the Library, which she had been working on for over 4 years.  The project is a diorama on the early Caddo Indians which were settled along the Red River.

Gills has built many dioramas on the Caddo Indians in Natchitoches Parish. She said, “One of the hardest things I went through was doing this project around my job.”  Gills added, “I am glad that this will bring culture and history to our small town.

Librarian Trey Lewis, who is one of the many people who were able to make this project possible, said, “One of the most difficult things that happened during the building of the project was the fact that the diorama grew in size.  We had to have a cabinet specially made for the diorama to go on display.

Afterwards the Library posted, “We had over 40 people turnout Tuesday for the unveiling of the Caddo Indian diorama at the library.  Karen Gill has been working tirelessly for a long time to complete this realistic depiction of Caddo Indian life.  A truly professional job. We invite everyone out to see this wonderful work of art permanently located in the foyer of the library.  While you are here please check out the other displays of relics and local history and memorabilia on display

Both Lewis and Gills expressed hopes the project brings a cultural aspect to the town.  The project was all handmade and is now on display at the library.

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A Coushatta Family is proud of their new granddaughter.  Barry and Angela McCoy’s grandson Dayton made the birth announcement.

Dayton Bird, would like to announce the birth of his baby sister Ann-Michelle Estelle Bird. Baby sister weighed 7 lb. 4 oz. and was 19 in Long.  She was born January 21, 2020 to her  mother Audrey Ann McCoy Bird and Cody Byrd of Gary Texas.

Audrey Bird is the granddaughter of  the late Dan and Anna Cotton of Coushatta and of the late Bill McCoy and Nan McCoy of Ringgold Louisiana.  And Audrey Bird is the daughter of Barry an Angela McCoy of Coushatta.

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Two members of the 2019 Red River Bulldogs made the state 2-A All-Academic Class Boys Football team.  The players made the team by their achievements in the classroom.

The players are Seth Wimberly with a 3.75 grade point average and Markel Washington with a 3.67 grade point average.

To qualify for the LHSAA 2019-20 All Academic Class in boys football, student-athletes must have attained a grade point average of 3.5 or above within the schools’ class.

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Mr. Keenan Chemel Gay, Jr.

March 15, 1997 ~ January 16, 2020 (age 22)

Service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Deliverance Temple Church.  Interment will follow at Springville Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12 – 1 p.m, Saturday at Deliverance Temple. 

Above information from Heavenly Gates Funeral Home.

Mrs. Carolyn Lewis Williams

September 21, 1951 ~ January 16, 2020 (age 68)

Service for Carolyn Lewis Williams of Coushatta will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Springville B.C.  Interment will follow at Springville Cemetery. 

Above From Heavenly Gates Funeral Home

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Yes, The Journal accepts birth announcements, wedding and engagement announcements, class reunions and family get together news stories.  Send lots of pictures, but remember to turn your phone sideways (landscape mode) so the photos will work in the digital domain.  Text the Journal at 318-564-3609 or email to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.  See our first birth announcement article in today’s edition.

Red River Cowboy Church Arena News posted, “There will be a Ranch Rodeo at Red River Cowboy Church Saturday, January 25th beginning at 1:00 PM.  Four man teams will compete in three events.  They are ranch roping, mugging, and branding.  The cost is $75 a man with a 70% payback.  For more info call Scottie 318-652-0429.”

Spring soccer sign-up is underway at Open Door Fellowship.  ODF sports said, “Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Why not mentor an athlete? Sign up to coach, referee, or be a team parent in our upcoming soccer season! deadline to register for adults and athlete is February 28, 2020!”

Fish fry tonight at Clara Springs.  The folks from Fairview Baptist Church will be cooking and serving.  Ten bucks for all you can eat.

Today is the deadline to register for the 2020 4-H Challenge Camp.  The event is February 20-21 however the deadline to sign up is today.

Red River Lady Bulldogs outstanding basketball point guard Morgyn Payne is this week’s Landers Dodge Athlete of the Week.  She is shown with her coaches and her trophy.

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March 15, 1997 ~ January 16, 2020 (age 22)

Service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Deliverance Temple Church.  Interment will follow at Springville Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12 – 1 p.m, Saturday at Deliverance Temple. 

Above information from Heavenly Gates Funeral Home.

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September 21, 1951 ~ January 16, 2020 (age 68)

Service for Carolyn Lewis Williams of Coushatta will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Springville B.C.  Interment will follow at Springville Cemetery. 

Above From Heavenly Gates Funeral Home

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars in Louisiana has awarded a seventh grader from Coushatta second place in the Patriot’s Pen competition.  The award was presented at the VFW Mid-Winter Convention held last weekend in Alexandria.

The second place trophy was presented to Isak Schmidley of Coushatta.  He traveled to the convention with his father Adam.  Young Schmidley attends the Academy of Accelerated Studies, a home school academy, in Coushatta.

The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is sponsored in Red River and Bienville parishes by VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.  It was presented to middle school students.  Schmidley’s entry was judged best of those submitted locally.  His entry was judged best in VFW District 12 (Northwest Louisiana) and then placed second of entries sent on to the state VFW.

The trophy was presented by State VFW Commander Mickey Carrol with District 12 Commander Joe Smith, Post Commander Barry McCoy and Auxiliary President Heather McCoy looking on. 

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Spring soccer registration is now underway at Open Door Fellowship.  All boys and girls ages 5 to 16 can sign up.  Practices begin in March and games will be played beginning in April.

“Develop your skills with us!” is the motto of ODF Soccer.  Players develop athletically and spiritually in a Christ centered sports environment.

The registration fee is $50 per person.  That includes the uniform and shin guards.  Team equipment is provided.  Players will be assigned to teams for competition based upon the players age.

Coaches, referees, and other volunteers are also being registered for the spring season.  There is no fee for volunteers.

To register for soccer visit odfsports.com or call the church office at 318-932-6267.  Registration deadline is February 28^th.

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The Students of the Month were introduced to the Red River Parish School Board at the January meeting.  Superintendent Alison Hughes read their nomination statements submitted by their teachers.

The Red River Elementary student is Alex McDonald.  Her nomination read, “Alex is an outstanding student.  She is helpful to others and is easy to get along with.  She has a good work ethic and pushes herself every day.  Alex excels in her subjects and is a model student.”

Avery Thomley was chosen from Red River Junior High.  Her nomination read, “Avery is a devoted 8^th grader who is a joy to have in the classroom.  Her welcoming smile and positive energy certainly make her a delight to teach.  Avery always puts forward her best effort, making sure that she completes her assigned lessons and stays on task.  Not only does she keep herself on task, but she is also always making sure that those around her are succeeding as well.  Watching her help others succeed is a vital part of the joy that comes from teaching Avery.  Her determination to do her absolute best is evident in everything she does.  The hard work that is put forth in the classroom every day makes her an easy choice for student of the month.”

Red River High’s December Student of the Month was Jolene Jones.  Her nomination read, “Jolene is a freshman at RRHS.  She is a model student and works very hard on assignments.  Jolene makes sure she gets an understanding of solving problems before moving on.  She also works well with others.”

And Christian Miles was selected Student of the Month at Red River Academic Academy was Christian Miles.  He was nominated by Intha Fields. “Christian is one of the most genuinely nice young men I’ve ever had the privilege of teaching.  He is polite to everyone and never meets a stranger.  After overcoming his own self-doubt, he has been stoppable.  He has improved, and continues to improve in every subject.  His hard work and self-motivation is such a good example for others.  His positive personality influences all of his classmates, including me.  He does have a super power that I’m quite jealous of, though.  He has the ability to diffuse any conflict, and makes those involved totally forget they were having a disagreement to begin with.  I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to have a sweet, hardworking student like Christian.  There is no doubt he makes the world a better place.

Student of the Month is sponsored by VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.  Each student is presented a certificate and gift card from the Coushatta Dairy Queen.

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The Red River School Board has accepted a bid to purchase the no-longer-used Martin School.  The abandoned school building and gymnasium sits on 14.9 acres of property.  The board on January 13^th accepted the bid from Rex Lawson of $45,000.00 for the property.

The school had not been used since schools in the parish were consolidated in 2002.  It had fallen into disrepair in the two decades since.  Late last year the school board decided to offer the property for bids.  See The Journal issue of October 11, 2019 for that story.

Finance Director David Jones told the board that the property had been advertised for bids at the appraised value and there were no bidders.  He said it was re-advertised at less than appraisal and one bid, from Lawson, was received.

The board then voted to accept Lawson’s bid and get their attorney to draw up the act of sale.

Lawson told The Journal, “I always wanted to own an old school, even when I was a kid I wanted one.”  Lawson added, “Me and my family went to school there.  When it came up, I bid on it.”

What are his plans?  Lawson said, “I plan to put a wide band sawmill on the old tennis courts.  The high school building roof and second floor have fallen in.  I want to rebuild the second floor and put a greenhouse up there.”  And Lawson said he has plans to fix up the old gym to make it a facility to hold parties and community gatherings.

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Here is the honor roll for the fall semester at Riverdale Academy.

“A” Honor Roll – Students with a 4.0 Grade Point Average

Kindergarten – Hadley Brice, Adalyn Halbmaier, Jesse Jowers, Tinley Pearah, and Ava Waters.

First Grade – Annakate Bailey, Dally Bell, Milton Guidry, Maggie Nettles, Caden Spradley, and Hope Williamson.

Second Grade – Easton Cason, Hasty Davis, Porter Eaves, Brylee Halbmaier, Ellie Hillman, Lance Mancil and Morgan Moseley.

Third Grade – Carter Breedlove, Addison Cason, Maddison Cason, Kenna Coleman, Jase Johnson, Jonathan Shaver, and Isabella Stephens.

Fourth Grade – Hayden Cason, Kaleigh Pickett, Joseph Shaver, and Chloe Spradley.

Fifth Grade – Destiney Bohannon, Cannon Breedlove, Gavin Franks and Ally Hillman.

Sixth Grade – Alaina Boyd, Tanner Carlisle, Emma Giddings, Hanna Huddleston, Makayla Pickett, and Charity Williamson.

Seventh Grade – Colton Caskey and Jadyn King.

Eighth Grade – Georgia Carlisle, Emily Cason, Madison Chamberlin, Hayden Hillman, and Ryder Huddleston.

Ninth Grade – Collin Hesson, Emily Kirkland, and Molly Seales.

Tenth Grade – Reagan Huddleston, Kenley Loftin and Renee Prosperie.

Eleventh Grade – William Almond, Abby Jones, Tinley Ogden, and Matthew Seales.

Twelfth Grade – Brooklyn Azlin, Tylar Bare, Adam Bryant, Georgia Dowden, Bailee King, Heidi Murray, and Bailey Pate.

“A/B” Honor Roll – Students with a 3.0 to 3.9 Grade Point Average

Second Grade – Jace Baxley, Trevor Bell, and William McCoy.

Third Grade – Connor Franks and Brooklyn Giddings.

Fourth Grade – Madalynn Baxley, Madelyn Chamberlin, Jackson Hillman, and Kaden McNeely.

Fifth Grade – Darcey Bohannon, Preston Eaves, Steven Gates, Abigail Jowers, Krista Mancil, and Lexi Mancil.

Sixth Grade – Ashton Almond, Benjamin Moseley, Julia Riggs, Mason Wilhite, and Tyler Wilhite.

Seventh Grade – Shirley Boyd, Ashton Hester, and Haylee Smith.

Eighth Grade – Jaxon Gates, Joseph Guillory, Cameron Hesson, and Matthew Smith.

Ninth Grade – Emma Clemons, Luke Greer, and Mason Murray.

Tenth Grade – Rylee Hodge, Denver Williams, and Rylee Woodard.

Eleventh Grade – Winfred Almond, Ronda Black, Brennan Edie, Austin Giddens, and Noah Wren.

Twelfth Grade – Morgan Alexander, Malea Edwards, and Jackson Riggs.

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The second annual fishing tournament put on by Cover 6 Outdoors and the Red River Crappie Club is scheduled for April 18^th.  It will be held at Grand Bayou Resort.

The two clubs will be sponsoring sixteen veterans in the fishing tournament.  They are currently seeking donations of prizes for the veterans participating.

Kenneth Scallion is a member of Red River Crappie Club.  Scallion told The Journal, “Cover Six Outdoors is a non-profit organization run by vets for vets.  It is dedicated to emotional rehabilitation of veterans through non-traditional therapy including hunting and fishing.”

Scallion added, “All proceeds and donations will be going to provide food, lodging and to purchase prizes for each participating veteran.  There is no cost to the veterans who participate in the fishing tournament.”

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Red River Lady Bulldog outstanding player Morgyn Payne may be headed to Houston.  Payne is the area student among the top basketball talent nominated to take part in the 2020 McDonald’s All American Games.

The high School basketball star was nominated to play in the games as McDonalds published a list of over 900 top high school seniors from across the country invited to the All-American Games.

The 43^rd McDonald’s All American Games is a prestigious high school basketball showcase held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Tx.  The event is scheduled for April first.  Payne should know if she has been chosen to participate in late March.

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Report from the Red River Parish Clerk of Court’s Office for September through December 2019.  The dates of marriage is included.

September 2019

Jeffery Wayne Bolton married Deborah Giddings on September 12^th

Joshua Vincent Dowlen married Melissa Christine Neal on September 14^th

Renaldo Nehemiah Latson married Milissa Nicole Carhee on September 17^th

Matthew Lee McCain married Aubrie Faith Boyle on September 28^th

James Andrew Giddings married Chelsea Joann Ates on September 28^th

Kevin Randall Dupree married Breanne Elizabeth Price on September 28^th

Matthew Lee McCain married Aubrie Faith Boyle on September 28^th

October 2019

Daniel Ernest Bice Jr married Kori Nacole Allen on October 5^th

Shaun LaBlue Jones married Kawndria Myesha Demery on October 12^th

Jeffery Lee Giddens married Natalie Bree James on October 19^th

Jerrod Samuel Scott married Siara Rose Erickson on October 26^th

November 2019

Kevin Ryan Coleman married Kayla Noelle Layton on November 2^nd

Dustin Swade Antee married Brianna Nicole Bolyer on November 3^rd

Vincent Kward Logan married Shannon Kavon Warner on November 7^th

Charles Lee Alaniz married Joanna Nicole Beck on November 9^th

Warren Windell Bowman Jr married Crystal Nicole Gant on November 30^th

December 2019

Matthew Dean Johnson married Marissa Michelle Bown on December 5^th

Sav’on Jamal Richmond married Asha Nakari Jenkins on December 27^th

Kinny West Niette married Brandy Nicole Cloud on December 31^st

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