Friday morning was a celebration of beauty at Green Meadow Haven.  They held a beauty pageant for the residents.

The fifteen participants arose early to begin preparations.  With the help of aides and staff the contestants put on their finest, had their hair and makeup done, and took their trip down the runway to the applause of family, friends and fellow residents.

Laura Miller and Stormie Shaver were the judges.  They carefully observed many judging points and narrowed their selection. 

The Best Dressed was announced as Beulah Thomas.  She was presented with a sash proclaiming the title.

Then the finishers were presented to the gathering.  Janet Clark was chosen Third Alternative.  Dorothy Starks was announced as the Second Alternative.  And the First Alternative was Shirley Clinton.

Then the Queen was crowned.  She is Debra Robinson GMH Beauty Queen for 2020.

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By Jennifer Moseley with the LSU Ag Center in Red River Parish.

The 5th Annual Caddo Classic Shootout was held February 15th and 16th in Mooringsport, LA.  Red River parish 4-H Shooting Sports participated in .22 rifle and shotgun placing in both events.

Brett Danzy, Jr. shot 50/50 in the Senior Division of Modified Trap.  He tied with another shooter and participated in a shoot-off to determine the champion.  The shoot-off was a true pair.  Brett hit both targets and his opponent missed one.  His total score was 52/52 making him the 2020 Champion!  This is the second year in a row a Red River Parish shooter has won the competition.  Brett also shot a 50/50 practicing trap at the Shreveport Gun Club a few weeks ago and 49/50 at Red River’s practice last Sunday.  Congratulations, Brett!  

Senior Shooting Team:  Adam Bryant, Chandler Nettles, Austin Giddens, Kaden Cason, Brett Danzy, Jr, Kenneth Lazarus, II, Kaylee Creighton

Junior Shooting Team:  Colton Gardner, Jordan Friday, Preston Eaves, Brent Danzy, Trey Simmons and Aston Hester

Red River Parish had seven rifle (.22) shooters participate in the Caddo Classic. Rifle (Open -Jr.) Brayden Chicola placed 2^nd Place with a score of 240 (3x’s). Rifle (Open-Sr.) Nathan Tristian placed 2^nd with a score of 263 (1x’s). 

We are very proud of these two shooters and all of the Red River Parish 4-H Rifle shooters. Participants were Rifle Jr. (open): Brayden Chicola, Rifle Sr.(open): Nathan Tristian,

Rifle Jr. (Optical): Jordan Friday, Ben Moseley, Christian Parsons, Gavin Franks, Rifle Sr. (optical) Breanna Friday and Nathan Tristian.

RRP Rifle team: Rifle Coach Will Friday, Nathan Tristian, Rifle Coach Jason Moseley, Jordan Friday, Brayden Chicola, Breanna Friday, Ben Moseley, Gavin Franks and Christian Parsons.

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Northwestern State University will host the 32nd summer session of the ADVANCE Program for Young Scholars July 5 – 25.  

The ADVANCE Program is a three-week residential program that academically challenges and socially engages gifted, honors and/or talented students who are currently in 7th – 11th grades. ADVANCE is a collaborative program with Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP).

Students enroll in a single course for three weeks of in-depth study. They attend 106 hours of class and cover an entire year’s worth of high school material or a semester of college level material in that three-week period.

Courses being offered include the humanities, mathematics, natural sciences with laboratory components, and computer science. By working with carefully selected instructors and teaching assistants (TAs), and limiting class enrollment to 15 students, each student is given the opportunity to attain maximum academic growth.

Admittance to ADVANCE is based on minimum ACT or SAT scores. If students have not taken an ACT or SAT, or their scores do not meet or surpass ADVANCE’s eligibility criteria, they may apply through the program’s Alternate Admissions Policy.

While the academic program at ADVANCE is top-notch, the residential program sets ADVANCE apart from other similar summer programs. The residential assistants (RAs) offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities to assist students in forming lasting friendships, strengthen the ADVANCE community and help all students have a great time.

Applications are now being accepted. For further information visit http://advance.nsula.edu, call (318) 357-4500, or email palmerh@nsula.edu.

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Red River High started its beautification project last Friday. The school said, “We were awarded the NWLA Master Gardeners Grant of $2500.00.  Red River Parish School Board Members along with our Superintendent and some of her staff each donated trees for the project.”

JROTC and some Agricultural students helped plant those trees in front of the school.

The school added, “Over the next several months you will see more going on as we continue to improve our campus grounds. Red River High would like to say thank you to the School Board, Superintendent Hughes, Mrs. Squires, Mrs. Hines and Mr. Beard for helping us with this project.”

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Guest column by Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D.

Secretary, LA Department of Transportation and Development

Louisiana’s definition of a distracted or inattentive driver is one who is actively engaged in any activity that diverts his/her attention away from the task of driving.

The work of public agencies, stakeholder groups and victim-related organizations have done a tremendous job of providing awareness concerning the leading causes of distracted driving and its impacts. As secretary, I am convinced that there is more to be done to raise awareness concerning the often dangerous and life-risking jobs of the men and women of DOTD.

At DOTD, safety is our top priority. We continue to act to raise awareness of this issue. Each year, we participate in national and local safety initiatives working closely with our partners, such as Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, to remind motorists to avoid driving distracted or impaired. While we have improved our safety measures in work zones, we are appealing to citizens we serve to be an engaged partner and do their part.

On Monday, February 3, 2020, Dwayne Pitre, a dedicated DOTD employee performing his duties by picking up litter, was struck by a vehicle in a work zone. He was seriously injured when a distracted driver swerved to avoid slowing traffic on I-49, hitting Dwayne instead. This public servant now faces an extensive recovery process that is sure to place an undue financial and physical burden that he certainly didn’t expect when he left for work on Monday morning.

Adhering to protocol, Dwayne was equipped with his safety vest, the emergency lights on his vehicle were activated and he and his co-worker were a safe distance away from traffic. Thankfully, Dwayne is still with us, but for the DOTD family these accidents have seemed to end much grimmer recently.

Since my appointment, I have had the unfortunate, but significant, responsibility to call and console the families of Mr. Johnny Cole and  Mr. Paul Featherston after both of these men were killed in the line of duty. Both of these dedicated employees were along our highways installing signs and repairing pot holes, respectively, when they were unexpectedly killed by distracted drivers. These two deaths help account for the 46 employees who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1976, DOTD’s inception.

In an effort to combat these terrible incidents, DOTD recently introduced several safety enhancements, which include additional personnel on work crews to monitor traffic, the extension of work zones and the addition of impact-absorbing trailers that provide warning lights and flashing arrows. Additionally, we are changing our safety color patterns to include a vivid green. This green will be displayed with yellow on our uniforms and be added to our emergency light regime.

While the loss of our employees and nature of their jobs warrant these changes, as aforementioned, we can’t fight distracted driving alone. We need you! Join us in establishing policy solutions to keep Louisianans safe. It is incumbent upon each of us to protect one another. Avoidable deaths are sobering reminders that these men and women are our family, friends and neighbors. We need your support to not only work to eradicate distracted driving and its impacts, but to ensure that our workers stay safe and are afforded every protection and benefit that is equal to the sacrifice and risk they take daily!

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By Kelly Jordan

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Red River Parish District Attorney’s Office along with Project Celebration helped raise awareness of Teen Dating Violence in hopes of helping others.

According to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, one in three high school students experience physical or sexual violence at the hands of a dating partner. Young women ages 18-24 experience intimate partner violence at a rate almost twice the national average.

What Can you Do?

Abuse is preventable. Addressing early signs of abuse can prevent future violence. Encouraging healthy relationships based on equality and respect is key.

Teens:  

You deserve respect in your relationships. You have a right to privacy, independence, safety, and control over your body. Some red flags of dating abuse include:

Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.

Does not honor your boundaries.

Is excessively jealous and accuses you of cheating.

Wants to know where you are all of the time and frequently calls, emails or texts you throughout the day.

Criticizes you or puts you down; most commonly tells you that you are “crazy,” “stupid” and/or “fat,” or that no one would ever want or love you.

Says one thing and does another.

Takes no responsibility for their behavior and blames others.

Insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.

Tells you to stop participating in things you enjoy.

Parents:

If you think your teen is in an unhealthy relationship, there are steps you can take. As a parent, you are critical to helping your teen develop and maintain healthy relationships. You are also in a position to provide life-saving support if they are being abused.

Loveisrespect.org has great tips for parents: listen, support, accept, and focus on behaviors.

One of the most important steps to take is to start a conversation about healthy relationships. Talk early, talk often! Early conversations can promote healthy relationships and prevent abuse.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Teen Dating Violence, please contact our office at 318-932-4035 ext. 3, Project Celebration at 318-256-6242 or the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline 1-888-411-1333 for more information.  If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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Funeral services for Robie Longino, 73, of Fairview Alpha, LA will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Open Door Fellowship Church with Bro. Steven McAbee officiating and Bro. J.P. Handy assisting.  Interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery with military graveside honors.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Friday at Open Door Fellowship Church.  Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mr. Longino was born December 27, 1946 in Coushatta, LA and passed away February 18, 2020.  Robie was an outstanding, honest, hardworking man who devoted all that he had to his family, friends, and community.  Robie had a deep and loving relationship with God and served him each day continually talking with God and reading His word daily.  Robie loved rabbit and squirrel hunting and fishing on Black Lake, listening to blue grass music and often times frying up the catch of the day right on the bank.  He loved to garden and raised all types of vegetables.  Robie was a strong man who spoke few words and worked hard for his family and never backed down from any job or task that was presented to him.  The word “quit” was not in his vocabulary and would rather work than sleep.  When his country called him to serve four years in the United States Army, Robie answered the call bravely with no regrets even reenlisted with the National Guard and served an additional eight years for our country’s freedom.  Within that time span, Robie met and married the love of his life, Glynda Bonnette and devoted all that he had to provide for her and their three children and grandchildren.  Robie spent most of his life working hard long hours at various mills doing mill wright labor specializing in welding.  Robie spent 30 plus years working at International Paper in Mansfield where he gained numerous certificates, awards, and certifications in his field.  He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all in the community. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruffin and Opal Longino; one sister, Jackie Longino; and nephew, Roger Allen Longino.

Mr. Longino is survived by his wife of 54 years, Glynda Longino of Fairview Alpha, LA; two sons, Bryian Longino and wife, Liz of Deville, LA and Kevin G. Longino and wife, Carol of Coushatta, LA; one daughter, Kateena McCain and husband, Paul of Winnfield, LA; three granddaughters, Tori Longino Day, Marlee Longino Harlan, and Malorie Longino Harlan; three brothers, Wayne Longino and wife, Carrie Lee, his twin Tonie Longino and wife, Vickie, and Gene Longino and wife, Evelyn; two sisters, Elaine Cloud and husband, Bobby, and Marie Elliott and husband, Jimmy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bryian Longino, Paul McCain, Michael Longino, Bradley Longino, Dillon Longino, and Wayne Tyler.  Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Brown and Willie Banks.

Funeral services for Erma Ruth Tyler Scallion, 70, of Creston, LA will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Creston Baptist Church with Bro. Truman Leach officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Creston Baptist Church.  Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mrs. Scallion was born July 30, 1949 in Readhimer, LA and passed away February 20, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Glen Scallion; her parents, Calvin and Dixie Tyler; and one brother, Raymond Earl Tyler.

Mrs. Scallion is survived by two daughters, Tanya Scallion Graves and husband, Ernest and Shannon Scallion both of Creston, LA; two grandsons, Joshua Beach and Charity Myers of Natchitoches, LA and Tyler Sullivan and Emily Windham of Creston, LA; one great-grandson, Waylon Glen Myers of Montgomery, LA; five brothers, Kenneth Tyler and wife, Nina of Ashland, LA, Larry Tyler of Readhimer, LA, Calvin “Junior” Tyler and wife, Diane of Readhimer, LA, Donald Tyler and wife, Debbie of Readhimer, LA, and Robbie Tyler and wife, Debra of Readhimer, LA; four sisters, Doris Pardee of Campti, LA, Sharon Rachal and husband, Dan of Goldonna, LA, Rita Fenn of Ashland, LA, and Tammy Bennett of Readhimer, LA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts and uncles; and very special niece, Kim Scallion.

Pallbearers will be grandson Tyler Sullivan, Kenneth “Wayne” Tyler Jr., Calvin “C.J.” Tyler III, Robbie “R.J.” Tyler Jr., Lucas Thomas, Donnie Scallion, Joey Scallion, and Joey Creamer.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Rachal, Jerry Brigmon, Thomas Holland, and Larry Creamer.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Wyche Coleman, Dr. Sean Troxclair and the entire nurses and staff of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.

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Riverdale’s girls and boys basketball teams are in the Class A tournament at Delta Academy in Marks, Mississippi.  Both teams move into the semi-finals today.  The Lady Rebels will play WCCA at 2:15 pm.  Then at 6:00 pm the Rebels play Humphreys.  Both will play again on Saturday depending upon the outcomes of Friday’s games.

The Red River Softball Team is holding a bake sale Saturday.  It will be at Rivertown Market from 8:00 am until noon.

Students planning to graduate this year who have not taken the ACT have until February 28^th to register.  The last test date for 2020 graduates will be April 4^th.

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Funeral services for Erma Ruth Tyler Scallion, 70, of Creston, LA will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Creston Baptist Church with Bro. Truman Leach officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Creston Baptist Church.  Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mrs. Scallion was born July 30, 1949 in Readhimer, LA and passed away February 20, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Glen Scallion; her parents, Calvin and Dixie Tyler; and one brother, Raymond Earl Tyler.

Mrs. Scallion is survived by two daughters, Tanya Scallion Graves and husband, Ernest and Shannon Scallion both of Creston, LA; two grandsons, Joshua Beach and Charity Myers of Natchitoches, LA and Tyler Sullivan and Emily Windham of Creston, LA; one great-grandson, Waylon Glen Myers of Montgomery, LA; five brothers, Kenneth Tyler and wife, Nina of Ashland, LA, Larry Tyler of Readhimer, LA, Calvin “Junior” Tyler and wife, Diane of Readhimer, LA, Donald Tyler and wife, Debbie of Readhimer, LA, and Robbie Tyler and wife, Debra of Readhimer, LA; four sisters, Doris Pardee of Campti, LA, Sharon Rachal and husband, Dan of Goldonna, LA, Rita Fenn of Ashland, LA, and Tammy Bennett of Readhimer, LA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts and uncles; and very special niece, Kim Scallion.

Pallbearers will be grandson Tyler Sullivan, Kenneth “Wayne” Tyler Jr., Calvin “C.J.” Tyler III, Robbie “R.J.” Tyler Jr., Lucas Thomas, Donnie Scallion, Joey Scallion, and Joey Creamer.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Rachal, Jerry Brigmon, Thomas Holland, and Larry Creamer.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Wyche Coleman, Dr. Sean Troxclair and the entire nurses and staff of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.

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Funeral services for Robie Longino, 73, of Fairview Alpha, LA will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, February 21, 2020 at Open Door Fellowship Church with Bro. Steven McAbee officiating and Bro. J.P. Handy assisting.  Interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery with military graveside honors.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Friday at Open Door Fellowship Church.  Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mr. Longino was born December 27, 1946 in Coushatta, LA and passed away February 18, 2020.  Robie was an outstanding, honest, hardworking man who devoted all that he had to his family, friends, and community.  Robie had a deep and loving relationship with God and served him each day continually talking with God and reading His word daily.  Robie loved rabbit and squirrel hunting and fishing on Black Lake, listening to blue grass music and often times frying up the catch of the day right on the bank.  He loved to garden and raised all types of vegetables.  Robie was a strong man who spoke few words and worked hard for his family and never backed down from any job or task that was presented to him.  The word “quit” was not in his vocabulary and would rather work than sleep.  When his country called him to serve four years in the United States Army, Robie answered the call bravely with no regrets even reenlisted with the National Guard and served an additional eight years for our country’s freedom.  Within that time span, Robie met and married the love of his life, Glynda Bonnette and devoted all that he had to provide for her and their three children and grandchildren.  Robie spent most of his life working hard long hours at various mills doing mill wright labor specializing in welding.  Robie spent 30 plus years working at International Paper in Mansfield where he gained numerous certificates, awards, and certifications in his field.  He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all in the community. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruffin and Opal Longino; one sister, Jackie Longino; and nephew, Roger Allen Longino.

Mr. Longino is survived by his wife of 54 years, Glynda Longino of Fairview Alpha, LA; two sons, Bryian Longino and wife, Liz of Deville, LA and Kevin G. Longino and wife, Carol of Coushatta, LA; one daughter, Kateena McCain and husband, Paul of Winnfield, LA; three granddaughters, Tori Longino Day, Marlee Longino Harlan, and Malorie Longino Harlan; three brothers, Wayne Longino and wife, Carrie Lee, his twin Tonie Longino and wife, Vickie, and Gene Longino and wife, Evelyn; two sisters, Elaine Cloud and husband, Bobby, and Marie Elliott and husband, Jimmy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bryian Longino, Paul McCain, Michael Longino, Bradley Longino, Dillon Longino, and Wayne Tyler.  Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Brown and Willie Banks.

 

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More honors for members of the high school basketball team.  Two Lady Bulldogs have been selected to the Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches Association 2020 West All-Star Team.  And their coach has been selected as an assistant coach.

The school posted, “Congratulations to Morgyn Payne and Ma’Kaila Lewis for being chosen to the LHSBCA 2020 West All-Star Basketball Team. They will be playing Friday, March 21st at Bossier Parish Community College.  

“RRHS would also like to congratulate Coach Missy Antilley for being chosen as the Asst. Coach for the West Team.  Good Luck Lady Bulldogs.”

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The Rebels and Lady Rebels traveled to the MAIS South A Tournament last week.  Both came home with trophies.  The Lady Rebels won the South A and the Rebels finished second.  Both teams placed players on the All-Tournament teams.

High scorer Bailey Pate lead the Lady Rebels to a win over Prentiss Christian School, then defeated Tensas Academy 34 to 26 to win the title.

Four players were selected to the South A All-Tournament team.  They were Bailey Pate, Malea Edwards, Rhonda Black and Brooklyn Azlin.

On the boys side of the South A, the Rebels defeated Prairie View to move to the finals against host school Wilkinson County Christian Academy (WCCA).  Tournament officials The Journal spoke with agreed that in boys bracket the three top teams were Tensas Academy, WCCA and Riverdale.  Spectators were not disappointed.

WCCA got to the finals by defeating Tensas Academy 60 to 58.  That put them in the finals against the Rebels.  It was hard fought, down to the wire basketball with WCCA pulling out a 47 to 43 victory.  Rebels got second.

Three Rebels were selected to the South A All-Tournament Team.  They were Parker Almond, Jackson Riggs and Caden Long.  They were Riverdale’s top point scorers in both games played.

Riverdale’s Girls are the number one seed in the MAIS Class A Tournament.  They begin play at 6:30 pm today at Delta Academy in Marks, Mississippi.  The Rebels are the number two seed.  Their first game is 7:45 pm against host Delta Academy.  Both games will be streamed by The Journal.  You will get a text alert a few minutes before scheduled tip-off.

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By Hayley Loe

The school system of the month for the month of February is Persunda Raymond.  She is a school counselor at the Red River Academy. Raymond was nominated by Jacqueline Daniels, she is the principal over the Academy.

In her nomination of Raymond, Daniels said “It is the utmost pleasure that I nominate Persunda Raymond for the employee of the month. Raymond is an integral and valuable member of the Red River Academy team.

She is innovative, adaptive, and creative. She comes up with great activities and ideas for our students to enhance morale and to increase success in and out of the classroom. She is a problem solver and anticipates where problems may occur. Students and colleagues respect her and are willing to listen to her sage advice. She is thoughtful ,discerning and trustworthy. She truly understands confidentiality. She loves to laugh and has a great sense of humor but is strictly business. She has high expectations for students and staff and exudes professionalism. She really cares about each and every child and our school’s success.

We have all learned to appreciate the pink and green of a true AKA diva. RRAA is forever grateful for having Persunda Raymond as our great counselor.”

Raymond was presented with a plaque.  She said that she was so grateful of the people she worked with and that she was so surprised on receiving this award.

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Young women in Red River and seven other northwest Louisiana parishes can have prom dresses even if they thought they could not afford them.  For the eight year, The Cinderella Project of Shreveport is offering dresses.

Each student gets thirty minutes to shop from their large selection of prom dresses.  They can try them on to assure an exact fit.

To qualify students must bring proof that they are enrolled in an area high school.  Proof of financial need is not required, you are on the honor system.  For details check out The Cinderella Project of Shreveport’s page on Facebook.

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By Brad Dison

John T. Daniels, known as John T., to distinguish him from his father who was also John T. Daniels, accidentally became a part of history.  He never sought fame or fortune, he was just helping out.  Until December 17, 1902, no one had ever flown an airplane.  Up until this time, only a handful of people had ever successfully flown and landed gliders.  Most flights ended in crashes.  Many so-called daredevils died trying.  Gliders and airplanes differ in that gliders are in a constant state of controlled fall and rely on gusts of wind or a pocket of rising air to increase altitude.  Airplanes, on the other hand, have engines and can, under their own power, climb, turn, and descend.  Controlled human flight, a dream of man since he first saw birds flying in the sky, was thought to be impossible by most people.  Even today, over 100 years later, some people still say that if God had wanted us to fly he would have given us wings.

That all changed on December 17, 1902, when Orville and Wilbur Wright took turns launching, flying, and landing their “Flyer.”  But John T. is not remembered for the Wright Brothers successful flight which made the impossible possible.  He is remembered for something that happened only a few seconds after Wilbur took the “Flyer” on the last flight of the day.

John T. was a local at Kitty Hawk who lent a hand to anyone who needed it.  In fact, he helped Orville and Wilbur launch the “Flyer” on several occasions.  As Orville and Wilbur refused to allow anyone else to actually work on their flying machines, most of the tasks that John T. helped with consisted of moving things, holding things, and retrieving things.  But John T. didn’t mind.  Like the other dozen or so people who had witnessed their impossible feats, John T. was curious and amazed.  But John T. isn’t remembered for something that went right, he is remembered for something that went wrong.

Wilbur had just landed the “Flyer” on what became the last flight of the day.  He stepped off the airplane and was discussing the flight with Orville.  John T. was holding one of the upright rudders on the “Flyer” listening to the discussion when a strong wind seemed to come from nowhere.  This massive gust of wind lifted the “Flyer” off the ground and sent it flying.  Without someone at the controls the “Flyer” quickly spun out of control and tumbled end over end.  John T. had no time to react and his grip was strong.  He went tumbling with the “Flyer.”  When he realized what was happening he tried to let go but he was tangled in the chain and numerous other support cables.  The “Flyer” continued to tumble across the landscape and carried John T. with it.  Finally, John T. came loose from the chain and cables and fell free from the “Flyer.”  It continued to tumble and came to a stop a few feet from where John T. was laying. 

The accident had only lasted a few seconds but to John T. it seemed like hours.  The “Flyer” was a delicate machine and it would certainly need a lot of repairs.  But what about John T.?  The human body is a delicate machine as well.  Orville and Wilbur rushed to the spot where John T. was laying and they feared the worst.  They checked him over.  John T. was conscious.  He was coherent.  They could find no blood and only a few bruises.  Without ever intending to ride in an airplane, John T. Daniels,… John T., had just survived the first ever airplane crash.  

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By Hayley Loe

On Wednesday February 12th the Red River High School JROTC with the Lifeshare Center hosted a blood drive for students and the community. On Monday, 24 students had already signed up for the drive and it is open to the public to do and anyone who wants to donate.

However by the time Wednesday rolled around some of the people who signed up either did not show up or decided they didn’t want to give blood anymore. The blood donations are completely voluntary and even though a student may have signed up they do not have to go through with the donation.

The quota was 25 units, but by the time 2:30 rolled around they only had 13 units. The Lifeshare center will be hosting a field trip for the students and staff on April 15th to go to the Lifeshare Center in Shreveport for a tour and to give a blood donation.

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Recently Art ruled the day at Riverdale Academy. 

The school posted, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!  4th grade loves painting with Joy Cannon!  Thank you Mrs. Joy, we enjoyed it very much!  RA Rebels.

The school also posted that the students really enjoy the day when Cannon comes to help them with their art.

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From Red River High:

We love Bulldog Buck Store day at RRHS.  Today (Friday) students got to come in and spend their Bulldog Bucks they earned in our PBIS program.  

Good behavior gets rewarded and our students had lots of bucks to spend.  Thank you to our student council volunteers and staff for working the store.

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North Louisiana Quilters’ Guild (NLQG) will be having their 2020 Quilt Show February 21-22, 2020.  The Journal is aware of many folks who quilt in this area and we thought there may be some interest in this event on Friday and Saturday.

This year the venue has been changed to the Ruston Convention Center, 401 North Trenton Street, Ruston Louisiana, 71270.  Show Times are Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.

In addition to over 200 quilts being available for viewing, the Show will have a “bed turning” of Vintage Quilts, Vendors Market, A Children’s Section of Art and Fabric items, Door Prizes, and Demonstrations from quilters teaching a variety of quilting techniques and tips.

The Raffle Quilt this year coincides with LSU winning the National Football Championship Title.  The quilt was designed and made by Susan Broadway, NLQG member.  Tickets are $1 each and the drawing will be held on Feb. 22, 2020 at 3:00 pm.  Holder of the winning ticket does not need to be present to win.

Featured Quilter of the 2020 Show is Kathryn “Susan” Wible, charter member of the Guild. Susan will have a number of beautiful quilts ranging from post cards, wall hangings to king size quilts.   Susan has always been involved in Fiber Arts.  She spent many years designing and creating costumes for several Theaters in West Virginia and Louisiana as Costumer Designer.   One of her favorite quilts that will be on display is the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home Centennial Quilt.  She designed the quilt blocks and pulled the fabrics and trims for each house on the Children’s Home Campus.  Members of NLQG made the blocks, sewed the top together and hand quilted it.  It is truly a work of art and labor of love. 

North Louisiana Quilters’ Guild has been a long-standing community of quilters since it first began in 1980.  The group has yearly projects that benefit local charities and ongoing activities for quilting enthusiasts.  For years, the Guild has made several quilts for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).  In the past few years, the Guild started making quilts for Pilots for Patients.  Additional donated quilts have gone to ARCO, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Red Cross, YWCA’s Battered Women’s Shelter and Seekers’ Springs just to name a few.

Ongoing activities for the Guild include Biennial Quilt Shows, Biennial National Teacher Workshops, bi-yearly Quilt Retreats at Seekers’ Springs, monthly newsletters, monthly chapter meetings, quarterly guild meetings, yearly Guild challenges and additional workshops and playdays throughout the year. 

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Michael Ruff Garrett, M.D.

Funeral services for Michael Ruff Garrett, M.D. of Coushatta, LA were held at 3 P.M. Sunday, February 16, 2020 at First Baptist Church with Bro. Nathan Davis officiating and Bro. James Hester assisting.  Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.  Visitation was held on Sunday at 1:30 P.M. until service time at First Baptist Church.  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Michael Ruff Garrett was born December 25, 1987 in Shreveport, LA and passed away on February 14, 2020 at his home in Shreveport, LA at the age of 32.

He attended Riverdale Academy from preschool through his senior year graduating in 2006 as a valedictorian. He went on to study biology at Louisiana Tech and graduated in 2010 summa cum laude. He studied internal medicine at LSU Shreveport graduated in 2015 then continued his studies in medicine with a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care. During his studies, he received honors of chief resident and intern of the year. He had a year and a half to becoming a pulmonologist and critical care specialist. He spent a total of 14 years dedicated to medicine and helping others.

Michael was a humble man never boasting in his accomplishments. He was a lover of many things and of those things some of his favorites were movies, travel, food, and sports. He enjoyed spending any spare time he did have at home with his family or out with his dear friends. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was a believer in Jesus Christ and is in his heavenly home with Jesus now.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Felix and Sylvia Michael, paternal grandmother Sara Ann Harrison Garrett, and infant twin brother Clifford Zachariah Garrett.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents Mark and Felicia Garrett, siblings Cody Harrison Garrett and wife Sarah Elisabeth Baker Garrett, Hannah Elizabeth Garrett Long and husband Marcus Long III, Morgan Lee Garrett, his nephews Zachary Harrison Garrett, Marcus Arelious Long IV, Cooper Lee Garrett, and Seth Michael Long, and paternal grandfather Wiley Garrett.

Pallbearers were Cody Garrett, Marcus Long III, Adam Thrower, Rishi Arora M.D., Furqan Akhtar M.D., and Ahmed Virani M.D.  Honorary pallbearers were Jackson Brashear, Danny Farris, Jason Edwards, Chuck Garrett, Trae Brashear, Brandon Dupont M.D., Shashank Cingam M.D., Kendall Douglass M.D., Allen Thrower, and Bo Jinks.

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Report furnished by the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending February 16, 2020.

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The local basketball playoffs are underway.  Riverdale played in the South A tournament and has advanced to the MAIS Class A being played this week at Delta Academy in Marks, Mississippi.  Game begin today.  The girls play Desoto School at 6:30 and the boys play Delta Academy at 7:45.

Red River’s girls begin their playoff run on Thursday night.  They will host Vidalia at the Dawg Pound at 6:00 pm.

Placing Orders Now.  4-H gumbo lunch sale next Friday, February 28^th from 10:30 to 1:00. The price is $7 for Chicken/Sausage Gumbo, rice, crackers, and dessert.  Order over 5 lunches for delivery
Help 4-H members raise money to go to summer camps and 4-H U this summer.  Call 932-4342 to place your order!!

School administrators were in Baton Rouge this week.  Here are Red River Parish School Board Members and Superintendent Alison Hughes at 2020 Louisiana School Boards Association annual conference.

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Funeral services for Michael Ruff Garrett, M.D. of Coushatta, LA will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday, February 16, 2020 at First Baptist Church with Bro. Nathan Davis officiating and Bro. James Hester assisting.  Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Sunday 1:30 P.M. until service time at First Baptist Church.  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Michael Ruff Garrett was born December 25, 1987 in Shreveport, LA and passed away on February 14, 2020 at his home in Shreveport, LA at the age of 32.

He attended Riverdale Academy from preschool through his senior year graduating in 2006 as a valedictorian. He went on to study biology at Louisiana Tech and graduated in 2010 summa cum laude. He studied internal medicine at LSU Shreveport graduated in 2015 then continued his studies in medicine with a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care. During his studies, he received honors of chief resident and intern of the year. He had a year and a half to becoming a pulmonologist and critical care specialist. He spent a total of 14 years dedicated to medicine and helping others.

Michael was a humble man never boasting in his accomplishments. He was a lover of many things and of those things some of his favorites were movies, travel, food, and sports. He enjoyed spending any spare time he did have at home with his family or out with his dear friends. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was a believer in Jesus Christ and is in his heavenly home with Jesus now.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Felix and Sylvia Michael, paternal grandmother Sara Ann Harrison Garrett, and infant twin brother Clifford Zachariah Garrett.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents Mark and Felicia Garrett, siblings Cody Harrison Garrett and wife Sarah Elisabeth Baker Garrett, Hannah Elizabeth Garrett Long and husband Marcus Long III, Morgan Lee Garrett, his nephews Zachary Harrison Garrett, Marcus Arelious Long IV, Cooper Lee Garrett, and Seth Michael Long, and paternal grandfather Wiley Garrett.

Pallbearers will be Cody Garrett, Marcus Long III, Adam Thrower, Rishi Arora M.D., Furqan Akhtar M.D., and Ahmed Virani M.D.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Brashear, Danny Farris, Jason Edwards, Chuck Garrett, Trae Brashear, Brandon Dupont M.D., Shashank Cingam M.D., Kendall Douglass M.D., Allen Thrower, and Bo Jinks.

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