Magnolia Bend Academy (MBA), formally known as Catfish Bend Academy, is opening new doors of educating students in the area. MBA is a homeschool service that helps families homeschool their children. Students receive instruction two or three days a week depending on what the parents choose. Then, students complete work at home with full access to their teachers via email or phone. During those two or three days, all students are instructed by highly qualified, certified, instructors who hold Graduate level degrees.

A state approved high school diploma is issued once course work is completed. Dual Enrollment courses are offered through Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University of Shreveport starting the second semester of the Sophomore year. With this, students who are Dual enrolled often complete 30 college hours, which means they enter college as a Sophomore totally skipping the Freshmen year of college. MBA offers a college or a technical college track for the high school students. It is a TOPS qualified home school program, so students who graduate from the school are eligible for the state TOPS program, which pays tuition for the first 4 years of college. MBA offers a graduation ceremony, ring ceremony, 8^th grade graduation, and prom each year.

New changes to the program include an addition of grades 3^rd – 6^th for the 2020-2021 school year, with plans to be PreK-12 for the 2021-2022 school year.

MBA is excited to announce the addition of two new highly qualified teachers that will be joining MBA. Kendria Sanders brings 33 years of experience with 25 of those in the classroom and 8 as principal. She is lifetime certified Kindergarten through eighth grade. She holds a Master’s Degree in Language Arts and will be instructing grades 3^rd-6^th. 

Dr. Michael Land has 30 years of teaching experience at both the high school and collegiate level. Previously, he taught at Northwestern State University in the Biology department, and he holds a PhD from LSU in Food Microbiology. He will be instructing High School Algebra I and II, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Biology.

Other staff members include Crystal Cummins, who is the founder of the homeschool co-op, has 14 years of teaching experience and is certified in Grades 1-8, Special Education, Gifted Education, English, and History. She will be instructing grades 7-12 in History, English, Geometry, Math, and electives. Also at MBA is Jennifer Freeman, assistant for grades 7-8; Racquel Settle, assistant for grades 9-12; and Nora Townsend, assistant for grades 1– 6.

There is no common core at Magnolia Bend Academy. A Biblical based curriculum is used throughout all the subjects. Students are instructed using ABeka, Answers in Genesis, and Shurley Grammar. The IOWA test is a standardized test that is offered to each student but is not required. The IOWA test is a national standard test that shows if the student is below, on, or above grade level.  “We are here to teach the kids, not teach the test.”

---

KTBS reported a man serving a life sentence in the grisly 1963 murder of a Coushatta woman has died.  Clyde Giddens died Sunday at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, confirmed the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Giddens was 80.

Dennis Bamburg, whose mother, Earline Bamburg, was brutally murdered by Giddens, received notification this week.  “We had mixed emotions,” Dennis Bamburg said of the news in an email to KTBS. “There will never be a chance to ask him face to face why he did what he did to someone we loved so very much. He would have probably lied if we had. On the other hand we never have to worry about opening up the newspaper or getting a call that Giddens has applied for yet another hearing in his quest to get out of prison.”

Giddens was in failing health in 2018 when KTBS reported on his attempt to get out of prison. Giddens, then 78, applied to the Louisiana Parole Board for a medical furlough. His request was denied.  He wanted to be moved to an off-site healthcare facility under the state’s expanded use of medical furloughs for inmates in declining health, which was part of an effort to reduce the state’s prison population.

But a KTBS story about Giddens’ request prompted quick action by the Legislature, which within months passed a law excluding convicted murderers from medical furloughs.

Dennis Bamburg testified at the parole board hearing, telling the board how Gidden’s brutal murder of his mother affected the family.

Giddens, a Coushatta native, pleaded guilty to killing Earline Bamburg while on the hunt for his estranged wife. He blamed Earline Bamburg for the breakup of his marriage.

While AWOL from the Navy, Giddens went back to Red River Parish, killed 36-year-old Earline Bamburg, dismembered her body, fed parts to some dogs and set fire to the rest.

He pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 1964 and was sentenced to life in prison. Earlene Bamburg’s family agreed not to pursue the death penalty.

At the time of the KTBS 3-Investigates story in March 2018, Giddens was almost bed bound and used a wheelchair to get around.  applied for parole in 2017 and was denied. Dennis Bamburg thought that was the end.

But that’s the same year Louisiana adopted criminal justice reform laws, including one the medical furloughs. Giddens applied and was recommended by the state corrections department.  Red River Parish District Attorney Julie Jones was active in opposing Giddens’ parole and furlough requests.

Giddens never expressed remorse for his crime. He did not accept responsibility for Earline Bamburg’s death during parole hearings, Jones told KTBS in 2018.

“Every time he got a hearing we had to review and relive the horrific details of the brutal way he ended her life. It will take a while for this to sink because for nearly fifty years that has been our life,” Dennis Bamburg said about Giddens’ death.

---

“We wanted to do it so people would have some food for Memorial Day,” said Pastor Johnny Cox of Will of God Ministries.  So they distributed boxes of fresh and frozen meats, fruits and vegetables on Memorial Day.

Volunteers from the church and the community gathered a couple of days before and over the weekend they put together the food boxes.  Other volunteers helped people who came to fill out their applications whole some others helped direct traffic.  “It takes three days to get ready, to pack all the boxes,” said Cox, “We worked on it all weekend getting ready.”

The food distribution was handled at the church’s property on East Carroll St., the former elementary school.  Cox said, “We got the cooler fixed in the building a short time ago.  This allows us to receive more food and so we can give out more to the community.

Cox said, “We normally give out until the people stop coming, but today we are stopping at noon because rain is expected this afternoon.”

There was a line of folks picking up the two boxes allocated to each family.  Some also picked up for neighbors and other members of their families.

• 

• 

---

Recently deputies from the Red River Sheriff’s Office joined others in law enforcement to hone their driving and maneuvering skills.  The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department hosted the event.

On May 21, 2020, local and state law enforcement agencies held their monthly Motor Skills & Maneuvers Training near the DeSoto Parish Sheriff Training Facility.  Deputies with DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Troopers gathered to practice skillful maneuvers that may arise during a variety of situations.  

The cones represent hazards and obstacles both on and off the roadway that are encountered on a daily basis.  By training often, we are able to better ourselves and ensure public safety.  By working together, law enforcement officials are able to share what they know and what they have encountered while on duty.  We thank those who showed out to participate in this training, and it is worth noting that no cones were harmed during the filming of this video.

---

Now that is a lot of fish, and a lot of fun for those taking part.  Friday was the monthly fish fry at Clara Springs Camp.  And the group of volunteers required a huge catch to fill all the orders.

Bubba & Mandi Mills welcomed well over 225 folks to the MAY 2020 CLARA SPRINGS CAMP “Drive Through” FISH FRY.   It was a little different, but everyone seemed to enjoy the outdoor “Food & Fellowship”.    

Mills said, “All of us look forward to being able to do it on the “inside” of the Dining Hall again, but until then, we will do it anywhere we can.  Please never stop supporting “YOUR” Camp.   They need all of us now more than ever.”

• 

• 

---

Local Death Notices

Zola Mae Miller

A funeral service celebrating the life of Zola Mae Miller, 92, was held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Olan McLaren and assisted by Bro. Matt Endris officiating. Interment followed in Zion Cemetery in Fairview, LA. The family received friends from 2:00 PM prior to service time.

Mrs. Miller was born on December 25, 1927 in Red River Parish, LA to Willie and Thelma Cason and passed away May 23, 2020 in Coushatta, LA.

Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her parents; husband, T. J. Miller; grandson, Russell Roberts; an infant great-grandchild; four brothers, Lenard Cason, Raymond Cason, Larse Cason, and Delmo Cason and one sister, Manola Cason Beauford.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Terry Miller and wife, Terri and Johnny Miller and wife, Ruby; daughter, Sherry Roberts and husband, Buddy; sister, Doris Rowe and husband, Larry; brother, Emmett Cason and wife, Ramona; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Andre Cole, Sr.

Funeral arrangements for Min. Andre Deon Cole Sr. were posted by his brother Ashanti Cole, Sr.

Open viewing Friday May 29, 2020 10am-4pm at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, 1339 Jewell St. in Shreveport, La 71101

Graveside Services will be Saturday May 30, 2020 at 11am at Springville Cemetery in Coushatta, La 71019

Repast: Coushatta Event Center. 

We ask that everyone take precautions, wear a mask, and stay 6 feet apart. For viewing on Friday we ask that you DO NOT come in large groups.  Services will be live streamed on Saturday*

Sandra Guin

Sandra Guin, age 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at her home in Campti, LA. She was born December 21, 1947 in Dubach, LA to Willie Rhymes and Lucille Almond.

Graveside services will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, May 29, 2020 in Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery with Father Gus “Dutch” Voltz officiating.  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Carrie McCoy; and one brother, Billy Rhymes.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Robert Guin; daughter, Donna Nastasi; two grandchildren, Chris Nastasi and Rachel Nastasi; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Nastasi; three brothers, Jimmy Rhymes and wife, Candace, J.W. Rhymes and Sheila, and Willie Albert Rhymes; two sisters, Jeanette Matthews and Tammy Quinton; three step-daughters, Wendy Harvill and husband, Jack, Chessie Daughtrey and husband, Jonathan, and Ashley Donald and husband, Jay.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Natchitoches. The family also wishes to express a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Natchitoches.

---

The COVID-19 virus is still with us, and more and more tests are being done of Red River residents.  Fortunately the number of deaths in the parish has held steady at 6 for over a week.  The total number of confirmed cases is at 48.

Red River High is reminding students who have textbooks, AP workbooks, class novels, library books, JROTC uniforms etc. or anything else that needs to be turned into the school can bring them Monday-Thursday between 8-3 pm. Please get these materials turned in ASAP. We ask only 1 person get out of the car and buzz the front door, then someone will then come to the door to collect these items. Seniors all these items must be returned before graduation in order to receive your diploma.

Springtime is snake time in this area.  Woodlands, farmland, and in your own back yard is where you will find them.  Some are beneficial and some are harmful.  There are several varieties of poisonous snakes in this area, most in the viper class. 

Below is what I found behind The Journal office.  The snake on the left is a copperhead (minus head) and the one on the right is a black with green spots King Snake.  Notice he is swallowing a small, unfortunate, snake.

---

Sandra Guin, age 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at her home in Campti, LA. She was born December 21, 1947 in Dubach, LA to Willie Rhymes and Lucille Almond.

Graveside services will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, May 29, 2020 in Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery with Father Gus “Dutch” Voltz officiating.  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Carrie McCoy; and one brother, Billy Rhymes.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Robert Guin; daughter, Donna Nastasi; two grandchildren, Chris Nastasi and Rachel Nastasi; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Nastasi; three brothers, Jimmy Rhymes and wife, Candace, J.W. Rhymes and Sheila, and Willie Albert Rhymes; two sisters, Jeanette Matthews and Tammy Quinton; three step-daughters, Wendy Harvill and husband, Jack, Chessie Daughtrey and husband, Jonathan, and Ashley Donald and husband, Jay.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Natchitoches. The family also wishes to express a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Natchitoches.

---

A funeral service celebrating the life of Zola Mae Miller, 92, will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Olan McLaren and assisted by Bro. Matt Endris officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Cemetery in Fairview, LA. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM prior to service time.

Mrs. Miller was born on December 25, 1927 in Red River Parish, LA to Willie and Thelma Cason and passed away May 23, 2020 in Coushatta, LA.

Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her parents; husband, T. J. Miller; grandson, Russell Roberts; an infant great-grandchild; four brothers, Lenard Cason, Raymond Cason, Larse Cason, and Delmo Cason and one sister, Manola Cason Beauford.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Terry Miller and wife, Terri and Johnny Miller and wife, Ruby; daughter, Sherry Roberts and husband, Buddy; sister, Doris Rowe and husband, Larry; brother, Emmett Cason and wife, Ramona; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

---

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, May 24, 2020.

---

A funeral service celebrating the life of Tommie Smith, 81, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Coushatta chapel with Brother Tom Brown officiating. Interment will follow in St. Maurice Cemetery. The family received friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, May 22, 2020 at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith was born on May 24, 1938 in Campti, LA to William and Alice Smith and passed away May 20, 2020 in Coushatta, LA. He was a retired log truck driver for Smith Logging.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Katherine Marie Smith.  Left to cherish his memory are sons, William Russell Smith and Victor Orlean Smith; daughter, Joyce Ammons; sisters, Pearly May Wolf and Dorothy Niemeier; brothers, Robert Ray Smith, Jimmy “Blackie” Smith, Jerry Smith, and Henry Smith; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Honoring Mr. Smith as pallbearers were Ronald Smith, Donald Smith, Jerry David “Peanut” Smith, Richard Smith, Jessie Morgan and Larry Graham.

---

Graveside services for Buford LaRay Bamburg, 76, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

LaRay was born January 11, 1944 in Tullos, LA and passed away May 21, 2020. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time drinking coffee with his brother, Lewis, on the porch. LaRay will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Lee Bamburg; parents, William and LaVern Bamburg; two sisters, Shirley Durr and Nelda Bamburg; and brother, Winston Bamburg.

LaRay is survived by Rhonda Beach and husband, Jody, Lewis Bamburg and wife, Sharon, and LaRita Tenant; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jody Beach, Will Bamburg, Marcus Woods, Hunter Layfield, Devin Corley, and Randy Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill LeGrande and Bubba Bonnette.

---

Remembering those men and women who have died in service is the idea behind Memorial Day.  The holiday has been celebrated since shortly after the Civil War.  There is a plaque in the courthouse, just outside the Sheriff’s Department, that memorializes the soldiers from Red River Parish who gave their all.

History

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).

It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363). This helped ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays, though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19th in Texas; April 26th in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10th in South Carolina; and June 3rd (Jefferson Davis’ birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

History of the red poppies

In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael

conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help.

Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25^th therefore banks, government offices and other entities are closed.  Be sure to check before you go to save yourself a trip.

---

A virtual reunion would be an online event.  An actual reunion would be in-person with lots of hugging.  But this was a visual reunion.  Parents, children, and grandchildren were visually reunited this week with their loved ones who reside at Green Meadow Haven in Coushatta.

Activities Director Amanda Cannon put it together with lots of help from the staff.  They held four parades on Monday and Tuesday.  For each parade, the residents of one of the four halls at Green Meadow Haven were brought out in the fresh air and sunshine.  They lined both sides of the driveway under the shade of the breezeway.

Family and friends decorated their vehicles and they gathered in the Dairy Queen parking lot.  Many had the kids (and bigger kids too) riding in the back of pickups, or standing up through sunroofs, or just hanging out the widows.  They brought balloons and signs and most of all smiles and blown kisses.

The residents were excited.  So were their families.  Most had been separated since March when the first Stay at Home orders were put in place.  For health security, Green Meadow Haven has not admitted visitors, even family members.

Here was the opportunity for relatives, sons and daughters, and grandkids to see their loved one, even if it was for a brief drive by.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

Red River Parish Library doors are open once more.  They opened Wednesday.  Patrons are being greeted by Sheraton Cox and Leshena Taylor at the front desk.  They are smiling (under the masks) because they welcome you back after the closure due to the COVID-19 virus.

Librarian Trey Lewis has established guidelines for using the library.  Here are the rules the Library has established for re-opening: Phase 1

To preserve the public health and safety of our patrons and employees, while accommodating the needs of our patrons, we are applying the following procedures, so as to meet State recommended guidelines. 

As per the Governor’s guidelines, we request that you wear a face mask while you are in the building. Social distancing will be maintained by patrons and employees remaining 6 feet apart at all times. 

Phase 1 Procedures:

• Patrons must have their Library card with them to use any available services.

• No more than 20 people may be in the building at any time.

• There will be a 15-minute time limit for each patron entering the library to check out books.

*       There will be a 30-minute time limit for patrons using a computer for personal business only. No social media or shopping, please. As always, we offer free WiFi available through your device that you may use from your car. This service is available from 8:00am-6:00pm. 

• Patrons will utilize self-check-out/check-in as explained by the Librarian at the circulation desk.

• Copier will be used by patron only with no employee in contact with paper.

** DVD’s will not be available for borrowing until further notice. 

*      The library meeting room will not be available for reservation until further notice.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we transition from closure to offering limited services at this time, while helping to keep the general public and our employees’ healthy.  If all goes well we hope to lift these restrictions very soon.

---

The response to the 2020 Census by citizens in Red River Parish trails the rest of Louisiana.  At present the parish response rate is 38.1%.  The national response rate is 59.6% and Louisiana’s overall response rate is at 53.9%.

This information was supplied by M’Lissa Harkins Smith, Census partnership specialist in North Louisiana.  Harkins works in the North Louisiana Census office in Shreveport.  Smith is originally from Natchitoches.

Here is the current situation:

National Response Rate: 59.6%

Louisiana Response Rate: 53.9%

Red River Parish Response Rate: 38.1%

Coushatta: 48.0%

Edgefield: 46.7%

Hall Summit: 17.8%

Martin: 47.0%

This week the census takers started going out to deliver census packets in rural areas.  The packets have a code so that people won’t be double-counted.  The code corelates to the person’s physical address, and not a post office box.   Census workers are beginning the process of going out to all rural areas in Louisiana to get an accurate census count.

---

By Reba Phelps

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom that was apparently was showing itself as fine lines and wrinkles on my face. 

One day, during the cheerful and care-free days prior to COVID19, I found myself completely enjoying the scenery at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. All alone, I was away at a meeting and was taking in the solitude and freedom of browsing at my own pace. I could linger in a store for hours and not buy a thing…. I had no one rushing me or complaining. 

If you have been to mall within the last ten years you should be familiar with the micro-stores that occupy the middle of the walking isles. They are normally peddling anything from 5 minute massages to hair bows and monogrammed goodies. Sometimes there is artwork or home decor and even pots and pans. On this particular trip I noticed a skin care pop-up shop. 

As I was strolling by I was stopped by a friendly salesman who complimented my skin. He told me I looked so youthful and must not even be in my thirties yet. I can spot a good salesman anytime I see one but this one had a sweet foreign accent and I just adored him right off the bat… so I indulged him. He asked what products I use and then went on to say that I must be so committed to my regiment because I looked flawless. 

I was totally enamored with his whole sales pitch and bought into it hook, line and sinker. I found myself explaining my facial regimen to him, which barely consists of soap and water. He asked me to step inside of his mini-salon so he could see my skin in his special light. Once I entered he sat me in a chair and began his inspection in front of a lighted mirror. 

He pointed to the lines around my lips and said, “you see these deeps lines around your mouth?”. I responded with a short head nod. Without hesitation he went on to say. “this is not from years of happiness and smiling, this is because your face has fallen over time.” 

Just wow. I thought it was because I literally smile all the time. Nope. Not true. My face fell and it could not get back up. 

He told me he had a cream to fix that. He then examined my larger than normal forehead and pointed out the many lines I have in that area. His special light was beginning to hurt my feelings and I believe it was creating lines that were not there before. 

He hastily shared, “these lines are from years of neglect, sunshine, aging and not even surgery could repair this damage.” 

Ouch. 

But he had a cream to fix this too. He asked if he could wipe off my makeup and show me this magical potion. Before I could politely object he was smothering me with a wipe. He had taken off only half of my makeup so I could see the miraculous difference that his cream offered. He pulled out a spackle-type tool and went to work on my forehead. As he worked he explained he was filling the holes, defects and small cracks. 

I honestly felt like a piece of drywall getting a new coat of paint. 

Once he finished, my forehead felt like concrete. But, to his merit, he covered all of my imperfections. I was perfect. Or, at least half of my face was. Nonetheless, I am not one to spackle and fill my lines on a daily basis. I am too busy and uninterested, so I knew I wasn’t going to buy his product. 

I thanked him for his time and advised him I had to leave. He looked so depressed as I was gathering my purse and leaving his shop of horrors. He abruptly stopped me again and said, “I also have a special cream for the dreadful damage on you neck and I can get you an appointment at our spa upstairs for more intensive procedures.”

At this point, I knew that I was not as in deplorable shape as he made me feel and I did not want to spend money with a business that played on insecurities of women. I just gathered what was left of my dignity and walked away with my spackled and filled forehead.

My friends, we mean so much more to our creator than fine lines and wrinkles. 

In world full of fillers and filters, that only offer temporary beauty to the outside, I hope you remember and cherish the fact that you were knitted in your mother’s womb to look just the way God wanted you to look. Society is the one who tells us that we should not look our age and that we would be much happier with the youthful glow that fillers and filters offer. 

There is no doubt that God wants us to take care of our temple, but I believe he is more interested in the condition of our spirit and the wisdom gained internally…..not so much concerned with the condition of our exterior. 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know full well.”

Psalm 139:13-14

---

Parish residents who receive the food boxes from Pine Belt got a double helping this week.  On Tuesday cars lined up from inside the Fairgrounds back out to highway 71.

A group of staff and volunteers broke down the pallets of fresh and frozen food and packed the individual boxes.  Non-perishable food came already boxed up.  About 20 folks joined the distribution effort on Tuesday.

People coming to Pine Belt were told to pop their trunks and drive by.  They checked in and workers put two boxes in the vehicle for each eligible recipient.  They each got one box of non-perishable food and one box of fresh and frozen meat, fruit and vegetables.

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

Red River Sheriff Glen Edwards has passed along an alert concerning a new scam tactic.  It concerns tracing possible contacts to the COVID-19 virus.  Edwards posted this information from the Federal Trade Commission:

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about contact tracing. It’s the process of identifying people who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, instructing them to quarantine and monitoring their symptoms daily. 

Contact tracers are usually hired by a state’s department of public health. They work with an infected person to get the names and phone numbers for everyone that infected person came in close contact with while the possibly infectious. Those names and phone numbers are often kept in an online system. People who had contact with someone infected with COVID-19 may first get a text message from the health department, telling them they’ll get a call from a specific number. The tracer who calls will not ask for personal information, like a Social Security number. At the end of the call, some states ask if the contact would like to enroll in a text message program, which sends daily health and safety reminders until the 14-day quarantine ends. But tracers won’t ask you for money or information like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

There’s no question, contact tracing plays a vital role in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. But scammers, pretending to be contact tracers and taking advantage of how the process works, are also sending text messages. But theirs are spam text messages that ask you to click a link. Check out the image below. Unlike a legitimate text message from a health department, which only wants to let you know they’ll be calling, this message includes a link to click.

Don’t take the bait. Clicking on the link will download software onto your device, giving scammers access to your personal and financial information. Ignore and delete these scam messages. 

There are several ways you can filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you.

• Your phone may have an option to filter and block messages from unknown senders or spam. 
• Your wireless provider may have a tool or service that lets you block texts messages. 
• Some call-blocking apps also let you block unwanted text messages. 

Here are several other steps you can take to protect yourself from text scammers.

• Protect your online accounts by using multi-factor authentication. It requires two or more credentials to log in to your account, which makes it harder for scammers to log in to your accounts if they do get your username and password.
• Enable auto updates for the operating systems on your electronic devices. Make sure your apps also auto-update so you get the latest security patches that can protect from malware.
• Back up the data on your devices regularly, so you won’t lose valuable information if a device gets malware or ransomware. 

Here is an example from the Federal Trade Commission of a Contract Tracing Scam Message:

---

Show your creativity!  The parish 4-H office has posted a new challenge to come up with new ways to recycle.

Create something using recycled materials.  Let your imagination go.  Full information on your project and how to enter it in the “Rethink, Reuse, Recycle” contest is on the flyer below.

---

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor issued a report forecasting a decline in tax revenue.  The report said all governing bodies in the state are facing a decline in revenue income due to the economic effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Auditor estimates Red River Parish will face a 4.5% drop in all tax revenues going to all governing bodies.

Here is what the audit concluded:

We estimate that parish governing authorities, municipalities, school boards, and sheriffs will collectively experience revenue losses in sales, ad valorem, and severance taxes and mineral royalties ranging from $404.7 million to $1.1 billion (2.3% to 6.9%) during fiscal years 2020 and 2021, with an average total loss of $787.5 million (4.6%). These losses would be between 1.0% to 2.8% of total local government revenues from all sources, or 1.4% to 4.0% of general revenues (which excludes grants and charges for services).

These estimates are based on assumptions that the number of people employed in Louisiana will decrease by 197,000 to 317,000 (as distinguished from unemployment claims) and will take two to five years to recover, along with other specific assumptions about different sectors of the state’s economy.

Red River is estimated to loose 4.5% of the tax revenues going to all agencies.  Neighboring parishes and estimated losses are:

Natchitoches – 7.2%

Winn – 4.5%

Bienville – 2.3%

DeSoto – 6.8%

---

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration slated June 25-27 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 17.

LSHOF Foundation CEO/President Ronnie Rantz, Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland and Louisiana Sports Writers Association president Lenny Vangilder made the announcement Friday morning. The LSWA founded the Hall in 1958 and has been its parent organization since.

The move follows the rescheduling of the LSHOF Foundation’s annual Golf Classic presented by Relief Windows to Oct. 4-5 at the Golden Nugget casino and golf course in Lake Charles. That event was initially slated for April, but consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay.

“Due to the uncertain times we are facing, it’s in the best interest of the 2020 inductees and all of their supporters to move the events until late this year,” said Rantz. “Although we are disappointed in having to delay celebrating this fantastic class during the normal summer weekend, we are very excited about hosting the three days of festivities in the middle of December, when Natchitoches truly shines brightest as the City of Lights.”

Rantz and Ireland expressed appreciation to city and parish officials, Louisiana State Museum personnel, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and leadership and staff at Northwestern State University, along with other local partners and volunteers who make the induction events possible each year.

“Thanks to those who are vital to making our Induction Celebration so spectacular every summer, we’re captivated by the unprecedented chance to bring the Christmas beauty and charm of Natchitoches into our celebration,” said Ireland. “We foresee that the holiday joy that our guests will encounter can more than compensate for the disappointment of having to postpone our traditional dates on the last weekend of June.”

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be celebrated with the usual three-day slate of events culminating in the annual Induction Dinner and Ceremonies presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana on Thursday evening, Dec. 17, at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The 2020 Induction Celebration begins Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, with a nationally-televised (Cox Sports Television) afternoon press conference.

The press conference and a free public reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at 800 Front Street, are presented by La Capitol Federal Credit Union.

Wednesday’s schedule begins around lunchtime with the Hall’s Bowling Bash pairing 2020 inductees and more sports celebrities, including past inductees, with patrons at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

Wednesday evening, the third annual Rockin’ River Fest presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center will feature bands and fireworks over Cane River Lake in historic downtown Natchitoches in a free concert. The 2020 induction class will be introduced just before the fireworks show.

Thursday morning, Dec. 17, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp, presented by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, will be held on the Northwestern State campus with 300 youth participating at no charge. Hall of Fame inductees will be the featured instructors for drills in football and basketball while healthy living initiatives and other positive lifestyle messaging will be presented to boys and girls.

Outdoorsman Phil Robertson, recognized internationally as the Duck Commander, and former LSU football coach Nick Saban, who won 75 percent of his games and the 2003 national championship in five seasons with the Tigers, join eight-time Mr. Olympia world bodybuilding champion Ronnie Coleman and another global sports figure, Sweet Lou Dunbar of the Harlem Globetrotters, among a star-studded group of competitive ballot inductees.

The LSHOF Class of 2020 also includes Pro Bowl football standout Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a star at UL Lafayette, along with two extraordinary basketball players: New Orleans native Kerry Kittles, a two-time All-America guard at Villanova who averaged 14 points in an eight-year NBA career, and Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball legend Angela Turner, a Bienville Parish native who helped her teams to four straight national championship game appearances including wins in 1981 and 1982.

Inducted as winners of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism will be LSU sports publicist Kent Lowe and Baton Rouge Advocate prep sportswriter Robin Fambrough.

Opelousas native Joan Cronan, one of college sports’ most influential administrators in her career as athletics director at the University of Tennessee, will be inducted as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner.

Enshrined as the first recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award will be Shreveport-based broadcaster Tim Brando, whose pride in his home state has been evident throughout his four decades among the best in his business around the country.

The 2020 Induction Class will be showcased in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in a partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The striking $23 million, two-story, 27,500-square foot structure faces Cane River Lake in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches and has garnered worldwide architectural acclaim and rave reviews for its contents since its grand opening during the 2013 Hall of Fame induction weekend.

The museum reopens Saturday after closure during this spring’s shelter-in-place phase concluding Friday. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with admission prices $6 and under.

Adding to the 350 sports competitors currently enshrined, 19 winners of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership award and 64 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism, there are 433 current members of the Hall of Fame before this year’s inductions.

The 2020 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040.

---

By Royal Alexander

As Americans and Louisianans, we have had it explained to us, perhaps hundreds of times by now, that we must address this virus with caution and prudence.  We’ve had indelibly imprinted into our minds the need to social distance, wear masks, vigorously wash hands and disinfect with a religious fervor.  The large majority of us, no doubt out of concern for our families and neighbors, have implemented some, if not all, of these measures.  Wisely so.  However, we are now at the point that by continuing to limit and hamstring our economy, we are risking fundamental damage to it.  We have to remember that it is a strong American economy that not only powers our country and our way of life, but also provides us with the means to render aid across the world—as we are now doing, for example, in assisting many other nations with medical knowledge, resources and supplies to fight the virus.  A strong, vibrant economy, therefore, is nothing less than the lifeblood of our American way of life.  It always has been.

I put aside for purposes of this article the sweeping and often incoherent restrictions of our civil liberties we are enduring and note that, at a time such as this, when we feel anxious and overwhelmed, it’s easy for us to forget an important fact: government can render aid, information and recommendations as to defeating this virus but it cannot fundamentally restore our economy;  government creates nothing; manufactures nothing; is not an entrepreneur.  It’s not supposed to be, but neither is it supposed to inhibit the efforts of those who do create jobs and wealth.  Its legitimate role in our lives is to, within the specific limits of the power our Constitution grants it, create an environment in which the opportunity exists for all of us to thrive with hard work and commitment.  That is why, when government acts, it is doing so based upon the taxes it has extracted (a power granted under Article I, Section 8) from us.  Simply, it has taken the fruits of the labor of millions of Americans and made, ideally through our elected leadership, policy determinations about where that wealth and those resources should be deployed—as it’s doing now with trillions of dollars to fight the virus.  That’s the deal. For this reason, when we undermine our national, state and local economies such that we strangle and crush this vibrant, wealth and job-creating economic engine, we put ourselves in peril.  At some point, government will run out of our money.  I’m not even certain we can defeat this health crisis without a strong economy.  As U.S. Sen. John Kennedy has succinctly noted, this virus is bad but poverty and economic devastation are also bad.  

America is great not only because America reflects the values that we do; America is great because our economic strength, via our free market system, has created and sustained the very best way of life that’s ever been devised.  We have flattened the curve, hospitals will not likely be overwhelmed (some field hospitals have never had even one virus patient) and, while we should do so with prudence, we must fully reopen and unleash our economy now. 

---