Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, May 10, 2020.

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Limitations on doing business with agencies in the Red River Parish Courthouse are being extended until June 1^st.  That decision was revealed at the Police Jury meeting Wednesday.

Jury Vice President Ben Taylor said, “A lot of people have not observed the social distance and other restrictions.  Some people are not doing what they should and this (the extension) will give more time to limit the exposure to employees and to those who came in.”

Juror Brandon Hillman noted that everyone coming to the courthouse is supposed to wear a mask.  Other jurors agreed.  The Journal also observed that some people in the courthouse were not wearing masks, including some who work there.  Taylor added, “Many people I see are still going and not taking any precautions.”

Read the full story outlining restrictions and conditions for doing business with offices in the courthouse in the Journal’s April 3^rd issue:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/04/03/how-to-communicate-with-the-courthouse/

The Police Jury also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown of the economy on the jury’s finances.  The consensus was that the exact impact cannot be calculated at this time.  Jury Supervisor Jessie Davis said, “We will have to do some things that are mandated that we do.  We are responsible for the courts and a lot of stuff.  Some things we have to do and are obligated for.  Everything has to be tightened up.”

It was noted that retail sales and automobile sale have decreased in the past weeks.  The impact the economy slowing will have on jury income cannot be determined at present.

The meeting was streamed live on Facebook by the Journal.  It is archived on the Red River Parish Journal Facebook page under videos.

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An LSU Survey Finds A Majority of Louisianans are following the Stay at Home Order, Support Current COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts.

The Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University released a non-partisan report that shows a majority of Louisianans say they are following Gov. Edwards’ Stay at Home Order and support the federal, state and local governments’ response to COVID-19. The survey showed widespread compliance with the Stay at Home Order and other public health recommendations to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. According to the survey, four out of five Louisianans say they have not left home for reasons that violate the governor’s order.

Specifically, about mitigation measures, the report found:

• Intentions to wear face coverings and to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people when outside the home increase to 59% and 86%, respectively.

• 84% say they maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people very often or always. 

• 75% of Louisiana adults say they very often wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds each time, and 50% say they disinfect frequently used surfaces in their homes very often.

Overall, the LSU Manship School Survey found that 64% of residents approve of the state’s response to COVID-19 and that 74% of respondents believe the United States and Louisiana should continue measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, such as stay-at-home orders and social distancing, even if it means some businesses remain closed.

From of public information standpoint, 73% of Louisianans trust Gov. Edwards to give the most reliable information about COVID-19 and 82% of Louisianans trust the Louisiana Department of Health for information about COVID-19.  

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Next Thursday there will be a virtual Town Hall to discuss the COVID-19 virus and how it is affecting our area of the state.  The information on the programs and our local town hall is included in this release from the state health department.  A link to join the meeting is provided below.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) and Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) are hosting a regional series of tele-town halls called “COVID-19: Preparing for the Next Phase.” Each event will be moderated by Shelina Davis, CEO of LPHI, and Earl Benjamin-Robinson, deputy director of LDH’s Office of Community Partnerships & Health Equity. Local panelists will include each region’s medical director, faith-based leaders, community advocates, and local elected officials. 

The goal of these informational sessions is to educate the community about COVID-19 response measures, discuss the phased re-opening approach, share information about available resources, and address community concerns. The dialogue will also focus on equitable health outcomes for all Louisianans, especially the African-American community who has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Thursday, May 14
11 a.m. – Region 7 (Greater Shreveport Area)
https://bit.ly/3d8YOVc

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By Louisiana US Senator John Kennedy

The coronavirus waterboarded the American economy. Congress had to pass the CARES Act and several other stimulus measures to get money to the American people and their businesses, which together cost nearly $3 trillion, with more likely to come. We don’t even have 5 percent of what we spent. We had to borrow it, which will add to the $23 trillion pre-virus national debt.

As part of the CARES Act, the IRS is sending $290 billion in direct cash payments to an estimated 170 million individuals. At least 88 million Americans have received checks or direct deposits to their bank accounts. While millions of Americans still await relief money, though, countless dead people already have an extra $1,200 in the bank. You heard me correctly: The federal government paid dead people. It happens all the time, and the federal government has known about the problem for years.

In Louisiana, for example, a Livingston Parish (in Louisiana, we call our counties “parishes”) woman says she filed taxes on behalf of her deceased mother in 2019 and kept open the bank account her mother once used. She was surprised to see a $1,200 credit from the IRS posted to her mother’s old account. The same resident reports that a friend’s mother also got a relief check even though she had passed on. This is happening nationwide.

It has also happened before. In three states alone, the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid more than $40 million to 500 dead people in 2018, according to a number of recent inspector general reports. In one instance, the SSA made payments totaling more than $380,000 to the account of someone who died more than 40 years ago. In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, more than 71,500 dead Social Security recipients received $250 stimulus payments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Practically every federal agency that disburses taxpayer money is part of the problem. The federal Office of Personnel Management inspector general found in a 2011 report that $601 million was paid to federal retirees who had died over the previous five years. Medicare routinely pays millions for health care services and medical equipment “prescribed” to dead people. A 2015 audit also found that the IRS database included 6.5 million individuals who were still recorded as being alive even though they would all have been at least 112 years old.

Sometimes the relatives of deceased Americans receiving money from the government return the money, but often not. The money is spent. That’s called fraud, but it’s not cost-effective to chase down the fraudsters.

Even under normal circumstances, we should not tolerate this level of waste and incompetence, but COVID-19 has landed us far from normal times. The U.S. has lost 30 million jobs and rising and added trillions to its national debt in a matter of weeks. We’re trying to revive the economy with borrowed funds on borrowed time, and there’s no room for unforced errors like sending money to people who don’t need it and can’t reinvest it in our economy. Even the most fiscally unfettered politician can’t justify cutting checks to people who are not even alive.

Accuracy and accountability are not too much to ask for here, especially when the stakes are this high and we know what’s fueling the missteps. I have repeatedly urged Congress to address the gaping holes in our national databases that allow dead Americans to receive government benefits. It’s not a difficult fix.

The SSA maintains the most complete federal database of individuals reported to have died. It’s called the Death Master File. It is slightly more accurate than a Jussie Smollett police report. OK, that’s unfair, but even the SSA admits that not all of its death records are correct. Duh. When other federal agencies use the Death Master File, the mistakes are passed on, even though the SSA says it warns about the file’s shortcomings.

Moreover, only a small number of federal agencies have access to this official list, imperfect though it may be. Why? Because the SSA won’t share it with them. The SSA’s position is it does not have the statutory authority. Instead, the SSA provides the excluded agencies with an abbreviated list that reportedly is only 60 percent complete.

All of this is, of course, a national embarrassment, but it is easily remedied if Congress would get off its ice-cold lazy butt and pass the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act that Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and I introduced in 2019. The bill would require the SSA and every federal agency to update its death records and keep them updated, allow federal agencies access to each other’s databases of deceased citizens, and direct agencies to use this information to curb improper payments. The bill would also require states and federal agencies to share information on deaths more effectively while providing the resources necessary for them to make those improvements.

The Senate should take up and pass the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act immediately. The House should quickly follow. No fair-minded member of Congress could possibly object.

I’ve heard of allowing dead people to vote, but sending them taxpayer money is a bridge too far.

John Kennedy is a U.S. Senator from Louisiana and is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and Office of Management and Budget.

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By Val Cox, First Lady of Coushatta (the Mayor’s wife)

To The Living:
The number of coronavirus cases are rising as the United States reopens! The projections have been made about the number of people who will die! The President has stated “we must get the economy back rolling” although he is fully aware thousands will continue to die! As a result, 100,00, I repeat, one-hundred thousand new body bags for anticipated COVID-19 deaths have been purchased by the U.S. Government.

Sadly, some Americans are protesting to reopen because they can’t make money or they’re tired of staying at home. Public officials who are trying to enforce safety regulations for our protection are being verbally and physically attacked. Recently, a Michigan security officer was gunned down at a Family Dollar for asking a shopper to simply put on a face mask or exit the store. Also devastating, Black people are dying at a much higher rate than any other group due to this pandemic.
I said all of this to say, use common sense and sound judgement. The coronavirus is not dead. In fact, it has mutated into 30 different strands of the virus. Stay well informed concerning this pandemic. Listen to our medical professionals. Follow safety laws established by state & city government. Practice social distancing of six feet and wear a mask to help stop the spread. Continue to stay at home unless it’s necessary for you to go out. As a Christian, I pray and trust God to heal our land, however, we all must do our part. 
Although states are opening back up, don’t be in a rush to get back out among the crowds as if things are normal. It could cause you to become infected or worse. Don’t become a casualty of the economy! Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay alive & well.

I personally knew several people that passed away due to coronavirus. I just want everyone to stay safe as everything reopens. Don’t fear or be afraid, but remain cautious.

With Love,
Valerie💕

P.S. The purpose of this post is to bring awareness. It is not my intention to create pandemonium. My views are not up for debate, but I will be glad to cite sources for those who’d like to research on their own.

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By Reba Phelps

When a young couple is getting married, more times than not, they will have multiple showers or events. When I was getting married I found this very difficult. I didn’t enjoy people staring at me as I opened gifts. I love people but not forty of them all focused on me at the same time. 

There were two things that was certain during this time. My mother was present at every event and she loved every minute of it. She truly loved visiting and meeting new people too. The other certain thing was that she would not show up empty handed. She had to bring a gift to each shower. I knew that my parents had a tight budget and my mother had lots of medical bills. 

It truly made me feel guilty that she was going to all of this trouble, financially. I would try to talk to my dad and tell him it was unnecessary, and he would always have the same reply. 

“Have you ever tried to stop Eva Gail from doing something”?

True. There was no stopping her. A wheelchair did not slow her down. 

As the wedding date was fast approaching the parties were slowing down. We were down to our last shower and I was down to opening the last gift. It happened to be from my mother. Once I carefully unwrapped the gift, careful not to break a bow, I couldn’t control the water that was leaking from my optical region. 

To anyone else in the room, they would assume the wedding stress had finally taken its toll. It merely was a simple hand mixer. I am sure everyone immediately added me to their respective prayer lists at their church as I sat there and cried. 

A few months prior to this, my mother and I had a conversation about her own hand mixer. It was down to one whisk. The other one refused to turn as it should. It was completely raggedy, and it was mustard yellow in color if that tells you how old it was. But, she refused to replace it until the other whisk had breathed its last breath. My parents were very thrifty and did not make waste of anything that their hands touched. 

She always said, “It’s fine, we just have to mix it a little longer.”

When I stared at this shiny and new box that housed a state of the art mixer with multiple speeds all I could see was the sacrifice. Mothers always want more for their own children than they have for themselves. Mothers will always put their children’s needs before their own. It was just almost too much to take in. 

Shortly before my mother passed away I treated myself to a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer but still prefer my aging wedding gift from that shower. I think about her and her sacrifices every time I use my little mixer. It was special then and it is special now. 

A couple of years ago I found myself in Wal-Mart on Mother’s Day. While I choose to be positive and thankful for the time I had with my mother, it is still a very hard day. I do believe anyone who is missing a parent can relate. While in the parking lot, I ran into a good friend of my mom’s. She was complaining that her mixer completely died in the middle of baking a cake. 

Every time I see this precious lady she always tells me that she sees my mom in my smile. 

I do not believe that it was an accident that I ran into my mom’s friend that day. I also do not believe it was an accident that she mentioned her mixer. I do believe it was to let me know that my mother was also thinking about me on Mother’s Day as well.

A mother’s love is a drop in the ocean compared to the unconditional love that our Father has for us. A mother’s love is an earthly love, but our Father’s love is an eternal love. A mother’s love is a sacrificial love but the sacrificial love our Father is just indescribable. 

Not everyone has the gift of a mother’s love, but anyone can have the gift of our Father’s love. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

Proverbs 31:25-28

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Red River High School has published the 2020 Football schedule.  There are 4 home games plus two pre-season games that will be played in the new stadium.

The year begins August 21^st with a scrimmage against Bossier High School.  The following Friday, August 28^th Red River will host a jamboree with Loyola.

The regular home season kicks off September 11^th vs Arcadia.  The Many Tigers come calling on September 25^th.  The Dog Pound will host the Winnfield Tigers on October 9^th.  Homecoming is October 16^th against the Menard Eagles.

Red River begins the year on the road at Haughton September 4^th.  They conclude play on the road at Lakeview October 23^rd, Avoyelles October 30^th, and the final game is against Northwood on November 6^th.

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During the Stay at Home order, Red River 4-H has been encouraging its members to get busy with various educational projects.  Here is a report on the accomplishment of one club member:

Nathan Tristan, a 4-H member at Red River High School, has done an excellent job of planting a garden with recycled materials! He planted cherry tomatoes, red and yellow potatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers and okra.

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With commencement ceremonies cancelled this year, Riverdale Academy has found a unique way to honor graduating seniors.  Join us May 14 at 6:00 pm for our “Graduate Parade”!

Our Seniors will be spread out (6 feet apart) around the playground area in front of the school. Family and friends are invited to drive through and show them your love and support.  

You can make signs and throw candy and gifts!  Everyone MUST stay in their vehicles.  Make plans to help us celebrate the Class of 2020!

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The senior rings for Red River High were passed out on Wednesday.  The class of 2021 came to the school to pick them up and already they are showing them off on social media.

A group of students, all wearing t-shirts appropriate to the occasion, gathered to show off their rings.  Others posted pictures and comments on social media.

Red River high said, “Juniors as you know we will not be having your ceremony in May but we have rescheduled it for August 25th.   This is not ideal, but you deserved to be recognized for this special milestone in your lives.”

Thanks to Jacqueline Beavers for the group photo.

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We saw two groups who are important to our community celebrated this week.  The week was set aside to show appreciation to Teachers and to Nurses.

Red River High School wants to say thank you and Happy Nurses Day to Mrs. Shanica Keith and Mrs. Dawn Brewer.  We have the best nurses.

The high school also had “Nothing Bundt Cakes for Nothing Bundt the Best Teachers Around.” 

Red River High Teachers are the best around. We know that leaving your classrooms and working from home has not been easy. We also know you are all ready to get back on campus teaching and reaching the kids of Red River Parish. As most of you are aware this is teacher appreciation week and usually we would be celebrating at school, but the circumstances are different this year. The administration would like to give you all a special treat and thank you for all you do. If you are in town tomorrow from 9am to 12pm stop by the school and pick up your delicious dessert pictured below. If you can’t stop by that’s ok, the administration staff will be swinging by your house to deliver your prize. 

We love our teachers at RRHS.

From the Riverdale Academy Booster Club:
Friendly reminder that May 4-8 is Teacher/staff Appreciation Week. We love ours, let’s make sure to show them!!!! 

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Ziaya Drakes is a 2017 Red River High graduate. Ziaya is the daughter of Rofonda Newman and Mandrell Drakes.

Ziaya will be graduating from Nicholls State University with a bachelor degree in Accounting.  Ziaya will going to grad school at LSUS pursuing a MBA with a Project Management Concentration or Specialization.

Information and photo furnished by Rofonda Newman

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By Royal Alexander

This is a difficult and disorienting time in Louisiana and in America.  Millions are suffering. The confinement and inactivity feel strange and unnatural.  I have reflected the last few days on other difficult times in our nation’s history.  

As we know, the foundation of America is our U.S Constitution.  And, as we also know, the Declaration of Independence has always been considered the “promise” of America while the Constitution has always been viewed as the “fulfillment” of the promise.  Do you know what these two sacred founding documents really reflect? The American Spirit.  It is our core, our backbone.  Right now, we face numerous challenges as a result of this virus.  They include shortages of, or deficiencies regarding, medicine and science—and the timely availability of a vaccine; economic damage being done to our economy that, prior to this, had been experiencing record growth and strength; the very real infringements on our constitutional rights that are being justified on the basis of public health—including the national immobilization of healthy people, mandated wearing of masks, social distancing, home confinement, lack of freedom of association and mobility, traditional free exercise of religion, state-mandated limitation of economic activity, perhaps even suspicion of our neighbors because of the virus;  And on and on. 

You know what is going to pull us through all of this? The same immutable characteristic that always has: the American Spirit.  It is truly amazing to consider what our country, over 243 years, has endured.  A few of these examples include the American Revolution that, based upon military strength and economic support, we never should have been able to win.  We simply wanted the victory more, and were more ferocious and brave than the British, and that nation underestimated our resolve and the blessings of God to whom we frequently turned to save and guide us; the very writing of, and then ratification of, our U.S. Constitution was a miracle.  It overcame many obstacles on its, at times, meandering path to become our nation’s governing document; the Civil War might well have destroyed most nations but we persevered; the Great Depression; WWII, in particular, when not only did America, supporting unmatched British courage, defeated the Nazi Menace and then established America as the principal economic and military power in the world; our divided country during Vietnam; the strife, turmoil and division of the 1960’s; the very real and perilous nuclear threat during the Cuban Missile Crisis; the grueling longevity of the Cold War when American economic and military strength finally broke the Soviet Union and its communist regime; the sadness and tragedy of 9/11; and the financial breakdown of 2008.  

We have been through so much.  The American Spirit, this belief in what has been called the “idea of America,” has always been what steeled us through very difficult times.  The intrinsic belief that, if we could just hold on and make it through, that we would rebound because we are Americans, and this is America.  The belief that person-to-person, neighborhood-to-neighborhood, we would be there for each other.  I am certain that we will, likewise, rise above this current hardship.  It is truly our DNA. It’s who we are.  We persevere. Let’s keep praying, be honorable citizens, work together and lift each other up. We WILL rebound not only because we are resilient, but because we are blessed to live in the greatest place on earth to rebound! 

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Here is an interesting project that Red River High School is sending to their ninth and tenth grade students.

RRHS Freshman and Sophomores,

Even in these times of quarantine, we want to hear about what motivates you! We all have things that motivate our success. As we go through life, we might experience challenges and obstacles that may cause us to lose sight of these motivating factors (the current situation comes to mind). We might become discouraged and think that we aren’t capable of achieving the success that we dream of today.

We are asking our freshman and sophomore Bulldogs to write a letter to themselves in the future. Once you’re finished, email your letter to Ms. Moore at amoore@rrbulldogs.com. We’d love it if you included a picture too! We hope to display your pictures and letters on the school’s website and social media pages! Remember, when times are tough, go back to it and remind yourself of your motivation to succeed.

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Northwestern State University will host virtual commencement exercises honoring Spring 2020 graduates beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 8.  Four videos, one for each academic college, will posted at nsu.la/SpringGrad2020 and premiered live on the university’s Facebook page (nsu.la/Facebook) for graduates and their loved ones. The virtual ceremony will include many elements of NSU’s traditional graduation ceremonies with messages from NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, college deans and university officials.  The name of each graduate will be read aloud.

“Family and friends will be able to join the celebration from the safety of their homes and memories can be shared on social media and other platforms,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Northwestern State University’s Spring 2020 commencement will be remembered as an unprecedented event during unprecedented circumstances.”

NSU alumna Holli´ Conway will be commencement speaker. Conway is a 2016 magna cum laude graduate of NSU who was Miss Louisiana 2018 and second runner-up in Miss America 2018.  A graduate of NSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, Conway made her Broadway debut last fall in “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.”

The academic colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences, Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing and Allied Health and the College of Business and Technology. Please visit nsu.la/SpringGradInfo for assistance in identifying which college your graduate will be part of based on their major.

At the end of each video, a sideshow of photos submitted by graduates will be featured. Graduates who purchased caps and gowns are encouraged to wear them during the ceremonies and are invited to send up to three pictures or videos to marketing@nsula.edu by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 to be part of the recap video.

“Following the virtual commencement ceremony, there will be a recap video shared on NSU social media to celebrate our graduates,” said NSU Director of Marketing and Branding Josh McDaniel. “Please send us your photos and videos of you celebrating with your family, watching the ceremony at home, wearing your cap and gown, turning your tassel and marking the celebration of your graduation.”

McDaniel said graduating students submitted more than 1,500 photos for the commencement slideshow.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, a traditional graduation program is being planned for spring graduates on Aug. 8. This date is contingent on health and safety guidelines that are in effect at that time.  Graduating seniors should check their email for messages related to upcoming ceremonies. Students will have the option to participate in the August 8 ceremony or Fall Commencement on Dec. 18.

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Laurie Dean Ward, Sr.

A private graveside service for Laurie Dean Ward, Sr., 71, of Ashland, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2020 at Holley Springs Cemetery with Bro. James Lovell officiating. 

Mr. Ward was born August 30, 1948 in Shreveport, LA and passed away May 5, 2020.  Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in the garden.  He was a regular at the dances in Coushatta.  His grandkids were his pride and joy.  He was residing at Green Meadow Haven where he loved giving the staff a “hard” time, but he enjoyed it.  He was a social butterfly and loved visiting people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurie Ward and Louise Ayers Lindsey; and sister, Debra Rachall.

Mr. Ward is survived by his daughter, Connie Adams and husband, Eddie of Ashland, LA; son, Dean Ward, Jr. “Bubba” of Winnfield, LA; grandchildren: Brandon Adams, Josh Adams, Hannah Adams, Bobby Ward, and Donnie Ward all of Ashland, LA; three sisters, Sandra Eddy and husband, Gerald of Coushatta, LA, Terry Hettervik and husband, Randy of Millington, TN, and Penny Kellogg and husband, Kevin of Hall Summit, LA; two brothers, Lynn Ward of Memphis, TN and Jimmy Ward of Coushatta, LA; special friend, Becky Singletary of Coushatta, LA; mother of children, Dora Ward; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be David Ezernack, Richard Rachall, Jeff Rachall, Trent Rachall, Dusty Crocker, and Dennis Gay.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Christus Coushatta Health Care Center, Green Meadow Haven, and Dr. Chico for their care given.

Patsy Lorene Desadier

A private graveside service for Patsy Lorene Desadier, 54, of Goldonna, LA will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2020 at St. Maurice Cemetery with Elder Keith Hammett officiating.

Mrs. Desadier was born September 3, 1965 in Natchitoches, LA and passed away May 6, 2020.  Patsy was a lover of animals.  She worked tirelessly to establish and grow the membership of the Butte tribe.  She was a very giving person, always willing to help others even before helping herself.  Patsy was a free-spirited person who always spoke her mind.  She loved all kids as well as her family and she will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her infant son; parents, Opal Faye Rhymes Bacon and Conrad Blake; two brothers, Terry Anthony Blake and Conrad Blake, Jr.

Mrs. Desadier is survived by her husband, James Dallas Desadier; five children, William Admire, Michael Admire and wife April, Emory Admire, Patricia Richardson and husband Nathan, and Leah Admire; one brother, Tommy Blake and wife, Delisa; four sisters, Carla Harris and husband Thomas, Sandra Grillette and husband Climmer, Penny Grillette and husband James, Denise Smith and husband Lonnie; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Harlie Gorham, Tawnya Thomas, Patricia Richardson, Sandra Grillette, Frankie Jones, Christina Desadier, and Vicki Berry.

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Several churches in the parish have offered drive-up church services or drive-thru events.  On Sunday, First Methodist and Wesley Chapel churches join the list.  Wesley Chapel will offer a drive-up, stay in the car service.  First Methodist will do the same at 10:50 am.  The service will be broadcast on 90.1 FM.

Freedom Worship Center will be holding services on social media.

Cowboy Church is gathering in the rodeo arena.  Some folks will remain in their vehicles.

From Abundant Life Worship Center:  Join us for our Parking Lot Worship this Sunday for Mother’s Day at 10:30.  Hope to see you all there!! One step closer to being back in our Fathers House.

This from Magnolia Bend Academy:  We are beyond excited to announce that Kendria Sanders will be joining us to teach our 3rd-6th grade at Magnolia Bend Academy. She comes highly recommended and of course highly qualified! 

Kendria Losey Sanders 

33 year’s experience 
8 years as principal (7 Goldonna, 1 Lakeview)  
25 years in the classroom 1st-8th
Taught at Coushatta Elementary, Mansfield Elementary, Fairview Alpha, Goldonna, Ringgold, and Fair Park 
Certified in K-8 Lifetime 
Master’ s in Language Arts 
Student Teacher Certified 
Principal/Supervisor Certified

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A private graveside service for Patsy Lorene Desadier, 54, of Goldonna, LA will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2020 at St. Maurice Cemetery with Elder Keith Hammett officiating.

Mrs. Desadier was born September 3, 1965 in Natchitoches, LA and passed away May 6, 2020.  Patsy was a lover of animals.  She worked tirelessly to establish and grow the membership of the Butte tribe.  She was a very giving person, always willing to help others even before helping herself.  Patsy was a free-spirited person who always spoke her mind.  She loved all kids as well as her family and she will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her infant son; parents, Opal Faye Rhymes Bacon and Conrad Blake; two brothers, Terry Anthony Blake and Conrad Blake, Jr.

Mrs. Desadier is survived by her husband, James Dallas Desadier; five children, William Admire, Michael Admire and wife April, Emory Admire, Patricia Richardson and husband Nathan, and Leah Admire; one brother, Tommy Blake and wife, Delisa; four sisters, Carla Harris and husband Thomas, Sandra Grillette and husband Climmer, Penny Grillette and husband James, Denise Smith and husband Lonnie; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Harlie Gorham, Tawnya Thomas, Patricia Richardson, Sandra Grillette, Frankie Jones, Christina Desadier, and Vicki Berry.

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A private graveside service for Laurie Dean Ward, Sr., 71, of Ashland, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2020 at Holley Springs Cemetery with Bro. James Lovell officiating. 

Mr. Ward was born August 30, 1948 in Shreveport, LA and passed away May 5, 2020.  Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in the garden.  He was a regular at the dances in Coushatta.  His grandkids were his pride and joy.  He was residing at Green Meadow Haven where he loved giving the staff a “hard” time, but he enjoyed it.  He was a social butterfly and loved visiting people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurie Ward and Louise Ayers Lindsey; and sister, Debra Rachall.

Mr. Ward is survived by his daughter, Connie Adams and husband, Eddie of Ashland, LA; son, Dean Ward, Jr. “Bubba” of Winnfield, LA; grandchildren: Brandon Adams, Josh Adams, Hannah Adams, Bobby Ward, and Donnie Ward all of Ashland, LA; three sisters, Sandra Eddy and husband, Gerald of Coushatta, LA, Terry Hettervik and husband, Randy of Millington, TN, and Penny Kellogg and husband, Kevin of Hall Summit, LA; two brothers, Lynn Ward of Memphis, TN and Jimmy Ward of Coushatta, LA; special friend, Becky Singletary of Coushatta, LA; mother of children, Dora Ward; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be David Ezernack, Richard Rachall, Jeff Rachall, Trent Rachall, Dusty Crocker, and Dennis Gay.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Christus Coushatta Health Care Center, Green Meadow Haven, and Dr. Chico for their care given.

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Local schools received a share of federal funding to help recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The school year was interrupted in March when Governor John Bel Edwards ordered all schools closed.  That order was extended to the end of the school year.

From the Louisiana Department of Education:

The Louisiana Department of Education distributed nearly $260 million in federal relief funding to school systems statewide to support their efforts to recover from school facility closures amid the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to ensure a strong start to the 2020-2021 school year. The Department has provided detailed guidance to school systems on how to prioritize spending these dollars to meet those goals.

Red River’s allocation is $736,312.00 according to a chart supplied to The Journal by the state education department.

“While the Department continues to monitor and respond to the evolving public health crisis, we are shifting our focus to helping school systems address unfinished learning from the 2019-2020 school year, set the foundation for continuous learning in 2020-2021 and prepare for potential modified operations in the future,” said Acting State Superintendent Beth Scioneaux.

Federal Relief Funding and Spending Guidance

The federal government, through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $287 million to Louisiana for K-12 education. Of that total, about $260 million went directly to school systems. With the remaining money, the Department will establish additional grant opportunities for school systems to support critical priorities.

These allocations were distributed according to a formula determined by the federal government, meaning each school system will receive varying amounts depending on their student populations. 

To help school systems prioritize how they spend these dollars, the Department released a guide that outlines how they should build on the 2020-2021 academic plans they had developed before school facilities were closed to meet new academic and operational demands.

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Here is a message from the High School on grades for the spring:

Students and Parents the grades are being finalized for 9-11 grade students this week, start checking the grade portal to see where you stand in the 4th 9weeks. To access the portal go to rrbulldogs.com and go to parent and student. Then go to the student progress center. Follow the directions below. 

Remember 9-11 grade students because we were already over half way done with this semester your 3rd 9 weeks grades will carry over to your 4th 9 weeks. If you were failing any course during the 3rd 9 weeks you will be contacted with grade recovery options. If you do not take advantage of these grade recovery options then you will have to repeat the whole course over in the fall with that teacher. 

If you were in an Online Odysseyware Course this year, then those courses have been opened back up for you to complete. And your teachers will be in contact with you on what you need to finish in order to receive credit in that course.

As always if you have any questions you can call and leave a message with Mr. Dickey on his office phone at 318-271-3102. You can also email him at jcdickey@rrbulldogs.com.

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ATTENTION!!  COVID-19 Tip Line

The Red River Parish Journal is offering this medium for any person who has information regarding Covid-19 outbreaks.    Please take this opportunity to report poor operating procedures know to you or your family for coronavirus prevention, detection, and/or follow up at a nursing home or adult resident facilities in Louisiana. 

Please contact this tip line at 1(318)500-3366 or email the Red River Parish Journal at npj@npjmedia.com.

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