Red River High’s outstanding athlete Kenneth “KJ” Bradley has signed on to play football at East Texas Baptist University.
Bradley’s parents came by The Journal on Saturday, and a very proud mother made the announcement. Due to the virus outbreak the signing was done at home.
The High School was quick to post congratulations:
“Congrats to KJ Bradley. He is heading to ETBU to play football.”
Bradly was an outstanding player for both the Bulldogs football and basketball teams during his high school years.
At 2:52 p.m. on May 1, 2020, the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) received a call from a local fisherman at Grand Bayou Reservoir. He reported observing several young people jumping from the dam (spillway) into the lake. This location is a restricted area where boating and swimming is prohibited due to dangers associated with the spillway operation. In light of this extremely dangerous location, units from the Red River Parish Fire District and Red River EMS were dispatched along with Red River Parish Sheriff’s units.
While the units were responding, at 2:58 p.m. Red River Parish Sheriff’s Communications received a second call from one of the actual swimmers at the spillway. The caller reported that her friend jumped into the water off of the spillway and had not resurfaced.
At 3:08 p.m. the first sheriff’s unit arrived on scene and determined that the swimmer was still missing. Dive teams from Bienville and Natchitoches parishes were dispatched to Grand Bayou Reservoir with the first arriving on scene at approximately 3:39 p.m. After an extensive search, divers located and recovered the body of the missing young man at 4:52 p.m. in approximately 22 feet of water.
The victim was identified as Joshua Smith, 20 years of age, from Shreveport, Louisiana. Smith along with six other friends between the ages of 18 and 21 were jumping from the elevated spillway and swimming in the lagoon area in front of the dam. All but one of the participants were from the Shreveport area, while the other was a Red River Parish resident.
At the time of the incident, four of the kids jumped from the dam, surfaced and began swimming out to a wooden tower/platform. Near the halfway point, the victim became destressed and eventually disappeared beneath the water.
In addition to our local agency emergency responders, Sheriff Edwards would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Natchitoches Fire District 9 Dive Team and the Bienville Fire Districts 4 & 5 Dive Team for their quick response and assistance.
Work is progressing on constructing the new stadium at Red River High’s sports complex. This week workers are bolting seating into place.
At the April School Board meeting Superintendent Alison Hughes announced that high school graduation would be held on July 24th. Hughes said, “It is a tentative date, but I am very optimistic it will hold. And the new stadium will host the outdoor graduation.”
Rain had delayed construction on the stadium as well as the new Junior High Gym and the Vocational Education Building at the school site. This week has seen a few dry days, so the construction crews are back at work.
At about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 1810, a strange occurrence happened in the normally boring Berners Street in London, England. A Mr. Wilson, a prominent dance instructor, arrived at No. 54 Berners Street with a note from Mrs. Tottenham, a “Lady of fortune.” Mr. Wilson knocked on the door at No. 54 and presented his note which read, “Mr. Wilson, Dancing Master, Bedford Street, Bedford Row – Mrs. Tottenham wishes Mr. Wilson to call on her tomorrow, between the hours of two and three, as she is desirous that her daughters should receive instructions from him the ensuing winter. — Monday, Berner’s-street, No.54.”
No one in the house knew anything about the request for dance instruction. At about the same time, a realtor arrived with another note which read, “Mrs. Tottenham requests [name withheld] will call upon her at two to-morrow, as she wishes to consult him about the sale of an estate.”
The household was dumbstruck. Then another caller arrived in a carriage pulled by four horses with another note; “Mrs. Tottenham requests that a post-chaise and four (a carriage with four horses) be at her house at two to-morrow, to convey her to the stage towards Bath.”
At the same time, the Lord Mayor of London, Joshua Smith, arrived in his carriage tended by his two livery servants with his letter in hand; “Mrs. Tottenham begs the Hon. Mr. [name withheld] will be good enough to give her a call at two to-morrow, as Mrs. T. is desirous of speaking with him on business of importance.”
Before members of the household could finish reading a note, which Mrs. Tottenham was meant to have sent, more callers with more notes arrived. Tradesmen of all sorts arrived at No. 54 Berners Street seemingly at the request of the wealthy Mrs. Tottenham. Wagons filled with coal from Paddington wharfs, carts filled with upholsterer’s supplies, linens, jewelry, organs, pianos, and enough furniture to fill every house on the street arrived at Mrs. Tottenham’s home at about the same time. Each of the callers possessed their letter from Mrs. Tottenham requesting their goods or services.
Members of the household told each of the callers that Mrs. Tottenham had not written any letters and had made no such requests of anyone. More and more callers arrived on Berners Street with each passing minute. Barbers arrived with assortments of wigs. Mantua-makers (high-end dress makers) arrived with band-boxes (wooden cylindrical containers which held pieces of fabric). Opticians arrived with assortments of eyeglasses. More coal merchants arrived with loads of coal. Carpenters arrived with a coffin made to fit Mrs. Tottenham’s five feet, five inch body, dimensions which were provided in the letter they received. Miniature-painters, male midwives, tooth drawers (dentists who specialized in pulling teeth), auctioneers, undertakers, grocers, dealers in textile fabrics, horse drawn carriages, mourning coaches, butchers, dealers from every available occupation arrived at No. 54.
By 4 p.m., Berners Street was total chaos. So many tradesmen arrived with their wares at No. 54 that the street was totally impassable. Throngs of onlookers gathered in the street and on the sidewalk. Several of the spectators jeered and laughed at the spectacle. The normally boring Berners Street was anything but boring on this date.
The Lord Mayor of London left Berners Street and went to Marlborough Street Police Office. He told the officers of the chaotic scene. Within minutes, every available officer headed to Berners Street to quell the hullabaloo. Officers stationed themselves at both ends of Berners Street to prevent more tradesmen from advancing towards No. 54.
As the day faded into evening, just as the number of tradesmen began to decrease, scores of household servants of all varieties, in search of employment in Mrs. Tottenham’s household, arrived with letters of their own. Servants arrived with their letters until late into the night, but policemen turned each of them away. On the following day, the chaos had subsided and the street was boring once again.
Police offered a reward for the name of the person or persons responsible, but no one ever collected. Investigators had one suspect who seemed to fit the crime. Theodore Hook was an author who loved to pull practical jokes. In his autobiographical book published in 1835 entitled “Gilbert Gurney,” Theodore wrote “There’s nothing like fun – what else made the effect in Berner’s Street? I am the man – I did it.” Investigators theorized that Theodore and his accomplices rented a room on Berner’s street from which they wrote the myriad of letters, a herculean task which must have taken weeks and would have cost a considerable amount. Theodore’s motive, they contended, was a result of a friendly bet. Theodore made a bet with some friends that he could turn any nondescript home on any boring street into the most popular house in London. Theodore’s friends, with whom he made the bet, chose Mrs. Tottenham’s house. Theodore later claimed that he and his friends joined the jeering crowd during the chaos which became known as the Berners Street Hoax. Theodore won the bet.
Sources: The London Morning Post, November 29, 1810, p.3. The New York Evening Post, July 12, 1843, p.2. “The Berners Street Hoax.” Accessed April 4, 2020. http://hoaxes.org/archive/permalink/the_berners_street_hoax.
School has been shuttered by the Governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduating seniors are hit particularly hard by this action.
Red River High appreciates the graduates and is saluting them with a large display at the school. The wrought iron fences are filled with large color photos of the members of the class of 2020. In addition the honor graduates are displayed inside the circle drive in front of the school.
The COVID-19 virus continues a slow spread in Red River Parish. The latest report from the Louisiana Department of Health indicate one additional person has died of the virus.
Red River is showing 34 confirmed cases and 6 deaths from COVID-19. There have been 15 state and 252 commercial tests for the virus.
Louisiana churches are being offered more flexibility in how they conduct services. The Louisiana Fire Marshal has issued new rules to allow some relaxing of the COVID-19 rules imposed by the Governor’s Executive Orders.
Capacity of worshipers and social distancing standards must be monitored by “crowd managers” and adhere to a strict set of guidelines. There are numerous other restrictions and requirements for monitoring those attending church and their behavior.
The Louisiana Fire Marshal has issued new rules governing restaurants to allow some relaxing of the COVID-19 rules imposed by the Governor’s Executive Orders.
Restaurants may offer outdoor seating in established patios or outdoor areas. Capacity is limited to 25% of that established by the Fire Marshal. Guests tables must be spaced to maintain social distancing.
Tents and awnings may be utilized. Again the limit is 25% of capacity with appropriate spacing of guest tables.
Each week Red River 4-H spotlights a graduating senior who is a member of the 4-H program. This week’s senior is Adam Bryant. He is graduating this spring from Riverdale Academy.
Area churches are finding ways to meet with their members during the COVID-19 lockdown. In conversations with area ministers the one thing they all wish is to be able to reunite with their members.
Abundant Life Worship Center did something to ease the separation. They said, “We surprised Pastor William Hall (with the help of Sis Rebekah Hall) to show him how much we appreciate and love him and his family. We can’t all be together right now so I thought this would lift his spirits to walk in and see our faces.”
Other churches have been offering drive-thru prayer, communion and other services. Several have conducted drive-up services. The state fire marshal has published guidelines for churches wishing to approach their normal way of doing business. Those guidelines are published as a sperate story today in The Journal.
Louisiana Tech University has been named the safest university in the State of Louisiana, according to rankings from YourLocalSecurity.com, a partner of SafeStreets, which provides the information needed to build a safer home environment.
YourLocalSecurity.com evaluated the safety of a college campus based on a combination of these factors:
Violent crimes per 10,000 people
Property crimes per 10,000 people
Hate crimes per 10,000 people
Number of Violent Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses per 10,000 people
“When soon-to-be high school grads decide which college to attend, location, sports, and Greek life are huge factors,” the report said. “But for college students planning for that first year away from home, safety should play an equally important role. Incoming freshmen can feel better entering college when they know their campus has crime prevention measures and crisis management systems in place to ensure lower crime rates.”
Data was compiled from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security report and the FBI’s 2018 Uniform Crime Report. This is the fourth year for the survey.
The Prosperie family is celebrating. Two of their children are graduating from college this spring.
Ryan and Rebecca Prosperie both will graduate from Louisiana College.
Congratulates to all of our graduates. If you have a college graduate this spring, send their picture and other information to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.
On May 4, 2020, Doug Cain, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 71.
Doug was born in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland where he was adopted by Art and Dee Cain and raised in Bossier City with his brothers, Dan and Clint Cain. Doug received his undergraduate degree from Centenary College in Shreveport and his master’s degree in theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. On June 25, 1977, he married Martie Rannenberg. They raised two sons, Jed and Brian, and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
Doug was a United Methodist minister in the Louisiana Conference for over 40 years. He pastored churches in DeRidder, Haughton, New Orleans, Shreveport, Natchitoches, Sulphur, and Coushatta in addition to serving as a District Superintendent.
Doug was a faithful servant of a loving and compassionate God. He believed that grace trumped sin and God’s eternal love provided a path forward for all of us. During his preaching prime, as they say in baseball, Doug “threw 95 mph and could paint the corners,” while somehow still getting a hungry congregation out by noon. He baptized crying babies, soothed nervous brides and grooms, helped children bury parents, and parents bury children.
Doug loved his wife and kids the way that he believed God loved each of us – unconditionally – during the best of times and the worst of times. Known affectionately as “Pop” to his granddaughter, Emerson, and four grandsons, Jake, London, Moss, and Fisher, he was a master storyteller and a professional driveway hoops H-O-R-S-E player.
Not surprising to those that appreciated Doug’s quirky wit and humor, his last words were reportedly jokes with the ICU nurses caring for him at the hospital. But his final joke may have come with the very unique date of his death – May 4, 2020 – also known as May The Fourth Be With You Day – the unofficial holiday honoring the Star Wars franchise.
Doug loved the theology of Star Wars. It was the fodder of many a sermon. He introduced his kids to Star Wars in the 1980’s and could be seen 30 something years later standing in line at the movie theater with his grandkids on the opening night of the latest Star Wars movie.
In typical Doug Cain fashion, with his signature wit and humor, his final benediction to all those he left behind was simply and profoundly – MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
William Edward Gooden, Sr.
A visitation celebrating the life of William Edward Gooden, Sr., age 73 of Campti, Louisiana, will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, at Rose-Neath Coushatta Chapel. Due to current policy, visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles until directed by funeral home staff, and to practice social distancing. The graveside funeral service will be held privately for the family at a later date. William will be buried at Davis Springs Cemetery, near Fairview, Louisiana.
William was born February 4, 1947 and passed away May 3, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruby Session Gooden, and his daughter Melissa. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Troy Gooden Sr., Kevin Gooden, James Gooden, William Gooden Jr., and Corey Gooden; his daughter, Maranda Mosley; seventeen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren
The Red River Parish Police Jury meets at 9:00 am this morning. The meeting will have very limited seating due to size of gathering restrictions. The Red River Parish Journal will stream the meeting live on our Facebook page. Search for and like Red River Parish Journal on Facebook to watch the meeting.
The Red River Waterway Commission said the boat launch in Coushatta is now open. High river levels have dropped recently.
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!!!!
Attention LSU grads in the parish. The LSU Alumni Association Board of Directors announced May 1st that Gordon Monk was named as president and CEO of the association effective immediately. Monk has successfully directed the organization as interim president and CEO since October 2019.
On May 4, 2020, Doug Cain, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 71.
Doug was born in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland where he was adopted by Art and Dee Cain and raised in Bossier City with his brothers, Dan and Clint Cain. Doug received his undergraduate degree from Centenary College in Shreveport and his master’s degree in theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. On June 25, 1977, he married Martie Rannenberg. They raised two sons, Jed and Brian, and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
Doug was a United Methodist minister in the Louisiana Conference for over 40 years. He pastored churches in DeRidder, Haughton, New Orleans, Shreveport, Natchitoches, Sulphur, and Coushatta in addition to serving as a District Superintendent.
Doug was a faithful servant of a loving and compassionate God. He believed that grace trumped sin and God’s eternal love provided a path forward for all of us. During his preaching prime, as they say in baseball, Doug “threw 95 mph and could paint the corners,” while somehow still getting a hungry congregation out by noon. He baptized crying babies, soothed nervous brides and grooms, helped children bury parents, and parents bury children.
Doug loved his wife and kids the way that he believed God loved each of us – unconditionally – during the best of times and the worst of times. Known affectionately as “Pop” to his granddaughter, Emerson, and four grandsons, Jake, London, Moss, and Fisher, he was a master storyteller and a professional driveway hoops H-O-R-S-E player.
Not surprising to those that appreciated Doug’s quirky wit and humor, his last words were reportedly jokes with the ICU nurses caring for him at the hospital. But his final joke may have come with the very unique date of his death – May 4, 2020 – also known as May The Fourth Be With You Day – the unofficial holiday honoring the Star Wars franchise.
Doug loved the theology of Star Wars. It was the fodder of many a sermon. He introduced his kids to Star Wars in the 1980’s and could be seen 30 something years later standing in line at the movie theater with his grandkids on the opening night of the latest Star Wars movie.
In typical Doug Cain fashion, with his signature wit and humor, his final benediction to all those he left behind was simply and profoundly – MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
A visitation celebrating the life of William Edward Gooden, Sr., age 73 of Campti, Louisiana, will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, at Rose-Neath Coushatta Chapel. Due to current policy, visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles until directed by funeral home staff, and to practice social distancing. The graveside funeral service will be held privately for the family at a later date. William will be buried at Davis Springs Cemetery, near Fairview, Louisiana.
William was born February 4, 1947 and passed away May 3, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruby Session Gooden, and his daughter Melissa. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Troy Gooden Sr., Kevin Gooden, James Gooden, William Gooden Jr., and Corey Gooden; his daughter, Maranda Mosley; seventeen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Red River Sheriff Glen Edwards confirms that one young man drowned Friday afternoon at the Grand Bayou Reservoir spillway. The incident occurred at about 2:30.
Edwards said, “His immediate family has been notified, but we’re not going to release the name until all of the family members have been notified. I am in the process of doing that now.”
Edwards said, “The youth was a 20 year old black male out of Shreveport. His body has been recovered.”
A group of young people had gone to the spillway area to swim. Sheriff Edwards said, “Some of them were from here and some were from the Shreveport-Bossier area. They had gone swimming.” Edwards added, “The youth were jumping off the spillway and swimming out to a wooden tower. That is a dangerous area and it is restricted. It is even roped off to keep boats out of the area.”
The sheriff said the gates were closed but the high wat was running over the top. It was an area where swimming is prohibited.
Edwards said he wants to thank Natchitoches Sheriff’s Department, Natchitoches Fire District 9 and Bienville Fire Districts 4 & 5 for sending their dive teams to help with the location and recovery of the victim.
I don’t know what it is about hearing the familiar words, “Back row Baptist”, that makes me smile so much, but it does. It just tickles me right down to my non-denominational soul. It’s just fun repeating it.… Almost like it could be derogatory or it could have been derived from a specific incident. I call people, “Back Row Baptist”, all the time…especially sinceI I sit behind them in the little cubby hole at my church.
So, I am actually a back, back row Baptist.
I never really knew where it came from so I Googled it and the Urban Dictionary came up with the first definition. I was a little nervous to actually look there, mainly because Urban Dictionary is known for being a little too honest and not very censored for my holy eyes. Much to my surprise, it was very family friendly.
“A Back row Baptist is a free will Baptist who sits on the back to row to sleep and hope not to get called out.”
As I sit here and think about the term so often used I cannot help but think this couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the back row that I knew in Winnfield, Louisiana circa 1994 to 2000.
This back row was filled with the most spirited and elegant group of ladies one could ever imagine. They were famous for their oh’ so Southern names given at birth and even sassier nicknames. The greatest of writers could not have penned better names for a novel.
Annie Lee…. Inez…. Tootsie….. Snooks…..and Minnie….just to name a few.
They were always dressed in their Sunday best and could not whisper very well during church. It wasn’t unheard of for you to hear what they were having for lunch or if they thought the preacher was too long-winded. It was actually one of my favorite things that would happen during services.
Once my oldest daughter was born it was made mandatory that I make a pass by their pew before I brought her to the nursery. As soon as they would see her, they would size her up and pass her around.
“She’s getting so big and filling out nicely.”
“She has the cutest dress, did you get it here in town?”
“She looks more and more like her daddy.”
“Where did this scratch come from? You really should clip her nails more often.”
“If you rub just a dab of baby oil in her hair it will stay in place all day.”
I always told my friends that I never had to keep her Pediatrician appointments, I could just take her to the back row of the church and they could diagnose any ailment and offer the cure. My daughter wasn’t the only one who got the “once over”.
They were famous for doling out dietary advice, gardening advice and relationship advice even if you didn’t let on that you had a need or a question. At the time, I am not so sure, that it was appreciated as much as it is now.
They were famous for their Southern lady ritualistic ways…. Hair salon, dress shop, grocery store, doctor’s appointments, fried fish dates once a week and church on Sundays.
Most of the ladies rode together wherever they went. It was unmistakably them because they were always in a Buick. You could see four or five, perfectly coifed hair, figures in the car. When they drove to church the parishioners knew when they parked that it may be a little crooked and when they backed out the parking, they knew to be on the lookout. The whole church looked out for them and they looked out for the church.
They were so special for a multitude of reasons that really created their legacy.
There was so much love and wisdom to be found on that back row full of Baptists. They would love and carryon with anyone who would stop and sit for a spell. They showed love to their church family and cooked for as many of them as they could until time took its toll. They remembered everyone’s birthdays until they could no longer remember. They were faithfully in church every single Sunday until they were no longer able to leave the house.
I loved jokingly telling that back row of Baptist ladies that their pew is where the troublemakers sat. They never disagreed with me and always giggled a little with a knowing smile.
Our church pews are filled with elderly members who have so much to offer the youth of today. They are leaving us one by one as time quickly passes. Once the shelter in place is lifted and our senior citizens come back to church I encourage you to look at them with a deeper appreciation. For, we will all be in their shoes one day…. We will be the ones not whispering very well from that back row.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The number of people in the parish confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus has grown to 25. The results were updated Thursday at noon by the Louisiana Department of Health. Red River has suffered 5 deaths. Virus tests made to date are 194.
To date, there have been no cases of infection reported at the local nursing home.
On Thursday, the state health department website had this information on the Governor’s mandate regarding the wearing of face masks:
Masks or face coverings should be worn in indoor public spaces and anytime in public when you are near others who are not in your immediate household. Wearing a mask is about protecting others. When you wear a mask, you protect others, and when others wear a mask they protect you. It’s just like holding a door open for someone: It’s being kind and courteous. So continue to practice social distancing and MASK UP.
N95 masks are for healthcare workers only. While in public, you should use a mask, scarf or other face covering.
When to wear a mask/face covering
While in public, you should use a mask, scarf or other face covering. This includes indoor spaces and outdoor spaces when you are near others who are not in your immediate household.
Those with breathing challenges or those under the age of two should not wear a mask.
Why wear a mask/face covering
To protect others: When you wear a mask you protect others by preventing the spread of your own germs.
Unknown COVID-19 status: You may have COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus without showing symptoms.
Protect the community: More people wearing masks results in better protection for everyone.
How to wear a mask/face covering
Masks/face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Masks/face coverings should be secured with ties or ear loops
Masks/face coverings should include multiple layers of fabric
Masks/face coverings should allow for breathing without restriction
Masks/face coverings made of cloth should be washed and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Wash your hands before putting on or taking off a mask/face covering
Cover both your nose and mouth with your mask/face covering
Try to avoid a lot of touching/adjusting your mask/face covering
Completely remove your mask/face covering while eating
Cloth masks or face coverings should be washed and dried after each use. When your cloth mask is not in use, fold it with the side that goes toward your mouth folded to the inside. Store the mask/face covering in a resealable bag or other clean storage container.
Disposable masks are acceptable but should be thrown away after one use.
How to make a mask or face covering
Homemade face coverings are acceptable.
You can make a mask/face covering out of a scarf or t-shirt.
Gloves are not recommended
Gloves are not recommended (If you had to wear gloves before because of your job then you should continue doing so.)
Gloves can cause more harm than good and can give you a false sense of security
Gloves are an additional layer the virus can stick to, and you run the risk of cross contamination
A lawsuit was filed against Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on behalf of a patient that tested positive for COVID-19. The Red River Parish Journal contacted Gabe Reynolds, Administrator of Green Meadow Haven in Coushatta.
Reynolds said, “There have been no cases here.” He added, “We are still taking all precautions to keep our residents safe.” Those precautions put in place several weeks ago include a halt to resident visits, among other steps taken.
Readers of The Journal are encouraged to check on their relatives who reside in nursing facilities to assure their continued well-being. In addition to NNRC, the corporate owners are reported to own nursing homes in Ringgold, Winnfield, Bernice, Jena, Farmerville, and Ruston.
Here is the report on the lawsuit filed against the nursing home in Natchitoches:
A petition for damages (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW) was filed April 29 for Clara Rachal versus Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and two of its employees (Stacey Masters and Miranda Green, who were responsible for all day to day operational aspects of the facility including but not limited to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patient/residents including Clara Rachal).
The document states that NNRC holds itself out as a long term care facility “committed to providing loving excellence in senior care”…where “you can be assures that your loved ones will be in good hands”…and where your loved ones will “receive individual and specialized care to meet their healthcare needs from our compassionate and clinically trained professionals.”
Rachal claims NNRC, Masters and Green deviated from and/or breached its promise to provide her with professional care and breached and/or ignored the guidelines and recommendations of the WHO, CDC, Louisiana Department of Health, and common guidelines for taking care of elderly patients in a nursing home setting during Covid-19.
Rachal was exposed to the coronavirus and is currently fighting for her life in the Intensive Care Unit at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
The Natchitoches Nursing & Rehab Center in Natchitoches has notified several family members of confirmation that an individual at the facility in Natchitoches, 750 Keyser Avenue has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Should any one need information regarding the notification sent, you should call the Executive Director, Kacey Masters, RN,BSN at 318-201-9467 or by email 84KMasters@tarahc.com. (See Letters of Notice Below)
The Natchitoches Parish Journal reached out to Dr. Lau, Listed Medical Director for the center and Kacey Masters, RN, BSN, Executive Director. We asked for the total number of TESTED residents and of those tested, how many confirmed positive for COVID-19. We gave an example – Do you have 56 Tested; 34 Confirmed Positive?
Dr. Lau did not return our calls. Ms. Masters did return our call and here is her statement to the Natchitoches Parish Journal:
“NNRC followed all CDC Guidelines and recommendations. That includes all recommendations relating to notification relating to the positive COVID test.
“If and when a resident does test positive that particular resident’s responsible party and family will be notified immediately. Also, given the protections afforded our residents personal health information, right now we are not at liberty to provide any further information.”
NPJ asked Masters, “How many were tested?” Masters replied again with, “Protections afforded our residents personal health information at this time. The Journal stated, “I am not asking for their names. I am asking for a total number.” Masters reply was, “I not at liberty to report any further information at this time.
On April 19, 2020, the Trump Administration announced New Nursing Homes COVID-19 Transparency Efforts for Nursing facilities.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services “CMS” is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s health care facilities are prepared to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE). • Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements: To ensure appropriate tracking, response, and mitigation of COVID-19 in nursing homes, CMS is reinforcing an existing requirement that nursing homes must report communicable diseases, healthcare-associated infections, and potential outbreaks to State and Local health departments. In rulemaking that will follow, CMS is requiring facilities to report this data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a standardized format and frequency defined by CMS and CDC. Failure to report cases of residents or staff who have confirmed COVID -19 and Persons under Investigation (PUI) could result in an enforcement action. This memorandum summarizes new requirements which will be put in place very soon. • Transparency: CMS will also be previewing a new requirement for facilities to notify residents’ and their representatives to keep them up to date on the conditions inside the facility, such as when new cases of COVID-19 occur. (See Below)
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 RedRiver Parish Journal at npj@npjmedia.com.
Gov. John Bel Edwards on Thursday formally extended Louisiana’s Stay at Home order until May 15 as the state continues to slow the spread of COVID-19 to meet the White House threshold criteria for opening more of our economy. In recent days and weeks, Louisiana has seen a drop in new case counts and hospitalizations in some, but not all, regions of the state, though the death rate continues to be high. A link to the Governor’s order is provided below.
More than 1,800 people in Louisiana have died from COVID-19. And while more than 17,000 people are estimated by the Louisiana Department of Health as being recovered,10,000 people in Louisiana are still sick, giving Louisiana a high disease burden. And this does not account for the thousands of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases in our state among those not tested. As of Thursday morning, Louisiana was sixth per capita for cases in the United States.
“My decision to extend the Stay at Home order was based on sound science and data and the recommendations of multiple public health experts and doctors as the best shot Louisiana has to protect the health of all people,” Gov. Edwards said. “We simply don’t meet the qualifications to move to Phase 1 yet, but all Louisianans should be hopeful that we will soon. Brighter days are ahead for Louisiana, and I am proud not only of our health care heroes and frontline essential workers, but also of our people who have shown extreme strength during this tough time and have largely abided by the Stay at Home order. We will get through this together and resume the celebrations we have had to put on hold when we are able to come together again safely.”
“Let me be clear – many businesses in Louisiana are allowed to open and operate as long as their employees wear face masks or coverings, limit the number of people on premises as outlined in the order and enforce social distancing. Businesses owners will need to review the order to be sure that they understand if their business may be open and how it may operate, if it is. In the coming days we will be providing additional information and tools to help business owners understand the guidance for Phase 1 so that they can protect the health and safety of their customers and their employees.”
The order is almost identical to the Governor’s previous orders. Businesses that previously were directed to be closed will remain closed, including salons, barber shops, bars and casinos. Businesses that are deemed essential under the third phase of federal CISA guidance will still be open. Non-essential retail and other businesses in Louisiana continue to be able to open with no more than 10 people total inside, including employees and customers.
Three noteworthy changes in the new Stay at Home order include:
Malls will remain closed to the public, but stores may open for curbside delivery.
Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat meals only, without tableside service.
All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask or face covering.
Additionally, both the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly urge everyone to wear masks or face coverings when in public.
Hopefully, Louisiana will meet the White House criteria and move to Phase 1 on May 15, provided symptoms, new case counts, and hospitalizations decrease, and the state continues to surge testing and contact tracing capacity. Phase 1 lifts the Stay at Home order and eases restrictions on some public spaces like houses of worship and restaurants and opens other businesses that have been closed such as barber shops and salons, but with restrictions on occupancy and strict requirements for personal distancing and masks to keep everyone safe. Phase 1 occupancy for these businesses will be limited to 25 percent, including employees and customers.
As Louisiana prepares to move forward to the next phase, the state will begin issuing guidance and additional resources for businesses, in the coming days and weeks.
Gov. Edwards intends to make his next announcement on moving to Phase 1 in Louisiana on or by May 11. Members of the public can continue to get information from the Governor’s office on Coronavirus.la.gov and by texting LACOVID to 67283.
Due to the Governor’s order extending the “Stay at Home” order until at least May 15th, the Red River Parish Library will remain closed. A few weeks ago Librarian Trey Lewis told The Journal they hoped to be open by this week.
Lewis has had to revise that estimate. Lewis said, “We had hoped to reopen the library on or about the first of May. Due to continuing high infection rates in certain areas of Louisiana, the Governor has extended the stay at home order until at least the 15th of the month.”
“With luck this will not be extended beyond this point and we can return to normal or near normal service around the 16th,” said Lewis. He added, “Until that time please continue using our Overdrive online book service accessible through our library webpage www.redriverlibrary.org. Best wishes to everyone and stay safe.”
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