Tryouts and dance camp is being held this week for the Red River Junior High Blue Dazzlers dance team.  The team’s Dance Coach is Jessica Logan.  She and her helpers were putting the young ladies through several dance routines on Tuesday when The Journal dropped by.

Prospective members were following instructions from their Captains Javonica Jones and Kyle Antilley and Co-Captain Carciana Morris.  In addition to Logan, High School Dance Coach  Cynthia Smith was providing critiques and tips to the participants.

Good advice from Smith was, “If you mess up, the move will come back around.  Don’t stop!  Keep moving.  No one watching will know if you keep moving.  And you will get back into it.”  Smith told the ladies, “If you stop and look lost everyone will see, so don’t stop!”

Coach Logan said they are working all week on dance routines.  On Thursday the coaches will select the participants who will be on the Blue Dazzlers.  Those results will be announced next Monday.

 

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Recently the Louisiana Secretary of State sent every voter over 65-years old in the state an application for a mail-in ballot.  Kyle Ardoin said current law allows senior citizens to maintain their right to vote yet limit their potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.  In the letter Ardoin said, “I write this letter to personally update you on the state of elections and provide information on Louisiana’s 65 and older vote by mail program.”

The letter included an application for the voter to participate in the program for the upcoming elections.  “I want to assure you that your enrollment and participation in the absentee-by-mail ballot program is protected by state election law.  By law, my office and your parish registrar of voters will never disclose that you are enrolled in the program.”

Ardoin urged voters to call his office at 225-922-0900 if they have problems from candidates.  He said, “If at any time you feel that you are being harassed, coerced or intimidated by a candidate, their campaign workers or a third party to cast your absentee ballot a certain way, please all my office.”

The form offers several options for receiving a ballot.  It was not clear if asking for and getting a mail in ballot would limit future voting options.  The Journal asked, “If a person has asked for a mail ballot does that prevent them from voting in person or voting early?”

Red River Registrar of Voters Debra Jones told The Journal “As long as they haven’t voted their mail ballot, they can still vote in person.  And if they vote in person and we receive their mail ballot later, it is not counted.”

Currently early voting is being conducted at the Registrar’s office for the July 11^th election.  Early voting runs through July 4^th except for Sundays.

The Red River Parish ballot has the presidential preference primary with 5 candidates running for President on the Republican ballot..  There are 13 Candidates on the Democratic ballot.  There are also some Democrat Central Committee candidates on the ballot in a small portion of the parish.  In reality, the Presidential candidates have all dropped out of the race except Joe Biden for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans.

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By Royal Alexander

While this is a difficult and chaotic time in our nation’s history, we should not lose hope because a storm is coming, and it will be brought about by millions of humble, faithful Americans.

We are not allowed to feel sickened and repulsed at the death of George Floyd—if we don’t also declare that America is hopelessly racist and broken with no redeeming value. While we are expected to, and do, acknowledge America’s racial flaws and racial history—we’re not allowed to also acknowledge that America has made enormous gains in racial equality over the last decades.  While we are strongly opposed to excessive use of force by police—we are not allowed to also point out that the large majority of law enforcement officers are good, hard-working people who simply want to live through the end of their shift; The same officers without whom we would truly live in lawlessness—with minority and less affluent neighborhoods suffering most from this lawlessness.  We are not allowed to say on the one hand that we fully grasp that police use of force needs to be addressed—but that we find it deeply offensive and disrespectful that the manner of expressing that belief occurs during our National Anthem:  an act that dishonors the sacred flag under which over one million brave American men and women of all races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds have fought and died for our country.  

We are shouted down as racist simply for pointing out that the appropriate, legal manner by which to make lasting social change in this country is by voting, organizing, marching, striking and boycotting, and not by a brick through the car window or a torch through the front door of a small business.  We aren’t allowed to point out that while most of the protestors are, as am I, sincerely aggrieved by the death of George Floyd—many are not and simply hate America and are using his death as a pretext to justify the violence, harm and damage they seek to do regardless.  We are expected to swallow that we are “white supremacists” in a nation of “systemic racism” but we are never allowed to point out our great personal and national virtues—and the fact that America twice gave overwhelming electoral college victories to President Obama.

According to unelected federal judges, we are no longer allowed to believe that God created only two human genders, male and female.  However, we don’t believe that transgenderism and “gender fluidity” should be deemed a special legal status.  We are not allowed to suggest there is something transparently inconsistent about shutting down churches and small businesses during the virus—while liquor stores, abortion clinics and big box stores continue commerce uninterrupted.  We are expected to believe that the virus doesn’t spread as easily during massive protests, rioting and looting—all of which violate CDC’s 6 feet social-distancing requirements—but most certainly will at a Trump rally.  We are expected to overlook that while liberal elites (including athletes and celebrities) despise gun ownership and secure borders, they themselves live under armed protection and in exclusive, gated communities.  Or, that we are expected to follow our laws while across the country law enforcement is broadly condemned, pulled back and defunded while criminals run free.  That while Pres. Trump was harshly criticized for standing in front of the historic Church of the Presidents in Lafayette Square holding a Bible, no real attention was given to the fact that “peaceful” protestors had set it on fire the night before, destroying a nursery that had recently been renovated in its basement.  That the phony Russia “collusion” story and impeachment achieved nothing but wasting huge amounts of time and money; That our own federal government—DOJ and the FBI—grossly abused its own regulations and core due process guarantees in an attempt to overturn the election of a duly-elected president. (Not to mention the injustice inflicted on Gen. Michael Flynn); or, criticizing the President for designating a violent, far-left domestic terror organization a “domestic terror organization.”

There is a storm coming but it’s not the one the often-dishonest national media and radical Left envision.  It’s the silent majority of millions of Americans who quietly but proudly hold on to their love of country, constitutional freedoms and faith in God— for which we are mocked when we kneel in prayer—while kneeling during the National Anthem is celebrated.  As Americans, the large majority of us are kind, generous and peace-loving.  However, we are not going to be silenced; neither are our values and freedoms going to be sacrificed on the altar of Political Correctness.  Through the strength of our prayers and our vote we will be heard from soon.

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The parish 4-H office reminds students that Red River 4-H Summer workshops are back!  Don’t forget to call or message to sign up!

These workshops are open to all 4-H members in grades 3 through 7 and 9 through 12.  They will be held at the 4-H Office in the parish Administration Building on the Red Oak Road.

Here is the list of workshops offered:

July 14^th – Best Fair Exhibits – Arts and Crafts, Photography, and Canning

July 21^st – Kitchen Science – Learn basic science using ingredients from the kitchen.  Create grape juice rainbows, glowing, jello, and more.

July 28^th – STEM – Mythbusters, Strategy Games, and Puzzles.

For info and to sign up for these workshops, call the 4-H office at 932-4342.

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Northwestern State. University’s fourth session of Freshman Connection will be held online, according to Vanner Erikson, director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development.  “After Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order to remain in Phase 2 for the next 28 days, we have made the decision to move Session 4 of Freshman Connection to a virtual format,” Erikson said.  “There is no need to come to the NSU campus. We will soon begin the process of advising, registering and completing all Freshman Connection business virtually.”

Freshman Orientation will be Thursday, July 9.  Incoming students will be placed in small groups with orientation leaders and can connect with future classmates.  In addition to registering for the fall semester, participants will be introduced to NSU student services and involvement opportunities and will be paired with a Demon Success Coach that will connect them with an academic advisor who can help with academics and schedule. 

Freshmen will receive more detailed emails in the next few days from your newly assigned Success Coach, so incoming students should monitor their emails for incoming information, Erikson added.

NSU held three previous sessions of Freshman Connection online with great success. “We received lots of positive feedback from our first three sessions of Freshman Connection,” Erikson said. “Although it is a bit different, the sessions included a lot of good discussion and exchange of information

 To register and for more information, visit https://mailchi.mp/nsula/nsu-freshman-connection-session-4-is-now-happening-virtually where there is also a link to Parent Connection registration and links to more services offered through the Office of First Year Experience and Leadership Development at http://www.firstyearexperience.nsula.edu.

 

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Northwestern State University students who qualified for CARES Act relief will receive an additional award as the university disburses the remainder of funds it received.  “We would like to divide this amount across the 4,426 that have qualified to receive funds, providing them with an additional check in the amount of $147.50,” said Dawn Eubanks, assistant controller and bursar.

 

From Thomas C. Galligan, Jr. LSU Interim President and Professor of Law to the LSU family:

After exploring many possibilities for how to safely try to hold our August commencement ceremony, we have made the difficult decision to conduct a virtual ceremony on August 7. We know this news will disappoint many of our graduates and their families, but the safety of our LSU community is our utmost priority. We still pledge to hold in-person commencement ceremonies at a later date for all those who did not get to have one – either in May or in August – and we will communicate those plans to you as soon as possible.

A message to our children from The Journal.  Study Engilsh, grammer, speling, and how to rite and express uself with proper puntchuation. That way when you become the editor of a journal or news item, the people you send them to will not have to correct all of your mistakes.  Here at the Red River Parish Journal we have a typo filter that we got from an area newspaper when they wore it out. Still woks purty good most of the tim.

 

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, June 21, 2020.

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You could see the black smoke from all over town on the morning of Tuesday, June 16th.  Something was ablaze and it looked like a big one.  As The Journal got closer it looked to be in a residential area near the high school.  It was on Brown Street which was blocked by firefighting apparatuses.

A white frame house was fully engulfed.  Flames were jumping high into the air.  Firefighters were spraying the burning structure, adjacent buildings and a vehicle parked next to a neighboring house.

Chief Shane Felts was there, manning one hose.  Mayor Johnny Cox was there observing.  Coushatta Police units secured the scene.

The fire was real.  However it was a training exercise.

A little background.  Several months ago the Town Council decided to do something about the numerous vacant, run down and blighted structures in Coushatta.  The town’s attorney sent letters notifying owners of blighted property to clean up, repair or demolish those properties.

The little white frame house on Brown Street was one of those properties.  Mayor Cox told The Journal this was building was scheduled to be demolished.  Cox did not name the property owner other than he was not currently a resident of Coushatta.  Cox did say that the property owner agreed to let the Fire Department use the house as a training exercise.

The property was set ablaze after firefighters were in place to protect nearby structures and vehicles.  Firefighters had an opportunity to deal with an actual fire, to train with their equipment, and to upgrade their skills in controlling an actual blaze.

Similar controlled burns have occurred in the past few years.  Most memorable among them were the fire training exercise at the abandoned house on Alonzo Street across from the Library and the controlled burn that demolished the house on Carroll Street adjacent to the football field house.

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A Bossier City branch of the Bank of Coushatta is in the works.  The bank has purchased a site to develop.  Branch opening will be announced soon.

The real estate agent handling the sale of a former bank building in north Bossier City has posted that the facility has been acquired by the Bank of Coushatta.  Here is the post from Andrew Cordaro of Coldwell Banker Goslee:

“Congrats to Bank of Coushatta on the purchase of the former Ouachita Independent Bank (OIB) located at the corner of Benton & Brownlee in north Bossier.  The bank branch consists of 3,000 SF and sits on 3.6 acres.  Bank of Coushatta recently opened their first Shreveport location on Ellerbe Road.”

Bank President Jerry Glover confirmed the purchase to The Journal.  Glover said the facility had been vacated since the former bank was purchased by another bank.  That location had been sold to an investor and the Bank of Coushatta has purchased that site.

Glover said they received approval from regulators earlier to establish a new branch of the Bank of Coushatta in Bossier City.  He said the opening date of the Bossier City branch will be announced at a later date.

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Today is June 19, 2020.  The date is also known as Juneteenth in the African American community.  The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in September 1862. But it is celebrated in June.

The Journal did not find any formal observance planned for today.  But one is in the works for next June.  Coushatta Councilman Peter Drake wants to do it next year.  Drake said, “If I am still around next year we will have a celebration in the park.”  Drake’s position on the council has been to oversee the rebuilding of the town park over the past years.

“I want to get as any church folks involved as possible,” said Drake, “It is not just a celebration for Blacks but a celebration for all.”  He said a lot of folks remember when all of the African Americans took off from work.  Drake said, “It was like the Fourth of July.  Nobody worked on that day.  There were mostly farms and plantations and nobody went to work.  We had celebrations, parties, food and festivals on that day.”

Drake graduated from Springville High School in 1954 and joined the Army.  They sent him to Korea “for 17 months and 21 days,” Drake said, “I got six weeks of basic training then they sent me to Korea.”  He remembers the Juneteenth celebrations growing up in Coushatta.  Unfortunately he does not have any photos of the local celebrations.

But why on June 19^th?

From Wikipedia:  Juneteenth is an unofficial American holiday and an official Texas state holiday, celebrated annually on the 19th of June in the United States to commemorate Union army general Gordon Granger’s reading of federal orders in the city of Galveston, Texas, on 19 June 1865, proclaiming all slaves in Texas were now free.   Although the Emancipation Proclamation had formally freed them almost two and a half years earlier, and the American Civil War had largely ended with the defeat of the Confederate States in April, Texas was the most remote of the slave states, with a low presence of Union troops, so enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent.

The painting by Francis Bicknell Carpenter of the First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation is at the beginning of this article.  The first page of the Proclamation is at the bottom.

From Wikipedia:  The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by United States President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, and effective as of January 1, 1863. It changed the legal status under federal law of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans in the Confederate states from slave to free. As soon as a slave escaped the control of the Confederate government, either by running away across Union lines or through the advance of federal troops, the slave was permanently free. Ultimately, the Union victory brought the proclamation into effect in all of the former Confederacy. The remaining slaves, those in the areas not in revolt, were freed by state action, or by the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865.

 

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The Red River Academic Academy, a new Red River Parish School located in the former Springville Middle School, is proud to celebrate its first successful year of operation.  Amid the Pandemic of COVID 19, RRAA has much to celebrate. In just a year of operation, it’s seen some wonderful achievements:

• Genuine focus on individual learning and growth
• Genuine focus on students having ownership of the school through pupil choice and student-staff relationships
• Received positive feedback from the Louisiana State Department of Education
• Student progress across all areas of the curriculum

Some of the parents shared their thoughts:

“I absolutely love that school and everything they did to help my daughter. Without RRAA she would still be struggling.” Tamisin

 “I loved RRAA. I think it gave the kids a better opportunity to get more one on one help because of the smaller class size. Not only did it help them with their weak points, it also helped to push them to try harder.” Amanda

 “Absolutely loved RRAA! The staff took time to help every student. They are a TEAM! Amber 

Red River Academic Academy opened in August 2019 with one class of 20 qualifying 6^th graders. The goal of closing learning gaps and increasing student confidence, was so successful that for the 20-21 school year, RRAA has added a 4^th grade and 5^th grade class to its campus. Along with teachers, Sherry Pickett and Latonzia Beavers.    

RRAA uses The Whole Child Approach teaching strategy, not just to improve students’ academic performance, but also contribute to their overall development.  The small school setting allows teachers, and staff to look beyond the classroom to support personal development and is focused on the individual student.  

Teacher Intha Fields’, along with Counselor Persunda Raymond, Principal Jacqueline Daniels, and Para Tina Thomas, was certain to pay attention to each child’s own thoughts, needs, and rights as individuals. This approach to the whole student, encouraged students to be eager to learn and participate.

RRAA follows state guidelines in selecting students for their school. Sixth grade student Tiarah says, “I went to RRAA. I’m glad they picked me, because of them I passed.” Teacher Intha Fields added, “We are so excited for the upcoming 20-21 school year.  It will be another awesome year.”

 

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By Reba Phelps

When I was in the seventh grade my papa became a preacher. Being so young I really did not comprehend what all this would entail. Outside of the Madonna song from the 80’s, I had never  had any type of experience with a preacher. I was delighted to know that this meant I was being permanently installed into the prestigious club called, “The PK Club”.

Being a preacher’s kid in a small town means that you are under surveillance at all times and everyone in the community will judge the preacher based on his fruit. If the fruit spoils then he must not be practicing at home what he preaches behind the pulpit. 

I spent the rest of my childhood trying to conceal from my papa that I may have been rotten fruit. If there was childhood folly going on then you can guarantee I was not too far away, or I partook in the event. I went to get lengths to hide the occasional smell of wine coolers on my breath. I was also a professional at blaming others for the faint scent of cigarette smoke. 

A couple decades later the tides would turn. I found myself needing my father’s advice more often than I ever had in my whole life and for much more serious issues than childhood follies. 

I knew the only way to get accurate advice that would actually help was to let him know that I was not perfect. My mistakes would have to be known.

Much to my surprise, he was not shocked when I informed him that I was, in fact, not perfect.  

The very first time I poured my heart out to him it took me half of an hour to explain the entire situation. He just stared at me for what seemed like an eternity and then said, “The lone banana gets skint”. 

What?

“You know when you go to peel a banana you always grab the one not attached?”

I then stared at him for an equal amount of time trying to process what he said. Maybe he means we work better as a team? Maybe he wasn’t listening to me at all? Regardless, It made me laugh hard enough that I forgot why we were talking. 

The next serious problem I brought to him would surely end with some deep spiritual advice that only preacher’s kids are privy to. After I explained my imperfection I waited for the preacher to preach. That never happened.

My dad merely said, “Do you realize that when people made mistakes in the Bible that their mistakes were written about in a book that is still around over two thousand years later. Their stories are used to try to teach others not to make the same mistakes. Just be glad you aren’t in that book”

Another request for advice was answered with one of his famous sayings, “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot just to see if it hurts.” 

Still, to this day, I have not discerned whether my dad’s advice is clearly too deep for me to understand or if it was so simple that I was the one making my problems worse. Maybe the advice was merely musings to distract me from my current problems? 

Maybe since my dad has been a minister for over thirty-three years he was simply fatigued from doling out advice day in day out. 

Whatever the reason is for his puzzling advice I thank God every day that I have my papa around to preach the good news to me and my daughters. We are very blessed to have a patriarch with such great connections to the man upstairs.

Happy father’s day, Brother George. 

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble”.

Proverbs 4:11-12

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A funeral service celebrating the life of W. H. “Boss” Holland, 83, will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 19, 2020 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Ronnie Moore officiating and assisted by Brother Buster Bailey. Interment will follow in Thomas-Wren Cemetery in the Martin community. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, June 18, 2020 at the funeral home.

Boss was born on September 24, 1936 in Red River Parish, LA to Orange and Roberta Pickett Holland and passed away June 15, 2020 in Campti, LA.

Boss was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Mattie Holland; sons, Wiley Holland, Jr. and friend, Donna and James Holland and wife, Cindy; daughter, Gail Adams and husband, Steve; grandchildren, Kim Thorton (Chad), Stephanie Baker (Kerry), Chasity Tousek (Theron), Tanya Sullivan (Chris), Natasha Smith, Tiffany Adams, Michael Adams (Chrissy), Chris Adams (McKenzie), Dillan Adams and Tyler Adams (Sarah); sister, Mary Francis Stevenson; 20 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and friends.

Honoring Boss as pallbearers will be Tyler Holland, Michael Adams, Cody Sullivan, D. J. Jones, Mason Jones and Theron Tousek. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Men of Coulee Bethel Church, Brandon Sullivan, Chris Adams, David Freeman, Doyle Sauce, Lenn Wood and Ben Wood.

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This year is a great crop said Jason Anderson of Anderson’s Produce.  His Red River Parish stand is now overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables.  And Anderson is also taking fresh produce to the Farmer’s Market in Shreveport.

The pictures say much more than the commentary.  All varieties of fresh veggies are coming in and the supply is abundant.  In the coming days other crops will ripen and they will be available in a few days also.  Coming soon are purple hull, zipper cream and lady cream peas plus watermelons.

Anderson said, “HAPPY TUESDAY FROM THE FARM!!!!.   It’s really coming off in droves!!!!   Tomatoes have never been more tasty!!! Okra is loving this heat and coming on quick!!!   Sweet corn is sweet as ever and the peppers are coloring up!!!!   Come out and see us and enjoy the beautiful scenery!!!!!”

Anderson Produce is located on LA 174 at Catfish Bend Road in south Red River parish.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Phone 932-1432 for info.

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By Laurie Copes

On the 26th of May James (Peanut) and I (Laurie) Copes headed to Mineral Wells, Tx to cook for a survival retreat and to speak about outside cooking and food preservation. We have a ChuckWagon Ministry called ChuckWagon Will Travel (Cooking for Jesus).  Red River Cowboy Church is one of our biggest supporters and prayer warriors.  

The ChuckWagon we have was actually given to us by Bro. Clyde Miley and the church.  The ChuckWagon is carried from mission trip to mission trip in a heavy, steel, living quarters horse trailer which is also our home.  It is pulled by a Volvo semi.  

Well we headed home on May 31st. In Weatherford, Tx the truck blew a fuel injector. Peanut felt we could make it home so off we go.  Right outside of Ft. Worth the truck completely shut down.  We had to get a tow truck to come tow us back to Mineral Wells so we could see what was wrong with the truck. On June 3 we had a mechanic come out to check he confirmed it was the fuel injector. He had to order the fuel injector and the oil and filters for the truck. So that Saturday he came out took the old fuel injector off for the court charge the new one would be in Monday. Long story short the new one came in finally the following week on a Tuesday. The mechanic came out to fix the truck and that’s when we found out that the whole engine head blown.

So now the question was how would we get home. Everything we do in our lives and based on this ministry goes through God. The truck and the trailer both belong to God, so we fully and completely rely on him to do everything with it. We begin to pray, had our prayer warriors praying, and looking for ideas on how we could get them both home. We had many friends come up with many different ideas however none of them would’ve worked.

Then God sends us a knight in shining chrome, Michael Haire! Mike works for Nolen’s towing and repair,  a towing company who tows all sorts of vehicles. So he talks to his boss, they work out a deal, and Mike after four weeks work heads out to Mineral  Wells, Texas to pick us up and tow us home.  So almost 2 1/2 weeks later on 13 June Mike and Peanut got everything hooked up and ready to haul back. We left Mineral Wells at 8 o’clock that morning And pulled into our drive in Pioneer Louisiana at 3:15.

Thank you to Nolen’s Towing, Mike Haire, the amazing people at Red River Cowboy Church, Red Hill Cowboy Church and so many more individuals.  We love y’all!

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Response to the 2020 Census has been better from Coushatta than other towns in Red River Parish.  However Red River is near the bottom of the list of parish participation in the state.  And Louisiana is far down the list of states responding to the 2020 Census.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has called on all Louisianans to participate in the 2020 Census, if they have not done so already. Currently, Louisiana has a 55.7 percent self-response rate compared to the national self-response rate of 61.4 percent. Approximately 1.3 million Louisiana households have already responded to the 2020 Census, but Louisiana ranks 44^th in the nation and last in the Deep South.

Edwards thinks this is not good enough.  “I cannot stress enough the importance of filling out the Census form,” said Gov. Edwards. “Funding for many resources that our communities and state rely on are at stake, and we need every single person in Louisiana from the young to the young at heart to be included. No one is too young or too old. This opportunity only happens once every 10 years.  For the next 10 years, the federal government will rely on the information collected in 2020 to help guide distribution of approximately $1.5 trillion in annual spending across 316 federal programs. These programs include, Medicaid, direct student loans, highway construction grants, low income tax credits and loans, and even adoption assistance programs. In addition, the numbers help determine boundaries for state legislative and congressional districts. That’s why participation is imperative.”

Edwards listed some of the local programs that rely on the Census numbers for funding. They include Title I Grants to Local Education Agencies, Community Development Block Grants Entitlement Program, and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Programs for Dislocated Workers, Adults, and Youths.

The 2020 Census is available online at My2020Census.Gov.  You can also call 1-844-330-2020 to get more information or request a form by mail. It will be easy, safe, and confidential. 

Due to COVID-19, the self-response dates have been extended. The 2020 Census non-response follow-up will begin August and end October 31^st.

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Following a lengthy downtime in the world of sports, Northwestern State volleyball offers a return to normalcy with the Demon DigFest slated for July 18.

The annual event, now in its eighth year, is a 10-team, 4-on-4 sand competition. Teams can have up to six people on the roster and one female player must be on the court at all times. This year’s tournament takes place at Point Place Marina on the Cane River beginning at 8 a.m.

“We are excited to be able to host Digfest this summer and are so appreciative of Ms. Debbie and Point Place Marina for allowing us to come,” assistant coach Stacey Aldredge said. “We had to cancel our crawfish fundraiser in April due to COVID-19 but are thankful that we are able to still have this one. 

“DigFest has always been important to helping our program with equipment, travel and other needs but this year’s DigFest will be the most important one yet. We plan to use this money to help cover costs that we have lost due to COVID-19 and rise above these challenging times. We are looking forward to a fun filled day.”

The entry fee is $125 per team and proceeds from the event aid the NSU volleyball summer scholarship fund, team travel, locker room renovation and other program projects.

Tournament registration is available at www.nsudemons.com/outdoordigfest.

Food will be available for purchase during the day with Cane River Brewery on site as well.

If you are unable to attend, you can support the team by providing a $200 sponsorship for the NSU player or players of your chosing for the upcoming 2020 season.

For more information on DigFest, contact assistant coach Aldredge at (832) 797-6855 or via email at difrancescoa@nsula.edu. 

 

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Spring is normally the time for antique auto enthusiasts to polish up and show off their rides.  That season was wiped out this year, including Coushatta’s annual car show in May.

The state is reopening, and a few car shows are popping up.  In this area, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Natchitoches has announced they will hold Cruisin’ With The King on Saturday July 25^th.

See the flyer below for details.

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The Red River Council on Aging is accepting fans for distribution to seniors who need a cool breeze in their home. Afternoon temperatures are already getting into the 90s and we may be in for a hot summer.  Donate a fan to the Council on Aging and help one of your neighbors keep cool.

The Journal checked with the Louisiana Department of Health.  They have posted a notice that they are “reviewing all data” and there will be no update on June 18^th.  The most recent figures showed 52 cases and 8 deaths in Red River Parish from COVID-19.

Attention high school seniors.  Red River High has posted several scholarship opportunities on its Facebook page.  There may be financial assistance for attending college after graduation.

Riverdale Academy posted that the deadline to register for the ACT test on July 18^th is today, June 19^th.

Tonight is the Community Conversation hosted by Traci Schmidley.  It is at 6:00 pm and Pastor Tommy Eason will moderate the session.  See the June 12^th edition of The Journal for details.

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Many area residents flew Old Glory in a special way on Sunday.  It was flag day, a day named after a resolution by the Continental Congress in 1777 authorizing an American Flag.

Tom & Debbie Jones marked the day.  Debbie said, “So at exactly the time 39 years ago Tom and I said “I do” we raised the flag on our new flagpole!

Susie Swayze said that Red River Storage (corner of US 71 and Esperanza Road) put up a new flag on their very large flagpole.  Susie said, “I thought it looked nice today.  We took the old one to Randy’s Hardware.”  Randy has donated space on his front porch to the VFW for a flag collection box.  The VFW properly disposes of used, torn or retired flags.

State Representative Gabe Firment of District 22 posted, “Today (Sunday) is Flag Day. Let me be clear – I will never apologize for my belief that our flag proudly represents the greatest country in the history of the world, and I will never support those who oppose her. I will never dishonor my father, grandfathers, or countless other brave men and women who fought and sacrificed to preserve our freedom and liberty. Please join me in honoring Ol’ Glory today and every day!”

Firment quoted a great American, “When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation – freedom, equality, justice, and hope.” – Ronald Reagan

These reflections on folding the flag and what each fold means was posted by Bro Bubba Mills of Clara Springs Camp:

If you’ve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the U.S. flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each of the 13 folds holds a special significance.
Flag etiquette dictates that every time an American flag is to be stored or presented during a ceremony, its handlers should fold it in half twice lengthwise; then starting with the end opposite the blue field, make a taut triangular fold. Handlers continue to fold the flag in triangles until the flag has formed a triangular “pillow” with the blue field showing on the outside. It’s a dignified way to treat the flag, and gives a powerful touch to patriotic ceremonies.
This 13-fold procedure was common long before the more modern assigned meanings. The source and date of origin of the meanings is unknown, but for those who participate or witness a formal flag folding ceremony, whether it be on Flag Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Veterans Day, or at a military funeral, the 13 meanings can create an uplifting experience.
This is what the 13 folds mean:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.

The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.

The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

If you have an American flag, fly it proudly.  If you do not there is time to get one and put it on display on July 4^th, Independence Day.

 

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Red River Parish has recorded another death from the COVID-19 virus.  Louisiana Department of Health reported Tuesday that there have been 8 parish residents who have succumbed to the virus.

So far, Red River has recorded 52 confirmed cases.  638 tests have been performed in the parish.

Mobile testing for the virus will be offered next month in Coushatta.  The parish Office of Emergency Preparedness is working with the town of Coushatta, the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana National Guard to provide the tests.

The tests will be administered at the Coushatta Community Center (the old trade school location) in the industrial park Tuesday, July 7^th through Friday, July 10^th.  The exact hours the testing will be offered and other details have not been announced.

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Red River’s Men of Courage met last week at Shawn Beard’s former auto repair shop.  Beard told the group, “We will do this every second Thursday of the month until the Lord says to quit.  I don’t think he will be telling us to stop any time soon.”

Beard encouraged the men gathered there to tell your story.  “You know what God has done for you,” he said, “Give your testimony!”

Cleve Blanchard gave his testimony concerning over 20 years of being an alcoholic and drug addict.  Blanchard said, “The devil will let you have fun to start.  He will take you places you never expected.”

Blanchard’s story is like so many people who have dealt with life’s difficulties.  He said, “Even after I asked Jesus to come into my heart, it was not always easy.  There were setbacks, but God worked on me.”

Music was by Caleb Wells, the Music Minister at Fairview Baptist Church.  He opened with “I Saw The Light” and followed with other familiar songs of praise.  Wells paved the way for the message from the guest speaker, Bro. Bill Britt from Haughton.

Britt’s message was one of salvation that starts with the men in the church.  Britt said, “We need to start a revival to take back our churches.  We have to follow no matter what the cost.”  Britt preached from Luke 14:30.  “What does it mean to worship the Lord?” he asked.

Highlights of Britt’s message included, “Jesus must come first despite travel ball and other stuff getting in the way.”  He said, “Our reputation cannot come first, we have to die to ourselves and worship Him.”  Britt asked, “If you want to close crack houses (and cure other ills of the country) then get people saved.”

Britt concluded his remarks with the question, “When was the last time we brought someone to Christ?  When was the last time you tried?”

Red River Men of Courage will meet next on the second Thursday of July or 9^th.  They will meet at the former Shawn’s Transmission & Auto Repair on Highway 507.

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By the close of the application period, nearly 470,800 Louisiana had been children approved for the P-EBT program, according to the Louisiana Department of Education.  No information was provided as to the number of applicants or number of approvals coming to children in Red River Parish.

Louisiana’s online application for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program closed on Monday afternoon with nearly 470,800 eligible children signed up to receive benefits to make up for the free and reduced-price meals children missed when school facilities closed to curb the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

These one-time benefits, which total $285 per child, intend to cover 50 school days, from the onset of statewide school facility closures in March through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Parents who applied for free meals in May, after the P-EBT program was announced, will receive $91.20 per eligible child, which covers the cost of meals for 16 school days in May.

All families who successfully submitted an application, and therefore were approved, should receive their benefits by mail by the end of the month. 

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