Saturday is election day.  District 3 is electing a member of the parish police jury.  He will fill the time remaining on Shawn Beard’s term.  Beard resigned last year after moving out of the district.  Voters will choose between John Lindsey and Shane Young.

The Northwestern State University Chamber Choir will present their spring concert on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. from Magale Recital Hall. There will be no audience for the concert. A livestream will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream. Director of Choral Activities Dr. Nicholaus B. Cummins will lead the choir. The program is called Spring Mosaic and features sacred music of different genres.   

The Northwestern State University Horn Choir will perform on Monday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Attendance is limited due to School of Creative and Performing Arts guidelines. The Horn Choir is conducted by Professor of Horn Dr. Kristine Coreil and includes student horn players, both music majors and non-majors.   

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A memorial service celebrating the life of Brian Lane Hulsey-Gaddis, 47, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home chapel with Brother Glen Howard officiating. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Belmont Cemetery near Marthaville, LA.

Brian was born on March 15, 1973 in Coushatta, LA to Glen Taylor and Debra Jean Gaddis and passed away March 11, 2021 in a forklift accident in Texas. Brian loved NASCAR. He could watch it all day, especially anything to do with Dale Earnhardt.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Glen Taylor Gaddis; brothers, Charles Glen Gaddis and James Nathaniel Gaddis. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Debra Jean Gaddis; son, Jared Charles Hulsey; stepsister, Sandra Gaddis Barnett and husband, John and sister, Melissa A. Taylor; family friend, Walter Pitts and numerous nieces and nephews.

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High School basketball fans, many names you are familiar with were selected to the All-District teams.  Red River Athletic Director Norman Picou shared the list with The Journal:

District 3-2A
1st Team All-District

Many – Ze’Quarious Rhone (SR) 16.6 ppg & 10 rebs (Co-District MVP)
Lakeview – Javonte Howard (JR) 16 ppg, 5.5 rebs, 2.3 ast, 2 stl (Co-District MVP)

Many – Jawarren Cade (JR) 15.8 ppg, 5 rebs, 4.8 ast
Red River – Antron Williams (JR) 15 ppg, 6 rebs, 2 stl
Winnfield – Desmond Ducan Jr. (JR) 12.2 ppg, 6.3 rebs, 1.2 ast

2nd Team All-District

Red River – Marcus Brewer (SR) 13 ppg, 8 rebs, 4 blk
Winnfield – Landen Womack (JR) 12.7 ppg, 2 rebs
Red River – D’evin McDonald (JR) 11 ppg, 3 stl
Winnfield – William Glover IV (SR) 9.8 ppg, 3.6 rebs, 1.2 stl, 2.1 ast Many – Jacolby Cade (SR) 7 ppg, 6 rebs

Honorable Mention

Red River – Brandon Harris (SR), Zintayvious Smith (JR)
Lakeview – Michael Shields (SR), Dillon Pilies (SOPH), Andre Sowell (FR) Winnfield – Keithan Hamilton (SOPH), Decavion Duncan (FR)

All-Defensive Team

Red River – Brandon Harris (SR) – Defensive Player of the Year Red River – Zintayvious Smith (JR)
Winnfield – Keithan Hamilton (SOPH)
Lakeview – Dillon Pilies (SOPH)

Lakeview – Andre Sowell (FR)

Coach of the Year

Lakeview – Brian Williams

 

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The calendar for the 2021-22 school year at Riverdale Academy has been approved.  Students report for half a day on August 6^th.  And the last day for students is May 19, 2022.

Riverdale follows the traditional calendar, whereas Red River public schools have adopted a Balanced Calendar that goes year-around, except for the month of July.

The school posted, “If you’re interested in a traditional school year give us a call at 318-932-5876 and schedule a visit. We would love to show you around our campus!”

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By Molly Seales

On Tuesday, March 9, the Riverdale Rebels kicked off their 2021 baseball season.  Because our Rebel basketball team is so strong and always advances so far at state, we have to begin baseball season with very little practice.  This year the boys only got 3 days of practice before their first game against Tensas Academy. The Chiefs came to East Point and defeated the Rebels 13-3, but there is a lot of potential there for our boys. The Rebels started the first inning by lead off hitter, 8^th grader Aston Hester, reaching base on balls. Senior Brennan Edie was then hit by a pitch to reach first base. One batter later, senior Matthew Seales hit a hard line drive into left field to advance the two runners, who scored later in the inning on errors. Senior Garrett Wilhite led off the 2^nd inning with a hard single down the 3^rd base line, but was left on base. In the 3rd inning, Paul Messenger reached base on balls, and Matthew Seales had another solid single to advance him to 2^nd base.  Paul scored later that inning on errors.  Unfortunately, those were the only runs the Rebels could manage. Matthew Seales was 2/3 in hitting for the day, and Garrett Wilhite went 1/2. Aston Hester, Brennan Edie, and Paul Messenger scored runs for the Rebels. Senior Brennan Edie started on the mound for the Rebels and went 1 1/3 innings.  8^th grader Aston Hester then came in on relief, striking out 4 batters in his first varsity game. Matthew Seales came in to finish, pitching to two batters in the top of the 5^th.  For the first time in quite a few years, the Rebels had enough boys come out for baseball to have a JV team.  The JV team got to play 2 innings in an unofficial game after the varsity game, but no score was kept.

On Friday, March 12, the Rebels traveled to Tensas Academy for a double header. Right now, the Rebels do not have the pitching depth they need for 3 games a week.  Several Rebels are practicing pitching during practice and hope to be ready to pitch some quality innings on the mound as the season progresses. They are also having trouble with leaving runners on base and have to find a way to get those runs across the plate. The Rebels fell to the Chiefs 10-2 the first game and 10-0 the second game. During the first game of the double header, the Rebels managed to hit the ball much better than they did on Tuesday, tallying 5 hits.  Noah Wren led off the 3^rd inning with a solid double to center field. Two batters later, with two outs, Aston Hester hit a single to drive Wren in. Paul Messenger then singled to advance Hester to 2^nd base. Matthew Seales then hit a hard single to left center to score Hester. Unfortunately, the two 2^ndinning runs were the only ones the Rebels put on the board. In hitting, Denver Williams was 1/2 and Noah Wren was 1/2 (double.) Matthew Seales was 1/2 with an RBI.  Paul Messenger was 1/3 and Aston Hester was 1/3 with an RBI. Aston Hester got the start on the mound, striking out 6 batters.  Brennan Edie came in on relief and struck out 2.

In the 2^nd game, the Rebels were unable to record any hits off the Chiefs.  Brennan Edie reached base on balls twice and Pau Messenger reached on balls once.  Matthew Seales reached base on balls once and once on catcher’s interference, but they were all unable to score. Brennan Edie got the start on the mound and struck out 3 batters. Aston Hester came in later and also struck out 3 batters.

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The National Weather Service has increased the storm risk for our parish.  Northwest Louisiana now is at a Enhanced Risk of severe weather, including the possibility of tornados, high winds and hail developing this morning.

This is the Red River forecast from the weather service office:

Thunderstorms will increase across the area on Wednesday as a cold front begins to push through the region. Widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are expected. The greatest threat for the strongest storms will be across portions of northwest and north central Louisiana and southwest Arkansas.

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A group of individuals in the area are trying to organize an animal shelter for Red River Parish.  The group spokesperson is Pam Chamberlin.  She took her case to the Red River Parish Police Jury this month.

Chamberlin told The Journal, “I believe it went well. I voiced our concerns and gave suggestions or ideas.  They were very receptive.”  Discussing the project with Chamberlin it became obvious that she and a couple of her supporters are just at the beginning.  She admits, “It is a long way to go, but it is a start.”

Chamberlin said, One of the jurors actually agreed and stated he had people in his district voice concerns also.  They are forming a committee to further discuss the possibility and decide what they are willing and able to do.”

To this point, the effort is growing out of a social media page called Lost, Found, and Abandoned Animals of Red River Parish, a public group with 599 members.  The page has been existence a number of years.  Each week there are pictures of several pets, mostly dogs, that are found abandoned in the parish.

Chamberlin spoke of a desire to find a location, construct a shelter (or remodel an existing structure), and staff it.  She also spoke of the desire to set up a non-profit to accept donations or apply for grants.  She is gathering information from other shelters in the area to put together a plan and proposed operating budget.  And Chamberlin plans to go back to the Police Jury in April with an update of her progress.

Many years ago the parish had an agreement with the Animal Shelter in DeSoto parish for them to come to the parish and help with the stray animal problem.  That agreement was abandoned after a short period of time.  Your editor recalls that the cost of operations because a prohibitive factor in that arrangement.

 

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Two seniors from Riverdale Academy’s basketball teams were named to the MAIS All-Star Team.  And Coach Ty Hester was named as a coach.  The game was held last week in Mississippi.

The school said, “We are so proud of our Rebel All-Stars!  Seniors Ronda Black and Parker Almond represented Riverdale in the MAIS All Star games held at Jackson Prep.  Coach Ty Hester had the honor of coaching the All Star girls team. We are so proud of our Rebel All-Stars!”

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Saint Mark Hospice is looking to hire a part-time Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist. All interested applicants, please call, fax, or email our office.  SAINT MARK HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE LLC 298 Army Road, Coushatta, LA 71019.  Phone 318-932-1111 or Fax 318-626-7064. Email: office@stmarkhospice.com

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By Royal Alexander

The bill is packed with pork that has nothing to do with the pandemic

This new $1.9 trillion bill shovels tax dollars to myriad special interests that have nothing to do with Covid even while approximately $1 trillion from previous Covid relief bills remain unspent.  In fact, less than 10 percent of the bill’s spending will be targeted towards public health.  The large majority of funding goes to special interest payoffs and other wasteful spending that will have little impact on reducing the spread of the virus or helping to strengthen an economy that is already getting even stronger. 

Further, this “stimulus” bill is not only an enormous expansion of government spending but will also lead to one of the largest increases in government welfare benefits since the creation of the welfare state.  The Biden plan is actually the opposite of welfare reform because it eliminates many of the work requirements that have proven successful and now essentially requires no progress or effort on the part of individuals who receive those benefits.   This is, sadly, the best way to insure people do not ever return to work.

The bill, for example, also includes some $86 billion bailout for union pension funds that has nothing to do with Covid relief.  It also contains a provision allowing non-white farmers and ranchers to write off government loans because they are supposedly “socially disadvantaged.”  There are also block grants to “sanctuary” states and cities—which do not enforce federal law regarding illegal immigrants in their states and cities including criminal aliens. 

As noted above, this enormous debt spending comes on the heels of $4 trillion of Covid relief last year.  The new bill also sends stimulus checks to people who have not lost their jobs or their incomes as well as massive amounts of spending going to state and local governments even though the economic and fiscal damage to state and local revenues wasn’t nearly as bad as had been anticipated.

While our nation is showing great health improvements, and while the economic indicators are looking more and more positive, there are still millions of Americans out of work.  That is why—in addition to being fiscally reckless and irresponsible—it makes no sense to spend trillions of new debt dollars on funding priorities that have nothing to do with Covid.  Rather, the much smarter approach would be specifically targeted and defined policies that are only temporary and that, while addressing immediate needs, won’t develop into permanent federal programs.

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This Ad is HOT!!!! CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK March 17^th through 23^rd.  STOP BY AND SEE US!!!! We Love and Appreciate all our loyal customers!!!

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Robert Ray Smith

July 7, 1940 to March 13, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/03/16/robert-ray-smith/

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A total of 66 voters cast early ballots at the Registrar of Voters office last week.  Early voting for the March 20^th election ended on Saturday.  In addition 108 people voted absentee or by mail.  That makes a total of 174 votes cast during the early voting period.

The elementary school PAW Parents posted that students may wear a green shirt with uniform bottoms Wednesday March 17th. No jeans.  It is because it is St. Patrick’s Day.

Kids Ministry at Abundant Life tonight is “Who Needs Luck When You Have Jesus.”  Join Sister Kayla at 7:00 pm in the prayer room.

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Funeral services for Robert Ray Smith, 80, of Campti, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Olan McLaren officiating.  Interment will follow in Nativity Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the funeral home.

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By Reba Phelps

A few months ago I sent a group text message to many of my close friends and asked them to share with me what woman they most look up to and why. It seemed like a simple question but every single friend took an ample amount of time to respond. They each put so much thought into the task. I was blown away by the many stories of sisters, mothers, step-mothers, aunts and grandmothers, all who overcame the many different adversities that life so cruelly hurled their way. Every one of these ladies had one common thread.

They were all tough as nails and had loved others with everything they had in their bones. Simply put…they were true Steel Magnolias.

Every single one of these ladies were further along in the path of life than the friends of mine who chose to write about them. Each woman used their unique experiences to help guide other women.

The story was going to be so eloquent and beautiful just like the Steel Magnolias mentioned in the text message sentiments. Technology had other plans though. Unbeknownst to me I had my new phone set to delete text messages over thirty days old. Once you combined the technology mishap with a small dose of procrastination, my valuable information was lost. I did have a couple of friends that chose to email their thoughts, so there was one small silver lining.

This past week, I attended the funeral of a dear and precious friend who had been one of those people in my life. I met her just out of high school while working out at the old Russ’ Fitness Center in Winnfield. Her husband then became my family’s dentist. She had the most pure soul and positive attitude of anyone you have ever met. By watching her I learned how to be a gracious friend to others.

Her and her friends became my entertainment during the monotonous time at the gym. One of her friends even owned the first apartment I lived in as a young married woman. They watched me as I got married and had children and I watched them as they became mother in laws and grandmothers. This was a special group of women whose friendship almost spanned over five decades. One of her friends has a Facebook prayer page and it was evident that all of the friends were praying hard for her and her family during her last days.

Once I arrived at the service I sat myself on the back row and little did I know that I was sitting near this special group of friends. I watched as they listened intently to every word being spoken about their treasure of a friend. I saw them occasionally nod in agreement. I witnessed them smile as they recalled something funny. I also saw them silently weep as one of their husbands eulogized their friend and I saw them cherish each other as they sat on that church pew.

The beautiful ladies were the closest of friends. Soulmate friends, who had to say goodbye to one of their own. They have shared church pews for many different weddings, holiday services, and baby dedications through the years but this is one reason no one truly wants to share a pew. But, they did it with grace and love. They celebrated the life of their sweet Steel Magnolia.

This is something that my special friend group has not yet experienced. Truly no one wants to experience this but with time and age, it is bound to happen.

God has an extraordinary purpose for everyone on this earth. Sometimes his purpose is to make a difference in just one life. Sometimes that purpose doesn’t look the way we planned and sometimes his purpose will not make sense to anyone except for him. He places Steel Magnolias in all of our paths to teach us, comfort us and even challenge us. Sometimes we are even that Steel Magnolia for someone else.

All through the Bible there are many stories and parables that are wrought with strong women, flawed women and even perfect women. At some point in our lives we may be a touch of all three. But God, can use all three to touch the lives of many.

“As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending March 14, 2021.

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Time for a change, a change to daylight saving time.  Spring forward one hour in the wee hours of Sunday morning.  Or set your clocks ahead an hour before going to bed Saturday night.

The National Weather Service office in Shreveport said, “Spring is our most active severe weather season! Here is a reminder to spring forward, and also prepare for severe weather, make a plan for safe shelter.”

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On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, shortly after 9:30 p.m., the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office (LSP/BFO) responded to an officer-involved shooting in Red River Parish. LSP/BFO was requested to investigate the shooting by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO).

The preliminary investigation revealed DPSO deputies on patrol in DeSoto Parish attempted to stop a Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 42-year-old Michael Laduca of Waterford, Connecticut. For reasons still under investigation, Laduca refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued on roadways in DeSoto Parish before entering Red River Parish. As the pursuit continued in Red River Parish, Laduca turned onto an oilfield road, traveled through a barbed-wire fence, and entered a pasture where the vehicle became stuck in a ditch. Laduca fled from the vehicle and led deputies on a foot pursuit. During the foot pursuit, a confrontation occurred which led to deputies from RRPSO and DPSO discharging their firearms. Laduca was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation. LSP/BFO is the lead investigative agency. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and there is no further information available at this time.

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The COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to teachers and staff at the public schools in the parish.  Vaccinations were given at both Red River High and Red River Elementary on Wednesday. 

Katie Bethard coordinated the program for the school board.  She said, “It was the Moderna vaccine. Christus Coushatta provided the vaccines and our school nurses administered the vaccine to 65 employees.  Also, Kassie Bethard and another nurse from Christus came and drew up the vaccines and helped with administration.

The team of school nurses and staff giving the inoculations at Red River High were Kelli Crow, Kassie Williams, Shanica Keith, Katie Bethard, Lauren Hillman, Ginny Hines, and Paula Clark.

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The registration for spring Soccer at Open Door has concluded with the largest number of players ever signing up.  Pastor Steven McAbee said over 100 children registered to play in the spring league.

McAbee was excited about the turnout.  And with it comes the need for more coaches, referees and volunteers to help out on with the program.  McAbee said, “We will provide training for volunteers to coach teams and to referee our games on Saturday.”  The Open Door Soccer program combines outdoor fun and exercise with time for devotional messages. 

“The meeting of coaches will be on March 21^st,” said McAbee, “We put off a week to allow more coaches to sign up for a team.  And you don’t have to have a player on the team to coach.”

Teams will hold practice beginning in late March.  The games will begin the weekend after Easter and take place each Saturday morning on the soccer fields adjacent to Open Door Fellowship on Esperanza Road.

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The first outing for the 2021 Red River Golf Team was in the Red River Tournament.  It was held Wednesday March 10^th at the Coushatta Country Club.

Here are the awards earned by players from seven participating schools:
LONGEST DRIVE-Girls- Madison Holcomb, Many HS
Boys-Dane Files, St Mary’s 

CLOSEST TO PIN-Girls-Emma Ammons, Negreet HS
Boys-Caleb Pilkington, Many HS

LOWEST SCORE- Girls- Emma Ammons, Negreet HS
Boys- Holtz Helms, Lakeview HS

FIRST PLACE TEAM-Girls-Negreet HS

SECOND PLACE TEAM-Boys-Negreet HS

FIRST PLACE TEAM-Boys- St. Mary’s HS

Coach Ginger Craig said, “We had a good turnout from area schools for the first tournament of the year.  Last year the COVID-19 outbreak shut down everything just before we had our tournament.  It was good to get back out there this spring.”

This year’s Red River Golf Team members are Logan Mims, Cody Procell, Caden Massey, Shelby Pickett, and Colton Antilley.  They are coached by Ginger Craig.  John Brewer is the Assistant Coach.  Assistance in staging the tournament came from Karen Squires, Kelley Lee, JC Dickey, Mike Peter, and the staff of Coushatta Country Club.

Many businesses and individuals in the community supported this year’s golf team.  They are:

Bumper to Bumper, Bearing Service and Supply, Blanchard Haulin’ LLC, Pickett Inflatables, LLC, Bethard & Bethard, Tyler Insurance Agency, Coushatta Oil and Tire, American Bank, JKM Glass and Mirror, Red River Storage, Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy, Ricky Cannon School Board District 2, Dairy Queen, CBS Home Express, Tray Murray-State Farm, Bank of Coushatta, Rivertown Market, Strong Arm Trucking, D & Z Quality Supplements, Susan Taylor School Board District 7,G&B Works, Danzy Farms, Kash Korner, CF Mims, LLC, Sabine State Bank, Red River Vet Clinic, Dr. Greg & Kathy Bell, Quality Ford, Almond Brothers Lumber, J & R Lawn Service, C & K Bar-B-Que, Randy’s Hardware, Tan Junkies, and The York Chop.

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By Jacque Fontenot

The Red River 4-H Shooting Sports team has been very busy at several competitions in February and March.  On Feb. 6th, members of the shotgun team competed at the 4-H Shoot4Youth fundraising shoot at Los Paloma in Benton.  Brett Danzy, Jr., won 2nd place.  

On Feb. 13-14th, members of the archery and shotgun team competed in the Caddo Classic, with Aston Hester winning 2nd place. 

The 4-H North Regional competition was held the week of March 1-7 at Long Range Alley and Shreveport Gun club.  Boys and girls competed in different events to help them qualify for the State Shooting Sports competition in Baton Rouge in April.  Red River 4-H competed in Shotgun, Rifle, and Archery. 

The Advanced Shotgun team won 2nd place team (Brett Danzy, Kaden Cason, Chandler Nettles, Austin Giddens, and Jake Wilhite).   Red River had several competitors advance to the State competition.  Those that advanced were Modified Shotgun Juniors:  Preston Eaves (10th), Aston Hester, and Jordan Friday, Advanced Shotgun Seniors:  Brett Danzy (4th), Kaden Cason (8th), Chandler Nettles, Rifle Seniors:  Nathan Tristan (3rd-NRA No Scope) & Brayden Chicola (6th-CMP No Scope). 

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