President Approves Request for Presidential Disaster Declaration

Governor John Bel Edwards received word that Pres. Joseph R. Biden has approved his request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration due to the severe impacts of Hurricane Ida, a category 4 storm that has caused widespread damage across Louisiana.  Ida made landfall early Sunday afternoon in Port Fourchon with winds of 155 miles per hour.  As the slow moving storm continues to impact Louisiana, more than 800,000 people are without power statewide. Surge and damaging winds are impacting areas along the coast and moving inland.

“I am extremely grateful to Pres. Biden for his swift response to my request,” said Gov. Edwards. “This will be critical to our response to the recovery from Hurricane Ida which has proven to be as dangerous as we anticipated. Tonight, we have confirmed at least one death and sadly, we know there will be others. Thousands of our people are without power and there is untold damage to property across the impacted parishes. FEMA has been with us since before the storm to help coordinate our state and federal efforts, which has been incredibly helpful. I know that it will take some time to address all of the challenges of this storm, but I am confident in the resilience of our people and the commitment of all of our partners to pull through this, which we will do together.”

Individual and Public Assistance Category A, Debris Removal, have been approved for the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes.     

All 64 Louisiana parishes have been approved for Public Assistance Category B (emergency protective measures), including direct federal assistance, at 75 percent federal funding. In addition, for a period of 30 days from the start of the incident period FEMA is authorized to provide federal funding for Category A and Category B at 100 percent of eligible costs.


Local Hurricane Relief Efforts Underway

At Clara springs Baptist camp, Bubba and Mindi Mills took a crew down south this week.  They said, “We are making our first load down to South Louisiana.  If you would like to donate more supplies,  we will be going back within the next week.”

Bro. James Hester of Social Springs Baptist Church announced in church Sunday, “Social Springs Baptist Church stands ready to serve. We have a bus and a trailer and will go wherever, whenever to meet the needs of whosoever and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are hurting and in need. We will be certain that any resources and supplies get to those who need them most.”

First Baptist is making plans to help.  Bro. Nathan Davis said, “As we find out more information about the need we will provide support.”  The church posted “We have an opportunity to help! We will collect items needed by Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief to help with the recovery and restoration.”

ITEMS TO COLLECT (list from the LBC website):

Disposable Masks, Brooms, Mops, Buckets, Bleach, Disinfecting Wipes, Latex Gloves, All-Purpose Liquid Cleaner, Laundry Detergent, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Food, Water, Gatorade, and Powerade.

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED:

Tarps, Work Gloves, Heavyweight Trash Bags, Batteries, Flashlights & Lanterns, Toiletry Items, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Paper Goods, Nonperishable Foods, and Individually Wrapped Snacks.

Please drop these items or a monetary donation off to the church office – Monday – Friday 8:00-4:00 or Sunday.

First Methodist Church will also provide help.  Rev. Stuart Sherman told The Journal he expects to hear from church officials what is needed as they gear up their relief efforts.

Martin Baptist Church is supporting an individual.  Bro. Richard Kaufman said, “We’re helping a lady in Natchitoches whose hometown and family was hit hard by the storm.”

Quality Ford is having a relief drive.  They said, “Help us fill up a truck.. We will be taking donations for the people affected by Hurricane Ida. Please bring your donations to Quality Ford Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

If you church or group participates in a relief effort, let the Journal know.  Send information and pictures, if you have them, to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.


Bulldog Football Report

Red River Bulldogs are looking forward to their first full game of the season on Friday night.  Last week they won a Jamboree game against Loyola.  Final score was 24-15.

New head football coach Jeff Harper termed the first half faulty.  “The second half came out different,” Harper said, “They played faster, not as tentative.”

Harper said, “It was the first live action the players had seen.  We missed the inner-squad game and the Bossier scrimmage, so the boys saw no live reps before meeting Loyola.”  Some of the factors mentioned, “Young guys on defense with blown assignments, blown coverages, or just totally missed the play.”

“The second half was much better,” said Harper as he noted that the Bulldogs had two touchdowns called back by penalties, “That cost us 14 points.”

What’s coming up Friday?  Harper told the Journal, “We’re headed to Haughton Friday night.  They are a 5-A team, and I don’t feel they will take us lightly.  They lost their jamboree game, so they will play us like we are a district team.”  He added, “There are things we can do if we execute our offense.  I think we can beat them.”


Community Support From Vine Energy

Vine Energy presented a $5,000 check to Red River Industries and they supported school teachers and employees with a catered lunch.  Vine spokesperson Lindsey Lewis made two stops in Coushatta last Friday.

At 10:00 am Lewis was at Red River Industries to present the donation to Red River ARC, the parent organization.  Lewis told board members, staff and clients gathered that “Vine likes to give back to communities where their neighbors work and live.

At noon Lewis was at the high school cafeteria.  Vine treated all teachers, staff, and school employees to lunch catered by the York Chop.  For desert, Lewis brought cookies and other sweet treats from Red River Industries.

As a special surprise, Lewis said Vine gave 100 people gift cards during the school luncheon.


Jessie Cobb Pitches Perfect Game

By Molly Seales

Riverdale Softball outstanding pitcher Jessie Kate Cobb pitched a perfect game for the Lady Rebels on Thursday, August 26th.  The Lady Rebels had their first home game of the season and hosted the Central Lady Pioneers. Cobb upped her game from stellar to perfection, as she was perfect in a 15-0 win over the Lady Pioneers. Cobb struck out 7 batters and the other two batters hit ground balls and were thrown out at 1st base.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, August 24, the Riverdale Lady Rebels Softball team travelled to UCA where they picked up a 14-1 district win.  Junior Jessie Kate Cobb was once again stellar in the pitching circle, striking out 8 batters and surrendering only one run on four hits in five innings. The Lady Rebels had 13 hits in the game.

8th grader Hanna Catherine Huddleston had the hottest bat for the day, going 4 for 4 at the plate, including a triple in the first inning. She had 4 RBI’s and scored a run. Sophomore Kylie Donald had 2 hits that resulted in 3 RBI’s. She also scored 2 runs.  Freshman Chloe Jordan had 2 hits, 2 RBI’s, and scored 2 runs. Senior Rylee Kate Woodard had a single, a double, and scored 3 runs. Freshman Jadyn King had 2 hits and 2 RBI’s. Jessie Kate Cobb had a double and an RBI. 8th grader Mary Claire Jones added an RBI and scored a run. Emma Clemons scored a run, and pinch runners Gracie Stephens and Sky McMullan scored 2 runs each.

On Thursday, August 26, the Lady Rebels defeated Central’s Lady Pioneers15-0.   In addition to pitching a perfect game win over the Lady Pioneers, Jessie Kate Cobb struck out 7 batters and the other two batters hit ground balls and were thrown out at 1st base.

The Lady Rebels only had 4 hits in the game, but they capitalized on errors made by Central. Chloe Jordan cleared the loaded bases with a double to the outfield fence and came home to score on an error.  She also scored another run and had a total of 4 RBI’s. Rylee Kate Woodard had 2 hits, an RBI, and scored 3 runs.  Jadyn King added a single, and Emma Clemons had an RBI.  The other runs scored were 2 each by McMullan, Jones, and Renee Prosperie, and 1 each by Cobb, Stephens, Kacie Harper, and Julia Grace Riggs.

These wins improved Riverdale’s district record to 3-0.  Weather permitting, they will travel to Sterlington Complex on Monday to complete the rainout game from last week. On Thursday, September 2, the Lady Rebels will host the Tensas Lady Chiefs.  JV game will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by varsity at 4:15 p.m. Come out and support your Lady Rebels!


Red River Golf Tournament Results

The annual Red River High Golf Tournament was held at the Coushatta Country Club last Saturday.  The event is an annual fundraiser for Red River Athletics.

Athletic Director Norman Picou told the Journal there was a good turnout with 22 teams or 44 golfers participating.  Here are the results:

First Flight:

1st Place: Don and Ty Birdsong

2nd Place: Ty Hester and Reagan Huddleston

3rd Place: Stephen Jones and Joe Hays

Second Flight:

1st Place: Vince Almond and Gerald Guin

2nd Place: Tyler Jones and Dusty Claiborne

3rd Place: Michael Rushing and Colby Rushing

Third Flight:

1st Place: Norman Picou Sr. and Norm Picou Jr.

2nd Place: Michael Antilley and Missy Antilley

3rd Place: Brandon Hillman and Jackson Hillman


A Record Trade

By Brad Dison

Joel Youngblood was such a promising baseball player at Stephen F. Austin High School that he garnered the attention of several Major League baseball teams.  In the second round of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft, the Cincinnati Reds signed Joel.  Six years later, the Reds traded Joel to the St. Louis Cardinals.  The following year, The Cardinals traded Joel to the New York Mets.  Joel’s career peaked while with the Mets.  He felt comfortable that he would be with the Mets for a long time.

On the afternoon of August 4, 1982, the Mets played at Wrigley Field in Chicago against the Cubs. Joel was the starting centerfielder.  In the third inning, Joel was at bat with two players were on base.  At the pitch, Joel swung and hit the ball in between the left and center fielders.  Joel only made it to first base, but his two teammates made it to home plate.  That was okay with Joel.  His team had just gained two points.  The Mets led 3-1.

In the next inning, Joel was again at bat.  As he mentally prepared himself, he was called back to the dugout.  He learned that he had just been traded to the Montreal Expos in the middle of the Mets-Cubs game.  Mets General Manager Frank Cashen had hoped to make the trade before the game began, but a phone circuit problem delayed the trade.  The Expos were short-handed and needed Joel to play at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia that very evening. “Montreal was short players for their game in Philadelphia and they said they really wanted me to try and get there,” Youngblood remembered. “And knowing the guy I am, I said, ‘Sure I’ll do my best.'”  He said a quick farewell to his teammates and left Wrigley Field.

Being traded was nothing new to Joel, but the timing of this trade took him by surprise.  Joel had to hurry.  “It was Saturday, so being on a road trip, you’re not packed,” Joel remembered.  “You gotta go change, take a shower, pay your incidentals, go back and get in a cab, and there was only one flight I could catch.  It was a 6:05 p.m. flight, which was 7:05 p.m. Philadelphia time.”

On the way to the airport, Joel realized that in his hasty exit from Wrigley Field, he had forgotten to get his glove.  He had used the same glove for 14 years and had no intention of breaking in a new glove.  Joel had his cab driver speed to Wrigley Field where he retrieved his glove.  As soon as they arrived at the airport, Joel dropped his luggage at the baggage check-in, rushed through security, and ran to catch his flight.  He reached his gate with only seconds to spare.  The flight departed at 7:05 p.m., the game began at 7:41 p.m., and the flight took 90 minutes.   

When the flight landed at Philadelphia International Airport, Joel collected his luggage and hailed a cab.  The driver sped to Veterans Stadium and arrived at the end of the sixth inning.  He ran into the locker room, changed into his new Expo uniform, and hurried to the field.

Joel said hello to his new teammates in the dugout but had little time to get acquainted.  Almost immediately, the Expos manager told Joel that he was next at bat.  Joel mentally prepared himself to bat.  Rather than thinking over the whirlwind day, he only thought of hitting the ball.  Joel was and professional and he was ready for the pitch.  He swung and “Crack!”  Joel made it to first base safely.  With this hit, Joel entered the record books.  Joel Youngblood is the only Major League Baseball player in history to get hits for two different teams in two different cities (750 miles apart) on the same day.

Source:  Matt Monagan, “The Man Who Got 2 Hits for 2 Teams in 1 Day,” MLB.com, January 28, 2021, mlb.com/news/joel-youngblood-two-hits-for-two-teams


4-H Underway For the Fall

By 4-H Agent Jacque Fontenot

Red River 4-H is getting underway for the fall.  They are signing up members and getting organized.  4-H Agent Jacque Fontenot reported, “The junior leaders got together this weekend at Grand Bayou to say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year.  They ate hot dogs, swam, and visited with each other. 

This year I will be able to have monthly club meetings at all of the schools in Red River Parish.  This month, I will be coming into all of the schools beginning Wednesday with Riverdale to introduce 4-H and bring enrollment information.  We also have a Member-At-Large club that meets the first Thursday of the month here at the office from 3:30-4:30.  This club is for all home school students in the parish.  Our first meeting for this club is Thursday, Sept. 2nd. 

In addition to school clubs, we have several project clubs. 

Junior Leaders:  (Grades 7-12) JR. Leaders have fun helping out in the community and assisting with 4-H events. This club participates in numerous activities where members meet and make friends with other teenagers throughout the state. Meetings: 2nd Thurs. of each month at 5:30. 

Livestock Club:  (Grades 1-12) Learn all about showing animals and taking care of your show animal.  Meetings are announced at various times during the  year. 

4-H Explorer’s Club:  New this year!  (Grades 2-6) We’ve combined Furr-H Pet Project club and STEM club to make a club where 4-H members can explore the MANY things that 4-H has to offer all in one club!   animals.  Meetings:  2nd Mon. of each month at 5:30. 

4-H Chefs Food & Fitness Club:  (Grades 2-8) Learn more about preparing food and being safe in the kitchen. Meetings:  4th Mon. of each month at 5:30.

Shooting Sports:  (Grades 4-12) The 4-H shooting sports program is an active program, attractive to both youth & adults, conducted by the LSU AgCenter.  It uses experiential learning & positive interactions with youth & adult role models.  In shooting sports, there is an activity for everyone- girls, boys, young, old, urban, and rural.  Participation in shooting sports is not limited by age, skill, or physical abilities.  We offer Rifle, Shotgun, & Archery. 

Goals & Objectives:  To teach safe & responsible use of firearms & archery equipment.  To promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.  To encourage participation in natural resources & related natural science programs. To strengthen families through participation.  To enhance development of self-concept, character, & personal growth.  To complement & enhance the impact of existing safety in shooting. 

To join any of these project clubs, call the 4-H office at 932-4342.


Riverdale Rebel Football Gets Huge Win Against UCA

By Molly Seales

This week, the Riverdale Rebels took the field on Saturday night as the visiting UCA Lions came to East Point.  The Rebels had an easy time this week, defeating the Lions by a score of 66-18.  The offense, defense, and special teams all came out ready to play, and their work paid off.

The Rebels had 350 total yards for 7 touchdowns and 132 return yards for 2 touchdowns.  Sophomore quarterback Ryder Huddleston was perfect in passing on the night, going 5 for 5 for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Senior Jake Messenger had 1 reception for 2 yards and a touchdown, while Senior Ty “Bones” Jones had 1 reception for 44 yards and a touchdown.  Senior Monroe McCarty had 2 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns. Junior Ben Almond had 1 reception for 10 yards.  Messenger also had 2 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown, while McCarty had 2 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown.  Huddleston had 3 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown. Jones had 1 carry for 18 yards, and Almond had 1 carry for 2 yards.  Sophomore Kyle Guillory had 4 carries for 35 yards. Messenger was unstoppable as he had a 58 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 74 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The defense played a solid game as they held the Lions offense to only 3 touchdowns.  The seniors put in an outstanding defensive effort.  Senior Denver Williams had 3 solo tackles and 2 assists, including 2 TFL. Messenger had 2 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 TFL, and 1 PBU, while Jones had 4 solo tackles and 2 assists, including 2 TFL. McCarty had 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 4 PBU. Almond had a stellar defensive performance with 6 solo tackles, 2 interceptions for 6 yards, and 2 PBU. Guillory had 1 solo tackle and 2 assists, including 2 TFL, and Huddleston had 2 solo tackles, including 1 TFL. Junior Tyler Parker had 1 solo tackles and 2 assists, including 2 TFL, while junior James Wagoner had 2 solo tackles. Sophomore Hayden Hillman rounded out the defense with 1 assist with 1 TFL.

This week the Rebels will travel for their first away game.  They will face Tallulah Academy at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 3rd. Good luck Rebels!


Our U.S. Representative Calls For the President to Resign over Afghanistan Exit

Congressman Mike Johnson of the 4th District called for President Biden to resign over his handling of the U.S. pullout of troops in Afghanistan.  Johnson termed it a “betrayal of our national duty” and an “unmitigated disaster.”

Here is Johnson’s statement issued on Thursday:

United States Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today released the following statement on President Biden:

“President Biden’s exit from Afghanistan has been an unmitigated disaster. His decisions to relinquish military installations and assets and withdraw U.S. troops before completing the necessary evacuations of Americans and allies will be remembered as perhaps the greatest and most confounding foreign policy mistake in our history.

“As a result of his Administration’s rush to meet an arbitrary political deadline, 13 American soldiers have been killed, at least hundreds of Americans and thousands of allied Afghans have been left behind enemy lines, and the security of our homeland is now in serious question.

“This is more than a broken promise. It is a betrayal of our national duty and a dangerous stain on our international credibility.

“President Biden abandoned his promise to rescue all of our fellow countrymen simply to meet his arbitrary pledge to the Taliban to withdraw U.S. forces by August 31.

“This stunning sequence of failures by the President demonstrates his inability to carry out his responsibilities as Commander in Chief of this nation.

“As we press for Congressional investigations and full accountability into what has transpired, it is clear that President Biden should resign.”


A Socialist Dream but America’s Nightmare: $3.5 Trillion Bill

By Royal Alexandria

The question can be simply stated: do we want America to remain America?

It’s mind boggling to try to fathom the amount of money and the gargantuan debt expenditure contained in this bill of Senator Bernie Sanders.  Most worrisome is that this bill would remake our form of government and way of life.

I turn to a couple of basic economic principles with which we are all familiar. The law of supply and demand coupled with the ingenuity and creativity of the free market.  There’s simply never been a better economic system devised.  It has lifted millions out of poverty while also blessing America with the strongest and most resilient economy in history.

It is based upon a basic but powerful economic concept: the selling of goods and services, done at arms-length, at a price agreeable to both parties.  What each party is willing to agree to becomes the “market.”  Therefore, the market sets the price.  If the price is too high the consumer will no longer purchase the product or service; too low and the producer will likely go out of business.  The meeting point is what both the customer and the seller can live with—a “meeting of the minds” in the context of economic freedom.  This basic transaction occurs millions of times every day in America and has created enormous wealth in our country.

Why is this free-market model the best ever devised?  Because it takes into account each of our basic self-interest.  If I’m a shopper and you are Brookshires Grocery Store, my self-interest involves the need to obtain food for my family; Brookshires’ self-interest involves wanting to make a profit.   This principle is underscored by the economist, Adam Smith, who formulated the Invisible Hand Theory, the crux of which is this: a great public good is derived when individuals act in their own self-interest on a level playing field created and maintained by the equal application of the laws to all.

With this in mind, let’s turn back to Bernie’s dream of a Socialist utopia.  Socialism completely ignores these principles and entirely distorts the free market.  That’s why we’ve seen Socialism (and Communism, its evil progenitor) ultimately fail every time it has been attempted.  The result of Socialism in other countries is government control of business and industry, very high taxes and interest rates—discouraging entrepreneurs from taking a risk of starting a business because the cost of capital (i.e., investment dollars) is so high, very high unemployment, inflation, and a gutting of gross domestic product.

Bernie has stated many times “we need structural reforms to improve the lives of U.S. families.”  I agree but our view of what structural reform means is dramatically different.  To him it means federal funding—with exorbitant, permanent taxes including on the middle class—and federal government control resulting in everything being “free” with no real accountability.

[An aside: Sanders points to countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark (and ignores places like Venezuela) as examples of Socialism “working” but he draws a false equivalence regarding this Nordic model, and he obscures.  These two strains of “Socialism” are often confused unless we distinguish them: the type in which government takes control and/or ownership of businesses, including goods and services, versus the entitlement-welfare state in which government purports to provide a social safety net based upon high taxes and huge government spending. 

The “control-ownership” type is the true Socialism of the former USSR and Nazi Party (National-Socialist German Workers’ Party).  However, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark are “entitlement-welfare” states and none of them have staked their form of government and the strength of their country on the economic freedoms and free market system as we have.   In fact, some have argued that Denmark, for example, is not even a genuinely Socialist nation. (Center for Political Studies (CEPOS).  We should note that in the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, Denmark (ranked 12th out of 180 countries) ranks higher than the U.S. (18th).]

In our country, this bill means the Green New Deal which would kill the fossil fuel (oil and gas) industry, massive expansion of the welfare state, gun control, climate change funding, permanently open borders and providing amnesty to illegal aliens, defunding the police, and forcing Critical Race Theory (a re-segregation of our society based solely upon race) upon American school children, among many other unattainable but destructive goals.  The result of this remake of the American economy and the American way of life would result in crushing taxation, onerous regulation causing high inflation, escalating prices and levels of national debt that would bankrupt our country.

Conversely, the smartest and most economically beneficial way to implement “structural reform” is by cutting taxes and reducing regulation in the way the Trump tax cuts caused the economy to explode—including the lowest unemployment in American history.  The unemployment rate fell to 3.5% by the end of 2019, the lowest level in 50 years.  The unemployment rate for black Americans dropped to 5.4%, the lowest level on record.  The unemployment rate for Hispanic Americans fell to 3.9%, also the lowest level on record.  A broad, strong national economy is unquestionably the best way to successfully introduce these reforms because it necessarily brings everybody into it who wishes to participate in the workforce.

Perhaps the greatest fallacy in Mr. Sanders’ argument is that, while he regularly rails against “wealth inequality” and “stagnant wages of workers,” the median household income grew by 9.2.% between 2016-2019, while 6.6 million were lifted from poverty and wages grew fastest for workers at the low end of the workforce!  He also won’t directly address the fact that, during this same period, the real wealth held by the bottom 50% of households rose three times as fast as wealth held by the top 1%.

If this becomes law we will, in our lifetimes, see our way of life fatally wounded.  Our free-market economy would bleed and shrink drastically, while the size and scope of government would expand beyond recognition.  The new entitlements would never end.  Once created a program develops a constituency and elected officials, who depend upon that constituency for votes, never repeal the benefit.  The program, and its costs, last forever.

These are the core questions: Should Americans defer to government, or should government defer to us, serve us and our best interest as we direct our elected representatives to act on our behalf?

Should we preserve and protect the limited government bequeathed to us by our Founders, a government with specific, enumerated powers that governs only by the consent of the governed—that would be us, the American Citizens referred to at the beginning of the Constitution as “We the People”—or should we adopt the socialist model we’ve seen fail in so many places?

Do we still believe we know best how to run—and are better at running—our own, our families and our children’s lives, or do we think it best and wise to give away those precious and hard-fought for rights of self-determination, won in bloody battles on land, sea and in the air, to government bureaucrats and social engineers and the ever-encroaching tentacles of the nanny, fascist, cancel culture state that seeks nothing less than absolute power over our lives and families and decisions.

Why would we allow the theft of our rare economic and social freedoms, which include our precious individual liberty and individual right of self-determination?  Why would we allow our country—the envy of the world and still considered by much of the world to be that “shining city on the hill”—to be permanently altered and weakened?  We simply cannot if we want America to remain America.


Car Show a Big Success

Show cars, hot rods, motorcycles, restored vehicles, and all sorts of rides came to Coushatta Front Street on Saturday for a car show. There was food, fun and a celebrity for those in attendance.

The show was the idea of Scott Bamburg and Jennifer Beard at Beard’s Automotive NAPA.  Beard termed the show a success.  She said, “Thank you to everyone who came out Saturday to our first Car Show put on by Beard’s Automotive Parts & Supplies and headed up by Scott Bamburg.  He did an excellent job!” 

Beard added, “Special thanks to all the people who brought their beautiful cars out to show and let everyone enjoy them.  And thank you to Patti Bryan and David Parker (from the Moonshiners TV show) for being a part of this.”

The People’s Choice Award went to Linda Stevens.  She entered her gorgeous red and white 1955 Chevrolet Belaire.  Rusty Rhame and Max Arends accepted the Car Club award for the club with the most vehicles in the show.  And Tonya Cormier won a $50 gift card to the York Chop from VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.

It has been a few days since the show, and Beard and Bamburg are talking about next year.  They are drafting plans for a bigger and better car show in 2022.


Other Red River Sports

JV Football

JV Bulldogs came up short against Byrd but held them to 12.  Final score 12 to 6.  Great first outing for our boys.

Volleyball

Volleyball came up short Tuesday in their first game of the season loosing best of 5 sets 1 to 3.  In our 2nd year to have volleyball, we know our first victory is just around the corner.


Kindergarteners Clean-Up Their Area

The Riverdale Academy Booster Club took note of the activities around the kindergarten building recently.  On Saturday, the Booster Club posted:

These little “Safari Animals” had a big day today. Look how good the K building and yard is looking. RA has amazing parents who go above and beyond to share their time and talents.


Notice of Death – September 1, 2021

Daniel Ray Sanders

January 12, 1960 to August 21, 2021

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/30/daniel-ray-sanders-sr/

Claude Edward Veatch

April 8, 1935 to August 26, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/27/claude-edward-veatch/

James Cody McWhorter

January 16, 1990 to August 27, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/28/james-cody-mcwhorter/

Patricia Dianne Giddings

November 28, 1963 to August 29, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/30/patricia-dianne-giddings/

Jane Dunn

August 2, 1934 to August 28, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/31/jane-dunn/

 

Did you know that the Journal publishes obituaries?  And did you know that your loved one’s obituary with picture may be published by the Journal?  If the employee of the funeral home you select does not recommend the Journal, please call 318-564-3609 to arrange for publication.


ETC… for Wednesday, September 1st

A reminder about the blood drive today.  LifeShare will be at First Baptist Coushatta at 3:00 pm to accept your donations.

August Fourth Friday Fish Fry was small in number (221) but big on food & fellowship! It was great to see each and every one of you! Thank you to all of our helpers that volunteered tonight especially Bro. Lee & Mrs. Barbara Dickson who Celebrated their 56th Wedding Anniversary by serving at Clara Springs!

Louisiana Tech University was ranked No. 2 in Louisiana’s Best College Rankings 2022 by Niche. The University was the highest-ranked public institution in the state.  Niche.com is the “market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families,” according to the organization’s website. The rankings are based on reviews from students and alumni along with analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education.  Tech’s overall Niche grade is “A minus.” In categories, Tech graded “A” in Athletics, “A minus” in Academics, Diversity, and Value, “B” in Campus, and “B minus” in Party Scene.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and Graphic Art will host After School Art Camp for youngsters age 6-12.  Ten sessions will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Nov. 2 and 9.  Limited openings are available and early registration is recommended.  The cost is $350 for 10 sessions. Individual sessions will not be offered.  For more information, contact Phyllis Lear at learp@nsula.edu.

First Church and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Churches are beginning a Bible study series on September 7th.  The subject is the Twelve Minor Prophets.  The study will be held at 1:00 pm each Tuesday at Wesley Chapel and at 6:30 pm Tuesdays at First Methodist Church.

Coushatta First Baptist will host a Women’s Devotional each Wednesday at 9:30 am in the gym!! All are welcome!


Jane Dunn

Mrs. Jane Dunn, 87, formally of Crossroads, has been called to her heavenly home by her Savior.  Graveside service will be at Social Springs Cemetery in Hall Summit with Reverend James Hester officiating at 11:00 am on Thursday September 2, 2021.

Jane was born on August 2, 1934 in Hall Summit, Louisiana and passed away on Saturday August 28, 2021 in Canton, Georgia.

 

If your funeral home did not recommend publication of the photo and complete obituary in the Red River Parish Journal, call 318-564-3609 for assistance.


Patricia Dianne Giddings

Funeral services for Patricia Dianne Giddings, 57, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Fort officiating.  Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.

Mrs. Giddings was born November 28, 1963 in Monroe, LA and passed away August 29, 2021.

 

If your funeral home did not recommend publication of the photo and complete obituary in the Red River Parish Journal, call 318-564-3609 for assistance.


Daniel Ray Sanders Sr.

Daniel Ray Sanders Sr. of Stonewall, LA passed away following a brief illness on Saturday August 21, 2021 Just mere days after the passing of his beloved wife of 41 years, Theresa Marie Sanders. He was born on January 20, 1960 in San Antonio, TX to Velma and Taylor Wallace Sanders Jr.

Daniel was involved in many recreational activities over the years, from frisbee golf, to dart leagues, and most recently fishing. Never one to quit, as he matured, his capacity as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grand-father, and friend came to become fully developed and cherished.

Daniel was preceded in death by his beloved wife Theresa, his parents Velma and Taylor Wallace Sanders Jr., his brothers Taylor Wallace “Sonny” Sanders III, Johnny Mathew Sanders, Jaime Don Sanders, and sister Virginia Lee “Jenny” Sanders. He is survived by his son Daniel Ray Sanders Jr., step-son Coy E. Fuqua, step-daughter Racheal Marie Fuqua Lewis, and their spouses, and five siblings: Linda Sanders Leal, Michael William Sanders, Elizabeth Jean “Lisa” Sanders, Mark Steven Sanders, and Lorraine Kay sanders Adams, and their respected spouses, , as well as five grandchildren: Andrew and Evan Pilcher, Kayla Marie Fuqua, Daniel “Kane” Lewis, and Maria Sanders, one great-grandchild: Dreyton Pilcher, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend both their praise and deep thanks to the staff of Willis-Knighton Pierremont in Shreveport for their kind care during his last days.

A memorial service will be held in Daniel and Theresa’s honor at a later date.


James Cody McWhorter

Graveside services for James Cody McWhorter, 31, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Ebenezer Cemetery with Bro. Steve Palmer officiating. 

Cody was born January 16, 1990 in Jonesboro, LA and passed away August 27, 2021. 

 

If your funeral home did not recommend publication of the photo and complete obituary in the Red River Parish Journal, call 318-564-3609 for assistance.


Claude Edward Veatch

Claude Edward Veatch, 86, of Coushatta, LA went to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday, August 26th, at home.  Claude was born on April 8th, 1935. 

Visitation will be Monday, August 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. also at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.