Weather watchers are keeping an eye on two storms forming in the Atlantic.  One is predicted to possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Keys by this weekend.  The Journal will keep you updated if and when these storms are poised to come to Louisiana.

A greater and more immediate threat is the heat.  Afternoon heat advisories have been issued for Red River Parish all week.  The Weather Channel is forecasting highs for the parish in the mid to upper 90s through Friday, then in the lower 90s for Saturday through next week.

Coach Drew is still looking for a couple of 6th-8th grade girls interested in playing volleyball.  The cost is $150, practices are at the school and games will be in Shreveport on a few Saturdays.  This is a great opportunity to learn a new sport and get ready for the high school team.  Email Coach Drew if you are interested edrew@rrbulldogs.com

This week Governor John Bel Edwards called upon Louisianans who believe in the power of prayer to join him and First Lady Donna Edwards in praying and fasting during their lunch time for three days for Louisiana health care workers and all of those who are sick with or affected by COVID-19. In addition to prayer, the Governor encourages all Louisianans to help slow the spread of COVID by getting their vaccines and wearing masks whenever they are indoors and in public.

You probably noticed that The Journal is featuring new teachers who have joined schools in the parish.  The first batches are from Red River High and Red River Junior High.  Other schools have promised to send over introductions of their new instructors.  So we want to welcome the new additions and welcome some who have switched schools or grades.  

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Ricky Swayze passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his family, at his home in Coushatta, Louisiana on August 8th, at the age of 62. Services will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM, Bro. Larry Sales will officiate assisted by Bro. Matt Endris, burial to follow at Zion Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 between the hours of 5:00 PM until 8:30 PM at the funeral home.

Ricky always said, “If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life”. Once he started the forestry business 34 years ago with his dear friend, Enyart Mitchell, he never worked again. Ricky enjoyed the simple life and worked very hard. Ricky loved his pine trees and his kids often wondered if he loved the trees more than he loved them.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Cloyde Swayze and Lucille Swayze, and special to his heart, Robert “Bob” Hartsell, Sr. and Barbara Joan Hartsell.

He is survived by the love of his life, Susie Swayze; his “highligher” son, Scotty Swayze, husband of Sherry Swayze, of Coushatta, Louisiana; favorite daughter, Melanie McCorkel, wife of Matthew McCorkel of Minden, Louisiana; baby boy, Wesley Swayze, husband of Stacey Swayze, of Stonewall, Louisiana; Five precious grand-children, Brent Swayze, Tristan Swayze, Jamie Swayze, Cameron Swayze, Clark Swayze; Three great grand-children, Brinley Swayze, Parker Brooks, Bentley Swayze; a very special nephew, Dennis Dancer husband of Ashley Dancer of Iowa, Louisiana; six siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Burleson, Luke Mitchell, Joe Cooper, Charlie Edwards, Rodney Dowden, and Tommy Ebey. Honorary pallbearers will be Enyart Mitchell, Dave Cupp, Chris Craig, Gary DeBlieux, Dennis Dancer, Floyd Williams, and Jody Beach.

The family would like to express their gratitude to, Dr. Robert Hernandez and his staff at Willis-Knighton Pierremont, Hospice of Natchitoches, with a special thanks to Haley Roberts, Hannah Watley and Misty Morgan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

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William Ronald “Ronnie” Bledsoe, Sr.

October 28, 1952 to August 6, 2021

 

Publication of the complete obituary with photo is available by contacting The Journal at 318-564-3609.

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, August 8, 2021.

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Mr. Baker was born October 20, 1932 and passed away August 5, 2021.

 

Publication of the complete obituary with photo is available by contacting The Journal at 318-564-3609.

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Mr. Woodell was born January 2, 1963 and passed away August 5, 2021.

 

Publication of the complete obituary with photo is available by contacting The Journal at 318-564-3609.

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released the results of the LEAP scores for last year.  Red River students showed some areas of great progress.  There also were areas that showed the greatest amount of work is still ahead.

Your editor compared the schools and grades in the parish with the state overall scores.  The full report is available on the LDH website.  The attachments to this article were copied from the state spreadsheets.

Red River students showed the most progress in the basic and approaching basic categories in all subjects.  Grades 3-5 at Red River Elementary and grades 6-8 at Red River Junior High had the most instances in tying or beating the state overall average in just about every subject in those categories.  LEAP subjects for them are English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.  Social studies was the weakest link.

Red River High showed the same pattern.  The subjects tested were English I & II, Algebra I, Geometry, US History, and Biology.  The high school scored higher or tied in the basic and approaching basic categories in each subject except US History.

That bright light shining down the tunnel is Red River Academic Academy.  The school just finished its second year in existence.  It was formed to give extra instruction to students in grades 4 through 6 who were struggling academically. LEAP scores say it is working.

In nearly every category test results from RRAA tied or exceeded the statewide results in basic and approaching basic. In some areas those students doubled or better the statewide results.  And RRAA exceeded scores for grades 4-6 for Red River Elementary and Red River Junior High students in many categories.

The dark side.  Red River schools, across the board, did not do well in students reaching advanced or mastery.  Scores trailed the statewide average in all but a few areas.

Worse news.  All schools in Red River, with very few exceptions, beat the state overall scores in the unsatisfactory category.  Red River schools have a great number of students that are yet to reach the approaching basic benchmark.  And while RRAA excelled in some areas, their test results indicated a level of unsatisfactory scores that are greater than the state overall scores.

Editorial Note:  Most adults associate letter grades A-F with school tests.  Current thinking is not to use the letter grades but use the labels mentioned in this story.  Your editor believes that the labels confuse more than clarify to anyone other than someone who works with this on a daily basis.  There are 5 categories in the grading scale in use, so “what if” Advanced = A, Mastery = B, Basic = C, Approaching Basic = D, and Unsatisfactory = F?

The Red River School Board is scheduled to meet Monday, August 9^th at 4:30 pm.  The meeting is open to the public.  It will be streamed live by the Journal on our Facebook page.  Set your notifications so you will get an alert when the feed begins.

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Red River Parish Schools welcomes new band director and director of creative arts Mr. Jibri Houston. Mr. Houston is a retired member of the United States Marine Corps with over 15 years of music education experience.

He has served as director of music instruction at Mansfield Elementary School, Keithville Elementary, The International School of Music, and New Hope Academy International Private School in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Mr. Houston has led many music workshops and camps throughout the area and served as a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

Mr. Houston states, ” I am so grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to joining the Red River Family.”

High School Principal JC Dickey welcomed Houston, “So excited to have this man join our team.  Mr. Houston has played for 3 US Presidents with his time in the Marines. Welcome to Bulldog Country.”

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It is time to register your youngsters for the fall football program at Open Door Fellowship.  Registration is earlier this year than in prior seasons, and the final registration deadline is August 15^th.

Full information is available on the ODF Sports website, or it can be obtained from their social media posts.  Registration forms are available there.  Registration and paying the fee may be done online.

The school posted that the fee is $50.00.  Forms and payment must be submitted by the August 15^th deadline.

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Posted by Crystal Cummins

I hope you are as excited as we all are to start the 2021-2022 school year at Magnolia Bend Academy. As you know, this summer has been a time of change and growth here at Magnolia Bend. We had our first day of school projected for August 9th but due to delays in the final stages of our 3-month long construction we unfortunately will have to push back our start date.

First day of classes for students will be Monday, August 16^th.  We will extend our school year into the first week of May. We have been debating on this change but felt it was in the best interest of the students to wait until everything was cleared to begin school rather than attempt a start and then be told that we had to pause our teaching.

Our teachers have been working hard to get everything ready for your student to have an amazing school year and we are excited to show everyone our new facilities.

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Monday Morning, 7;45 am is the presentation of the first Golden Pencil Award.  United Way of Northwest Louisiana will present the award to a group or school in Red River Parish that had the highest percentage employee participation in their employee fundraising campaign.

The award will be announced on a live Journal news feed on social media.  The broadcast will originate at the winner’s location, so it will be a surprise to the winner.  Set your notifications so you will get the live Journal Facebook program Monday morning.

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Due to the Governor’s announcement on August 2, 2021, please make note of the following updates:

• Face coverings(mask) are mandated for all Red River Parish

Kindergarten – 12th grade students and employees regardless of vaccination status.

• This mandate will be applicable on our school buses, as previously communicated.

The school system said, “Although we had high hopes for a more relaxed start to this new 2021-2022 school year, it is pertinent that we all stay healthy. Please keep in mind that each decision announced is in accordance with the mandates required of us, or what will be the most beneficial to our students and staff.”

Editor’s Note:  See separate article for details of Governor’s statement on masks in schools.

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A news release from the Governor said it was to clarify any confusion parents may have about the reinstated temporary mask mandate for K-12 students. The letter is in direct response to questions raised about exceptions to the mandate and in particular, a letter by the Louisiana Attorney General. 

In his letter, Gov. Edwards states:

“…As you know, unlike many other states, Louisiana had a relatively safe and successful in-person year last year in large part because of masking by students. The need for this school year to start with our students wearing face coverings has only been made clearer since I announced this order on Monday. We are in, as Dr. Catherine O’Neal at Our Lady of the Lake stated in the Monday press conference, “the darkest days of the pandemic.” Our hospitals throughout the State are at capacity and are having to turn away COVID and non-COVID patients alike. We simply must reverse the trajectory we are on – and right now. We can and will see our way through this darkness, but it will only be through more vaccinations and masking in public places in this critical time.

“I very much appreciate your efforts, and the heroic work of educators in this challenging time. By adopting these measures – and ignoring those that are unwilling to acknowledge the current crisis – we can keep our kids in school this year and keep them safe. Please feel free to forward this letter on to any school districts that may be addressing this issue.”

The temporary mask mandate went into effect August 4 and will remain in place until September 1, 2021, unless it becomes necessary to extend it.  The order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 or older or enrolled in kindergarten, except for the following:

Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering

Anyone who is consuming a drink or food

Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired

Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience

Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes

Face coverings are highly encouraged for those ages 2 to 4 as tolerated.

As with the Governor’s previous mandate, children younger than kindergarten age are exempted. However, the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly encourage indoor mask wearing in public for all children aged two and older, especially as they are not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine.  At this time, children under age 12 are not eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.  The news release stated wearing a mask has proven to be one of the most effective tools we have for slowing the transmission of this virus. 

Editor’s Note:  See separate article on the local school statement on the Governor’s mask update for schools.

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First Baptist Coushatta is holding a Teacake sale.  It will be next Friday, August 13^th at the church. 

The church said, We are only baking approximately 125 dozen teacakes.  Be sure to arrive early (NO PRE-SALES)”

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On July 20, 2021, First Baptist Church held its annual basketball camp. Approximately 50 students from 1st-7th grades attended the camp.

Northwestern State University, Coach Mike McConathy along with several members of his coaching staff and players led the young athletes through drills and activities to help them improve in the fundamentals of basketball. Most importantly, the coaches provided Biblical truth throughout the day.

Coach Cox shared with the students how he was baptized at First Baptist when he was a small child and living in Coushatta.

Toward the end of the day, the students competed in five competitions and the winners were awarded trophies. All athletes were given a t-shirt, medal, and lunch for attending the camp.

Mikan Drill:

JR Curry, Annelise Cason, Allen Walker, Carter Breedlove, Cannon Breedlove

OVERALL WINNER: Alissa Curry

Figure 8 Pass:

Hope Williamson, Justin McKnight, Allen Walker, Raylon Solotn, Michael Allen

OVERALL WINNER: Cannon Breedlove

Line Jump:

Hope Williamson, Alyssa Trahan, Allen Walker, Raylon Solton, Cannon Breedlove

OVERALL WINNER: Reagan Davis

Figure 8 Dribble:

Hope Williamson, PJ Guidry, Drew Curry, Allen Walker, Kaden McNeely

OVERALL WINNER: Cannon Breedlove

X Out Layups:

Aden Solton, Quincy Lewis, Allen Walker, Carter Breedlove, Kaden McNeely

OVERALL WINNER: Cannon Breedlove

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Red River Junior High has scheduled its fall open house for next Thursday, August 12^th.  The event will be from 5:15 pm until 6:30 pm.

The open house for Red River Academic Academy will be next Thursday and Friday, August 12^th and 13^th.  Hours are different each day.  On Thursday, open house is from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  On Friday, the hours are 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Full information on both open house events are on the flyers below.

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Red River Bulldog Family, 

As the new school year inches closer each day, we have been preparing for all of our students to return. We will strictly maintain the most effective cleaning and disinfecting methods, keeping Bulldog students and staff in mind. Please make note of the following highlights from our Back to School plan for 2021-2022 school year.

• In-Person Learning:
  • Attendance:
    • ALL students will be requiredat attend school Monday – Thursday, and Fridays will be virtual.
  • Classrooms:
    • Social distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Masks will be required indoors at school for all children age 5 and up.  All faculty and staff will be required to wear masks indoors. 
    • Instruction via online courses will be made in the case of long-term illness or COVID illness or quarantine.
  • School Calendar:
    • Students start school:
      • August 11, 2021: K-12
      • August 16, 2021: PK
      • August 16, 2021: Head Start – Girls Only
      • August 17, 2021: Head Start – Boys Only
      • August 18, 2021: Head Start – All will attend
    • Intersession:
      • October 18 – 21, 2021
      • January 31 – February 3, 2022
      • April 25 – 28, 2022
    • Computers and Connectivity:
      • Each student will have a Chromebook at school, and one assigned to them for at home use. Parents will be required to sign for the Chromebooks sent home.
    • Transportation:
      • By order of the Federal Transportation mandate, while on the bus, masks are required for ALL students and adults. All buses will transport students.
    • Meal Plan:
      • Free lunch will be provided for all students.
      • Each school will determine if lunch will be consumed in the classroom or cafeteria.
    • School Supplies:
      • Red River Parish and United Way are partnering again to provide backpacks and someschool supplies for all students.
      • The School Board has ordered many of the remaining supplies needed for students.
      • Please see the list of items not covered by the school board on each school website.

It’s almost time! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at the contact info below or call your child’s school. See you soon! 

Superintendent Alison Hughes

questions@rrbulldogs.com

rrbulldogs.com

318.932.4081

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The Red River Parish School Board is accepting applications for the following position:

Red Junior High School Special Education Teacher.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a valid Louisiana teaching certificate with special education endorsements. Primary responsibility is to plan and implement an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each special education student.

All interested applicants should apply online at rrbulldogs.com.

For more information, you may contact Nicole Eason at 318-271-2150.

Nicole M. Eason

Red River Parish School Board

Human Resources Department

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POSITION: Patient Care Technician Instructor 9-month position @ CLTCC, Sabine Valley Campus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed Practical Nurse with 3 years nursing experience

TRANSCRIPTS:  (Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable at the time of application);

REFERENCES:  Three reference Letters (include full name, home address, cell phone number, and email address) Applicants will be notified before references are contacted

CONTACT: For more information visit: cltcc.edu/about-cltcc/employment  or email HR@cltcc.edu

Central Louisiana Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CLTCC campuses assure equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or sexual orientation in admission to participation in, or employment in the program and activities of this system. Each campus welcomes handicapped individuals and has made buildings accessible to them.  For Title IX/ADA/Section 504 inquiries, contact Human Resources Director (318) 487-5443 ext. 1154, 4311 516 Murray St., Alexandria, LA 71301.

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By Steve Graf

Today well wrap up our overview of “Women and Bass Fishing” with some interesting facts and we’ll highlight some of the best lady bass anglers to ever wet a hook. Even though the ladies got off to a slow start, it was May 1st of 1991 when Vojai Reed who was married to the 1986 Bassmaster Classic Champion Charlie Reed became the first woman to compete in a B.A.S.S. event. She competed in the Missouri Invitational and finished a very impressive 58th out of 244 anglers. But overall, women have not had a major impact on the competitive bass fishing world.

This article would fall way short if I did not mention some of the women who help pave the way for the ladies today like Sherri Glasgow of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Judy Wong of Sugarland Texas, Sherrie Brubaker of Warner, Oklahoma, Mary Divincenti of Clinton, Louisiana, the late Penny Berryman of Dardanelle, Arkansas and Janice Cheek of Lecompte, Louisiana. These ladies were the pioneers who really kick started the WBFA (Women’s Bass Fishing Association). Back in the late 1980’s, the WBFA World Championship was held on Cane River in Natchitoches, LA. I had the privilege and honor to be get in the boat with one of the best women anglers of all time….Janice Cheek.  At that time Janice was on the rise as she went on to win a couple of world championships in the 1990’s. During the ’88 World Championship as an observer, I was amazed at her casting ability and accuracy. To this day Janice may have been the best at casting and lure presentation of anyone I’ve ever been in the boat with. She put that bait in places most anglers would not have even attempted with great skill and precision. She also did something that day that I had never seen before. The bass were hitting a buzz bait pretty much all day during this three-day event but each day the fish would strike her bait shorter and shorter. Now most anglers would have changed techniques, but not Janice, she went from one trailer hook on day one to three trailer hooks by day 3 and caught all those short striking fish! It was amazing to me at that time that anyone would just keep adding more trailer hooks to their lure rather than changing baits or going to a different presentation. These early year ladies were great anglers in their own right and were not intimidated by anyone especially the men. 

There have been other ladies early on who challenged the guys like in March of 1998 when Wanda Rucker of Cocoa, Florida won the old Red Man Gator Division qualifier on Lake Okeechobee. She had a winning weight of 16 lbs. 4 ounces and won $4,438. This was a rare feat accomplished at a time when the women were trying to establish themselves as comparable anglers. Then in November of 2001 another lady made her presence known as Renee Flesh of Edwardsburg, Michigan became the first woman to win a co-ed national tournament on Lake Pickwick Alabama as a co-angler fishing the popular FLW Ever start Series.  Other women who have had success against the men include Christina Bradley who in 2013 finished 4th on Douglas Lake in the Bass Pro Shop Southern Open.

But there are a couple of other ladies who have done very well including Kim Bain-Moore who was the first woman to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic in 2010 held on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. I had the chance to interview Kim and the first thing that struck me with her was her confidence. Now confidence is a tricky thing but a must have for any angler competing at a high level. Kim had that and was very well versed on her approach to the Red River. I can’t imagine the pressure she had on her as she finished 47th out of 51 anglers. I was more impressed with her professionalism than anything else as she weighed in 12 lbs. 2 ounces over a two-day period and missed the cut for the final day.

Last but not least, there is Pam Martin-Wells who just might be the greatest lady bass pro of all time. She needs no introduction to the men or anyone else who fishes the higher level of bass tournaments. Pam has set the standard for all women as she continues today to compete at a very high level. She was the second lady to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic in 2010 as she made the final day cut and finished 22nd with 25 lbs.  and beating such legendary pros like Denny Brauer, Dean Rojas, Skeet Reece and Louisiana’s legendary pro Greg Hackney. During her time fishing with B.A.S.S. she placed in the money 63% of the time including 4 first place finishes, 3 seconds and 1 third. A total of 19 top 10 finishes and with over $308,000 in cash winnings to her credit, Pam has proven to the world that she can compete with the men anytime anywhere.

So, as we have seen today, it’s not that the women can’t compete with the men, I think it’s just that they have different priorities than men. As high school and college fishing continues to grow at a rapid pace, look for more lady bass anglers to emerge and become a true threat in the bass fishing world. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

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Coach Jared Smelser has released the final schedule for  JV Football this fall at Riverdale Academy.  They will have 5 games, all played at home and all starting at 6:00 pm. 

The JV Rebels begin play August 23^rd when Claiborne comes to East Point.  And the season concludes October 5,2021 against Claiborne.

Here is the schedule:

Monday August 23 – Riverdale at Claiborne

Monday August 30 – Northeast at Riverdale

Thursday September 2 – Tallulah at Riverdale

Monday September 13 – UCA at Riverdale

Tuesday October 5th – Claiborne at Riverdale

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Red River 4-H recently held their STEM workshop.  4-H Agent Jacque Fontenot said the event had been postponed twice.  She added, “It was worth the wait.”

Fontenot said, “The kids learned all about Mars and space travel to Mars by playing games, designing and building landers, and building rovers that moved across Mars.

“They also practiced coding with Scratch.”

The new school year begins next week.  4-H will start a new STEM Project Club in September.

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Nancy Yvonne Waters

May 3, 1959 to August 5, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/05/nancy-yvonne-waters/

Margaret Perkins

March 15, 1972 to July 31, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/08/05/margaret-perkins/

 

Publication of the complete obituary with photo is available by contacting The Journal at 318-564-3609.

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