Congratulations to Our Red River High Literary Rally Winners:
Micha Davis-Financial Literacy
Addison Bounds- English I
Tess Zegel- Advanced Math/Statistics
Erik Hanson- IBCA
Korie Williamson- Physical Science
Erik Hanson- 1st Place Medal for Division 3 IBCA & Business English
Principal JC Dickey said, “Way to go Bulldogs!! We wish them the best as they go on to compete at the state level of the competition on April 9th.”
Each year Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 select students and public servants of the year. The 2021-22 recipients were treated to a banquet, certificate, and a cash prize to mark their accomplishment.
This year the High Student of the Year is Elizabeth Hayley Loe, represented by Dr. Diane Newton at the banquet. The Junior High Student of the Year is Makilah Murphy. The Elementary Student of the Year is Earh Lillo. And the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year is Doyle Bell.
Area public servants were also saluted at the banquet were Firefighter of the Year Jacob A. Santos, 911 Dispatcher of the Year Deputy Josh Adams, and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Detective Sergeant Carlos Ratliff.
In the photos are top officers of the VFW in the state and region. They came to the banquet to honor our persons of the year and to help the Post celebrate their 50th anniversary of serving veterans and the community.
The annual selection is made from public servants, teachers and students nominated during the fall. For more information about the recognition program, call VFW Post 7287 at 932-6557.
By Autumn McCoy
After falling to the 2A State champion team, Many Tigers, Monday night in a tough loss of 18-0, the Lady Bulldogs came back in full force Wednesday night in a double-header against the Bossier Lady Bearkats. Bryn Danzy #4 was on the mound in the first game.
Short Stop Davis had the first out of the game when she caught a pop fly at short. After many errors by the young Bossier team, the Lady Bulldogs finished the first game in two innings with a score of 17-1.
The next game started much the same way, but this time out the Lady Bulldogs had Harley Sepulvado #11 on the mound. Destiney Davis #15 hit an in the park home run in the bottom of the first inning allowing Shelby Pickett #5 to score, also. Tess Zegel #17 got her first hit of the season allowing Sepulvado and Addison Bounds #6 to both score. The Lady Bulldogs finished out the game on top with a score of 12-6.
Both Baseball and Softball teams are hosting tournaments this week. Here is the schedule for the rest of the week.
Games Friday in the Earl Martin Invitational Baseball Tournament played at the Red River High sports complex:
4:00 pm Arcadia vs Calvin on natural grass and Ringgold vs Saline on the turf field.
6:30 pm Pleasant Hill vs Saline on the turf field.
Saturday games (all played on the turf field):
10:00 am Pleasant Hill vs Downsville
12:30 pm Arcadia vs. Ringgold
3:00 pm North Caddo vs Downsville
5:30 pm Castor vs Red River
And the Lady Bulldogs Softball Team is hosting the 2022 Invitational Tournament at the sports complex. Friday schedule:
4:00 pm Mansfield vs Saline
5:45 pm Pleasant Hill vs Saline
7:30 pm Lakeview vs Red River
Saturday Games:
11:00 am Jonesboro-Hodge vs Mansfield
12:45 pm Jonesboro-Hodge vs Red River
2:30 pm Pleasant Hill vs Mansfield
4:15 pm Pleasant Hill vs Red River
By Steve Graf
Since the first-time man ever wet a hook, he has always looked for an advantage, a way to figure out the best way to catch fish. Bass anglers especially have been obsessed with trying to find and locate bass in all kinds of water clarity. But today, anglers have access to fish finding instruments that can read the date on a dime in 30 feet of water. I really believe you could navigate to Mars with the electronics anglers have on their boats today. Tournament anglers are spending $15,000 on their fish finding units for the sole purpose of catching bass. Not all tournament anglers can afford this, and it’s created a major advantage for those who can. It’s a case of the haves vs. the have nots. Tournaments are being won on a weekly basis with these forward-facing sonars. Due to these advancements, it’s no longer a level playing field. Which brings up the question…. Is it ethical? Have we made bass and crappie fishing too easy? Will this come back to bite anglers after a few years of using these high advanced fish locating devices?
To understand how far sonars have come, let’s first go back to the late 1960’s with an instrument known as a flasher. This device was what started the electronics revolution. It was a round digital sonar that registered the depth and showed anything between the bottom and the surface with a red flashing line. Just like any electronic device that’s new, these were not cheap and only anglers with deep pockets could afford one of these.
Then came the paper graph. Now this was truly cutting-edge technology that came out in the early 70’s. This unit would print out a paper copy of the contour of the bottom and show fish suspended and even along the bottom. You could see stumps, trees, and underwater grass. It was a true mapping of the entire water column. Anglers would take these printed copies and keep them on file for use in future events.
During the 1980’s, sonar became the craze of the fishing world as companies like Humminbird unleashed their LCR (Liquid Crystal Recorder) which was so advanced it was scary. This revolutionized the marine industry with its detailed structure, zoom capability, sensitivity control, high speed tracking, waterproofness, and a screen you could actually see in the bright sunlight, which was a big problem for earlier sonars.
Now fast forward to today with what Garmin calls “Livescope” and Lowrance calls “Active Target Live.” Garmin was the first to come out with this new forward-facing sonar. A unit that allows you to see fish up to 60 or 70 feet in front of your boat live and in real time. Now THIS is a game changer!!! Anglers now cannot only see fish swimming, but when they bite the lure. It’s basically a video game on the front of your boat!!! If you do not have this level of electronics on your boat today, you’re probably fishing for 2nd place.
But this level of technology has raised questions and has become a hot topic for anglers across America. Some want it banned and think it should not be allowed in tournament competition. They think it gives anglers an unfair advantage. But they would be wrong. No matter what device is ever invented, there’s been nothing that will make fish bite a lure. Even looking at fish on a screen does not guarantee success. Anglers still must figure out a way to trigger fish into biting. But forward-facing sonar does help to locate fish a lot quicker, and it allows anglers to zero in on larger fish.
From an angler’s perspective, forward facing sonar (Garmin’s Live Scope) just might be the greatest invention the fishing industry has ever seen. Once again, from the first-time man has ever wet a hook, he has always looked for a way to make it easier to find and catch fish. This will never change and when it comes to technology, there is no telling what lies ahead with regards to the fishing industry. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!
By Molly Seales
On Tuesday, March 15, LSU gymnast KJ Johnson visited 3rd-12th graders at Riverdale Academy to share her testimony and encourage the students to never give up on their goals. Riverdale parent Cody Hillman connected with Johnson on Instagram and put the plan into motion. Johnson drove in from Baton Rouge to Riverdale.
Johnson is an 18 year old freshman gymnast at LSU and received a full scholarship. She began her gymnastics career when she was just two years old and continued training in her hometown of Dallas, TX, training with Texas Dreams Gymnastics. She has competed at the elite level, even traveling to Paris and Belgium for meets. At LSU she is an all-around gymnast that currently competes in floor exercise and vault.
In her testimony, KJ shared about her faith in God and how blessed she is to be given the talent to compete at LSU. She shared about a time when she was 13 and fell on a back handspring. She developed a mental block and had to take 4 months off from gymnastics. She credits God and her family with her comeback.
Students were allowed to interact with KJ and ask her questions. She confirmed that she did know Joe Burrow and that he is a great guy, that her best friend is no doubt her mom, and the most difficult skill she ever performed in competition was an amanar vault. KJ said that her favorite things about LSU is competing on the gymnastics team, the huge fan base, and being teammates with Olivia Dunne.
After she spoke, KJ showed us a few gymnastics moves, took lots of photos, and signed lots of autographs. We were lucky to have KJ visit our school.
Philip Maxfield of LifeShare Blood Center said on Friday, March 18th LifeShare will be at Rivertown Market from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. The advance sign up link is forms.gle/TrgpWdPHL8AdV4CSA
This blood drive is being dedicated to Gail Roy as a fundraiser for her. Coke is also providing some swag for those who sign up and show up.
The Red River Parish Schools are seeking teachers in all areas.
By Royal Alexander
In an effort to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Pres. Biden, by executive order this past week, banned the importation into the U.S. of oil and other energy sources from that country. What this means is that no new Russian shipments of oil, liquified natural gas, coal, or various other petroleum products will be allowed into the U.S. Obviously, this will immediately drive gas prices higher than they even are right now.
Further, the misguided policy of America buying Russian gas from a criminal dictator will, in fact, not end for 45 days after the implementation of the order. In effect, this means that for 45 days after this announcement, we will continue to pay war criminal Putin, a serial murderer and perpetrator of war crimes, for roughly six hundred and fifty thousand barrels of oil per day at a rate of significantly over $100 a barrel which amounts to between 60 and 70 million dollars per day of American money—which will continue to fund Putin’s War Machine against innocent Ukrainian men women and children.
The question is not whether it’s a good political or foreign policy decision to ban the importation of Russian oil and natural gas into our country in response to its brutal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Of course it is. The fundamental question is—knowing as we do that energy security is national security—why we are dependent on Russia or any other country for our energy in the first place.
In Pres. Trump’s last month in office, Jan. 2021, America was producing more oil than it was consuming for the first time in 50 years and was exporting energy to the EU. The Trump Administration had made America energy independent, meaning we not only were providing for our own national energy needs but, in fact, had become a net exporter of energy to other nations who are also vulnerable to Putin through the consumption of Russian oil.
However, under the Biden Administration we’ve gone from energy independence back to dependence and are now reduced to begging Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, OPEC and perhaps even our archenemy, Iran, for oil. Why? Mostly to satisfy the green energy delusions of the Climate Change religionists. That’s an embarrassing and untenable position for the world’s only superpower to be in.
The easiest and fastest answer is what, in addition to giving hope to millions of struggling American citizens, will drive the domestic energy market up. Have President Biden announce that we are going to reopen and re-invigorate the U.S. oil and gas industry. Repeal all so-called “green” regulations prohibiting the production and development of American energy.
The Biden Administration could make permits faster and easier to procure and make capital and financing available for energy exploration, rather than allow the hostility of the Labor Department which requires investors to consider the “impact of climate change on their investments”; or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which is expected to issue a rule soon requiring companies and their equity partners to publicize their carbon emissions. (It’s worth noting that President Biden has now nominated Sarah Bloom Raskin to be a top official at the Federal Reserve. Her primary goal, reflecting her disdain for fossil fuels, is to try to use financial regulations to force capital away from fossil fuel investment and into green energy.).
In light of all of this, it is amazing that any oil and gas development or production occurs in the U.S.
Obviously, the best decision now would be to boost America’s energy security–and, again, energy security is national security—by taking the brakes off of our domestic energy industry including taking steps such as restarting the Keystone pipeline and ending all the attempts to block new lease sales in federal areas.
One possibility is reviving the shale industry—including our Haynesville Shale—because shale producers are able to get moving more quickly. “Shale fracking, unlike traditional drilling, can increase production quickly, producing in a matter of months rather than the years it can take for the “old school” way of drilling oil.” (Money & Markets, Shawn Ambrosino, 3-7-22). This, of course, would require the rapid procurement of oilfield workers, equipment, and materials.
In a perfect world, we could perhaps snap our fingers and transition ourselves to a carbon-free world. However, that’s not the world we live in. The world we live in is not going to be able to be free of fossil fuels for decades if not generations. Renewable energy sources can’t come anywhere near meeting America’s energy needs right now. In the meantime, the self-inflicted harm the Green leftists are doing to our country is increasing the leverage over us of Russia, China, and Iran, making us vulnerable and compromised.
This anti-American policy madness which seeks to unwind modernity must end before it is too late.
By Jacque Fontenot, 4-H Agent
We are also registering for Summer Camp this month. Summer camp is back at Camp Grant Walker, located in Pollock, July 4-7th. Our theme this year is A 100 years, A Million Memories.
Summer Camp is for 4-H members who have completed 4-6th grade. Students participate in Educational tracks such as Science, Engineering and Technology, Outdoor Adventures, Hunter Safety, Louisiana Wetlands, Food and Fitness, and Water Safety. They also have recreational time to play various sports, archery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, and line dancing. Other choices include team-building activities, performing arts, visiting with friends, or shopping for souvenirs in the camp store.
Evening programs consist of skits, talent show, Vespers, and special guest speakers.
There are several scholarship opportunities available to help with summer camp costs. Spots are limited and we are filling up fast, so now is the time to register your child!! To complete registration or to receive more information, call the 4-H office at 932-4342 or email jfontenot@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Beta Club sponsor Amanda Cason reported a good turn the Beta Club members did for some younger students.
Kindergarten, first and second graders since had been testing all week. They were due a treat, so Beta Club members brought popsicles and play time for them. Cason said, “It was chaotic, but the kids had fun.”
Audrey Harper Peters
February 20, 1921 to March 14, 2022
View full obituary here:
https://redriverparishjournal.com/2022/03/16/audrey-harper-peters/
Sandra McDowell Jones
April 2, 1936 to February 16, 2022
Memorial Service at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Holley Springs Cemetery in Martin.
Patsy Elaine Greer
February 17, 1933 to March 11, 2022
Graveside Service was 3:30 pm Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Liberty Cemetery.
Beulah Thomas
October 16, 1930 to March 12, 2022 (age 91)
Services will be 11 am, Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Savior B.C
The campus Book Fair at Red River Elementary starts Monday. Dates are March 21st through 25th. There is also an online Book Fair March 21st through April 3rd.
Northwestern State University’s oldest graduate has died. Earline Hart Andrews, 111, died Wednesday, March 16. Andrews graduated from Louisiana Normal, as NSU was then known, in 1931, and spent 43 years teaching in Texas before retiring in 1975.
The Louisiana 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team is a brand new, statewide leadership opportunity for 4-H members that provides the prospect to build and apply leadership and professional skills while exploring animal science and the livestock industry. Livestock Ambassadors will not only lead livestock outreach activities in their parish, region, and state, but also learn valuable professional skills. This is available to Red River 4-H members that will be in 9th-12th grade for the 2022-2023 school year who have previously exhibited at least one livestock animal for at least one year prior as a Louisiana 4-H member. Contact your local 4-H Agent, Jacque Fontenot at 932-4342 for information on how to apply.
Hardrick Rivers: A Man Of Our Times!
A service celebrating the life and legacy of this internationally renowned saxophonist, band director and educator will go forth Monday, March 21, 2022 at the Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 at High Noon. The casketed remains will lie in state from 9:00 a. m. until service time. Cremation will follow the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Hardrick Rivers Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Bank of Montgomery, Account 40909041.
The crisp season of fall was pleased to have brought forth the birth of our incomparable Hardrick Rivers. He was a gift to his parents, Elijah King and the late Melba Rivers September 12, 1956 in the Powhatan Community. As he developed, matured and shared his talents in the musical arts , he became a gift to the entire community and beyond. His creator sounded the final call of Taps March 10, 2022 while he was a patient in the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Hardrick’s final earthly song had ended.
He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in Alexandria, LA at the tender age of seven. In the later years, he affiliated with the First Methodist Church of Natchitoches, LA. He was a baptized believer.
At the young age of 13, this multi-talented adolescent began playing music under the tutelage of a well-known Blues artist, the late Overton Owens (“Dr. Drip Drop”). He concentrated on formulating his own unique sound on the saxophone and exhibited his new vibe through becoming a part of the Mustangs, and then through a band he founded called the Lighthouse Crew. As he matured musically, he became an integral part of the Rivers’ Revue Band. One of his loves was the monthly jam session with some of his favorite colleagues at Roque’s Grocery and Pool Hall on Carver Avenue in Natchitoches. An outgrowth of these musical sets was the Roques’ Blues Band.
Our beloved Hardrick was a graduate of Allen High School. In 2001 following a decade of employment with construction sprinkled with weekend gigs, this industrious young man earned a degree in Music from Northwestern State University where he became an instrumentalist with the school’s Jazz Ensemble for two semesters. This formal credential prepared him for the awesome task of developing a great band as a Music Instructor at Coushatta High School in Coushatta, LA.
Read about Rivers’ Coushatta and Red River High School connection HERE.
Shortly after earning his degree, he was awarded with the professional compliment of being inducted into the Louisiana Folk Life Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists.
2003 marked the year of his teaming with B. B. Majors Blue Band and they toured Italy playing various blues events and venues.
Hardrick’s community of Powhatan recognized the statesman-like qualities he had and elected him as their Mayor in 2020 where he brought a spirit of progress to that settlement. He was the sitting Mayor at the time of his passing.
The year of 2017 brought another signal honor—his being honored as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer at a ceremony at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum in Natchitoches. Known as a “SAX MAN” and Blues Band Leader, Hardrick was a versatile musician that truly enjoyed performing.
This memorable gentleman was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Rivers, five siblings: Pamela Revels Johnikin, Deondre King, Elijah King, Jr. and Elmer King.
Those who will long cherish his legendary lifetime of memories include His wife Pamela Rivers, His Children Donna Conday, Douglas (Kesha) Conday, Renee (Marlon) Brown, Melba (Bruce) Rivers, Hardrick (Petula) Rivers Jr., Tiawana Rivers, Joy (Vantrey) Dove, Charles (Hannan) Dove, and Justin Dove.
24 Grandchildren; Cedric Conday, Derick (Antriece)Turner Jr., Bre’Anna (Brandon) Perkins, Semaj ( Murphy ) Morman, Douglas (Yasmeen) Conday Jr., Derion Winder, Rodney Robinson, Bruce Smith III, Ladaijha Rivers, BrittNee Smith, Justice Robinson, Braeden Smith, Destiny Adkins, Alexis Rivers, Darin Adkins, Kaiden Conday, Marques Conday, Faith Conday, Jeremiah Rivers, Layla’ Cook, Kyla Cook, Brielle Monroe, Judah Cook, and Charles Dove III.
6 Great Grandchildren; Logan Tademy, Nova Owens, Mason Morman, Aiyanna Turner, Aeden Zoberbier
14 siblings; Charles Guiden, Deondre King, Carolyn King, Calvin King, Corrundulet King Sheard, Charlesetta Collins, Lee Crockom, Darrell Crockom, Latonia M Crockom, David Crockom, Kenneth King, Frank King, Leslie Crockom Mims, and His Ex-wife and Coparent Ms. Violet Rivers
His Friend and fellow musician since Childhood Ganey “Pop” Hymes
Countless Band members and musicians that have shared the stage and formed unforgettable friendships and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, additional family and friends including Alvin King.
Audrey Harper Peters, age 101, entered into God’s loving arms on March 14, 2022. Audrey is survived by her five sons: Phillip L. Peters, Jack L. Peters, Joseph H. Peters (Margaret), Carl F. Peters (Kathy), and William B. Peters, (Vickie). She is also survived by one daughter, Harriet P. Woodard (Jerry). Audrey is further survived by 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren plus many other special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Peters; her parents, Phillip Burkett and Annie Harriet Harper and her seven siblings: Pluma Madden, Muriel Harlan, Julia Tomme, Zoma Henry, Ford Harper, Agnes Palmer, and Freda McAnally. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, William B. Peters.
Services for Audrey will be conducted at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta, Louisiana on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 2:00 PM with a visitation one hour prior to service time with Bro. Collin Wimberly officiating.
Audrey was the seventh child of Burke and Annie Harper. She was born on February 20, 1921 in Hall Summit, Louisiana. For Audrey, growing up in rural Red River Parish during the 1930’s included riding to church and to town in the wagon pulled by her father’s logging mules as well as working on her father’s farm. She attended Hall Summit High School. She was a member of the 1937 State Champion Volleyball team. After high school, she was set up by her sister for a date with a handsome young man from Barksdale Air Corps, William L. Peters. She and Bill were married on April 1, 1939. They lived in Kansas and Southern Louisiana most of their married life while raising their six children. Bill died on February 16, 1965. After Bill’s death, Audrey became a single working mother. She eventually took a job with Wire Rope Corporation and began constructing industrial nylon slings. The nylon slings became so popular that additional people were hired, and Audrey headed the department in Shreveport and then in Fort Worth, Texas. She retired in 1983. After her retirement, Audrey returned to the Hall Summit/Martin area where she lived beside her daughter. Once she returned home, she became very active again in Eastern Star holding many offices.
In Audrey’s 101 years, she talked about the many changes she saw and experienced. This included living in a house without electricity or a phone to using a cell phone and computer. If she was your Facebook friend, then know that she stalked everyone to know what was going on. She loved looking at all of the pictures that her Facebook friends posted.
Audrey was a very talented and sharp woman. When her boys were growing up it was nothing for her to bake up to five loaves of bread and pans of cinnamon rolls twice a week. She could read a car repair manual and give directions on how to repair an automatic transmission. She kept her mind sharp by being an avid reader and completing numerous crossword puzzles each week.
Audrey loved the Lord from the time she was a young girl. She had a personal relationship with the Lord and is now sitting at His feet. Audrey also loved and cherished her family. She was a loving Momma, Grandma, and GiGi.
Pallbearers will be Jarred Woodard, Chris Layfield, John “Bo” Woodard, Joe Roush, Carsyn Buckles, and Charles Loftin.
Special thanks to Dr Wyche Coleman and staff and Hospice of Natchitoches for their loving care they gave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to New Life Red River Church Building Fund, 1098 First Street, Hall Summit, Louisiana.
By Molly Seales
The Rebels had a tough week March 7-11, barely losing 6-5 against Prairie View Academy on March 7 and suffering a tough 10-2 loss to Providence Classical Academy on March 11. Despite these losses, this young team shows lots of promise. Freshman pitcher Aston Hester went the distance against PVA, allowing 7 hits, 4 earned runs, and striking out 8 batters. Sophomore Landen Barrett had a hot bat again. He went 2 for 3 and scored 3 runs. Freshman Kaidyn Williams and junior Tyler Parker both went 1 for 3 at the plate with Parker scoring a run, while Hester had an RBI double. Senior Monroe McCarty scored the other run for Riverdale.
The Rebels struggled on cold, windy day against Providence, but they fought to the very end. Landen Barrett started on the mound for the Rebels. Ryder Huddleston came in the game in relief, followed by Hester. Barrett and Huddleston each struck out 2 batters, while Hester struck out 10. The Riverdale bats couldn’t seem to get going as well as they had in the previous 2 games. Barrett, Hester, and senior Jake Messenger were all 1 for 3 at the plate, with Hester and Messenger driving in a run each. Messenger and senior Denver Williams scored the 2 runs for the Rebels.
There is recognition for Landen Barrett. He was selected the Max Preps Player of the Game in the 6-5 loss to Prairie View Academy.
The JV and Varsity Rebels traveled to Vicksburg, MS, on Tuesday, March 15, to take on the Tensas Chiefs. And next weekend, the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Rebels will play their final baseball tournament of the year in Rayville. Good luck Rebels!
On Monday afternoon Red River Schools and the local VFW Post and Auxiliary honored students from each public school in the parish. The students were introduced to the School Board and audience by Superintendent Alison Strong. Guy Breider represented the VFW in making the presentation.
From Red River Elementary School:
McKinley Owens is an outstanding First Grader. She is always happy to come to school! She is the first one who comes in the morning and gives me a hug to start the day. She has a warm personality and infectious smile. She is always eager and excited to do her work and participates in class. She shows leadership skills by assisting her classmates and finishes her work quickly. She has outstanding behavior and is kind to others. I am thankful to have such a model student in my classroom. (Submitted by her teacher, Caroline Doughty)
From Red River Academic Academy:
What can I say about Shawn Ward, known as Sweet Shawn? I should start by explaining his nickname. I call him my Sweet Shawn because he has such a sweet and giving heart. He is one of the most compassionate students I have ever taught. He wants to be successful but it’s just as important to him that his classmates are successful with him. He is always the first student to offer to help anyone. Shawn is a hard worker and has such a great work ethic. He knows things aren’t always going to be easy for him at school, but he is willing to keep at it until he gets it. I have seen so much growth in him this year. Shawn is a great example of a great student. I’m so proud to be a part of his journey. (Submitted by his teacher, Sherry Pickett)
From Red River Junior High School:
Samantha Taylor is an 8th grade student who works very hard to achieve her goals. Her work ethic is outstanding, and she is always working hard to make sure that the content that she delivers is her absolute best. Samantha is also always ready to lend a helping hand to any of her fellow classmates. Any time that she sees another student struggling, she strives to make sure that they are given assistance in any way that she can. Samantha is such a joy to teach and makes us prouder with each day that passes. (Submitted by Principal JC Davis)
From Red River High School:
Casey Davis is one of the most helpful students in his Biology AP class. He is the first person to get up to help one of his classmates who is struggling. Often times he gets up to help me pass out materials to the class before I even think to ask for help. He always has a good attitude about my class and takes personal responsibility for his learning and work, even when absent. Casey is definitely one of those students that has a positive impact on the mood in the whole class. (Submitted by teacher Nikki Smith)
Note: Casey Davis was not present for the presentation at the School Board Monday night. His certificate was presented by Principal JC Dickey at school the next day.
The VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 honor the students of the month each month from schools in the parish with a certificate and gift card to Dairy Queen. For more information on the Student of the Month program, please call the VFW at 932-6557.
By Teddy Allen
Gus and Jezebel live next door, and sometimes Molly from a house over is there and sometimes even Duke from down the street. These are labs and herding dogs and mixes of athletic breeds, serious animals, and when the mailman or mailwoman come by each day, it is Armageddon, the Olympics of Barking.
And all these dogs are gold medal contenders.
No problem. Our mail carriers have more than once smiled at me and said, above the insane barking, “They love me.”
Maybe you don’t need a sense of humor to carry the mail, but I have to believe it helps. That, and spray repellant.
All this came to mind after a letter arrived alerting us that this is the 230th anniversary of the U.S. Postal System. The actual date that President George Washington created the modern-day post office is Feb. 20, 1792, so the letter was three weeks late but, hey, who’s counting?
I’m not, and here’s why:
The post office is a dart board for complaints. Stamps are too high. Service is slow. “Y’all make my dogs bark.”
Easy target.
But allow me to argue for my brothers and sisters at the USPS.
First of all, a “sort of” mail delivery had been in place since 1775, and Benjamin Franklin, you’ll remember from history class, was our first postmaster general. His salary was $1,000 annually. That’s a lot back then but … it would not have bought nearly as many stamps then as today.
Back then, a dollar equaled about 30 bucks in today’s dough. So a 12-cents stamp, the most fancy stamp you could get, one that would get a letter as far as you needed it to go—to one of the new states like, say, from Philly to Kentucky—would have cost between three and four bucks, if you’ll kindly do the math (because I can’t).
I just don’t understand why anyone would complain today that, for 50 cents, I can mail a check from my house to the insurance or electricity people instead of having to go to the actual address and hand it to the insurance or electricity people. It’s a bargain—and a lot better bargain than it was in 1792, when the “new” post office, in addition to other improvements, guaranteed lower mailing rates for newspapers, greatly advancing the idea of a free press.
Also back then the penalty for robbing a mail delivery person or stealing mail from the post office was death (see Sect. 17 of the Official Act). That’s right: The Big D. And you think 50 cents is a high price to pay.
Today the fine for such misguided tomfoolery is “only” five years in prison, which is no walk in the park but it beats having your mail and earthly address discontinued permanently.
So shut your pie hole!, you USPS bashers.
Finally, how do the mail sorters know how to do that? How can all this paperwork, all these envelopes of different sizes, come into One Building and people in there are fast enough, basically overnight, to get it into The Appropriate Piles?
And how do different carriers get My Mail to My House? Now and then I’ll get Jezebel or even Molly’s mail and will have to walk next door and trade, but still, even getting a letter from Fort Worth to within two doors of my house for half a dollar is cause for celebration, in my way of thinking.
Nobody’s perfect, but in a dog-eat-dog world, the USPS is carrying its weight and then some. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night—nor barking dog—stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Hat tippage.
I should mail them a thank-you note. (Think they’ll get it?)
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Red River Parish Schools are seeking teachers in all areas.
Several Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs have been selected to the Basketball All-District teams. Red River Parish Schools Athletics issued the lists of all-district team members.
For Basketball, District 3-2A All-District Honors, the First Team members selected are Antron Williams and Zintayvious Smith. D’evin McDonald was the Bulldog selected to the Second Team,
Jieron Calhoun was selected for the Defensive Team. Two players received Honorable Mention. They are Shaylon Newton and Stanley Sibley.
Three Lady Bulldogs received District 3-2A All-District Honors. Nakerra Jones was selected to the second team. She also was named to the defensive team.
Two Lady Bulldogs received Honorable Mention. They are Jaedynn French-Solton and Lyrika Miller.
These athletes represented Red River well. Congrats to all of you.
Everyone likes it to snow. And it did, sort of, the other night here in Coushatta. This reporter witnessed it all. I stuck my hand out and a few flakes hit it. It wasn’t rain. It wasn’t sleet. It wasn’t ice.
It was snow.
But you had to look quick.
The dawn brought recognition that something fluffy had fallen from the sky. A little something. Very little.
I ran to get the camera. What you see is what we got! Just a dab of white stuff. But enough to say, “Yes it does snow in Coushatta this winter.”
By Brad Dison
Two guys walked into a bar… actually it was a tavern called the “House of Lords” in New York City. The date was Friday, April 7, 1865. Sam and his friend had been close since they were children. In the tavern, Sam and his friend “drank considerably” and discussed Abraham Lincoln’s second presidential inauguration, which Sam’s friend had attended.
The morning of March 4, 1865, in Washington, D.C. was dark and gloomy. The rain came down in torrents. The dirt streets were “a sluice of mud.” One newspaper reported, “The Heavens wept profusely and the streets of Washington deluged in mud!” A short distance from the Capitol, a large procession gathered despite the hard rain. The group consisted of a military escort, firemen, and members of several different civic societies.
Despite the rain and muddy streets, streams of people of all “sexes, ages, colors and conditions” made their way to the Capitol to witness the historic ceremony. People also gathered on the sidewalks along Pennsylvania Avenue all the way to the White House, then known as “the Presidential mansion.” Carriages which would have been in great demand due to the inauguration were in even higher demand because of the weather. It would have been in bad form to arrive for the inauguration wearing dirty, soggy clothing. People who wanted to join the celebrations unsoiled by the rain and mud paid top dollar to ride in one of the city’s hundreds of carriages for hire. In order to make the most profit possible, carriage drivers kept the horses moving at a faster pace than would have been normal for the muddy conditions. Even though the carriages had fenders, the mud still sloshed onto passersby. The thin, wooden carriage wheels sliced deep into the mud and launched the sludge a great distance. Sitting in the tavern, Sam’s friend explained that he had taken such a carriage ride to the Capitol.
President Lincoln had arrived at the Capitol early that morning. He was not trying to beat the rain; it had rained on him the whole way. The President was busy “signing bills as fast as they were enrolled.” Shortly before the inauguration ceremony was to begin at the Capitol, the Presidential “equipage” left the Presidential mansion for the Capitol.
In the front of the procession was a strong force of police on horseback. Next came the military portion which consisted of a regiment of infantry (Veteran Reserves), a battalion of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. The Fire Brigade, which was comprised of government and city Fire Departments, and the visiting firemen from Philadelphia, followed. One newspaper reported, “This display was remarkably fine, and was one of the most attractive features in the procession.” The Presidential carriage, which carried Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln and other members of the Presidential household, was escorted by a United States Marshal and the guard of black horse cavalry who were usually on duty at the Presidential mansion. As the carriage drove along Pennsylvania Avenue, the crowd struggled to see who was inside. The Presidential carriage was followed by several civic societies, State delegations and political associations, and a large number of citizens on horseback who had joined the parade of their own volition. The procession was much larger and imposing than had been anticipated considering the weather. While the procession was en route to the Capitol, the “clouds broke away, and the sun shone out with great splendor, giving the scene a bright and cheerful aspect.”
Inside the Capital building, last minute details pertaining to the inaugural ceremonies were finalized. Guards stood at the entrance on the eastern front. All other entrances to the Capital were closed. At ten o’clock, the doors to the eastern entrance were opened. Some people were crushed as the crowd rushed through the doors and scrambled to find seats. Within minutes, every available space in the chamber was occupied. Keeping order was nearly impossible.
Just before noon, the official procession, which consisted of members of the Supreme Court, President Lincoln and Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, members of the cabinet, and other government officials, filed into the chamber. Vice President Hamlin presented a heartfelt farewell speech. Vice President elect Andrew Johnson made a speech which was “remarkable only for its incoherence, which brought a blush to the cheek of every Senator and official of the government who was present.” Following his speech, Mr. Johnson took the oath of office as Vice President. Then came the moment that the crowd had come to see. The official procession moved to the platform in from of the portico of the eastern front of the Capitol. An estimated thirty to forty thousand people, most of which had to stand in the deep mud, broke out into enthusiastic cheers upon President Lincoln’s appearance before them.
At the table in the “House of Lords” tavern, Sam’s friend told him that he had a good view of President Lincoln. Unlike the majority of onlookers, his status was such that he was able to watch the inauguration from a clean, dry, raised balcony overlooking President Lincoln. Sam’s friend bragged that he had been as close to the President as he was to his friend sitting at the table. Sam’s friend was there when Lincoln spoke the words, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds…”
With the conclusion of President Lincoln’s speech, a battery of artillery stationed near the Capitol fired a national salute, and the jubilant onlookers cheered again. Sam’s friend watched as the procession returned to the interior of the Capitol and escorted Mr. Lincoln to the Presidential mansion. Sitting in the bar in New York, Sam listened intently as his friend shared the details of the day and was taken aback by what his friend said next. Sam’s friend struck the table and said, “What an excellent chance I had to killed the President, if I had wished, on inauguration day!” Exactly one week after Sam and his friend discussed the second inauguration at a tavern in New York City, April 14, 1865, Sam’s friend shot President Abraham Lincoln. Sam Chester’s friend was John Wilkes Booth.
Sources:
The School Board on Monday heard an upbeat, optimistic report from Superintendent Alison Strong that all of the new classroom facilities will be ready for students come August. Strong reported on the progress of getting everything ready the next school year.
Strong was joined at the meeting by Mike Millizer of CDI Contractors, the firm building the new Central Office just south of the Junior High. Pictured is a drone video of the building that was shown to the board members.
Millizer said the roof trusses were put up in four days, that despite rainy days they were unloaded and installed. He said there will be sheeting on the roof within a month that will shed water so other construction can continue.
Earlier board members and staff were talking were talking about perhaps getting to move into the building in November. On Monday, Millizer projected, “Sometime around October we will have the project completed. The general construction should be done by then.”
The video clearly showed the roof trusses, a large parking lot near the football and baseball/softball complex, and the entrance off Bulldog Drive.
The COVID Health Emergency, in effect for the past two years, is expiring. In a release from his office, Governor John Bel Edwards said, “I will not be renewing it.” As Louisiana and the nation continue making strides in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the significant drop in cases and hospitalizations and the wide availability of safe and effective vaccines, for the first time in 24 months, Gov. John Bel Edwards will not renew his COVID public health emergency order when it expires this week. Gov. Edwards made the announcement during his address at the opening of Louisiana’s 2022 Regular Legislative Session.
“On March 11, 2020 I signed a public health emergency for COVID-19. And while it changed to reflect the ebb and flow of the pandemic, it has remained in effect ever since. This Wednesday, the order expires, and after 24 months, I will not be renewing it,” Gov. Edwards said. “This decision was not made lightly. I have met with GOHSEP, the Department of Health, the Louisiana National Guard, and the Division of Administration to ensure that there will be no federal aid repercussions or other adverse consequences from not renewing the proclamation. I want to be clear that just because the proclamation is expiring doesn’t mean COVID is over. If the circumstances call for it, I will not hesitate to declare another emergency. God willing, we will never have to see such difficult mitigation measures in our state again. Thankfully, at this time, we are no longer in a crisis. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we are in a much better place today than we were two years ago.”
Gov. Edwards and his public health advisors will continue to monitor the situation with COVID and provide the public with updates and guidance as is necessary to manage public health in Louisiana’s communities and also to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed. Should additional needs arise, or the situation change, the Governor could revisit his emergency order in the future.
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