It will happen Monday, July 4^th.  It is the annual Uncle Sam Jam at Red River Cowboy Church.  One of the event organizers, Lyle Kniffin told the Journal they are planning a family picnic with music and family entertainment.  And the event is free to everyone.

Kniffin said, “The event will begin about 3:00 pm on July 4^th.  And it is an event geared to the whole family.  Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic basket supper.”  And Kniffin added, “Oh, bring your swimsuit and towel.  We will have water slides for the kids.”

Highlights of this year’s Uncle Sam Jam will be a Homemade Ice Cream competition and a Rib Cook-Off.  Kniffin said, “All preparations will have to be done here at the church, no pre-prepping anything.  Those participating in our competitions will have to be there early.

There will be live music in the arena.  Kniffin said, “Local artists will be performing all afternoon.  It will be a good show.”

Red River Cowboy Church will have a one-day Vacation Bible School the same day.  VBS will be from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, just prior to the Uncle Sam Jam.  VBS is for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.

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By Teddy Allen 

Welcome to summertime, which began Tuesday with the summer “solstice,” a Latin word for “if our AC goes out, call 911.”

So if Tuesday seemed like a really long day … it was. The longest. Because of the way the Earth and Sun were situated — with the Earth tilting on one of its poles and other complicated astronomical stuff that you already know so why should I explain — Tuesday was the longest day and shortest night of the year. 

If you are married and came home and said, “Honey, it’s been a long day,” you might have been figuratively correct but you were most definitely literally correct. In other words, for once in your marriage, you were right, even if you didn’t mean to be.

Another reason why summer is good.

Song after song has been written and sung about summertime.

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…”

“In the good ol’ summertime…”

“The summer wind/came blowin’ in/from across the sea/It lingered there/to touch your hair/and walk with me…”

“We’ve been havin’ fun all summer long…” – Beach Boys, of course.

And — also of course — the late, great Roger Miller wrote this, a favorite because, well, Roger Miller …

“In the summertime

When all the leaves and trees are green

And the redbird sings ‘I’ll be blue

’Cause you don’t want my love…”

Clever Roger Miller with the colors, green and red and blue. But it’s a sad summer song, and sad is not what summer is about.

It’s complicated now, when school starts and when school stops. Makes no sense.

But in a simpler time, the school system owned our adolescent butts from Labor Day until Memorial Day. Owned us. That was understood. Two days for Thanksgiving. Christmas was a couple weeks, the Glory Days of Wintertime Kiddom. There was an Easter Day or two. Maybe a Presidents Day.

But basically, they had you where they wanted you. In front of a chalkboard. Labor Day until Memorial Day.

Fine. 

But we knew that glorious summertime was ours. Memorial Day passed, and we were free to run barefoot for three months. No questions asked.

We worked, sure. Depending on where you grew up, there was grass to cut, tractors to drive.

But there was also baseball to play. Afternoons at the pool. Bikes to ride from daylight to dusk.

Watermelon and sweat and smiles. And you could go to bed Sunday night without thinking of homeroom Monday. Monday was just another “free” day to be a kid, to drink from the water hose (wait a minute ’til it gets cold!), to get sunburned, to hear your momma calling you in for supper.

It’s hot, for sure. Supposed to be more than 100 this weekend. But I can take off enough to stay cool; can’t put on enough in the wintertime to stay warm.

I’ll take summer any day.

It’s been 25 years since I was out walking and met a guy from Up North washing his car. He’d just moved here. He mentioned in passing how hot it was. I nodded and told him it sure was and kept walking.

It was only April. I didn’t have the heart to tell him…

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The role of support personnel in keeping schools running smoothly was highlighted at the June meeting of the Red River Parish School Board.  One Support Person of the Year was named from each school in the parish.

Superintendent Alison Strong and Board President Susan Taylor presented plaques and compliments to each one.  They are:

Red River Elementary – LaJuana Speed

Red River Academic Academy – Tina Thomas

Red River Junior High – Sequita Chatman

Red River High – Janet Murphy

Speed did not attend the board meeting and her plaque was presented later.

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School Transportation Director Dan Pickett said, “Safety is always at the top of the list when it come to our students. From the bus ride to the classroom, taking care of our Bulldogs is the goal. Join us in congratulating these wonderful bus drivers for their years-long service to the Red River Parish school system.”

The recipients are:

Paula Walsworth | 25 years

Jan Emerson | 20 years

Russell Gray | 15 years

Presenters are Alison Strong, Superintendent, and Dan Pickett, Director of Transportation & Child Welfare and Attendance

Pickett said, “We are thankful for the commitment of each of these fine people and the love and dedication they show, day in and day out. We celebrate each of you today.”

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OMC SEEKING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER –

Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors.  The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff.  Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.

A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers.  Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner.  A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources.  OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.

Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org.  Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.

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By Brad Dison

On the morning of November 10, 1980, Daniel Irvin Jr.’s plane landed at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.  With no one to pick him up from the airport, Daniel hailed a cab driven by 38-year-old Gene Phillips.  Daniel asked Gene if he was familiar with Castlewood Terrace.  Although Gene had been a taxi driver in Chicago for a dozen years, he replied that he did not know the street.  In fairness, Castlewood Terrace was a block-long street in the prestigious Lakefront district.  Daniel gave Gene directions to the location.  “Go down the Kennedy [Expressway] to Lawrence.  Go east on Lawrence, and Castlewood would come in between Marine Drive and Sheridan Road.  They stowed Daniel’s luggage in the trunk and set off.

Gene followed Daniel’s directions – Kennedy Expressway to Lawrence, east on Lawrence, past Sheridan Road.  As he passed Sheridan Road, Gene began looking for Castlewood Terrace.  Daniel said it would be between Marine Drive and Sheridan.  When they reached Marine Drive, Gene asked Daniel if he had seen the road.  Daniel replied that he did not.  Gene drove around the area looking for Castlewood Terrace.  Finally, Gene said, “Look, I’ve got to be in the garage by 1 p.m.  I’m not going to be able to drive around all day looking for it.”  Gene’s leased cab had to be returned to the cab company by 1 p.m. or he would have to pay a penalty.  Daniel asked Gene if he was trying to put him out of the cab.  Gene explained that he was not putting him out but said he had limited time.  As they drove, Daniel spotted a police car.  Daniel said, “There’s a policeman.  I think I might get out and just get in the police car.”  Gene responded, “Do what you please, as long as you pay the fare.”

Gene pulled up alongside the police car and asked the policeman if he was near Castlewood Terrace.  The policeman explained that they were just two blocks away from the location.  Daniel had given Gene bad directions.  Daniel decided to continue riding in the taxi with Gene.  Within a couple of minutes, they arrived at the requested address.  Daniel reached for his wallet and noticed that the driver’s cab license, which was required to be on display and visible to passengers, was missing.  “Driver,” Daniel asked, “Where’s your license?”  “Mister,” Gene replied, “will you give me my money?  The fare is $12.55.  Will you pay me?”  Daniel said, “I’m not going to give you a thing until you produce a license.”  “I’m going to ask you one more time,” the cab driver said, “Give me my money and get out of this cab.”  Daniel replied, “I’m not going to pay you until you produce a license.”

Gene was fed up with Daniel.  “I got a ticket, mister, and that’s really none of your business,” Gene explained, “but that’s why I don’t have the license there.”  The policeman who gave Gene the ticket took his license to ensure that he would pay the fine.  The ticket allowed Gene to continue driving his cab.  Gene’s explanation was not good enough for Daniel.  “I’ll tell you what,” Daniel said, “I’m not paying you.  I’m getting out right now.  Get my luggage.”

As Daniel reached for the door handle, Gene slammed on the gas pedal.  “You won’t pay me?” Gene quipped, “When we stop a squad car, you’re gonna pay me.” The taxi sped down the luxurious street.  The only recourse Gene, or any other taxi driver, had against people who refused to pay was to drive until he found a police officer.  Taxi drivers could face charges if they physically confronted the person, kept the luggage, or followed him into a residence.  As Gene sped through town looking for a policeman, Daniel stuck his head and shoulders out of the window of the car and yelled that he had been kidnapped.  He threatened to jump out of the moving car.  “Ok,” Gene said, “Jump and you don’t have to worry about paying the fare.”  “This is kidnapping,” Daniel yelled.  “I’ll make sure you never drive a cab again.”  Daniel continued screaming out the window that he had been kidnapped.

Finally, Gene found a policewoman.  He pulled the car over and tried to explain the situation.  He assumed the policewoman would arrest the man just the same as other police officers had when the same scenario happened.  To Gene’s surprise, the policewoman reached out and shook Daniel’s hand.  People walking by stopped and did the same thing.  Everyone seemed happy to meet Daniel.  A passing ambulance saw the cop car, the taxi, and the large gathering of people, and pulled over because the ambulance crew thought someone had had an accident.  Other officers arrived and greeted Daniel in the same manner.  Gene was puzzled by their actions toward Daniel.  Finally, a policeman asked if Gene was the cab driver.  Gene only had enough time to reply “Yes,” and they placed him under arrest.

As Gene sat in a jail cell, he learned that Daniel was at the police station and wanted to pay the fare.  Danial was adamant, however, that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Gene never drove a cab again.  A spokesman for Daniel said, “It certainly is not [Daniel’s] intention for anyone to lose their job, but he is concerned that a similar incident may happen to someone else.”

In April of 1981, Daniel dropped charges against the Chicago cabbie.  Through the entire event, Gene never recognized Daniel because he said he rarely watched television.  Millions of people around the world knew and trusted Daniel.  It was he, Daniel, who reported from Dallas in November 1963 on the John F. Kennedy assassination, gave regular reports on the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s presidency, the Watergate scandal, and Nixon’s resignation.  The man who claimed Gene had kidnapped him when he refused to pay the $12.55 fare, was CBS news anchor Daniel Irvin “Dan” Rather.      

 Sources:

1. The Daily Chronicle (De Kalb, Illinois), November 12, 1980, p.12.
2. Washington Post, November 13, 1980.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/11/13/cabbie-no-fare/0acc8cb6-0bd5-4101-b693-993571770466/
3. Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), April 8, 1981, p.7.

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On Friday, Red River High School honored Mrs. Debbie Lawhorne and Mrs. Peggy Key for their retirement and years of service. Principal JC Dickey said, “We thank them for their dedication to the students of Red River Parish and wish them well in their retirement and future endeavors.”

Dickie also said, “We also recognized Dr. Collin Wimberly as RRHS’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year!! We love and appreciate them all.”

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As of publication time for the Journal, no arrest report for the week had been received from the Red River Sheriff’s Office. The Journal has made request for comment on how the Mug Shot Bill, when signed into law, would affect the arrest reports.  The Journal has received no reply to those requests.

On Tuesday, the Governor’s Office released a list of bills signed recently into law by Governor Edwards. Among them was the so called Mug Shot Bill.

ACT 494—HB 729 Limits the release and dissemination of booking photographs of an arrested person.  Many local Sheriff’s in this area have already begun restricting photos available of persons arrested.

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New Hope #3 will hold a “Senior Send-Off” on Sunday, June 26^th.  The church invited everyone to “help us celebrate our graduates.”

Social Springs Baptist Church posted, “It’s time for Vacation Bible School at Social Springs Baptist Church. Come join us Sunday, June 26 – Friday, July 1. 6:30 – 9:00 pm. We have classes for all ages (Nursery – Adults). We’ll explore amazing Australia and like a boomerang, we are returning kids to the value of life.  Thank you God, that we are  fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 Hope to see you there.”

From Abundant Life:  Come join ALWC Kids Ministry’s mini VBS June 22-24. The program is for kids ages 3-12 with parent drop off at the gym, snacks provided each day with a Kids Ministry performance on July 24 in the sanctuary.

Basketball Camp has been scheduled July 13-15 at Martin Baptist Church.  The camp is free and for kids K-6^th grade.

A Journal reader, Angela White emailed us, “I am the Manager at Maxway in Coushatta La, and for the last 2 years I have been wearing our (Juneteenth) shirts to work and we also sell these shirts every year at our store.”  How did you celebrate Juneteenth?  Let the Journal know: RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com

Legislative redistricting this year created an expanded Senate District 31 to include all or parts of 10 parishes in north Louisiana.  Currently Louie Bernard of Natchitoches is the senator from District 31, however Bernard recently announced he would not run for the new, expanded district.

State Representative Alan Seabaugh has decided to run for that seat.  Seabaugh told The Journal he is a perfect fit.  “I grew up there, it is where I deer hunt and fish, and I have family throughout the district,” said Seabaugh.  He added, “My mom grew up I Natchitoches and Winn parishes, my dad in Sabine and my grandfather ran the sawmill in Zwolle.  Both parents moved to Winnfield and my wife and I dated in high school.  I proposed to my wife on the Natchitoches riverfront.  I have family in every parish in the district.”

He describes himself politically as a “pretty conservative Republican.”  Seabaugh said, “I am concerned about issues and voters can take a look at the record and see I have done a good job.  I can get things done.”

Seabaugh discussed several top issues with The Journal.  They were gun rights, right to life and jobs.  He said “I have a 100% record of voting with the NRA and the Louisiana Shooters Association.  I have a lot of guns and I strongly believe in people’s right to carry and to protect themselves.”  Asked about “red flag laws” or other methods of preventing violence acts, Seabaugh said, “We have to be very careful.  The right to keep and bear arms is in the Constitution and we are talking about taking away that right for some individuals who have not broken any law or done something wrong.  I did pass a bill to impose enhanced penalties for a felon convicted of a violent crime and then commits another violent crime with a gun.  We have to look at that (limiting constitutional rights) very, very carefully.”

On the subject of right to life, Seabaugh said, “I have a 100% voting record in support of Louisiana Right to Life.  I have carried bills for them, and I have co-authored most of their bills that passed.”

On jobs, Seabaugh has been recognized by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) for standing up for working families and opposing tax increases.  Seabaugh said, “If you are concerned about jobs, talk to LABI.”  He also has been named Legislator of the Year by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and other groups.

Traditionally open seats in the legislature tend to draw a crowd of candidates.  The Journal asked Seabaugh how he intended to stand out.  He said, “I agree, and I don’t want to try to keep other people from running.  The district covers 10 parishes, and I don’t think anybody else is going to be able to cover all 10 parishes like I can. I would be very surprised if anyone has the inroads that I do. I have a legislative record that is pretty clear.  I keep my promises, I work hard for my constituents, and I know how to get things done in Baton Rouge.”

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Louisiana Christian University, formerly Louisiana College announced the students from the northwest Louisiana parishes of Red River, DeSoto, Bossier, Caddo, Webster, and Bienville who earned placement on the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. Reagan Prosperie, of Coushatta earned a spot on the list.

The Dean’s List includes students who have earned a minimum of 12 hours in the designated semester with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and no grade below a “C.”

The  following students made the Dean’s List :

Keith Bilbo, of Bossier City

Clyde Brown, of Bossier City

Samuel Feaster, of Minden

Josh Halbert III, of Benton

Baily McMillian, of Stonewall

Reagan Prosperie, of Coushatta

Hannah Voss, of Shreveport

Michaela Correy Faye Waits, of Arcadia

“These students are demonstrating the mission and vision of Louisiana Christian University as they love God with their minds as well as their hearts,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “As both a Great Commandment and Great Commission university LCU’s graduates are equipped to face an ever-changing world as Christian learners, leaders, and servants.”

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By Steve Graf

Today we’ll continue to look back at the history of bass fishing by looking at the 60’s and 70’s, which might be considered the most significant period of bass fishing history. This was without a doubt a time in which bass fishing was taken to another level. It was during this time that the greatest names in bass fishing made their mark. It was a time that the sport became something an angler could actually make a living doing. Anglers that became household names and legends were Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Ricky Green, Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon, Rick Clunn, and too many more to mention here in one writing.

We’ll start with the 1960’s, where in 1967 Tom Mann introduced the Jelly Worm which is still one of the most popular and best-selling soft plastic worms ever. That same year, the late Ray Scott hosted his first fishing tournament (The All-American Invitational) at Beaver Lake Arkansas and announced that bass fishing would become a major league sport. Just so you know…Bill Dance caught the very first bass one minute after the tournament started. The following year, 1968, Ray Scott created the B.A.S.S. (Bass Angler Sportsman Society) to unite America’s bass anglers and elevate the sport. B.A.S.S membership has grown from a little over 100 anglers in 1968 to more than 600,000 today! One more thing happened in 1968 as well… Bill Dance hosted his first television series dedicated to bass fishing, “Bill Dance Outdoors,” on ABC affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 1970’s was when bass fishing really took off. A man by the name of Johnny Morris borrowed $10,000 from his father and stocked a few shelves in the family liquor store with bass tackle. Three years later, the first mail order catalog was sent out. You might have heard of this store, Bass Pro Shops…now an empire! Johnny now owns Ranger Boats, Triton Boats, and Cabela’s. He has done more for the fishing world and conservation than any other human alive today. In 1972, Ray Scott once again made his mark by starting a nationwide campaign called “Catch & Release” which was adopted by pretty much all tournaments across the country and is still practiced today.

Let’s stay in the 70’s, as a company by the name of Mister Twister burst onto the bass fishing scene with the introduction of the first curly tail worm. This was the first soft plastic worm that had built-in action which fish could not resist. Then in 1973, Don Butler recognized that with “catch & release” tournaments anglers needed better live wells. So, he designed and filed a patent for the first live well that was put into a bass boat.

As you can see, the 1970’s were truly the golden years of bass fishing. Tournaments, bait designs and some of the greatest names to ever wet a hook came from this era. Next week, we’ll look at the 80’s and 90’s where things really heated up for bass fishing. Till next week, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt….set the hook!

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Red River High School has named Coach Ginger Craig and Coach Cymantha Smelser Co-Head Softball Coaches.   Both coaches were part of Coach Zach Thrasher’s staff and will bring consistency and a wealth of knowledge to the softball program.

Coach Ginger Craig begins her 28th year of Coaching in Red River Parish.  She began her coaching career at Martin High School then transitioned to Red River High School.  While at MHS, she coached girls’ basketball and softball. Coach Craig is also the Head Golf Coach at RRHS and served as an assistant softball coach for 10 years.  She is also the Adapted Physical Education teacher for the district.

Coach Craig, a Converse native, had one of the most remarkable careers in Northwestern State University Lady Demon softball history(1985-1988).  She set 10 career hitting records, and still holds the career triples mark with 18.   She also holds the individual season record for batting average(.428).  She was the Louisiana Athletic Director’s Association Player of the Year and the Gulf Star Conference Most Valuable Player of the Year in 1987.

Craig, one of two NSU softball players to have her jersey number retired(#3), continues to support NSU athletics by serving on the steering committee for the N-Club, the Demons Unlimited Foundation Board of Directors and through the Ginger Craig Softball Scholarship.

In her spare time, Craig enjoys fishing, hunting, Saints softball, and spending time with family and friends.   She also loves cheering on her two favorite coaches, Taylor and Tanner Lee.

Coach Cymantha Smelser just finished her 13th year of coaching softball.  She spent the majority of her coaching career in the Monroe area.  In 2014, she was the assistant coach at Ouachita High School where she helped lead the team to win the 5A State Championship for the first time in school history.  Coach Smelser is excited to combine Coach Craig’s knowledge of softball with her own knowledge to build the program.

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Each year Red River Schools select a student of the year from the fifth, eighth and twelfth grades.  The 2021-22 selections were presented to the School Board meeting on Monday.

Those selected are Erah Lillo from Red River Elementary, Makilah Murphy from Red River Junior High, and Hayley Elizabeth Wood from Red River High.

Each school has a nomination and selection process to select the student of the year.  That process includes interviews of the top candidates at each school.

Lillo and Murphy were present at the board meeting last Monday.  Superintendent Alison Strong and Board President Susan Taylor presented them their plaques.  Wood’s award will be presented later.

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The students selected as Students of the Month for May 2022 from Red River Public Schools were presented to the June School Board meeting on Monday.  They were presented certificates and DQ gift cards by Coushatta VFW and Auxiliary 7287.

Mckinley Grigg is a 4th grader at Red River Elementary School. Her nomination statement read:  She has improved her academic performance each grading period and is very helpful in the classroom. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to help and support when needed. McKinley does not let anything deter her progress as she tries extra hard to turn in mastery work. The effort McKinley puts forth should serve as an example to her peers. In addition, her pleasant demeanor makes her a prime candidate for this recognition.

From Red River Academic Academy is Eli Hinson.  His nomination read:  Patient, kind, helpful, determined, hardworking, sincere, honest, easy going, just all-around awesome person. Eli is more than just a student in my classroom. He is my personal assistant, the sub whether I’m absent or not, and my motivator just to name a few. Eli always has a smile on his face and kind words to share. Eli gives 100% every day in everything he does. He constantly makes good choices, whether someone is watching or not. His kindness and empathy allow him to take the ugly out of the world and replace it with goodness. He is truly the example of what it means to be awesome.

The Student of the Month from Red River Junior High is Kinya Gray.  Here is her nomination statement:  She is an 8th grade honor student who has a great work ethic. She is always eager to learn and has excellent participation in class. That participation shows her engagement with the material and her motivation to learn more. She is very responsible and consistently puts forth her best effort to succeed academically. Kinya is an exceptional young adult. She is a kind and generous student that extends herself to help other students in our class. She is incredibly smart and funny! What sets her apart from others is her ability to invite all students to work with her even if she does not know them well.

And from Red River High, the May Student of the Month is Stormi Taylor.  Her nomination statement read: The reason I chose Stormi is because we have something in common – we are both new to the Red River High School campus. As adults, we learn to deal with adversity and change, but as teenagers, dealing with these things can be an extremely daunting task. Stormi has faced some obstacles in her path, but she is conquering them one at a time. She continues to persevere, and I am so proud of Stormi for striving to not only accomplish her goals, but to exceed them.

These were the last students of the month for this school year.  The local VFW and Auxiliary 7287 will resume the Student of the Month recognitions next fall.

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The public schools each have an instructor named Teacher of the Year.  The three selected were presented to the School Board on Monday. 

From Red River Elementary, Janice Frick was selected Teacher of the Year. At Red River Junior High Caleb Baxter was selected.  And the Teacher of the Year from Red River High was Colin Wimberly.

Frick and Baxter were at the meeting and received their plaques from Superintendent Alison Strong and Board President Susan Taylor.  Wimberly will be presented his award later.

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By Royal Alexander

Firearms have been available virtually everywhere in American society for decades.  Yet, there were rarely ever any of the kind of mass shootings we see so often today.

What has changed?

As the Wall Street Journal has observed “today’s young killers aren’t motivated by material deprivation.  They are typically from middle-class families with access to smartphones and X-boxes.  Their deficit is social and spiritual.  The rise of family dysfunction and the decline of mediating institutions such as churches and social clubs have consequences.” (WSJ, 5-25-22).

What motivates a young man to grab a weapon, look his classmates in the eyes and shoot and kill them.  What deep void is so profoundly unfilled that a massacre of friends, classmates and teachers appears to be the answer.  People often point to unaddressed chronic mental health problems and mental issues, but they are symptoms of other things.

The simple answer is that a society that produces an 18-year-old who can look into the faces of terrified 5th graders and pull the trigger so many times that DNA is required to identify the victims has problems that go far beyond gun control and even mental health issues.

Let’s look at our culture today.

We clearly don’t value all aspects of human life as 700,000 abortions are performed in this country every year and over 60 million since 1973.  How profoundly illogical must we be as a culture to believe we can ever protect children outside of the womb when for 50 years our courts and laws have denied due process and equal protection to children inside of the womb?

Much of our cultural meltdown is the direct result of the intended breakdown of the traditional American family which from time immemorial imparted the basic values and life lessons children need to thrive and grow—and to become good, productive, and happy citizens. 

However, virtues contained in religion, morality, and the teaching of right and wrong and good and evil are mocked.  Notions of faith or religion are demeaned.  Self-restraint and self-discipline are often derided in this culture of instant gratification.

Yet, after these killings we’re always urged to “pray for the schools” but we don’t allow prayer in the schools.  Our denial of absolute truth—both inside and outside of our public schools—has imposed a dictatorship of relativism which has created a culture of death in America.

Media shaming of law enforcement (“Defund the Police”) and the American military—which has always been a great avenue for young boys to learn self-confidence and self-discipline—discourages many who might otherwise consider and aspire to them.

Young boys, often loners, stay locked up for hours playing violent video games.  The saturation of porn in our culture contributes to the devaluing of the individual—most often females.  The feminization of our culture and the heated condemnation of “toxic masculinity” also causes young men to wonder what place they can go to feel safe, needed and valued.  Young boys yearn to know, and be affirmed about, what they should do; how they should act.  What is appropriate. What is honorable.  Our culture has emasculated millions of them.

The cry for “gun control” is an easy solution for politicians with the desire to “do something” but it is deeply misplaced.  Law-abiding gun owners already adhere to our gun laws but criminals—by their nature—are never going to abide by them.  The result is the disarming of the good guys, allowing the bad ones to, unopposed, inflict their violence and death on the innocent.  It’s like taking away the keys of the sober drivers to punish the drunk drivers.  That’s insane.

We must erase the fatal conceit that so-called ‘gun free’ zones, such as schools, churches, shopping malls and other public areas, make us safer.  According to a study from the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), 89% of mass shootings between 1988 and 2019 occurred in gun-free zones.  It’s not hard to understand why: cowardly mass killers look for easy targets, knowing these vulnerable victims will have no defense.

The truth is we simply must return to the virtues of American life.  A belief in God and the idea of a calling greater than oneself; a loving, nurturing family unit prominently including a positive male role model, a work ethic, self-discipline, respect, manners, and courtesy.  These are the indispensable supports that young people—particularly young men—desperately need and seek.  That is where we must begin.

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Registered Nurses in the following departments:

• Med Surg
• Insights (Behavioral Health)
• Quality Management
• Nurse Administration
• ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
• Pain Clinic
• Courtyard of Natchitoches
• OB/Perinatal
• Multispecialty Clinic

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Current state Registered Nurse Licensure within state of Louisiana.
3. Current BCLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
4. Current ACLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
5. Current PALS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
6. Successful completion of arrhythmia course must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Offering Sign-On Bonuses • Great Salaries & Benefits

To view and apply to these openings, please visit: http://www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.

If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org

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Red River Industries is holding its First Annual Coed Softball Tournament July 9th at Fairview Ballpark. Profits will be used to improve the client’s experience at Red River Industries, which provides jobs and teaches life skills to community members with disabilities.

The tournament entry fee is $200 per team with home run bands available ($10/ person or $50/ team). Lunch plates will be served. Preordering is highly recommended.

Teams can be 7-3, 6-4, or 8-4. T-Shirts will be given to first and second place teams.

For more information or to sign up: Contact Melanie Alexander at (318)-228-7030 or Robert Watson at (318)771-2737.

For more information about Red River Industries and the services we offer call (318)932-6520 or find us on Facebook by searching Red River Industries.  This softball tournament is a great way for the community to come together and support an important LOCAL non-profit.

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The Sewing House ladies of Coushatta helped the residents of Green Meadow Haven celebrate Flag Day on June 14. They provided the materials for residents to make red, white, and blue visors. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to Sewing God’s Love for remembering our extended family members at the nursing home.

Sewing God’s Love meets each Monday morning at 9:30 am to sew and socialize.  Their hand stitched projects benefit many folks in Red River Parish and elsewhere.  Contact Susan Taylor for information or come by the Sewing House on Fair Street on Monday morning.

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OMC SEEKING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER –

Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors.  The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff.  Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.

A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers.  Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner.  A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources.  OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.

Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org.  Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.

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Henry Weston Cox

August 21, 1937 to June 12, 2022

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.

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Red River Athletics congratulated Eli Harper.  They said, “Southern Arkansas has offered him an opportunity to play football at the next level.”  Just a few days ago, Bulldog Running Back D’Evin McDonald signed a football scholarship to play for SAU.

From Abundant Life Worship Center: Attention ALL Fathers. Come join us at 10:15 AM for unified Prayer in the prayer room, then a word from the Lord delivered by Bro. Brian Shaver. Kids will dismiss to Sunday School directly after the worship service to work on their Father’s Day gift.

From First United Methodist Church:  You are invited to join us this Sunday, June 19, at 9 a.m. at Wesley Chapel UMC and at 10:50 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Coushatta for our morning worship service. Bro. Stuart will begin his sermon series, “Grace for All” with the sermon “Sinner, Sinner” from Romans 1:18-23; 2:1-6.  Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m. at First Church, Coushatta. All are invited to attend and join with us in worship.

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