Services will be held Saturday, September 24^th at 11:00 am for former Coushatta Mayor Archie Worsham.  He died on September 14^th.

Worsham served the town most of his life as a coach, teacher and principal in the local school system.  Worsham served many years in the military.  And he was also a member of the town council and Mayor of Coushatta.

School Board Superintendent Alison Strong recalled Worsham’s career in teaching youth in the parish.  Strong said, “Archie Worsham was not only a great teacher, coach, and leader, but a great man. His love and commitment to our parish was evident in the years of service he gave to the children and residents of Red River.”

Strong added, “We have been blessed by Mr. Archie for many years and he will be missed by all.  On behalf of the Red River Parish School Board family, I would like to extend our heartfelt prayers for comfort in the days to come.”

Concerning his years in local government, Coushatta Mayor Johnny Cox praised Worsham’s leadership.  Cox said, “We pause to remember the great leadership characteristics of our fallen brother, the Honorable Archie Worsham.  He set a pristine example of governance in his long term role as Mayor of our beloved Coushatta, LA.  Mayor Worsham set an admirably high bar of performance in leading Coushatta to new heights in the local community and beyond.  Trophies of his accomplishments in this position can be found throughout the community and will long remain benchmarks of progress in the years to come.” 

And Mayor Cox added, “My sincere condolences to his family and we petition the Creator to bless them with a peace of mind even in the midst of this time of loss of a man among men.  May his soul rest in peace and may the citizenry of Coushatta honor his legacy by uniting to make our community a better locale for all.”

Archie Worsham is best known in recent years for his daily walks through the town carrying a bucket and grabber stick.  While getting his daily exercise, Worsham would pick up litter on the streets and sidewalks.

Worsham is seen here with wife Emily receiving an historic football from his days as a coach.  The ball was presented by Red River High at a football game in September of 2021.

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Red River Registrar of Voters Debra Jones said, “Please join registrars of voters across the state the week of September 19 – 23, 2022 for Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering Louisiana citizens to vote.” The Red River Parish Registrar of Voters Office is available for Voters to come in and get registered to vote Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm in the Registrar of Voters Office, Room 104 in the Red River Parish Courthouse.  

You can also visit the Red River Parish Library, the Office Motor Vehicle, or Public Assistance Agencies to pick up a Voter Registration Application.

The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote.  This fall, Louisianans will choose statewide leaders as well as vote for a host of local and municipal races, constitutional amendments and propositions. Make sure you get registered so you can Geaux Vote on Election Day!

Citizens with valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any location by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov.  Also, citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application from the website at http://www.geauxvote.com.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:

–  Be a U S citizen;

–  Be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar Of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote

Not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order have not been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La R.S. 18:1461.2;

–  Not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;

–  Be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;

–  Apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Tuesday, October 11th and the deadline to register to vote online is Tuesday, October 18.

You can contact the Red River Parish Registrar of Voters Office at 318-932-5027 or by email at RedRiverROV@sos.la.gov.

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We’re in the thick of high school football season.  Friday night Red River hosts Loyola and Riverdale Academy travels to Northeast Baptist.  Can you predict the outcomes of these and other local matches?

Last week Veronica Lewis of Coushatta did the best job picking the winners.  Lewis got seven out of ten games correct.  This week the Journal awarded Veronica $100 for being the best last week.

You could be next, but you have to enter.  CLICK HERE to enter.  The deadline is 4:00 pm Friday, so do not delay.

So, how did you do last week.  Here are the scores from last week:

Week Ending	Away	Score	At Home	Score
16-Sep	Red River	39	Woodlawn	6
	Jonesboro-Hodge	20	Bunkie	24
	Lakeview	32	Northwood-Lena	6
	Ouachita	27	Mansfield	20
	Haughton	3	Many	35
	Winnfield	20	Cedar Creek	35
	Tensas Academy	12	Riverdale Academy	14
	WCCA	37	Newton Academy	56
	Loyola	7	North DeSoto	49
	Logansport	46	Peabody	13
Tie #1	Red River vs Woodlawn		Total Score	45
Tie #2	Tensas vs Riverdale		Total Score	26

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Graduates of years ending in two, back to 1952 will be honored at Red River’s Homecoming October 7^th.  There will be a reception prior to the game and complimentary tickets will be given to former grads to enjoy the contest with Jonesboro-Hodge in Pat Strother Stadium.

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By Teddy Allen

The global phenomenon that is the “love languages,” an idea introduced in 1992 by pastor and counselor Gary Chapman in his bestselling book, The 5 Love Languages, has turned 30. 

Back in the turbulent, free love, Jackson 5 vs. Osmond Brothers, psychedelic, protest-filled, the-Baltimore-Orioles-were-really-good, “Were you at Woodstock?” 1960s, the saying from lots of young people was, “Never trust anyone over 30.” 

Seemed a good idea at the time. 

Then those people turned 30 and learned how much it costs to get a roof replaced and a new transmission and they moved on to other causes, like “Never trust a roofer” or “Never trust a mechanic” and other idiotic trivialities, like “Never trust anyone who claims they’ve been to Woodstock.”  

Then a bunch of those teens from the ’60s turned into roofers and mechanics, so what are you gonna do? 

Funny how life experiences change your way of thinking. 

But human nature never changes. It’s why you can read a poem by Blake or Yeats (a fave) or Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love thee?, let me count the cornbreads…” and it means the same — and feels the same — to the reader today as it did all those years ago. 

So from what I’ve heard and learned from experience is that you can trust somepeople over 30 — my mother comes to mind — and you can trust the 5 Love Languages, which are “Hot Water Cornbread, Sweet Cornbread, White Cornbread, Yellow Cornbread, and Cornbread-Inclusive.” 

I am just joshing. Those are someone’s love languages, I’m sure. I’ll fair catch at least two of them. 

But the real love languages as proposed by Chapman are these: 

• quality time 
• words of affirmation 
• acts of service 
• gifts 
• physical touch (not like football tackling or boxing but intimate stuff like holding hands; I shouldn’t even have to write this but I know how some of you think so work with me here). 
  
  Those are good languages. 
  
  The thought of a love language might seem silly to the great unwashed, but if you study the love languages, you might find that Chapman was onto something. We all want to be loved in a significant and specific way. I might not need you to touch me often but I might need you to affirm me. You might not need a gift from me; the gift might instead be quality time with you. 
  
  I might not need you to love the New Orleans Saints; but I might feel loved, genuinely, if you say, “I’m sorry the Saints didn’t win”). If you bet on them, a nice follow-up might be, “I’m more sorry they didn’t cover.”  
  
  Some hard liners will say it’s stupid — until they discover that what they craved and needed wasn’t a mansion on the hill and sweet cornbread after all. Instead, it was a person who listened and affirmed them and gifted them with the cornbread of their choice. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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They crowded the arena from morning until into the night Saturday at Red River Cowboy Church. It was the 17^th annual Joe Boy Day team roping event.

These are the results for Joe Boy Day:

12 slide- 186 teams

1st- Matt Scogins  and Austin Ford

2nd- Josh Burns and Landon Smith

3rd- Wade Leone and Cody Hogan

4th- Matt Scogins and Jacup Dixon

5th- Cyle Denison and Cody Hogan

6th- Tommy Wisby and Landon Smith

#9- 258 teams

1st- Chance McDonald and Jake Brice

2nd- Wade Hoffpauir and Huel Willis

3rd- Justin Stickells and Jake Brice

4th- Chance Birkicht and Bobby Pate

5th- Veronica Coleman and Jake Brice

6th- Chris Busby and Kyle Yocum

#7- 75 teams

1st- David Johnson and Teagan Hill

2nd- Jessie White and Landon Thrasher

3rd- Jessie White and Kevin Dollar

4th- Raven Johnson and Lori Slay

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By Molly Seales

On Friday night, September 16, the #1 ranked Tensas Chiefs traveled to East Point to take on the #2 Rebels; they left East Point with a 14-12 loss to Riverdale. The game was a defensive game on both sides, keeping the score low, but the Rebels prevailed with the difference being a 2-point conversion after a touchdown.

Assistant Coach Jensen Spillum said, “To knock off the number one team is special, but it’s even better when it’s a district game. We have a very special group of guys that have worked incredibly hard all year. I believe this was our best defensive game as we held a team that averages 46 points a game to just 12 points on Friday. We are always improving offensively and will look to right our mistakes as the season carries on. I could not be prouder of how well those young men are able to fight their way through adversity. Our eyes have always been on making our case for the state championship, and our case is looking good. Now it’s just about limiting mistakes and making the most of our opportunities. Geaux Rebels!”

The Rebel offense was limited due to a strong defensive effort by the Chiefs, but they did enough to get it done. Quarterback Ryder Huddleston was 3 for 9 in passing for 44 yards. Kyle Guillory had 10 rushes for 46 yards, and Ben Almond had 4 rushes for 16 yards and a touchdown. Almond also had a 38-yard punt return for another touchdown. Senior James Wagoner was fantastic on punts for the night. He had 6 punts, averaging 34.33 yards per punts, with 3 punts downed in the red zone.

The defense was where it was at in Marston Stadium Friday night. They had a total of 30 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 pass break ups, and a forced fumble. Junior Hayden Hillman had the best game of his career with 9 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. He also stopped a Chief just short of the goal line to prevent a 2-point conversion after the Chief’s second touchdown, which left the score at 14-12. Freshman Ashton Almond had 6 tackles and 3 assists. Landen Barrett had 4 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack 1, assist, and a forced fumble. Kaidyn Williams had 3 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 PBU. Kyle Guillory had 3 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Jace Wilhite had 2 tackles, including a tackle for loss and 2 assists. Aston Hester had 1 tackle, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Ben Almond had a tackle and a PBU, while Huddleston had a tackle and Tyler Parker had an assist.

Friday at 2:00 p.m. an “Out of this World” themed pep rally will be held in the gym. Later that evening, the Riverdale JV football team will play Northeast Baptist School varsity. The game will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Marston Stadium. Come out and support your JV Rebels!

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Red River Council on Aging provides services and supports so that area residents can age successfully in the place they have chosen to call home. The priority of Red River Council on Aging is to treat all individuals with dignity and respect. By offering aging services, partnering with community agencies, and programs, Red River Council on Aging both serves and empowers clients, their families and their caregivers to direct their own aging journey.

We are currently conducting a Needs Assessment to learn how we can best serve the community. We need your input to guide this process. 

Please take a few moments to complete the Needs Assessment by going to https://bit.ly/GOEASurvey (case sensitive) or scanning the code below.

If using a paper version of this survey, please complete the survey and return it by October 15, 2022.

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Governors DeSantis and Abbot have made clear that they will continue to transport illegal immigrants to “progressive”’ Sanctuary States whose governors endorse blatant rollbacks of federal immigration law.

Ironically, some of America’s liberal blue states are beginning to get a taste of what “open borders” really means.  It’s interesting to watch wealthy, liberal enclaves like Martha’s Vineyard begin to directly experience some of the “rich diversity” that the border states have suffered through with illegal aliens.  States like Texas and Florida have been burdened with the enormous financial and social costs of a flood of illegals over our Southern border.  Now, every state is a “border” state.

What has happened?

In recent weeks Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, and Texas governor, Greg Abbot, have bussed or flown groups of illegals to liberal “sanctuary” states and cities.  Now these moralizing blue states will be forced to put their money where their mouths are or be exposed as phonies.

So far, President Obama and numerous other prominent Democrat inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard have not responded to media inquiries regarding whether they will open up their palatial estates to provide shelter, comfort, food, and love to the Venezuelan and Colombian immigrants from Florida whose cause they champion when it does not personally and adversely impact them.

Gov. Abbot has transported illegals from Texas to the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.   In so doing, he stated “we are sending them to the U.S. Capitol where the Biden Administration will be able to more immediately address the needs of the people they are allowing to come across our border.”

Gov. DeSantis sent two planes full of illegals to Martha’s Vineyard Airport in Massachusetts.  His office stated “yes, Florida can confirm the two planes of illegal immigrants that arrived in Martha’s Vineyard today were part of the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.”

DeSantis’ further stated that “states like Massachusetts, New York and California will better facilitate the care of these individuals who they have invited into our country by incentivizing illegal immigration through their designation as ‘sanctuary states’ and support for the Biden Administration’s open border policies.”

Wow.

Martha’s Vineyard is famously known as a playground of rich “progressives,” including former President Barack Obama, who bought a multi-million dollar home there in 2019.  The thought that this secure, super white, super rich community removed from the harmful impact of the Leftist policies they support would suddenly be face to face with the issue of illegals and the drugs (fentanyl is killing hundreds of Americans daily), theft, crime, terrorists, and human trafficking that accompany them, seems only fair.

We know Americans are unquestionably kind, generous and loving people but we are allowed to point out that these individuals are in our country illegally, and that our veterans and all Americans must come before illegals.

We are also allowed to point out that Americans are ‘Dreamers’ too, and that every sovereign nation has an inviolable right to determine who comes within its borders.  Our nation simply cannot be the home of every individual in the world who wants to sneak across our border.

Our government also cannot be allowed to direct and support the breaking of federal immigration law.  The result of this treachery is that the culture and character of our nation is being permanently altered by those illegally being placed into our country.

This is really the point.

After almost completely stopping the flow of illegals during the Trump Administration we are now witnessing the destructive effects of Biden’s exactly-reversed policy decisions.

What about public health and public safety concerns? What about the China Virus fears we’ve been suffocated with for over 2 years that have greatly restricted the personal and economic liberty of millions of Americans? There are still places in the U.S. that American citizens cannot go without a vaccine card and a mask.  Yet, we allow unmasked un-vaxed, unknown and unvetted individuals numbering millions to violate our laws and become potentially super-spreaders in our communities?

This is a betrayal of us by our government.

Governors DeSantis and Abbot are engaged in this desperate pushback because our federal government—whose core constitutional responsibility is to control and protect our borders—simply refuses to do its duty in the hopes of gaining through this illegality a larger Democrat voting base.

This must stop, and in the November midterms, we must ensure that it does stop.

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By Mandi Mills

September Fourth Friday Fish Fry this Friday night beginning at 5:00 pm.  First Baptist Zwolle will be our hosts and helping us cook and serve. $15/adult all you can eat. This event is open to the public.

Sunday night is a See You at the Pole Pep Rally. This event is for Church/school groups. This year the camp will be open at 2:00 pm on Sunday for free play under pavilion area. The climbing wall will be open from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Our Snack Shack will be open from 4-6pm. We will have hotdogs, nachos, canned drinks, and other snacks for sale. You are free to pack your group a tailgate style dinner as well to save on money.

At 6:00 pm our See You at the Pole Worship Pep Rally will begin in the Worship Center.  The students will be given the tools (tracts/Bibles, etc.) they need to help spread the gospel during the actual See You at the Pole event that will happen at their school the following Wednesday.  This event is $10/person. Groups must register: clarasprings.wufoo.com/forms/see-you-at-the-pole-pep-rally-2022/

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By Molly Seales

Monday, September 19, was senior night for Lady Rebel softball players Jessie Kate Cobb and Emma Clemons. Both of them have played on the Riverdale Lady Rebel softball team for seven years and are team captains this year. They have earned numerous awards over their career of softball. They came to play, and they combined to throw a no-hitter in the RA 14-0 victory over Northeast Baptist School. Cobb got the win, pitching 2.1 innings and striking out 4 batters. Clemons pitched 2.2 innings and struck out 5 batters. Northeast Baptist’s one base runner was on a walk by Clemons.

Jadyn King had the hot bat for the Lady Rebels, going 3 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Haylee Smith was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Mary Claire Jones was 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Chloe Jordan was also 1 for 2 with an RBI and 2 stolen bases. Hanna Huddleston was 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs. Jessie Kate Cobb added a hit and an RBI, Kylie Donald had 2 RBIs, and Julia Grace Riggs added an RBI. Runs were scored by Riggs (3,) Jones (2,) Donald (2,) Smith, Huddleston, and Clemons scored a run each. Pinch runners Lilly Guillot and Emma Giddings scored 2 runs each.

The Lady Rebels will travel to Claiborne Academy on Tuesday, the 20^th and will begin play in the South A Tournament in Sterlington on Saturday, September 24^th. Good luck Lady Rebels!

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Technique class was held for the High School and Junior High Blue Diamonds.  It was a success. Coach Rytrice Martin said, “Thank you American All-Star, LLC for sending us Tayla Weary. We had so much fun and learned a lot.”

Martin noted the overall improvements on dance and technique trophy went to Kristionna Calhoune on the Junior High team and Jolene Jones on High School team.

Martin added, “I can’t wait to see what the season holds for all of our Red River Blue Diamonds.  Outstanding job Diamonds.”

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Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the Red River Revel Arts Festival returns Oct. 1 – 9. The Red River Revel Arts Festival is the largest outdoor festival in North Louisiana, attracting tens of thousands of locals and visitors to “Celebrate the Arts” together.

The Red River Revel Arts Festival brings an extensive array of exciting and unique experiences to the Shreveport Riverfront. This multi-award winning festival features more than 75 juried visual artists from across the country, over 80 musical, theatrical, and performing arts entertainment on two stages, over 20 vendors serving delicious food, and an area dedicated to introducing children to the arts. Each day will offer new experiences and memories, so get ready to revel!

Here’s your guide to the 46th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival.

Artists

Artists from across the country make the Revel their home the first week in October. Whether you are an avid art collector or a novice, you can enjoy and celebrate the arts of the Revel. Over 75 juried artists will have one-of-a-kind works of art including painting, jewelry, photography, pottery and more. The wide price range of pieces allows for shopping options to fit any guests’ budget. Stroll down Art Alley to view the varied artworks of established artists, visit the Emerging Artist Tent to see up and coming artists and their work, and support local artisans in the Market Area. Some artists rotate during the week, so guests are encouraged to return to see who is new in these areas. Plan your shopping before heading to the Revel by previewing the artists’ portfolios at redriverrevel.com/rrr/artists.

Music

The Red River Revel Arts Festival is synonymous with bringing in chart-topping names in music from across the country along with your favorite local and regional acts and this year is no different! With over 80 performances on two stages, music will fill Festival Plaza every day of the Revel! Headliners for the 46th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival include:

• Everclear. Pop/Rock, 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm on Thursday, October 6
• Neal McCoy. Country, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Sunday, October 2
• Big Freedia. Bounce/Hip-Hop, 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm on Saturday, October 1
• The Motet. Funk/Fusion/Jam, 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8
• Mannie Fresh. Hip-Hop. 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9

The music schedule includes local, regional, and national musicians along with cheer/dance group performances, martial arts and gymnastic demonstrations, theatrical performances and more! View the full entertainment schedule at redriverrevel.com/rrr/music-lineup.

Food

Bring your appetite to the Revel! The Red River Revel Arts Festival is a place where one may find unique menu items such as boudin balls, jerk chicken, blackened catfish, bacon caramel donuts, chicken and waffles, funnel cakes and more! Food stations are operated by local nonprofit organizations, booster clubs, schools and other community groups along with for profit vendors. Mouthwatering menus can be found at redriverrevel.com/rrr/food

Kids’ Activities

The Red River Revel Arts Festival is dedicated to providing an opportunity for children to experience first-hand performing and visual arts. Children can channel their inner artist at the sand art station, build art structures at the Bricks4Kidz tent, and show off their creativity at the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s Artist for a Day activity! The fun doesn’t stop there! Children can become an archaeologist in the mock geological dig, use their imagination in Shreve Memorial Library Land, shop for the perfect ingredients at the Brookshire’s Mini Grocery Store, and put their physical health to the test in the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport obstacle course. And don’t forget about face painting!

Stilt walkers, magicians, and balloon animal artists will be throughout the festival bringing joy to everyone!

Many of the kids’ activities are free with admission, while others may be ticketed or have a nominal fee. Check out all of the kids’ activities at http://www.redriverrevel.com/rrr/kids-activities.

Admission

The Red River Revel Arts Festival officially opens Saturday, Oct. 1 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 9. The festival hours will be 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Wednesday; 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursday – Saturday; and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Daily admission is $5 during peak hours and days, which is 5 p.m. to close Monday – Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. 

A $10 Reveler Pass allows guests access into the festival any day/time.

Military and First Responders with a valid ID receive one free admission any day/time of the festival.

Children ages 12 and under are free of charge any day/time of the festival. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Location: Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett Street, Shreveport, Louisiana

Parking: Free parking is available after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends on metered spots in downtown Shreveport. Free parking is available in designated Revel parking lots. Parking maps can be found at http://www.redriverrevel.com.

Free Shuttles: A free shuttle will run on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6-7, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., as well as 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on both Saturdays, Oct. 1 and 8. The free shuttle will be running in a loop around downtown allowing Revelers to park wherever they like in downtown Shreveport and attend the festival, downtown restaurants, and attractions. For shuttle routes, stops, attractions, and special downtown deals, visit downtownshreveport.com/revel-plus-deals-downtown.

Come join us for Art, Music, Food, and FUN at the Revel!

A huge thanks to our sponsors: Chase Bank, Pepsi Beverages Company, City of Shreveport, Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, and The Alta & John Franks Foundation.

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It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday October 15^th as we once again rock the Natchitoches Riverfront Stage. This annual event is known for its family-friendly environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever-expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of everyone’s favorite fall activity, football, on the gigantic riverfront screen. Headlining this year’s musical lineup is country legend, Tracy Lawrence, brought to you by Cunningham Insurance and Ameriprise! Visit our website at www.thetappedtober.com or find us on Facebook @Tappedtober for the latest information. 

Proceeds from this event will support the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation & the NRMC Cancer Center in their efforts to improve access to healthcare in our community! 

The ticket link is below. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tappedtober-craft-beer-wine-festival-2022-featuring-tracy-lawrence-tickets-353999160017?aff=erelexpmlt 

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Archie Ray Worsham

July 2, 1932 to September 14, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2022/09/19/archie-ray-worsham/

Sandra Wahl

October 26, 1947 to June 22, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2022/09/19/sandra-wahl/

Annette Wood Oliver

September 16, 1942 to September 16, 2022

Graveside service was at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Springhill Cemetery.

The Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media.  Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)

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Picture day at Riverdale Academy is next Wednesday, September 28^th.  Students involved in fall sports should bring their uniform and seniors will have cap and gown photos made.

The village of Martin will celebrate 50 years on Saturday.  The event will be September 24^th at 2:00 pm.

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On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Sandra Wahl, loving mother of four children, passed away at the age of 74 in Fort Worth, Texas.  Sandy as she was known to all, was born in Tulsa, OK on October 26, 1947 to Jack Wahl and Euna-Adaire Patrick.  She raised four children, 2 sons, Dane and Todd and 2 daughters, Adaire and Jenna.

Sandy had a passion for scrapbooking along with arts and crafts. She moved to Ft. Worth in 2006 where her oldest son, Dane lives.  Jenna and Todd would soon enough follow her out there.  She loved to watch the deer and zebra on Dane’s ranch.  She had quite the view from her bedroom.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father Jack Wahl, her mother and stepfather Euna-Adaire and John A. Patrick, her daughter Jenna Lee Williams, her grandson Jake Minor and her niece Renee Posey Shaver.

Sandy is survived by her children, Dane Minor and wife Michelle, Todd Minor and wife Cindy, Adaire Lee Thomas and husband Randy Jr.  Her grandchildren Jessica Freeman and husband Jake, Derek Lively, Josh Minor, Amber Minor, Jimmy Minor, Matthew Thomas and fiancé’ Danielle Reed, Timothy Thomas and Micah Williams.  2 great granddaughters Emerson and Fallon Freeman and 1 great grandson Eason Freeman.  Her stepmother Lynn Wahl.  Her 2 sisters, Denise Cooper and husband Larry and Stephanie Wahl.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Coushatta at 2:00pm.  Bro. Bubba Mills will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Coushatta’s Together We Build Fund.

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A celebration of life service for Archie Ray Worsham will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24^th at First United Methodist Church Coushatta, Louisiana with Reverend Stuart Sherman officiating. Interment will follow at the Springville Cemetery in Coushatta.

Archie was born July 2, 1932 in New Verda, Louisiana to Richard Philip Worsham Sr. and Mary Jane Millican Worsham. He entered into eternal rest on September 14, 2022 in Coushatta, Louisiana.

Archie was an outstanding athlete at Natchitoches High School in both football where he was a quarterback and baseball where he was a third baseman. He pursued his dreams of college baseball and football until a throwing shoulder injury side-tracked his career. He continued to pursue his degree at Northwestern State College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1956. He then began his career in education. He taught and coached at Coushatta Elementary. He then moved to Coushatta High School where he was a teacher and football coach. He later returned to Northwestern to receive a Master of Education plus 30 hours in 1967. After which, he continued his teaching and coaching career. He later became the Assistant Principal at Springville Jr. High in Coushatta. He was promoted to Principal at Coushatta Elementary where he remained until he retired with thirty years of service in 1987.

Archie joined the Army National Guard in 1949 and became a commissioned officer in 1956. During his military career, he reported to military bases all across the country. He was activated for several natural disasters for the state of Louisiana including Hurricane Betsy. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as the Assistant Adjutant General for the State of Louisiana and retired with 33 years of service.

Not only did Archie provide years of service in education and the military, he also served his community in a civic capacity and through volunteer work as well as serving on numerous boards and commissions. He taught swimming lessons for years at the Town of Coushatta Pool, he ran the Town of Coushatta Recreation Department, including Little League Baseball and adult softball leagues where he was a coach and umpire; he was active for many years in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts organizations. Archie served as a city councilman before being appointed the Mayor of Coushatta and then re-elected mayor three times. 

Throughout his career and even after retirement, he loved and served in various capacities at First United Methodist Church Coushatta. He had a love for the outdoors, especially duck hunting with his close friends and family. Archie will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings Ailene Burns, Gladys Johnson, Lenora Smith, Mildred Sylvester, Mary Tallent, and Richard Philip Worsham Jr., and his infant daughter Mary Margaret Worsham. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emily Jean Stothart Worsham of Coushatta, and children Philip Stewart Bonner and wife Donna Townsley Bonner of Round Rock, Texas; David Paul Worsham of Coushatta; and John William Worsham and wife Lisa Williams Worsham of Coushatta; eight grandchildren and their spouses: Philip Stewart and Ann Bonner of Mansfield, Texas, Beth and Matt DeVille of Baton Rouge, Laura and Eric Mayeaux of Natchitoches, Jessica and Aaron Watkins of Haughton, Jennifer and Michael Lofton of Bossier City, Mark and Taniuska Worsham of Thornton, Colorado, Sarah and Chris Jett of Florien, David Paul Worsham II of Coushatta,  and fourteen great grandchildren: Brooks, Sutton, and Shaw Bonner, Drew and Jake DeVille, Hadley Mayeaux, Sofia and Evan Watkins, Journey and Addison Lofton, Audrey and Nathan Worsham and Landry and Maisyn Jett, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to his favorite charity the Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, Louisiana, or the First United Methodist Church Coushatta, or any charity of your choice.

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for September 9-16, 2022.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Red River overpowered Woodlawn 39 to 6.

Riverdale Academy edged out Tenses Academy 14 to 12.

Full reports in the Journal on Wednesday.

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By Brad Dison

Carmel-by-the-Sea was, and remains, a picturesque oceanside one-square-mile town 120 miles south of San Francisco.  At the time of the 1986 mayoral election, the town consisted of 4,825 residents.  Carmel had “rigid preservation and development rules,” which frustrated many of the residents, including Junior.  For example, the town council refused to grant a permit for an ice cream shop because of their concerns over water usage, parking issues, and litter problems that were certain to come along with the new business.  The town had strict rules concerning signs, awnings, paint colors, and fences around homes.   

Junior, then 55 years old, had lived in Carmel for two decades, was a divorced father of two teenagers, and owned a restaurant in town.  “I had the experience a lot of people had in this community of going before the city council, and I watched a mighty closed-minded group of people who were not particularly courteous or friendly to the community,” he said during an interview.  “I felt if they could do it to me, there certainly must be other people out there that had even more of their life invested in what they were discussing.  There’s no reason to make jokes about it or be treated rudely.”  He argued that Carmel officials could enforce building codes “in a friendly manner” rather than with “threats and intimidation.”

After careful consideration, Junior decided to run for mayor, a position which only paid a salary of $200 per month.  This was no small feat.  He challenged 61-year-old two-term mayor Charlotte Townsend and two other candidates for the position.  Incumbent Mayor Townsend favored the tight restrictions which had been put into place to retain the community’s character.   Junior was not in favor of over-development nor was he in favor of mass tourism.  Junior saw the need for change.

By most accounts, Junior was a reserved and quiet man.  Until February 21, 1986, Junior had never made a campaign speech in his life, yet he drew the loudest applause during the first electoral debate in the small town.  Whereas previous electoral debates in Carmel usually drew a crowd of between 10 to 20 people, this debate drew about 200 people.  The focus of Junior’s campaign was to replace the negative relations between the city and its citizens with “positive camaraderie.”  Incumbent Mayor Townsend argued, “If you want more tourism … more intrusion of the business community … more traffic and erosion of community character, you should vote for any of my opponents here.” 

And they did. Voters went to the polls on April 8, 1986.  When the votes were tallied, Junior received 2,166 votes, Townsend – 799, Tim Grady – 31 votes, and Paul Laub – 6 votes.  72 percent of voters chose Junior.  The voters had made Junior’s day.  Thrilled at the overwhelming show of support, Junior visited local taverns and celebrated by having drinks with well-wishers, a celebration which lasted well into the early hours of the following morning.

Work as the town’s mayor got off to a rocky start.  In one meeting, after four planning commissioners opposed his policies for change, Junior fired them and replaced them with what naysayers referred to as Junior’s “Clones.” Under Junior’s leadership, Carmel installed more public restrooms for the town’s tourists, the library got a new annex, which Junior personally funded, and Junior purchased for preservation the historic Mission Ranch which was in danger of being torn down and replaced with condominiums.  Carmel finally got its ice cream parlor.

Junior served his full two-year term as Carmel’s mayor and did not seek reelection.  Despite what his opponent in the election claimed, Carmel’s character remained intact. Some people tried to convince Junior to run for higher office, but he was simply not interested.

Today, Junior owns several properties in Carmel including a restaurant and a hotel.  Although in his 90s, Junior still works creating entertaining products that many of us enjoy.  Since his stint as mayor, Junior has won four Academy Awards and other accolades too numerous to list here.  For many, Junior will always be associated with a character he played called Dirty Harry, but we all know Clinton Eastwood, Jr. as Clint Eastwood.

Sources:

1. The San Francisco Examiner, February 22, 1986, p.27.
2. Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 23, 1986, p.10.
3. Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 21, 1986, p.11.
4. The Napa Valley Register, March 27, 1986, p.16.
5. The San Bernadino County Sun, April 9, 1986, p.75.
6. The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, California), April 11, 1987, p.31.

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Archie Worsham has died.  He served the town most of his life as a coach, teacher and principal in the local school system.  Worsham served many years in the military.  And he was also Mayor of Coushatta.

Worsham is best known in recent years for his daily walks through the town carrying a bucket and grabber stick.  While getting his daily exercise, Worsham would pick up litter on the streets and sidewalks.

Worsham is seen here with wife Emily receiving an historic football from his days as a coach.  The ball was presented by Red River High at a football game in September of 2021.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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