Weekly Arrest Report

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for October 21-28, 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.


This Week In High School Football

Red River bows to Many.  Riverdale moves to second round of playoffs.

Thursday night Red River was shut out by the Many Tigers 42-0.

Also Thursday, SAI withdrew from the MAIS playoffs due to illness at the school.  Riverdale Academy gets a 1-0 forfeit.  They will travel to south Mississippi next Friday to face Wilkinson County Christian Academy.


Last Chance to Win $100

The most recent winner of the Red River Journal High School Football’s Picker weekly prize is Jay Perkins. Jay got $100 for getting the outcome of the most games correct.

Next week will be the Journal’s final High School Football Picker Contest.  Prize is $100.  All you have to do is predict the outcome of 10 area high school football games.  The person with the best record of predicting the winners wins the $100.

Here are the teams in next week’s contest:

Visitors

At Home

Mansfield

Red River

Riverdale Academy

WCCA

Winnfield

Jonesboro-Hodge

Lakeview

Many

Bossier

Huntington

Logansport

Montgomery

Northwood-Sport

North DeSoto

Southwood

Airline

Northwood-Lena

St. Mary

Loyola

Calvary Baptist

Click this LINK to go to the entry form.  You’re on your way to the big money!

Thanks for playing all season long.  And good luck with the final Pickers game of the season.


High School Hosts Career Day

College & Career Day was held at Red River High on Tuesday.  Students had an opportunity to meet with area colleges, universities, and branches of the military that provided vital information on requirements, acceptance,  & recruitment.

The school said, “Red Rivers strives to ensure that all of our students are provided with the options and ability to excel beyond high school and graduation.”


One Night With Billy Haley & The Comets

By Brad Dison

On Friday night, October 14, 1955, Lubbock, Texas would have been the place to be.  Rock and Roll was in its infancy, and Bill Haley & the Comets were there at the very beginning.  Bill Haley and his band were a hot commodity in the music industry after they released a song which went straight to the number 1 position and would forever link them with the early days of Rock and Roll, “Rock Around the Clock.”  Their next single rose in the charts and became forever linked to the era as well, “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”  Several hits were yet to come.

When Bill Haley’s management began preparing for the Lubbock, Texas show, they decided to search for a local band to open the show because it was cost effective.  They, Bill Haley’s team, would not have to pay for travel expenses, hotel, or meals, and they could hire a local band for a single night at a much lower price than if they hired someone with a hit record.  Somehow, Bill Haley’s team learned about a trio comprised of 19-year-old Charles Hardin, 18-year-old Bob Montgomery, and 16-year-old Larry Welborn.  The trio had not settled on a name so posters for the show just listed their names.  The trio normally performed country music on local radio and at school dances but wanted to branch out into Rock and Roll.

Prior to the show, Eddie Crandall, manager of Marty Robbins, a country singer who was on the cusp of his meteoric rise, heard the trio performing live on Lubbock’s local radio station.  Eddie recognized something special in the trio and decided to attend the live concert to see how the trio performed in front of a crowd.  The trio so impressed Eddie that he asked them to record four demo songs and forward them to his office in Nashville.  In a letter Eddie wrote to Charles, “I’m very surprised to know that nothing has happened before now.”  He was referring to the fact that no one had signed the trio to a contract.

The trio recorded the four demos, forwarded them as instructed, and waited.  Over the next two years, the lineup in the trio changed as Bob and Larry were replaced by Jerry Allison and Joe Mauldin.  Niki Sullivan joined the band as lead guitar player, but only stayed for a few months.  The new group adopted a band name and began recording.  Oh boy, what recordings they were!  In 1957 and 1958, Charles and variations of his band recorded several hits, songs that are still played with reverence today. 

Had Bill Haley’s management team did not hire the trio as an opening act in 1955, we may never have heard of Charles Hardin.  On the poster for the Bill Haley & the Comets show, the trio was listed not as Charles, Bob, and Larry, but “Lubbock’s Own Buddy, Bob, and Larry.”  You know Charles Hardin Holley as Buddy Holly.

Source: Paese, Meagan. “Buddy Holly, the History of Rock and Roll Radio Show.” Accessed October 18, 2022. thehistoryofrockandroll.net/buddy-holly/


Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force Being Formed

Legislation to create the new Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force is being drafted by State Representative Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, to study the dramatic rise in violent crime in Louisiana with an emphasis on determining its cause and crafting solutions to help tackle the problem legislatively.

“The rise in violent crime is a significant problem in every part of Louisiana,” said Rep. Seabaugh. “From our most rural parishes to our largest urban centers, every corner of Louisiana has seen a significant rise in violent crime over the past few years. It’s time that we stop complaining about the problem and have some real discussions about why this is happening and what we can do to put an end to it.”

The proposal has gained significant support from groups across Louisiana. Everyone from the Sheriffs and District Attorneys associations to Attorney General Jeff Landry, and even the Bayou Mama Bears are excited about the prospect of implementing real solutions to Louisiana’s violent crime epidemic.

“Violent crime continues to plague our communities,” said Louisiana Sheriffs Association President and Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb “Louisiana is the top state for homicides and has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. As sheriffs, we took an oath to protect public safety and ensure laws are enforced, and we cannot stand by and allow this trend to continue.”

Representative Seabaugh stressed that the focus of any discussion regarding Louisiana’s violent crime problem must start with the 2017 criminal justice reforms referred to as the Justice Reinvestment Act. This was a highly controversial series of legislation designed to reduce Louisiana’s prison population, which it largely succeeded in doing. Louisiana’s current prison population is just over half of its 2017 levels. The dramatic spike in violent crime almost immediately followed this reduction in prison population across Louisiana.

“The relationship between the two seems clear, but there are those who deny the connection,” Rep. Seabaugh said. “It is time that we had a deeper, fact-based look into this issue and that we be willing to admit that perhaps some mistakes were made.”

The Louisiana District Attorneys Association agrees that the solutions must start with a close look at the 2017 legislation.  Loren Lampert, Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, said, “LA District Attorneys have always maintained that we needed 5 complete years of data before we will be able to determine the long-term impacts of the 2017 reforms.  Nov. 1, 2023, marks the passing of 5 complete years.” “We agree that it is time to objectively study the impact of this sweeping legislation and determine exactly what the costs and savings have been. This will also serve to determine what impact – if any – the reforms have had on the surge in violent crime over the last 3 years.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has long been a critic of the 2017 criminal justice changes and strongly endorsed the task force.  “As I predicted, the governor’s failed criminal justice reform has resulted in new victims of violent crime,” said Landry. “Instead of dangerously releasing criminals back into society in order to simply check a political box, the governor should have ensured convicts get the treatment and training they need to become productive members of society.”

The Bayou Mama Bears, a rapidly growing statewide group of women fed up with the rise of violent crime and lack of safe streets for their children, has also endorsed the new task force.  “As crime surges across Louisiana, women across our state are now living in constant fear of being the next victim of violent crime,” said Laura Rodrigue, founder of the Bayou Mama Bears and a former prosecutor in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. “We worry about protecting ourselves, and more importantly, our children. We applaud our leaders who recognize the need for change and who are committed to making that change. The Bayou Mama Bears will continue to fight to protect our Louisiana families and we will continue to recognize those leaders who stand beside us.”

The new task force will be created by legislation that Rep. Seabaugh plans to introduce during the 2023 legislative session.  “This is not the time for half-measures or another ‘step in the right direction’ type approach. This is a battle that we cannot afford to lose,” Seabaugh said.


Postmaster To Be Laid to Rest

Postmaster Latonya Duncan’s life will be celebrated today and tomorrow.  Duncan passed away a week ago Wednesday.

Viewing is today from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield.  Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday in the Northwest Baptist Association Auditorium in Mansfield.

Duncan was the Postmaster for Coushatta, Hall Summit, Ashland and Powhatan.  The flag is flying at half-staff at the post office in her honor.


FOCUS is Next Saturday

Red River Cowboy Church at Lake End will be hosting their annual youth conference called FOCUS on Saturday November 5th from 1-7pm. It is for pre-teens and teens in 6-12th grades. Registration is $10 for an all day, one of a kind experience. All schools, churches, and students are invited.

This year, the theme is “In It, Not Of It” from Romans 12:2 that says, “ Do not be confirmed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is of the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

FOCUS’ hope is to encourage the teens of the community to stand strong in their faith and cling to what God says as true rather than fall into the temptations and conformity of worldly things.

There will also be arena clinics involving livestock and other games.  Dinner in the Dirt, worship led by the band 4 Days Late.  And the message will be brought by Mr. Jason Nolde.

If anyone has any questions or wishes to register their teen for this event, contact Kasie Moore at 318-652-4810 or Lance Moore at 318-652-1967.


Educating Our Younger Generation of Anglers

By Steve Graf

When you take a look at the landscape of both high school and college fishing, it’s obvious that up and coming anglers of today are not being taught the ethics or etiquette of bass fishing…the unwritten rules of the water! Young anglers fishing today are falling short in knowing how to handle certain situations in several areas. In this article, we’ll educate and go over a couple of these scenarios and who’s to blame for the younger generation not knowing.

One thing about being young and ignorant… it’s someone’s responsibility to teach you the knowledge you’re lacking in order to learn. Young bass fishermen, on the rise and looking to compete at the highest level of professional fishing, need direction and guidance. This guidance is not just on how to find and catch bass, but how to handle themselves on the water… what anglers call “etiquette.” Now understand, there is no rule book on fishing etiquette. There is no sign hanging at a boat ramp on how to handle situations on the water. Someone must teach these young anglers what the expectations are. A few of these are kind of common sense and others are unwritten rules that have been established over time by anglers who came before us. 

First let’s look at the phrase “cutting someone off.” This has become the number one problem on our overcrowded lakes and waterways today! This is when an angler runs past another angler who is fishing down a stretch of bank and cuts in front of him on the same stretch of bank and starts fishing…in some cases as close as a few feet to less than 100 yards. Once again, there is no written rule preventing an angler from doing this. But in the bass fishing world, this is considered bad etiquette. If you want to see an angler get upset, cut in front of him on the stretch of bank or tree line he’s fishing. Always avoid cutting in front of another angler for the purpose of fishing. Good rule of thumb… if you have to think about or try and justify if it’s wrong to cut someone off, then you probably already know you shouldn’t do it.  A good example of this would be if someone is fishing down a row of boat docks, don’t go in front of him two or three docks to start fishing. Go ten to twelve docks down and respect his space.

Next, let’s address asking for permission to fish a certain area with another angler. This can be a little touchy, as it all depends on the angler you’re asking. If you pull up on an underwater hump or wind row (line of treetops) and you see another angler already fishing this spot, ask for permission to fish the area with him. He’ll either say, “Sure,” or he’ll say, “No, I’d rather you didn’t.” He’s really not obligated to say yes, especially since he was there first. So always ask if it’s ok for you fish the area together. Now most touring pros will automatically pass up a spot if someone is already on it. But sometimes depending on who the other angler is, especially if they are close friends, the other angler might say it’s ok. But in some instances, they have already talked about the spot that both might have found during practice, and they have made an agreement on fishing it at the same time. Again, always ask for permission to fish, don’t just hop on the front deck and start fishing.

So other than reading this informative article, how does someone learn these unwritten rules of the water? It’s up to us as experienced anglers to teach the younger generation of high school and college anglers how to handle certain situations that they may encountered. It’s our job to share and teach these youngsters the right way of doing things so that in the future, we have less confrontations on the water. Next week, we’ll continue this discussion on the unwritten rules of bass fishing with a hard look at how to deal with  dock owners, a hot topic nationwide. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen!


Deputies Complete Training

Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards is pleased to announce that Deputy John Metoyer and Deputy Kevin Broadway have successfully completed the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Basic Correctional Peace Officer Training Academy.

On October 27, 2022 each graduate was awarded a Level 2 Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Correctional Peace Officer certificate from the State of Louisiana. With the exception of arrest powers, Level 2 Officers are trained and certified to carry out many duties often performed by a POST certified patrol deputy (Level 1 Officer).

The Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) council requires that each Level 2 Officer complete a training course with a minimum of 249 hours. The training course consists of the core curriculum, numerous elective hours, defensive tactics, and POST Firearms certification.

For his proficiency at the firing range, Deputy Broadway was awarded the academy’s “Top Gun” award after averaging 119.5 points out of a possible 120.

The graduates did an excellent job representing our agency and community while attending the academy and expectations are that they will continue to do so as they carry out their specific departmental duties.

Sheriff Edwards would like to congratulate them both on their accomplishments.


Senior Night Victories

Lady Bulldog Volleyball won big at home on senior night in three straight sets against Downsville Community Charter School. The scores were 25-9, 25-5, and 25-16.

Head Coach Drew and Asst. Coach Williamson honored the four seniors on the team.  They are Jaedynn French-Solton with 3 years on the varsity team, Jolene Jones with two years on the varsity team, Charity Ashton who has played four years varsity of volleyball, and

Maliasia Davis who is completing one year of varsity play.

The coaches thanked all of the seniors for all they did to help build the Red River Volleyball program.


Beta Club Induction

Tuesday night Magnolia Bend Academy inducted its newest Elementary, Junior and Senior Beta Club members.  The ceremony was held at Red River Cowboy Church.  Also, the 2022-2023 Junior and Senior Beta officers were installed.

The school said, “Thank you to all of our students, parents and family members who came to support these amazing students. Thank you to Kendria Sanders and Joyce Boyt for all the hard work they put in to make this night possible.  They are also amazing Beta Club Sponsors.”


Notice of Death – Friday, October 28, 2022

LaTonya Booker Duncan

April 28, 1973 to October 19, 2022

Service will be Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield, LA.

Deacon Lenon Ensley

March 29, 1932 to October 21, 2022

Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Zion Chapel B.C., Coushatta, La.  Interment will follow at New Prospective  Cemetery, Lucky, La.

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.)


ETC… For Friday, October 28, 2022

Red River 4-H reminds you, “Don’t forget to place your orders with any 4-H member or call the 4-H office at 932-4342. All orders are due to the 4-H office by November 7th. Pickup day will be November 17th,m just in time for Thanksgiving.

Artwork by Northwestern State University faculty Clyde Downs, Michael Yankowski and the late Dr. Bill Bryant will be on exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport Nov. 10-Dec. 2 with a reception from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.


Rebels Get Forfeit

Riverdale Academy has won its first football playoff game on a forfeit.  A school spokesperson told the Journal that due to illness, Sharkey-Isequena has had to forfeit its first playoff game.  The game was to be played at Riverdale on Friday night.

Now the Rebels look forward to a long road trip and a tough battle.  They travel to south Mississippi next Friday night to do battle with Wilkinson County Christian Academy.


Chick-fil-A Natchitoches Approaches Opening; Restaurant Looking to Hire 100 Team Members

Now Hiring

New Chick-fil-A® restaurant is now accepting applications for a variety of positions as it prepares to open this fall

WHAT: Chick-fil-A Natchitoches, which plans to open later this fall, is looking to hire 100 part-time and full-time Team Members. The roles span from a variety of positions including back-of-house, front-of-house, leadership and more. Operator Leigh Ann Gilley is excited to bring a new restaurant to the community and share the many benefits of working at Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A is known for hiring, developing and retaining top talent, and providing a positive work environment for people of all ages and backgrounds. Working in a Chick-fil-A restaurant offers the opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a fast-paced environment. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, Chick-fil-A restaurants offer: 

  • Scholarships varying from $2,000 to $25,000
  • Tuition discounts at more than 100 universities across the U.S.
  • Opportunities for career and leadership development
  • Hands-on training 
  •  

“We’re excited to welcome 100 Team Members to Chick-fil-A Natchitoches,” said Gilley. “Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. We look forward to building a team focused on creating a welcoming environment for our guests and making a positive impact on the Natchitoches community.”

WHEN: From Monday, Oct. 24 to restaurant opening (fall 2022)
WHERE: Chick-fil-A Natchitoches 440 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, LA 71457
HOW: Applicants interested can text “MYPLEASURE” to (337) 509-0022 to apply.


Weather Cited As Reason To Move Football Game

Red River High has decided the Many at RRHS football game has been moved to Thursday 10/27/22 at 7:00pm due to Fridays expected weather.  Bulldogs vs Many will be played Thursday 10/27/22 at 7:00pm

Tickets are $10.00 each and there will be no pre-sale tickets.   Ticket booth will open at 5:45pm Thursday.  The school said there will be no track tickets.

Red River fans enter at home gate and Many fans are to enter at visitor gate.

The Red River youth football teams and Red River Jr High Football teams will be honored at halftime.

As of Tuesday, the football playoff game at Riverdale Academy remains scheduled for Friday evening.  Riverdale is hosting SIA in the first round of the playoffs.


Cox Inducted During Homecoming Week

Northwestern State University honored six alumni by inducting them into the University’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line, as part of Homecoming Festivities Oct. 21. Among those individuals recognized during an annual luncheon and induction program was Coushatta Mayor Dr. Johnny Cox.

In addition to Cox, the 2022 inductees are Tommy Chester and Lola Dunahoe of Natchitoches, Tynes Hildebrand of Shreveport, Gail Metoyer Jones of Natchez and Carlos Treadway of London, England.

The Long Purple Line luncheon and induction kicked off a weekend of festivities at NSU that included the Homecoming parade, pep rally, football game and several reunions.


Early Voting Underway

The polls are open for residents to vote early in the November 8th election.  Polls will be open daily, except Sunday, at the Red River Registrar of Voter’s office in the Courthouse.  Hours are 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Parish races on the ballot include Jeffery Deen and Melinda Hardy running for School Board District 1.  That is an open seat after Gene Longino decided not to seek another term on the board.  In District 4, incumbent Cleve Miller is being challenged by Flora Miller.

The race for Mayor of Martin drew two candidates, Marcie Davis and Mary Ann Longino.  Voters in Hall Summit will elect three Aldermen from four candidates.  They are Jason Briggs, Willie Jiles, Jr., Barbara Moore Perrin, and Kathy Quick.

Also on the ballot is the race for U.S. Senate.  Senator John Kennedy is seeking re-election.  He drew a field of 10 challengers.  And there are a number of constitutional amendments up for approval on the ballot.


Tigers Take Down the  Dawgs

By Christy Suggs

Friday night the RR Bulldogs traveled to Winnfield High School to take on the Tigers for the 3rd district game of the season. RR went in off a big win against Lakeview and had high hopes. But luck wasn’t on the side of the Dawgs. Penalties, few first downs, incomplete passes,  and missed opportunities hurt the Bulldogs. Winnfield scored first but were unable to get the 2 pt conversion. The Bulldogs were able to get on the board with a little over a 1 minute left in the half. Teams went to the locker room with a score of RR 7 Winnfield 6.

The second wasn’t any better for RR.  The Tigers scored 1 touchdown with 3:30 to go in the 3rd and scored again in the 4th making the final score RR 7- Winnfield 20.

Caoch Harper had this to say about the game. Winnfield is ranked #5 in the state for a reason. They had a great game-plan for us and executed it. They maximized every offensive drive and kept our offense on the sidelines. The boys played hard but it wasn’t our night. We had too many penalties and mental busts in all three phases of the game. We will get back to work for Many who’s coming to town this Thursday night. I don’t believe they’ve lost a district game in very long time. Many is ranked #1 in the power rankings as well as the LSWA polls for Division III. This is our biggest test of the season and why we’ve scheduled tough out of district games. We hope to have everyone back and healthy for this Thursday night.

Note: the Many vs. Red River game has been moved to Thursday night due to weather precautions.


Each day tries to learn us something 

By Teddy Allen

If the school year were a dog and the first day of school was its head and the last day was its tail, you’d be picking it up right behind its front legs about now. You’ve got a good, safe grip on it, but there’s a lot of dog left hanging down. 

October, which rivals May (for different reasons) as the best month of the year, is soured by only two things: one is that winter and cold is coming, and the other is that, for the young student, there’s lots and lots of school year left. 

That is not a bad thing once you get older and develop an appreciation for how quickly time passes and how lucky you were to be able to go to school. But who cares for such drivel when you’re a teenager? 

Once you get out of school you learn that, secretly, you never really leave. You’re always learning something, whether you want to or not, which would be learning things the hard way. Examples: 

“Yes, your honor, I understand!”  

“Oh, so if my card is declined, that means there’s no money in the account?” 

“I don’t know, doctor. I guess it was that 12th pork chop. Or the third bowl of Blue Bell.” 

There’s a trick in just learning how to learn. My dad says that on the first day of school, they taught him that two plus two three equals four, and then on the next day they told him that one plus three equals four, and he decided right then that if they didn’t even know what equals four, how was HE supposed to ever know? 

But once teachers coach you up, show you there’s more than one way to skin a cat, you realize the world is your classroom. Some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet got that way without having many documents to frame and hang on the wall. 

Often a friend named Gene writes me, which I’m thankful for because he is old school, born in an oilfield company house near a wide spot in the highway in Depression era- Garfield County, Oklahoma. 

When he was in elementary school, his family rented the first floor of a house owned by a gentleman named Whitey Liddard. He lived upstairs and owned a nearby café where Gene’s father worked as a short-order cook. Whitey had barely a third-grade education, but he was a Rhodes Scholar when it came to running an oilfield-town café. 

One day a young customer came in to celebrate his high school education, the first diploma earned by a member of his family. 

“He proudly displayed the new diploma for Whitey’s inspection,” Gene said. “Whitey looked it over, front and back, then handed it back to the graduate. 

“Now that’s a fine thing to have,” Whitey said. “Just don’t let it keep you from learning something.” 

Hearing that from a wise man like Whitey Liddard kept Gene modest as he went through both high school and college, even on to some graduate work. “I still try to ‘learn something’ every day,” he said. 

True, some things will remain forever a mystery. Why, for instance, is the word panties plural and the word bra singular? Think about it. Or not.  

Why do we eat nuts out of socks in front of a dead tree in our dens in December? Why is “contraction” such a long word? 

The older I get, the more I understand that “I don’t know” when I really don’t know is a mighty handy answer. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

(Ran originally 10-21-2012)


Announcement event for Coach Mike McConathy is Thursday in Natchitoches

Mike and Connie McConathy

You’re invited to join Coach Mike McConathy, his wife Connie, their family, and many friends at the Natchitoches Events Center Thursday for an announcement event officially launching his campaign for the Louisiana State Senate representing District 31.

The event is reception-style, running from 4:30-7 p.m., with a short program expected to tip off at about 6 o’clock. Attire is casual. Light refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge.

After concluding a remarkable career as an educator and basketball coach that began in the late 1970s, McConathy is continuing his lifelong commitment to being a servant-leader.

The vibrant 66-year-old Bossier City native and Louisiana Tech University graduate is the winningest college basketball coach in state history, with 682 victories in 39 seasons as head coach at Bossier Parish Community College (1983-99) and Northwestern State University (1999-2022). The number of wins is just one measure of his far-reaching impact not only on campus but in communities around northwest Louisiana.

The new District 31 has roughly 70 percent of its population located in Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes, with portions of Webster, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Rapides and Winn included. That fits the geographic footprint which was the base of McConathy’s recruiting area and team rosters at NSU and Bossier Parish Community College.

District 31 has been served by Senator Louis Bernard, who announced this summer that he will not be seeking reelection.

McConathy grew up with a first-hand perspective on public service. His father, John McConathy, was the Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools for 20 years and later was a key collaborator in the development of the modern Bossier Parish Community College campus between U.S. 80 and I-20 in Bossier City.

Among his accolades, the former NSU coach is enshrined in the university’s Hall of Distinguished Educators for his service as a faculty member at Northwestern, and in 2012 he earned an elite Pillar of Education award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches for leading the Demons’ program into continuing educational outreach in area schools. His program was noted for its wide-ranging community service endeavors, and its academic performance – a remarkable 90 percent of his players earned degrees at NSU.

For questions, information, call Mike McConathy, 318-792-1541