On Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Red River Fire Chief John Woodfin declared a burn ban parish wide. Here is the text of the ban:
Due to the risk of wildfires from our current drought conditions across Red River Parish, all outdoor burning is currently prohibited until adequate moisture is returned in vegetation and the risk of wildfires has decreased. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.
Both local high school football teams play at home this week. And it is Homecoming at both Red River and Riverdale. And both at the same time.
Riverdale is honoring graduates from the classes of ’72, ’82, ’92, ’02 and ’12. Red River grads from ’52 to date (in 10-year increments) are being honored.
Red River and Riverdale have both announced their homecoming courts. At Riverdale the Homecoming King and Queen have been announced and the court will be presented prior to the game at 6:00 pm. At Red River the lady selected as Queen will not be announced until the court is presented at half time.
As for the games, Riverdale is ranked #1 and will play non-conference Parker’s Chapel. Red River opens conference play at home against Jonesboro-Hodge (2-3 on the season). Kickoff for both contests is 7:00 pm.
By Molly Seales
The Riverdale Rebels finally earned it-the number one ranking in Class A in the Impact Sports Coaches Poll. The same night they traveled to Franklin Academy taking care of more business, defeating the Cougars 50-18 to improve to 2-0 in district. It was a great effort on offense and defense for the Rebels, and with the win, they should remain at #1.
Offensively, the Rebels had a total of 519 yards and 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Ryder Huddleston was 6 for 11 in passing for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ben Almond had 2 receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown, while Kaidyn Williams had a reception for a 25-yard touchdown. Jace Wilhite had 2 receptions for 25 yards, and big man Hayden Hillman had a reception for 1 yard. Kyle Guillory was on fire on the ground, rushing for 208 yards on 14 carries and scoring 3 touchdowns. Huddleston had 7 carries for 55 yards, and Ben Almond had 4 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. Williams had a carry for 15 yards and a touchdown, while Landen Barrett had a carry for 5 yards. Ben Almond had 2 punt returns for 77 yards. Williams had a kickoff return for 12 yards and Guillory had a kickoff return for 50 yards.
The Rebels also put forth a strong defensive effort. Freshman Ashton Almond led the charge with 4 tackles, including 3 TFL’s and 2 assists. Hillman had 3 tackles, including a TFL and 3 assists. Williams had 3 tackles, including 1 TFL and an assist. Guillory had 2 tackles, 2 assists, and a fumble recovery. Barrett had 2 tackles, including a TFL and 2 assists. Ben Almond had a tackle, while Huddleston had 2 tackles and a sack. James Wagoner had a tackle and 2 PBUs, while Aston Hester had 2 assists and an interception. Jace Wilhite had a great defensive game with a tackle, an assist, 4 PBUs, and an interception.
This weekend will be homecoming at Riverdale Academy. At 5:30 p.m. on October 7, there will be an alumni reception honoring the classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012. This year’s homecoming court will be presented at 6:00, followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Make plans to come out and support your Rebels!
Photo credit: Leslie Johnson.
By Christy Suggs
The Bulldogs traveled to Logansport Friday night to take on the purple and gold Tigers. Several changes to the team were seen as the Dawgs took the field. Red River played exciting ball however they were not strong enough to overcome the Tigers. Final Logansport 32-Red River 16.
Roster changes had occurred due to a variety of reasons. Senior Kicker Miguel Allen was out of the country. Senior Eli Harper moved from wide receiver to quarterback. Kicking was Freshman B’Nodrick Winn while Junior Chris Carper punted.
Red River started off on their 35 moving strong down the field. Senior halfback Leonard Mosley led this drive with 55 yards, all rushing. Mosley was just too much for the Tiger defense most of the game. Sadly, the Bulldogs were stopped on 4th down giving the ball to Logansport on Logansport’s 7 yard line.
Pictured is the Eli Harper to Leonard Mosely combination that stunned Logansport from the beginning of the game. Mosely continued his powerful rushing throughout the game.
The Tigers shot themselves in the foot multiple times with penalties causing them to punt. The Bulldogs started their drive at the 47 yard line. The Dawgs ended this drive with a 32 yard rush by Mosley resulting in a touchdown. Mosley also scored the 2 point conversion. Score Dawgs 8 Tigers 0.
Logansport started their next drive on their own 45 yard line. The Tigers, in the red zone, did not convert on 4th down giving the ball to the Dawgs on the 18 yard line. A Bulldog turnover gave the Tigers the ball at RR’s 36 year line. Logansport scores a touchdown and a 2 point conversion tying the game 8-8 with 6:24 to go in the half. The Tigers scored once more before the half bringing the score to 16-8.
Tigers came out with the ball but were stopped by the Dawgs. RR started on their own 20 yard line. The Bulldogs cap off an 80 yard drive with a 3 yard rushing touchdown by Mosely. Mosely would convert on a 2-pt try. Score:16-16 in the 3rd quarter with 5:54 left.
On the following drive Logansport would score and convert the 2 point attempt bringing the score to Logansport 24-RR 16 with 2:10 left in the third.
During the 4th quarter, a Bulldog intercepted pass on fourth down gave the Tigers the ball on their own 11 yard line. Logansport scores once again before the end of the game. Final score RR 16- Logansport 32.
This week the Bulldogs open district play at home against Jonesboro-Hodge for Homecoming.
By Christy Suggs
Red River Head Start and preschool held their first parent involvement event, Donuts with Grown-ups! Over 100 parents, grandparents and relatives joined in the fun and had breakfast with the children. Preschoolers ate in the lunchroom while Head Start ate in their rooms and out in the picnic area of the playground. Parents were able to meet each other and classmates of their child. It was a huge success.
Head Start sponsored the event as part of their campaign to encourage family involvement. Parents need to be active in the education of their children. This is just one part of the services Head Start includes in their programs.
Currently Head Start still has openings for 3 year olds. Come be a part of the Bulldog Head Start family. For more information call Mrs. Christy Suggs at 271-3160.
By Teddy Allen
Zoology tells us that non-human mammals, number around 500 billion, and almost all of them are four-legged. No one is counting, but 10 trillion reptiles and amphibians, give or take, are also lurking around.
Beautiful. The more the merrier.
But why do most of them want to live at my house? Or under my house? (We’re looking at you, Mr. Armadillo.)
Sometimes living in the Broadmoor area of Shreveport is like living in a tame but teeming suburban Serengeti. Instead of wildebeest, we have possums. Instead of buffalos, raccoons. Instead of zebras, the aforementioned armadillos.
There is also the friendly squirrel and the harmless rabbit. That’s fine. Squirrels are fascinating athletes in my opinion, and a rabbit who kept showing up in my yard in December of 2001 got so friendly that the big-earned fuzzy cuddler actually sat in my lap and watched most of Super Bowl XXXVI with me, Patriots vs. Rams (vs. Rabbits). After a couple more weeks and low on carrots, I gave him (or her, I never looked) away to a rabbit-keeping-equipped friend with rabbit-loving children.
I’m told he or she thrived.
The record shows this clearly: I love animals. And pets. I know it. You know it. The American people know it.
But … there is a line. And if you as an animal have appeared in advertising that concerns pest control, if you are on that side of the line, we can’t be friends. Only acquaintances.
That dog just won’t hunt.
I once had a rat problem that was cured with small plastic devices that looked like tyrannosaurus rex jaws. In bed I’d hear the tell-tale CLAP! from the attic and sleep a winner’s sleep. Night after night until every one of them, the size of kittens, were sleeping with the fishes.
Once raccoons got into my chimney, where a little ledge inside allowed them to sleep all day in air conditioning, right above the fireplace and a few feet from the TV. Thought they were in the Waldorf-Astoria. The only way I knew they were there? The smell, and the fleas.
Had to hire “a guy” to “take care” of them.
Once in the garage, I felt someone looking at me and there was a coon, a baby, hanging by one arm, like he was doing show-off chin-ups, cute as a bug, his baby eyes piercing me with a question: “Mind if I hang around?”
Not two nights later I was rounding the corner of the garage and Daddy Coon was standing on his hind legs, chill as if he’d gone out for a smoke. Neither of us expected the other and we both ran, like cartoon characters, in opposite directions.
So, while I have gotten better at keeping them outside, they are still invading the “boundaries” my marsupial counselor told me to set. It’s not working out well.
The back fence is some sort of possum magnet; that’s the only explanation. I don’t hear of possums on other people’s fences. But they love this one, and Gracie Lou, a Maltese and domesticated and plenty of trouble by her herself, will bark and roar at lion magnitude until the neighbor dogs, Molly and Gus and Jezebel, sometimes Dixie, join in and soon it’s like a barking garage band that’s not very good.
The possums have only one rule: they never get on the fence until you’re in bed for the night.
And so …
One remarkably loud and recent evening, me and Frank, The World’s Greatest Neighbor, had to dispatch an exceptionally hard-headed one, the Dog Crescendo having reached wake-the-dead levels. He or she (again, I didn’t look) was properly buried the next morning on land outside of town.
My part of “the cleanup” was to place the checked-out marsupial in a coffin — found an empty Tito’s Vodka box in the garage — and leave the box by the dogwood tree by the porch. Frank, “The Eraser,” did the rest.
And that’s the world I am living in these days.
When I sat the box by the porch, I noticed something that hadn’t been there the day before. Ridges in the side yard. Holes.
Mole holes.
Me against another wave of those 500 billion mammals.
The beat (down) goes on …
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
By Molly Seales
On Wednesday, September 28, students, faculty, and guests gathered in the Riverdale gym for our annual See You at the Pole event, which is led by the FCA and sponsor Dr. Hunter Brown. This year’s theme was “Aflame” and how we should be on fire for God. SYATP began in 1990 when a group of teens in Burleson, Texas, were at a Disciple Now weekend and realized the need for change. On September 12, 1990, more than 45,000 teenagers in four states met at school flagpoles before the start of school. Since then, the movement has spread worldwide, with more than 3 million students in more than 20 countries participating in the event.
This year’s SYATP was led by FCA President James Wagoner and Vice-President Molly Seales. They gave the history of See You at the Pole, Riverdale students Adalyn Halbmaier, Kaden McNeely, and Kacie Harper led the group in prayer. 8thgraders Darcey and Destiney Bohannon, who are members of Fairview Baptist Church, along with their music minister Caleb Willis beautifully sang “My Jesus” and “Oceans.” The message this year was delivered by Bro. Carl Word, pastor at Hall Summit Baptist church. He gave a wonderful devotion on how Jesus is the real GOAT-the greatest of all time.
At the end, principal and pastor Danny Rester led the group in prayer. Then, all grades from pre-k through 12th gathered around the flagpole and sang “Sanctuary.” Riverdale students and staff are so blessed to be able to gather together to pray and worship without hesitation, and we are aware that is a blessing not all students and staff have. FCA members who participated in leading this event were James Wagoner, Molly Seales, Madison Chamberlin, Sky McMullan, Kacie Harper, Jadyn King, Shirley Boyd, Lilly Guillot, Ayla Knotts, Mary Claire Jones, Hanna Catherine Huddleston, Makayla Pickett, Charity Williamson, Julia Grace Riggs, Alaina Boyd, and Ben Moseley.
Photo Credit: Hunter Brown
Two United Methodist Churches in the parish have scheduled Church Conferences for Sunday, October 16. The conferences were called to take a final vote on disaffiliation with the United Methodist Church.
First United Methodist Church will meet at 5:00 pm and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church will meet at 6:00 pm. The meetings will be held with the church District Superintendent who will oversee the vote.
For several months the two churches have held meetings and discussions on whether to remain in the United Methodist Church. That has led to this final vote on the question.
Both churches have been notifying all of their members by letter and other means of the significance of the vote. All persons on the rolls of the churches are being encouraged to attend the Church Conference and participate in the vote.
Listen for the drum roll. The Journal today revealed that Bethany Seales is the winner of last week’s high school football Pickers contest. This week, the Journal presented Seales with her prize, a check for $100.
Seales had a perfect score on her entry form. She was correct 10 out of 10 times. So how did you do last week? Here is the answer key:
|
Weekly High School Pickers Contest – RRPJ |
||||
|
Week Ending |
Away |
Score |
At Home |
Score |
|
30-Sep |
Red River |
16 |
Logansport |
32 |
|
Riverdale Academy |
50 |
Franklin Academy |
18 |
|
|
Lakeview |
36 |
Delta Charter |
30 |
|
|
Mansfield |
6 |
Calvary |
52 |
|
|
Winnfield |
23 |
Bunkie |
14 |
|
|
Hillcrest Christian |
36 |
WCCA |
50 |
|
|
Pineville |
10 |
Jonesboro-Hodge |
20 |
|
|
Tensas Academy |
Northeast Baptist |
|||
|
Booker T. Washington |
6 |
North DeSoto |
55 |
|
|
Natchitoches Central |
0 |
Airline |
46 |
|
|
Tie #1 |
Natch Central at Airline |
Total Score |
46 |
|
|
Tie #2 |
Riverdale at Franklin |
Total Score |
68 |
|
This week’s entry form is posted for you to prognosticate the winners. Best Picker gets $100 for their effort. ENTER HERE. Best of luck!
By Royal Alexander
Former Harvard constitutional law professor, Alan Dershowitz, has again stood up to the tyrannical Leftists who scorn his faithfulness to the guarantees of our U.S. Constitution.
As you may recall, Dershowitz was one of the attorneys who represented President Trump during his impeachment trial in defense of the legally suspect charges against him. Pres, Trump was, of course, acquitted both times.
Now, Mr. Dershowitz has joined the representation of My Pillow founder, Mike Lindell, in Lindell’s lawsuit against the Justice Department and FBI over the recent search and seizure of Lindell’s cell phone.
Mr. Dershowitz freely admits that he is a liberal Democrat and describes himself as a “lifelong civil libertarian.” He states that he has joined the Lindell representation because his “respect for civil liberties and the Constitution is more important than partisan differences.”
He continues “it’s essential to keep politics out of the justice system—for principled Democrats and Republicans alike to advocate strict compliance with constitutional norms, regardless of whose ox is being gored.”
I note that Mr. Dershowitz also stated he believes the Department of Justice “went too far in seeking a search warrant against Mr. Trump’s Florida property at Mar-a-Lago” asserting that the court could have taken less intrusive measures to enforce its subpoena. Most interestingly, Mr. Dershowitz also states that the Justice Department was also “wrong” both in opposing a Special Master and in demanding that the Department’s own lawyers “be the only ones to determine whether privileged material was seized.”
How powerfully refreshing and encouraging to hear this statement of law and fact. However, it is equally frightening and appalling that there is even a need for Mr. Dershowitz to again have to demand that every American citizen is entitled to certain ironclad fundamental constitutional rights. Nevertheless, every time he represents President Trump, or someone associated with him, or defends Israel’s right to exist, the Lunatic Leftist mob attacks his doing so.
Let’s recall how justice works in our country.
It is inviolable that every American is entitled to a legal defense. In a criminal matter, evidence is gathered and, based upon probable cause, a search warrant is obtained after review by a neutral magistrate judge. Then, an arrest is often made, Miranda warnings are given, and a suspect may either choose to speak to police officers or may exercise their right not to and remain silent.
Then, unless there is a plea, a trial is held, evidence is presented, and an impartial jury of the suspect’s peers decide their guilt or innocence. Importantly, the government has the entire burden to prove its case. That’s how our legal system works and that’s how we render justice in this country.
That is why—after the legal and political persecution they had suffered at the hands of the British government—the Framers of our Constitution were adamant about the rights they enshrined in the Constitution.
Chief among them are the 4th Amendment’s right against unreasonable search and seizure—an issue Mr. Lindell is fighting—as well as the right to legal representation, against self-incrimination, Double Jeopardy—being tried twice for the same offense; the right to a speedy public trial, the right to an impartial jury and the right of the individual to know who his accusers are—and confront and cross examine them—and to know clearly the charges against him. Every accused individual is also entitled to the Presumption of Innocence and that the charge be proven in accord with the heavy legal burden of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
All of these core rights fall under the Constitutional rubric of Due Process of law—which means we may not be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process. Simply defined, due process means that laws must be applied fairly and equally to all American citizens—whether prince or pauper, Democrat or Republican, pillow maker or president—when a citizen is accused of a crime.
President Trump and Mr. Lindell are also, obviously, entitled to these same constitutional rights. It is tragic that Mr. Dershowitz must constantly be forced to reassert them to the screaming hordes who—if their own life or liberty were threatened with a criminal charge— would not hesitate to avail themselves of these key constitutional protections.
In defending some of the most revered of our nation’s legal principles, I salute Mr. Dershowitz for simply but bravely saying what the law is and what it requires.
By Jacque Fontenot, Red River 4-H Agent
Red River Parish kicked off National 4-H Week with a BB/Archery contest at the fairgrounds. Thank you to these families that were able to bring the students out on a beautiful day. Also, to Randall Mallette, and 3 hard working Junior Leader Volunteers! 4-H is truly an “opportunity 4 all!”
We had some fantastic entries this year in our 4-h pumpkin contest. Top recognition goes to:
Best use of recycled material- Hope Williamson with Oscar the Grouch
Most Creative-Grant Halbmaier with Porcupine.
Silliest- Mason Crain with Pine Needle Pumpkin
4-h Themed-Christian Parsons with American Soldier
Spookiest-Kash Bamburg with Penny Wise
If you haven’t received your prize, Mrs. Jacque will bring it to your school during the week.
Last week Future Farmers of America students from Magnolia Bend Academy participated in the Beebe Martin Memorial FFA Competition at the Natchitoches fairgrounds.
The school said, “Although they did not come out on top, these young men have made us proud here at MBA. Preparation and practice paid off with a successful build. Thank you to Dr. Land for your continued guidance. Congratulations to Zachary Birdwell, Hall Moran, Bryleigh Smith and Ethan Lemoine on your accomplishments.”
It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday October 15th 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 http://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.
There is something new at the Red River Parish Library. Beginning on October 7th at 10:00 am there will be having Story Time. Come by and have some fun.
Children’s Librarian Kala Sims can answer your questions. So call the library at 932-5614 for more information.
Join us on October 15th and 16th at Melrose Fall Festival located on the grounds at historic Melrose on the Cane. Melrose Fall Festival will host over 50 vendors who will be selling handcrafted items. You’ll find original artwork, candles, jams, jewelry, seasonal home décor, and more – it’s the perfect way to kick start your holiday shopping! There will also be food vendors, an arts and crafts table for kids, a photo backdrop, and home tours. (Tours are not included in the price of admission).
Pre-purchase your tickets at Eventbrite.com or MelroseOnTheCane.com/festivals.
October 15 (9am-5pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melrose-fall-festival-tickets-373327842627
October 16 (10am-3pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melrose-fall-festival-tickets-373353659847
Sponsored by the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for September 23-30, 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.
Patricia Ann Perot
January 24, 1955 to September 28, 2022
Graveside service was held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Davis Springs Cemetery.
Melba Louise Durr
January 21, 1938 to September 29, 2022
Graveside services were held at 1:00 pm Monday, October 3, 2022 at Social Springs Cemetery.
October public body meeting schedule:
Today at 10:00 am the Red River Parish Police Jury meets on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse.
Monday, October 10th at 10:00 am the Red River Fire District Board meets.
Monday, October 10th at 4:30 pm the Red River School Board meets.
Tuesday, October 11th at 5:30 pm the Coushatta Town Council meets.
These local public meetings are open to the public.
Saturday is the first installment of the Winter Playday Series at the Cowboy Church Arena at Lake End. There are events for all age groups from birth to adult. See their social media posts for details. Play begins at 9:00 am.
Coushatta Chamber President Karen Squires has announced the Christmas Parade and fireworks will be on December 8, 2022. Squires said, “It is time to plan our festivities.
We will meet at 3:30 pm on October 10, 2022, at the Red River Parish Parent Center on Alonzo Street. At this meeting, we will finalize the theme and assign tasks.“
Red River Elementary will be having a $1 jean day for the Virtual Food Drive on Thursday, October 6. For every $1 donated, the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank can purchase $10 in value of food.
Red River lost to Logansport 32 to 16
Riverdale Academy defeated Franklin Academy 50 to 18
The Journal will have full reports on both games in next Wednesday’s edition. Don’t have a subscription? CLICK HERE. It is free.
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