The December 2022 Quality Kid was introduced to the School Board Monday night.  She is Anyla Young from Red River High.

Superintendent Alison Strong read her nomination statement.

Anyla Young is a 10^th grade student taking AP classes at Red River High School.  This is my second year to have her as a student and I cannot be more impressed.  She is consistently punctual to school and always has her work done on time.  She is very dependable. Her work is always done to a high level and she will not rest until it is 100%.  She has never asked me “Is this good enough?”.   She is often overlooked because she has a quiet nature. She is the very definition of a Quality Kid.  Submitted by Mr. Arnold.

Each month Quality Ford recognizes a public school student as their Quality Kid.  A certificate and other gifts were presented to Anyla by Thom Hoeflinger and Elizabeth Hughes from the dealership.

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Kids in 1st through 6th grades are invited to a Winter Retreat at Springhill Baptist Church from Friday, 01/27/23, through Sunday, 01/29/23. The cost is $65 per child. 

Cabin space is limited for overnight campers.  Register online at vbspro.events/p/4846c7 and choose the 2nd session labeled “Kids Winter Retreat @ Springhill Baptist Church.”

The deadline to register is Wednesday, 01/18/23.  Contact Shannon Warren at (318) 453-4269 or at springhillkidsministry@gmail.com for more information. 

Parents are welcome to come to Sunday School at 10:00 am, Worship Service at 11:00 am, and lunch at 12:00 pm. There will be a chili cook-off put on by church members on Sunday, 01/29/23.

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By Brad Dison

Two American tourists took a much-needed vacation in England and Scotland.  They visited the usual tourist attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the British Museum, and the Great Clock of Westminster, which is commonly referred to as Big Ben.  They traveled to several cities in Scotland and visited the usual tourist sites there such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Holyrood House.  Finally, they decided to get away from the bustling crowds of the cities and went hiking in an area of the sparsely populated Scottish Highlands, about 100 miles north of Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.  The views were breathtaking.  They hiked on the ancient winding paths at the base of the mountains along the River Dee.

While hiking, they met another man and woman, Dick and Liz, who were walking in the opposite direction toward a favored picnic site.  Dick and Liz rarely saw hikers in this area because it was so remote.  As the hikers neared, Liz said hello and sparked up a conversation.  The hikers were instantly drawn in by Dick and Liz’s accents.  The foursome engaged in small talk.  The hikers told Dick and Liz of their travels throughout Britain and where they would be visiting on the remainder of their vacation.

As the conversation progressed, one of the gentleman hikers asked Liz where she lived.  She replied, “Well, I live in London, but I have a holiday home just on the other side of the hill.”  “How often have you been coming up here,” the gentleman hiker asked.  “Oh, I’ve been coming up here since I was a little girl, so over eighty years.”  Dick and Liz could see that the gentleman was thinking about her reply.  Then he asked what was one of the most asked questions by a tourist in Britain.  “Well, if you’ve been coming up here for 80 years,” he said, “you must’ve met the Queen.”  Liz replied, “Well I haven’t, but Dick, here, meets her regularly.”

The hikers turned their full attention to Dick, who had spoken very little up to that point.  “What’s she like,” the hikers asked Dick.  “Well,” Dick replied matter-of-factly “she can be very cantankerous at times, but she has a lovely sense of humor.”  The hikers held onto every word Dick said about his meetings with the Queen.  The hiker was so enamored that he had met someone who had met the Queen that he handed Liz his camera and asked if she would take a picture of him with Dick, to which she obliged. Then, they swapped places and Dick took pictures of the hikers with Liz.

After a while, the hikers said goodbye to Dick and Liz and continued on their hike.  As Dick and Liz gave a final wave to their new hiker friends, Liz turned to Dick and said, “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows the photographs to his friends in America.”  You see, Richard “Dick” Griffin really had met the Queen regularly because he was her royal protection officer.  The American hikers learned at some later point that the lady who accompanied Dick on the picnic was Queen Elizabeth II.

Source:

news.sky.com/video/platinum-jubilee-richard-griffin-on-the-queens-sense-of-humour-12626988

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Red River has a new football coaching staff.  Superintendent Alison Strong introduced Byron Keller new head coach and his staff at the School Board meeting Monday.

Keller told the journal he has coached at several area schools.  His most recent job was an assistant coach at Many, the state champs in 2-A and long time nemesis of the Bulldogs.

The coaching staff includes Justin Durbin comes from Jonesboro-Hodge.  He will coach the offensive line and special teams.

Coach Matt Anding will be the Defensive coordinator.  Keller said he will be brought in as soon as there is an opening.

Coach Xavier Braxton will coach the defensive backs and strength.

Coach Kedrin Seastrunk will be the wide receivers and defensive backs coach.  Seastrunk served a few years ago at Natchitoches Central.

And finally, Coach Travis Gary.  Keller describes him as a great asset for the team.

In addition to their coaching duties, Coach Keller said all of the coaches will be positive roll models for all students at Red River.

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Each month the local VFW and Auxiliary recognize students of the month from every school in Red River Parish.  The November 2022 public school students were introduced to the School Board on Monday.

They are Sage Demery from Red River Elementary, Ziyan Taylor Red River Academic Academy, Alyssa Young from Red River Junior High, and Rantravious Miller from Red River High.

Superintendent Alison Strong read their nomination statements.

RRES – SAGE DEMERY

                  Sage works hard every day to be her best. She is a shining light and is always sweet and helpful to her classmates and teachers.  Sage is an active participant in the classroom.  She is very engaged in her learning, and works hard to perfect her assignments every day.  Sage is a great student and friend, and is an absolute joy to teach and be around.  Mrs. Ogden

RRAA – ZIYAN TAYLOR

                  Ziyan is a great student! He strives for success in all he does. He consistently finishes his work on time and gives his very best on every assignment. He is a great friend and mentor to his peers. He treats his classmates, teachers and other staff with respect. Ziyan is committed to success and works extremely hard to achieve the goals set by his teacher and by himself.  All of these qualities make him stand out in a crowd. Congratulations, Ziyan, on a job well done!

Mrs. Bumgardner

RRJH – ALYSSA YOUNG

                  Alyssa is a very smart, dependable student in all subjects, who often gets overlooked because she is also very quiet. She gives her very best at all times and when asked to assist with a task, she never hesitates to help.  She is a great example of what it means to be Student of the Month. – Ms. Grayson

RRHS – RANTRAVIOUS MILLER

                  As an educator, I love watching my students grow and achieve their goals. For the past four years, I have watched this young man grow into an accomplished and dependable leader.  He takes the initiative and volunteers when I am shorthanded; he leads his team efficiently and keeps them on track. His team respects him and loves his sense of humor.  He always lends a helping hand to other groups.  He plans ahead for the next week on Thursdays, sanitizing above and beyond, making sure everything is properly cleaned.  He is a hard worker, and dedicated not only to himself, but to selflessly helping his peers.  He is definitely a trailblazer; with his coach’s permission, he stepped out of the box and joined my Food and Nutrition class. He is an asset to Red River High School and my class.  I am happy to nominate him as December’s Student of the Month.  Mrs. Lemoine

VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 in partnership with Lott Oil/Chevron present a certificate and gift card to each student.  The presentations on Monday were made by VFW member Lee Rodgers.  For more information on the many services the VFW provides to the community, call 932-6557 or email vfw7287@att.net.

 

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By Steve Graf

 It’s that time again, another fishing season is upon us. Now begins the preparation for bass tournament competitions. Almost 95% of all tournament trails crank up in the month of January. With January comes one of two things, very cold days or sometimes we get what is called an Indian Summer. Don’t ask me why it’s called that, because I have not done any research with regard to this topic.

But usually, it means some very cold weather conditions that can bring not only low temperatures but sleet and snow on rare occasions. Today we’ll look at how we not only prepare for these types of conditions but also what goes into getting ready to fish.

Cold temperatures dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s are fairly common in both January and February. The most important part of being able to fish in these conditions means dressing properly. We’ve all heard how you’re supposed to dress in layers and this is exactly what you better do. In order to focus and concentrate on fishing you better be comfortable and warm. Nothing is worse than trying fish and your entire focus is on how cold it is and that you can’t wait for this event to be over so you can get back to your truck and thaw out.

The only other thing worse than being cold; is being wet and cold. This is why you never pinch pennies when it comes to good rain gear or outerwear. Both Bass Pro Shop’s 100 MPH suit and SIMMS outerwear make some of the best rain gear money can buy. For me, this was the first lesson learned while fishing as a co-angler on the FLW Tour back in 2004. Nothing is more valuable than good rain gear made from Gortex. Some anglers can fish with gloves and some cannot. Fishing with gloves is not for me because of my inability to feel the line coming off the spool when casting. But it is highly recommended that you have a good pair of gloves with handshake warmers inside them while making those cold boat runs. Another thing that’s a must-have during cold weather fishing, is good socks. This is sometimes the most overlooked item when it comes to staying warm. There are a ton of options from a wool/cotton blend to electric; you just have to try different kinds and see what works for you. 

Now let’s talk tackle and what baits will be my primary go-to for this time of year. First and foremost, no good angler will hit the cold waters of January and February without a Rat-L-Trap style bait tied on. For me, there are actually two that I totally rely on; the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and the SPRO Aruku Shad in two colors, Toledo Gold and Texas Craw both of which are primarily orange-colored baits. If you’re only given one bait to fish this time of year, make sure it’s a rattling-style bait like the Trap or the Aruku Shad.

 Next, an A-Rig, this umbrella-style rig is a go-to when the bass is feeding on shad and is a great way to locate schools of bass. Another bait that will be tied on is a Chatter Bait. No other bait has probably been more productive at catching bass in the last 15 years than the Chatter Bait. This is basically nothing more than a skirted bass jig with a small blade attached to the head of the bait that creates a fish-attracting side-to-side vibrating action that bass cannot resist.

There was a time when the number one bait of choice for wintertime fishing was a jig. A lot of money has been won over the years with what anglers call a jig and pig. This is a combination of a skirted jig paired with a crawfish imitator in either soft plastic or actual pork rind. Pork rind is used mainly during cold temperatures when you’re looking for a more subtle presentation. While there are other baits that are good choices, the ones talked about today are the ones most anglers will have tied on this time of year.

Here’s a tip that might save you the headache of trying to pry open those frozen shut rods and storage compartments on your boat.  A cold rain followed by freezing temperatures will literally seal each compartment shut on your boat, but if you will leave each storage lid partially open and not completely closed, it will save you the hassle of having to use hot water to get them open.

Wintertime fishing can be really productive and it’s also a good time to catch lunker bass. But you just have to make sure you are prepared for the conditions you’re likely to face when fishing with an old man in winter. Having the right tackle and the right clothing will make your cold-weather fishing much more enjoyable.    

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Valentine’s Day is approaching.  Love is in the air.

Men…and ladies mark your calendar for Saturday, February 11th to attend Clara Springs 3rd Annual The Great Date Escape.

Details and how to register can be found on our website.  Use this link to find out more information and to register: Clara Springs Baptist Camp | The Great Date Escape.

We look forward to seeing you all dressed up and ready for a Great Date Escape.

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The Youth of Springhill Baptist Church will hold a fundraiser after church on February 12^th.  After the morning worship, there will be a chicken spaghetti lunch served.

The youth are raising money to go to camp.  In addition to the lunch, they are conducting a cake auction and a silent auction.

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Jess Curtis built a Class 2A high school football powerhouse over the past decade at his alma mater, Many High School. Last week he shocked everybody by taking on the challenge of building a consistently-competitive program at District 1-5A member Natchitoches Central. The Chiefs haven’t won a district championship this century. Curtis won 10 straight at Many, along with three state titles and three more state runner-up trophies. He joins the Billy West Live podcast to discuss his surprising decision.

Photo Credit: Scoreboard Live

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POSITION: Accounting & Fiscal Department

DESCRIPTION: The accounting & Fiscal Department has current positions open

including CFO, Senior Accountant, Revenue Cycle Director, and Fiscal Assistant.

All positions work collaboratively to build a culture of compliance and excellence.

Roles and responsibilities vary from upper-level financial oversight and

management to bank account reconciliations; journal and vendor file maintenance;

analyzing financial information and/or assuring collection revenue is maximal.

QUALIFICATIONS: Range from BS in Accounting to fiscal experience,

dependent on specific position. Federal experience is desirable for managerial

positions.

CONTACT: Human Resources Department at hr@outpatientmedical.org or

visit outpatientmedical.org Career Opportunities section for specific job descriptions and links to apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Until filled

Outpatient Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Iva Irene Knotts Jarriett

August 22, 1946 to January 9, 2023

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, January 13, 2023 at Nativity Catholic Cemetery.

Ed Raymond Hoot

April 20, 1938 – January 11, 2023

Graveside services will be held at 12 P.M. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Center Hill Cemetery in Oakhurst, TX.

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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Red River High and Junior High will be taking Sweetheart Photos January 23^rd and 24^th.  Single photos are $5 and couples photos are $6.

Mandi Mills is scheduled to be the Speaker at Woman Church on February 14^th.  Woman Church meets at The Shop on Hwy 507.

The state health department said our offices, parish health units and LSUHS will all be CLOSED on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw administered the oath of office to all school board members just prior to the first board meeting of 2023 Monday night.  There is one new board member, Melinda Hardy from District1.  She replaced Gene Longino, who did not seek another term.

During the meeting the board elected its officers for the year.  Valerie Cox will serve as President and Kasandra White will be Vice President.  Cox said, “I am happy to serve as your President.”  Of outgoing President Susan Taylor, Cox said, “I will continue to do as good a job as she did.

Superintendent Alison Strong administered the oath of office to Cox and White.  Then all members completed necessary paperwork for the state.

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Here is the meeting notice from the Clerk of Court:

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The Center Square Contributed to this report

The Louisiana Office of Group Benefits filed inaccurate financial reports for the fifth consecutive year in 2022, due in part to the lack of an “effective review and reconciliation process,” according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

This is the same agency that made the controversial switch of state workers prescription coverage to CVS Caremark.  That move was said to be a “money-saving” move by the Division of Administration.  Now the Legislative Auditor’s audit of OGB said there are problems with accounting for prescription drug money, and the problem has persisted for years.

LLA Mike Waguespack issued a report last week that examined the fiscal year 2022 financial information, reporting and compliance at the Office of Group Benefits, which provides health and life insurance benefits to state employees, retirees, and dependents.

“For the fifth consecutive year, OGB, through the Office of Finance and Support Services, submitted annual fiscal reports to the Office of Statewide Reporting and Accounting Policy with errors requiring adjustments,” the report read.

The issues involved a custodial fund with employer contributions overstated by $36.7 million, deductions for health and life benefits overstated by $33.6 million and payables understated by $3.1 million.

“Prior-year pharmacy rebates collected in the current year were not properly allocated to the custodial fund causing cash to be understated in the custodial fund and overstated in the general fund by $32 million,” auditors wrote.

Payables in the general fund were understated by $17.2 million, while accrual for subsidy receivables were not properly entered into the state’s annual financial report portal, which resulted in revenues and receivables in the government wide AFR to be understated by $30 million.

“The report used by OFSS to allocate rebates to the custodial fund did not include prior year rebates collected in the current year,” according to the report. “In addition, OFSS does not have an effective review and reconciliation process in place to identify and correct errors, including ensuring amounts are correctly input into OSRAP’s AFR portal.”

The LLA contends officials should test AFR data and include a supervisor review to prevent errors prior to submitting reports to OSRAP.

“Failure to establish adequate controls increases the risk that errors and omissions may occur and remain undetected,” the report read.

Other aspects of OGB’s finances were materially correct.

Assistant Commissioner for Statewide Services Desiree Honore Thomas responded to the LLA report in a letter to Waguespack on Dec. 19 that blamed the issues on changes to the way OGB reports its finances.

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Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy in Coushatta will continue filling prescriptions of state workers despite the change in the state health policy that took place on January first.  Owner Connie Mabile said, “There will be no change for our customers.”

While many local pharmacies in the state have stopped filling prescriptions for state employees covered by the Louisiana Office of Group Benefits, Mabile stressed, “We have not!”  All teachers, highway department workers, and other state employees, including retirees on the state insurance program, are welcome at Mabile’s.

At a time when many people are looking for a local pharmacy to honor their state health insurance, Mabile’s welcomes your business.  You will receive all the personal attention you expect from a hometown pharmacy.

Mabile’s is looking to serve you in 2023 and beyond.  For information call 318-932-5727 or bring your current prescriptions to Connie Mabile or any of her Pharmacy Technicians at Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy.  Remember to tell your physicians to phone that prescription to Mabile’s.

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By Teddy Allen

There is still a “t” or two to cross, but if Buc-ee’s comes to Ruston and Tarbutton Road as most hope, the next generation of Lincoln Parish children will be more spoiled than the generation who were on the good end of the transition from outhouses and Sears and Roebuck catalogs to indoor plumbing and toilet paper.  

I can hear a kid 10 years from now: “Paris? Rome? Waikiki? Man, that don’t impress me much. My momma used to change my diaper in Buc-ee’s. BUC-EE’S, bro! I grew up there. I grew up in there.” 

No way can you adequately convey what a Buc-ee’s is and isn’t. But one trip and you will never forget it. 

The more I’ve heard about this newest enterprise, the more I’ve imagined the famous monologue by James Earl Jones in W.P. Kinsella’s brilliantly conceived Field of Dreams in 1989, the scene that shows his character convincing Ray, the owner of the baseball and corn fields and Kevin Costner’s character, not to sell his land, even though the bank plans to foreclose the next morning. In the Ruston re-make, the setting is Tarbutton Road’s northwest corner by I-20, Ray is Ruston and Jones is Jones and Mark is the brother-in-law representing the bank, in this case a Buc-ee’s non-believer. 

JAMES EARL JONES: “Ray, people will come, Ray. They’ll come to Buc-ee’s in Ruston for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up into the store, not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive to get a selfie made with the giant wooden buck-tooth beaver, innocent as children, longing for the past —  and maybe for some Buc-ee’s Barbecue Rub or Steak Seasoning, gluten-free if needed.  

“‘Of course, we won’t mind if you look around,’ you’ll say. ‘You just need to buy some gas, or maybe a smoker or a onesie pajama bear suit or a dozen shoe charms or icebox magnets.’ They’ll pass over the money without even thinking about it. For it is money they have, and peace they lack. Peace, and some Buc-ee’s Fruit Sours.”  

MARK: “Ray, this is going to hurt the town more than help. We can’t waste this land. It’s obvious that … “ 

JONES: “And they’ll walk out to the Nut Wall, just gaze as they did when they were children when they cheered their heroes, which were either Planters salted or unsalted, except here they are overwhelmed by Beaver Nugget Sweet Corn Puff and Butter Toffee and Honey Toasted and Pina Colada Pecans and that’s only the tip of the nutberg — and it’ll be as if they’d dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick, they’ll have to brush them away from their faces …”  

MARK: “Ray what Ruston needs is another Mexican restaurant. It’s as plain as that cup of Dippin’ Dots you’re holding … “  

JONES: “People will come, Ray.” 

MARK: “We need money, we have this tremendous asset of location and land, and we’re putting it on a joint that sells tie dye drink glasses and T-shirts that say stuff like ‘I Paused My Game to Be Here’ and ‘I’m Into Fitness. Fit’ness Taco In My Mouth’?” 

JONES: “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. Well, that and consumerism. And free enterprise. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a brisket at a tailgate barbecue, rebuilt, and erased again. But it’s jerky that has marked the time — the Bohemian garlic flavor, mesquite, lemon pepper, Teriyaki … it’s salt water taffy in a resealable bag and a pink imitation leather cosmetic case that reads, ‘Just a Girl Who Loves Beavers,’ and mostly it’s that Buc-ee’s sign taller than Wyly Tower or Mount Driscoll and that Giant Magnetic Beaver, whose Siren Song draws tourists to these clean bathrooms like tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches draw Protestant country folk. It’s consumerism that has marked the time, Ray. The hope of this store, this sort of Giant Jerky Wall joint, this heaven of dessert-in-a-plastic-case-to-go, this wellspring of emotion overload, this ‘game’ — it’s part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again. 

“Ohhhhhhh, people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come.”  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

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By Molly Seales

On Thursday, January 5, the Claiborne Academy Rebels traveled to East Point for the two school’s second match-up of the season. The JV girls took another win over Claiborne by a score of 32-22. Mary Claire Jones led the Lady Rebels in scoring with 12 points. Makayla Pickett added 6 points and pulled down a team-high 15 rebounds, and Charity Williamson also had 6 points. Emma Giddings and Kynnedi Taylor had 2 points each. Madelyn Chamberlin added 2 points and led the team in deflections with 4. Kaleigh Pickett added 2 points and led them team in assists with 2 and steals with 3. The JV boys came up short against Claiborne despite a fabulous outing by freshman Tanner Carlisle. Carlisle had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. He also led the team in steals with 6 and blocked shots with 3. Zane Givens added 3 points and 5 steals. Cannon Breedlove, Hayden Cason, and Kaden McNeely added 2 points each, and Ashton Almond chipped in a free throw.

In their first meeting this season, the Lady Rebels narrowly defeated Claiborne 48-45 in overtime, and although this came was close, the Lady Rebels came away with a 46-39 win. In their first meeting Claiborne’s Audrie Teutsch scored 22 points, and this game Madison Chamberlin guarded her man to man and held her to 11 points. Mary Claire Jones led the Lady Rebels in scoring with 20 points. She also had 5 deflections, 2 steals, and 2 assists. Makayla Pickett added 9 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Jadyn King had 7 points and 7 rebounds, and Hanna Catherine Huddleston had 4 points and 5 rebounds. Madison Chamberlin added a 3-pointer and led the team in rebounds with 11 and deflections with 5. Jessie Cobb had 2 points and 5 rebounds, and Georgia Carlisle added a free throw.

The Riverdale Rebels got another win over Claiborne, this time by a score of 55-45. The Rebels are coming together and playing well as a team, as evidenced by the scoring and rebounding across the board. Ben Almond led the Rebels in scoring with 17 points. He also had 4 rebounds, 4 deflections, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Thad Bates added 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 deflections. Kyle Guillory had 11 points and pulled down 5 boards, while Mason Murray added 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Ryder Huddleston had 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Jace Wilhite had 6 points and 7 rebounds.

The Rebels will be at home Tuesday evening for their first district game against UCA. JV boys will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by varsity games. Varsity girls and boys will travel to Natchitoches on Thursday to take on LSMSA with the girl’s game at 6:00 and boys to follow. Friday the JV girls and varsity girls travel to Grand Cane to take on the Central Lady Pioneers at 5:00 p.m. Come out and support your Rebels!

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By Royal Alexander

There has been much news this past week regarding the choosing of the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was considered the likely choice and has now become Speaker.

McCarthy, or any Speaker candidate, needs 218 votes to become speaker if all Members of Congress are present.  Republicans have a slim majority of 222 lawmakers, so McCarthy could only afford to lose four GOP votes.  The House adjourned Thursday evening after eleven attempts to elect a speaker, began its fourth day of votes Friday and McCarthy managed to gain the necessary votes in the 15th round of voting.

My point is that, in one of its frequent overreactions, the national “media” breathlessly proclaimed that “the U.S. House hasn’t failed this many times to elect a speaker since the Civil War.”  Or that the failure to immediately elect a speaker resulted in “chaos.”

I respectfully disagree with those characterizations.

The intense focus on and debate regarding who would become the House Speaker is healthy, worthwhile and to be expected.   We are a constitutional republic, within which we have chosen to govern ourselves as a representative democracy.  That representative democracy is obviously based upon “representatives” and “representation.”

And, it was apparent that a bloc of U.S. House members was skeptical about McCarthy for one reason or the other.   I never saw any indication that the opposition to McCarthy by House Republicans was of a personal nature but was ideological and policy based.

I served in the U.S. Congress in D.C. for almost 8 years.  I worked for three members of the U.S. House and interned for a fourth.   So, I know from experience that the position of speaker is a powerful one—the second in line for the Presidency.  I’ve witnessed up close that once the speaker is chosen, the very direction of the U.S. House is set for the entire two years of that session of the Congress. 

The Speaker determines membership on critical oversight and appropriations committees, including the procedurally critical House Rules Committee, which projects receive funding, and, most importantly, what bills actually come to the floor.

So, these last few days were the time to make objections and to debate what, in this instance, the Republican majority desired in its speaker.  Clearly, a large number of Republicans were satisfied with the pledges McCarthy has made and the style of leadership and direction he will provide.  Yet, a comparatively small but decisive—given the small Republican majority— group of Republicans were not.

The reason this debate is worthwhile is because even that minority of 20 or so Republicans who consistently opposed McCarthy for speaker have a right—if not a responsibility—to be sure that the voice of their constituents is also heard.

What do I mean by that?

Some of the opposition to McCarthy believed he had demonstrated certain policy beliefs they strongly disagreed with.  For example, some don’t like the recent $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill (yet another) that was just rammed through Congress and demand a change to the legislative process governing that.

Some believe McCarthy has never been strong enough on illegal immigration and the invasion that is occurring on our Southern border—including the drugs and crime that come with it.  Some of these members of Congress have been passionate in their opposition to the weaponization of the federal government as it pertains to the partisan activities of several of our federal agencies in the last few elections.  They seek a select committee of some kind to probe this issue.

Other members of this opposition simply see Congress as broken and demand that attention be given to their priorities in order for McCarthy to get their votes.  Some of them demand a change to the House rules procedure regarding which bills can come to the House floor to be heard and debated, and which amendments may be offered to them.  Some demand an opportunity to influence policy—a “seat at the table’’—when bills are being drafted. Some demand the right for a single Member of Congress to call for a no-confidence vote to unseat the House Speaker.

It takes great courage to take on the majority of your own party.  However, demands had to be made and they had to be made at the time a new speaker was being chosen.  That was done and the Congress—and the American people—are better for it.

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Red River Fire Protection District Issued the Run Count for 2022.  They answered a total of 648 calls last year.  That is almost two calls per day.

Half of the requests for assistance were fire related.  There were 21 structure fires, 117 woods & grass fires, 19 vehicle fires and 168 combined fire alarm, smoke scare, and other incidents.

During 2022 the Fire department began answering calls for EMS runs.  They responded to EMS calls 247 times.  There were 27 hazmat calls and four times the department gave mutual aid to other departments.

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Trinity United Methodist Church of Ruston is finding new ways to reach the community in regard to how the congregation serves and how members spread the word of God. One way this church reaches the community is through different lecture series each year. This year’s offering, which the church is opening to the public, is the Laskey Lecture Series with Dr. Sandra Richter.

Created by Virginia Laskey, the lecture series brings in dynamic speakers with a variety of topics including politics, spirituality, arts, the environment, and much more.

Three FREE sessions will be taught by Dr. Sandra Richter to speak on the bible’s Old Testament on Saturday, Jan. 21 beginning at 10 am until 4 pm. Dr. Richter is a leading expert on Old Testament knowledge. She will convey a complex understanding of culture, archeology, and language to the listeners in a way they can understand. She will address leadership and hope through examining the life of Debra in the Book of Judges.

Attendees will receive complimentary childcare services.

Other offerings to the community include regular Sunday worship and bible studies throughout the week. The congregation also invests in children and youth as they are the future. They also feed the community, which is a big part of the church’s mission because there is such a big need for feeding programs.

More recently, our outreach committee is exploring new and innovative ways we can fight hunger in the Ruston community and beyond

To find out more about the lecture series or to sign up for it, call (318) 251-0750 or go online to http://www.trinityruston.org/announcements/laskey-lecture-series.

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POSITION: Accounting & Fiscal Department

DESCRIPTION: The accounting & Fiscal Department has current positions open

including CFO, Senior Accountant, Revenue Cycle Director, and Fiscal Assistant.

All positions work collaboratively to build a culture of compliance and excellence.

Roles and responsibilities vary from upper-level financial oversight and

management to bank account reconciliations; journal and vendor file maintenance;

analyzing financial information and/or assuring collection revenue is maximal.

QUALIFICATIONS: Range from BS in Accounting to fiscal experience,

dependent on specific position. Federal experience is desirable for managerial

positions.

CONTACT: Human Resources Department at hr@outpatientmedical.org or

visit outpatientmedical.org Career Opportunities section for specific job descriptions and links to apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Until filled

Outpatient Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for December 29-January 5,  2023.

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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