This is the tenth and final week of the American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest. The Journal has a great line-up of games to be played this week. And we have a $100 prize for the person doing the best job of selecting the winners.
The entry blank has been posted. CLICK HERE to go claim your prize.
Red River baseball teams will have a Halloween scrimmage TODAY. The catch–the teams will play in Halloween costumes!
The Junior High squad plays at 4pm and the varsity begins at 5:30pm.
Admission is only $5.
There will be a bounce house and carnival games. You can participate in a cake walk for $2. Or how about pie your favorite administrator in the face for $2 a throw. There will also be concession for sell.
The Red River Baseball Dugout Club is sponsoring the event.
OCTOBER 31
You don’t want to miss the Halloween spooktacular at the Red River Parish Library from 3-5pm. There will be lots of candy. Even a backdrop for you to take ghostly photos.
Christus Coushatta Health Care Center is holding a Trunk or Treat in the Clinic parking lot from 5-7pm. Come enjoy games, prizes, candy and more!
Abundant Life Worship Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat starting at 5:30PM. Bring the kids for a fun, safe family friendly night of treats. Refreshments will be available.
First Baptist Church Coushatta will hold their Fall Festival from 6-8pm. Free entry. Enjoy games, food, and fellowship.
NSU football quarterback Tyler Vander Waal posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday, October 28 expressing his “2 cents” about the handling of NSU’s season. His statement follows:
‘Dr. Jones and Kevin have failed the players immensely. The canceling of the season was never about Ronnie. They used his unfortunate passing as a cop out. The lack of leadership was evident. As much as I respected Coach Laird as a coach and a man, he didn’t have any control of this team. As players, we were kept in the dark about everything. The decision makers here thought it was a good idea to cancel the season and take away the only structure we had? They thought it would be smart to take away these players outlets during a time of grief? Where we go to be together and have fun and play the game we love? To cancel the season because we’re not all mentally there and need more time to grieve and then start offseason workouts on Monday? No, I fully believe there was more to this decision than we will ever know. This was just an easy way to get out of things. Most, if not all, of the players in that locker room wanted to play the last 4 games. They didn’t consider the players in this decision and they failed us as
athletes.’
Vander Waal also joined Billy West Live podcast Saturday. Listen to it here.
The NSU athletic department released the following statement apparently in response to Vander Waal’s social media post.
“We understand and respect the feelings of our players. They are fierce competitors and no doubt some wanted to get back on the field of play. At the end of the day we had to take the health and welfare of players and coaches into consideration when making this difficult decision. While not easy, we are confident we made the right call.”
Photo source: nsudemons.com
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, November 6, 2023, the US 84 bridge over Bayou Pierre in Red River Parish will be closed for repair.
This bridge closure is scheduled to be in place for approximately five weeks, and is necessary to allow DOTD crews to perform repairs to the girder, bridge piles, and other components. This work will ensure the bridge can remain in service in the future.
This bridge is located approximately 2.3 miles west of LA 1 near the DeSoto Parish line.
Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.
Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.
This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact Information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
Sweet potatoes come in 20 or 40 pounds. 20 pound box $20 and 40 pound is $30.
Pecans–1lb bags choose from plain, spicy roasted, roasted, sugared, praline crunch, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. Each bag is $13.
Thy are also selling chocolate almonds for $13 a bag.
Last day to order is November 6. Orders will be ready November 15.
Call the 4-H office (932-4342) to order or see any 4-H member.
Northwestern State University will hold Homecoming activities and events as planned Nov. 3-4. The school announced on Oct. 26 that the remainder of the football season has been cancelled following the death of a student-athlete, but administrators and staff will continue with activities to honor students and alumni.
In a message to the student body, Student Government Association President Bailey Willis said Homecoming week activities for students, the kick-off concert, lip sync, fun run, food drive and service day, will take place as planned.
“Homecoming is not about a football game,” Willis said. “Homecoming is about the NSU family, students, alumni and the spirit of the university. I encourage you to attend all the events that you are able, wear your purple proudly, cheer for your fellow Demons and let naysayers know that Demons rise above.”
Friday, Nov. 3 events include the Long Purple Line luncheon and induction program that will begin at noon at the Natchitoches Events Center. The annual parade and pep rally, a popular community event, will begin at 5:30 p.m., starting on campus and ending at the downtown Natchitoches riverbank, where the Homecoming Honor Court will be recognized and spirit groups will perform.
On Saturday, Nov. 4 the N-Club Hall of Fame induction program will begin at 8 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Hall of Distinguished Educators will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Middle Lab School auditorium. Tailgating will go on as planned. Administrators are working out details to highlight a scheduled volleyball match between the Lady Demons and McNeese as a central athletic event, along with ways to recognize students, alumni and spirit groups. Those plans will be announced as details are finalized.
“Our staff, students and volunteers have put many hours in planning events to recognize the deserving students elected to the Homecoming Honor Court as well as alumni who will be honored during the weekend,” said Dean of Students Reatha Cox. “Although Homecoming will be a bit different, it will be every bit as meaningful. It’s an opportunity to come together in a spirit of solidarity and support and show how strong the Demon family is.”
“Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in circumstances that we cannot control, but how we respond is what defines our character,” Willis said. “Please join me and your fellow Demons in coming together during Homecoming week and celebrating what it means to be part of the NSU family.”
Information will be posted at www.nsula.edu and https://northwesternstatealumni.com as it becomes available.
Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson posted the following message on his Facebook page:
It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House.
Thank you to my colleagues, friends, staff, and family for the unmatched support throughout this process. It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent. The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.
As Speaker, I will ensure the House delivers results and inspires change for the American people. We will restore trust in this body. We will advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad. And we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it. Let’s get back to work.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
GUYE, LASHERADON
26 B F 10/20/2023 10/20/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
ALLOWING UNLICENSED PERSON UNDER AGE OF 17 TO DRIVE $2,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
SIMPLE CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY VALUED $1,000 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN $50,000
$2,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
THOMAS, RANSON
45 B M 10/20/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
THEFT OVER A VALUE OF $1,000 BUT LESS THAN $5,000 $2,500.00
COBB, THOMAS
46 W M 10/21/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE $5,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
FAILURE TO HONOR WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – BIENVILLE PARISH
CARTER, CHASITY
43 W F 10/22/2023 10/23/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
SIMPLE BATTERY $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
SIMPLE BATTERY $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
SIMPLE BATTERY OF PERSONS WITH INFIRMITIES $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
SPEED, BOBBY
41 B M 10/22/2023 10/25/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FAILURE TO HONOR WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT $150 TOWARDS FINES OR 70 DAYS IN JAIL
LOGAN, VINCENT
43 B M 10/23/2023 10/24/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
RESISTING AN OFFICER $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE $2,500.00 (CONCURRENT)
LAFIELD, BILLY
44 W M 10/23/2023 10/24/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – BOSSIER PARISH
LINDSEY, TONYA
48 W F 10/25/2023 10/27/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PROBATION VIOLATION COURT ORDERED REHAB
MITCHELL, PATRICK
25 B M 10/25/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
ILLEGAL CARRYING OF WEAPONS $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON BY A FELON $15,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF OR DEALING IN FIREARMS WITH OBLITERATED NUMBERS OR MARKS $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
PROBATION VIOLATION NO BOND
MYATT, JEFFREY
53 W M 10/25/2023 10/26/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – DIXIE COUNTY, FL
PRIDE, DAKOTA
28 W M 10/25/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY:
RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – RUSK COUNTY, TX
WRIGHT, MANDY
43 W F 10/26/2023 10/27/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – NATCHITOCHES PARISH
The York Chop is hiring and accepting applications for: Lunch Server: Full time and Part time positions available. Lunch BBQ Meat Cutter: Full time and Part time positions available. Applications are available inside The York Chop at 1818 Ringgold Ave Coushatta, LA 71019 318-932-CHOP
The 117th Louisiana State Fair is in full swing. Three weeks packed full of non-stop entertainment, delicious food, and unforgettable fun for EVERYONE! Visit the website to see a full list of events, https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/events
James “Jim” Ledford
December 18, 1945 — October 25, 2023
Service: Tuesday, October 31 at 1pm at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 4330 Hwy 818, Ruston
Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com)
This afternoon at 4:00 pm is the deadline for this week’s Pickers contest. CLICK HERE to enter now. You could be the winner of the $100 weekly prize.
This is the last day to enter the American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest. All you have to do is pick the winners of ten high school football games. It is that easy.
The American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest is presented by Tyler Insurance Agency, Pathway Tire, Beard’s Automotive NAPA, Better Finance, York Chop, and Farm Pro Feed and Supplies. Good luck and enter right now.
Beginning Monday, October 30 at approximately 7am Martin Water System customers on the Moning Hinson Road, St. Mary Church Road, Jones Road, Carroll Creek Road, Army Road, Esperanza Road, and Hwy 155 from the Moning Hinson Road towards Coushatta will have NO WATER.
The water lines near the Double bridges are being replaced with new, bigger pipes. The water will be turned back on as quickly as possible but will most probably be off all day.
There will be a BOIL ADVISORY in this area also.
OCTOBER 27
Social Springs Baptist Church is having their Fall Festival on Friday, October 27 from 6-9pm. There will be games, cake walk, face painting, hayride, toy walk, s’mores, food and much more.
OCTOBER 28
Fairview Baptist Church invites everyone to their Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4pm. Decorated cars will hand out candy. There will also be some carnival games, popcorn and of course, a ton of fun.
Martin Baptist Church will host their Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28 from 5-7pm. There will be games, crafts, Hot dogs/Chili dogs, cake walk, bounce house and Trunk or Treating.
The Village of Hall Summit will sponsor a Trunk or Treat and Chili Cookoff Saturday, October 28 at the Hall Summit Community Center and Park. The Chili Cookoff begins at 5pm and Trunk or Treat at 6pm. If you have any questions, contact Rachel Henry at 932-5355.
New Life Church will host their Fall Festival Saturday, October 28 from 5-8pm. Come out for live music, paintball target shooting, video game truck, door prizes, jumpers, face painting and lots of candy.
OCTOBER 31
You don’t want to miss the Halloween spooktacular at the Red River Parish Library on Tuesday, October 31 from 3-5pm. There will be lots of candy. Even a backdrop for you to take ghostly photos.
Abundant Life Worship Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat Tuesday, October 31 starting at 5:30PM. Bring the kids for a fun, safe family friendly night of treats. Refreshments will be available.
First Baptist Church Coushatta will hold their Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31 from 6-8pm. Free entry. Enjoy games, food, and fellowship.
I don’t believe cancellation of the football season was what the players wanted or what the player who so tragically lost his life would have wanted. Nor do I believe that this was what Coach Laird wanted. This is a horrible decision for the team. One doesn’t quit in the face of adversity.
In a case like this a team dedicates the season to their fallen teammate.
I believe this is the decision of the new President and athletic director. NSU has been shedding students since the new President’s hire and athletics have been in a chaotic downward spiral.
The resignation my alma mater needs more than any other is that of President Marcus Jones. He may be a fine man, but has proven himself a poor fit for Northwestern State University.
Steven Hines
Northwestern State University Alumni
Northwestern State University announced Thursday afternoon it has canceled the remainder of the 2023 football season due to the recent shooting death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell, with university president Dr. Marcus Jones citing the mental health and well-being of its student-athletes as the primary reason for its decision.
“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” said Jones. “While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.”
The school has also accepted the resignation of head coach, Brad Laird, who was in his sixth season as head coach of the Demons football team.
“Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program,” Laird said. “Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.”
Caldwell, a junior safety from Cedar Park, Texas, in the Austin metroplex, had been persevering through an injury, traveling with the team in a coaching capacity, helping other defensive backs with their technique and schemes. His death, in an Oct. 12 early morning shooting at the Quad Apartment Complex, remains under investigation by the Natchitoches Police Department. Two roommates have been arrested on drugs and weapons charges, but no charges relating to Caldwell’s death have been filed.
“We appreciate Coach Laird’s long-term investment in Northwestern State football. From his undergraduate time as a record-setting quarterback to his year spent overseeing the university’s alumni office to coaching, he has been a vital member of the team,” said Kevin Bostian, NSU’s athletic director. “While we are disappointed not to be able to finish the season, we are confident that better days lie ahead for Northwestern State football.”
Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Weston Glaser, will step in as interim head coach while the athletic department begins an immediate search for its next head coach.
“I want to thank our team, family, friends and the whole Northwestern State community for your understanding of this difficult decision,” Jones said. “We appreciate your support during this challenging time.”
All ticket refund inquiries for the remaining two home games should be directed to Scott Maggio at maggios@nsula.edu. Media inquiries should be directed to Jason Pugh at pughj@nsula.edu.
The university’s press release did not immediately address considerations related to the Nov. 3-4 homecoming weekend, which was to culminate with an afternoon football game.
The decision also impacts McNeese State’s homecoming this weekend. NSU was scheduled to play at McNeese Saturday night.
Dr. Jones discusses the process and decision to cancel football for the balance of the 2023 Season and the resignation of Brad Laird as the Head Football Coach of NSU.
Note: This interview was at 2pm, October 26, 2023.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2023
The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has unanimously voted to name Dr. Jim Henderson as the next president of Louisiana Tech University. Henderson has served as president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System for nearly seven years.
“Louisiana Tech is an exceptional institution with global impact. My family’s relationship with Tech began more than 80 years ago, in 1941, when my Dad signed to play football for Joe Aillet and continues today as my youngest son just entered his sophomore year,” Henderson said. “It is an honor to succeed President Guice. I look forward to moving home to North Louisiana to work alongside the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community to lead Tech into its next era of excellence.”
During a meeting earlier this month, the Board voted to suspend its Board Rule guiding presidential searches and name Dr. Henderson as the sole finalist for Louisiana Tech’s presidency.
“When Dr. Henderson expressed his interest in this role, the Board explored all available options for this particular circumstance. After deliberations and recognizing the talent and characteristics we have witnessed supervising Dr. Henderson the past seven years, it is clear that he is uniquely qualified to serve this lauded institution as it continues toward an even brighter future,” Board Chair Liz Pierre said.
“As an alumnus and resident of the Ruston community, I couldn’t be more excited for Tech’s future,” Board member Steve Davison said. “The University has thrived under Les’ leadership, and Jim is poised to build on that foundation, which will lead to even more growth and innovation.”
Last month, Dr. Les Guice announced his intention to retire from Louisiana Tech at the end of the year.
“It has been my honor to serve the Tech community for more than 45 years, 10 of those as president, and seven of those under the leadership of Dr. Henderson,” Guice said. “I appreciate the Board’s thoughtfulness and am confident in Jim’s ability to lead this institution I hold so dear. I look forward to working with him throughout the transition and beyond.”
Henderson, a Shreveport native, previously served as president of Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College. Both institutions experienced significant enrollment growth during his tenure.
“Our student body is excited to welcome Dr. Henderson to the Louisiana Tech community,” SGA President Connor Smith said. “In our interactions, I have experienced the same warmth and approachability we have enjoyed with our current president. I look forward to working with him to celebrate Tech’s achievement and navigate any challenges ahead.”
With a diverse community of students, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity, public service, and economic development.
“I’ve worked closely with Dr. Henderson on various System initiatives during my tenure at Louisiana Tech,” Dr. Jamie Newman, professor of biology and Universities of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute participant, said. “I believe he will bring with him new energy and will support our faculty in elevating the University’s most important work, its academic mission.”
With a population just over 22,000, Louisiana Tech is vital to the Ruston community.
“I have known Jim for many years and am excited to welcome him to Ruston to lead Louisiana Tech,” Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker said. “Louisiana Tech is the economic driver for our city and we look forward to working with Dr. Henderson to continue the close relationship between Tech and the City of Ruston.”
“I have known Dr. Jim Henderson for many years beginning with his chancellorship at Bossier Parish Community College to his presidency at Northwestern and now as president of the University of Louisiana System,” Regent Bob Levy, Ruston community member, said. “I believe he has the talent and vision to lead Louisiana Tech into even greater successes in the near future and beyond. I am fully confident that Jim will provide another chapter to Tech’s line of great presidents.”
Henderson will begin his role as president on January 1.
Gavin Kelly
Social Media Strategist
Louisiana Tech University
University Communications
Wyly Tower 1227
318.257.4857 | 318.413.0123
LATech.edu
By: Chloe Spradley
After a big win last Friday night against Tensas Academy, the Rebels emerged victorious as the MAIS District 3-1A Champions! From opening kick-off, the Rebels consistently outplayed their opponents, resulting in a 54-0 win against Tensas. This much-deserved victory displays the Rebels’ skill, teamwork, and determination, solidifying their claim to the championship title.
Receiving Offensive MVP was Ryder Huddleston with 5 connecting passes totaling 169 passing yards, 4 resulting in touchdowns. On the receiving end of those was Ashton Almond with 33 yards and 1 touchdown, Kaidyn Williams with 32 yards and 1 touchdown, and Kyle Guillory with 104 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In rushing yards, lineman Hayden Hillman stepped out of his comfort zone to complete 2 carries for 8 yards, scoring the first touchdown of his high school career. In addition, Hillman secured the 2 point conversion following his touchdown. This, combined with his defensive contributions secured him the title of Defensive MVP. Tanner Carlisle also had a memorable night with one carry resulting in 44 yards and his first varsity touchdown. Guillory, Williams, Landen Barrett, Kane Dortlon, and Jax Hearold also had rushing yards for the Rebels.
Adding to the Rebels success, the team’s defense consistently shut down Tensas’s attempts to score. Contributing to this was Barrett with 4 solo tackles and 3 assists (4 TFL); Zane Givens with 4 solo tackles and 1 assist; Hillman with 2 solos and 5 assists; John Windham with 3 solos, 3 assists, and 1 sack (3TFL); Carlisle with 1 solo, 5 assists (1 TFL), and 1 punt block; Almond with 1 solo and 4 assists (5 TFL); and Hearold with 1 assist.
Special teams include Guillory with 2 punt returns, 82 yards, and 1 touchdown. Because of his exceptional performance on special teams, offense, and defense, Guillory received this week’s game ball.
by J.C. Dickey
Red River Junior High Cross Country is starting to make some noise in the cross country circles. Coached by Mrs. Brunson, a 7th grade English teacher, is creating something special in the area of distance running in Red River Parish. Last year Mrs. Brunson started recruiting everyone that was willing to run to join her cross country team. With just a few girls and guys on the team there was never enough to compete as a full team just as individuals and on occasions those students finished very well and the excitement grew. Coach Brunson went to work and coach track in the spring last year and from there was able to recruit a few more runners to join her team the next season.
This season the RRJH Boys were able to enter each meet with a full team and started to make their mark early on in the season. In their very first meet of the season and one of the biggest meets of the year RRJH had boys finishing in the top 10 and as a team finished 6th. If you don’t know much about Cross Country the top 5 runners on your team count in your total points and the faster each runner finishes compared to the other teams is how you finish as a team. Which means every runner has to always do their best because even if your top runners don’t win, together they might still score enough points to win.
This last weekend on Oct 21, 2023 our RRJH Cross Country team joined other small districts in the area and all of the Caddo Parish teams to run at Huntington High School for the Middle School Caddo District Championships. There were 12 area teams and about 70 kids in each division running and after coming off a 2 week break our kids were ready to compete.
When the gun went off about 10:30 Saturday morning our boys were off and running with one intention in mind, to win the meet as a team. Eight Minutes, fifty four and 6 tenths seconds later the first Red River Junior High runner crossed the finish line, Logan Mims in 3rd place followed closely by 4th place Ga’Micheal Black (8:54.9) and 5th place Landyn Lewis (9:03.1). As the race went on RRJH waited to see where the final 2 runners would cross the line and JaDavion Banks and Daniel Griggs both finished in the top 25 finishing out our top 5 runners.
When all the runners finished and the scores tallied, Red River Junior High School Boys finished 1st Place in the Non-Caddo Schools Division winning the meet. Coach Brunson was thrilled and so excited for her boys but she wanted to take a closer look at the scores. As she compared the scores to all the schools in attendance, Caddo and Non-Caddo schools, she realized our boys finished 2nd overall, missing first place by just 6 points. This is an incredible feat understanding how small of a school Red River Junior High is in comparison to all the other schools there. Ultimately our school with about 260 students almost beat out a school of over 1,000 students. When asked how Coach Brunson felt today she said, “I am just really proud of the work these athletes have put in this season and today it showed.”
This boys and girls team will compete again at the Louisiana Junior High Cross Country State Championship Meet November 11, 2023. We wish the team the best of luck and know they will be representing Red River Parish strong in the coming weeks.
Also at the meet RRJH had two girls runners compete, that is not enough for a full team but they were able to compete individually. The two runners were Ava Dickey and Carmindy Price. Ava Dickey finished 8th place overall with a time of 10:57 and Carmindy Price finished in the top 25 with a time of 12:57.8. Coach Brunson hopes we get a few more girls to come out next season so they too can have a full team to compete for team honors.
The Red River Schools Students of the Month for September were recognized at the October meeting of the Red River Parish School Board. Students were nominated by their teachers for their academic and leadership abilities.
Allie Kellogg is the student selected from Red River Elementary School. Allie is an exceptional young lady and a model student. She is a hard worker and sets high expectations for herself. She is willing to help anyone at any time, and gets along with all students. Allie participates in class discussions and always does her best to complete her assignments. She is not only a good student she also plays softball and gives the boys a run for their money while playing football. She is a joy to have in the classroom and an excellent choice for September’s Student of the Month. She was nominated by Mrs. Briggs.
The student from Red River Academic Academy is Braylon Johnson. Braylon is one of the sweetest and most respectful students I have even had the pleasure of teaching. He is a hard worker and doesn’t complain about working or doing extra to keep the class moving. He is kind to all his classmates and teachers. Braylon has a funny personality and has a great way of making those around him feel welcomed and wanted. I know Braylon has a bright future ahead of him! Mrs. Pickett wrote his nomination.
Jadavion Banks was selected as Student of the Month for Red River Junior High. He is very dedicated to his studies, very respectful towards his peers and teachers, and has exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. He always gives his very best effort and is always willing to help his classmates. Mr. Banks embodies the qualities of a model student, and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and character as September Student of the Month.
And from Red River High School, Coach Lindsey nominated Caitlyn Jones for Student of the Month. As her assistant principal and athletic director, I can attest to her academic excellence, her strong peer relations, her varied experiences in and out of school, and her commitment to excellence and life-long learning. Not only does Caitlyn excel in the classroom, she also maintains an outstanding work ethic as a member of the Lady Bulldogs Varsity Volleyball team. The dedication it takes to be a scholar as well as a student-athlete is challenging, but Caitlyn meets that challenge with dedication, determination and focus. She is a member of 4-H, Varsity Volleyball and is enrolled in our CNA program. Caitlyn has availed herself of leadership opportunities like being a mentor to freshman students. She is versatile and accomplished, and a great ambassador both to her school and to her community. I am happy to name her as Red River High School’s September Student of the Month.
Superintendent Alison Strong presented each student with a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Lott Oil/Chevron. Representing the VFW and Auxiliary 7387 were Barry McCoy, John Brewer and Dawn Brewer. Students of the Month are recognized each month throughout the school year.
Mike Johnson’s election today as U.S. House Speaker marks the culmination of a meteoric rise in the U.S House of Representatives, the result of his diligent but often low-key work advancing conservative constitutional principles and doing so in a respectful and inoffensive manner.
In a highly partisan, if not often toxic, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Johnson first spearheaded the introduction of a “Commitment to Civility” resolution and he has remained committed to maintaining civil and courteous interaction among members of Congress, often in the face of heated policy and political disagreement. His demeanor and comportment certainly contributed to his gaining the support for Speaker of his fellow members of the often-rambunctious House Republican Conference.
He has now entered into an office the responsibilities and obligations of which are nothing less than monumental. And, while it is impossible to quantify the benefit his service as Speaker will provide Louisiana, it would be difficult to overstate the positive impact.
All of this is to say nothing of the fact that the Speaker post is second in the line of presidential succession. If the president dies or becomes incapacitated, the VP is first and then the Speaker of the House.
I am convinced that the same skills and ability that brought Rep. Johnson to this point—accompanied by his deep faith—will see him through. I offer him my congratulations and my prayers.
—
Royal Alexander
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