So-called DIE (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity) initiatives are being challenged and opposed. As noted in the Wall Street Journal, “Texas became the second state, after Florida, to ban DIE initiatives at publicly funded colleges and universities. Texas A&M University had already announced in the fall that it closed its DIE office and reassigned the team’s staff members.” (WSJ, R. Smith, and L. Weber, 1-4-24).

Why would this be happening?

Several factors have likely contributed to the opposition. Among them the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down affirmative action in colleges, removing a false but resilient justification for the policy, the testimony before Congress of the three college presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT who simply could not bring themselves to condemn calls for the murder of Jews or concede that such calls would violate school policies against hate speech, and the boycott of major American corporations for their Woke views.

It would be difficult to identify a more succinct description of such a corrosive policy than the one offered by New College school president Richard Corcoran in his article New College Is a Haven for Harvard Refugees:

“Our school … refuses to ostracize certain groups at the expense of others in the name of “diversity, inclusion, and equity”—a misnomer for offices whose purpose typically is the opposite of what their name suggests.” Harvard’s Office for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) says in its “DIE Commitment Statement” that it welcomes “people of color, women, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and those who are at the intersections of these identities.” In other words … Jews and others not on the list need not apply—unless they fit one of the delineated identity buckets. An organization truly dedicated to “diversity” and “belonging” shouldn’t establish such narrow parameters for inclusion. This regrettably is typical of DIE office charters, which often signal which groups are “worthy” of membership. We don’t tolerate that at New College. In February we dismantled our DIE office to ensure that no group is singled out for punishment or preferential treatment.”

In fact, “critics say colleges focused on the goals of DIE have cultivated an environment where students see the world as divided between the oppressed and their oppressors, leading to an anti-Israel or anti-Jewish sentiment on campuses.” (WSJ).

Further, Harvard professor Iris Bohnet stated:

“About $8 billion a year is spent on diversity trainings in the United States alone. Now, I tried very hard to find any evidence I could. I looked not just in the United States but also in Rwanda and other post-conflict countries, where reconciliation is often built on the kind of diversity trainings that we do in our companies, to see how this is working. Sadly enough, I did not find a single study that found that diversity training in fact leads to more diversity.” (Jonathan Butcher, The Heritage Foundation, 1-30-23).

At the very least, no taxpayer dollars should be used in connection with DIE and “state lawmakers should ensure that no teacher or student is compelled to profess or believe any idea (especially ideas that violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Such ideas would include the notion that individuals today are automatically guilty of racial crimes committed by others decades ago who happen to share the color of their skin. In public colleges and universities, lawmakers should prohibit school officials from using DIE statements to screen job applicants. Similar prohibitions on compelled speech should also apply.” (Id.).

But DIE is where we are with the Woke American Left. According to the brutal dictates of the Thought Police, there can be no diversity of opinion or viewpoint or thought itself. A citizen is either Woke, or silenced, driven out of a job, banned on social media, and more and more frequently threatened physically with retaliation, or worse.

As a culture and as a nation we are thankfully moving in the direction of ending discrimination based upon race, religion, ethnicity, or gender, and hopefully moving in the direction of building a ‘more perfect union’ based upon Dr Martin Luther King’s timeless principle that Americans should be judged only upon ‘the content of their character, not the color of their skin. ‘

In truth, the only way to end institutional discrimination based upon race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, is to end discrimination based upon race, ethnicity, religion, or gender.

DIE should be defunded and ended.

Royal Alexander

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What does it take to wake up a “sleeping” Indigenous language? How do Indigenous nations keep their cultures and environments thriving? Elisabeth Pierite-Mora and Jean-Luc Pierite, both Tunica-Biloxi and Mississippi Choctaw, will speak on “Indigenous People and Social Change” at Northwestern State University at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 in the Lucile Hendrick Room on the first floor of the Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO NSU’S CLOSURE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. A NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

During the talk, the speakers will discuss their family and community’s work on language and cultural revitalization and how it impacts their individual work. Pierite-Mora will address stereotypes of Indigenous peoples and the challenges and successes of shifting an endangered language from extinct to awakening. Pierite will speak on his experiences working with the urban Indian community in New England, including legislative advocacy, environmental justice activism and promoting access to technology. Both will share their collaborative work creating new Tunica-Biloxi content through their contribution to Mitoloji Latannyèr/Mythologies Louisianaises, a multimedia exhibit running now through the end of 2024 at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge.

The event is part of National Day of Racial Healing on campus.

“As stated by the National League of Cities, the National Day of Racial Healing began in 2017 as a call to action for racial healing for all people,” said Brittany Broussard, NSU’s director of Campus Climate and Culture. “It is so important for the healing process to hear from members of marginalized groups to be educated on their culture and support the social action causes they fight for.”

The event is sponsored by the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity, American Indian and Indigenous Studies Minor offered through the School of Social Sciences and Applied Porgrams and the NSU Native American Student Association .

For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca Riall at riallr@nsula.edu

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It was one of those NFL playoff weekends that suggested someone put another log on the sideline bonfire.

The National Frozen League.

Consider the piercing minus-4 degrees in Kansas City Saturday afternoon when the Chiefs beat Miami, 27-7, easily a record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium. That hard part was the 25 miles-per-hour wind gusts that equated to a tear-inducing minus-27.

A day at the beach compared to Sunday afternoon in Buffalo, where the Wild Card Round matchup between the Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers was delayed until Monday because of high winds and blinding snow. 

“When I heard they were delaying it I told somebody that sets a bad precedent,” said Bo Harris, who starred at Captain Shreve and LSU before playing eight years for Cincinnati, including a start in Super Bowl XVI in 1982, a 26-21 loss to San Francisco inside the Pontiac Silverdome (while outside, a blizzard semi-paralyzed Detroit). 

“Hours later I saw what was happening in Buffalo and had to call the guy back and say, ‘Check that,’” Harris said with a laugh. “My mind wasn’t understanding what was happening.”

What was happening was you couldn’t see the field. Visibility near zero. The team even hired fans to shovel show for $20 an hour Sunday to help clear the stadium. The online video of Buffalo crazies doing just that is as fun to watch as the game was, won by the Bills, 31-17, in a clear but cold Highmark Stadium.

Kyle Williams watched that game from the comfort of his couch in Lincoln Parish, six seasons removed from a 13-year career playing defensive tackle in Buffalo after four years starting for Ruston High (he was a hard-to-bring-down running back as a freshman!) and after helping the Tigers win a national championship at LSU. Grew up hot, but figured out quickly that life in the National Football League can be a cold business. 

“In Cleveland my rookie year, during warmups it looked like just a normal winter day game,” said Williams, a father of five who helped coach Ruston High to a state football championship this fall in his semi-retirement. “Field was green … perfect. Twenty minutes later we come back and the whole field is snow.”

Then there was December 23, 2007, “the coldest I’ve ever been,” he said. Final regular season game, the Giants needing to win to get into the playoffs, New York at Buffalo, and it’s a first-half downpour, a storm front off Lake Erie. “After halftime, it drops down to 19 degrees and the wind starts blowing. It got colder the more we kept trying to hang on to (Ahmad) Bradshaw (151 yards rushing) and (Brandon) Jacobs (143 yards). We never got going.”

The Giants won, 38-21, and went on to upset New England in the ‘Helmet Catch’ Super Bowl. Good news?: Williams, a Class of 2022 Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer, lived to play another day.

“You can never really prepare, gear-wise, for the cold,” said the sneaky funny Williams, a master of understatement. “You’ve got Spandex pants, a Spandex jersey, cotton socks, and athletic shoes. Your attire’s not covering all your parts that need covering.”

There’s chicken broth on the sidelines, and those welcoming and lush heated benches thank the good Lord, but it’s a “never ending tango,” Williams testifies, of what to keep warm and just how warm to keep it, like managing your helmet’s insides so the plastic pads will stay warm and loose instead of getting too cold so they’re brittle or too hot so holes are burned in them. 

“All kinds of issues,” said Williams, recalling from the warmth of his den a time of ice and mud, a calm man with a security blanket, a man who can now go to bed at halftime if he wants. “Easy for guys in those conditions to make a mistake doing what they’re needing to do to stay warm.”

This weekend when he heard about the delay in Buffalo, he knew how bad it must be. A decade-plus of living there coached him up on how prepared Erie County is for the worst. “The world does not stop,” he said, not for any ol’ storm; businesses and road crews are ready to counteract just about anything. 

“In all my years up there, only one time did the weather affect us where we had to postpone or cancel,” he said, recalling a “wall of snow” halfway up the house he and wife Jill shared with their very young, very cold family. 

Once the county got 80 inches of snow in a 48-hour period. The Bills Emergency Alarm went off — picture the Bat Signal above Gotham — and players were hiking to the interstate to get rides on snowmobiles to the airport so the team could fly to Detroit, practice a couple of days, and play a “home game” against the New York Jets in Ford Field. Weather won, the Bills won, the Jets lost. 

If you’re in the mood to shiver, you can Google “Freezer Bowl” and watch Bo Harris and his Bengals teammates beat San Diego, 27-7, in Riverfront Stadium in January 1982 to win the AFC Championship. The temperature was between minus-8 and plus-5, but it was the wind chill — a mind-numbing minus-57 during gusts — that made it the coldest NFL game ever.

“San Diego came out during warmups with ski masks on under their helmets and defensive backs were backpedaling with their hands in their pants,” Harris said. “I looked at one of my guys and said, ‘Oh yeah. We’re winning today.’” 

Dan Fouts. Gary Johnson. Louie Kelcher. Kellen Winslow. Wes Chandler. Charlie Joiner. Chuck Muncie. San Diego had a very good team. That Sunday in Cincinnati, they had a very cold team. And the Bengals had a secret weapon.

“Vaseline and panty hose saved the day,” said Bo, who coated himself in the stuff to protect his skin, then layered up with the hose. Any port in a storm; dude had one of Cincinnati’s two sacks in the win.

Also now retired in Lincoln Parish, Petey Perot is a Natchitoches Favorite Son and former Northwestern State Demon and Philadelphia Eagle. And like Bo, he played in a chillier-than-chilly Conference Championship game.

“1980 against Dallas in the Vet,” Perot said. “Minus-17. Santa Claus had gotten beat up in the stadium the week before,” (a true story illustrating that it’s cold in Philly in more ways than one; you can look it up).

“I don’t think it ever really bothered me,” said Perot, who was 23 at the time, an age of blissful unawareness. “I didn’t think about how cold it was. I didn’t even know how cold it was when we went out there. We wore fishnet jerseys and a half shirt and didn’t even try to do anything to keep from being cold. Our deal was, we were just focused on trying to get to the Super Bowl: who cares who cold it is?”

And if he had free tickets and great seats to the same kind of game today?

“I wouldn’t go,” he said with zero hesitation, almost offended at the suggestion, a man warm and wise.

At left guard, Petey and the gang sprang Wilbert Montgomery for a 42-yard touchdown run on the Eagles’ second play from scrimmage that icy day as Philadelphia beat the Cowboys, 20-7, and made it to Super Bowl XV. The bad news? They lost to Oakland. The good news? It was in the Superdome and 72 degrees with no wind.

This Sunday at 7:15 p.m., Kansas City will visit Buffalo in one of four Division Round weekend playoff games. The expected forecast is like Houston at Baltimore at 3:30 p.m. Saturday: 16 degrees with a 15 percent chance of snow and light winds.

Like taking a candy football from a warm baby.

Contact a very toasty Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The Red River Baseball Dugout Club is selling King Cakes. They come in a variety of flavors for $30. Cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, strawberry, strawberry/cream cheese, lemon or bavarian cream. The cream cheese covered in chocolate specialty cake is $35. Orders are due Monday, January 22 and will be delivered January 26. 

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be Friday, January 26 from 5-7pm. It will be hosted by Fairview Baptist Church. Dinner includes: all you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. 

East Point Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2570 Hwy 71, will honor Pastor Tommy Eason on January 28 at 1pm for his eight years of service. Pastor Taurus Johnson from New Hope No 3 Baptist Church will be the guest speaker.

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NONE

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(Campti)-A north Natchitoches Parish man wanted in Red River Parish man has been arrested on felony drug and weapon charges that resulted in the seizure of approximately $1200 dollars of methamphetamine and a handgun during a traffic stop in Campti on January 10 according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Shortly after 12:00pm, on Tuesday, January 10, 2024, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in the Town of Campti when they stopped a 2017 Jeep on US-71 for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle, as 41-year-old Roger Norris of Campti, La.
During the traffic stop, deputies learned Norris driver’s license was suspended and that he was wanted by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office on two outstanding bench warrants.
Norris was placed under arrest without incident.

During a search of his person incidental to the arrest, deputies discovered and seized a container containing approximately 1-gram of suspected methamphetamine in his pocket.

Deputies say when they asked Norris what was in the container, he responded methamphetamine.”
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of a pouch containing six individual baggies containing approximately 4.5 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, twelve syringes, zip-lock baggies commonly used to store illicit narcotics, a digital weighing scale and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

As a result:
Roger Norris, 41, of Campti was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, 1-Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, 1-Count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Red River Parish Warrants and traffic offenses.

Norris remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Deputies believe the illegal narcotics was intended for distribution in north Natchitoches Parish and other areas.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Agents were summoned to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the Northwest La. Crime Lab for analysis.

Deputy S. Dieter was assisted by Deputy D. Caballero.

If you observe suspicious activity in your community, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or 357-7851. It’s always a good practice to prove dispatchers with a description of the vehicle and person involved in the suspicious activity. It will assist deputies in their response to know what they are looking for.

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Update 8pm Tuesday

A Hard Freeze Warning remains in effect tonight through 11 AM Wednesday for the entire Four State Region. Look for overnight lows to bottom out to near 7 degrees above to near 15 degrees above.

Updated Closures for Wednesday, Jan 17

Red River Council on Aging
Red River Parish Library
Town of Coushatta/Town Hall
Bank of Coushatta will open at 10am

Be sure to check for leaks as the temperatures rise about freezing and water lines begin thawing. If a leak is found, you should cut water off at the meter. Multiple leaks can compromise water systems.

Road Condition Update from RRPSO 7:55 p.m.
All roads and bridges remain open and road conditions across the parish have improved.
Some roads, however, that are shaded or not heavily traveled will remain icy and hazardous until temperatures stay above freezing for a sustained period of time. Hopefully this will occur tomorrow.
Please continue to drive safely and proceed with caution.

Update: 3pm Tuesday

Fairview-Union Water system has experienced a water main break on Hwy 480. A boil advisory ONLY for the affected area has been issued. Please visit http://www.fairviewwater.net for more information.

Red River Parish Courthouse closed Wednesday, Jan 17
Bank of Coushatta will open at 10am Wednesday

Update: 12pm Tuesday

Red River Parish Schools closed Wednesday, Jan 17

Update: 11:30am Tuesday

Riverdale Academy closed Wednesday, Jan 17
Fairview Union Water is requesting anyone with busted pipes or water leaks to turn water off at the meter. The system is losing water at a steady rate. Everyone on the system should conserve water.

Update: 8am Tuesday
Bitterly cold temperatures will continue today and tonight. With overnight lows once again falling into the single-digits to middle teens, a Hard Freeze Warning has been extended until 11am Wednesday. Today, temperatures will likely remain below freezing in most locations.

A Hard Freeze Warning continues until 11am Wednesday. Overnight low temperatures will range from the single digits in SE OK and SW AR to the lower to middle teens elsewhere. These temps will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. 

A Wind Chill Advisory continues through noon today. Bitterly cold wind chills ranging as low as -9 degrees north of I-30 will be possible. Below zero wind chills are still possible south of I-20. Hypothermia or frostbite is likely with prolonged exposure.

All roads in the area remain open at this time. Use extreme caution if you must travel.

Update: 7pm Monday
Chevron is closed for the night. Plans to reopen 7am Tuesday.
CBS Home Express hours Tuesday, Jan 16 9am-3pm
Coushatta Clinic plans to open at 9am Tuesday, Jan 16. Call your Dr office to confirm before driving.
All Red River Parish Public Offices closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Tyler Insurance closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Parish Health Unit closed Tuesday, Jan 16

*7:10 p.m. Road/Bridge Update from RRPSO
The Red River Bridge in Coushatta and all roads in Red River Parish remain open at this time. Road conditions, however, are icy and will remain so for the foreseeable future while temperatures remain below freezing.
Please stay off the roadways until conditions improve unless it is an emergency or absolutely necessary to travel. If you must drive, please proceed slowly and with caution.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT BY  NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT:
While the winter precipitation begins to wind down tonight across the Four State Region, bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill temperatures will be felt areawide overnight. Look for low temperatures tonight in the single digits near and north of the I-30 Corridor of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas, with low temperatures ranging from near 10 degrees to the middle teens across the remainder of Northeast Texas, Northern Louisiana and South Central Arkansas. Combine these temperatures with strong northerly winds near 10 to 15 mph with higher gusts and wind chill values will fall to near 5 degrees below zero across portions of Southeast Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas to near zero to the lower single digits further south near the I-20 Corridor of Northeast Texas and Northern Louisiana and points south of the corridor tonight. Temperatures across much of the Four State Region may not climb above freezing until midday Wednesday. This means that much of the ice and snow covered road surfaces will remain covered through at least the first half of Wednesday. Hazardous driving conditions will continue through at least Wednesday Morning across much of the region as a result. If melting is observed across portions of the region on Tuesday, then that melt on road surfaces will rapidly refreeze after sunset Tuesday evening, resulting in black ice conditions on area road surfaces that will impact travel Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Road surfaces will not improve until temperatures can remain above freezing long enough to evaporate wet road surfaces, hopefully sometime later in the day Wednesday.

Update: 3:30pm Monday
All state offices across Louisiana closed Tuesday, Jan 16
American Bank closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Bank of Coushatta closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Parish Courthouse closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Parish Library closed Tuesday, Jan 16

Updated Closures  (As of 9am Monday)

Mabile’s Pharmacy will close around noon today (Monday)
CBS will close at 4:30 today (Monday)
Grand Bayou Resort closed today & Tuesday
Tyler Insurance closed today (Monday)
Magnolia Bend Academy Coushatta closed all week
Clutch Nutrition closed today (Monday)

All area roads are open at this time but take extreme caution if you must travel. 

Weather update:
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6pm this afternoon. A mix of wintry precipitation continues across the area but should start coming to an end from northwest to southeast around midday and finally ending completely late this afternoon.

A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect from 6pm tonight through noon Tuesday. Overnight low temperatures will range from the single-digits north of I-30 to the mid teens south of I-30. Make sure to protect sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing.

A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from 6pm tonight through noon Tuesday. Bitterly cold wind chills ranging as low as -9 degrees north of I-30 will be possible. Below zero wind chills are still possible south of I-20. Hypothermia or frostbite is likely with prolonged exposure.

All CHRISTUS Health North Louisiana clinics will be closed Monday, Jan. 15. All hospitals remain open.
Country Day Montessori-Closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Riverdale Academy—Closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Industries—Closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Parish Extension/Ag center and Red River 4-H closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Sugar and Beans Coffee House—Closed through Wednesday
JKM Glass Shop—Closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Parish Schools closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Red River Council of Aging closed Tuesday, Jan 16
Grambling State University – Closed through Wednesday
Northwestern Statue University – Closed through Wednesday
Louisiana Tech University – Closed through Wednesday
Bossier Parish Community College – Closed through Wednesday

The weather warnings for our parish have been updated to a Winter Storm Warning by the National Weather Service.  Every person in Red River Parish should be preparing for extended freezing temperatures and a mixture of wintry precipitation. 

Winter weather has begun its trek across much of the area. Expect conditions to get progressively worse throughout the night through Monday evening. A wintery mix of sleet/freezing rain/ice and possibly snow will begin later this afternoon until 6pm tomorrow. Accumulation of ice up to a quarter inch is expected on bridges and roadways. If at all possible, stay home.

Tuesday morning will bring the coldest temperatures and wind chill into the single digits. Extreme caution should be taken when out in these elements.

Wednesday morning will bring more cold temperatures but the area should warm above freezing by afternoon.

Prepare now for this weather event. Check your water pipes, wrap them now. Open cabinet doors under sinks. Drip your faucets slowly.  Know how to shut off the main water supply to your home if needed. Take care of outside pets/animals. If they cannot be brought inside, provide some type of shelter and heat source for them.

The National Weather Service will release Wind Chill Advisories and Hard Freeze Warnings once the criteria is met. Both are expected to be released later tonight for the area.

Closures as of 3:30pm Sunday:
Red River Parish Schools closed Tuesday, Jan 16 
Red River Council of Aging closed Tuesday, Jan 16 

Grambling State University – Closed through Wednesday
Northwestern Statue University – Closed through Wednesday
Louisiana Tech University – Closed through Wednesday
Bossier Parish Community College – Closed through Wednesday

The Red River Parish Homeland security officials, in conjunction with Parish and Town entities, are preparing for problems that arise from winter storm.  Officials from area water systems, GOHSEP, Christus, EMS, Sheriff’s Department,  the School Board, Council on Aging, Red Cross, United Way, and Speciality Rehab met to discuss what the response will be for possible problems in the area.  

• Hospital and EMS are preparing for assistance with emergency calls.  Oxygen dependent patients and residents may call the Sheriff’s office or the local hospital if emergencies occur.
• Water is available for area water systems if prolonged outages occur.  Water system personnel are responsible for requesting the water and for passing out water to residents.
• Warming shelter is available in the event that power outages are lengthy.  First Baptist Church of Coushatta will open as a warming center if necessary.  Call the church office to indicate if you need warming help.  Bring a picture ID to the shelter if you plan to stay.
• Red Cross will be available if extended housing is necessary. This will be on an individual basis and will be coordinated through homeland security.
• Emergency preparedness is already setting up stations on both sides of the river.
• The Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department remind everyone to be careful with heaters and fireplaces.  No open flames without proper ventilation in a fireplace.  Space heaters are to be monitored and no flammable materials near them. 

Check frequently with RRPJ for updates on road closures, business and school closures, and updated emergency numbers.  

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C-Shift

Saturday January 6 at 1808 Red River Fire District was dispatched to the report of a structure fire. Personnel that was stationed in Martin (Station 5) responded with Engine 4. With having a firefighter staffed at station 5 this allowed RRFD to have a unit on scene at 1813.

Engine 4 arrived on scene to find a mobile home with visible fire and heavy smoke throughout. A transitional fire attack was performed to extinguish bulk of the fire before other fire units arrived on scene.

RRFD requested mutual aid from Natchitoches Fire District 9 and Bienville Fire District 4&5 for water supply and manpower. After an extensive overhaul to find hidden fire this incident was called under control at 1917.

No injuries were reported at this incident.

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A funeral service celebrating the life of David Glynn Layfield, 56, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January19, 2024, at Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA, with Pastor Richard Carey officiating. Interment will follow in Holley Springs Cemetery in the Martin community. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta, LA.

He made his entrance into this world November 18, 1967, and left this world on January 12, 2024. In between those two dates, you could find him one of two places: on water with a pole in his hand or with his family with a grand baby in his lap. For a long time, you could probably see him putting out fires or helping someone in the community who needed their lawn mower. He may have made you laugh a time or two, or you may have wanted to box him sometimes; but whenever David was present you would leave laughing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Lorraine Layfield. His mother, Ruth Ellen Tilley and his papa/daddy John James. His brother, Wayne Layfield. His late wife, Edith Layfield.

To carry on his memory are his wife of Coushatta, LA; Stacey Layfield. His sons, Kevin Layfield of Dubberly, LA. Christopher Struk of Houston, TX; Jonathan Struk of Houston, TX and Justin Struk of San Diego, CA. His daughters, Kimberly Layfield and her husband Dakota Hunt of Haughton, LA. Kayla Layfield and her partner Clay Crochet of Bossier City, LA. Meggan Roy and her partner James, of Winfield, LA. His brother, Greg Layfield. His sisters; Michelle Layfield, Mary James, Martha James, Holly Ladner, and Teresa Edwards. His brother and sister-in-law, David Emerson and Cody Cryer. His precious other mama, Cindy Layfield. He leaves behind his pride and joys, his grandchildren. Michael, RT, Alera, Chloe, Ellie, Anna, Amelia and his fishing buddy Nate. A slew of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that he loved very much in this world.
Laying him to rest will be the pall bearers as followed Jimmy Dickinson, Josh Phillips, Nick Stevens, Michael McDuffy, Orlando Moody, and Robert Hunter. Honorary pall bearers are David Emerson, Paul Edwards, and Steven Schneider.

His family at the Red River Parish Fire Department. He never met a stranger and to him, his friends made an impact on him far greater than he could ever say. So, to each of you, thank you for being there for our father.

You may order flowers from Minden Floral in Minden, LA.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – Senate President Cameron Henry announced his committee chairmanships and memberships in advance of the Special Session on redistricting that begins today. The list of chairmen includes 14 Republicans and 3 Democrats.

Alan Seabaugh, who recently won the Senate 31 seat, has been chosen to chair the Labor & Industrial Relations committee. 

Below is a comprehensive list of chairmanships and their respective committee’s political make-up:

Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Chair – Stewart Cathey (R-Monroe)

(6 Republicans; 1 Democrat)

Commerce, Consumer Protection & International Affairs

Chair – Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton)

(6 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Education

Chair – Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Environmental Quality

Chair – Eddie Lambert (R-Gonzales)

(6 Republicans; 1 Democrat)

Finance

Chair – Glen Womack (R-Harrisonburg)

(7 Republicans; 4 Democrats)

Health & Welfare

Chair – Patrick McMath (R-Covington)

(6 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Insurance

Chair – Kirk Talbot (R-River Ridge)

(7 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Judiciary A

Chair – Greg Miller (R-Norco)

(4 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Judiciary B

Chair – Mike Reese (R-DeRidder)

(4 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Judiciary C

Chair – Jay Morris (R-West Monroe)

(6 Republicans; 1 Democrat)

Labor & Industrial Relations

Chair – Alan Seabaugh (R-Shreveport)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Local & Municipal Affairs

Chair – Joseph Bouie (D-New Orleans)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Natural Resources

Chair – Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Retirement

Chair – Edward Price (D-Gonzales)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Chair – Franklin Foil (R-Baton Rouge)

(8 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Senate & Governmental Affairs

Chair – Cleo Fields (D-Baton Rouge)

(6 Republicans; 3 Democrats)

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Chair – Patrick Connick (R-Marrero)

(5 Republicans; 2 Democrats)

Senate committees are comprised of seven members with the exception of Commerce, Health & Welfare, Insurance and Senate & Governmental Affairs which have nine members. Finance and Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committees each have eleven members. The Chairman and members of each committee are appointed by the President of the Senate.

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All Persons presumed innocent until proven guilty

DURR, JARRED
18 W M 1/6/2024 1/6/2024
ARRESTING AGENCY: LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE INTOXICATED $1,185.00
CARELESS OPERATION

SPEED, BOBBY
41 B M 1/9/2024 INCARCERATED (BOND REVOKED ON PREVIOUS ARREST – NEW BOND SET) ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS $15,000.00 (CONSECUTIVE)
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CRIMINAL NEGLECT OF FAMILY $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
TOTAL BOND AMOUNT : $25,000.00

THOMPSON, CALVIN
55 B M 1/9/2024 1/9/2024
ARRESTING AGENCY: LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE INTOXICATED – SECOND OFFENSE $1,460.00
MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT TRAFFIC
OPEN CONTAINER VIOLATION TRAFFIC
DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION TRAFFIC

HORTON, LAKYRIA
23 B F 1/10/2024 1/11/2024
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
THEFT OVER A VALUE OF $1,000 BUT LESS THAN $5,000 O.R. BOND
SELLING TO MINORS O.R. BOND

THOMPSON, DUSTIN
41 W M 1/10/2024 1/12/ 2024
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE FILING A FALSE AFFIDAVIT $5,000.00

WILSON, NICOLE
40 W F 1/10/2024 1/11/2024
FILING OR MAINTAINING FALSE PUBLIC RECORDS $5,000.00
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE

TAYLOR, RUFUS
47 B M 1/11/2024 INCARCERATED
UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY OF AN INHABITED DWELLING PENDING
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

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Red River’s basketball games scheduled for Tuesday, January 16 will be rescheduled to a later date due to school closures because of wintry weather conditions.  

The Red River Baseball Dugout Club is selling King Cakes. They come in a variety of flavors for $30. Cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, strawberry, strawberry/cream cheese, lemon or bavarian cream. The cream cheese covered in chocolate specialty cake is $35. Orders are due Monday, January 22 and will be delivered January 26. 

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be Friday, January 26 from 5-7pm. It will be hosted by Fairview Baptist Church. Dinner includes: all you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. 

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Pamela Jones Prothro
April 16, 1952 – January 11, 2024
Visitation: Sunday, January 14 from 6-8pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta.
Burial will be announced at a later date.

David Glynn Layfield
November 18, 1967 – January 12, 2024
Service: Friday, January 19 at 2pm at Amazing Grace Baptist Church

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The US National Weather Service in Shreveport has released the following statement:

The likelihood of an Arctic air intrusion across much of the CONUS appears to be increasing for early next week. This may result in an extended period of sub-freezing temperatures across our region, in addition to some wintry precipitation starting late Sunday through Monday. 

Temperatures will plummet into the teens in the region. A gusty north wind will accompany this Artic air, possibly resulting in single-digit wind chills. 

An extended period of freezing temperatures will be possible beginning Sunday night through Tuesday. Snow/sleet/ice accumulations cannot be ruled out on Monday into Monday night.

Take precautions and begin preparations now for a hard freeze. Protect pipes, plants, and pets. Check on your elderly neighbors. 

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that on Thursday, January 18, 2024 beginning at 6:00 a.m., LA 509 immediately west of LA 1 at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing in Red River Parish will be closed.

This road closure is scheduled to take place until Friday, January 19th at 6:00 p.m., and is necessary to allow railroad crews to remove and replace the crossing at this location. (see included map)

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to detour.

Alternate Route: Traffic will be detoured via I-49 and US 84.

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 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 www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Louisiana military bases scored key wins in the annual defense spending bill, including a $7 million appropriation for a medical facility at Barksdale Air Force Base that media reports said was added for Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson in his home district.

In all, Barksdale, Fort Johnson, Camp Beauregard, Camp Minden and Naval Air Station New Orleans secured $156 million in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.

“As America is facing unprecedented threats across the globe, the National Defense Authorization Act will strengthen our national security against adversaries like China and Russia and support our servicemembers by providing them with the tools necessary to continue to be the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world,” Johnson said in a statement.

Republican U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy also praised the final version.

“When Louisiana and our military are strong, our country is strong,” Cassidy said. “These investments in U.S. bases like Barksdale send a clear message to the world that the United States is always ready to defend itself and will never bow to our adversaries.”

The bill also includes a 5.2% raise for service members, the largest in 20 years.

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act includes consequential investments for Louisiana and America,” Kennedy said. “The funding will give our service members a much deserved pay raise, strengthen border security and keep China, Russia and Iran in check by bolstering U.S. military readiness.”

Here are the key funding wins for Louisiana:

∎ $112 million for a weapons generation facility at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB): This funding builds on the $165 million secured in the past two years for this project, which will enable Barksdale to become a nuclear weapons base. Currently, B-52s stationed at Barksdale must fly to North Dakota to be armed with nuclear weapons. Johnson said that presents national security and efficiency issues.

∎ $13.4 million for an athletic track and field at Fort Johnson.

∎ $7 million for a dormitory at Barksdale.

∎ $7 million for the medical facility at Barksdale.

∎ $6.4 million for the communications grid at Naval Air Station New Orleans.

∎ $3.7 million for a dormitory at Camp Minden.

∎ $2.4 million for the dormitory at Camp Beauregard.

∎ $2 million for the National Guard Readiness Center at Camp Beauregard.

∎ $2 million for a Child Development Center at Barksdale.

Read more: Johnson Advances Key Louisiana Defense Priorities in FY24 NDAA

Source: Shreveport Times: Louisiana scores key wins at Barksdale, Fort Johnson, New Orleans in defense spending; January 10, 2024: Greg Hilburn

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Virginia was born and raised in Wareham, Massachusetts where she learned to play the piano and flute at an early age. By her teenage years, Virginia was so accomplished that she became the organist at her church. Popular in high school, she was the head cheerleader in her senior year. She attended New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire and transferred to Boston University, leaving there just a couple of credits shy of earning her degree.

Virginia moved to New York and found work as a salesclerk at the women’s specialty clothing store called Ann Taylor. Day after day, Virginia, dressed in Ann Taylor clothing, helped other women select just the right outfit from their collection. On one Saturday, Virginia, dressed in her Ann Tayler clothing, stopped by the Ann Taylor store with some of her friends. In the showroom window, they saw a couple of mannequins dressed in Ann Taylor apparel sitting at a little café table as if they were having lunch. Plastic food sat on the plates in front of them. A mischievous thought came over Virginia. She turned to her friends and said, “Hey, dare me to go and sit in the chair?” With wide grins, they replied, “Yeah, go ahead, do it.” When no one was looking, Virginia snuck into the showroom display window and sat down with the mannequins. She sat perfectly motionless. Her friends just stared from outside the store.

People passing by noticed the girls’ fixed stares at the showroom display. A crowd began to gather outside the showroom window. They were curious and asked, “What are you looking at.” The girls would only say, “Just wait, just wait.” Virginia’s friends knew that she would have to blink her eyes eventually. Finally, Virginia blinked her dry eyes. It was over in an instant. She made no other movement. The people in the crowd who saw her blink said, “Wooo!” The people who missed it asked the ones who had seen it what they missed. Some of those who saw her blink were second guessing what they had just seen. Did she really blink? Was she real or a mannequin? The crowd became larger. All eyes were fixed on Virginia’s eyes. Finally, another blink. The people in the crowd who saw her blink went wild. The crowd grew larger, as did the cheers, at every blink of Virginia’s eyes. Although no one in the crowd could tell, because she sat completely motionless except for an occasional blink which was over in an instant, Virginia was thoroughly enjoying her prank.

Finally, the manager noticed the noise coming from outside the showroom window and went to investigate. She looked at the crowd and looked at the mannequins sitting in the showroom window. Finally, Virginia blinked, and the crowd went wild again. The manager rushed back into the store and scoldingly told her to “Get out of the window!” As Virginia stood to remove herself from the window, the manager had a sudden realization. Their showroom window had never drawn so much attention before. “Stay in the window!” she said. Virginia sat back down and continued to pretend to be a mannequin. The large crowd was delighted and continued to watch in eager anticipation of every blink. The store hired Virginia every Saturday to be a mannequin.

The mannequin prank led to bigger things for Virginia. A few Saturdays later, Virginia signed with New York’s Zoli modeling agency. From there she was cast in the 1982 film Tootsie. In jest, Virginia described her part in the film as “someone who’s going to be in their underwear a lot of the time.” She was cast in the short-lived television series Buffalo Bill, and guest-starred in Family Ties, Riptide, Remington Steele, and Knight Rider. Virginia appeared in the Chevy Chase comedy Fletch, and starred in Transylvania 6-5000, the Fly, Earth Girls Are Easy, Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, A League of their Own, and The Accidental Tourist, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The list of films and television shows which Virginia has starred in continues to grow. Virginia Elizabeth Davis was given a nickname shortly after her birth by her older brother, Dan, to differentiate her from an auto also named Virginia. You and I know her as Geena Davis.

Source: “Geena Davis on Her Early Gig as a Living Mannequin,” National Public Radio, February 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/02/08/1155478251/geena-davis-on-her-early-gig-as-a-mannequin.

 

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With freezing temperatures forecasted in the coming days, it is time to start thinking about protecting our plants from cold damage. Freezing temperatures cause the water in plant cells to freeze, permanently damaging that area of the plant. Depending on the severity of the freeze, plants may have damage to just a few leaves, or the entire plant may be affected. Container plants are particularly susceptible to freeze damage because their roots are not insulated by the ground.

Covering damage prone plants is a common method of protecting from frost damage. Coverings increase the temperature around the plant and block cold, dry winds that are often associated with cold weather events. Sheets, blankets, or frost coverings are preferred. However, if a heavy blanket is being used, it is advised to have it supported instead of resting on the plant. If ice or snow accumulates on the covering, the additional weight can break plant stems. Some simple stakes that are slightly taller than the plant work just fine for supporting the covering and keeping it off the plant. If using plastic, be sure to keep the plastic off the plant because leaves can freeze to the plastic. To get the most benefit out of covering a plant, make sure that the covering reaches all the way to the ground and is weighted down. This allows heat that is released from the soil to warm the air under the covering.

Another recommended practice prior to a freeze is to thoroughly water plants. Freezes often include cold dry winds which dry out plants, causing damage. Having plenty of water in the soil available to the roots allows plants stay hydrated throughout the freeze.

Although Christmas has come and gone, Christmas lights can also help mitigate freeze damage to plants, especially when combined with a covering. The small lights put off heat. Under a covering, the slight increase in temperature can be more than enough to keep your plants comfortable, however, it is important to keep plastic coverings from resting against the lights.

For container plants, it is best to move them indoors or to a covered area. If that is not possible, group them together and put a blanket or other covering over them, making sure it is weighted down and covering the container. Since containers dry out quickly, it is recommended to water them thoroughly.

Fall gardens can typically handle our winter temperatures, but even these cold hardy plants suffer when temperatures get extremely low. Row covers are available in the event that temperatures get extreme. Again, a deep watering is recommended prior to freezing. If using a row cover, make sure to keep it out of contact with leaves if possible.

Randall Mallette
ANR Agent
Natchitoches & Red River Parishes
318-357-2224

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The Krewe of Dionysos of Natchitoches invites clubs, bands, dance groups, teams and organizations to join their family friendly parade. The parade rolls on February 10 at 6pm. Participation forms can be completed/submitted online https://kreweofdionysos.com/join-us

Parade stages at River South Commons parking lot (Bealls & Goodwill location); turns right on South Drive; and left on Keyser Ave; crossing the Keyser bridge. Turns left on Jefferson Street, then right on University Parkway and right on Second Street, continuing to Texas Street and turning right. Parade turns right on Washington Street continuing down Front Street to Touline Street which will officially end the parade.

Questions or correspondence can be sent to KreweOfDionysos@gmail.com

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Gail McDonald “Meme,” age 83, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, at her home in Coushatta, Louisiana. Mrs. Gail was born on December 31, 1940, to Leona and John H. Bost. Mrs. Gail was a devoted wife, mother, and Meme. She was Meme to everyone that knew her. She loved to spend time with family and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a passion for cooking for everyone and if there were no leftovers, she would worry someone may be left hungry. Her love for caring and taking care of others never kept her still. She was always following the great grandchildren to their sporting events. She was always so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that if you would listen, she would proudly tell you all about their accomplishments. She enjoyed spending time with her lifelong friend JoAnn Bryant.

Mrs. Gail is preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” McDonald, late husband Melvin W. Simpson, parents Leona and John H. Bost, nephew Rick Myers, and great granddaughter Madelyn Gail Pickett. Left to cherish her memories are Sister Carol Davidson, Daughter Ellen Drummer and husband Leonard, Stepson’s Daniel “Danny” McDonald, Robert E. McDonald and Paul McDonald, and Stepdaughter Tamara McDonald; Daughter-in-law Karen McDonald; Granddaughter Ashley Davis and husband Gabram and Grandson Lucas Drummer, and many more grandchildren; great grandchildren Kaydence Pickett, Seth Pickett, Natalie Pickett, McKinley Davis, and many more great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank everyone that came to visit her at hospital, rehab and at home. Special thanks to Hospice of Natchitoches for all the kind and caring nurses and aides who went beyond to care for her and the family during those challenging times. Mrs. Gail’s memorial will be set for a later date and the family will make their arrangements public at that time.

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We all want to be a part of a group. We want to feel like we belong to something, someone, or somewhere. Even as kids, it is important for one’s self-esteem to have a bond with others. Nothing is worse than to be excluded from your friends or co-workers.

Today, we’ll talk about just how important it is for tournament anglers to be a part of a group and to have guys they can trust.

Trust is the key ingredient or the glue that all anglers must have within the crew they run with. To be successful on the pro level, it’s important that you have a handful of guys that you can talk to about anything. Anglers you can trust to tell you the truth about how they might be catching fish. Guys that aren’t trying to lead you astray and send you on a wild goose chase. 

But one thing an angler must avoid during the course of a tournament is listening to what is called “dock talk.” This is where guys are standing around a boat ramp, weigh-in, or at dinner and spreading false information about how they are catching fish with the intention to lead another angler down the wrong path. The best advice I’ve ever been given as an angler is never trust an angler you do not know and proceed with caution on anything they tell you. It’s a game anglers play every tournament hoping to give themselves an advantage. Anglers are the best liars on the planet and will do or say anything to gain an advantage.

This is why it is so important that an angler find a group of guys he can travel with and trust. These are guys who will come to your rescue when you break down on the water or on the highway, guys who are willing to share their tackle when you need a bag of worms or a particular bait, guys you trust to tell the truth about what and how they might be catching fish.

Finding that right circle can be a challenge and it may take some time. But when you do, it can make your tournament experience so much more enjoyable and productive. Let’s face it, you’re never going to win every tournament, but your goal is always to finish in the money and collect a check.

But understand, there’s always competition within the group. Even within your own crew, you want to be the one that finished the highest. The best circles will help one of their own to win a tournament when they are in position to do so.

Tournaments today are highly competitive and it’s very difficult to be successful on your own. Anglers that have that circle of guys they can rely on, will have a greater chance for success. Even though pro fishing is not always a team sport, having guys you can share accurate information with is a huge advantage.

We’ve all heard how the key to success is to surround yourself with the right people. Professional bass fishing is no different and now you can see that being a part of the right group can lead to success on the tournament trail.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and when in doubt, set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Pennington Biomedical Scientists Share Small Shifts You Can Make in the New Year

When the calendar flips from December to January, many people set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. A number of those resolutions involve nutrition, exercise, and mental health. While drastic lifestyle changes can be overwhelming and difficult to maintain, research conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that subtle adjustments to habits and choices are easier to adopt, integrate into your life, and stick with over the long term.

Here are five tips provided by researchers at Pennington Biomedical on ways to make subtle lifestyle choices that have an impact in 2024:

• “Prior to a busy week, plan your meals and snacks for each day and shop accordingly. If you indulge or overeat on occasion, it’s okay. Just make sure the meals that follow are good for your health.” – Candida Rebello, Assistant Professor in Clinical Science and Director of the Nutrition and Chronic Disease Program
• When starting a new exercise routine, remember to start slow. A couple of days of exercise at a light effort is a great way to start. Gradually increase the number of days, amount of time, and the intensity of your exercise over a month or more. This will help to prevent soreness and help you set reasonable goals that you can achieve.  – Robert Newton Jr., Professor of Physical Activity & Ethnic Minority Health
• “If you are planning to lose weight in the new year, make sure you eat a healthy diet with enough protein included, and keep up a good exercise program.” – Steven Heymsfield, Professor of Metabolism & Body Composition
• “Sleep is free! It’s the easiest thing you can do to improve your health. If you focus on improving sleep, then depression and anxiety levels go down. You’re able to feel happier and see an improved quality of life.” – Prachi Singh, Director of the Sleep and Cardiometabolic Health Laboratory
• “Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Guilt and discouragement can’t undo what’s been done. Instead, regroup and identify achievable steps to move forward.” – Alyssa Button, Postdoc in Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior

Portion Control

It’s no secret that portion sizes have gotten bigger over the past 20 years and those larger portions add up! Just 100 extra calories per day can lead to a weight gain of 10 pounds per year. Maintaining a healthy weight is a balancing act — balance calories in with calories out. Here are a few tips to assist with portion control:

• Start with a glass of H2O – Drink a big glass (16 ounces) before you eat. Filling your belly with water will naturally make you less likely to overeat.
• Use smaller dishes – If you downsize your portion size and feel it looks too small, serve it on a smaller plate so it looks larger. Using a smaller plate or bowl can also help you eat less.
• Don’t skip meals – If you are starving, you are more likely to eat an extra-large portion. For most people, the best plan is to eat three well-designed meals and one snack.
• Eat slowly– Taking your time while eating increases enjoyment and decreases portions. Remember to chew slowly, put down your fork between bites, and sip water to make your meal last longer.
• Don’t eat from the bag or box – When you purchase snack foods, divide them into smaller serving sizes. For example, if you buy a bag of pretzels or nuts that has 10 servings, divide the contents of the container into 10 smaller baggies ahead of time.
• Know your “rules of thumb” – Did you know that three ounces of lean meat is equivalent to a deck of cards? And one cup of breakfast cereal is about the size of a fist?
• Develop good “eating out” habits – First, fill up your plate with green veggies, and get full on those before eating other food. Then, when ordering, ask the server to bring you a “to go box” right away and place half of your meal in there.

For more tips on portion size and healthy eating in general, visit www.choosemyplate.gov.

 

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