A memorial service honoring the life of Edith Joy Stothart Gaddis will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service.

Joy was born on October 5, 1929 in Shreveport, Louisiana and died on December 27, 2023. She was the first of four children born to Robert Alex and Emily Brown Stothart.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband of more than 74 years, Edgar Sibley Gaddis, who died in September 2023. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Alexa Boyette, her brother William R Stothart, and her oldest son, Dr. Robert Gaddis. Joy is survived by her sister, Emily Worsham, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Stothart. She is also survived by two daughters, Ellen Howell and Blanche Hirsch, and a son, Dr. Thomas Gaddis. Joy and Edgar deeply loved their grandchildren: Amanda, Abby, Mary Ellen, Sarah (deceased), Jane, Stewart, Olivia, Danielle and Patrick. Many great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, in-laws, nieces and nephews loved and survive them as well.

Joy’s lifelong passions were education and music. Pursuing those passions at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, led her to a B.S. in Music and her greatest love, Edgar. She and Edgar met at Northwestern in a ballroom dancing class when he promised to marry her if she helped him pass the class. Not only did they pass, they were the top graduates of the 1949 Summer Graduating Class, Joy besting Edgar by .002 points.

After living briefly in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Elm Grove, Louisiana, Joy and Edgar returned to her hometown of Coushatta, Louisiana. She loved her childhood neighborhood, and later in life loved writing about it. In Coushatta they built a home where they resided for more than 60 years, and there they began the practice of investing in the life of community.

Joy began her teaching career in private piano instruction and directing choral groups at Coushatta High School. She later completed requirements for certification in elementary teaching and earned a Master’s degree in that field. Joy even returned to Natchitoches, living in a Northwestern dorm for a summer with all four of her children. She earned certification as a reading specialist and in educational administration.

During her career in education, Joy taught in public school, became a reading supervisor, and was director of federal programs for the parish school system. One of her proudest achievements was securing a federal grant that allowed her to plan and implement an innovative preschool and parent education program for Red River Parish.

Joy continued to use her musical gifts by serving as choir director at Coushatta First United Methodist Church for several years. Even in her final years, Joy faithfully used her musical gifts to serve her community by playing the piano most mornings for her fellow residents at Brookdale Assisted Living.

Joy and Edgar spent their last 5 years at Brookdale Assisted Living in Bossier City. Their family appreciates the care and friendship they received there.

Joy taught many lessons in her long life. To many teachers she was a mentor. To her children she imparted an appreciation of music, a perfected cornbread dressing recipe, and a keen sense of what is “tacky”. She also taught us the art of indulging grandchildren and especially what it looks like to welcome, value, and nurture all children.

In lieu of flowers, Joy would be well honored by a donation to the educational or musical charity of your choice.

This Saturday, January 13th, the Red River Crappie Club will host their opening tournament for 2024 on Lake Bistineau. You do NOT have to be a member to fish, but in order to receive points for AOY you will need to join. Registration and Weigh-in at Port O’ Bistineau. Registration is from 6-6:30am at the ramp. Contact Justin Keith 318.517.2027 for Ed Welling 318.527.1674 for more information. 

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 breadpudding, homemade ice cream and drink. 

Gail McDonald
December 31, 1940 – January 5, 2024
Memorial will be set for a later date.

Edith Joy Stothart Gaddis
October 5, 1929 – December 27, 2023
Service: Saturday, January 20 at 2pm at Asbury United Methodist Church – Bossier City

Several parish residents have felt the earth move in the past few days. The Journal has reached out to several Parish and town agencies for answers. Today, Shane Hubbard of GOHSEP released a statement to the Journal.

As Per Hubbard’s statement:

On Jan 8, 2024, and again today, we have reports of ground shaking throughout the Parish. We are currently investigating and have reached out to multiple agencies. At this time, the information is pointing to a possible earthquake. Many possibilities must be ruled out before a definitive report can be made.

This morning’s event showed up on the USGS scale as a 2.8 earthquake, but there is insufficient solid evidence to rule out all other possible causes.

We understand that these incidents have alarmed the citizens of our Parish. We will continue to work with state and parish agencies to get answers. We will bring the information to you as soon as we have it.

Coushatta native and football star has been the defensive line coach at Catholic High in Baton Rouge this season. Catholic High won the Division I select State Championship this year.

Logan began his football career at Red River High School before becoming a standout LSU defensive lineman from 2009-2012 and wore the Tigers’ highly respected No. 18 jersey during his last season as a Tiger.

After his distinguished collegiate career, Logan spent six seasons in the NFL. He played for the Eagles, Chiefs, and Titans.

All of Coushatta and Red River Parish wish Mr. Logan all the best and many more championships.

Tuesday, January 09, 2024 10:13 AM

On Monday, January 8^th the Red River Parish School Board recognized the students of the month for November and December from the various schools.  Due to inclement weather only about half of those students were in attendance at the monthly School Board Meeting on Monday.

The November students of the month were:

Red River Elementary School – Christopher Coleman,

Red River Academic Academy – Khylie Sarpy,

Red River Junior High School – Tae’lor Thomas, and

Red River High School – Isiah Thompson.

The December students of the month were:

Red River Elementary School – Kayden Bamburg,

Red River Academic Academy – Eli Hinson,

Red River Junior High School – Milee Beaudoin, and

Red River High School – Cody Procell.

Students of the Month from all schools are recognized each month during the school year.  The Student of the Month program is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 7287 and Lott Oil/Chevron.  Each student was presented a certificate of recognition and a gift card to Lott Oil/Chevron.  School Superintendent Alison Strong along with Lee Rodgers and John Brewer representing the VFW Post made the presentation.

From Louie Bernard

I have always been able to find the right words to convey thanks or appreciation.  But mere “words” somehow seem very inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude I feel to all of you, for having allowed me to serve as your Senator for District 31 these past four years.

It seems like yesterday that Gayle and I were criss-crossing the parishes of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Winn, Grant, and Rapides, meeting people who are the bedrock of Louisiana.  I asked you for your support and your vote.  I told you I would always call you back, and that I would exhaust every effort to move our state in a more positive direction.  You allowed me to come into your homes . . into your businesses . . to your festivals and parades . . and to the countless number of celebrations of all those events you hold dear.  You reinforced what I have believed all my life . . that government isn’t about Governors, or Senators, or Representatives.  It is about “people” . . folks just like you and me, who sit down at the kitchen table every month and try to figure out how to make ends meet.  The challenge is always about applying common sense to the issues that so affect our lives.

I voted on literally hundreds and hundreds of pieces of legislation during my four years in the Senate.  And, while no elected official pleases all of the people, all of the time, I am proud to have represented the basic conservative belief that government should be accountable, transparent, and a good steward of your taxes.

 I pray that we will continue to prioritize Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and teacher pay . . that we will focus on workforce training and development . . that we will look for ways to increase funding for our infrastructure system . . that we continue to recognize and assist small business . . and that Louisiana will take great strides to ensure safer cities, towns, and communities across our state.

Finally, I want to state, as I have many times, that Northwestern State University is foundational to the success and quality of life in Northwest Louisiana, and to our state.  I am proud to have been a partner in securing Capital Outlay funding to replace Kyser Hall, and for the renovation of our Health and Performance Center on campus.  By working together with both the Senate and the House, we were also able to secure $13M in “P-5” funding for Warrington Place in Shreveport, which is so necessary to continue Northwestern’s premier role in graduating nurses who help staff hospitals across our entire State .In my farewell address to the Senate on May 15^th, 2023, I reflected on the temptation elected officials have to talk about their achievements.   I said, “The enthusiasm with which we extoll the virtues of our accomplishments, should be tempered by the sobering reality of all that is left to do.”

And so, I congratulate all those who were elected to office this past fall.  I especially extend every good wish to my successor, Senator Alan Seabaugh and his wife, Laura.  Along with our new Governor and the entire Legislature, they have evidenced a willingness to fight the good fight in Teddy Roosevelt’s “arena.” For ourselves, for our children, and for our grandchildren, I pray for their every success!

My heartfelt gratitude for having been allowed to serve you and your families.  It has been the honor of my life!

Sincerely,

Louie Bernard

Newly elected members of the Louisiana House of Representatives and Senate were sworn into office on Jan. 8 as required by the State Constitution.  Each chamber held an Organizational Session to select officers including Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro-Tempore, Clerk of the House, President of the Senate, President Pro-Tempore, Secretary of the Senate and a Sergeant at Arms for each chamber.

In the House of Representatives elections resulted in Phillip Devillier (R-Eunice) being named Speaker of the House along with Mike Johnson (R-Pineville) as Speaker Pro-Tempore.  Michelle Fontenot was re-elected Clerk of the House and a newly appointed Sergeant at Arms, Jaubert Ambeau was selected, after the retirement of his predecessor. Ambeau has been employed by the House for more than 38 years in various positions including assistant sergeant at arms. 

Speaker DeVillier addressed a packed chamber of members, families and friends encouraging everyone to focus on understanding one another’s unique challenges in their districts and to act by finding solutions that improve Louisiana for the better.

“Let us not be content,” said Speaker DeVillier. “The people of Louisiana have waited long enough. With all the challenges our state faces we are left with one choice.  A choice to act and help our state and keep the fire in our hearts so we do not fall short.  If we trust in the Lord’s timing we can be successful and when we are successful, Louisiana succeeds, he noted. 

Senators meanwhile elected Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) as their new President along with Regina Barrow (D-Baton Rouge) as President Pro Tempore.  Yolanda Dixon was sworn in as the Secretary of the Senate and Louis W. Carral was elected by the body to serve as Sergeant at Arms. The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United State House of Representatives, provided the invocation and benediction bringing greetings to Senators and congratulating his long-time friend and colleague President Henry.  The two men served together in the Louisiana House of Representatives for two years from 2015-17.

“It’s a new day when Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow is quoting Governor Jeff Landry,” said President Henry. “To move the state forward we’re all going to have to pull together.  It won’t be easy, but the changes we need to make in Louisiana are not simple.  Let’s get to work.”   

Looking ahead, members of the 73^rd Louisiana Legislature anticipate convening for their first Special Session focused on redrawing congressional district maps on Monday, Jan. 15.  A special session on crime is also slated to be called by Governor Jeff Landry beginning on Monday, Feb. 19.  The 2024 Regular Legislative Session convenes on Monday, March 11. 

January 8, 2024
For Immediate Release

BATON ROUGE — This afternoon, Speaker Mike Johnson released the following statement after attending the inauguration of Governor Jeff Landry, the 57th Governor of Louisiana:

“It is morning in Louisiana again. Governor Landry has been a longtime friend and champion for the people of Louisiana, and he will serve our state with dignity and a steadfast commitment as he tackles the many challenges we face. It was an honor to stand alongside him for yesterday’s historic inauguration, and I look forward to working together closely to restore the Sportsman’s Paradise as the best place to work, live, and start a family.”

by Doug de Graffenried

Last spring, I went to a nursery and bought plants. I had a plethora of pots and hanging baskets filled with all manner of plants. I managed to keep the plants alive and blooming throughout last summer. Some of the plants loved our hot dry summer, others were not so thrilled. I spent dollars and hours on the plants. The sacrifice was worth it.

The same nursery dude assembled a greenhouse in my backyard. I’m certain you remember the article about the greenhouse taking off during a thunderstorm. Greenhouse 2 is staked down and has remained secure.

I thought keeping flowers thriving in the spring and summer was hard work. I was wrong. All the plants are now in the greenhouse. I didn’t know I had so many plants. I have filled up a 10 x 20 foot greenhouse. Admittedly the ferns take up much of the space. They reside in the center of the greenhouse so their fronds don’t accidentally touch the walls of the greenhouse. Fern fronds will burn easily. The ferns are nice and green and new fronds pop up each day. The shade plants are hiding under the ferns. The plants that want full sun have the joys of ultraviolet light. They are all watered and receive regular fertilizer. So far, the plant kingdom is happy.

I am also propagating plants. I have discovered it is cheaper to grow an air plant from an air plant you grew all summer. I have mature plants and baby plants in the green house. Where are all these plants going to do this spring?

Here’s the thing, I am learning, plants take time and resources to survive a Louisiana winter. I’m working harder on the plants in the greenhouse than I did when these plants were decorating the yard.

I have an investment in these plants and a commitment to keep them healthy. I think the banker in my life has also cut off my access to the checking account. I’m going to work hard this winter and enjoy the flowers this spring and summer. I will do it under budget since there is no budget.

Jesus put it this way, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back, you are not worthy of the kingdom.” He was not just taking about plowing a straight row. Jesus wanted to remind us of something important. The goal is ahead. The prize is out there too. Keep your head down, keep plugging away, keep working. You got this! Your hard work, your plugging away will pay dividends. We are all working for a better tomorrow and in Jesus’ name, perseverance and plugging away, will be rewarded.

Amid your hard work, Jesus is saying, “You’ve got this, because I’ve got you!” Your sacrifice, in Jesus’ name, are the seeds that will grow into something beautiful.

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application journey is intricate, and for those met with the initial challenge of denial, understanding the nuances of the appeals process becomes paramount.

Delving into the reasons behind denials is a strategic starting point. Denial letters often present complex information, necessitating a meticulous examination to uncover specific issues. Seeking professional assistance can be invaluable, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the grounds for denial. You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to file for the first stage of your appeal, known as a Request for Reconsideration.

The Request for Reconsideration phase offers applicants a second chance to present their case. This stage allows for the submission of additional medical evidence and a detailed addressal of deficiencies identified in the initial application. Leveraging this opportunity is crucial, as it can significantly strengthen the foundation of your claim. If your case is still denied at this stage, which most likely will be, do not give up as the next stage is where the majority of success occurs! The next stage is requesting a hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The ALJ hearing stands as a pivotal moment, where individuals can directly present their case to a judge. Here, meticulous preparation is key, and the significance of legal representation cannot be overstated. Understanding the intricacies of this in-person hearing can greatly impact the likelihood of success.

Social Security’s evaluation process considers factors such as age, education, work background, and the severity of the medical condition. Understanding how these interconnected elements contribute to the overall evaluation can empower applicants to strategically present their case.

The Social Security GRID (Grid Rules) and Listings serve as powerful tools in the appeals process. The GRID factors in considerations like age, education, and work experience, while the Listings provide specific criteria for various impairments. Aligning your case with these tools can significantly bolster the strength of your claim.

At The Harrington Law Firm, success in securing SSDI approvals has been a cornerstone of our practice. C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in navigating the intricacies of the appeals process. We are committed to leveraging our expertise to guide applicants towards success in their claims.

Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making, The Harrington Law Firm offers free consultations. This opportunity allows individuals to gain valuable insights into their specific case, empowering them with the knowledge needed to navigate the SSDI appeals journey.

The SSDI appeals process demands a comprehensive approach, combining knowledge, meticulous preparation, and strategic thinking. Denials are part of the journey, not the end. Understanding the intricacies at each stage, leveraging professional expertise, and aligning with Social Security criteria can significantly enhance the chances of a favorable outcome. At The Harrington Law Firm, we stand ready to empower your journey toward securing the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, where your resilience, determination, and our legal expertise converge for a brighter and more secure future.

The Harrington Law Firm handles cases involving Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Last Wills and Testaments.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you through these challenging times.

Natchitoches- (318) 352-5900
Leesville- (337) 535-0700

For more information go online to theharringtonlawfirm.com or email Eddie.Harrington@theharringtonlawfirm.com.

Did you know you can donate your cap and gown back to NSU for students to use for their graduation? Dr. Jennifer Shaw, Louisiana Title IV-E Program, with support from the Department of Social Work, created the “Gowns for Grads” program to provide students with a free rental of graduation caps, gowns, and additional items (tassels, cords, stoles, etc.)

For more information, visit https://northwesternstatealumni.com/gowns/

Colby Dark is an 18 year old first year student at LA Tech from W. Monroe. Until recently, his goal in life was to become a success at construction; he wants to be a builder; that’s his college major.

However, he is putting the hammers and nails and saws and levels on the back burner for now because he’s in the process of building something else, a successful bass fishing guide business. There is a good chance for success in the guide business because of something phenomenal that happened on Caney Lake last week. Fishing with a partner, 19 year old Gage Struben, the pair hit the mother lode of big bass.

The pair fun fishing on Caney that day experienced something not many other bass anglers have accomplished anywhere. Fun fishing it was because they were obviously having a blast when over the course of two days, the two teens landed 10 bass that weighed 86 pounds and change. Folks, that’s over an 8 pound average topped off with Dark’s personal best weighing 13.5 pounds and Struben’s best weighing almost 12 pounds.

I was able to chat with Colby’s dad, Randall Dark, he shared how this amazing two days on the water happened.

“The boys had been out the day before and were fishing shallow in spots they knew,” said Dark. “They didn’t have any luck fishing shallow so they decided to try another place and were just idling along using a side scan sonar when they spotted something that captivated their attention.

The sonar picked up a big school of what they believed to be large gizzard shad being followed by a gathering of big fish that were obviously interested in the shad.

“At first, they felt the big fish following the shad were probably carp but they decided to see just what they were. Casting jigs, the show was on. Between noon when the first fish was caught – not a carp but a huge bass – and 3:00, the guys brought 38 pounds of bass to the boat, including Gage’s personal best 11.8 pounder” said Dark.

“My son had just signed to fish the pro series this year and he had arranged for a camera man and media guy to work with him. They decided to go back to the same area the next day to see if they could duplicate what they had done the first day.”

With the camera rolling, they second day was even better as the pair brought to the boat five bass weighing 46 pounds, 6 ounces topped off by Colby’s personal best 13.5 pounder. 

We were able to visit with Colby later that day to pick his brain a bit. He is a member of the LA Tech Fishing Team and will be headed for the College National Championship January 6 to be held on Lake Tohopekaliga in Florida.

“I went to Florida to pre-fish and was able to locate some good bass, catching 30 pounds two days straight,” Colby said.

He’ll be putting his school work on the back burner for awhile as he will be fishing tournaments and inviting people to go to his Facebook page and check out his Hooked Up Guide Service.

What is this teenager’s secret? “I’ve just been lucky”, he said. In my opinion, it has taken much more than luck to produce the amazing results he has enjoyed catching big bass. The professional bass fishing world has a young fellow from W. Monroe who is on a path to eventually see his name up there on the same level as the Kevin Van Dam’s of pro fishing fame.

Louisiana Christian University has been approved as the newest general education mobile (GEM) partner school with the Community College of the United States Air Force.

All courses in the program are available online year-round. Students can take them from anywhere in the world.

Students may select from LCU’s general education courses as they work toward completing their CCAF associate degree in applied science.

“We are pleased to offer CCAF students the opportunity to experience the relational, relevant and rigorous faith-based education emblematic of LCU since its inception in 1906,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “The university’s commitment to God and Country will be underscored by this new academic partnership enhancing our collective vision for preparing graduates and transforming lives.”

LCU accepts active duty federal tuition assistance, and the application fee will be waived for all Air Force and Space Force applicants.

More information about LCU’s GEM offerings for Air Force and Space Force members pursuing their associate of applied science degrees is available online.

(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) exceeded its end-of-year $50,000 fundraising goal and raised $70,000 to support its educational program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Funds raised to support the program will sponsor 2,000 children living in Northwest Louisiana for the following year.  

On November 7, 2023, UWNWLA launched its end-of-year giving campaign centered around the Imagination Library for the second consecutive year. With the support of patrons, UWNWLA mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five through this program, giving children the social and developmental tools needed to be successful in school and later in life. Approximately 43 donors gave to join the United Way Book Club in support of the Imagination Library. UWNWLA was also awarded a $25,000 grant from AEP SWEPCO and a $7,700 grant from the City of Natchitoches to increase the program’s impact. 

Studies show that 27% of Louisiana adults are illiterate, which is 959,109 individuals out of Louisiana’s population. Moreover, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that two-thirds of children beginning the fifth grade who cannot already read proficiently will be dependent upon government assistance or wind up in prison when they become adults. In an effort to make a long-term and economic difference for Northwest Louisiana, UWNWLA is no longer only targeting children’s homes through the Imagination Library, allowing donors’ impact to stretch further. 

Donors who gave to join the Book Club are enabling the organization to provide a set of Imagination Library books to underserved Pre-K classrooms, ensuring literacy and language development occurs in and out of school. In addition, it’s allowing UWNWLA to host parent workshops, where the organization will teach parents the proper techniques to read with their child and provide them with helpful resource materials. Lastly, donations are helping the organization remain connected with parents of children enrolled in the program until they reach kindergarten by providing monthly activities corresponding with the book they will receive that month. 

“We are overwhelmed by the generous support of our community this holiday season, especially since we know it’s an expensive time of year,” said LaToria W. Thomas, UWNWLA President & CEO. “We are more than grateful that our supporters share our vision of going beyond placing books in homes and helping us to take the extra steps to ensure language and literacy development is occurring through a required interactive experience. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for giving the gift of reading so more of our children have the opportunity to reach brighter futures.” 

While the organization has had a successful campaign, UWNWLA will need to reach a larger goal of $600,000 to enroll all 33,000 children who could benefit from the Imagination Library in the organization’s ten-parish region. Thanks to an anonymous donor, a $5,000 match has been pledged if our community can raise $5,000 to support the program. International Paper has also agreed to a $5,000 match through a partnership with Champions for Literacy, potentially giving UWNWLA $10,000 total and allowing 285 more students to enroll in the program.  

To learn more and give today, please visit https://unitedwaynwla.org/united-way-book-club/. 

 To enroll your child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, please visit https://unitedwaynwla.org/our-focus/education/dolly-partons-imagination-library/.  

Over the past quarter century, the South owns college football national championships. Monday night’s Michigan-Washington title matchup was rare as a Baptist who hates bacon.

Hope our northern football-playing brothers and sisters enjoyed Monday’s scrap — hat tip to the Wolverines, a fast and fun-to-watch 34-13 winner over the Huskies — because history suggests it will be a while before such shenanigans happen again. 

In the 1998 season, trying to break free from naming a national champion by poll voting (and because the new way would mean more money for the TV schools), college football moved to a Bowl Championship Series.

The first BCS Championship game was the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

Tennessee beat Florida State, 23-16. Rocky Top.

The second was the 2000 Sugar. 

Florida State beat Virginia Tech, 46-29. Remember how VA Tech teams were mean back then? Blocked like four kicks a game? 

The third was the 2001 Orange.

Oklahoma beat Florida State, 13-2, to finish the season undefeated in a game no one remembers — outside of the opening coin flip by beloved actor Denzel Washington (who I almost ran over in my Jeep, corner of Lake and Louisiana, years ago — another story for another time).

You can’t help but notice something about those matchups, right? All the teams, both the winners and losers, are from Southern states. (And yes, Oklahoma, our geography books say, is part of the West South Central States, along with the Ark-La-Tex. Boomer Sooner.)

Nebraska, an Official Northern State, at long last made the finals in 2002 and was summarily handed its helmet by Miami, 37-14, back when The U was still The U and Nebraska was enjoying its final days of football glory.

We will summarize here to make the point: counting Monday night’s Michigan-Washington game, there have been 26 title contests since the BCS began. Of those, 22 have been won by Southern teams. Four have been won by Northern teams: Ohio State won it all twice (in 2003 against Miami in OT, 31-24, and in 2015 against Oregon, 42-20), USC beat Oklahoma in 2005, 55-19, and Michigan beat Washington Monday night.

So the South is 22-4 in The Big Pigskin Enchilada. That overwhelming. That’s rain water against Noah. Consonants verses verbs. No mas.

Of the 26 title games since the first one in 1999, 15 have been All Southern matchups. Nine have been North vs. South, and the South has won seven of those; the North’s two wins came when Ohio State beat Miami in ’03 and USC beat the Okies in ’05. Two title games have been All North: Ohio State over Oregon in 2015 and Monday night’s scrap down in Houston.

If those illustrations aren’t enough, the following names and numbers, to me, hammer home the South’s dominance in the past quarter century.

From 1999-2006 (the BCS infancy), eight different schools won the title, and four of the eight title games were All South matchups. Of the 16 teams in those eight games, only three were non-Southern schools.

From 2007-2014 — the BCS National Championship Game series over eight seasons — Alabama won three titles, Florida won two, and Auburn/Aubrin, Florida State, and LSU won one each. You’ll find Big Foot before you’ll find a non-Southern champion during this run. (Only Ohio State twice and Oregon and Notre Dame, once each, even played for a title during those eight seasons.)

Finally, since the “College Football Playoff National Championship” began with Ohio State beating Oregon in 2015, the Buckeyes in 2021 (52-24 losers to Bama) are the only Northern school, until Monday night’s matchup, to play in the title game. The other seven games have been All The South, All The Time. A whole bunch of Bama, Clemson/Climpson, Georgia, and LSU. Over and over and over. TCU wandered in from “over Texas way” last January representing the South and played as if they were from the North, getting drubbed by 58 by Georgia. Still, they were America’s next-best opponent and the Bulldogs found them just one time zone over.

It will be no surprise when next season’s 12-team playoff is Southern flavored. Book it. And it should come as no surprise to learn, in case you didn’t realize it, that the campus of the 2024 CFP champs is in Ann Arbor, and that Ann Arbor is in … southern Michigan. Deep Southern Michigan. Almost to the state line. Figures … 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

The Red River Baseball Dugout Club is selling Kind 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 Baptist Camp will offer a Concealed Carry Handgun Class on Saturday, January 20 from 8am-4pm. Space is limited. To register: https://clarasprings.wufoo.com/forms/concealed-carry-class
For more information: http://clarasprings.com/2024-events/concealed-carry-class

Blood Drive Saturday, January 20 from 10am until 5pm for the replenishment for Angie Cason. It will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 Carroll Street, in Shreveport. Everyone who donates will receive a long sleeve influencer shirt (while supplies last).

NONE

It is time for the Open meeting of the Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce. All persons interested in being a part of the Chamber are encouraged to attend on January 23, 2024. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Red River Parish School Board Office.

Board members will be elected at this annual meeting, and officers will be chosen. Representation is needed from all business owners and persons interested in the expansion of the Parish’s opportunities.

The Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to promoting businesses. This is not limited to brick-and-mortar shops or large businesses. This organization is dedicated to the mom-and-pop shops, the online businesses, and the sole proprietors as well.

Be a part of the change in Coushatta/Red River. Voice your concerns and your suggestions.

The Red River Parish Journal will pay tribute to the town/parish unofficial historian, Joe Taylor. 

Joe spent almost all 81 years of his life here in Coushatta. During that time, he spent hours researching, reading, studying and asking older generations about the history of our town. Lucky for us, he wrote several stories and shared them with the journal. 

Over the next several months, we will republish some of his historical recollections for everyone to enjoy.  

A-Shift

Monday, December 25,2023 at 0756 Red River Fire District was dispatched to the report of an oven being on fire. RRFD arrived on scene to find a working structure fire with approximately 30% involvement.

Fire crews made an interior fire attack on the Alpha side of the structure to extinguish the fire. Bienville Fire District 4&5 was requested for mutual aid for manpower and assisted in overhaul operations.
No injuries were reported at this incident.

RRFD would like to say thank you to Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, Coushatta Police Department, and Bienville Parish Fire District 4&5.

RRFD would also like to say thank you to the firefighters of Red River Parish who protect our community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: LeAnn Waldroup

Janet Wong, Louisiana Tech University Class of ’81 and an independent corporate board director, will deliver the year’s first “Inside the C-Suite” lecture for her alma mater’s College of Business on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. in Davis Auditorium (College of Business 101).

“I’m thrilled to welcome Janet back to campus to speak with our students about how she works to advance organizations through her role as a board director,” Dean of the College of Business Dr. Chris Martin said. “Janet is a tremendous alumni supporter of Louisiana Tech and the College of Business, and I’m grateful for her willingness to share her expertise and provide insights into the key issues facing Boards of Directors today.”

Wong is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of demonstrated business leadership. Currently, she is an independent board director with strong governance experience and recognition as a qualified financial expert by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange, and Nasdaq.

She serves on the boards of Lucid Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: LCID), a sustainable mobility company producing luxury electric vehicles and electric powertrain systems; Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), a leading global energy company manufacturing sustainable wood bioenergy; and Lumentum Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LITE), a high-technology manufacturer of innovative photonics to accelerate the speed and scale of the cloud, networking, advanced manufacturing, and 3D sensing.

She has been named to Directors & Boards magazine’s Directors to Watch list, the National Association of Corporate Directors’ 2022 Directorship 100™, and Board Prospects’ list of the Top 30 Asian American Board Directors in the U.S.

Wong served as a senior partner with KPMG, where she spent most of her career based in the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices providing industry experience in consumer products, energy, financial services, manufacturing, and technology.

She has served on boards for several non-profits including the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, the TriCities Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the Computer History Museum.

Wong is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a NACD Certified® Director. She earned her Master of Professional Accountancy from Tech and Master of Taxation from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She has also completed Executive Education programs at Harvard Business School and Stanford Law School.

“Inside the C-Suite” provides a forum for top corporate leaders from some of the nation’s most prominent companies to share their views on topics of societal, academic, and professional importance. The series strives to stimulate insightful conversation on current issues by providing a platform for high-level executives to speak about cutting-edge issues, elaborate on trends, share wisdom, and provide important career inspiration and advice for students. Topics cover a variety of themes in core business subjects such as economic climate, ethics, corporate responsibility, leadership, globalization, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and diversity.

For more information on “Inside the C-Suite,” contact Mary Susan Britt, executive director of development for the College of Business, at marysusan@latechalumni.org or 318.257.3741.

About the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Building on a vibrant community of life-long learners, our graduates are prepared to positively impact business and society. Accredited by AACSB International, the College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of accountancy, and doctor of business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.