Fairview Baptist Church Youth will hold a student ministry camp fundraiser at The York Chop on Tuesday, Feb 27 from 5-8pm. All tips that night will go to the youth for their summer camp trip.
Castor High School FBLA Middle School is having a bake sale Saturday, Mar 2 at The General Store in Castor from 9am until. All proceeds will help with travel, lodging and meals for the FBLA State Competition in Lafayette.
NONE
COUSHATTA – Red River boys basketball coach Dadrian Harris and the Bulldogs have a lot to live up to when it comes to playoff success at this storied program.
Harris, who took over full-time for legendary coach Keith Johnson in 2022, has continued one Red River playoff trend – winning at least one playoff game.
The No. 13 seed Bulldogs aim to add another season of winning their first-round game Friday when they host No. 20 DeQuincy (12-10) at 6 p.m.
Red River (19-14) has won its first round in each of the last seven seasons, including last year as an underdog No. 24 seed with the Bulldogs knocked off No. 9 Sterlington and nearly upset No. 8 Ville Platte in the second round.
While this Bulldogs’ squad is a little on the young side, Harris said his team plays with unselfishness, which will make them a tough out in the playoffs.
“The hallmark of this Red River team is unselfishness and relentlessness,” Harris said. “They don’t care about who scores the most points or who makes the ESPN highlight – all they care about is winning and improving daily as a team and as individuals.
“These young men are going to fight from start to finish.”
Red River has challenged itself all season – whether its district games against fellow state powers Winnfield or Lakeview or non-district foes like Richwood, Bossier, Natchitoches Central and Captain Shreve among others.
The Bulldogs split the season series with Richwood, beat Northwood and Booker T. Washington and had close losses to Airline, Natchitoches Central and Calvary just as a sample size.
“We had an opportunity to win both games against Winnfield as we went into halftime with at least 12-point leads in each game,” Harris said. “We got relaxed, and they made a run.
“We’ve been in just about every basketball scenario anyone could think of, from being up 20 on Richwood and losing by one point to being down 10 points to BTW with three minutes left and winning by one point. We’ve had (three) overtime games. Our schedule has served its purpose by getting us ready for any team in the playoffs. I believe we are prepared to make a run in the playoffs, and the guys are focused and ready for the journey.”
Up first is a DeQuincy bunch that surged late in the season to improve their playoff picture. DeQuincy won six of their last eight games to finish in a tie for second in District 5-2A.
The winner of this contest gets 5-2A champion Vinton, who as the No. 4 seed earned a first-round bye.
While Red River lacks size, the guard-oriented team relies on speed and aggressiveness to harass its opponents.
“The size of our hearts make up for the physical size,” Harris said. “I believe we’re well-rounded at every position, which makes us a tough matchup for anyone.
“As of late, we’ve just been grinding defensively. Our guys are showing up and stepping up at the right time.”
Harris was an assistant coach on two of Johnson’s eight Top 28 teams (2018 and 2020), but the Bulldogs will be trying to add a tally under Harris’ banner this time.
TROOP G NEWS RELEASE
February 21, 2024
Saline – On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, shortly after 6:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a three-vehicle fatality crash on LA Hwy 9 at the Bienville/Natchitoches Parish line. This crash claimed the lives of 82-year-old Clois Williams and 78-year-old Mary Williams.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, driven by C. Williams, was traveling south on LA Hwy 9. For reasons still under investigation, a large tree uprooted from the ground and fell across both lanes of travel. As a result, the Toyota collided with the tree. Additionally, two other vehicles struck the same tree.
As a result of this crash, C. Williams and his passenger M. Williams, both unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries. They were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bienville Parish Coroner’s Office. The other two drivers suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.
In 2024, Troop G has investigated three fatal crashes, resulting in four deaths.
For Immediate Release
Shreveport/Bossier City, LA – The Norwela Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Second Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:45 p.m. at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 5:45 pm for social hour. The annual event raises awareness and support for the Norwela Council Scouting programs with local “celebrities” creating a fun experience for guests throughout the night. The night will culminate with the Norwela Council honoring three locals with Distinguished Citizens Awards for their dedication, leadership, and service to the community. This year’s honorees include:
● Roy Griggs, Griggs Enterprises
● W.C. “Bubba” Rasberry, Jr., Crestview Woods, LP, Raspberry Commercial Properties, LP, &
Raspberry Mineral Lands, LLC.
● Dr. Steen Trawick, Jr., CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System
Griggs, Rasberry, and Trawick are known throughout Northwest Louisiana for their civic involvement and charitable works. Their involvement and support of local Scouting goes back decades. All three have been recognized on the local, regional, and national levels for their work in delivering Scouting to youth across Northwest Louisiana. “We’re very excited to honor Mr. Griggs, Mr. Rasberry, and Dr. Trawick, as well as share what Scouting does in and for our community.” said Bobby Matthews, President of the Norwela Council. “This will be a great event honoring some great citizen leaders. We’re looking forward to a great turnout to show support of our program and how we positively impact young people and their families.”
In addition to honoring these civic leaders for their leadership and service, the event’s “celebrity” waiters create a fun atmosphere for the guests. Current celebrity waiters include: Tari Bradford, Grace Anne Blake, Trey and Sarah Giglio, Logan Lewis, Ryan Williams, Katy Larsen, Doug Warner, William Bradford, Jr., Dr. David Lewis, Mario and Megan Chavez, Jay Whately, Henry Burns, Chief Clarence Reese, Susan and Patrick Kirton, Bob Thames, Adam Johnston, Krystal “Chica” Montez, Lee Holmes, Bobby Matthews, Patrick Dennis, Sonja Bailes, Rob Rubel, and Paul Savage. The list of celebrity waiters continues to grow as it gets closer to the event.
“Last year’s dinner was a tremendous success, and everyone there had a great time and a lot of fun. We’re working on expanding a great list of celebrity waiters from last year, putting together another great program and dinner.” said Jeff Brasher, Scout Executive/CEO of the Norwela Council. “We’re looking forward to a great turnout and show of support from the community for our honorees and Scouting.”
The event is led with the support of many prominent civic and business leaders serving on the Dinner Steering Committee including Tim Quinn, Sandy Cimino, Walt Gaskins, Crystal Ross, Lee Holmes, Paul
Savage, John David Person, Nikki Stork, and Bobby Matthews. Michael Woods will also be serving as emcee at the dinner.
Tickets are $125.00 each or $225.00 per couple. Table sponsorships are $1,000.00. Corporate sponsorships are also available. To purchase tickets to the dinner go to Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwela-council-2nd-annual-celebrity-waiter-dinner-tickets-
796311488097?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information about the Celebrity Waiter Dinner or the Boy Scouts of America, contact Tom Wiuff at Thomas.wiuff@scouting.org or Jeff Brasher at jeffery.brasher@scouting.org or call 318-868-2774.
# # #
The Norwela Council of the BSA was established in 1923. It serves a nine-parish region: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster. The Norwela Council of the Boy Scouts of America has been working to prepare today’s youths to become tomorrow’s leaders by instilling values that have grown too scarce in today’s society.
Over the years of doing my radio show, Hook’N Up & Track’N Down, we’ve had some great outdoorsmen who have shared their expertise on both hunting and fishing. They have come from all sorts of backgrounds across this great country. With each guest we have always made a point to ask one specific question: “Who had the biggest influence in you becoming an avid angler or hunter?” Most have said either their dad or grandfather, but some have named other important people in their lives who are responsible for their passion of the great outdoors.
Today, we’ll step back in time and look at how and who is responsible for my passion of the outdoors. At the age of 8, I was first introduced to hunting by my best friend’s dad. Tracy Owsley, or “Uncle Tracy” as I referred to him, was an avid outdoorsman who took the time to take his son Kevin and I on our first squirrel hunt. It didn’t take long for each of us to inherit the nicknames “Lead Foot” and “Stumblebum.” Not sure who was which, but I’m sure we earned those nicknames based on our inability to navigate through the woods quietly.
First, he taught us the importance of gun safety. We learned what direction to point the gun when hunting with others, how to leave the gun on safety until time to shoot, how to properly load a gun, how to cross a fence with a gun and to never point your gun at another person no matter what. These are just a few of things he took the time to teach us.
Today’s young kids and teenagers are not as mature as my generation of the 1970s. By the age of 9, I hunted or fished by myself more times than I can count. I can’t imagine a 9-year-old kid heading into the woods with a shotgun or rifle today without supervision. Parents of my generation allowed their kids a lot more freedom than parents of today.
This freedom allowed us to grow up and develop life skills quicker than today’s kids. Growing up, my generation also had more common sense, a trait which has virtually vanished over the last 20 years. We understood a good idea from a bad one. Now that’s not to say we didn’t do stupid things, because we did. But we knew there was a fine line between dumb and crazy decisions that might not end well.
My fishing background was developed on what is known as farm ponds or tanks, as they are referred to in Texas. Our ranch had five fully stocked ponds that became the training ground for my obsession with bass fishing. My cousin and I spent many a day with walking from one farm pond to another all day long, catching largemouth bass. He was an avid angler who introduced me to Bassmaster Magazine. By the age of 10, I was a subscriber to this publication that was full of great tips and techniques on bass fishing. I became a student of the sport and today I still subscribe to this same magazine, along with the B.A.S.S. Times.
Make no mistake, to this day I still have a deep passion for the outdoors, but more on the fishing side since I decided to start fishing tournaments in 1990. I will still make an occasional trip to the woods, but I’m not as hard core on hunting like I used to be.
The problem today involves a time factor. There are just not enough hours in a day any longer to get things done. Today, we are too busy and no longer have the so-called “free time” when the world moved at a much slower pace back in the ‘70s. While I still enjoy an occasional hunting trip when time allows, tournament bass fishing tends to consume a lot of my time since I want to be competitive. And believe it or not, my wife occasionally has a honey-do list of household chores that need to be handled.
It’s always good to take a moment to look back at where we came from. This is how we grow both as people and as outdoorsmen. It’s the experiences of our youth and our training ground that help to shape us into the people we are today. Whether it was a dad, uncle, grandparent or a friend, someone took the time to introduce us to the hunting and fishing world. Without these mentors, we would just be lost souls wondering throughout the world looking for something to do.
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to check out Tackle Talk Live podcast, as well as the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show on YouTube.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Was your household income $75,000 or less in 2023?
Red River Council on Aging has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
to provide FREE, confidential, and secure preparation and e-filing of tax returns
to qualified taxpayers.
Call and speak with Mary at 318-932-5721 to schedule an appointment
Please be sure to have the following information with you when you visit one of our VITA sites:
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• Social Security Cards (you, your spouse, and dependents)
• Birth Dates (you, your spouse, and dependents)
• Wage & Earning Forms (all W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R Forms)
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• Total Paid for Child Care (must provide name, address, and tax ID)
• Bank Routing and Account Numbers (for direct deposit of refund; voided check will suffice)
• Spouse (if married and filing a joint tax return, your spouse must be present)
• Form 1095A from the Marketplace
• Identity Protection Theft Pin Number (IP PIN assigned by IRS)
• Unemployment Compensation (1099G)
MONROE – Some early missed chances by Northwestern State and some early clutch hits from ULM led to an 11-3 loss for the Demons on Thursday night.
The Demons (5-8) had two run-scoring opportunities in the first two innings of the game but were only able to push one run across, while the Warhawks rallied for five, two-out runs during that same time.
Those early missed opportunities loomed large over the Demons. NSU got the first two batters of both the first and second innings to reach base. The only run to score in those chances came on a sacrifice fly from Ashlyn Walker in the top of the first inning that put the Demons up 1-0.
Taylor Williams and Laney Roos reach on base hits to start the game for the Demons, both advancing a base on a throwing error at short to put runners at second and third with no out in the first inning. Walker brought in Williams on a sacrifice fly but a groundout to third left more on the table.
A leadoff double from Aly Delafield, the first of her career, and a walk to Camryn Ford started the second. A hard-hit ball to third resulted in a double play with another line shot caroming off the pitcher’s glove and directly to the third baseman for the final out of the inning.
When the Warhawks were presented with those same run-scoring opportunities in the first two innings, they took full advantage. ULM scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning on three hits, all with two outs in the inning.
The first two hits being a soft single up the middle and a tapper in front of the plate. A two-run double by the next batter gave ULM the three-run lead after the first. They added another run in the second with another two-out hit, a double to right center, making them 4-for-6 with two outs through the first two innings of play.
They added one more run in the third and five more in the fourth with just two balls leaving the infield in that inning, and giving them an 11-1 lead after four innings.
The Warhawks took advantage of six walks surrendered by NSU pitching.
ULM retired seven straight Demon batters across the final three inning before two-out singles from Taylor Williams and Laney Roos in the top of the fifth, both their second hits of the game, giving Williams a 2-for-3 day and Roos a 2-for-2 day.
Tristin Court ripped a two-out double to left center to bring in a pair of late runs but the rally ended their on a fly ball to right to finish the game.
It was Court’s team-leading fifth double of the season and moved her into the team lead with nine RBI.
The Demons play a pair of games on Friday in the Best of the Bayou weekend at ULM with an 11 a.m. first pitch against Evansville and a 4 p.m. start against Sam Houston.
Today’s news is often dreary and sad. Murders, drugs busts; conflicts abroad; you name it it’s all there on the six o’clock news. It’s enough to send us all scurrying behind barred windows and locked doors. The kicker, though, is a growing level of anxiety the general public feels about our own well-being.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are seeing their business boom during the times in which we live. While these folks can often help, I have another idea I learned by watching an old man one day. Just for the sake of doing it, go fishing.
Once when my family and I were on vacation on a lake in Arkansas, we rented a cabin by a lake. Rising early one morning while the family slept, I poured a cup of coffee and stepped out of the cabin to sit on the dock and enjoy the peace of the morning.
Spying an old white-haired gentleman fishing from the dock, I moved closer. As I approached, he snapped the rod upward and momentarily, a bluegill was flouncing on the dock. He admired the fish a few seconds, unhooked it and gently slid it back into the water.
He picked up a slice of bread, pinched off piece, molded it around his hook and continued his fishing. What the old fellow was engaged in was a healthy form of therapy. He was fishing for the sheer enjoyment of the sport.
Observing this, I was reminded of a scripture passage in John 21:3 that begins,”Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a-fishing”. Wycliff’s Bible Commentary offers regarding Peter’s announcement, “The sight of his boat and the waters of his beloved Galilee, and perhaps the necessity of keeping body and soul together, dictated his sudden announcement.”
The statement – “keeping body and soul together” smacks of therapy to me. Granted, we need more activities that serve to keep our inner selves intact during these times.
While there are more ways than fishing to soothe jangled nerves and provide salve for anxiety, fishing has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways of relieving stress.
Studies have shown that one of the most effective deterrents to stress and stress-related illnesses is fishing. In an article I once read, the writer stated that it is necessary to find a safety valve enabling us from time to time to lay aside the pressures of our hemmed-in lives.
“My answer is”, wrote the author, “go fishing.”
There is a scientific reason why fishing relieves stress, he continued. He wrote of his study of the psychology of daydreams and fantasies and the ways in which one’s imagination can be put to practical use. He noted how often people who are learning to relax mentally picture scenes of nature and peaceful lakeside or oceanside settings. The calming effects of being near water were evident again and again in his clinical and experimental studies.
Scientists have fitted subjects with electro-physiological instruments to measure changes in muscle tension on the forehead. They have learned that when subjects imagine situations involving pressure or fear, the frontalis muscles tighten. As soon as they shift to imagining scenes on a quiet lake as the warm sun emerges from the clouds, the needle on the dial drops sharply as tension is reduced.
I never finished that cup of coffee. It grew cold on the dock as I hurried back to the cabin, fetched my fishing rod and slice of bread and pulled up a chair next to the old guy.
For the next hour, I got me some real good therapy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 21, 2024
Ruston, LA –
Louisiana Tech University’s Division of Nursing has announced the addition of the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN). The program is designed to address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry while offering an expedited pathway for current and former students with associate degrees or professional certifications in nursing.
The RN to BSN is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced nursing concepts and practices through a flexible and accessible online and hybrid model that meets the needs of working nurses. The blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences allows students to develop critical thinking skills, leadership abilities, and evidence-based practices necessary for success in today’s healthcare landscape.
“This program is answering the call from our students and our employers as we continue to prepare registered nurses to address the vast range of opportunities in health care,” said Associate Dean Dr. Donna Hood. “This program builds on over 50 years of excellence in nursing education in a supportive and innovative environment. Our graduates have the foundation they need to work as a valuable member of the healthcare team and continue their education at the graduate level.”
The program also aims to uplift the state and region amidst a significant nursing shortage, as the supply of nurses from qualified programs has not met the increased demand of recent years. The Louisiana Board of Regents has estimated a 40% shortage of the nursing workforce by 2030, with thousands of open nursing positions across the state accumulating annually. Educational environments that place an emphasis on readiness and resilience are crucial.
Louisiana Tech’s associate degree program in nursing provides the perfect launch pad for students looking to pursue a BSN, with a history of exceptionally high NCLEX-RN pass rates and the graduation of prepared students who are intensely recruited upon program completion.
“The RN to BSN program will continue to build upon the outstanding nursing education offered at Louisiana Tech,” said Dr. Melissa Madden, RN to BSN program chair. “This program is important not only to our currently enrolled students but to the stakeholders who have been asking for it for many years.”
To learn more about the RN to BSN program at Louisiana Tech, visit online.latech.edu/
The Louisiana Tech Division of Nursing is committed to excellence in educating students of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and preparing them to enter an ever-changing healthcare environment as competent nursing practitioners. This educational environment fosters clinical reasoning, is responsive to community needs, is cognizant of regional and national trends in health care delivery, and recognizes its responsibility for research and scholarly activity and service.
Volodymyr Palahniuk was born to Ukrainian parents in rural Pennsylvania. In his youth, he worked alongside his father in Pennsylvania coal mines. In the late 1930s, Volodymyr became a professional boxer under the alias Jack Brazzo because no one could pronounce, much less remember, Volodymyr Palahniuk. Volodymyr won his first 15 bouts, 12 of which were knockouts, before he lost by a close decision to future heavyweight boxer Joe Baksi. Punches by his opponents usually left Volodymyr’s face bruised, swollen, and bloody. “Then, I thought, you must be nuts to get your head beat in for $200.” (Adjusted for inflation, $200 in the late 1930s would be about $4,400 in today’s money.) Thus ended Volodymyr’s professional boxing career.
There was a more important reason for Volodymyr’s career change. In 1942, the world was in the midst of World War II. Volodymyr wanted to do his part for his country and volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps. In the following year, 1943, Volodymyr was among a group of airmen on a mission in a B-24 Liberator bomber. During the flight, something went horribly wrong. The full details of the crash have never been released, but one of his outboard engines purportedly failed during an air battle. The engine failure was just one in a series of unfortunate events which led to a fiery airplane crash. Volodymyr sustained severe facial and head injuries and burns. Newspapers reported that Volodymyr’s injuries were so severe that he required facial reconstruction. For his service, Volodymyr was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After months in the hospital, Volodymyr was discharged from the military. Later in life, Volodymyr spoke vaguely about the crash. He mentioned the story about his airplane crash and repeated the rumor that his “face had to be put back together by way of plastic surgery. If it is a ‘bionic face,’” he quipped, “why didn’t they do a better job of it?” He also said of his airplane crash, “There are some moments you never get over. That was one of them.”
Following World War II, Volodymyr began studying journalism then drama at Stanford University under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly called the G.I. Bill. Charles E. Miller, Volodymyr’s college roommate, remembered the wannabe actor “pacing back and forth past the fourth-floor windows as he rehearsed his lines for a play.” Volodymyr had a “face seemingly carved out of granite and a voice filled with equal parts gravel and menace.” In 1947, Volodymyr returned to the east coast and, due to his “distinctive looks and resonant voice,” got a part in The Big Two. In the following year, he acted in the Broadway production A Streetcar Named Desire, and eventually replaced Marlon Brando in the part of Stanley Kowalski. In 1950, he made his film debut in Panic in the Streets. Two years later, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of a villainous husband in Sudden Fear. Volodymyr’s menacing face and gravelly voice kept him working as film villains for the rest of his life. Four decades after his film debut, Volodymyr finally won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work as a villainous cowboy Curly Washburn in the Western Comedy City Slickers. As Volodymyr, then 73 years old, walked onstage to accept the Oscar, he suddenly dropped to the floor and performed several one-armed pushups. The audience roared with cheers and laughter.
As far as the story of his facial reconstruction following his airplane crash during World War II, Volodymyr would probably repeat the line he used to end every episode of the television show he hosted in the mid-1980s, “Believe it….or Not.” You and I know Volodymyr Palahniuk as Jack Palance.
Sources:
1. Brian Eule, “Requiem for a Heavy: Jack Palance was more than a good bad guy.” Standford Magazine, January/February 2007, accessed February 18, 2024, https://stanfordmag.org/contents/requiem-for-a-heavy#:~:text=He%20served%20as%20a%20bomber,journalism%2C%20but%20switched%20to%20drama.
2. “Jack Palance.” http://www.tcm.com. Accessed February 18, 2024. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/146687%7C76031/Jack-Palance#biography.
3. “Jack Palance – Biography.” IMDb. Accessed February 18, 2024. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001588/bio/.
Clara Springs Camp will host Fourth Friday Fish Fry today (Feb 23) from 5-7pm. Westside Baptist Church will host. Dinner is $15 and includes all you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drinks. Kids 9 and under eat FREE. Only $10 for kids ages 10-17.
Fairview Baptist Church Youth will hold a student ministry camp fundraiser at The York Chop on Tuesday, Feb 27 from 5-8pm. All tips that night will go to the youth for their summer camp trip.
The Red River Parish 4-H clubs are holding their spring fundraiser now through March 5. They are selling 10″ fern hanging baskets and 12′ deco pot calliope red geraniums. The plants will be available by Easter with pickup the week of March 15. To order call 932.4342 or see a 4-H member.
Essie Viola Jackson
May 3, 1951 – February 14, 2024
Service: Saturday, February 24 at 11am at Springville Baptist Church – Coushatta
Gordon Lee Weller
November 16, 1931 — February 14, 2024
Service: Saturday, February 24 at 1pm at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church – Shreveport
Matt Vines
EAST POINT – Riverdale Academy guard Mary Claire Jones was one of 24 players selected to the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Girls’ Futures Game.
In a game typically reserved for players from bigger schools who have potential college basketball futures, the sophomore earned a spot after leading Riverdale to a 24-5 record and a Class 2A South Region title.
Jones averages 16.4 points and nearly five assists and steals per game.
“Mary is the only girl from (Class AA) in the game, and there weren’t any from Class AAA – so it’s a huge honor usually reserved for the big schools,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman, who served on the Futures selection committee. “She fought through some adversity last week (at the Class 2A Tournament) when she could have quit.
“Her leadership was invaluable, and we’re lucky to have her for two more years.”
The Futures game is Feb. 29 at Madison-Ridgeland Academy at MAIS’ All-Star festivities, which features a 3-point competition, a dunk contest and an All-Star Game.
The All-Star game is reserved for seniors only, while the Futures game rewards underclassmen who have excelled on the court.
On February 19, 2024, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputies received a complaint from a local resident in reference to an attempted scam. During phone conversations with the intended victim, the scammer fraudulently identified himself as Investigator Sgt. Chad Baxter of the RRPSO.
The intent of the scam was to convince the person to pay $900 in cash because of a fine related to an alleged missing DNA test required by a new law. When “Baxter” was told by the man that he didn’t have all of the $900, he was ordered to go to an ATM to make a withdrawal and to purchase a money order to make up the difference. “Baxter” also asked him to scan and text a barcode then subsequently threatened him with an active warrant when he refused.
The scam artist stated that he would meet the man outside of the courthouse, would have him electronically sign an O/R bond, and ensured that he would not be arrested.
The man, who falsely indicated his badge number was 2548 and worked under Captain Williams, does not work for the Red River Sheriff’s Office as an investigator or in any other capacity.
This subject it reported to have attempted similar scams in Rapides Parish using the same name and does appear to have limited knowledge of his targeted victim’s legal history.
Please be aware that no RRPSO deputies or investigators will ever ask or threaten you to pay them directly in cash, with a money order, or by any other means. All fines are collected inside the Sheriff’s Office by RRPSO civil department personnel. Also, bonds are not signed electronically or off site and you will not be asked to scan any barcodes.
In any dealings with RRPSO personnel, please call 318-932-4221 to have the person’s identity verified if you feel he/she may be impersonating a deputy. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Was your household income $75,000 or less in 2023?
Red River Council on Aging has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
to provide FREE, confidential, and secure preparation and e-filing of tax returns
to qualified taxpayers.
Call and speak with Mary at 318-932-5721 to schedule an appointment
Please be sure to have the following information with you when you visit one of our VITA sites:
• Photo ID (taxpayer and spouse if married and filing jointly)
• Social Security Cards (you, your spouse, and dependents)
• Birth Dates (you, your spouse, and dependents)
• Wage & Earning Forms (all W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R Forms)
• Interest & Dividend Forms (Forms 1099)
• Total Paid for Child Care (must provide name, address, and tax ID)
• Bank Routing and Account Numbers (for direct deposit of refund; voided check will suffice)
• Spouse (if married and filing a joint tax return, your spouse must be present)
• Form 1095A from the Marketplace
• Identity Protection Theft Pin Number (IP PIN assigned by IRS)
• Unemployment Compensation (1099G)
I strongly support and commend Gov. Landry’s efforts to address the crisis of violent crime in Louisiana. However, I respectfully suggest that one proposal is ill-advised and does nothing to advance that goal. Senate Bill 8 seeks to “create the office of the state public defender within the office of the governor for the delivery of indigent defense services.” My interest stems from the fact that roughly half of my current law practice is comprised of work I do at the Caddo Public Defender Office. In that capacity, I have witnessed firsthand what is required to manage a public defender office in one of our state’s largest parishes. My concern is twofold.
One, the conservative view of government is that government governs best when it governs least and when it governs at the most local level. That is for good reason. In each local public defender office, the district defender knows in great detail their parish, local judges, district attorney, and how best to navigate the local government structure. Individual parish public defenders across Louisiana take seriously their daily responsibility to see that their offices are empowered to do the very best job possible for their indigent clients.
No matter how experienced or hard-working an appointed State Public Defender may be, that local connection and insight will be lost. That’s why removing decision-making authority from each individual parish public defender and consolidating it in, essentially, a Governor-appointed “czar” in a new government bureaucracy undermines the very vibrancy and boots-on-the-ground dynamic that makes these individual offices effective.
My second concern is of a constitutional nature. I think S.B. 8 may pose a Separation of Powers issue.
Federalist 47 defined tyranny as: “[t]he accumulation of all powers legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”
With this in mind, let’s remember that the Louisiana governor’s constitutional responsibility is to “faithfully support the constitution and laws of the state … and see that the laws are faithfully executed.” That includes criminal laws. As such, how is it not a conflict of interest and an “accumulation of all powers” for a governor, principally responsible for seeing that the laws are faithfully executed and prosecuted, to appoint the very individual who will head the entity that defends the poor against the execution of those laws, placing that very agency in the governor’s office itself—and also directly impacting the funding public defenders will (or won’t) have to do their jobs? It’s too much. Further, when we view this new proposal in light of the fact that the governor already has the power to pardon, grant clemency, and commute sentences, we will have placed in any governor’s hands enormous unilateral power over the life of an accused individual.
Recall the Louisiana Public Defender Act of 2007 mandates that the state public defender system remain “free from undue political and judicial interference and free of conflicts of interest.” S.B. 8 gravely undermines that guarantee.
Finally, it is not difficult to imagine a governor who understandably wants to move aggressively against crime, to seek to be reassured that the prospective state public defender appointee is of a like mind rather than that individual being primarily concerned with the legal defense of the poor. The many capable prosecutors throughout Louisiana are daily bringing to bear against tens of thousands of accused indigents the full coercive weight—and resources—of the State of Louisiana.
For this reason, it is imperative that the individual who leads the state’s public defenders be, and appear to be, both independent and singularly focused on indigent defense. There is simply no way a conflict of interest won’t exist if the leader of the body whose sole function it is to defend the indigent is politically and financially dependent upon the governor who appoints that leader and impacts its funding. Also, if there is an issue with the amount of funding each division of the public defender system receives—for example, local offices versus Capital defense and (501) C 3s—this can be addressed by amending the Public Defender Act of 2007. There is no need to dismantle the whole system.
The Constitution’s guarantee of due process and a vigorous legal defense requires that these two entities exist independently of one another.
I hope this proposal can be put aside and re-evaluated.
Royal Alexander
BATON ROUGE, La. – Legislators convened the 2nd Extraordinary Session focused on crime issues this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Governor Jeff Landry addressed members of the House, Senate and statewide elected officials in an opening address setting the tone for the 17- day session which must end no later than 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th.
“Crime is out of control across Louisiana,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “This session, we’re going to focus on the victims, not the criminals so we can make our state a better and safer place to live. Our citizens deserve to peacefully live in their cities, towns, communities and homes. They have to be able to trust the rule of law.”
“People have had enough of crime and criminals who think they’re above the law,” said Senate President Cameron Henry. “It’s time we raise the stakes for those who chose to break the law, hurt our families, and destroy our communities.”
As of Monday morning, approximately 30 bills have been pre-filed for consideration. Topics include carrying of firearms, execution methods, criminal penalties for carjacking and changes to probation or parole.
All legislative proceedings including committee meetings and chamber debate can be viewed at www.legis.la.gov. Additionally, the Louisiana Legislature has a smartphone app (LA LEGE) that combines information from the House and Senate websites into an easy to use format users can access from anywhere. The LA LEGE app is available to download free of charge from the Apple or Google Play stores and does not collect any personal information.
“Eight dollars and five cents!”
I said it loudly and with all the patience I could muster without using unforgivable four-letter words. A commentary on the American educational system was playing out right in front of me.
They both looked at me like I was speaking in tongues.
I repeated myself, “Eight dollars and five cents! You owe the man eight dollars and five cents in change.” I was thinking that this was not brain surgery or rocket science.
I was shopping at a grocery store, which shall remain anonymous. The nice lady at the register was exasperated. She was telling everyone who would listen that she needed a break. It was time for her break. She was late for her break. “Someone needs to come relieve me, so I can take a break.” Meanwhile the nice man in front of me made a purchase. He bought several packages of bottled water. His total came to eleven dollars and ninety-five cents. He did something rarely seen in grocery stores across America. He paid cash.
He gave her a twenty-dollar bill.
She tapped in the amount tendered and the machine gave her the answer for how much change he would receive. But before she gave him the money. She tapped in another set of numbers so that she could go on her break. Her “taking a break” numbers erased the man’s change numbers.
A nice manager walked over and said, “Why don’t you go on your break.”
She said, “I will as soon as I give this man his change.” Then she looked at the register which she had now “erased.” She looked down at the twenty like it was a creature that was going to bite off her arm. She started fumbling for a piece of paper to do mathematical computations. While she was fumbling for the paper and pencil. The manager was pulling out her phone and trying to get her calculator program up and running.
The customer was distracted. He was talking to a guy two checkout lanes over. He couldn’t see the mathematical mayhem brewing at the checkout line.
“Eight dollars and five cents. That is what you owe the man in change.”
“Oh.”
About that time calculator girl finished punching in her numbers and said, “You owe him eight dollars and five cents in change.”
I had done the math in my head two separate ways. I had done the math. I also “counted the change” back to the nice man in my head. My brain is slow. I do not have a high-powered processor up there. But counting change, c’mon man! The year I went to work at Sears they introduced electronic cash registers. They trained us on those marvels, which would do a transaction and “tell” the clerk how much to give in change. Our store manager insisted that all the employees needed to be able to “count back” the change to the customers. He was especially insistent that all his High School part-timers learn the “right way” to make change.
These two didn’t know how to “make change.”
I was struck at that moment by the awesome responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of teachers.
Even those of us who teach scripture know, “Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” James 3: 1
A memorial service celebrating the life of Gordon Lee Weller, 92, will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 Kingston Road, Shreveport, LA 71108.
Mr. Weller was born on November 16, 1931 in rural Wilson County, TX to Alvin and Frances Steubing Weller and passed away February 14, 2024 in Coushatta, LA. During his lifetime, he brightened our lives with his wisdom, intelligence, humor, and caring nature. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him, until we meet again in the place where no shadows fall.
Mr. Weller was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Madeleine Strempel, Irene Koether, and his fraternal twin, Jennie Lee Pennington.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kevin Weller and husband, David Hobbs; daughter, Kathleen Jones and husband, Tucky; sister, Marilyn Yosko; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gordon’s honor. https://www.stjude.org
A warm thank you to Superior Hospice, Wanda Jackson and Barbara Valentine for their most excellent care of Gordon and family during his final days with us on Earth.
(This is the first in a series on aging, or Getting On Up There. If you or a shriveled loved one are wondering how to get Social Security or Medicare or other things I know nothing about but need to explore, you are welcome to come along for the ride. Seems like one day you are coaching Little League and the next you are filling out complicated forms that will be some of the last forms you will ever fill out. Sobering. Will keep you in the loop every couple of months for a while — unless a vital organ vetoes that plan. Meanwhile, wrote this in 2010 when I was a spry 50. Those were the days…)
I am a half-century old. If my money math is correct, I can retire, somewhat comfortably, when I am 107.
Sweet!
By “somewhat comfortably,” I mean I’ll have to work only half-days by then.
Or teach myself how to get by without a few things. Like food.
(Air’s still free, right? Except at the gas station? Where is the gas station importing this air from that costs money?)
But that’s OK because I recently bit the prune and joined the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP. I have the $16 cancelled check and a membership card to prove it.
Joy!
It would seem odd that a man would join a retired persons organization when that man plans to keep working for a while. But that is one of the beautiful things about AARP, besides our red, white and gray team colors and the fact that our shuffleboard squad is undefeated this season — you do not even have to be retired to join! Do you hear what I am saying, you AARP members out there with hearing aids turned up to “Say WHAT?” You don’t even have to be retired!
The AARP has been recruiting me with a vengeance for several years now. They’ve wanted me. Badly. It’s a good though unfamiliar feeling.
First they sent random mail. “We’re keeping up with you. Good luck this year.” That sort of thing.
Then there were phone calls, first from AARP marketers, then from some of the higher-ups. I remember a particularly poignant call from one of the vice presidents on my 50th birthday. “Boy, you are really getting UP there!”
At first it was bothersome. But dogged sincerity won me over. A couple of guys in suits came to recruit me, to see how long it took me unravel myself and stand up straight on my way to the bathroom on any of the six trips I make there a night. They saw me take naps on Sunday afternoon, fall asleep in a drive-thru line, have trouble lifting things, like myself.
With each limp, I impressed. You can’t coach this stuff, really. A lot of it is just natural aging ability.
Finally, there was the free swag, probably illegal, like my canvas “travel bag” that has “AARP” on the side and a pocket for cell phone, loose change, wallet, passport, contact information for my primary physician, and next of kin, dentures and Depends.
They beat me down, is what I’m saying. Made me an offer I was getting tired of refusing.
So last week, I made the call. “I’ve decided,” I said to the toll-free operator, “to take my talents to AARP.”
Somewhere, a dog barked.
So, I am in. At least until I’m out. And so far, I like it.
My Official Membership Card (in big-letter type) scans for discounts at restaurants and movies and the drugstore, and the association sends me a monthly magazine called “Geezer Illustrated.” (I’m joking! We old folk, we like to joke, we do.) It’s called “AARP The Magazine” and Harrison Ford (Indy Jones!) was on a recent cover that included stories like “Live Your Motorcycle Fantasy!” and “Your Doctor Is Stumped: Now What?”
Not bad for 16 bucks annually. Plus, online I’m kept informed on money matters and retirement issues, freeing me up for things I want to do in my never-able-to-retire state.
Anybody up for a game of shuffleboard? Or Stump the Doctor?
Sibley Lake Launches are REOPEN. They had been closed due to high water levels on Feb 12.
Fountain of Life youth group is holding a St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser on Friday, March 15. The group is selling Chef Salad for $10. The salads will consist of ham, turkey, cucumbers, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, purple onion, croutons and bacon bits with choice of ranch, Italian or thousand island dressing. All orders are due Sunday, March 10. Prepayment only. Delivery available on 6 or more orders. Contact Kim McDonald 318.228.4810, Darrell Simmons 318.315.1402 or Katie Jordan 318.315.8581 with questions.
Riverdale Academy Class of 2025 will host their 5th Annual Fishing Tournament on Saturday, March 9 at Grand Bayou Resort. There will be 90% payback with 10% going to the Nolan Mabile Scholarship Fund.
Take off is at 6:30am and weigh in is at 3pm at the launch. To sign up: https://form.jotform.com/80366262427962. For more information call Jadyn King 318.205.3692.
Krewe of Dionysos is having a St. Patrick’s Parade! March 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm. FREE TO ENTER! Entries can be submitted on our website, https://kreweofdionysos.com/join-us/ Please note revised route:
Parade stages at River South Commons parking lot (Bealls & Goodwill location); turns right on South Drive; and left on Keyser Avenue. Right on Williams Avenue and left across the Church Street bridge to 2nd Street. Left on 2nd Street to Touline Street which will officially end the parade.
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