When people think of professional athletes, they usually think of football, basketball, or baseball. However, here in Coushatta, we have a professional athlete who travels the world and performs daring stunts in airplanes.
Kevin Coleman is an extraordinary athlete who defies gravity and other laws of physics on the Red Bull Aerobatic Team. For more than three years, Coleman has been flying for Red Bull. He joined the team in air racing days as the youngest flier. Today, he is an integral member of this elite team.
One look at the webpage for Red Bull reveals the mission of the team. To push the limits of human flight. Continually rethink what is possible and envision a world where all people live with boldness. Strive to bring that to reality.
For several days in March, the North American Aviation Aerobatic team practiced at the Red River Parish Airport. The daring athletes’ precision flying and aerobatic skills entertained residents peering up in the skies.
The show over Red River was just a glimpse of what is to come for international air shows where these athletes will perform. Ten airshows are scheduled for this season; surprises await those lucky enough to witness them.
Red River Cowboy Church, 7644 Hwy 1, will host “The Easter Story” on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29 beginning at 7:30pm. Experience the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus through a drive-through Easter drama.
First Methodist Church Coushatta will hold their annual egg hunt on Good Friday, March 29 beginning at 10:30am. There will be the Easter story, an egg hunt for toddlers through 5th grade, and a hot dog lunch. All children in the community are welcome. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance!!
First Baptist Church of Coushatta will host a community wide Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 29 from 4-6pm. All activities will be located in the Children’s playground area. This FREE event will include: inflatables, face painting, Hotdogs, popcorn, Hot air balloon (weather permitting), and an Easter Egg hunt with prizes! This event is only for kids ages 0-6th grade. Bring your Easter baskets and be ready for fun!
Fairview Baptist Church will host a Good Friday Community Egg Hunt and Fish Fry on March 29. Egg hunt at 5pm and Dinner at 5:45pm. This is a FREE event for all families and individuals. There will be inflatables for the children and games for everyone to play!
Open Door Fellowship invites everyone to join their Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 from 1-3pm on the soccer fields. There will be food, games, candy pics with the Easter Bunny and many, many eggs to hunt. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket.
On March 30, Coushatta Recreation Park we will be having the 2nd Annual Community Funday Egg Hunt from 3-6pm. There will be kickball, basketball, a bounce house for smaller kids and more. Everyone is invite and welcome. Come prepared for a good time because we are planning to have a good time. Dat Bigg Belly Dude and J Boy’s Cooking is sponsoring the event.
Dr. David Jeffreys has been named acting president of Louisiana Christian University by the Board of Trustees, following the March 8 retirement announcement of Dr. Rick Brewer, LCU’s ninth president.
“Prior to this assignment, he served in an executive leadership role at the university, gaining substantial knowledge about its operations and objectives,” said Board of Trustees Chair Anthony Bunting. “On behalf of the board, we would like to congratulate Dr. Jeffreys on his appointment and look forward to his leadership in continuing the vision and mission of the university.”
Jeffreys has served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the university under Brewer since January 2022.
“I know Louisiana Christian University is in faithful and capable hands as David Jeffreys steps into the role of interim president,” Brewer said. “For the past two years, he has been an invaluable asset with resource development, facilities management, denominational relations, strategic planning and special projects.”
Brewer also worked with Jeffreys during his six-year tenure on the Board of Trustees Jeffreys holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts, both in Christian Education, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Louisiana Christian University. Prior to LCU, Jeffreys served as associate pastor of Highland Baptist Church and Highland Baptist Christian School in New Iberia for 20 years.
“I am humbled by the board's appointment to serve in this capacity,” Jeffreys said. “I pray for God’s leadership during this transition as the board seeks the next president of LCU. Our faculty and staff are second to none, and I am honored to serve such a dedicated group of women and men who are committed to our purpose and mission. I also want to thank Dr. Rick Brewer for inviting me to be a part of an institution that I have called home since my freshman year in 1988.”
He has served the national and state Baptist conventions in a variety of positions, including membership on the Southern Baptist Convention Committee on Nominations (2010) and the Louisiana Christian University Board of Trustees (2014- 2020), serving as trustee chairman in 2020 and the first vice president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention is 2021. He was the director of the NOBTS Southwest Louisiana Extension Center (2015-2019) and a NOBTS adjunct faculty member (2002-2019).
Jeffreys has also been active on various committees with the Evangeline Baptist Association from 2006-2021 and held leadership positions with the Pike County (Mississippi) Baptist Association from 1995-2002.
Before his call to Highland Baptist Church in 2002, he served as minister of education and youth at First Baptist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi from 1995-2002; minister of youth at Old Zion Hill Baptist Church in Albany from 1992-1995; and minister of youth at First Baptist Church in Pitkin from 1990-1991. He also served as youth activities intern with the First Baptist Church in Pineville from 1989-1990 and was a staff counselor with the Dry Creek Baptist Camp in 1989.
He and his wife Stephanie have been married for 31 years.
Brewer is transitioning to a new career as Head of School for Masters Academy Vero Beach, Florida April 15. He retired from higher education administration after 37 years of service.
Leo Sanford (left) pictured with Bobby Aillet, and Jack Brittain, Sr.
Ruston, LA –
He was a gentle giant, a Louisiana Tech all-American who was as kind off the football field as he was ferocious on it, a servant leader who continually invested deeply in the University and in relationships he first formed on campus nearly 80 years ago.
A Bulldog’s bulldog, Leo Sanford modeled what it means to be a competitor, a friend, and a servant at the highest levels.
“Leo was a friend to all blessed to know him and a beloved member of the Louisiana Tech family,” Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson said. “As a legendary part of the storied Bulldog teams of the ’40s, he left an indelible mark on our University. It was the life he lived in the decades following that embodied the tenets we hold so dear, particularly loyalty. We mourn his loss but are forever grateful for his lifelong commitment to Tech and his example so worthy of emulation for all Bulldogs.”
Sanford and Henderson’s father Clem became in post-war 1947 charter members of the Louisiana Tech National Association for the Advancement of Grandstand Quarterbacks (NAAGQ), a group of men who played football at LA Tech during the 1940s and their spouses who maintained lifetime friendships.
A two-time all-conference pick at both center and linebacker for Tech, an all-America selection in 1950, and a linebacker on the mythical all-Louisiana First 100 Years of Football team, Sanford stopped playing football after an 8-year NFL career but never stopped suiting up as a servant for Tech. In 2018, he established an endowed scholarship, the largest in Tech Athletics history, to be awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete.
“Leo has had an impact on so many people over the years,” said Dr. Les Guice, recently retired president of the University and was close friends with Leo and his wife of 68 years, Myrna, who passed away in the spring of 2018. “He loved Louisiana Tech and has been a great supporter and ambassador for our institution. He played a big role in elevating our reputation nationally.”
A member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Ark-La-Tex Museum of Champions and the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, Sanford was a star at both Shreveport’s Fair Park High School and Tech before becoming a Pro Bowl player in the NFL with the Chicago Cardinals and winning the 1958 NFL championship alongside Johnny Unitas for the Baltimore Colts.
“What an honor that I got to know Leo, who lived out everything we hope for our Bulldog student-athletes,” said Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie, who was in attendance when Sanford was honored by the local chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) last spring at its annual banquet in Shreveport. “He was a menace on the field but competed every play with sportsmanship. An ideal teammate, always a gentleman, a servant on the field and off. What a legacy he has left for us to follow.”
“Leo was what a legend should be, in every aspect of the word,” said Doug Ireland, chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which Sanford entered in 1990. “One of Louisiana’s greatest football players; as fine a person as you can ever hope to know; a devoted, loving family man, and an intensely loyal alumnus of Fair Park High School, Louisiana Tech University, and a proud and engaged inductee in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He truly was beloved by all who knew him, and his influence on countless lives has been profound and inspiring. Knowing Leo Sanford made you a better, happier human.
“Nobody was any more charming or engaging, encouraging, or more willing to gently offer advice and wisdom if asked,” Ireland said. “Leo was a man of faith and principle, a doer and not a talker, a loyal friend and supporter to so many causes and organizations.”
In 1983, Sanford received the Distinguished America Award from the NFF and Hall of Fame at the Independence Bowl.
“Mr. Sanford represents all that was and is good about the game of football and how it transcends into a life of making a difference in a community,” Independence Bowl executive director Missy Setters said. “From his time at Fair Park, to LA Tech to the NFL and back into his home community, he had a tremendous impact on so many people throughout his lifetime, including his service to the Independence Bowl. He was of the generation that gave so much to this community.”
“This community, and so many others, are much better because of his love for the game of football and building leaders through football,” said Toni Goodin, secretary of the Shreveport chapter of the NFF that Sanford served as president for more than 40 years. “He helped mold me and so many others into the leaders we are. I could go on about Leo forever.”
“He always made me feel like I was ‘somebody’ because I was a Bulldog,” said fellow Tech Athletics Hall of Famer Mike McConathy. “If he did it for me, I know he’s had the same impact on countless others. ‘Loyalty’ and ‘True Blue’ best describe him to me.”
“Leo was an encourager,” said Terry Slack, multi-time Tech football letterman in the 1970s and the Louisiana director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one of Sanford’s longtime loves. “When I would see him, he would always say encouraging words to me about God’s work in ministry. Mr. Leo would always speak about things going on at Tech, and I cannot remember any negative words at any point.
“Mr. Leo had a way to communicate that was special,” Slack said. “If he was speaking to me, all his attention was on me. I’m sure he was that with everyone. And he always had something to say that was important for me to listen too. Mr. Leo will be missed by all of us. He left a ‘footprint’ wherever he went.”
Riverdale Varsity Cheer is holding a Color Run on Saturday, April 6 at Grand Bayou Resort from 10am-12pm.
Everyone is invited to register for the Rebel Run and meet the Spirit Team of Riverdale for a walk/run through an explosion of color along the scenic grounds at Grand Bayou.
This fundraiser contributes to the fun activities and celebrations the cheerleaders have for the students throughout the year. The event is a fun, family experience for all ages.
Deadline for registration (with shirt included) is March 22.
Students, faculty and staff from NSU’s Department of Social Work celebrated reaccreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Kneeling from left are Social Work Club members Coree Nash, Atziary Perez, Audrey Wiggins, Kaci Green, LaShaun Bolden and Terry Williams. Faculty and staff on back row are Byron McKinney, Lisa Mount, Kirby Peddy, Susan Campbell, Denise Bailey, Randy Hoffpauir, Jennifer Shaw, Jessica Fultz and Morgan Durr.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Social Work celebrated its reaccreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. CSWE accreditation is a rigorous peer-review process that assures that the department meets high standards in preparing students for professional work in diverse cultures and communities.
“Accreditation through CSWE allows our department to provide national accreditation to our students who want to continue into graduate school in social work,” said Dr. Susan Campbell, interim department chair. “For students that do well in the social work undergraduate program, they may be accepted into a one-year social work master’s program because we are nationally accredited.”
The Department of Social Work reaccreditation was a yearlong process that began with a thorough evaluation of NSU’s program and courses that culminated in a self-study report and site visit. Meeting with NSU administration, social work faculty and social work students allowed the site visitor to confirm the findings of the self-study.
“On March 11, CSWE notified us that we had passed without any concerns or recommendations,” Campbell said. “The great report that we received is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the NSU faculty and staff to our students to provide a meaningful, rigorous education that can be translated into future job success.”
Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. NSU social work graduates go on to work in mental health, child welfare, rehabilitation services, hospitals, schools, hospice, criminal justice or anywhere that a social worker is needed.
“With a student-centered approach, we are a mission driven program focusing on our goal to graduate competent and ethical social work professionals prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations both locally and globally. Although our students are primarily from Louisiana, our online students reside in many states and countries from Virginia to California, Guam to Germany,” Campbell said.
“The reaccreditation could not have taken place without the support of NSU from the President’s office to the Registrar reports, Library evaluation, the facilities and the faculty in other departments who provide a strong foundation in the general courses that a social work student needs to be successful.”
The celebration of accreditation coincides with Social Work Month, commemorated throughout March. Social Work Month is a time to inform the public about how social workers help millions of people every day, helping them to overcome life’s hurdles and live to their full potential. NSU’s Social Work Month theme is “Inspiring Action, Leading Change.”
The Red River Parish School Board will have a Special Called Board Meeting today, Monday, March 25, at 8:30am at the School Board Administrative Building,100 Bulldog Drive in Coushatta.
The Building and Grounds Committee will meet. Items listed on the agenda include to approve Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Resolution; to discuss and possibly approve renovation project for Red River Academic Academy and to discuss Employee Appreciation Event.
The meeting is open to the public.
Public comment is asked for on each agenda item. If you wish to address the Board, please fill out a speaker’s form prior to the meeting indicating the agenda item to be addressed and give form to Board President.
All Persons are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law
MOODY, CASEY 33 B M 3/21/2024 3/21/ 2024 OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE INTOXICATED $1,060.00 MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT TRAFFIC ARRESTING AGENCY: LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
TAYLOR, VICTOR 21 B M 3/21/2024 INCARCERATED ATTEMPTED SIMPLE BURGLARY PENDING SIMPLE BURGLARY PENDING SIMPLE CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY PENDING CRIMINAL TRESPASS PENDING ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
BAMBURG, WILLIAM 58 W M 3/19/2024 3/19/ 2024 FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC TRIAL O.R. BOND ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
HARNSBERRY, WILLIAM 47 B M 3/18/2024 3/18/2024 RESISTING AN OFFICER $760.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
BREEDLOVE, KYLE 46 W M 3/15/2024 3/16/2024 DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC TRAFFIC DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT) POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE $5,000.00 (CONCURRENT) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT) ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Abundant Life Worship Center invites everyone to come listen their special guest speaker on March 27 at 7pm. The Virtual Minister will deliver a word regarding the upcoming total eclipse taking place on April 8.
Red River Community Outreach will host a Masquerade Ball Night on Saturday, March 30 at the Coushatta Event Center. Doors open at 8pm. For more information and tickets contact Johnny Taylor 318.332.9940 or Lessonna Clark 318.663.1202.
Bethel Baptist Church in Womack invites everyone to attend their Easter Sunday activities. Communion service will begin at 7:15am in the Prayer Garden followed by breakfast at 7:45am in the fellowship hall. Easter service begins at 9am in the church auditorium.
Red River Research Station Spring tomato sales has begun. It will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30am until sell out. The sale will take place weekly through Mid-July. 5 pound boat is $12.
The Red River Games Special Olympics opened with a torch run for athletes who competed in track and field events, arts, crafts and field day games at Northwestern State University on March 19.
Athletes from CENLA, East Natchitoches Elementary, Fairview, Goldonna, Lakeview, Marthaville Natchitoches Central, Natchitoches Junior High, Natchitoches Magnet, NSU Middle Lab, Provencal, Red River, Weaver and Natchitoches ARC participated.
Red River Parish had 15 athletes who participated in the event. Events included running, walking, wheelchair races, tennis ball throw, softball throw, and standing long jump.
Special Olympics was presented by NSU First Year Experience and Presidential Leadership Program, University Police and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department with contributions from several student groups, BOM Bank and Natchitoches City Police with parents, teachers and volunteers supporting the athletes and cheering them to the finish line.
This year’s theme was “Wild About Special Olympics Day.” Opening ceremonies were dedicated to the late Lt. Amanda Fournier, long-time Special Olympics volunteer.
Tyler Hughes, a Senior at Red River High School, was awarded the Century 21 Duke of Diamonds Award this week. He was featured on the Tim Fletcher Show Tuesday morning to highlight his phenomenal performance last week. Fletcher and Stan Cole sponsor this weekly award.
Hughes’s batting average was .600 during the week against North Desoto, Choudrant, and Stanley. He had 1 triple and 4 RBIs. He was 2-o on the mound against North Desoto and Stanley and had 11 strikeouts in his win against the 4A powerhouse.
Thursday, Stan Cole of Century 21, attended practice to present the gold medallion to Tyler personally. In his presentation, he told the players that his goal is to promote high school baseball and the great athletes who play the game.
Michael Beck, the principal of Red River Elementary, has been selected by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Principal of the Year finalist. In his fourth year as the school’s leader, Beck has made significant gains in school performance scores and numerous indicators of school improvement.
Superintendent Alison Strong applauds Mr. Beck’s leadership. ”Mike has been an incredible addition to our district. He has created a culture of collaboration and working with data that has translated into tremendous gains from kindergarten to 5th grade.” She added, “Working with Mr. Beck as a collaborator in Principal PLC is always a lesson in looking at individual students. We are all cheering on Mr. Beck in this accomplishment.”
Beck says that turning the school around has been a group effort. “We rely on teachers, students, parents, staff, and district leadership.” He commented, “Success in everything we do is recognized. We provide the students with individual and building goals, and we do not make excuses. The goals are achievable and based on data, not feelings. Students can tell us each day what their target for growth is.”
Beck praises communication with parents as a lasting indicator of success. “Community and family connections are one of our major targets this year. One of the biggest contributors to our growing success is the fact that we have been very effective in communicating our school-wide goal of literacy and the importance of this area. This past fall, we had a family literacy night for our students and community. The attendance was outstanding, as over 350 students and 720+ attendants signed in for our evening.”
Kelley Lee, Director of Student Learning, praises all his work at the school. “Mr. Beck is a huge asset for Red River Elementary and our district. Under his leadership, RRES has made significant gains. His commitment to excellence is evident through his students’ growth in the three short years he’s been the school leader”, Lee said. “He goes above and beyond daily to make his staff and students the best they can be. I’m thrilled LDOE has discovered what we have known all along–Mr. Beck is one of the best in the state!”
“It is an honor to celebrate the significance of the education profession and those who choose to serve the next generation,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These remarkable teachers and leaders are making a profound impact on the lives of students and the future of Louisiana.”
All semifinalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
Three Red River players honored on boys all-district team
Red River’s Jomello McDonald, Warren Bowman and Jayden Wells were all recognized on the boys basketball all-district team for District 3-2A.
McDonald, a first-team selection, averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game while adding two steals and nearly two blocks per contest.
Bowman was a second-team selection while Wells was picked to the All-Defensive Team.
Lakeview’s Alonzo Driver was named Player of the Year with teammate Andre Sowell joining him on the first team.
Winnfield placed a pair on the first team in De’cavian Duncan and CL Davis.
RED RIVER BASEBALL
The Red River baseball team is ranked No. 3 in the latest Division III Non-Select rankings with less than a month left of the regular season.
The Bulldogs (13-4) shook off a three-game losing streak with three straight shutouts of North DeSoto, Choudrant and Lakeview this past week.
But Red River did have somewhat of shocking result to start District 3-2A play in a 3-0 loss to Winnfield, who entered the contest with just four wins this season.
Red River, who started the season 10-0, will attempt to bounce back at home against Calvin on Friday, Oak Hill on Saturday, Jonesboro-Hodge on Tuesday, at Natchitoches Central on Wednesday and Mansfield back home on Thursday.
RED RIVER SOFTBALL
The Lady Bulldogs have won three of their last five games that culminated with an 11-5 decision over Mansfield on Tuesday,
After dropping the opener to the Red River Tournament to Ringgold on Wednesday, Red River finished the event with two wins, a 16-0 victory against Lakeview and a 13-6 victory against Pleasant Hill.
Pleasant Hill did get revenge by sweeping Monday’s doubleheader 10-5 and 11-4.
Red River will get another crack at Ringgold in a Monday doubleheader before heading to Caddo Magnet on Tuesday and Montgomery on Thursday.
RIVERDALE BASEBALL
The Riverdale baseball team has dropped its last three games as the Rebels plunge into the final month of the regular season.
Riverdale (2-8) lost close contests to Tensas Academy (7-4 score) and Franklin Academy (8-5) before Elysian Fields took a 15-0 win on Tuesday.
The Rebels played Parkers Chapel on Thursday evening before playing its district opener at Claiborne Academy on Friday.
This year marks a significant milestone for the International Paper Red River Mill as it celebrates 50 years of operations. To commemorate this special occasion, we are working to reconnect with our retirees who have been a part of the mill’s rich history.
Since opening in 1974, the Red River Mill has served as an integral part of the Campti, and surrounding area by providing employment opportunities, economic growth and stability, and community investments. The mill, originally constructed by Western Kraft in 1974, employs nearly 500 team members to produce containerboard with end uses including corrugated boxes and shipping containers, and paper grocery bags for retail, e-commerce, distribution and more.
“We are immensely proud to reach this incredible milestone of 50 years in operation,” said Scott Lonadier, mill manager. “It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and resilience of our entire team, both past and present.”
If you are retiree from the Red River Mill in Campti, please call 1-318-476-2525 or email RedRiverEvents@ipaper.com
Historian and professor Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner has spent decades researching the Gage family in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Decades earlier, she met and befriended the last living member of that family, Matilda Jewell Gage (1886-1986). Dr. Wagner learned much about the Gage family from Matilda that would have been unattainable other wise. Matilda was the first of three children born to Thomas and Sophia Gage. Alice Eliza Gage, the second child, was born and died on the same date, December 12, 1891. The cause of her death is unknown. Although no headstone is known to exist for Alice, she is believed to have been buried in Riverside Memorial Park in Aberdeen along with many other members of the Gage family. Matilda’s youngest sister, Dorothy Louise Gage, was born on June 11, 1898, shortly after the Gage family moved to Bloomington, Illinois. Five months later, November 11, 1898, Dorothy died from what was then called congestion of the brain.
Members of the Gage family from near and far gathered for little Dorothy’s funeral including little Dorothy’s Aunt Maud who had taken a train to get to Bloomington. For reasons that remain unclear, little Dorothy’s Uncle Frank did not attend the funeral. The death and funeral were terribly sad, as you would expect. Maud hid her grief as much as she could while she was with her family in Bloomington. None of the other passengers on her return train trip home were aware of her grief. When Uncle Frank picked her up at the train station, she seemed to crumble. For days Aunt Maud was in a terrible state. Uncle Frank wanted to ease Aunt Maud’s suffering but there was nothing he could do. Or was there?
During one of Dr. Wagner and Matilda’s many conversations, Matilda mentioned little Dorothy’s grave. Did little Dorothy’s headstone still exist? Dr. Wagner visited the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery to search for little Dorothy’s grave. What seemed like a simple task at first turned out to be a formidable undertaking. The cemetery consisted of over 20,000 marked graves and there was an unknown number of unmarked graves. Finally, Dr. Wagner found seven headstones with the last name Gage, but little Dorothy’s grave was not among them. Was her grave unmarked? Was Dr. Wagner looking in the right cemetery? Undeterred, Dr. Wagner continued the search. At last, Dr. Wagner found a small headstone with the following inscription: Dorothy Louise, Dau. Of Mr. & Mrs. T.C. Gage, June 11, 1898, Nov. 11, 1898.
Little Dorothy’s tiny headstone was lost in a sea of over 20,000 headstones. Something more was needed. In 1997, people gathered at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery for a ceremony to open the Dorothy L. Gage Memorial Garden which included a new, larger headstone in memory of the almost forgotten child. Still, it seemed that something more was needed, but what? Twenty years later, in 2017, officials at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery decided that an old oak tree near little Dorothy’s grave had to be removed. The tree was around 200 years old. Cemetery officials saw this as a unique opportunity. Could this oak tree somehow memorialize little Dorothy? In June 2018, officials at the cemetery hired Bill Baker of Top Notch Chainsaw Carving to carve the tree stump into the figure of a little girl with a dog at her feet standing on a road. Since then, thousands of people have visited little Dorothy’s grave.
Shortly after little Dorothy’s death, Uncle Frank struggled to find a way to ease Aunt Maud’s sadness. Two years later, he found a way. Under any other circumstances, little Dorothy, the child who died at just five months old, would have been forgotten just as her grave had been lost. Uncle Frank found a way to immortalize his niece when he named the lead character in a children’s story after her. You see, Dr. Wagner’s research of the Gage family was because of little Dorothy’s connection to Uncle Frank, L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Sources:
1. The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), June 26, 2018, p.A3.
Hop on over to the Ashland Fire Department, 472 Hwy 153 Ashland, for an egg hunt on Saturday, March 23 from 12-3pm. All eggs will be provided. There will be hot dogs served and a jump house for the kids.
First Methodist Church Coushatta will hold their annual egg hunt on Good Friday, March 29 beginning at 10:30am. There will be the Easter story, an egg hunt for toddlers through 5th grade, and a hot dog lunch. All children in the community are welcome. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance!!
First Baptist Church of Coushatta will host a community wide Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 29 from 4-6pm. All activities will be located in the Children’s playground area. This FREE event will include: inflatables, face painting, Hotdogs, popcorn, Hot air balloon (weather permitting), and an Easter Egg hunt with prizes! This event is only for kids ages 0-6th grade. Bring your Easter baskets and be ready for fun!
Fairview Baptist Church will host a Good Friday Community Egg Hunt and Fish Fry on March 29. Egg hunt at 5pm and Dinner at 5:45pm. This is a FREE event for all families and individuals. There will be inflatables for the children and games for everyone to play!
Open Door Fellowship invites everyone to join their Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 from 1-3pm on the soccer fields. There will be food, games, candy pics with the Easter Bunny and many, many eggs to hunt. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket.
On March 30, Coushatta Recreation Park we will be having the 2nd Annual Community Funday Egg Hunt from 3-6pm. There will be kickball, basketball, a bounce house for smaller kids and more. Everyone is invite and welcome. Come prepared for a good time because we are planning to have a good time. Dat Bigg Belly Dude and J Boy’s Cooking is sponsoring the event.
Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business was selected for the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
The award was given to 28 programs across the country who support and encourage students from underrepresented groups to enter the field of business. The College’s successful implementation of the Concurrent Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program with Grambling State University will be featured in the April 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“We are honored to be recognized by Insight Into Diversity magazine for our collaborative work to diversify and grow the regional accounting workforce,” said Dr. Chris Martin, Dean of the College of Business. “Grambling and Deloitte have been tremendous partners in this work, and this national award is further proof of the impact of this program on the individual students, the field of accounting, and our state.”
Inspiring Programs in Business Award winners were selected based on efforts to inspire a new generation of young people to consider careers in business through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
“We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in business,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
In October of 2020, Louisiana Tech entered into a memorandum of understanding with Grambling to provide accounting undergraduates accelerated entry into Louisiana Tech’s MAcc program.
“When I first read about the program, I had doubts,” said Geormar Owens, a 2023 Tech grad. “Taking undergraduate and graduate courses together was a huge undertaking, and I was on track to graduate magna cum laude with my bachelor’s degree. I was hesitant to take on graduate level courses while completing a full load of undergraduate courses in my final semester. Completing the program was a huge personal achievement! My networking connections expanded, and I would not be employed with Deloitte had it not been for my success in this program.”
Because financial aid packages do not transfer between institutions in Louisiana, GSU students entering Tech’s concurrent program are required to self-fund their coursework at Louisiana Tech. In order to lift the financial burden for these students, Tech’s College of Business provides scholarships and graduate assistantships which are funded through gifts from alumni, including a $250,000 lead gift from Deloitte.
While in the program, participants receive mentoring from accounting faculty members and have opportunities to participate in exclusive professional development events with Deloitte.
“The successful implementation of the Concurrent Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program between our institutions exemplifies excellence in fostering pathways for Grambling and Louisiana Tech students,” said Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the College of Business at Grambling State. “By inspiring a new generation of young minds to explore accounting careers, you’ve not only transformed lives but also contributed to the future success of our global society. We are grateful to Dean Chris Martin of Louisiana Tech’s College of Business, Deloitte, and other key stakeholders for their partnership and support of this innovative academic initiative. We look forward to continued collaboration and shared success in shaping the next generation of business leaders.”
For more information about the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award and Insight Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About Insight Into Diversity Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. On their Career Center, readers discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of Insight Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.
About Louisiana Tech’s 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.
About Grambling State University Combining the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college, Grambling State University fosters an environment where students develop into trailblazers, thought leaders, and innovators of the next generation. As one of the country’s top producers of African American graduates in Computer Information Science, the university takes pride in preparing graduates who are unafraid to forge new paths and exceed boundaries. Founded in 1901 in Grambling, Louisiana, the historically black university offers 46 undergraduate and graduate academic programs on its historic 590-acre campus. Home to world-class athletics, an internationally renowned marching band, and vibrant student life, our student-focused philosophy is central to what we do and exemplified in our culture statement: Where Everybody is Somebody. For more information, visit http://www.gram.edu.
About Louisiana Tech University Louisiana Tech University, established in 1894 in Ruston, Louisiana, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning. With diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, modern facilities, cutting-edge research centers, and vibrant student life, the university provides an unparalleled educational experience. Emphasizing faculty expertise, mentorship, and active community engagement, Louisiana Tech prepares students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
Looking to make a difference in your community? Or, are you a teacher looking for hands-on learning opportunities for your students? The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has got you covered.
LDWF is hosting multiple workshops across the state this spring to train new Aquatic Volunteer Instructors. As a certified instructor, you will help educate individuals about Louisiana’s fisheries and aquatic resources.
Attending a workshop is the first step to becoming a certified instructor. Certified Aquatic VIPs must also pass a background check as well as a course and policy test. Once certified, instructors gain access to activity guides, lesson plans, fishing equipment, and other aquatic educational materials and resources.
Workshops are tailored to either formal/informal educators or the general public. Oh, and they are FREE.
Upcoming workshop dates: ▪ Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – Educator’s Workshop in Minden ▪ Thursday, April 4, 2024 – Educator’s Workshop in New Orleans ▪ Thursday, April 11, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Hammond ▪ Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Pineville
To learn more, visit: Aquatic Volunteer Instructors | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.
SHREVEPORT – LSU Shreveport smashed its previous enrollment record as the university has crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time in the school’s history.
LSUS announced a final spring enrollment of 10,214 on Wednesday.
“For the first time in LSUS history, our enrollment has surpassed 10,000 students, thanks to increases in both undergraduate and graduate enrollments,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “This is the result of hard work on behalf of everyone on campus as LSUS continues to focus on the success of our students, recruiting students and working to retain them through graduation.
“This is also the result of LSUS developing programs that are meeting student interests as well as contemporary workforce needs.”
While most university enrollments shrink from fall to spring semesters, the LSUS graduate student programs and its year-round start dates were key drivers in the enrollment increase.
The enrollment increase is nearly 1,500 students higher than Spring 2023, a jump of 17 percent year-over-year.
LSUS posted its second-highest enrollment number in Fall 2023, with its 9,736 students falling just short of the previous LSUS record of 9,955 in the Fall of 2020.
But the Spring 2024 enrollment featured a 478-student increase from Fall 2023.
LSUS’s growth comes at a time when many universities in the state and across the nation are navigating enrollment and financial headwinds.
“Students are looking for the programs we have,” Smith said. “Many universities across the nation are dropping programs that students aren’t taking anymore, but we have a great mix of programs that meet student demand and workforce needs.
“It’s not just programs that students want, it’s programs that also lead to well-paying jobs.”
Graduate enrollment set a record with 7,756 students, representing the highest graduate student enrollment in the state.
The University isn’t just attracting more students through its doors, it’s being recognized for serving those students once they’ve enrolled.
LSUS received the highest marks in the state in the second annual Economic Mobility Index, which measures how effectively institutions assist low-income students to improve their socioeconomic status by graduating into well-paying jobs. LSUS ranked in the top 20 percent nationally in the study conducted by the organization Third Way, which published this past September.
The University was also one of 11 colleges chosen to participate in an inaugural cohort to transform the early college experience, which is when the highest percentage of students drop out.
A student advising hub, an active Student Success Center and a robust food pantry to help combat student hunger are a few ways that LSUS is removing barriers to student success.
While I’m all for the sport of bass fishing growing, at what cost? Professional anglers are taking the new forward-facing sonar technology to levels that may not be good for the sport. Our lakes and waterways are under assault as we speak. Lakes are being invaded with sonar technology that has all species of fish on high alert. Today we’ll look at the impact this may have on the industry in general.
To understand where we are with today’s technology, we must first look at where we came from. The first fish-finder device was developed in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1948. Then in 1957 Lowrance released the Fish-Lo-K-Tor that was designed for recreational fishermen. These first fish-finding units were hard to operate and were difficult to read unless you had a good understanding on what you were actually looking at, but they were prone to misinterpretation.
But today’s electronics can be read without any misinterpretation as anglers watch on a 12-to-14-inch screen on what can only be described as a high-tech video game. This technology has played right into the hands of the young anglers on the rise looking to compete with the best anglers on the planet.
Their learning curve has been fast forwarded to warp speed like the Star Trek’s Enterprise. No longer do they have to spend years developing a feel on how and where to find bass based on weather conditions. No longer do they have to spend years understanding how to read water. They no longer need the instincts that the older generation of anglers used to compete with on the highest level.
This being said, how will this new technology affect the industry overall? It appears to me and many others that we are developing a group of young anglers without the fishing instincts so many of today’s top professionals possess. These seasoned anglers took years of time on the water to develop instincts and skills necessary to compete with the best anglers in America and across the globe.
One facet of bass fishing that will be truly affected is the bait and tackle industry. With the popularity of forward-facing sonar has come a new series of minnow-style baits. These baits are all the craze right now and are winning tournaments consistently. So, what about all the crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs that have made up a huge part of bass fishing sales over the years? What will become of all these baits that have been the bread and butter of all major bass fishing companies? Will they just sit on the shelf and collect dust, or will it all come back to life after this forward-facing sonar obsession is over or possibly banned?
For tackle store owners, there’s got to be a sense of nervousness as dealers all over the country do inventory on baits that are just hanging on pegs waiting for anglers to pull one off. It’s almost like land of the misfit toys in the Christmas movie “Rudolph.” They are just waiting for the day when they will be wanted again.
Like anything new, we wonder if this new unbelievable technology is here to stay. Is this just a fad like bellbottom jeans and silk shirts with white dress shoes? Or is this like the Pet Rock and Ty Beanie Babies that some thought were the best ideas ever? The one unknown factor at this point is IF tournament organizations will ban these new fish-finding units. If this does happen, maybe things will get back to what we used to think of as normal.
‘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 You Tube.
First Baptist Church Coushatta invites everyone to join them Sunday, March 24 for worship service in their newly remodeled sanctuary. Morning worship begins at 11am.
Clara Springs Camp will host Fourth Friday Fish Fry today (Mar 22) from 5-7pm. Hosted by FBC Natchitoches. In honor of Read Across America month FBC Natchitoches library will be on campus sharing how their church library can assist your church ministry. There will be tables of FREE gently used books for you to take home! 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.
The 8th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament is Saturday, March 23 at Cypress Bend Boat Launch on Toledo Bend. Tournament hours 6:45am – 3pm. Scales open at 2pm. Contact Burt Poche at 318.652.3176 or 318.652.7192. Online registration deadline is March 22 at 3pm http://www.dylankylepoche.com In person registration is Friday, March 22 from 2-7pm at the boat launch or Saturday morning from 4-7am. Teams that do not weigh in a fish will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 cash. Must be present to win. There will also be prizes, raffles, DJ, bounce house, food and fun for all.
Abundant Life Worship Center invites everyone to come listen their special guest speaker on March 27 at 7pm. The Virtual Minister will deliver a word regarding the upcoming total eclipse taking place on April 8.
The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that there are all types of scammers out there trying to take advantage of unsuspecting people. Following is just one example. In this case, the caller is impersonating a government employee. Four common signs of a scammer are: (1) they pretend to be from an organization you know (2) they say there are problems or prizes involved (3) they pressure you to act immediately and (4) they tell you to pay in a specific way. Five ways to avoid falling victim to a scammer are: (1) attempt to block unwanted calls (2) do not give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect (3) resist the pressure to act immediately (4) know how scammers expect you to pay and (5) stop and talk to someone you trust. Visit www. ftc.gov to learn more about scams and ways to avoid them, to sign up for scam alerts, and to report a scam.
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