Ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, employee volunteers at the International Paper (NYSE: IP) Red River Mill in Campti partnered with students at Lakeview High School to assemble 500 menstrual health kits to end period poverty. The kits were donated to Natchitoches Parish Schools to benefit students.
“This year, we were really excited to partner with GLAMM at Lakeview and additional students to help break down the barriers that prevent individuals from managing their menstrual health with dignity,” said Alexa Steele, Communications Coordinator at the Red River Mill. “Their enthusiasm for this event and commitment to making a difference in our community was truly inspiring.”
“GLAMM at Lakeview is dedicated to enhance the lives of young women and we were very appreciative to International Paperfor coming to our school to bring awareness to this very important issue,” shared Chanda Goff, GLAMM Sponsor.
Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health supplies and education. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame.
Period poverty is happening here in our community, and we are here to help. International Paper’s fluff pulp goes into more than 100 billion menstrual care pads each year. The Red River Mill’s Menstrual Health packing event is just another way to illustrate International Paper’s commitment to addressing a critical need in the communities where IP employees live and work by mobilizing people, products, and resources.
UPDATE: DOTD advises motorists that this road closure for a pipe replacement will remain in place until Friday, May 31, 2024. This extension is due to recent rainfall that has impacted water levels in the creek. This closure will also allow the contractor to expedite construction on the remainder of the project. We appreciate your continued patience.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a project to repair and improve a two mile section of LA 509 in Red River Parish.
The $1.9 million project stretches from the DeSoto Parish line to LA 1, just north of the Village of Grand Bayou, and includes asphalt patching repairs and a mill and overlay to provide a new driving surface.
As part of this project, LA 509 at this location will need to be closed to through traffic beginning on Friday, March 1, 2024 to allow for the replacement of a cross drain pipe that runs under the roadway. Detour signage will be in place.
This road closure is anticipated to last approximately 30 days, weather permitting. Once that pipe replacement is complete, the contractor will begin working on the mill and overlay portion of the project.
The entire project is expected to wrap up in early Fall 2024, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.
Whether or not they continue it later in life, kids – virtually all kids – want to have the opportunity to catch a fish. They may lose interest soon after the initial experience but the desire to watch a bobber go under and to feel the tug on the line is something inborn in youngsters.
Daughter, Melissa, is now a grown-up, married with three daughters of her own. However, she still mentions the fun she had when as a little tyke, her grandparents helped her bait a hook and fish for bream at their lakeside home on D’Arbonne. Today if given the opportunity, Melissa still likes to feel the pulsating fight of a fish on her line.
In years past, I have had the opportunity of fishing with my grandchildren. It has been enjoyable to me to watch Kayla’s four struggling with a bream or bass on the line. Watching their eyes as they fought a fish, there was no doubt that they were having a genuine good time.
I remember once taking Cathy’s two girls on a fishing trip to Lincoln Parish Park Lake. It is debatable as to who had the most fun; the girls or me.
It all started when plans were made for the girls, their brother, Billy, and parents to drive up for a visit with us. Cathy had already told me what the girls wanted to do once they got here. Tops on the list was for “papaw to take them fishing”. The second day of their visit, son-in-law, Bill, and I drove into the Lincoln Parish Park with the kids. Billy’s interest was more in swimming so while Bill watched over Billy at the swimming hole in the lake, I took then seven year old Callie and five year old Catelyn with me where we set up shop on one of the piers at the lake. Glancing into the water next to the pier, there was no doubt that I’d soon be busy baiting hooks and taking off fish; the shallows teemed with small bluegills looking for a hand-out.
They caught fish. In fact, they caught them so fast I scarcely had time to skewer a worm on a hook for one granddaughter before the other yelled, “Papaw; I got another one!” After an hour of furious activity, the girls were ready to join Billy at the swimming hole. I let them each keep six to take home and show their mom. Then they insisted I clean the fish to add to the fish fry I had planned for the family that evening. There was something especially gratifying as I watched them watching me clean their catch. There were questions…
”Papaw, what is that yucky stuff?”
Fish guts.
“Papaw, they sure have a lot of bones. Will they hurt me?”
No, I’ll pick ‘em out for you.
“Papaw, what do little fish taste like?”
Just like big fish, only better.
I fried up their catch first and after they’d cooled, I offered both girls the first bite traditionally taken on a fried bream; the tail. They were reluctant at first until I demonstrated how to nip the tail with one bite. “Like eating a potato chip”, I told them. They tried it, and liked it, wanting more.
Next, I showed the girls how to “unzip” a bream by taking out the fins and pulling the two halves apart. Then I separated the tiny lump of meat from the bones, watched them dip the bites in ketchup and take a bite.
“M-m-m-m…that’s good, Papaw.” The fact that they were eating fish they’d caught themselves seemed to bring the experience full circle for the two girls.
The experience left me fulfilled and content that I had helped my two granddaughters engage in a wholesome activity, and I did it in such a way that they wanted more.
They had fun both at the fishing hole, but as we drove away, I knew that the next time they come for a visit, one of the first things they’re going to say to me is, “Papaw, can we go fishing?”
NSU Anglers Drake Wadsworth, Stone Smith, Evan Howe, Noah Trant, from left, clinched spots in the 2025 Major League Fishing College Fishing National Championship.
NATCHITOCHES, LA- Two Northwestern State University (NSU) Bass Fishing teams have secured their spots in the 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) College Fishing National Championship. Evan Howe of Keatchie and Noah Trant of Bossier City, along with Stone Smith of Shreveport and Drake Wadsworth of Grand Cane, clinched their spots after impressive performances at Table Rock Lake in Missouri, finishing 23rd and 26th, respectively.
Qualifying for the MLF college fishing national championship is no easy feat. Teams must first compete in qualifying tournaments, where they vie for a chance to advance to the national stage. At these events, teams accumulate points based on their finishes, with the top teams earning invitations to the prestigious national championship. The Northwestern State University Bass Fishing Team competes against highly regarded universities across the nation including Tennessee, Auburn, ULM, LA Tech, Florida, LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Arkansas and Oklahoma State.
Currently ranked 6th in the country in MLF, NSU’s Bass Fishing Team’s success is a testament to their dedication and skill in the sport. The Demons have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the water. The recent qualifications for the national championship by Howe/Trant and Smith/Wadsworth have further solidified NSU’s status as a force in collegiate bass fishing.
For Howe and Trant, the journey to qualifying for the 2025 championship follows their participation in the 2024 MLF National Championship at Lake Toho in Florida where they finished 28th, showcasing their growth and determination in the sport. In addition to his participation in collegiate team fishing events, Howe has also ventured into professional tournaments competing in the MLF Toyota Series and finishing 29th.
NSU’s success in MLF has bolstered the Demon Bass Fishing Team’s standings in the Association of Collegiate Anglers (ACA) School of the Year program. The program recognizes points earned from various collegiate bass fishing tournaments, including those sanctioned by MLF and B.A.S.S. The Demons are currently ranked 32nd overall in the ACA out of hundreds of schools across the nation reflecting their consistent performance and competitive edge in collegiate fishing.
Looking ahead, the Demons will be back on the water again next week with two teams representing the university at the ACA National Championship at Pickwick Lake on the Alabama/Tennessee border. As they continue to make their mark in the college fishing world, fans eagerly anticipate their future achievements and successes.
For more information on the NSU Bass Fishing Team, email owensd@nsula.edu.
WE RIDE: Bryan Martin has a Top 20 hit song, and is performing with some of country music’s biggest stars. (Photo courtesy bryanmartinofficial.com)
By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
“Well, I’ve been known to write a few songs Lovin’ and leavin’ and getting’ too stoned Bottle and a pistol by my side The devil’s always along for the ride”
Last Saturday, he opened for country music star Jason Aldean.
June 20th, he will take the stage ahead of Morgan Wallen – the first of a few dates with one of country music’s biggest names.
Not bad for a guy from Logansport, who twice attempted to kill himself.
“I try not to even stop and think about (my success),” Bryan Martin told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal, a few hours before performing in Oklahoma on Aldean’s Highway Desperado tour. “I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and go, ‘Oh, shi_. I just stumped my toe trying to get in the camper one night and this has all been a dream.’ It’s been amazing. It’s been crazy.”
Martin, who was born in Shreveport and grew up in DeSoto Parish, has Billboard Country’s 16th ranked song with We Ride, from his album Poets and Old Souls. Other charts have the hit song ranked even higher.”
“It just blows me away to be sitting in the Top 10 on country radio and thinking about where all I’ve been and what all I’ve been through. Never in a million years would I have thought I would even be sitting here talking to you about it. It’s just crazy.”
The fact that the 36-year-old, who bounced between schools in Logansport and Stanley before dropping out, is “even sitting here” is something of a miracle. Martin went to work on an oil rig for almost a year before enlisting in the Army. Confusion about whether he should have been accepted led to an uncharacterized discharge, which led to Martin trying to kill himself. He wrote We Ride based off a suicide written when he was 19 years old.
“I felt like a failure. I’ve never quit a job – never been sent home from a job. When I came back home, that’s when I took (30) Percocet’s, and I misfired a .357 Magnum . . . . I remember waking up the next morning and not feeling the effects of the drugs or the alcohol. That blew my mind . . . . I put that bullet back in the gun and took out all the other bullets. I pretty much cussed God and asked, ‘Why are you saving me now? It’s too late to save me.’”
But as many a preacher will tell you it wasn’t too late. Martin was saved. He went into the ministry and was sober for six years. But later, Martin went through a divorce. Then came Covid, which kept him from working.
“Same thing like the military. I just felt like a failure sitting at the house. I couldn’t draw a check. I was going crazy. I couldn’t make the music make sense. I couldn’t make money. I was pulled apart. I went back to drinking again.”
That led to another suicide attempt just three years ago – two days before his divorce was became final. Martin drove off an embankment.
“I went through a really bad brain injury and lost most of my memory. I couldn’t remember any of my songs (he had written close to 800) . . . . I had to pretty much re-teach myself how to play my own songs.”
In the process, Martin proved his doctors wrong.
“They told me I wasn’t ever going to be able to write again because of that brain injury. When I went to writing again (Martin credits medicine for ADHD), I couldn’t stop. The last three years, I’ve done what they told me I couldn’t do in the next 15 (years). The last six months, I’ve done what they said I couldn’t do in the next 10 (years).”
Martin was discovered while performing with some of his Tic Tok friends, who put together a music and comedy tour. But Martin’s current success came fast.
“A year and a half ago, I was on a barstool playing for $400 a night.”
Needing to be close to Nashville, Tennessee, Martin now lives in a town south of the country music capital. His schedule doesn’t allow him to return to Logansport often, where his mother (Donna) and father (David) still live. Martin has been back home four or five times in the last two-and-a-half years.
“When you catch a little breeze, you’ve got to ride with it. It’s a dream come true. Right now, it’s been able to afford me to retire my dad. I’m a long way from retiring, but to retire my dad is something I’ve always dreamed of doing.”
During his younger days, Martin was a frequent visitor to Bossier City.
“I would always spend my money at the arcade at the (Louisiana) Boardwalk. I went to the movies, and anywhere else I could get into. I got into the Rockin’ Rodeo (nightclub) one night. I sang Tracy Lawrence’s Sticks and Stones. That was my first time singing in front of people, at karaoke at the Rockin’ Rodeo.”
Right now, Martin is living the dream, a long way from singing karaoke. But if Martin ends up being a one-hit-wonder, that will be just fine with him. Martin has his songwriting talents to fall back on.
“If people are living life and going through struggles, somebody out there will relate to what I’m going to write next, or what I have coming out next. As long as real life is happening, I think I’ve got a pretty good chance at (staying successful), now that I’ve broke through and gained a few ears.”
But Martin’s professional life isn’t the only thing that’s better than ever.
“I’ve been dating my ex-wife (Bobbie Jo) for three years. It’s been going good. It’s the best it’s ever going to be. We get along good. If we don’t, it’s like, well, we’ll get over it. This time, you ain’t taking everything when you leave.”
Hmmm . . . . Sounds like the makings of a good Brian Martin-writte song.
Baton Rouge – LSP is preparing for the department’s second accelerated training program designed specifically for Louisiana POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified applicants. We are excited to announce that Cadet Class 105 will be a 14-week intensive academy tailored for current POST-certified men and women. The accelerated academy will equip law enforcement officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to become Louisiana State Troopers.
This extraordinary opportunity offers police officers across the state a chance to join the ranks of Louisiana’s Finest. Accepted cadets will receive advanced State Police training that goes beyond POST requirements in firearm proficiency, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, advanced crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and LSP Core Values.
Although the training program is accelerated in terms of timeframe, it does not compromise the rich tradition and intensity synonymous with the LSP academy. LSP is committed to providing the highest standard of training to all LSP cadets.
If you are a POST-certified applicant, you are encouraged to embrace this exceptional opportunity and fully comprehend the commitment and dedication required to succeed in the academy. Qualified applicants must have two years of experience as a Level 1 POST-certified officer in a full-time position whose job duties regularly include armed duty with the power of arrest in an enforcement capacity (jailer/correctional officer experience does not qualify).
Cadet Class 105 is expected to commence in October 2024, with an application deadline of July 24, 2024. Applications can be downloaded at http://laspc.dps.louisiana.gov and submitted electronically to the Louisiana State Police Commission. Applicants not eligible for Cadet Class 105 will remain in the hiring process, preparing for future LSP cadet classes. Please see below for the Cadet Class 105 eligibility requirements:
Applicants for Cadet Class 105 must possess a Louisiana Level 1 POST certification at the time they submit their application.
Additionally, they must also satisfy one of these four paths: Path 1 – Two (2) years of experience as a POST-certified peace officer in a full-time position, whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest. The LSP Commission has granted an exception for the two years to be calculated to September 16, 2024 (the date of cadet selections). In other words, applicants who do not currently have two years of experience, but will by September 16, 2024, are eligible to apply for Cadet Class 105. Path 2 – A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university. Path 3 – A two (2) year combination of Path 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience. Path 4 – Three (3) years of continuous active duty in the United States Military.
Visit https://www.lsp.org/recruitment for more information on the hiring process, qualifications, physical fitness standards, and frequently asked questions. For additional questions and information, please contact LSP Recruiters at LSPRecruiting@LA.gov.
Do you remember your childhood? For some it is a distant memory, for others it was not so long ago. We all had one. The role of primacy was important in the childhood experience. In many cases being or going first brought honor and privilege.
In homes with multiple children a first spot in the bath rotation was important. Adolescent shower time became fierce competition since hot water and your place in line shared a proportional relationship. In many areas, we want to be number one. First, in our class brings recognition and scholarships. First in line for the big sale gives us confidence we will depart with our purchase and not a rain-check. First in line at the check-out rewards us by removing the energy for angst and frustration to grow as we wait on others, always slower than us, to check out.
Primacy also shares a relationship with light and experience. When the sun was shining or the lights were on, there was little problem in leading the way. If the moon was out and the room was dark, there was often a call for volunteers. “You go first!” “No, you go first!” Experience could alleviate anxiety caused by the darkness. If you knew through experience that monsters had never been behind that door before, you were less likely to fear opening it. Experience has brought you through this place before.
There were other times as a child when primacy was the result of a challenge. In most places those challenges were known as a dare. The dare could be strengthened by adding “double dog” or “triple dog” to it. A good way to deflect a dare was the power of “if you will, I will.” There is something comforting about having company share in the stupid activity resulting from a dare. This rule is used by parents when warning about following friends jumping off of bridges. If your friend would not participate in the activity called for by the dare, you could claim exemption too.
There were advantages to being the pioneer. If you are the oldest child you never heard academic or athletic comparisons being made about you and your older sibling. You had none! The first born helped parents develop their skills and discover that children are basically parent proof. The first born pioneered the way for younger siblings to experience parental relaxation of the rules regarding bedtimes, friends, activities, and curfews. In many cases the first child exhausted the parents. That explains the hundreds of pictures of the first born and the scant photographic record of subsequent siblings.
The one disadvantage of going first is that you have no frame of reference. You have no benchmarks or landmarks for the activity. Those moments when we are launching into new territory can be filled with doubt and fear. Following the leader isn’t fun if you are the leader. You can always find the leader; they are the ones with the arrows in their back. In business, raising a family, or living a good life there are occasions when are off the grid and out of the box. If only we had done this before. If only someone had gone before us. We might be able to follow a known pattern.
One New Testament writer points to Jesus as the “pioneer of our faith.” No matter what you are facing, Jesus says, “been there, done that.” Jesus overcame every obstacle during His life. He even threw the Devil’s dares right back at him. Jesus gave us a pattern for living a good and joyous life. We forget that He had a good life. He savored each minute of His earthly journey.
Jesus walked with the assurance of God’s presence and love. He overcame everything thrown at Him. Even death couldn’t hold Him. He scouted out the path called human life. He walked it. Jesus went first! We can follow Him confidently. He is standing out ahead of us urging us on in our living.
Department expects implementation of final rule on August 1
Baton Rouge, La. (May 20, 2024) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is taking a key step to increase the availability of mental health providers in the state with a plan to expand Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals (PLMHPs) while they are seeking full licensure.
Currently in Louisiana, PLMHPs can practice and provide mental health therapeutic services under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health professional (LMHP); however, these providers cannot receive Medicaid reimbursement. This policy change will allow PLMPHPs who provide these critical services to obtain reimbursement from the Medicaid program as they are working toward full licensure. Under the state’s current framework, only LMHPs — which include licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) — are eligible for reimbursement for these services.
Louisiana, like the rest of the U.S., is facing critical behavioral health workforce challenges, while the need for services is as great as ever. Nationally, one in three people live in areas lacking mental health providers. In Louisiana, the Health Resources and Services Administration estimates only 26% of mental health needs are being met. At the same time, the number of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder has steadily increased over the last five years, with 32.5% of Louisiana adults reporting symptoms in 2021.
One in five Louisiana adults live with mental illness, and Louisiana ranks 35th among all states for its suicide rate. Expanding access to services by increasing the number of providers eligible for Medicaid reimbursement is a critical part of LDH’s priority to address these complex behavioral health challenges. The Department estimates that over 4,000 providers in Louisiana would be newly eligible for reimbursement under this policy change as early as August 1. This includes as many as 1,796 provisionally licensed professional counselors, 137 provisionally licensed marriage and family therapists, and 2,564 licensed master social workers.
“This change is an exciting development for the thousands of Louisianans who have struggled to find providers to care for them,” said LDH Secretary Dr. Ralph Abraham. “A workforce shortage is one of the biggest challenges we face here in Louisiana as we work to improve mental health outcomes. This change — led by our Medicaid and Office of Behavioral Health teams — is an important step in expanding the availability of providers and critical mental health services for Louisiana residents.”
LDH is developing the change in partnership with behavioral health leaders from across the state, including the CEOs of Volunteers of America, Voris Vigee, David Kneipp and Carolyn Hammond.
“As CEOs of Volunteers of America affiliates across Louisiana, including Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, and Volunteers of America North Louisiana, we commend LDH for its commitment to innovation in addressing the state’s behavioral health challenges,” the CEOs said in a joint statement. “This new policy change will result in increased access to essential care throughout Louisiana, where a shortage of licensed mental health professionals persists. We are grateful for LDH’s proactive efforts and look forward to continued collaboration in meeting the behavioral health needs of our communities.”
Colette Melancon, LCSW-BACS, the CEO of Covington-based Therapeutic Partners, said, “Real-life experience with supervision is the most powerful learning environment for clinicians to grow.”
“To develop a strong, clinically competent workforce, we need to allow LMSWs, PLPCs and PLMFTs to function fully in the traditional outpatient setting,” Melancon said. “Allowing these clinicians to bill CPT codes will increase access to care and strengthen our clinical workforce. Access to care and attracting and retaining competent clinicians is vital to better outcomes for our clients and this change is one step closer to achieving those goals.”
Before this policy is fully effective, rule changes and a state plan amendment (SPA) are required. The Notice of Intent of the proposed rule has been posted and can be accessed here. LDH expects publication of the final rule on July 20. If approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, implementation is expected to begin on August 1.
Winning looks good and losing looks bad, no matter the uniform.
The sharpest unis in the world are lipstick on a pig if the gang wearing them can’t play. (Happens more often than you’d think.)
They’ll never create a jersey that’ll make an “L” look like a “W.”
But if you look sharp (or even just think you do), you tend to play better. Which brings us to Louisiana Tech’s Diamond Dogs, who’ve won the regular season Conference USA championship and looked good doing it.
A bonus, baby.
The Dapper Dogs have a secret weapon here in the formidable duo of trainer/director of baseball operations Dan Takata and associate pitching coach Matt Miller, a former righthanded starter for Tech who punched out 97 opposing batters in 2019 on his way to becoming all-conference and a Bulldog Man, (which translates to Team Captain for Life, nice work if you can earn it).
Looking good, these two dudes.
In his transition from player to coach, Miller drew up a Columbia Blue uniform that Adidas spun into reality in 2021. For a while, it was all the rage; the Dogs couldn’t seem to lose in what they called their Sunday Blues. (There’s a new version now, still sharper than a barber’s blade.)
Meanwhile, in the Uniform Lab, Matt and Dan were cooking up something even more special. For everyone to “wear.”
Shortly after the tornado of April 2019 shuttered J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park, Marucci Sports gifted the Team Without A Ballpark with good-looking T-shirts the Dogs used as batting jerseys. On the front was “Ruston Strong” with an outline of the City of Ruston.
The Dogs get a new set of jerseys every year or two, and our hardball fashionistas started thinking …
What if the team incorporated Ruston into a jersey? After all, it was Ruston who flocked to the new J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in May of 2021 and took part in what might be the Greatest Two Weeks Running in Tech Athletic History. The Diamond Dogs played 16 straight home games — thank you, Baseball Gods — hosted the conference tournament and the first Ruston Regional, and even though the Dogs lost in the finals of both, The Love Shack turned into something between Woodstock in Cleats and Field of Dreams for those glorious dozen days.
Meanwhile in major league baseball, a trend called “City Connect” had begun. You’ll see big leaguers playing in jerseys with “Cincy” or “Philly” on the front. The Cubs have a “Wrigleyville” jersey, the White Sox a “South Side” top, Detroit some “Motor City” digs. Astros fans know their teams’ “Space City” jerseys.
And so …
Last year the jerseys debuted. Black with “Ruston” in script across the front, big white numbers on the back, and both filled with the red, white and blue of the country’s flag. Also on the back, the blue patch that’s the outline of the City of Ruston. a perfect understated tribute and hat tip to a town that’s embraced a group of guys easy to pull for.
While the jerseys were created more to remember the way the city and area and University reacted as a team to the 2019 tornado, it has grown into more of a tribute to a town from a grateful team, a way of saying “thank you” (as much as one can through a cotton/wool/polyester blend).
City Connect.
Granted, they’ve worked better this year than last, when the Dogs struggled to finish just below .500. (Long, loooong story.) But this year, with those City Connect jerseys good and broken in, with more strikes being thrown and a longer lineup and a chemistry that demands accountability, the Bulldogs are 41-15 overall, 18-6 in the league, and a hearty 26-5 in the welcoming Love Shack.
To paraphrase the late great entertainer/songwriter/musician/stud Glen Frey, Louisiana Tech’s Diamond Dogs belong to the city. They’re a group of seniors led by the last of the Tornado Team, left fielder and Bulldog Man Adarius Myers. Then there’s The Law Firm of McConnell, McCloud & Corona, a trio that remembers playing at Ruston High when the team had no park.
And now the just-right accessories, too many to mention. But they’re all wearing the same thing, like their hearts on their sleeves, and that makes it awfully easy to pull for the guys in the good-looking gear, the ones playing for each other, and for the name on the front of the jerseys.
First Baptist Church Coushatta will host a Kids Fun Night on Wednesday, May 22 from 5-7pm in the Family Life Center. There will be a free hotdog dinner and time of fun Chagy the Clown. Kids PreK4-6th grade are invited to attend.
Red Oak Rumble Catfish Tournament will be held Saturday, May 25. Registration begins at 5am at Red Oak Recreational area. Weigh in starts at 2pm.
Red River Parish 4-H invites the public to join them for an Open House at their new location at 1919 Alonzo Street on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-6pm. A light meal and refreshments will be provided.
Liberty Baptist Church, 425 Liberty Church Road, will host Vacation Baptist School June 17-21 from 5:30-8pm. Ages 3 years to 8th grade are welcome to join in on the fun. There will be nightly Bible study, crafts, music, missions, games and dinner. Register here
Life Air Rescue landed in the field behind Red River High School on Thursday, May 16, spending time with the Emergency Medical Responder students.
Led by their instructor, Toni Rodgers, Emergency Medical Responder students recently learned about transport operations and the need to call additional resources for patients needing critical emergency care, in which time matters. One of those extra resources available for first responders is air helicopter medical crews such as Life Air Rescue. Students learned about the requirements needed to call in agencies like Life Air and the safety concerns they should be aware of when finding an unimproved landing zone. Time-sensitive patients may include patients experiencing heart attacks, strokes, significant major motor vehicle accidents, or patients ejected from a vehicle, and pedestrian vs. vehicle patients.
Life Air Rescue Air Crew members Tyler Mitchell (Flight Nurse), Otis Kent (Pilot), and Cade Griswold (Flight Paramedic) provided education to the EMR students on what is expected from first responders on the ground, including what the requirements are for setting up a LZ, communication, and safety hazards that could be detrimental to the safety of the flight crew and the first responders on the ground. Life Air also provided students with a hands-on learning opportunity where they were able to view the helicopter, see some of their specialized equipment, and witness firsthand the wind speeds that could be produced when landing and taking off. They were also shown safety hazards and how to mark powerlines.
Red River EMS crew members Steven Johnson and Jeff Carpenter were also on hand to work with students. They provided hands-on experiences, allowing students to view the inside of an ambulance and learn about the job of an EMR, EMT, or Paramedic. The students were able to ask questions and were even given the opportunity to see how some of the equipment works (automatic stretcher and Lucas device, which is used for CPR).
The Red River Sheriff’s Office Resource Officer also assisted by marking the powerline with his squad unit.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty
BROWN, LASHARA 31 B F 5/10/2024 INCARCERATED FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL $30,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
POARCH, DAVID 64 W M 5/12/2024 5/14/2024 POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON BY A FELON $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT) POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON BY A FELON $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT) POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON BY A FELON $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT) POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON BY A FELON $10,000.00 (CONCURRENT) ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
MILLER, JESSIE 48 B M 5/12/2024 INCARCERATED CRIMINAL TRESPASS $1,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
ROBINSON, KENDRICK 36 B M 5/13/2024 5/13/2024 OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – NATCHITOCHES PARISH ARRESTING AGENCY: LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
TAYLOR, MICHAEL 27 B M 5/13/2024 5/14/2024 FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL $3,500.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WILLIAMS, ANTHONY 49 B M 5/13/2024 5/14/2024 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT $2,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
BRYANT, CRYSTAL 17 B F 5/13/2024 5/13/2024 SIMPLE BATTERY O.R. BOND / COURT DATE ISSUED ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WARE, TIARA 35 B F 5/14/2024 5/14/2024 FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRIAL O.R. BOND / COURT DATE ISSUED ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
HENSON, RANDOLPH 65 B M 5/14/2024 5/15/2024 SIMPLE BATTERY $1,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LONGINO, HOLLY 49 W F 5/14/2024 5/15/2024 DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY CHILD ENDANGERMENT LAW $5,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WATERS, STEVEN 42 W M 5/14/2024 5/15/2024 DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY CHILD ENDANGERMENT LAW $5,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
CLARK, KEON 20 B M 5/16/2024 INCARCERATED DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY CHILD ENDANGERMENT LAW $5,000.00 ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Bulldog football team at Red River High School is holding their annual Jambalaya lunch fundraiser Friday, May 24 at 10:30am. For only $12 each plate comes with jambalaya, corn, roll and a dessert. Plates can be picked up at the football fieldhouse.
Contact head coach Byron Keller for large orders, deliveries or for more information at bkeller@rrbulldogs.com or 932-4913.
NATCHITOCHES – For her work on the court and in the classroom during the 2023-24 basketball season, Northwestern State’s Sharna Ayres was named to the Southland Conference All-Academic Team on Friday.
Ayres earned a spot on the conference’s second-team, the first postseason academic award of her career and the third for NSU in the past two seasons.
The sharpshooting left from Melbourne, Australia led the conference this past season in 3-point shooting with 74 conversions from beyond the arc, the most in a single season in the conference over the past four seasons and the sixth most in a single season at NSU.
She started every game for the Demons for the second straight season, playing an average of 31.0 minutes per game, and maintained a 3.67 grade point average while working on her master’s degree in sport administration in NSU’s college of health and human performance.
Ayres received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at NSU in May of 2023.
She was one of two players this season to average more than two made 3-pointers per game and had 15 games on the year where she made three or more shots from beyond the arc, nine of those coming in conference play.
She drained five in a game twice during league play, her season high, including as part of her career-high 24-point outing at HCU that helped clinch NSU’s spot in the Southland Conference Tournament.
Ayres turned in four double-doubles during the season as well that included a career-high 13 rebounds against Texas A&M-Commerce on Feb. 3 and a 12-point, 12-rebound performance, also against Commerce, in the SLC Tournament.
Ayres led the Demons in scoring at 11.1 points per game for the season and topped the team with 5.4 rebounds per game on the way to the first 300-point, 150-rebound season of her career.
Her 137 career 3-pointers ranks ninth at NSU, needing just 61 more made shots to enter the top five.
Ayres is a member of the SLC Commissioner’s Honor Roll and two-time member of NSU’s Honor Roll.
Ruston, Louisiana – Securing a top-five finish on a famous raceway isn’t the type of thing you’d expect to read on an engineer’s resume. Yet, for Dawson Perkins and the rest of Louisiana Tech University’s Eco-Car team, this remarkable achievement at the 2024 Shell Eco-marathon Americas highlights engineering skills, leadership, and perseverance, setting them apart on the international stage.
The Shell Eco-marathon Americas is an international competition that inspires young engineers to get their hands dirty building more efficient cars in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Held this year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the event showcased the pinnacle of automotive design and efficiency from teams across North America.
Celebrating over 14 years of innovation in environmentally friendly automotive engineering and sleek design, Louisiana Tech has been a constant presence at the Eco-marathon, netting multiple wins over its history before hitting a lull during the COVID era. This year, under Perkins’ leadership, the team returned to form, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and strategic acumen, by redesigning the car to get an impressive 350 miles per gallon (mpg).
Perkins, a member of the team since his freshman year, expressed his pride about their accomplishment.
“This car simply needed a little extra work to be what it deserved to be. We’re satisfied with what this car and its drivetrain achieved,” he said.
The Bulldogs’ formidable engineering prowess is evident in their competitive performance, with Penn State barely leading by a mere 7 mpg.
Dr. Heath Tims, associate dean of undergraduate studies for the College of Engineering and Science and team advisor, stated, “The car was very consistent and performed well, which is a direct reflection of the team and the work they put into building and preparing for this competition.”
If this year is any indication, there is still gas left in this team’s tank for future success. Stay updated and join the excitement by following the team on Instagram (@latechecocar).
Poetic X, the Caddo Parish Poet Laureate, presents his poetic mural “American Battalion” at the Veterans Resource Center at LSUS. The mural is part of a parish-wide initiative called “Put a Poem on it,” which places poetic murals in different districts across the parish.
SHREVEPORT – The Veterans Resource Center at LSUS is already an eye-catching space with its glass walls, military memorabilia and service flags.
But military veterans will be greeted by an added amenity – a patriotic mural with a poem by Poetic X.
The Caddo Parish Poet Laureate penned the poem “American Battalion,” honoring the service of veterans and those who fought and died.
The poem and mural is part of a parish-wide project called “Put a Poem On It,” as Poetic X has unveiled poetic murals in different districts.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to present poetry and display it at LSUS,” said Poetic X, who performed a recitation of his poem at the dedication ceremony Thursday. “It’s a blessing to place poetry in different districts of Caddo Parish and get an opportunity to do what I love.
“I have a passion for people in the military as I’ve had military members in my family. I’m also passionate about the condition of America, American society and humanity in general. I use poetry to speak to different causes and create solutions to spark resolutions where opportunities exist through poetry.”
Poetic X thanked the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the Caddo Parish Commissioners for providing a platform for the project.
He presented a mini version of the mural to LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith and Veterans Resource Director Evan Harris.
“This mural is particularly significant as we approach Memorial Day, and it’s an honor to dedicate this mural from Caddo Parish’s very own Poet Laureate,” Smith said. “We have a significant portion of our university population that is either active duty military, a military dependent or a veteran.
“We take the support of this population very seriously through partnerships like the one in place with Barksdale Air Force Base.”
LSUS was recently designated a Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly university for its sustainable and meaningful pathways to education for the military community. The designation came from the military organization Viqtory in March.
Pictured is a 3D printed model of the NSU columns made by combining several cubes and a cylinder together.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Division of Mathematics will offer a new course this fall that will incorporate 3D printing to help students learn complex mathematical concepts. Dr. Nicholas Richardson, instructor for CSC 3040 3D Print Design I, said he’s been using 3D printers to make models for calculus classes after finding that concepts become clear when students have a 3D object in their hand to use.
“I first started using 3D printing in my calculus class,” Richardson said. “There was one section that we would go over that was always difficult to understand the first time through. While we can draw 3D pictures, we are still limited in what they represent on 2D paper.”
Richardson will begin the class by introducing students to two new UltiMaker S5 3D printers and familiarizing them with a program called OpenSCAD.
“This is similar to other 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs, but the approach is more from the programming perspective than a drawing perspective,” he said. “In OpenSCAD, we can make basic objects such as spheres, cubes and cylinders. By moving them around and combining these objects together in different ways we can make several different types of 3D models with no drawing skills required.”
The class is also intended to be a programming course similar to Computer Science I C/C++.
“I would get students in 1060 that are not ready for a language like C/C++, but it is required for them,” Richardson said. “While C/C++ and OpenSCAD are used for different goals, I will be able to cover several programming topics where they can get instant feedback and see progress as the work, unlike in C/C++ where you may need to do several things at once before you can see progress.”
Students will learn the entire prototyping process from creating and printing a 3D model to having the final object in hand.
“I will likely get feedback from the class to see what they want to print/model and go from there. While we might not be able to do everything, they want with OpenSCAD, I am sure we can find something that will pique their interest. I think some flexibility like this is key since we will need to design and print many objects throughout the class. Obviously, some of these will be small while others would be larger and take more time.”
NSU’s Division of Mathematics is part of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For information on CSC 3040, contact Richardson at richardsonn@nsula.edu/.
Youth football tryouts for ages 9-10 yr will be held on Monday, May 20 from 6-7pm at Red River High School football field. Tryouts for ages 11-12 will be held on Tuesday, May 21 from 6-7pm. Absolutely no drop-offs, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive 15 minutes early for sign-ins.
Prom season is in full swing and now it is the kiddos turn. Saturday, May 25, Mrs. Billie Mosley will host an Elementary Prom from 6-8pm at the Coushatta Event Center. $10 admission.
Red River 4-H is in need of an adult male chaperone (must be at least 19 yrs old) to accompany the boys to Camp Grant Walker July 1-4. Contact the 4-H office for more information or to volunteer 932-4342.
First Lady Carma Logan and The Women of Integrity presents Women Conference 2024 Saturday, May 25 at 12pm and Sunday, May 26 at 11am at Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church, 6996 US 371 in Coushatta. Speakers are Apostle Eraka Sasser and Pastor Jacqueline Mason.
We’re about to Set Sail for VBS! Don’t miss the boat. Learn how to navigate our relationship with God & others. Red River Cowboy Church will hold their VBS June 10-13 from 6 until 8pm (Supper provided). Ages 3 years old through 11 years old. There will be activities for parents while the children are having fun. Register at https://bit.ly/setsailvbs
Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU), Houston’s largest not-for-profit credit union, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabine State Bank and Trust Company
Sabine State Bank & Trust Company, a commercial bank headquartered in Many, LA with more than $1.2 billion in assets. The combined entity is expected to provide access to a broad variety of lending products to all communities served by TDECU and will expand TDECU’s presence in lending to small business owners in oil and gas, agriculture, and energy.
At closing, the combined institution will be expected to have approximately $6 billion in assets and 471,000 Members. The acquisition will expand the field of membership for TDECU, which has a significant presence in Greater Houston, and a growing presence in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Victoria areas.
“TDECU is on a growth journey to expand across the state of Texas and beyond,” said President & CEO Isaac Johnson. “Our mission is helping people navigate their financial journeys, and be financial solvers for our Members’ everyday needs. This acquisition extends our reach to more communities, diversifies our commercial portfolio, and makes our balance sheet even stronger. If our balance sheet is stronger that will enable TDECU to continue to deliver and do more for our existing Members. Together, we will strengthen ties with our membership, partners, and local communities”
A strong performing commercial bank
Founded more than 120 years ago, Sabine has a footprint of 51 branches across Louisiana and east Texas. It specializes in commercial loans with industry concentration in oil and gas, forestry, timber and agriculture, and has many long-standing depository relationships.
“We are excited to become a part of the TDECU family and we share their commitment to strengthening our communities and empowering our customers to build better financial futures,” said Lee H. McCann, President and CEO of Sabine. “Our customers can rest assured that they will continue to experience the best-in-class service they count on from us. Best of all, that service will be enhanced with an even wider array of financial products to help them better secure their futures.”
Strengthening the credit union movement
TDECU has a healthy balance sheet that is focused on consumer deposits and lower-risk investment strategies. Sabine’s strong commercial operations will further diversify the credit union’s loan concentration and support TDECU’s overall growth strategy, bolstering stability and resiliency to provide compelling service offerings to its Members during economic and market fluctuations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed early 2025, subject to receiving all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and satisfying all other closing conditions. TDECU members and Sabine customers should continue to conduct their business as usual until the closing.
Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards, Deputy Joshua Adams, Deputy Timothy (Ethan) Kellogg, Red River Parish Chief Criminal Deputy Greg Moore
Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office May 15, 2024
Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards is pleased to announce the addition of Joshua Adams and Timothy (Ethan) Kellogg to his patrol staff.
Deputy Adams previously held Level 3 Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification and served as a corrections officer at our agency. Deputy Kellogg is new to the law enforcement field. Throughout the training, both deputies represented our agency and community with professionalism, determination, and pride. On April 29, 2024, the cadets successfully completed the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy, earning Level 1 Certification for Basic Law Enforcement Peace Officers as outlined by the Louisiana POST Council.
A graduation ceremony was held on May 14, 2024 to recognize the accomplishments of the twenty-two member graduating class. During the ceremony, Deputy Adams was recognized for his firearms proficiency by receiving the coveted Firearms (Top Gun) Award! Great job Deputy Adams!
Under the direction of Captain Richard Corbett, the academy consisted of fourteen weeks and more than five hundred hours of intense training. Topics covered included officer survival, active shooter response, officer-down scenarios, firearms proficiency, physical fitness, and chemical weapons. The training also included legal aspects, criminal justice, defensive tactics, driving, diversity, professionalism, law, patrol/traffic, report writing, investigations, and first aid/CPR.
In today’s world, training is vitally important for law enforcement officers. Our goal is to continually build upon the foundation that our deputies receive in the training academy to ensure that we perform our jobs professionally and safely while striving to serve our community.
Congratulations on a job well done and welcome to the team!
The students selected from public schools in the parish as Students of the Month were recognized at the May board meeting on Monday. Students for both March and April were recognized, presented certificates, and given gift cards to Lott Oil/Chevron.
The Students of the Month for April were: Red River Elementary School – Nahia Wiggins Red River Academic Academy – Byron Harris Red River Junior High School – Jonathan Czupich Red River High School – Jemarcus Latson
The Students of the Month for March were: Red River Elementary School – Shartech Venious Red River Academic Academy – Kaiden Humphrey Red River Junior High School – Daniel Grigg Red River High School – Journey Lin
Each month during the school year students from all schools in the parish are recognized for the contributions they make to their schools, fellow students, and their community. Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 presents the program and gives each student a certificate of recognition. Lott Oil/Chevron provides a gift card to each student. For more information on the Student of the Month program, call VFW Post 7287 at 318-932-6557.
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