HAPPY NEW YEAR from the staff of the Red River Parish Journal! We will not publish an edition Wednesday, Jan. 1 but will be back Friday morning.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2025!
Thank you for being a valued reader, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead.
You can find the next publication of RRPJ Friday morning at 6:55am in your email, online at redriverparishournal.com or on our Facebook page with all your local coverage of news you can’t get anywhere else.
Red River learning lessons against tough December slate
For a Red River team that expects to contend for a Division III Non-Select state championship after reaching the title game this past season, the Bulldogs loaded up their December plate with a host of programs that routinely appear in the Top 28 themselves.
Red River has been battle-tested these past few wins, slugging out wins against Bossier and Natchitoches Central while falling at Ruston and Alexandria Senior High, the latter of which occurred Saturday night in a 65-47 decision.
But wins and losses aren’t the primary metric for an 8-3 Red River bunch that’s developing a deep bench to go along with many of its returners from that state runner-up team this past season.
Coach Dadrian Harris prioritized putting his players in playoff-type atmospheres against competition that’s used to playing deep in the playoffs.
Bossier and ASH each reached the quarterfinals in their respective decisions while Ruston and Natchitoches Central advanced to the Top 28 in Division I Non-Select.
Red River went into an NCHS squad that played for a state title this past season and snatched a 55-49 win two days before Christmas, and two days after a tough road trip to Ruston (62-47 loss).
“NCHS was a big win as far as power potions, but we went in with the expectation to win just like any other game,” Harris said. “NCHS is a very scrappy and tough team, especially in their gym, but I knew if we survived their adrenaline rush punch, we’d win.
“It was the playoff atmosphere we needed to experience early. We executed much better against NCHS than we did against Ruston two days prior when we weren’t able to answer their run in the second half. I think the NCHS and Red River is becoming a fun rivalry for the community and both programs … and I think we might need a bigger venue in the future.”
Since Harris took over the Red River program, the Bulldogs are 2-2 against the Chiefs from neighboring Natchitoches Parish.
Red River didn’t have all the answers against ASH on Saturday, but it’s another experience that will prepare the Bulldogs for another run at a title.
The high-level competition doesn’t stop with trips to Gibsland-Coleman (Division V semifinalist) on Monday and Lakeview (Division IV runner-up) on Saturday.
Red River Girls
The Red River girls (6-7) will attempt to snap a three-game skid with Monday’s trip to Gibsland-Coleman.
After a 4-1 start, Red River has dropped six of its last eight contests.
Riverdale Boys
The Riverdale boys (1-5) aim to reverse their fortunes as they get back to action Monday at home against River Oaks.
Riverdale begins district play Friday at Briarfield Academy.
Riverdale Girls
The Riverdale girls (13-5) will come out of the holidays the same they went in – against River Oaks.
The Lady Rebels topped River Oaks, 55-33, on Dec. 21 before welcoming the Lady Mustangs for home game Monday.
Riverdale begins district play against Briarfield Academy (8-1) on Friday that will go a long way in determining who the best MAIS team in Louisiana may be.
The Christmas season is coming to a close. This time is known as the Season of Giving.
Many are in need during this time and daily in our community. In November, the community of Red River Parish came together for a Community Thanksgiving Service and donated the offering for CASA of Central Louisiana.
CASA (court-appointed special advocates) is dedicated to serving the abused and neglected children of Natchitoches, Red River, and Sabine Parishes.
One of the agency’s requests was that children have their own blankets to keep them warm. From the offering, 87 fleece blankets were donated for the children. A special thanks to Mrs. Debbie Jones for coordinating the gift.
If you want to help, make a difference as a volunteer or a donation, visit the website at www.casanat.org to sign up. Training classes begin in January 2025.
Matt Vines
COUSHATTA – Red River football coach Byron Keller has accepted the head football coach and athletic director job at Winnfield Senior High, the school announced via its Facebook page Thursday.
Keller guided the Bulldogs the past two seasons, winning a total of 10 games, including a seven-win campaign in 2024.
The 2024 Red River squad captured the program’s first district title since 2005 with a perfect mark in District 3-2A, which included a regular season and first-round playoff wins against Winnfield.
Red River won to the tune of 50-6 in the regular season and 48-6 in the playoffs against the Tigers.
The two Winnfield wins were part of a six-game winning streak – all coming against District 3-2A opponents, which earned Keller and his coaches Staff of the Year.
Winnfield went 4-7 this past season, and it’s four wins against Jonesboro-Hodge, Caldwell Parish, Rosepine and Many came by an average of about 30 points.
But the Tigers struggled to hang with the district’s best, falling to Red River and Lakeside by at least scores in each matchup.
Keller was the defensive coordinator at Winnfield in 2020 and 2021 before serving as the defensive coordinator at Many and then the head coach of Red River.
In Keller’s only full season as defensive coordinator at Winnfield in 2021, the Tigers won seven games and a first-round playoff game as a No. 13 seed.
Red River defensive assistant takes Many head job
If anybody knows how to rebuild Many into the Class 2A power that it was for more than a decade, Tyler Hassell would certainly be on that list.
The Many defensive coordinator from 2018-2021 helped the Tigers to two state championships during that time, in addition to being an assistant coach on the Many staff prior to that.
Hassell, who was a defensive assistant at Red River this season, accepted the Many head job.
Hassell was a key piece to Red River’s defensive success that saw the Bulldogs win their first district title since 2005. Red River held seven opponents to 13 points or less, winning all seven of those games as the Bulldog finished with a 7-5 record and a second-round playoff appearance.
Now Hassell will face off against his former coaching staff as Many and Red River are both in District 3-2A.
Hassell left Many to follow head coach Jess Curtis to Natchitoches Central in 2023 before landing at Red River this past season.
Many head coach Dillon Barrett guided the Tigers to the quarterfinals in 2023 but suffered through a winless season in 2024 in which the Tigers were badly outscored in every game.
Hassell told The Shreveport Times that he inherited a roster with just 38 players but has taken to the hallways to rustle up an additional 20 athletes who have now joined the team.
“The town of Many loves its football, and our plan is to reestablish our program as a top contender in Division III,” Hassell told The Shreveport Times. “I’m in a unique situation in Many. I’ve only been away from Many for about two years … so there’s (not) a learning curve to get to your administrators, teachers, and athletes.
“My future seniors (Class of 2026) were freshman when I was previously at Many. This will be a huge advantage for us to set a strong foundation and a level of trust.”
The custom of making New Year’s resolutions has been around for thousands of years, but it hasn’t always looked the way it does today.
Most sources credit the ancient Babylonians as the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians celebrated the New Year during a 12-day festival called Akitu. The festival was the start of farming season to plant crops, crown their king, and make promises to pay their debts. One common resolution was the return of borrowed farm equipment.
Ancient Romans adopted the tradition of resolutions. The timing shifted with the Julian calendar in 46 B.C., which declared January 1as the start of the new year.
During the Middle Ages, Medieval knights renewed their vow to chivalry by placing their hands on a peacock. The vow was made as a resolution to maintain their knightly values.
Resolutions in the early 1900s were more religious/spiritual, reflecting a desire to develop stronger moral character, a stronger work ethic, and more restraint in the face of earthly pleasures.
Today, resolutions have evolved to mainly general self-improvement goals reflecting status, financial wealth, responsibility, and self-discipline.
When choosing New Year’s resolutions, chose goals that are specific, achievable, personally meaningful, and measurable. You could even break them down into smaller steps, focus on a few key areas you want to improve, and ensure they align with your values and lifestyle.
DETROIT — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren’t fastened.
The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement.
The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds.
Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver’s seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don’t fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn’t be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats.
The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver’s seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026.
Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data.
The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection.
Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations.
Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.
Source: Associated Press
NATCHITOCHES –The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Northwestern State University’s Remote System Science and Technology undergraduate certificate program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program (UAS-CTI).
“Recognition of our program by the FAA is a great step forward,” said JD Cox, assistant professor of biology and coordinator of NSU’s Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations (ARGO) lab. “It shows that that NSU is preparing students for today’s job market and training them on tomorrow’s technology. Partnering with the FAA brings a new level of legitimacy to our drone program and shows that we are committed to providing a top-quality education in remote and uncrewed systems.”
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS, a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
NSU offers an undergraduate certificate in Remote Systems Science and Technology (RSST). The program consists of 12 credit hours of core classes which cover the fundamentals of unmanned systems operation including hands-on training with remote systems, laws, policy and ethics related to UAS operation and applications best practices. The remaining six hours of the certificate consist of specific course work from each student’s area of study. This approach creates an integrated approach to remote systems integration across disciplines and better prepares students to enter the workforce in their area of interest.
The Remote Systems Science and Technology Program is administered by NSU’s ARGO Lab, the central hub for drone technology, remote sensing and mapping. NSU provides both on and off campus services including drone photography, videography, mapping, remote sensing, geospatial analysis and geodata hosting.
“We offer customizable training on drone operation, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and preparation for the FAA drone licensing exam,” Cox said.
For more information contact Cox at coxjd@nsula.edu, argolab@nsula.edu or www.nsula.edu/argo
What Do Patton, The Christmas Eve Truce and Trump Have in Common?
I believe these stories capture the importance of prayer at Christendom’s Celebration of the Miracle of the first Christmas.
The first occurred when General George S. Patton, commander during World War II, was faced with dire circumstances. The coming winter would again be brutal, and Patton’s army was literally stuck in the mud. The Wall Street Journal explains “on Dec. 8, an exasperated Patton asked his chief chaplain to compose a prayer for good weather” and halt the overwhelming rain. Patton then “ordered 250,00 copies to be distributed to every man in the Third Army. By Dec. 14 prayer cards were scattered among more than 20 divisions.” (WSJ, Alex Kershaw, Dec. 20, 2024).
Patton was a rough man given to constant profanity. Kershaw quotes Brig. General Harry H. Semmes who deemed Patton “an unusual mixture of a profane and highly religious man.” Gen. Omar Bradley is said to have described Patton as “profane, but he was also reverent. He strutted imperiously as a commander, but he knelt humbly before his God.” The thought of Patton ordering his 250,000 men to join him in a prayer is both inspiring and astounding. It worked. “On Dec. 23rd, the skies cleared, allowing a massive Allied air force to wreak havoc on German forces and supply lines.” (WSJ).
The second story is “Truce in the Forest” — The Story of a World War II Christmas Eve Truce Between German & American Soldiers, by Fritz Vincken.
“When that first knock came, Mother quickly blew out the candles; then, as I went to answer it, she stepped ahead of me and pushed open the door. Outside … stood two steel-helmeted men. One of them spoke to Mother in a language we did not understand, pointing to a third man lying injured in the snow. She realized … that these were American soldiers. Enemies! Mother stood silent … they were armed and could have forced their entrance, yet they stood there and asked with their eyes. “Kommt rein,” Mother said, finally. “Come in.”
Imagine a scene such as this. Enemy soldiers who couldn’t even communicate in the language being shown love, comfort and life saving aid. It would be enough to stop there but it had only just begun.
Vincken continues “I was setting the table when once again there came a knock at the door. Expecting to find more lost Americans, I opened the door without hesitation. There stood four soldiers – Germans!
I was paralyzed with fear … I knew the harsh law: sheltering enemy soldiers constituted high treason. We could all be shot! Mother was frightened, too. Her face was white, but she stepped outside. “We have lost our regiment and would like to wait for daylight,” explained the corporal. “Can we rest here?”
“Of course,” Mother replied, “You can also have a fine, warm meal and eat till the pot is empty. “But,” Mother added firmly, “we have three other guests, whom you may not consider friends.” Now her voice was suddenly sterner than I’d ever heard it before. “This is Christmas Eve, and there will be no shooting here. Mother looked at each frost-chilled face. “Listen,” she said slowly. “You could be my sons, and so could they in there … lost like you and just as hungry and exhausted as you are. This one night … this Christmas night, let us forget about killing.”
This remarkable woman then had the soldiers stack their weapons on the woodpile outside and they sat down for dinner. “Mother said grace. I noticed that there were tears in her eyes as she said the old, familiar words, “Komm, Herr Jesus. Be our guest.” I saw tears, too, in the eyes of the battle-weary soldiers, boys again, some from America, some from Germany, all far from home.” Later, one of the German soldiers who spoke some English and had studied medicine examined the injury to the American soldier’s hand with advice to heal it. They all shook hands and parted the next morning.
The third story is a bit more recent: President Trump’s survival from two assassination attempts. No one can describe this Christmas Miracle better than Trump himself. In a social media post after he was shot by a bullet in Butler, PA, Trump said “it was God alone” who saved his life.
I hope these reflections help capture the spirit of the Christmas season.
Royal Alexander
Red River Parish Public School students return to class on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Sibley Lake is closed until further notice. The boat ramps on Sibley Lake are closed due to high water levels.
Jan. 11 is Maddie Cannon Day at Riverdale Academy. Maddie is a 2006 graduate of Riverdale. Donations will be taken during the ballgames against Central School. T-shirts are also available in both Riverdale and Central school colors. All money raised (through donations and t-shirt sales) will go to the Academy of Collaborative Education in memory of Maddie and helping make her dream continue to become a reality. To order shirts, call 318.471.9950 or email kwilliamson@riverdaleacademy.org. Be sure to include size and school for your order. Orders are being taken through Friday, Jan. 3.
The Krewe of Dionysos parade will roll Saturday, Mar. 1 at 6pm in Natchitoches.
Ronnie Gene Keith
March 6, 1950 – December 27, 2024
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, December 31 at 11am at Thomas-Wren Cemetery in Martin.
Red River High School has promoted Defensive Coordinator Travis Gary to Head Football Coach for the 2025 season. Coach Gary is a 2016 graduate of Red River High School who went on to play collegiate football at La. Tech and ULM. Upon graduation from ULM, Travis returned to Red River, where he has been working as a teacher and coach for over five years. Travis Gary is the son of Beverly and Harry Gary. Harry helped lead Coushatta High to the 1992 Football State Championship.
Travis took over the Defensive Coordinator role during week five of the season after the Bulldogs struggled early and turned the Bulldog Defense around. The Bulldog defense was critical in the Bulldogs’ run to the school’s first district title in 19 years.
“Travis has done a great job in the classroom as a teacher and on the field as a coach. He is a great role model and well-respected in our community. We are excited to see where he takes Red River football,” stated Principal Norman Picou.
Coach Gary has also been instrumental in starting the Red River youth football program, which competes in the Shreveport league and works to develop the youth football program in Red River Parish.
Gary stated, “I am honored to receive the opportunity of being the head football coach at Red River High School. There is no better way for me to serve our community than being the head football coach where I once played and in the town that helped raise me. This is a great opportunity and a great responsibility. Red River sports are a big part of our community culture, and in a lot of cases, sports are a saving grace for our kids. Being born and raised here, I fully understand the impact of athletics on our kids and that sports can give them opportunities that they might not have, being from a small town with few resources. Our football program will be built to win football games, but our program’s foundation will be equipping kids with the tools they need to win the game of life. God is GREAT, and without God, this isn’t possible! I would like to thank Superintendent Alison Strong, Principal Norman Picou, and Mrs. Lillie McDonald for all the support over the years and the opportunity.”
D1 Nation-Louisiana announced on social media that Red River Junior High 6th grade student Kentrell Williams is officially on the roster for the 2025 D1 Nation All-American Bowl.
Williams is the son of Shawn and Denise Williams.
The D1Nation All-American Bowl will be held in Bullhead City, Arizona the weekend of January 17-20, 2025.
D1 Nation is a premier tournament experience in multiple states including Louisiana. Participation in game play allows athletes to tests their skills, compete, showcase their talents, and gain knowledge and insights toward their football goals.
D1 Nation, with over 10 years of experience, began with an idea to find ways to promote youth athletes, provide a safe, competitive environment that provides exposure for athletes and creates avenues to connect colleges to youth athletes.
Source: D1Nation Louisiana Facebook page
(UPDATE 12/26/2024): DOTD advises the public that the second bridge site will close beginning on Monday, January 6, 2025, as part of this ongoing project to replace six rural bridges in Red River and Bienville Parishes.
The second bridge site is located on LA 507 over an unnamed waterway near the Village of Castor, approximately 0.5 miles southwest of the intersection of LA 507, LA 4, and LA 153 in Bienville Parish (see below map).
This closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately 8 months and is necessary to allow for the removal and replacement of the bridge.
Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.
Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.
All work will be performed weather permitting, with progress dependent upon weather conditions, water levels, and other factors that can impact construction timelines. DOTD appreciates your ongoing patience while this work is underway.
BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism announced the float riders and performers chosen to represent the state in the 2025 Tournament of Roses® Parade in Pasadena, California. For a fourth year in a row, Louisiana will parade across the national and international stages for this annual tradition. This year’s parade theme is “Best Day Ever!”
“Once again Louisiana is a great fit for the Rose Parade theme. We’re going to show the world your best day ever is definitely a day in Louisiana,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Our float’s theme is Louisiana Saturday Night and we’ll bring all that food, fun, and music to transform a Wednesday in Pasadena.”
Louisiana’s 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade® float features a giant playful alligator wearing a crown and Mardi Gras beads while clutching a second-line umbrella in its tail. Riding on its back is a Cajun dance hall and porch, along with cypress trees, Louisiana musical instruments, seafood, and wildlife. Performing his rendition of “Louisiana Saturday Night” will be rising country star Timothy Wayne.
Six premier sponsors of Louisiana’s float represent convention and visitors bureaus and tourism boards from across the state including Explore Houma, Lafayette Travel, Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Baton Rouge, Visit Shreveport-Bossier, and Visit The Northshore.
“I’m thrilled to be joined by this year’s new and returning sponsors as we show the world how you can Feed Your Soul in every corner of Louisiana,” added Lt. Governor Nungesser. “This year’s riders represent everything that makes a Louisiana Saturday night special – great music, delicious food, our celebratory spirit, and even a little visit to LSU’s Tiger Stadium.”
The sponsored riders will be joined by Cajun fiddler and former festival queen Leiton LeBlanc, the 74th Ozone Camellia Festival Queen Catherine Elizabeth Owen, and Emmie Addamus from the Office of the First Lady of Louisiana.
Louisiana’s 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade® float riders include:
The Tournament of Roses Parade® presented by Honda will roll January 1, 2025, and broadcast live all over the world at 10 a.m. Central through broadcast partners, including ABC and NBC.
For more information on how to join Louisiana and volunteer to decorate the 2025 Louisiana float in Pasadena, visit the Explore Louisiana Rose Parade webpage.
An usher was escorting visitors to a seat in the sanctuary. As they walked down the aisle the usher inquired, “Clapping or non-clapping?” You can stir up some hot mess debates about clapping in the church, especially when the clapping follows a musical selection. Congregations have been applauding children’s programs and Choir cantatas as we roll through this season. Applause breaks out every Christmas season, even in the most staid of congregations.
I think we should add applause to our Christmas celebrations.
A brief history of applause tells us that it became a more formalized cultural convention in the early days of the theater. Roman theater audiences, for example, were told “Valete et plaudite!” “Goodbye and applause” at the end of every performance, which was the ancient equivalent of today’s “Give it up for “Your favorite home team” as they enter the arena!
Given that the theater was the only place in those days where you could gather the bulk of the people, politicians also used applause as a form of early polling data, gauging the crowd’s reaction when they entered the venue and took their seats. Once, when the Roman emperor Caligula attended a performance, a certain actor received more applause upon his arrival than had the emperor himself when he arrived at the venue. The maniacal emperor Caligula reportedly muttered (while fingering his sword, no doubt), “I wish that the Roman people had one neck.” Whether it’s in an ancient theater or in a modern arena, the strength of applause is still the thing that can make or break a performer or a politician.
The Romans, in fact, had three categories of applause that further made its connection to the sounds of the material world. “Bricks” was the flat-handed clapping of polite applause, while “roof tiles” or the clapping of cupped hands meant that the audience liked you a lot. The best type of applause, however, was the sound of “bees” — a cacophonous buzz that included not only clapping hands but shouting voices as well. Listen to a modern audience clapping and you can definitely tell the difference between the smattering of applause that sounds like raindrops and the full-throated roar that sounds like thunder. In Europe especially, synchronized applause is common.
And applause is accompanied by vocal acclamation, i.e., cheering.
One part of the Christmas story reads: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Do you suppose the angels were also cheering? The angels were sharing “good news of great joy” for all of humanity. For some reason I don’t see or hear them announcing this good news with an orotund delivery. I hear joyous applause and cheering.
It is like the joy of a child on Christmas morning.
Go ahead, “Let’s give it up for Jesus!”
Merry Christmas!
Oscar Mayer is accepting applications for Wienermobile drivers for the coveted Hotdogger Tour. The base salary for the job is $35,600, a weekly allowance of $150 for meals and personal travel, 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits and 100% of hotel expenses covered. Drivers are also eligible for a performance-based bonus.
The coveted Hotdogger title is granted to 12 applicants who cut the mustard and is a 1-Year assignment (starting and ending the first week of June).
The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile first hit the hot dog highways in 1936. Our 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels has made it a mission to bring joy and smiles to people around the country even on their “wurst” of days. It is a Customer, Consumer, and Social Media superstar that drives traffic to stores/events and is a top content contributor in all forms of media. The Hotdoggers and Wienermobile offer Oscar Mayer an unparalleled competitive advantage, delivering incremental sales, merchandising, authorizations, and mutual goodwill.
The Hotdogger Program started in 1988 and was designed to hire and develop top-talent, grow future leaders of the company, and create gamechangers, innovators, and cultural champions.
The Hotdogger program is for individuals who are ready to deliver creative solutions on the Kraft Heinz journey to become the indispensable food company in North America.
Here are the “must-haves” the program is looking for in a driver:
Check out more info and apply here.
Source: kraftheinzcompany.com
Free Friday Festivities in downtown Natchitoches. Take the family for the Holiday Kids Fest and live entertainment. Christmas lights come on at dusk. The lineup includes from 3-9pm Holiday Kids Fest (rides require ticket purchase) and 6-8pm Live Entertainment (TBA).
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will kick off on Saturday night in primetime for the second consecutive year. Watch the 48th edition of college football’s 11th most historic bowl game with Louisiana Tech taking on Army at 8:15pm on ESPN.
Red River Parish Library will be closed until Jan. 3 to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
All NSU campuses are closed until Jan. 3, 2025.
CHRISTUS Coushatta will hold a blood drive Monday, Dec. 30 from 9am until 1 pm. Schedule appointment here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Contact Coordinator Marie Woodard at 932-2140 for questions or more information.
Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics invites all ninth-12th grade students to NSU for STEM Day, Friday, February 7 from 8am-12pm, where they can explore degree paths and careers in engineering, mathematics, wildlife and environmental sciences, veterinary science, chemistry, physics and biomedical/microbiology.
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In order for our staff to spend time with family and friends on Christmas Day, Red River Parish Journal will not publish Wednesday, December 25.
May your holidays be merry and bright and you enjoy the magic of the season with your loved ones.
You can find the next publication of RRPJ Friday morning at 6:55am in your email, online at redriverparishournal.com or on our Facebook page with all your local coverage of news you can’t get anywhere else.
Matt Vines
The Red River boys basketball team knows how to rebound from a loss.
After an early December loss to Captain Shreve, the Bulldogs (7-2) earned wins against solid squads in Bossier and Evangel Christian.
Now Red River is in the same boat after a full-strength Ruston scored a 62-47 victory at home against the Bulldogs on Friday.
The Bulldogs must move past that loss quickly with a trip to Natchitoches Central (9-3) today.
It’s the last game for Red River before Christmas and the second straight against a Class 5A opponent that advanced to the Top 28 this past season. After Santa Claus visits, Red River will also pay visits to Alexandria (Division I Select quarterfinals) and Gibsland-Coleman before the new year.
“Ruston has been good for the past several years, and they have Top 28 experience just as we do,” said Red River coach Dadrian Harris. “That experience of play always pushes a team to the next level.
“I think we can compete with anyone in the state as long we stick to what we do, and we get another chance against Natchitoches Central on Monday. None of these games determine our destiny, but after this stretch, we’ll get to see how much we have grown.”
Of course Red River has Top 28 experience as well after advancing to the Division III Non-Select championship game last year, of which the vast majority of those players returned. One of the three teams to beat NCHS is Marksville, the team who engineered a late comeback to top Red River in the title game.
Jomello McDonald, Warren Bowman, and Jayden Wells among others forms the core of a team whose 7-2 record so far this year includes wins against Byrd, North Caddo and Jonesboro-Hodge.
“We’ve had a good season so far, and we’ve gotten great bench production as different guys are showing up every night,” Harris said. “The football guys are getting in the groove, and the chemistry is growing constantly.
“We have a tough road ahead, but it allows to get a taste of consistent high-level basketball. We’ll have to bring our best every night, but I believe we’ll step up and handle our part. It’s always hard to play at NCHS, but it’s fun because the crowd is always into the game and brings the playoff atmosphere that we’re looking for.”
Riverdale Boys
The Riverdale boys are still looking to get back in the win column after a season-opening victory against Mount Olive Christian.
The Rebels (1-5) have fallen to Columbia Christian, Word of God Academy, Lamar Christian, Ben’s Ford Christian and FTCA all by double-digits.
Next up on the schedule is a home game against River Oaks on Dec. 30 before launching into district play on Jan. 3.
Red River Girls
Red River is 6-6 on the season after a pair of losses in the Logansport tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs fell to Class 2A power Lakeview (54-33) for the second time this season before losing to host Logansport (56-47).
It’s the first loss in a game decided by less than 10 points after earlier close wins against North DeSoto (29-26) and Bossier (43-36).
Red River heads to Natchitoches Central today with a Gibsland-Coleman trip lined up for Dec. 30.
Riverdale Girls
The Riverdale girls are getting tested in their early season, despite a 13-5 record that includes six straight wins.
The Lady Rebels have won five of those six games by at least 10 points and four by 20 or more.
Calhoun Academy (56-50) and River Oaks (40-29) were the closest victories during that stretch, and
Riverdale will attempt a third victory over River Oaks this season when the Lady Mustangs visit Dec. 30.
Of Riverdale’s five losses, four losses have come to two teams – Riverfield Academy and Silliman Institute.
The Lady Rebels most recently fell to Riverfield (40-22) on Dec. 10 and to Silliman (36-35) on Dec. 7.
Southern Roots Dentistry recently shared on social media they award an employee the Christmas Star each year. The recipient is chosen by their peers and displays the love to serve others and has a work ethic that provides an extraordinary experience for patients.
Red River’s Brittany Nealy was selected as the 2024 South Roots Dentistry Shreveport Christmas Star.
Nealy’s coworkers said the following about her.
“She is patient, she is kind, she is sincere about her faith.” “Brittany is willing to stop what she is doing to help with anything and never makes you feel like you are bothering her.”
“She gives her whole heart to her patients and coworkers.” “She embodies everything that SR stand for and strives to be.” “She is full of laughter even on hard days.”
SRD shared that they are lucky to have her and RRPJ agrees. Congrats Brittany!
Roman Collins has had an amazing year. He has been on American Idol, and he finished the year as the opening Act for CeCe Winans. Making Coushatta proud has been easy for Collins this year.
The month of December started with rehearsals with Winans. The last show of December was extended with a sold-out show and hold over encore show in New Jersey.
Collins even experienced his first snow while on tour.
RRPJ will keep everyone up to date on Collins’ next appearances.
Click Here for Collins and Winans in a Facebook post announcing their sold-out show.
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