Saturday in Coushatta was a day of worry and mourning for the entire town. A house fire on East Carroll St. took the life of a resident, and a car crash claimed the life of another resident and seriously injured a deputy en route to the fire. Another deputy was overcome with smoke during an attempted rescue at the house fire.
Many families were impacted throughout the day.
The official information on the vehicle crash from the Louisiana State Police is as follows:
Emergency calls alerted first responders to a fire Saturday morning in a house on East Carroll St. across the street from Red River High School.
Although first responders and firefighters made all efforts to locate and rescue the resident of the house, the body of a deceased victim was discovered.
One deputy was treated for smoke inhalation as a result of rescue efforts.
City or Parish Officials have released no official identification.
Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw announced the meeting dates for the Board of Election Supervisors for the March 29, 2025 election.
Friday, February 28, 2025, is the day to Draw Commissioners to work in the election. This meeting is at 10:00 am at the Registrar’s Office.
Sign Zero Report for the ICX machine is Friday, March 14, at 9:00 am.
Sealing the voting machines is at 9:00 am, March 27 at the Voter Warehouse.
Absentee ballots will be counted at the Registrar’s Office at 6:00 pm, March 29, 2025.
As part of Black History Month, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Applied and Natural Science is highlighting the achievements of Jazmyn Ford, an alumna who received an Outstanding African American Achievement Award during the Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet. Ford, a 2020 graduate, has paved a path of excellence from her time at Tech to her current role as a veterinarian at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport.
Ford looks back fondly on the sense of community she found on campus. “I loved being able to go to campus, and there was always someone there,” Ford said of the welcoming atmosphere in the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry. “The professors were always there and supported us through everything — good or bad.”
A hallmark of the student experience on south campus, where many ag and forestry classes are held, is Dr. Mark Murphey and Gordon Reger cooking for students and the broader ag community.
“We were such a close-knit family,” Ford said. “Louisiana Tech and south campus really helped make that transition from high school to college easier.”
While at Louisiana Tech, Ford took on leadership roles that helped shape her journey. She founded Women in Agriculture, an initiative designed to empower and encourage women pursuing careers in the field. She also served as an agricultural sciences ambassador, bridging the gap between students and faculty.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Ford continued her journey in veterinary medicine, attending Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Murphey helped me a lot at Tech, and he was a big part of my decision to attend Tuskegee,” she said.
As a student, Ford also worked at Tech Farm. She was assigned to the swine unit, gaining valuable hands-on experience that serves her well in her veterinary career.
Ford’s success is a testament to the strong foundation built at the University. “Tech was a great undergrad to go through,” Ford said. “That transition from high school to college is a huge jump, but Louisiana Tech and the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry made it much easier.” Now, as a practicing veterinarian, Ford is not only a trailblazer in her field, but also an inspiration to other young African Americans pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture.
Ford was one of 10 recipients of the prestigious Outstanding African American Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet, recognized for her commitment to excellence and her contributions to the community. In attendance to celebrate his former student’s achievement was Murphey.
“Jazmyn is a leader and an inspiration,” he said. “She notices a problem, and she solves it. She is an excellent example of what hard work and persistence will accomplish.”
Today, Ford continues to serve her community at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport, where she works to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Her journey from Louisiana Tech to Tuskegee and beyond is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and perseverance.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cami Geisman
Executive Vice President for External Affairs
Office of the President, University Communications
Louisiana Tech University
Phone: 225.202.0870
Email: cgeisman@latech.edu
Have you received an email or text message about failure to pay a TOLL CHARGE from another state since Louisiana has NO toll roads?
Here’s an example:
“The Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion: You have an unpaid toll bill on your account. To avoid late fees, pay within 12 hours or the late fees will be increased and reported to the DMV.”
States that do not have toll roads will always send a bill in the mail with a picture of your license plate and your vehicle.
Don’t fall for this newest scam. Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal information as well.
To avoid a text scam like this:
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a project to repair a section of LA 515 north of Coushatta in Red River Parish.
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 24, 2025, weather permitting.
The $2.6 million project stretches on LA 515 from US 71 to LA 514, providing six miles of roadway improvements.
The project includes full-depth patching, milling to remove old asphalt, and a new asphalt overlay on LA 515 through the New Hope and Crichton communities. Fell-depth patching addresses damaged portions of roadway all the way to the base, strengthening the road and extending its overall service life over time.
The full-depth patching will then be followed by milling to remove the old asphalt, and then the application of the new layers of asphalt.
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures in order to allow the contractor to safely and efficiently perform the necessary construction work.
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2025, 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. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
Daylight Saving Time begins in 16 days! Clocks spring ahead at 2am Sunday, March 9.
Louisiana Christian University will hold a press conference regarding its next president on Tuesday, Feb 25, at 12:45pm in Granberry Conference Center. University officials and Board of Trustees search committee members will speak and answer questions regarding the announcement.
A chicken plate fundraiser to benefit Brady Culbertson will be held Saturday, March 1 at the Castor rails to Trails Pavillion. Plates are $10 and will include chicken, beans, potato salad and a roll. To pre-order call 318.780.7859 or 318.617.7275.
Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer a Notary Public Exam Prep Course starting Tuesday, March 4. The early bird fee is $430 until Feb 26 and $450 after that date. In partnership with Louisiana State University-Shreveport, this 52-hour course is an introduction to notary public fundamentals. The instructor, attorney and notary Jennifer Brown distributes significant course study guides and materials to assist in preparation for the exam. This course will be delivered via online video conferencing. The instructor will provide participants with a conferencing link to join the class once enrolled. Requirements for the course are that participants must have broadband access, a camera and sound. The test is based on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s newest edition of “The Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice,” which is available only at http://www.sos.la.gov
or call (225) 922-0507 for further information.
NONE
At this time, E Carroll Street is closed to through traffic due to multiple emergency situations. All through traffic is being diverted to Cut Off Road.
RRPJ will update when more information is available. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.
Matt Vines
MARKSVILLE – The Red River girls basketball team has been in a lot of situations this season.
One situation it experienced for the first time Thursday’s first round playoff game – overtime.
The No. 18 seed Lady Bulldogs couldn’t muster enough big plays in a 49-46 loss at No. 15 Marksville as Red River’s season came to an end on the road.
“Marksville played well, and we missed some opportunities that hurt us,” said Red River coach Kim Burton. “Whether it was turnovers, missed free throws or not executing in key moments, those little things added up.
“But I’m proud of the way this team competed.”
The Lady Bulldogs put themselves in position in both regulation and overtime, but Burton said her squad “just couldn’t close it out.”
Marksville (13-15) will head to No. 2 Oak Grove in the second round.
Red River (11-17) put together a slate of its most quality wins this season in the Burton era, which completed its fourth season.
The Lady Bulldogs were in the hunt for a district title after wins against Many and Winnfield in the first half of district play, but Mansfield swept Red River (including a 34-30 nailbiter) to win the district crown.
Red River will miss its three seniors — Areonia Banks, Angel Lemons and Tiyonna Drakes – but Burton said the program took a step toward laying a solid foundation this season.
“It’s tough to see it end this way, but there’s a lot to be proud of,” Burton said. “We made real progress this season, and these players set a new standard for what we expect moving forward.
“The growth we showed – both as a team and as a program – gives us a lot to build on. We’ve got a strong foundation now, and we’re going to keep working to take that next step.”
Matt Vines
Red River boys geared up for rematch with Lakeview to end regular season
COUSHATTA – The stage is set.
The Red River boys basketball program has played in a number of emotionally-charged games against rivals this regular season, one that will end Saturday with a home game against Lakeview at 2 p.m.
The Bulldogs (23-5) enter with a No. 2 ranking in the Division III Non-Select power rankings, and a win could possibly open the door for Red River (39.93) to take the top spot from Madison (40.35).
But more importantly than the seeding in the upcoming playoffs, Red River wants to build momentum in what will be a championship game atmosphere at the Dawg Pound.
“This game is extremely fun for both communities no matter the outcome on either side,” said Red River coach Dadrian Harris. “There’s a lot of hype behind the Lakeview game, and I’m sure it’ll live up to the expectation.
“As a team, we love playing in a game of this magnitude.”
Red River won the first meeting in a 50-39 victory at home, and Lakeview (24-4) hasn’t loss since, winning the previous games almost all by double digits.
The Gators are likely locked into the No. 3 seed in Division IV Non-Select as they aim to return to the championship game.
Red River is seeking a second straight appearance in its championship game as well, and what better way to prepare for the playoffs a test against another champion-level program?
“Lakeview will always be a tough game, simply because of the rivalry factor,” Harris said. “I feel great about where we are, and we’re playing good basketball.
“We defeated them the first time, so they’ll come out very strong. We need to withstand their initial onslaught, and then we’ll be fine.”
Red River has been getting tastes of championship-level basketball throughout this season, most recently in a Feb. 15 matchup against Calvary Baptist (No. 1 in Division III Select) on a neutral floor.
The Cavaliers won the back-and-forth affair, 59-54, but Harris knows games like that prepare his squad for another push at a championship appearance.
“We missed a few shots that we usually make at the end, and Calvary capitalized on those missed opportunities in transition,” Harris said. “Calvary made their free-throws at the end when we had to foul, so they protected the lead.
“A game like Calvary prepared us to play every possession like our last. It felt like a championship game for sure. We knew approaching that game, it’d be a battle. It’s exactly what we needed before entering the playoff journey.”
The Lakeview matchup will provide the same feeling.
If you don’t have a ticket yet, you’re likely out of luck as tickets won’t be sold at the door. But call the Red River High front office (318-932-4913) to see if there are any tickets available. Only a few were left on Thursday morning.
Riverdale angler Colton Caskey appears in February’s Louisiana Sportsman Magazine
Pick up a copy of February’s Louisiana Sportsman Magazine, and you’ll see a feature story on Riverdale Academy angler Colton Caskey.
The senior talks about his roots as a fisherman and how he’s turned his focus to the water as he’s matured.
He’s signed with LSU Shreveport Fishing, the No. 3-ranked program in the latest Major League Fishing standings.
Caskey finished 15th in the latest Louisiana High School Bass Fishing event on Toledo Bend earlier this month.
Red River baseball off to 2-2 start
Red River baseball got back into the win column with a 4-1 victory at Converse on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs (2-2) won their opener 8-1 against Zwolle but suffered losses of 15-1 (Weston) and 4-1 (Florien) over the weekend.
Red River is back in action Tuesday at Captain Shreve to wrap up February competition.
Riverdale baseball loses first three
The Riverdale Academy baseball team is still looking for its first run of the season after three losses.
The Rebels dropped decisions of 16-0 and 10-0 to River Oaks and 12-0 to Waskom in the opening two weeks.
Riverdale opens their home schedule Saturday against Prairie View Academy and River Oaks starting at 11 a.m.
After much soul searching and really being appreciative of the life I’ve had, I thought it would be a good time ask the question — “what if?” With today’s article I’ll throw out a few scenarios as to what might have been “if” certain things had not happened in my life.
First, what if my real mom and dad would have stayed together and never divorced? For sure my brother (Mike Comer) and I would have grown up together and probably would have been lifelong buds who both shared a passion for sports and fishing. Mike would have been a brother who could have led the way for me and given me direction. I would also have had a relationship with my real dad, who I never met, which is something every boy wants and needs.
What if my aunt and uncle never came to my rescue during my early struggles in school and life itself? I’m pretty sure I would have ended up in some juvenile detention center. At some point, I would have gotten caught sneaking into people’s houses, which over time, I’m sure would have lit my fuse for theft of items other than food.
What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas? I would have missed out on being raised on a ranch and the lessons I learned from that experience. I would have never met my best friend growing up, Kevin Owsley, who I still miss today. I would have not had guidance from some of the best coaches and teachers a young boy could want.
I would have missed out on all the camping trips to Daingerfield State Park with my buddy Kevin. I would have missed out on the awesome summers of playing baseball and going to Park Recreation with coach Sam Parker.
What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant? I would have missed the best four years of my life at MPHS! What a great place to go to high school, a place with so much school spirit and pride, a school with the best sounding band from Tiger Land and an athletic program second to none. So much I would have missed out on, like being a member of a state championship baseball team.
What if I had chosen to go to a different college other than Northwestern State? Would I have met the love of my life and raised three awesome kids in a family-oriented community like Natchitoches? Would I have had the same success at another university? Would I have gotten the opportunity to play professional baseball?
What if I had never taken up tournament bass fishing? Well, with regards to this question, I would definitely have more money in the bank and I would have missed out on so many of the friends I’ve made through tournament fishing, friends for life and people I can count in a time of need!
What if I had never started the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show, which has become one of the best outdoor programs on radio. The people I have met through this program during 18 years is endless. The two co-hosts that I share a mic with each week, Mike Echols and Gary McCoy, have given me so much more pleasure and happiness than any one man deserves.
Gary and Mike, with their wit, humor, and outdoor expertise, make it worth my drive to Shreveport each week. Love these two more than you can imagine! Hook’N Up & Track’N Down would not be the same without them.
We can “what if” our lives all we want, but what’s important is that we don’t look back at what might have been, but look forward and be proud of the life we have led.
So, I think it’s obvious my life has been full of joy, sadness, disappointment and success which I guess can be summed up as a journey. Everyone has a journey with some having more than their fair share of ups and downs, but that’s what life is all about — the journey. It’s like one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That’s exactly what mine has been — a wonderful life!
‘Til next week, see you at the boat ramp! Good luck, good fishing and if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook! If you see me on a lake near you, make sure to stop and say hello.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
The decision that sparked a movement.
Mamie Till-Mobley made a decision to open the funeral (and the casket) of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till, a Chicago boy who was brutally murdered while visiting family in rural Mississippi in 1955.
Till allegedly whistled at a young white woman who ran the shop that he and relatives entered in Money, Miss. That led to the woman’s husband and a friend to track Till down several days later, beating him in a barn before shooting him and sinking his body in the Tallahatchie River.
Her son’s murder, and her decision to “want the world to see,” was a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement to follow.
Mamie Till-Mobley and playwright David Barr III co-wrote the play “The Face of Emmett Till,” which will be featured Feb. 26 at the LSUS Theatre at 10 a.m.
“The play tells the story of Emmett Till and the aftermath, maybe with a different angle of appreciating the facts than what’s in most history books,” said Dr. Kenna Franklin, assistant professor and associate vice provost for community engagement. “What I want students to walk away with was that Emmett Till was 14 years old, and he had nothing beyond that.
“These students have everything in front of them. (Till) has sponsored your ability to dream big, and I hope they do dream big.”
No ticket cost is associated for the play, which is directed by Shreveport resident Vincent Williams and casts local actors. The community is invited to attend. The LSUS Office of Community Engagement is sponsoring the performance.
Local high school students from across Caddo Parish will be in attendance to learn about Till’s impact. A luncheon after the play will be provided for those students, who will discuss the play as well as topics surrounding attending college.
Shreveport native Tyhlar Holliway will present her book “Navigating the Maze: The High Schooler’s Roadmap to College Readiness” to identify and remove possible roadblocks to college education.
Two months after Till’s death in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Ala., which set off the 13-month Montgomery Bus Boycott to protest racial segregation on public buses.
Parks said Till was a factor in her decision, and that boycott started the rise of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King.
The year 2025 is 70 years since Till’s death, and the play debuted in 2005 for the 50th anniversary.
Franklin said not only is the play meant to educate this generation about a foundational event that led to the Civil Rights Movement, it’s about inspiring young people to take positive steps in their own lives.
“I want this opportunity to challenge them to dream their best life — what that would look like,” Franklin said. “I hope this helps them take stock of where they are and who they are.
“Hopefully higher education is the next step they take. I want to assure them that LSUS represents a place that can take them from where they are to where they need to be professionally. Opportunity and access exist right here.”
For more information about the event, contact The Office of Community Engagement at LSUS at 318-797-5084.
Photos courtesy of the LSUS Office of Community Engagement
Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Grab a teammate and raise funds for CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with light refreshments and table selection on a first come, first serve basis. Each team receives the same 500-piece puzzle, but no one sees it until the competition begins at 2pm. Prizes will be given to the team that finishes the puzzle first! Second and Third place finishers will also be awarded.
The competition will begin promptly at 2pm. It will be held at CHRISTUS Highland West Wing Conference Center, 1453 E. Bert Kouns, in Shreveport.
Funds will benefit miracles at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier through funds designated to the neonatal intensive care unit, The Birth Place; CHRISTUS Kids Clinics in Shreveport and Coushatta; emergency departments in Shreveport, Bossier, and Coushatta; and CHRISTUS Swim.
Registration and sponsorship information: christusfoundationshreveportbo
For those who cannot attend but wish to donate, please visit
https://
To commemorate Black History Month, Northwestern State University’s Black Studies program along with the department of Social Sciences and Applied Programs, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training and Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity invite the public to an enlightening conversation that celebrates the enduring legacies of Freedom Colonies and Rosenwald Schools, both cornerstones of resilience, community and education in Black culture.
Exploring Legacy: Freedom Colonies and Rosenwald Schools in Black History will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the Lucile M. Hendrick Room on the first floor of the at the NSU Student Union.
This event will include presentations and a panel discussion including Dr. George Avery, Cultural Heritage coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University; Jason Church, chief of Technical Services at NCPTT; Dr. Kenetha Harrington, founder of the Central Louisiana African American Historical Society, and Archie Rison guider of research on Freedom Colonies in the South.
Freedom Colonies are communities founded by formerly enslaved African Americans after the American Civil War. These towns and cities are pillars in the Black community because they became safe places for African Americans needed at that time.
Dr. Avery states, “it’s important to identify the various components of these sites—the cemeteries, churches, stores, houses, Masonic Lodges, etc., to allow a greater understanding of the culture at the time.”
Research on Rosenwald Schools is one of the many projects Church has taken on. Rosenwald Schools, built by the Rosenwald Foundation, include thousands of schools for Black students across the American South. The Rosenwald Foundation was created by Julius Rosenwald, a Chicago businessman who led Sears, Roebuck and Co. to dominate the retail industry in the first half of the 20th century.
This event will delve into the transformative stories of these historical landmarks, highlighting their role in fostering empowerment, preserving culture and creating opportunities for growth in the face of systemic challenges. Through artifacts, narratives and dialogue, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these institutions shaped Black history and continue to inspire today.
“Both Freedom Colonies and Rosenwald Schools are not just historical landmarks,” according to Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Black Studies and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity. “They are testaments to the resilience and determination of Black communities. By exploring these stories, we honor the past and draw inspiration for the future.
“Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, student or simply passionate about Black heritage, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the rich tapestry of Black history. Together, we’ll celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of Black communities and explore how these legacies can inform our efforts moving forward,” Wise added.
For more information, contact Wise at wisej@nsula.edu.
On January 30, 1882, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family at Hyde Park, New York. In 1887, when Franklin was just five years old, his father took him to meet President Grover Cleveland. During the meeting, Grover looked down at little Franklin and said in a disgruntled voice, “My little man, I am making a strange wish for you. It is that you may never be President of the United States.” Grover Cleveland’s wish did not come true. Franklin Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States. He is the only U.S. president in history to serve more than two terms. Most of us associate Franklin as being wheelchair bound because of polio, but as a young man Franklin competed in sports such as polo, tennis, golf, and sailing. In 1900, Franklin entered Harvard College where he participated in various sports.
On October 14, 1890, David Dwight Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. Shortly after his birth, Dwight’s mother reversed his first and middle names to avoid him being confused with his father who was also named David. In high school, Dwight excelled in his coursework and in sports. Dwight was such a good student and athlete that he earned an appointment at the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point. As he had done in high school, Dwight excelled in the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt selected him as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In 1953, Dwight began his tenure as the 34th President of the United States.
On February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born in an apartment in Tampico, Illinois. At Dixon High School, Reagan was mostly interested in drama and football. In 1928, Reagan worked his way through Eureka College as a lifeguard. Reagan played on the college football team and acted in school plays. After college, he worked as a sports announcer until a screen test enabled him to become a Hollywood actor. He became president of the Screen Actors Guild, and then governor of California. In January 1981, he became the 40th President of the United States. His vice-president was George Herbert Walker Bush.
On July 6, 1946, while attending Yale, George and Barbara Bush had a son whom they named George Walker Bush. George W. participated in sports in high school and attended Phillips Academy before transferring to his father’s alma mater, Yale. George W. played on the college rugby team. In January 2001, he became the 43rd President of the United States.
The aforementioned Presidents of the United States certainly loved sports, especially in college. During their college years, each of them participated in a sport which until 1923 was only available to men. During World War II, women were accepted in the sport only because of the large number of collegiate men who were being drafted into the military. Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush were all college cheerleaders.
Sources:
1. “Franklin D. Roosevelt,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.
2. “Dwight D. Eisenhower,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.
3. “Ronald Reagan,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.whitehousehistory.
5. “A New Deal,” Thirteen PBS, accessed February 16, 2025, https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/
The Umbrella Foundation is offering tutoring in March for grades K-5 in all subjects. Sessions are free and last from 5-6pm. Dates: March 3, 10, 17 & 24. For more information, contact Tarfarire Johnson 318.771.2376, Lessonna Clark 318.663.1202 or Yashica Turner 318.663.9397.
The Northwestern State University Saxophone Studio will host its annual SaxFest Feb. 23-24. The featured guest artists will be the Iridium Quartet, who will hold masterclasses and a guest recital on Sunday, Feb. 23 from noon until 5 p.m. and perform with the NSU Wind Symphony on Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Both events will be in Magale Recital Hall.
There will be a Cajun Cookoff for Lydia on Saturday, March 29from 11am until 7pm at the Natchitoches Fair Grounds. It will be a day filled with mouth-watering food and family-friendly activities all for a great cause. Your participation helps fund research to find a treatment or cure for children with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Sanfilippo Syndrome is a terminal, neurodegenerative disease that causes children to lose all the skills they’ve gained. These children suffer seizures and movement disorders, experience pain and suffering, and then die in their teens. Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment or cure.
Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe, located in Pineville, as one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year. The list was released earlier this month. Customers can enjoy Creole Cajun French-style creations made by Executive Chef and Owner John Valenzuela. The menu features selections of pasta, seafood, and steaks, along with traditional Creole Cajun staples.
Shelly Nanekka Babers – Wilbert
December 31, 1981 – February 16, 2025
Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 22,2025 at 1pm at Springville B.C. in Coushatta.
Matt Vines
COUSHATTA – Intensity with discipline.
When the Red River girls basketball team ratchets up its defensive pressure and plays with discipline, the Lady Bulldogs have shown to be formidable.
They’ll need those attributes when No. 18 Red River (11-16) heads down to No. 15 Marksville (12-15) in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs on Thursday at 6 p.m.
“The key for us will be staying disciplined on both ends of the floor,” said Kim Burton, who is in her fourth season at the helm after replacing longtime coach Jamie Antilley, whom Burton played under at Red River. “Defensively, we have to communicate well, limit second-chance points, and control the tempo,
“Offensively, we have to overemphasize taking care of the ball, and knock down open shots when we get them. Rebounding and staying out of foul trouble is going to be huge for us.”
The Lady Bulldogs have been in line for a home playoff game for much of the season, but a late four-game losing streak pushed Red River out of the top 16 and down to No. 18.
Two of those losses came to No. 14 Many and No. 28 Winnfield, teams that Red River had beaten in the first round of district play.
But when Red River is locked in, like they were in a competitive 34-30 loss to No. 9 seed Mansfield, the Lady Bulldogs can compete with the best in the division.
“We showed that in wins against Many and Winnfield and that close loss to district champion Mansfield,” Burton said. “When we’re at our best, we’re playing with energy, sharing the basketball, and staying aggressive on defense.
“Our girls never back down, and when we trust each other and stay focused, we’re a tough team to beat.”
That trust has been developed between Burton and her three-member senior class – Areonia Banks, Angel Lemons and Tiyonna Drakes, two of which have been with Burton from the beginning.
“We have a junior that’s been here as long as I have as well and is a key contributor, too,” Burton said.
“Over the last few games, they’ve all made significant contributions, including an impressive performance on Senior Night in a win against Lakeside.
“Our sophomore is young but deep, bringing relentless determination every time they step on the court. Our freshmen are still learning, but when their numbers are called, they rise to the challenge without hesitation.”
Red River is looking for its first playoff win since 2021, but the program is in its best position to do so this year after missing the postseason in 2022 and 2024 with a No. 28 seed and a first-round loss in 2023.
Marksville also had a late-season slide as they lost four of their last five contests. But they are no strangers to competition in a district with Jena and Buckeye.
Red River will want to lean on its strengths as they attempt to engineer a playoff road victory.
“Our defense and intensity is our biggest strengths,” Burton said. “When we’re at our best, we’re creating turnovers, pushing the pace, and making things difficult for our opponents.
“We pride ourselves on playing hard every possession and being relentless on both ends of the floor.”
A domestic disturbance recently led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man on domestic abuse charges, firearms, and failing to register as a sex offender in Red River and Natchitoches Parishes according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The investigation began on Feb. 6 when NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to NATCOM 911 reports of a disturbance in the 100 block of Renee Street in Natchitoches. Deputies arrived on scene, hearing what appeared to be an active disturbance involving a male and female.
Deputies approached and knocked on the door of the residence. A short while later, a female opened the door, a male identified as 37-year-old Adrian Moore of Natchitoches began walking towards the door. Deputies then separated and asked Moore to step outside. While speaking with Moore, he informed deputies that he and the female had been involved in a verbal argument in front of the female’s children.
Back-up deputies spoke with the female.
During the investigative stages of the call, deputies learned through undisclosed sources that Moore allegedly pointed a firearm at the female.
Deputies say while speaking with the female victim inside the residence, they observed what appeared to be a .223 caliber bullet round and a small amount of suspected marijuana in plain view.
Deputies then learned through a National Crime Information Center criminal history background check that Moore was a convicted felon having been convicted of Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile in 2008 and 2nd Degree Battery in 2015, both, in Red River Parish.
Deputies contacted the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau Sex Offender Coordinator requesting assistance. Detectives made contact with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Coordinator who confirmed that Moore had failed to register as a sex offender in Red River Parish and also failed to register as a sex offender in Natchitoches Parish.
The investigation progressed. NPSO Detectives learned Moore had been renting the residence for approximately 2 years. Detectives then applied for and obtained a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge to search the residence for any evidence pertinent to the investigation.
The location of the search warrant was featured on the NPSO social media page. During a search of the residence, detectives discovered and seized an American Tactical .223 caliber AR type pistol with a loaded high-capacity drum magazine hidden inside the HVAC closet and a High Point .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, counterfeit vehicle temporary license plates, counterfeit currency and ammunition.
Moore being a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing firearms.
As a result of the investigation and based on sufficient evidence and probable cause including the seizure of evidence during the search warrant, Moore was placed under arrest without incident.
Adrian D. Moore, 37, of Natchitoches was transported and booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault-Child Endangerment, 2-Counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies, and 2-Counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Moore remains in LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center with a hold from Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation continues to be active and ongoing. Detectives reported the victim said, “I was scared and didn’t want the suspect to get in big trouble because me and my children wouldn’t have any place to go.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reaching out to law enforcement can be a crucial step to safety. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 911. You’re not alone, and help is available. If you have any information contact Detective Major J. Byles, or Detective Cpt. G. Sers at 318-357-7830.
Matt Vines
JACKSON, Miss – By the time Riverdale Academy got its bearings in the first round of the MAIS overall state tournament Monday, Presbyterian Christian held an insurmountable lead at Mississippi College.
The Lady Panthers built a 30-point halftime lead en route to a 60-32 win against the Riverdale girls basketball team.
Riverdale (32-7), the third-place team in the Class 2A tournament, had a tough draw in the opening round with the Class 6A runner-ups.
PCS (22-11) used its size and speed to force 22 turnovers, which led to PCS transition buckets.
“(Monday) was a struggle,” Riverdale coach Trey Pittman said. “PCS was bigger, stronger and faster.
“They also shot the ball extremely well.”
Those 22 turnovers nearly matched Riverdale’s total shot attempts (25), although Riverdale did take more free throws (12-16) than PCS (8-13).
The Lady Panthers scored the game’s first nine points using a half-court trapping defense, a system that served PCS well throughout the game.
Freshman Kaleigh Pickett scored Riverdale’s first bucket midway through the first quarter to cut PCS’s lead to 9-2. But the Lady Panthers scored 11 of the next 12 points to build an early 21-3 edge.
Pickett led Riverdale with nine points on 4-6 shooting.
Senior Jadyn King chipped in eight points on 3-4 shooting.
PCS’s Jules Sherer and Kimora Randle each scored 16 points to lead a Lady Panthers squad that shot nearly 48 percent from the field.
Riverdale did win the second half 18-16, but the Lady Rebels could never chip far into PCS’s large first-half lead.
Riverdale was playing in its first overall state tournament since 2020, reaching this stage after an undefeated district season and a Class 2A South Region title that was part of a 24-game winning streak.
The Lady Rebels have just two seniors on this year’s team – King and Kacie Harper.
That means the vast majority of Riverdale players, including four starters, will return next season. Class 2A all-tournament performers Mary Claire Jones and Makayla Pickett are among the returners.
“We will be the favorites in our classification next year,” Pittman said. “We had a great year and achieved all of our goals except last week (not winning the Class 2A state title).
“I am blessed to have been their coach. They are a great group of young ladies on and off the court.
Monday afternoon, at approximately 1:35pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau and Campti Police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle with no license plate abandoned behind a shed in the 100 block of Front Street in Campti according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Units arrived in the area and began to look for the vehicle, discovering the silver, 2021 Nissan passenger car with right front end damage abandoned behind a shed.
No visible license plates were observed on the vehicle.
Deputies then retrieved the vehicle identification number and ran it through the National Crime Information Center learning it had been reported stolen to the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office on February 14, 2025.
NPSO Communications confirmed the vehicle stolen with Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.
A Red River Parish Sheriff’s Detective responded to the scene for processing along with a towing service which towed the vehicle to an undisclosed location for investigative purposes.
If you have recently recognized and observed anyone driving the vehicle in the Campti area, please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.
Deputy T. Miller II and Campti Police were involved in the recovery.
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