Matt Vines

Red River track advances 11 individuals, five relays to regionals
The Red River boys and girls track teams won four events in this week’s District 3-2A track and field championships.

Overall, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs advanced individuals in 11 events and five relay teams to the upcoming regional track meet.

Logan Mims was a key focal point, winning the 800 and 1600 meters while running the third leg of the winning 4×800 relay.

Mims led a relay that included Samuel Brunson, Shawn Giddings, and Emmanuel Scott.

Mims also participated in the third-place 4×400 relay, including Justin Taylor, Giddings, and Scott.
Khylee Winn captured Red River’s other event win by taking the high jump district crown.
Giddings excelled in the hurdles, placing third in the 110 and 300 hurdles.
Brunson took third in the 1600 meters.

Other third-place finishes included Adrina Jackson (third in the 100 meters), B’Nodrick Winn (third in the javelin), Cole Pierce (shot put), the girls 4×100 relay (third – Isis Anderson, Ahmauriyeh Demease, Jackson, Galeah Williams), and the girls 4×200 relay (Jackson, Winn, Jada Gary, Aniyah Jones).

Fourth-place finishes included Justin Taylor (400 meters), Cam Hobley (200 meters), and the girls 4×400 relay (Malia Allen, Jada Gary, N’Hayla Horton, Isis Anderson).

Top-four finishers advance to the regional track meet next week.

Pair of Riverdale throwers make state

Two Riverdale Academy throwers on the track and field team advanced to the MAIS state championships this week.
Makayla Pickett won the discus at the Class 2A meet with Kaleigh Pickett coming in sixth.
Julia Grace Riggs took silver in the shot put and will join Makayla Pickett at state.
Dally Bell placed fifth in the long jump.
Running events will be held Saturday.

Red River volleyball tryouts are happening this coming week
The Red River volleyball team aims to build off its program record of 10 wins, and the team is hosting open tryouts this week for its 2025 team.

The tryout will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at the high school gym from 3:30-5 p.m.
Tryouts are open to all Red River High female students, including incoming freshmen (current eighth-graders).

Appropriate workout shoes and clothes are required.
Tryouts are closed to all spectators, parents, and students who are not trying out.

Rebel baseball hosting alumni game
Do you still have athletic juice? Riverdale Academy is inviting alumni to its Alumni Game on June 7.

The entry fee is $30, and there is a separate $10 fee to participate in the home run derby.

For more information, visit the Riverdale Academy Rebel Club Facebook page.

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The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday its Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will resume collections of its defaulted federal student loan portfolio on Monday, May 5th. The Department has not collected on defaulted loans since March 2020. Resuming collections protects taxpayers from shouldering the cost of federal student loans that borrowers willingly undertook to finance their postsecondary education. This initiative will be paired with a comprehensive communications and outreach campaign to ensure borrowers understand how to return to repayment or get out of default. 

While Congress mandated that student and parent borrowers begin to repay their student loans in October 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration refused to lift the collections pause and kept borrowers in a confusing limbo. The previous Administration failed to process applications for borrowers who applied for income-driven repayment and continued to push misguided “on-ramps” and illegal loan forgiveness schemes to win points with borrowers and mask rising delinquency and default rates.  

“American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The Biden Administration misled borrowers: the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear. Hundreds of billions have already been transferred to taxpayers. Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment—both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation’s economic outlook.” 

Federal student loans are financed by the American people. Instead of protecting responsible taxpayers, the Biden-Harris Administration put them on the hook for irresponsible lending, pushing the federal student loan portfolio toward a fiscal cliff: 

• Today, 42.7 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student debt.
• More than 5 million borrowers have not made a monthly payment in over 360 days and sit in default—many for more than 7 years—and 4 million borrowers are in late-stage delinquency (91-180 days). As a result, there could be almost 10 million borrowers in default in a few months. When this happens, almost 25 percent of the federal student loan portfolio will be in default. 
• Only 38 percent of borrowers are in repayment and current on their student loans. Most of the remaining borrowers are either delinquent on their payments, in an interest-free forbearance, or in an interest-free deferment. A small percentage of borrowers are in a 6-month grace period or in-school. 
• Currently, almost 1.9 million borrowers have been unable to even begin repayment because of a processing pause put in place by the previous administration. Since August 2024, the Department has not processed applications for enrollment in any repayment plan such as Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, or PAYE. The Department is currently working with its federal student loan servicers and anticipates processing to begin next month. 

Involuntary Collections for Defaulted Borrowers 

FSA will restart the Treasury Offset Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, on Monday, May 5, 2025. All borrowers in default will receive email communications from FSA over the next 2 weeks making them aware of these developments and urging them to contact the Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation. Later this summer, FSA will send required notices beginning administrative wage garnishment. 

The Department will also authorize guaranty agencies that they may begin involuntary collections activities on loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. All FSA collection activities are required under the Higher Education Act and conducted only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans under the law.

Support for Current and Struggling Borrowers 

FSA is committed to keeping borrowers updated with clear information about their payment options to put them on a productive path toward repaying their federal student loans. Over the next two months, FSA will conduct a robust communications campaign to engage all borrowers on the importance of repayment. FSA will conduct outreach to borrowers through emails and social media reminding them of their obligations and providing resources and support to assist them in selecting the best repayment plan, like the new Loan Simulator, AI Assistant (Aiden), and extended servicers call times. FSA will also launch an enhanced Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) process, simplifying the time that it will take borrowers to enroll in IDR plans and eliminating the need for borrowers to recertify their income every year. More information will be posted on StudentAid.gov next week. 

FSA intends to enlist its partners – states, institutions of higher education, financial aid administrators, college access and success organizations, third-party servicers, and other stakeholders – to assist in this campaign to restore commonsense and fairness with the message: student and parent borrowers – not taxpayers – must repay their student loans. There will not be any mass loan forgiveness. Together, these actions will move the federal student loan portfolio back into repayment, which benefits borrowers and taxpayers alike. 

Detailed information to help borrowers get out of default is also available at StudentAid.gov/end-default.  

Source: US Dept of Education

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As a teenager, John “Duff” Lowe was a budding pianist. In February 1958, a friend of his from school knew of Duff’s playing ability and asked him to join his band. With little consideration, 15-year-old Duff agreed. Being in the band was tough on Duff. On Sunday afternoons, the band would rehearse for Saturday night gigs which were anything but frequent, and his bandmates lived on the other side of the city. Just to get to rehearsals, Duff, too young to drive himself, had to take two buses. Like the rehearsals, their sporadic bookings were usually across town as well. With his school schedule, Duff was unable to meet up with the band during the week.

On Saturday afternoon, July 12, 1958, five months after joining the band, Duff and his bandmates went to a shop owned by Percy Phillips. Percy sold a variety of consumer goods including electrical appliances, batteries, and bicycles from the front of the shop. In the back of his shop was a soundproof room where Percy had a small and simple recording studio. Bands paid a small fee to make a recording, and each song was recorded in a single take directly onto an acetate disc. On that hot July day, Duff and his bandmates went to Percy Phillips’s back-room studio and recorded two songs: “That’ll Be the Day,” a cover version of Buddy Holley’s 1956 hit song, and an original slow-paced doo-wop song called “In Spite of All the Danger.” Duff and his bandmates were proud of the record, but they could not afford to make duplicates. To solve the dilemma of who would keep the record, they decided that each band member would get to keep the record for a week, then he would pass it to another member. Duff was the last member in the rotation.

The band was, as the expression says, going nowhere fast. Duff tired of the long treks to and from rehearsals. He was also missing out on the camaraderie that the other band members were experiencing during the week. Two years after joining the band, Ricky Tomlinson, leader of another band called “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers,” heard about Duff’s abilities. With the lure of fame and fortune, and more importantly, less bus trips, Ricky convinced Duff to abandon his current band and to join his band. Have you ever heard of “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers?” They failed to become household names and only lasted a short time.

Duff became a successful stockbroker. In 1981, Duff was looking in his sock drawer when he found the old 10-inch acetate record that he and his original band had recorded at Percy Phillips’ studio 23 years earlier. We can only speculate as to Duff’s reaction to finding the recording which everyone thought was lost forever. Duff eventually sold the record to one of his former bandmates, Paul, and it is said to be the most valuable record in the world. That 10-inch acetate disc, recorded with Duff as a member of the Quarrymen, was the first recording of the band that became the Beatles.

Sources:

1. “John Duff Lowe – Piano,” The Original Quarrymen, accessed April 20, 2025, http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/html/duff.html.

2. “The Percy Phillips Studio Collection,” International Beatle Week, accessed April 20, 2025, https://www.internationalbeatleweek.com/special-events-percy-phillips/.

3. “The Quarrymen – That’ll Be The Day,” Youtube, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/R4_LMMKq8Hw?si=_xdGsglSsFxWO_yf.

4. “In Spite of All the Danger – The Quarrymen,” Youtube.com, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/RuuOAA9ekbg?si=qWnhgZc9v5EqIisZ.

5. The Daily Telegraph, August 18, 1981, p.8.

6. The Westmorland Gazette, September 7, 2017, p.M73.

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Bold priorities aim to save taxpayer money, ensure program stability, and improve health outcomes

The Louisiana Department of Health’s (LDH) new Secretary Bruce Greenstein announced three key initiatives on Monday to address the state’s most pressing healthcare challenges. These efforts also aim to ensure more stability in the programs the Department administers.

“Today, I hit the ground running. The Department has a great team in place that has started moving the needle for our state’s healthcare system. Our new initiatives will improve health outcomes while saving taxpayer money,” said Secretary Greenstein.

The three initiatives announced today make up a portion of the Department’s vision. The priorities include improving behavioral health, making the Louisiana Medicaid program more efficient, and doubling down to fight fraud, waste, and abuse while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security of patients’ and members’ information.

Fraud Waste and Abuse Task Force

The Fraud Waste and Abuse Task Force will initially target three key areas:

1. LDH/Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) data-sharing partnership: LDH and OMV launch a data-sharing partnership starting April 23 to help improve the accuracy of the Medicaid rolls. This will ensure that the state isn’t paying monthly premiums for individuals holding an active driver’s license in another state.
2. AI data project with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL): LDH is partnering with LA DOGE and ULL to utilize AI and data analytics to identify and address waste, abuse, and fraudulent practices within Louisiana Medicaid.
3. Enhanced collaboration between the LDH Program Integrity Unit and the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU): Enhanced collaboration with MFCU will increase LDH’s ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute fraudulent activity and maximize recoveries for the Medicaid program.

Reforming Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)

The Department announced a new approach to the pharmacy program in Louisiana Medicaid. This will move LDH away from the single PBM toward a program that brings patients and providers closer together.

This policy change reduces the impact of the middleman in the Louisiana Medicaid program. The Department will work closely with its frontline pharmacists and the managed care organizations (MCOs) to ensure the best approach to managing pharmacy benefits.

Continued closures of independent and chain pharmacies threaten patient access across Louisiana. As MCOs take on the responsibility of beneficiaries’ total healthcare, LDH will require them to operate a pharmacy program that ensures access, controls expenses, and safeguards the financial stability of the state’s Medicaid system.

Project M.O.M. (Maternal Overdose Mortality)

Recognizing the urgent crisis of accidental opioid overdose as the leading cause of pregnancy‑associated death, the Department is launching Project M.O.M., a statewide effort to reverse this trend across Louisiana. 

To better support mothers, Project M.O.M. will advocate for evidence-based opioid use disorder training for prescribers in hospitals and residency programs, increased availability of lifesaving medications like naloxone and buprenorphine in pharmacies, and the allocation of opioid settlement funds by local leaders to critical resources such as peer recovery coaching, residential treatment beds, and outpatient clinics.

Building on the success of Louisiana pilots that place the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone in mothers’ hands at discharge, boost universal substance-use screening in birthing hospitals, and link emergency department overdoses to rapid outpatient treatment, Project M.O.M. will scale those best practices across every region.

The initiative sets a bold target of cutting pregnancy‑associated opioid overdose deaths by 80% within three years. This will save the lives of an estimated 65 mothers annually and protect countless infants from loss or foster care placement. LDH will publish a detailed roadmap and appoint a program director within 30 days, convene hospital and community partners within 90 days to enhance data tracking, and align managed-care and hospital incentive payments over the next six months to support access to treatment.

“We don’t need a new drug to solve this crisis — Louisiana already has the tools. Project M.O.M. will focus our hospitals, pharmacies, and community leaders on one mission: keeping mothers alive and families intact,” said Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan.

By fixing the system for mothers affected by opioid use disorder, LDH can strengthen behavioral healthcare for all Louisianans.

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Are the “good ol’ days” of the Bassmaster Classic behind us? Has the Super Bowl of bass fishing lost its luster? Have we lost a generation of fans who refuse to watch a Bassmaster weigh-in? Has real time live coverage become a factor deterring people from wanting to attend the Classic weigh-in?  Here’s my perspective on whether it’s time to address some of the issues facing the Bassmaster organization. 
 
There was a time when the Bassmaster Classic was the event of the year in the world of professional bass fishing, and it still is but in a different manner. People around the world tune into this event as more and more top anglers continue to come across the pond and fish against the best anglers in the world.
 
For years, arenas were packed to the roof to watch a Classic weigh-in. Crowds up to 20,000 were so big, they had to turn away fans due to the limited capacity of the arena. It wasn’t just a weigh-in, it was a show! It was where celebrities showed up, including Presidents, to watch the best anglers in the world at the biggest event in the world of professional bass fishing. 
 
It was a sponsor’s exposure dream show with truck and boat wraps highlighting their company logos. Every Bassmaster Classic’s huge video board honored champions and the history of the sport. But the pinnacle of excitement was the drama of not knowing who would be leading at the end of the daily weigh-in.
 
Then what most thought was the greatest thing to happen to the sport of professional bass fishing, ESPN purchased B.A.S.S. (Bassmaster organization) and offered live daily coverage. This took the sport to another level, but it eliminated the suspense of the weigh-in because people already knew what each angler had based on the live coverage they watched all day.   
 
Even when the daily live TV coverage stopped, people switched over to the internet where live coverage continued up to one hour before the weigh-in. So, they (B.A.S.S.) once again eliminated the suspense and the drama that comes with a Classic weigh-in. 
 
Attendance is down for a lot of major sports across the country as live TV/internet coverage has allowed people to stay home and watch it from the comfort of their favorite chairs with their own supply of snacks that don’t cost a fortune. 
 
No longer do fans have to sit in long traffic jams or wade through thousands of people trying to enter a stadium. No longer are they willing to pay up to $50 for parking as host cities abuse and take advantage of people wanting to attend a Classic. It’s just easier to watch it from home!
 
So how can the Bassmaster organization fix this problem? First, if they are going to continue with live coverage, maybe move the weigh-ins back to the lake. Or they need to make sure the Expo show is at the same location as the Classic weigh-in so that fans don’t have to pay double parking to attend both.  
 
When it comes to live broadcasts, maybe they need to shorten the coverage so that fans don’t know exactly what the anglers have until they watch the weigh-in. 
 
If I remember right, the Classic weigh-in used to be delayed a few hours and aired at night. But with social media today, I’m not sure if that’s even possible. With respect to live coverage, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.  
 
The time has come for B.A.S.S. to re-evaluate the Bassmaster Classic and how it’s being covered. While live coverage has been a game changer for the sport of professional bass fishing, B.A.S.S. now has the task of trying to figure out what’s more important — people attending a Classic weigh-in or continuing with live up-to-the-minute TV and internet coverage.
 
‘Til next time, keep your hooks wet, fresh line on your reels and go fishing every chance you get.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The Riverdale Sophomore class will be waiting tables at The York Chop for tips May 1 from 5-8pm. These tips will go towards their class fundraising account. You do not have to dine in to leave a tip you can also tip at the pick up window. Cash tips are preferred.

The Village of Hall Summit shared on social media that the garbage dumpster at the Hall Summit RV Park is designated exclusively for the residents of the RV park. Those dumping garbage, that are not park residents, will face a fine. 

Graduate students of Fine and Graphic Art/Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will host an art exhibit in Orville Hanchey Gallery April 27-May 3. “The Art Attack of the Grad Students” will run all week with a reception at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Artists are Jonathan Tibbit of Winnsboro, Madeline Romero and Kyle Perkins of Ragley, Christina Rowland of Farmerville, Jude McCully of Pollock, Derek Sarvis of Haughton, Brendan Ritter of Natchitoches, Logan Boline of Florien and Virginia Berthelot of Denham Springs. Hanchey Gallery is located at 140 Central Avenue. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.

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Sherman Shelby Shaw
January 24, 1942 — April 20, 2025
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11am at First Methodist Church in Monroe.

Nanette Marie Crawford
March 25, 1964 — April 15, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11am at New Light B.C. in Hall Summit.

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TODAY is the day everyone’s been waiting for!! The Red River Parish Spring Fair opens today and runs through Saturday, April 26.

The Midway opens at 6pm today through Friday and 3pm on Saturday. Today, BOGO armbands $30. Thursday, armbands are $25 with 5 free food & game credits with purchase. Friday & Saturday armbands are $30.

Two new ticket specials were announced on social media earlier this week. 5 rides for $15 (plus online fees total $16.45) or Unlimited rides for $25 (total $26.75). Purchase them online here. 

Admission into the fair for adults is $3 and children (12 and under) $2. There will be no out passes. 

Public parking for the Red River Parish Spring Fair will be at Red River Elementary School, 1001 Ashland Road. See photo of public parking map here.

The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Coushatta Police Department will park cars and provide security.

Fair goers will use a road from RRES to the back of the Fairgrounds. There will be light plants along the way.

Only Walk-in, Handicap, and Authorized vehicles will use the entrance by Dairy Queen.

Make sure to support Red River Parish 4-H. The group will have several events including Kiss a Pig, Chicken Drop Bingo at the Fair, Agri-Fair Extravaganza and  4-H Pet Show.

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Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The Riverdale baseball season ended Tuesday with a home sweep at the hands of Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

The No. 2 seed Rams dispatched of the No. 3 seed Rebels in wins of 18-0 and 14-0 in the first round of the Class 2A South State tournament.

Riverdale ends its season at 3-15.

WCCA (11-10) advances to the second round to face No. 1 seed Briarfield Academy.

WCCA 18, Riverdale 0 (4 innings)
The Rams’ offense trickled in runs in the first three innings before an explosive 12-run fourth inning effectively put the contest out of reach.

WCCA started with three runs in which an Easton Buteaux two-RBI single powered the first inning.

A Wesley Sanchez RBI-single highlighted a two-run second inning as WCCA led 5-0.

WCCA’s third sacrifice fly of the game accounted for the lone run in the third inning and a 6-0 lead.

The Rams sent nine batters to the plate in the fourth inning before an out was recorded, setting the tone for the 12-run inning.

Highlights include two RBI singles from Jacob Sessions, Conner Graham and Beau Deville before a two-run triple from Sanchez.

All of the damage was done with one out recorded.

Riverdale put three baserunners on via walk – all in the third inning.

Tyler Wilhite led off with a walk before Zane Givens and Ben Moseley loaded the bases with walks and two outs.

But WCCA starter Tucker Freeman kept his clean sheet intact with a fly out, completing his three shutout innings with six strikeouts.

WCCA 14, Riverdale 0 (5 innings)
The Rams wasted no time in building a large lead as WCCA plated six runs in the first inning.

A Conner Graham two-run single was the linchpin of the inning.

Riverdale pitcher Cannon Breedlove navigated the second inning without trouble, but WCCA scored four runs in the third inning – all with two outs.

WCCA’s Tucker Freeman blasted a bases-loaded double to drive in three runs and increase the lead to 10-0.

Breedlove hung another zero in the fourth inning, but WCCA ended the game with four runs in the fifth.

Riverdale managed three baserunners on two walks and a Breedlove single. But WCCA starter Beau Deville induced a double play after Breedlove’s single to end the fourth-inning threat.

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Melrose, Louisiana – April 17, 2025 – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on May 3rd from 9 am to 5 pm, and May 4th from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2025. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite pottery, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, flashy fishing lures, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.

While exploring the diverse artistic displays, visitors can satisfy their culinary cravings at our carefully curated selection of local food vendors. Savor authentic wood-fired creations from Cane River Pizza Co., indulge in Girline’s beloved regional specialties, or enjoy delicious delights from Morrison Family Farms. These exceptional local purveyors ensure that your artistic journey is complemented by equally inspired flavors.

“Building on our proud legacy of showcasing regional talent, we’re excited to celebrate the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival,” said Leah Dunn, Executive Director. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration, ambient music, and the joy of supporting local artisans who continue our rich tradition of creativity, community, and craftsmanship.”

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, please visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2025

Media Contact: Leah Dunn, Email: EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com

About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 51 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

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Northwestern State University will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the College of Nursing and the 55thanniversary of the School of Allied Health with receptions in Shreveport and Alexandria in May.

A reception for alumni, healthcare and community partners and friends will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at the Shreveport campus, 1800 Line Avenue.

A similar event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Cenla campus, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Alexandria.

NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH) is the largest producer of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and radiologic technologists in Louisiana with 100 percent job placement across multiple programs. CONSAH currently enrolls more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students with instructional sites in Alexandria, Leesville, Natchitoches and Shreveport.

Northwestern State’s nursing program was developed in the 1940s when the Shreveport healthcare community realized the need for a collegiate-based nursing program. Five hospitals agreed to phase out their diploma programs opening the door for Northwestern State to create the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Seventy-seven students enrolled in the first cohort in the fall of 1949 and enrollment quickly grew. In 1972, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees were created with the MSN earning accreditation in 1979. Current NCLEX pass rates for BNS an ASN students is near 100 percent.

Noteworthy milestones for the College of Nursing include development of the online RN to BSN program, the paramedic/military medic to RN program, Nurse Practitioner program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The Nurse Anesthesia program and the baccalaureate program in sonography are the only such programs north of I-10.

As nursing degree offerings expanded, NSU implemented the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology, now the Radiologic Sciences degree program, in 1968. As that program’s degree offerings increased, the School of Allied Health (SAH) was created and joined the College of Nursing in 1994. The School of Allied Health offers a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree (MSRS), the only MSRS program in Louisiana and one of only a handful in the nation. SAH also houses the Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health, the first applied science degree in Louisiana, post-baccalaureate certificate programs in cardiovascular intervention and MRI and last year received approval for a Master of Science in Allied Health

The need for nurses and allied health professionals is at an all-time high. CONSAH has pursued grants to expand nursing and allied health pathways and prioritizes external partnership and funding sources. In 2022, NSU was awarded a significant grant to expand the programs that make it easier for paramedics, military medics and people with undergraduate science degrees to transition into nursing jobs and address the shrinking healthcare workforce in northwest and central Louisiana. NSU is partnering with nearly a dozen other healthcare organizations in the region to add more than 1,000 nurses to the workforce by 2032. Grants have also funded faculty positions, LPN to RN cohorts, Nurse Anesthesia Traineeships in rural and medically underserved areas and a new concentration in the Associate of Science in Nursing titled Allied Health to Associate of Science in Nursing (AH to ASN).

“CONSAH faculty are interprofessional collaborators committed to developing graduates who are resilient critical thinkers, compassionate and empathetic caregivers and healthcare professionals who demonstrate flexibility in handling challenges,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, interim dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “Faculty constantly strive to promote student success as well as their own academic pursuits, research, grant exploration and professional development.”

Information on degree programs offered through NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health is available at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/.

For more information on the May 1 anniversary celebration in Shreveport, contact Renee Downey at downeyr@nsula.edu. For more information on the May 8 anniversary celebration in Alexandria, contact Alicia Book at booka@nsula.edu.

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By Nolan McKendry Apr 18, 2025

(The Center Square) — The Louisiana Department of Health continues to struggle with a range of persistent financial and compliance issues, according to a new report released by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

Despite some progress, the agency has failed to resolve the majority of its prior audit findings — some of which have gone uncorrected for as long as seven years.

The audit, which reviewed the status of problems flagged in a March 2024 management letter, found that LDH had resolved only one issue: inadequate controls over and noncompliance with National Correct Coding Initiative requirements.

The remaining concerns — ranging from financial misreporting to Medicaid eligibility and provider oversight — remain unresolved and, in some cases, have worsened.

Among the most significant issues: LDH could not provide documentation to show that $248 million in Medicaid expenditures reported to the federal government had a matching state share as required. That shortfall led auditors to identify $168 million in federal questioned costs.

Additionally, the department failed to properly update federal cost-share percentages in state accounting systems for half the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 — resulting in another $87.6 million in questioned federal costs.

In response, LDH management admitted the reporting errors and attributed the failures to staffing shortages and insufficient training.

The department said it has hired a vendor to provide support and training for federal reporting requirements and has launched a broader staff development plan aimed at improving accuracy and compliance.

Other key findings include:

• For the seventh straight year, LDH failed to fully enroll and screen all Medicaid managed care and dental providers as required by federal law, leaving gaps in the accuracy and reliability of provider information.

• For the fourth consecutive year, the department lacked adequate financial controls and submitted inaccurate federal schedules used to track expenditures of federal awards.

• Payroll certification failures also persisted for a third year, with auditors finding LDH had not followed procedures for timesheet approvals or leave requests.

• Disproportionate Share Hospital payments exceeded the federally-allocated limit by $4.2 million due to inadequate reconciliation.

• Maternity kick payments — lump sum payments made to managed care organizations when a member becomes pregnant—remained noncompliant for the second straight year, increasing the risk of overpayments.

• Eligibility determinations for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program remained plagued by internal control issues for the fifth year in a row.

• Billing problems in behavioral health services continued into a sixth year, with auditors citing ongoing failures by LDH and its contractors, including Magellan Health Services, to prevent and detect improper claims.

• Home and community-based services under the state’s Medicaid waiver programs were also paid without adequate documentation for the second year in a row.

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By Emilee Calametti Apr 17, 2025

(The Center Square) — An overall analysis of reported crime in Shreveport shows that crime has decreased since 2021 despite a spike in homicides and shootings in 2023.

While there is still crime in Shreveport, it is occurring at a much slower pace than in previous years. Data analysis of monthly stats this year compared to the past five years showed an overall decline in many felony crimes. However, homicides and shootings did increase during 2023, but dropped shortly after.

“In law enforcement, there’s no such thing as a victory lap — because crime never truly stops. It may rise and fall, but our mission remains constant: The relentless pursuit of a safer Shreveport,” Corporal Chris Bordelon with the Shreveport Police Department told The Center Square.

Year-to-date crime reports provided to The Center Square by the Shreveport Police Department show that reported crime as of March 24 is significantly lower than last year. Felony crimes reported showed 101 sex crimes compared to 114 in 2024, 234 vehicle thefts compared to 315 in 2024, 14 robberies compared to 27 in 2024, 293 non-vehicle burglaries compared to 406 in 2024 and 226 vehicle burglaries compared to 285 in 2024.

When looking at the past five years, crimes are not only declining in the city, but the rise in crime from month to month is shrinking also.

January, February, and March showed an overall decrease since 2021. However, according to the reports, there was a spike in crime in 2023 when homicides and shootings were higher than usual for the city.

At the start of the year, there were three reported homicides as of Jan. 28 compared to nine in Jan. 2021. By March 2021, homicides has risen to 23 reported cases. This year, the city reported 10.

Homicides spiked in 2023, hitting a shocking 24 reported cases by March. Shootings also show the same trend, with 53 reported as of March 24 this year compared to 102 in 2021. Reported shootings drastically increased in 2023, with 93 reported shootings as of March that year.

While homicides and shootings spiked in 2023, reported cases are lower than in 2021. Each month this year, reported year-to-date felony crime has been lower than the previous year.

Shots-fired calls have also drastically decreased over the last five years. The department reported 1,161 as of March 2021, and it has continuously trended down since, with only 490 this year.

Bordelon told The Center Square the department’s success can be attributed to five things: Dedicated patrol officers, exceptional investigators, a supportive community, innovative technology and support from leadership. 

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The other day, I found myself at Lowe’s in Bossier City—a trip born out of necessity. I needed a widget for my thingamabob. The parking lot was packed, and I squeezed my truck into a tight spot. As I made my way toward the entrance, something caught my eye: a man on a Harley rolled up and parked his bike between rows of ferns and porch-hanging potted plants. It was an unusual sight, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Lowe’s, on a weekday, is primarily a sea of trucks—around 85% of the vehicles, I’d say. The remaining 15%? Cars parked near the garden center, their drivers on missions to buy potted plants for their porches. But a Harley? That was new. Sure, it’s a valid mode of transportation, but Lowe’s is a place for buying, not just browsing, and most of what you buy there needs a truck to haul away. I couldn’t help but wonder: How does one transport 2x4s on the back of a motorcycle? Fold sheetrock to fit into saddle bags? Maybe he was on a simpler errand—collecting paint swatches or flooring samples to tuck into his leather jacket.

Harley riders surely shop at Lowe’s, but in all my years, I’d never seen one parked out front. He was the real deal, too. We entered together, and his look screamed “biker dude”—head-to-toe leather, long hair, a beard, and a bandana under his helmet. I couldn’t resist speculating about his purpose: Was he signing a contract for a remodeling project? Parting with some hard-earned cash? I should’ve stuck around to see what he bought. This unexpected encounter sparked the idea for an article—something light, maybe even nonsensical.

Speaking of nonsensical, Sunday is shaping up to be that kind of day for ministers in the pulpit. Last week, we pulled out all the stops for Easter—Cantatas, extra services on Friday, sunrise sermons, and packed pews. Easter is a big deal, attracting what we fondly call the “C and E crowd”—those who show up for Christmas and Easter. I’m grateful for their presence twice a year! Lately, there’s talk of a third letter—“M”—for Mother’s Day, which seems to bring some of them back.

But this Sunday? It’s what we call “Low Sunday.” Attendance on the Sundays following Easter and Christmas tends to dip dramatically. The Easter crowd resumes their usual schedule, and many regulars take the day off. It’s a puzzling phenomenon I’ve observed over the years. If we’re doing our jobs—proclaiming the good news that “He is risen”—shouldn’t that message inspire people to return the next Sunday to hear how the story unfolds?

Perhaps our preaching needs to better translate the miracle of the empty tomb into hearts filled with Jesus. This Sunday, I’ll look out and see lots of empty spaces, I’ll be wondering: Where did all the Easter people go?

Maybe, just maybe, they rode their Harleys to Lowe’s.

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Are you a mom. grandmom, sister or caregiver to a child with special needs? If you answered yes, then you should join Might Moms for a Fiesta & Paint Party April 25 at 6pm at Westside Baptist Church FLC Building in Natchitoches.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry is April 25 from 5-7pm. Grand Cane Baptist will host. The $15 dinner includes All You Can Eat fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon breadpudding, homemade ice cream and a drink. Kids (10-17) only $10. Kids 9 & under are FREE. A Farewell Reception honoring Ron and Lori Thompson will also be held.

Red River Parish Schools will host Spring STEAM Camp Saturday, April 26 from 9am until 2pm at the Red River High School Vocational Building. Lunch will be provided. For more information contact Dr. Diane Newton at 318.271.3142. Students attending will receive a STEM.

111 miles of bargains. 2 days. Endless treasures. Sale on the Trail is slated for May 2 & 3 from Natchitoches to Nacogdoches. Find unique items, great deals and enjoy a scenic shopping adventure.

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will be held Saturday, June 7 in Downtown Ruston. Discover the homegrown flavors, art, music, and culture of Ruston. This free fest will feature over 12 hours of live music, a juried arts market, food vendors, kids’ activities, and more peachy fun.

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Preston “Jr.” Hays
June 7, 1935 — April 20, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2pm at Crossroads Baptist Church in Marthaville.

George W Martin
August 31, 1946 – April 20, 2025
Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11am at Social Springs Cemetery in Hall Summit.

Nanette Marie Crawford
March 25, 1964 – April 15, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11am at New Light B.C. in Hall Summit.

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Matt Vines

Riverdale baseball heads into Class 2A South tournament this week
The Riverdale Academy baseball team earned a No. 3 seed in this week’s Class 2A South tournament and will play No. 2 seed Wilkinson County Christian on Tuesday.

The Rebels will play a doubleheader Tuesday to begin a best-of-three series with an if-necessary game later in the week.

The Rebels (3-12) earned a No. 3 seed based on its sweep of Union Christian Academy this season.

The series winner will play No. 1 seed Briarfield Academy next week with the winner of that matchup playing for the 2A South state championship in the first week of May.

Riverdale’s Riggs wins district title as track team floods podium
Riverdale Academy’s Julia Riggs captured the District 4-2A title in the shot put to lead a cadre of Rebels and Lady Rebels to qualify for the Class 2A South state championships in the MAIS.

Riggs led Riverdale’s group of 12 individual South State qualifiers and six relay teams to advance on the boys and girls track teams.

The Lady Rebels qualified two more throwers with Makayla Pickett (second) and Kaleigh Pickett (third) in the discus.

Dally Bell pushed through in three individual events with a second-place showing in the 800 meters and third-place finishes in the long jump and the 100 meters.

Alaina Boyd advanced in the 300-meter hurdles with a second-place finish.

Zane Givens placed second in the 200 meters and third in the 100 meters.

Kandyn Nettles took second in the 400 meters and third in the 800 meters.

Abbi Jowers advanced in the 400 meters.

Riverdale advanced six relay teams, including the boys (second) and girls (third) 4X200 relay, the boys (third) and girls (third) 4X100 relay, and the boys (third) and girls (second) 4X400 relay.

Rebel baseball hosting alumni game
Do you still have athletic juice left? Riverdale Academy is inviting alumni to participate in its Alumni Game on June 7.

The entry fee is $30, with a separate $10 fee to participate in the home run derby.

For more information, visit the Riverdale Academy Rebel Club Facebook page.

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The Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street, will host a Community Health Fair Thursday, May 15 from 8:30am-12pm.

The following vendors are participating:
Home Health, Resource Center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, Medical Technology, Rehab Centers, Hospice, LaChip, Acadian On Call, and Blood Sugar Checks.

CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare will provide the following services for a nominal fee:

• Lipid Profile $10
  includes: Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL Cholesterol and LDL Direct Cholesterol
• Comprehensive Profile (CMP) $10
  includes: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2, BUN, Creatinine, Glucose, Total Bilirubin, AST/SGOT, ALT/SCPT, Total Protein, Albumin, ALKP, Calcium
• TSH and CBC $5 each
• HGB A1C will be provided free of charge by the MLK Health Center and Pharmacy/BHP Heart Program

Come by and get your blood pressure, weight, height, and blood sugar checked.

Door Prizes will be given away.

Vendors are welcome! Contact Kristy Jones to participate at 318.932.5721.

Paid Content

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The best season in the history of Red River softball has come to an end.

The No. 15 seed Lady Bulldogs couldn’t escape big innings from No. 18 Pine as Red River fell 12-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

Red River, who was looking for its first-ever playoff win, ends the season with a 20-8 record. It’s just the second home playoff game in the program’s history.

The Lady Bulldogs avoided trouble in the first inning when pitcher Madie Baxley popped up a Pine hitter with the bases loaded.

But with a pair of runners in scoring position in the second inning, Pine wouldn’t miss again.

Sumrall doubled in two runs to grab an early 2-0 lead.

Red River’s Darcey Bohannon started the second inning with a single, but Pine pitcher Bella Crain retired the next three batters, including two strikeouts.

The third inning started well for Red River as Baxley got two outs.

But Pine hit the gas with six straight hits that plated five runs. The first two runs scored on an error, and then hits by Anthony, Phelps and Sumrall pushed Pine’s lead to 7-0 after three.

Baxley left the bases loaded in the fourth inning to avoid further damage.

Red River dented the scoreboard in the fifth inning when Keasha Clark doubled in Bohannon to cut Pine’s lead to 7-1.

But a pair of sixth-inning walks set the table for another big Pine inning as the visitors pushed across five more runs for the 12-1 final score.

Sumrall led the way with five RBIs on 3-of-4 as Pine tallied 16 hits overall. Six players recorded multiple hits.

Red River managed three hits and a walk as baserunners were hard to come by for an offense that’s been explosive most of the season.

Pine advances to play No. 2 Pine Prairie in the second round.

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For the first time in over a decade, Northwestern State University has reinstated a full-time dean to lead its Graduate School, naming a familiar and trusted face to guide the next era of advanced academic excellence.

Dr. Mary Edith Stacy will serve as dean of the Graduate School, where she will oversee admissions and enrollment for 25 graduate degree programs in nursing, allied health, education, art, languages, cultural studies, psychology, music, health and human performance, criminal justice, history, social sciences and computer information systems. Along with the Graduate Council she will also have oversight over graduate assistantships and guidance for thesis review, graduate research projects and approved field studies.

“With close to 33 years in higher education, it is a privilege to lead the Graduate School at Northwestern, where collaboration and innovation drive our community forward,” Stacy said.
“Throughout my journey across campus, I have engaged with various departments, collaborated on interdisciplinary projects and built strong relationships with students, faculty and staff. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of our institution’s strengths and areas for growth, enabling me to contribute effectively to the advancement of our graduate programs.”

Completion of a graduate degree, which includes master’s and doctoral degrees, is achieved after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree and requires advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field. Master’s degrees require coursework, research and a thesis or capstone project. At NSU, the degree requires 30 semester hours of study/research with students maintaining a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Doctoral degrees have additional coursework and research requirements.

Northwestern State has not had a full-time Graduate School dean in many years since the position was absorbed by the Office of the Provost, the university’s chief academic officer, with an associate provost overseeing the Graduate School. The associate provost position was eliminated a decade ago, leaving NSU the only school in the University of Louisiana System without a full time Graduate School dean, according to Dr. Greg Handel, NSU’s executive vice president and provost.

Stacy has served as dean of the College of Business and Technology since 2022. She has been a member of the staff and faculty at Northwestern State since 1992, working in the Office of Financial Aid as coordinator of university scholarships from 1992 to 1998 and as director of auxiliary services from 1998 until 2003. From 2003 to 2011, she was director of enrollment management where she was responsible for NSU’s student recruitment and retention plan and future enrollment forecasting. She also served on faculty in the Department of Psychology and School of Business, teaching classes in business statistics and operations management. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Northwestern State and a doctorate at Louisiana State University.

“I am pleased that Dr. Stacy has agreed to serve in this role and look forward to working with her in the transition along with the Graduate Council in order to train her in learning about the intricacies and unique elements of our outstanding Graduate programs,” Handel said. “I can’t think of anyone better than Dr. Stacy to serve in the role as we re-establish this deanship at Northwestern.”

The hiring is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system.

Dr. Curtis Penrod will continue to serve as director of the School of Business and Handel will maintain supervisory oversight for the College of Business and Technology for any Dean-related matters. A national search for a new dean will begin soon with the intent of making a selection this fall to be approved by the ULS Board of Supervisors.

NSU’s College of Business and Technology includes bachelor of science programs in accounting and business administration with concentrations in business analytics, e-sports management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management and marketing. The College also includes bachelor of science programs in computer information systems with concentrations in application development, core programming, cyber security, networking, system management and web development and a degree in hospitality management and tourism with concentrations in culinary arts, hospitality services, travel and tourism. The College offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.

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The latest LendingTree study shows that the annual costs associated with raising a small child (from food and apparel to transportation and child care) are $29,419 — up 35.7% since its last study in 2023.

Over an 18 year span, costs add to $297,674.

The study also found that families spend an average of 22.6% of their income on basic annual expenses to raise a child.

Louisiana ranked 22^nd in the study with an 18-year cost at $250,395.

See the full report here.

Source: lendingtree.com

 

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Northwestern State University will welcome the return of the Class of 1975 for the Golden Jubilee Celebration May 14-15. The celebration will include the presentation of 50-year diplomas, receptions and other events to honor the class and graduates from previous years. 

1975 graduates will be welcomed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 with a campus tour, starting at the Lucile Hendrick Room on the first floor of the Sylvan Friedman Student Union. The tour is optional and guests must RSVP ahead of time. Parking is available behind the Student Union and in front of Kyser Hall.

Check-in for a welcome reception will begin at 5:45 p.m. in the Hendrick Room. The Golden Jubilee Cocktail reception will be from 6-8 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, dancing, visiting and a welcome from NSU President James Genovese. Attire is business/casual.

Check-in for the Breakfast and Mimosa Mingle will begin 8 a.m. Thursday, May 14 in the President’s Room of the Sylvan Friedman Student Union. After breakfast, class members will dress in caps and gowns and be transported by bus to Prather Coliseum. One bus is reserved for class members. A second bus will transport guests to the Coliseum and a reserved seating section. A class photo will be taken prior to the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony in which the class will be recognized. After graduation, class members and guests will return on the same buses to the Student Union for the Class of 1975 and 50+ Lunch in the Student Union Ballroom.

The 50+ lunch for all NSU graduates from 1975 and prior years and will include an address from the president, door prizes and a test of alumni memories from NSU student days.

Tickets for the Class of 1975 events are $80 per graduate and $65 per additional guest(s). Tickets to the 50+ Lunch for alumni who graduated before 1975 are $30.

To RSVP for the campus tour and purchase tickets visit https://northwesternstatealumni.com/golden-jubilee/. For more information, contact Terry Wilson at (318) 357-6348 or wilsont@nsula.edu.

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