Ruby Campbell Smith
July 25, 1963 – May 20, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.
John L. McCray
November 29, 1958 – May 21, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11am at Summer Hill Baptist Church in Pelican.
Wanda Giddings Welch
August 7, 1947 – May 19, 2025
Graveside services will be Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 2:30pm at Thomas-Wren Cemetery in Martin.
Every year, as May winds down and summer begins to stir, Memorial Day gives us a moment to pauser. Not just for the cookouts, the long weekend, or the sales—but to remember why this day exists in the first place.
Memorial Day is about honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is a day to reflect on sacrifice, not just in theory, but in real lives lost—sons and daughters, friends and neighbors, who never made it home.
Here, in our community, that meaning is deeply felt. You see it in the rows of flags planted by volunteers at the cemetery. You feel it when a veteran, hand over heart, stands in quiet remembrance of those no longer standing beside them.
It’s easy to let a day like this become just another date on the calendar. But when we slow down, when we teach our kids what this day truly means, when we attend the ceremony instead of sleeping in—we do our part to make sure the stories of the fallen are never lost.
Memorial Day is about gratitude. It’s about remembering that freedom comes at a cost. And it’s about community—coming together not in mourning, but in respect and appreciation.
So whether you are placing a flower on a gravesite, attending a service, or simply taking a moment of silence at home, know this: remembering matters. Saying their names matters. And honoring their lives ensures their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Riverdale Academy announced this week that the Rebelettes are back for the 2025-2026 school year.
Jennifer Breedlove and Amanda Cason will sponsor the group.
Breedlove graduated from RA in 1997 and is currently a 2nd grade teacher. Ironically, she teaches in the same classroom her mother, Mrs. Millie, taught in for over 40 years.
She was a member of the Rebelettes throughout high school and shared that being on the dance line was one of her favorite things about high school. She stated, “Honestly, some of my best memories are from my time as a Rebelette.” She is very excited to be a part of bringing the Rebelettes back this year.
Breedlove is married to Adam Breedlove and they have two sons who attend Riverdale.
Cason has taught high school math classes for several years at Riverdale.
She was on the danceline at Byrd High School and continued dance classes throughout college.
She is excited about working with the girls and cannot wait to see them on the field this coming fall.
Cason is married to Dan Cason, who is a Riverdale alum, and they have three children who also attend Riverdale.
Joshua L. Salley
Assistant Extension Agent (Livestock, Forages)
DeSoto & Red River Parishes
The LSU AgCenter is excited to announce its inaugural Hay Day event, scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Dodson Ranch in Coushatta, Louisiana. This educational field day will focus on forage and hay production, providing valuable insights and demonstrations for producers across the region.
The morning session will feature expert presentations on a range of topics, including:
Armyworm control strategies
Bermudagrass varieties and sprigging techniques
Herbicide options for effective weed control
During the lunch break, attendees will have the opportunity to observe drone sprayer demonstrations, showcasing the latest technology in precision agriculture.
Following lunch, participants will head to the field for live equipment demonstrations. Hay equipment from various manufacturers will be tested under identical field conditions, allowing producers to evaluate performance and make informed purchasing decisions.
Event Schedule:
Registration begins: 8:00 AM
Welcome and presentations begin: 9:00 AM
Location:
Dodson Ranch
582 Riverfront Road
Coushatta, LA 71019
RSVP Information:
Participants are encouraged to RSVP by calling the Red River Parish Extension Office at 318-932-4342.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge, connect with fellow producers, and see the latest advancements in hay production technology firsthand.
By Bethany Blankley May 20, 2025
(The Center Square) – Louisiana is critical to the Trump administration’s energy plans, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
The Trump administration selected McNeese State University as the site for a new center of excellence.
The Transportation Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has selected the Lake Charles-based university as its first National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety. It’s the first undergraduate institution in the U.S. to offer a certificate program in LNG Business. The university already offers its own LNG Center of Excellence.
“Producing and exporting LNG is one of the most powerful ways we can unleash American energy, and the Lake Charles region is a critical hub of LNG activity in the U.S.,” Duffy said. “The sheer volume of product supplied by the state of Louisiana is unparalleled and growing, and there is no better place to locate our Center of Excellence.”
The designation came after U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA, established the PHMSA National Center of Excellence for LNG five years ago in the 2020 PIPES Act under the first Trump administration. Included in the law was a provision Kennedy added to create “the first-ever National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety, but I didn’t stop there,” Kennedy said. “I made sure in that bill that the newly created Center was required to be in Louisiana.”
Under Trump’s second term, the center was chosen to be headquartered at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, an oil and natural gas powerhouse in Calcasieu Parish along the Gulf of America.
The PIPES Act, which improves pipeline safety and infrastructure, created the PHMSA center to “enhance the United States as the leader and foremost expert in LNG operations by furthering the expertise of the Federal Government in the operations, management, and regulatory practices of LNG facilities; acting as a repository of information on best practices for the operation of LNG facilities; and facilitating collaboration among LNG sector stakeholders.”
The center will facilitate research and development, training, and regulatory coordination to develop “LNG safety solutions to real-world challenges through global and domestic collaboration among LNG stakeholders.”
“The Center will advance LNG safety by promoting collaboration among government agencies, industry, academia, and other safety partners,” PHMSA Acting Administrator Ben Kochman said. “Consolidating such remarkable levels of expertise will benefit the LNG sector for many generations to come.”
Being located at McNeese “will be a game-changer for our region in terms of workforce development and groundbreaking research,” McNeese State University President Dr. Wade Rousse said. “We are excited to be on the forefront of helping ensure safety and sustainability in the energy sector and look forward to working with PHMSA to develop a world-class facility to house their staff.”
The U.S. is the top LNG exporter in the world, with the U.S. oil and natural gas industry and Louisiana and Texas ports propelling it to its number one status, The Center Square reported.
Lake Charles also found itself at the center of a Biden administration LNG export ban. Applications for exports had been frozen until a federal judge reversed the Biden policy last year. Under the second Trump administration, LNG exports projects are expanding in Louisiana.
Major projects underway in Calcasieu Parish include an Energy Transfer subsidiary Lake Charles Exports LNG export project approved under the first Trump administration in late 2019 for a five-year extension. Building the facility is projected to create up to 4,000 construction jobs and 200 fulltime jobs once fully operational.
Another LNG project announced last month is being spearheaded by a west Australian company that’s making the largest foreign investment in state history to build an LNG production and export terminal in Calcasieu Parish, The Center Square reported.
May is Healthy Vision Month. Make your eye health a priority this month. The National Institutes of Health has these tips to keep your eyes safe.
Get a dilated eye exam: This can detect eye diseases at an early stage when you have no symptoms. During a dilated eye exam, your eye care professional puts drops in your eyes to widen your pupils so he or she can get a good look at the back of the eyes. Early treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma can slow or stop vision loss and reduce your risk of blindness.
Use protective eyewear: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. A hat offers great sun protection too!
Healthy lifestyle: Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limit drinks with a lot of caffeine and foods with a lot of salt. Drinking too much alcohol can also hurt your vision. Don’t smoke.
Screen time: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, shift your focus to an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Exercise and rest: Regular exercise improves blood flow to the eyes. Meanwhile, getting enough rest helps soothe tired eyes.
Source: OGB May Live Better Louisiana Newsletter
Flying commercially in 1970 was a much more relaxed experience than it is today. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s is fondly considered “the golden age of travel.” Flying was more glamorous and luxurious. Many people dressed up to fly. Men often wore suits and women wore dresses. Their children were also dressed to impress. Smoking tobacco during flights was perfectly acceptable. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages were often complimentary to passengers during flight. The food was comparable to that served in fine restaurants, often with multiple courses. The distance between the seats, the legroom, was normally between 36 to 40 inches. Today, legroom averages about 28 inches. There were no electronic devices, so airlines provided all sorts of entertainment to help passengers pass the time. At one point, American Airlines held in-flight fashion shows down the aisles. Airport security at the time was almost non-existent when compared to what it is today. There were no metal detectors, no scanners, and no drug-sniffing or bomb-sniffing dogs.
On Monday, September 21, 1970, William James drove to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on what was his 20th birthday. He bought a ticket to fly to Denver, Colorado, and waited to board his plane. He passed the time by chatting with another passenger. William was jovial because he had left his teenage years behind and had entered his twenties. While William was waiting to board the airplane, he jokingly told another traveler that he had two bombs in his luggage. Even in the relaxed atmosphere of commercial flying in 1970, claiming to have a bomb on an airplane was nothing to joke about. The other passenger passed the information to the ticket agent who immediately called a nearby United States marshal.
Shortly thereafter, a marshal pulled William aside for questioning. William tried to explain that he was just joking, but the marshal found no humor in his claim. About that time, Chicago vice detectives stepped in though the airline had not called for outside police assistance. The detectives had been waiting to arrest William based on a different tip they had received about his luggage. The marshal and Chicago detectives carefully searched William’s luggage. The marshal was relieved that they found no bombs, but the detectives were delighted because they found what they were looking for. Inside William’s luggage, they found five bricks of marijuana which weighed two pounds each and had a street value of about $20,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $163,000 in today’s money. The detectives arrested William and transported him to jail.
On the following day, the judge in Chicago’s narcotics court saw no humor in William’s bomb claim but was lenient in his sentencing. Rather than jail time, William was sentenced to probation. In this incident, many people surely told William that he was not funny and to take life seriously. Luckily for us, William did not listen because he is known around the world for his humor. The man who was arrested for carrying 10 pounds of marijuana in his luggage after he jokingly claimed that he had two bombs on an airplane appeared in many films including “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Groundhog Day.” The world knows William James Murray as Bill Murray.
Sources:
1. Jacopo Prisco, “What the ‘golden age’ of flying was really like,” CNN, August 5, 2022, accessed May 18, 2025, cnn.com/travel/article/golden-age-flying-really-like.
2. Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1970, p.3.
By Nolan McKendry May 20, 2025
(The Center Square) − The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 4-1 this week to halt a years-long effort to examine alternative electricity models that could give industrial and residential customers more choice in how they buy power.
Monday’s decision effectively ends a push for what were termed “customer-centered options,” which aimed to open the state’s power market to greater competition and reduce rising costs for consumers.
The only dissenting vote came from Commissioner Davante Lewis, who argued that the commission should continue examining ways to modernize Louisiana’s energy framework and avoid locking in steep rate increases.
The vote came as Entergy Louisiana, the state’s largest monopoly utility, faces growing scrutiny over the cost of its planned infrastructure investments.
Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, called the decision “astonishing,” particularly because it shut down what she described as the only venue where the commission was actively working on long-term solutions for customers.
“It was pretty astonishing to see elected officials in Louisiana say no to free markets — especially when a significant number of energy companies were in favor of looking at this issue,” Burke said. “That doesn’t often happen.”
A recent analysis by energy advisory firm BAI Group found that base electricity rates for Entergy customers could increase by up to 90% between 2018 and 2030 if all of the company’s proposed capital projects move forward.
That includes billions in spending for new natural gas plants, grid hardening projects and major transmission upgrades for the hurricane-prone state.
Entergy’s service area includes its separate New Orleans subsidiary and stretches from Baton Rouge to the Arkansas state line in the north along with Lafayette and Lake Charles to the Pelican State’s boundary with Texas.
“Entergy is preparing to build a lot of new infrastructure, and in the absence of any problem-solving, those costs are going to land squarely on customers,” she said. “Bills are about to really start hurting folks.”
A chart presented by BAI to the commission shows base rates for Entergy already rising steadily from 2018 to 2024, with a sharp projected climb continuing through 2030. The upward trajectory reflects costs associated with Entergy’s slate of project — including the Magnolia power plant, grid resilience measures and multiple high-voltage transmission lines.
Industrial research firm ICF confirms this data, forecasting that electricity demand across the U.S. will rise 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050, compared to 2023 levels.
For states in the MISO region, like Louisiana, residential electricity rates could double by 2050, with prices rising from 20 to over 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to ICF.
“Across a sample of four utility service territories, residential retail rates are projected to increase 15% to 40% by 2030 from 2025 levels,” ICF noted in a recent report. “By 2050, retail rates could double.”
Further, the ruling stymies state development and expansion of a diverse energy portfolio, which some advocates say has been bypassed in favor of more natural gas, which utilities maintain is a cheap and clean source of generation.
Natural gas prices have decreased since a spike in January sent prices soaring to $9.86 per million British thermal units. Those prices are now at $3.42 per MMBtu as of Tuesday.
According to Burke, closing the docket also means abandoning progress on community solar — a program that allows groups of residents or businesses to share a solar installation and receive credit on their electricity bills.
Despite $150 million in federal funding headed to Louisiana through the Solar for All initiative, most of the money is earmarked for community solar projects that can’t move forward without supportive rules from the commission.
“Right now, there’s no workable program outside of New Orleans,” Burke said. “This was the only docket where those issues were even on the table.”
Though Entergy has their own solar programs, Burke called them “over-subscribed.”
That means they’re too small to handle the demand, meaning customers who want solar options often can’t get them−or the benefits are limited.
Despite these warnings, the commission’s vote puts Entergy on track to maintain its control over power delivery to Louisiana’s massive industrial sector, and ratepayers may have to shoulder the costs of the state’s aggressive industrial and infrastructure buildout.
Northwestern State University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has been awarded Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The accreditation was granted following a recommendation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
The newly accredited program includes three specialized concentrations, Abdominal-Extended Sonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Sonography and Vascular Sonography.
“Receiving this accreditation validates the quality of our program and our commitment to meet the growing demand for qualified sonographers,” said Jennifer Evans, assistant professor and coordinator of NSU’s sonography program. “As educators in the sonography program, we are extremely proud to receive national recognition for delivering excellence in sonography education.
The accreditation, effective May 16, is valid through the next scheduled evaluation in 2030. The program was reviewed under the 2020 Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. No areas of non-compliance were identified, signaling full alignment with national standards for quality and educational rigor.
“This accreditation validates the exceptional work of our faculty, clinical partners and staff in developing a high-quality, comprehensive sonography program,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, patient-centered training and workforce readiness.”
The announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for the program, the graduation of its inaugural cohort in May 2025. These graduates are now preparing for national certification exams in their respective specialties and are poised to enter the healthcare workforce.
CAAHEP is recognized as one of the largest programmatic accreditors in the health sciences field. Its rigorous accreditation process ensures that educational programs meet nationally established standards and prepare competent entry-level professionals.
NSU’s sonography program plays a critical role in addressing workforce needs in diagnostic imaging and improving access to quality healthcare services throughout the region, Badeaux said.
“Providing our students with high-quality instruction and hands-on training is at the heart of our mission,” Evans said. “We recognize that our local healthcare communities are depending on us to educate sonographers who will enter the field with compassion, confidence, and clinical competence—an expectation now affirmed through our national accreditation.”
To learn more about the program or to explore enrollment options, visit http://www.nsula.edu or contact the School of Allied Health at http://www.nsula.edu/alliedhealth
I heard a song the other day that said, “Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.” So far this fishing season I’ve been the bug.
My tournament success looks like I have no idea what I’m doing! I’ve been about as competitive as a high school kid fishing against a full-time professional angler. But for me, my confidence remains “hopeful” that I’ll turn this season around.
In 2024 in the ABA Texas Pro League, I was runner-up for the Angler of the Year. Oh, what a difference a year makes, as I’m not even close to being competitive, much less winning an event in 2025. My highest finish is a 12th place at Sam Rayburn. So why has this year been such a grind? Why am I not catching the quality bass I caught last season? I go to church, say my prayers, and do things the right way!
I’ve never cheated in a bass tournament and always want to represent myself and sponsors I’m affiliated with in the proper manner. I don’t ask other anglers for their waypoints or for any other help! One thing I came to the realization of a long time ago as a tournament angler is that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even if you have his waypoints, it’s still hard to catch them.
Is this a God thing? Is He trying to prove a point to me? Or is this just a phase all anglers go through? Whichever way, something must change quickly with only a few tournaments left on the schedule.
Tournament fishing is one of those sports that can bring even a great angler to his knees. It might be the most humbling sport there is. But one thing I like about the sport is the fact that there is no one else to blame for my failures or success than myself.
It’s truly you against the fish and Mother Nature! Excuses are a dime a dozen when things aren’t going an angler’s way. They range from maybe it’s a weather change to the lake is low or too high. It could be that maybe the water temperature is too hot or cold or maybe the spawn is taking place and fish just aren’t biting. Oh, wait a minute, it could be the phase of the moon we’re in, or the fact that there are too many anglers on the water! Ha!
One thing I will never do — quit! I still find bass fishing to be such a mental challenge and look forward to every day I get to spend on the water. But there are days that I wonder why I’m out there trying to catch bass that don’t want to cooperate.
So, I guess the best thing I can do for now is to put my favorite rod in my hand, shut up and keep fishing hard! If you see me on the lake or at a local boat ramp, make sure to stop me and say hello.
‘Til next time, good luck in all your fishing adventures.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Ed Lester Farms begins its 57th season TODAY. There will be a variety of early season produce but if you are looking for something specific give them a call before driving over (932-4298). The stand will be open Monday-Saturday from 8am until 5pm.
The 32nd Annual Authentic Bonnie and Clyde Festival is this weekend in Gibsland.
RRHS Lady Bulldog Volleyball is hosting a car wash and bake sale June 7 from 9am until 3pm at Rivertown Market. All donations are accepted.
The Women of Courage Woman Church will be held on June 10 at 6pm at The Shop, 1942 Hwy 507, Coushatta. Worship will be led by Tracy Miller. The speaker is Mandi Mills. Dinner will be provided.
According to a recent study, a common ingredient in energy drinks fuels leukemia growth.
Lane Knotts
February 19, 1929 – May 18, 2025
Graveside services will be held Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2pm at Ebenezer Cemetery in Castor.
Bessie Jean Hicks
April 17, 1943 – May 13, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11am at Zion Chapel B.C. in Coushatta.
In a statement, Mayor Cole identified a major line break that has shut down water to most of the town’s system. “There will be low pressure to no water service until the break can be fixed. The water department is working to address the problem quickly. He asks all persons who have questions to call Town Hall at 318-932-4312.”
All Red River Parish Schools will be dismissed at 1:00 today, and the spring scrimmage has been postponed. A later date will be announced.
Students return to school on Tuesday, May 27, after Memorial Day break.
Ongoing training is vital to ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the community. Red River Fire Protection District shared that they participate in structured monthly trainings conducted by Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy (FETA).
April Training: Flashover Simulation
In April, the crew participated in a Live Fire exercise.
RRFPD explained this specialized training prepares firefighters to identify early signs of flashover, a dangerous and rapid fire development , and respond appropriately under high-heat, low-visibility conditions. Recognizing these signs are a vital part of firefighter survival and fireground safety.
May Training: Forcible Entry
In May, the focus is Forcible Entry, a fundamental skill in emergency response.
RRFPD shared when immediate access to a building is necessary and conventional entry is not possible, firefighters must rely on precise technique and specialized tools to gain entry. This training ensures our crews are prepared to overcome any barrier swiftly and safely, enabling rapid response during critical incidents.
Source: Red River Fire Protection District Facebook page
Red River Cowboy Church invites families to saddle up for a summer of fun, faith, and fellowship with its upcoming Summer Buckle Series, a free, family-friendly event designed for toddlers through 4th graders.
The series is part of the church’s M3 Kids ministry, which focuses on three foundational principles: My God, My Family, and Me. Through a series of interactive “Mane Events,” the church aims to help families grow closer to one another while learning about God’s love in a hands-on, engaging way.
Held every 4th Sunday from May through August, the Summer Buckle Series kicks off immediately following the church service. Families can register their children for a Horseless Rodeo, featuring activities like sheep riding, dummy roping, goat ribbon pulling, cow branding with paint, and more. Kids can participate in as many events as they like, and a free lunch will be served by the Chuck Wagon crew.
Children who attend at least three out of the four Mane Events will receive their very own cowboy buckle — a prize every young rodeo fan will treasure.
For updates and registration details, follow Red River Cowboy Church on Facebook. This summer, the church is offering more than just rodeo fun — it’s an opportunity to live life with Jesus, cowboy style.
Red River Cowboy Church
South Red River Parish
LA-174, Coushatta, LA 71019
Phone: (318) 201-2626
The Red River Parish School Board, in accordance with State guidelines, will destroy all special education records of former students born prior to January 1, 2000. These records are no longer needed for educational purposes.
You have an opportunity to obtain these records prior to August 1, 2025. The records can be claimed at Red River Parish School Board Office, 100 Bulldog Dr., Coushatta, LA. 71019 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Wednesday and 8:00-12:30 pm Thursday.
Once your request is made, your records will be available for pick up the following business day.
All unclaimed records will be destroyed on Monday, August 4, 2025.
If you have any questions, please call Red River Parish Special Education Department at (318) 271-3138.
Your Guide to Peach Festival Weekend
The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA! If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.
Friday, June 6
Eat:
From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website.
See:
In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.
Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival.
Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day
Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.
Eat:
This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi.
The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to.
See:
Experience:
Sunday, June 8
After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.
Eat:
Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.
See:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.
Experience:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.
From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!
To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.
I am about to tell you a preacher secret. You must promise me that you will keep this secret between you and me. If this stuff ever got out it might change the face of Christianity as we know it.
Here is the big secret. It is ok when you say, “No.”
I’m not talking about saying “no” to sins and stuff, this is a radical use of the word “no.” You can say “no” to good stuff. We do stuff we really don’t want to do because it is the “right thing” to do. Or because we need to be seen doing this thing. When the preacher asks if you want to serve on the widget committee, no longer will you have to say, “Let me pray about it.” I give you permission to use the word “no” freely and without guilt or shame.
“No” is an underutilized word in our culture. Since we are politically correct, we find ourselves looking for “win-win” solutions in which we avoid using the word “no.” I know that we are to “Just say no to drugs.” I want you to keep going with that, there are good things out there that need a resounding “no” when asked.
I was reminded of this when I was changing my air conditioning filters. I went to my friendly discount store to purchase filters, since they are the only ones who carry my size. I was taking the wrap off the filters.
Just a minute, I need to digress. Why do we need to wrap everything in plastic? Wrapping an air conditioning filter, come on people; that is just dumb. Why do you need to put safety wrap on my chewing gum? See, we are surrounded by people who can’t say, “NO, wrapping an air conditioning filter in plastic is a dumb idea!”
Back to my story, as I unwrapped my filter, I noticed it contained paper over the filter, which was filled with information. Ah, the plastic wrap was holding the useless information papers to the filter! The back of the filter had a page entitled, “Getting to know your filter.” I’m sorry; I don’t want a personal relationship with my filter. I don’t want to read about what my filter filters. I don’t need to know about how many microns it filters. If you do, all I can say is “Get a life!” Someone right now is wasting precious time, “getting to know their filter.”
I said, “No!” I was not going to waste my time “getting to know my filter.”
How much better would your life be if you used the word, “No?” “No” creates margin and gives space to your life. We are all too busy, because we don’t understand the power of “no.” Jesus used it, why shouldn’t you?
You are hereby empowered to do so!
Anderson’s Produce & Plant Farm opens tomorrow, Thursday, May 22. They will have a variety of fruits and veggies and an assortment of flowers and bedding plants. Hours are Monday-Saturday 8am – 5pm.
The Red River Parish Library will be closed Friday, May 23 for staff development day and Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
The Red River Junior High School will host a Music Fair Wax Museum June 5 in the school gym. 8th grade will be on display from 10-10:45am followed by 7th grade from 11-11:45am then 6th from 11:50am-12:45pm. Support your students live performances of their music idols.
According to multiple reports on social media, gas is set to reach cheapest price in four years in time for Memorial Day travel.
Hickory Grove Baptist Church will host VBS “Camp Firelight” June 9 – 13 from 5:30-8pm for grades PK3-12. Gather ’round the campfire for a week full of adventure, friendship, and discovery. At Camp Firelight, kids will learn how God’s light guides us through every challenge and adventure. Through inspiring Bible stories, fun games, crafts, and music, kids will grow in faith and courage–all while making memories that will shine for years to come. The fire is burning bright, and they’re saving a spot just for your kiddos! Contact Melissa Allen, VBS Director, for more information (318.205.8362).
Faye Basinger
April 29, 1931 – May 18, 2025
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10am at Providence Cemetery in Ringgold.
Linda Gail Barbo
May 2, 1956 – May 17, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.
Lane Knotts
February 19, 1929 – May 18, 2025
Graveside services will be held Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2pm at Ebenezer Cemetery in Castor.
Bessie Jean Hicks
April 17, 1943 – May 13, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11am at Zion Chapel B.C. in Coushatta.
Funeral services for Linda Gail Barbo, 69, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Howard Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Hand Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 P.M. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Barbo was born May 2, 1956 in Bossier City, LA and passed away May 17, 2025. Linda enjoyed working throughout her life and always enjoyed being around people. She also loved to travel with her favorite travels being cruises. One of her favorite pastimes was dancing, simply having a good time. Linda loved her family and will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mervin “Jack” Barbo; grandchild, Nathaniel Sharpley; and parents, Charles and Kathleen Hicks.
Mrs. Barbo is survived by two sons, Dale Jones and wife Heather, and Chad Sharpley and wife Brandie; two daughters, Amy Sharpley and Kami Sharpley (Lyan); one brother, Charles Edward Hicks, Jr.; two sisters, Barbara Hicks Graves and Pamela Hicks Barker and husband Sam; nine grandchildren: D.J., Mason, Desmond, Emily, Caleb, Jaci, Jessica, Jax, and Bailey; six great-grandchildren; and special friend, Ray “Buck” New.
Pallbearers will be D.J. Jones, Mason Jones, Jax Jones, Caleb Sharpley, J.J. Guye, and Sawyer Cason.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Linda’s honor to Shreveport Baptist Temple, 288 Flournoy Lucas Road, Shreveport, LA 71106.
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