Red River Fire Protection District (RRFD) recently shared an update on the upgrades made over the last few years, including responding to EMS incidents, staffing the Martin station, and improving the parish’s insurance rating.

Included in the update:

RRFD has begun responding alongside Red River EMS to provide the best service to residents of Red River Parish, including having Emergency Medical Technicians on all shifts to assist with patient care.

RRFD call volume has drastically increased over the past four years, from about 360 calls per year to around 1200 calls per year. 

The Martin Fire Station is now staffed 24 hours a day by district fire personnel to provide more rapid response times to the area. This is a huge need while Hwy 155 is closed for multiple bridge replacements.

RRFD recently purchased apparatus to replace outdated equipment and trucks. It also purchased new battery-operated extrication tools to enable faster service when on the scene of motor vehicle accidents.

RRFD has also worked extremely hard to improve the parish’s insurance rating. The parish’s Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) insurance rating moved from a Class 6 to a Class 5 in 2024. The rating scale is from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. RRFD continues to work to lower the parish’s rating and hopes to move to Class 4 during the next inspection, ensuring residents are getting the best rate possible.

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May 7, 2025, Police Jury Meeting began with Mr. Jesse Davis explaining that President Tray Murray and Vice-President Ben Taylor were at the Legislative Session. Davis presided over the committee meeting and regular meeting.

Visitors to the meeting addressed the jurors first. Cleco representatives followed up on the Cleco Exclusive Franchise Agreement. Davis said that the only change would be to the section on the cost of relocating lines and the distribution facility.

Next was Ellen Clark. She voiced her concerns over the condition of the Pine Belt building. The ceiling has fallen in on her office, and leaks are ruining the files. Davis turned this over to the housing and grounds crew.

Next was Glenn Cogaln from Swyft Fiber. He informed the jurors that work will begin soon on laying internet fiber in rural areas. 

Last was Marie Taylor Babers. She represented the Umbrella Foundation. She announced a Juneteenth celebration at the ballpark on June 21, 2025, and asked for sponsorship and donations.

In the roads item of the agenda, the CVU report noted that truck road permit sales are up significantly. This month’s sales were $67,014. This level of sales has not been collected in several years. Fines for the month were $3,991.

In the new business, they voted to approve the certificate with Capital Area Finance to continue the home buyers’ assistance program. This aids in downpayments and purchasing power for low-income families.

Jared Woodard was appointed to the Northwest La Game and Fish Preserve Commission.

They also adopted a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and results of the special election held on March 29, 2025. The propositions for renewals will be discussed again in next month’s meeting and put on the November ballot.

Davis discussed the budget. He said that sales tax collection is down this quarter and may affect the budget, but he hoped that with more permit sales, there would be an uptick in food and fuel sales.

In old business, Davis told jurors that architects for the new build have been hired. Somdal and associates will oversee the project. He also noted that pipeline work had moved to South Hwy 1, and a new pipeline, perpendicular to the current route, will begin construction.

All other discussions were routine discussions about the ambulance and the airport.

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First Baptist Church Coushatta honored eight graduates at Sunday morning services on April 27, 2025.

Kindergarten graduates at Red River Elementary are Lyla Lemoine and Rexton Morse.

High school graduates and their schools are:
Ta’Marion (“T”) Demery, Red River High: “T” plans to attend college and study nursing.
Victoria Rice, Castor High: Victoria is in dual enrollment through Bossier Parish Community College while graduating from Castor. She plans to finish her associate degree at BPCC.
Chance Rushing, St. Mary’s: Chance will attend the University of Louisiana Lafayette and study  petroleum engineering.
Rafe Suggs, Red River High: Rafe will attend Northwestern State University, where he will study health and human performance. He later plans to enter chiropractic school.
Kaidyn Williams, Riverdale Academy: Kaidyn will attend Bossier Parish Community College and study petroleum engineering.

Kamryn Purdue is graduating from Northwestern State University with a degree in music performance. She plans to enter public education and eventually open a piano studio. She serves First Baptist as pianist.

Derek Jones, music and youth minister, presented the high school and college group with CSB Study Bibles. Erin Jones, children’s coordinator, presented the kindergarteners with CSB Easy for Me Bibles. Bro Ron McLellan is interim pastor at FBC.

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One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach
their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From
the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy.
Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to
have the life I’ve enjoyed so much. 
 
Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and
uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and
literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with
sacrifices and dedication of their own free will. 
 
Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But my parents made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days, my mother
made sure I was on time for every practice and every game. 
 
She sat in a hot car for hours waiting for practice to be over knowing she still had supper to
cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home
after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete
before ushering my brother and me off to take a bath.
 
She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little
time to herself as she worked full-time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail
to make sure I was where I needed to be, whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy
Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!
 
You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own
and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She
did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than
me. 
 

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those
much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to
see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to
enjoy the scenery. 
 
Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star
playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She
made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state
championship in 1978. 
 
Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was
unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to
achieve success! 
 
I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their
kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I
think we forget just how important those sacrifices are. 
 
But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It
takes parents who are willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority, and their
main focus. 
 
For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all their kids’ accomplishments, all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s
worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority!  
 
Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults 
looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you, Mom, for
your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy
Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others. 
 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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First-year head coach Jenny Fuller announced multiple dates for softball camps at Northwestern State this summer.

The Demon head coach, her staff and current NSU players will host a Prospect Camp on May 25 followed by two camps for younger players on June 9 and 10 and two for high school age players on June 23 and 24.

May’s Prospect camp offers softball players entering grades eight through 12 a chance a personalized instruction from college coaches and players with the goal of helping them improve their overall softball skill and performance.

Spots are limited for the single-day camp that will run from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and cost $192 per camper.

June’s first set of camp dates are for the Lil’ Demons (June 9) and Future Demons (June 10).

The Lil’ Demon camp offers a fun-filled atmosphere for campers entering the 2nd through 4th grades. Campers entering the 5th through 7th grades can attend the Future Demon camp on June 10. Both days activities will focus on fundamentals of the game in baserunning, hitting and defense, and end with a variety of water games.

Both camps will run from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. with a cost of $60 per camper. A change of clothes for the end-of-day water games is encouraged.

The June 23-24 elite camps offer two different focal points for players entering the 7th grade or higher.

On June 23, Fuller, a former pitcher for Baylor, will lead the elite pitching and catching camp where they will learn the fundamentals and confidence associated with those parts of the game.

The following day will be for hitters looking to advance their skill set at the plate under the direction of hitting coach Brad Fuller and one of the top sluggers in Pittsburg State softball history Paxtyn Hayes.

The cost for attendance to either elite camp is $100 per person with the pitching/catching camp set for 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. and the hitting clinic running from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Registration, payment and more information for any of the five camps being offered this summer is available at http://www.jennyfullersoftballcamps.com.

Camp attendees for all five dates should bring all equipment, including helmet, bat, shoes and gloves, needed for an optimal experience. Personal water bottles are also encouraged.

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On Tuesday, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed a transformative package of four bills that overhauls the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) from the ground up. Designed to streamline operations, speed up project delivery, and strengthen communication with local officials and residents, these reforms mark a major shift toward a more efficient and accountable DOTD.

Transportation Committee Chairman Ryan Bourriaque (R-Cameron) called the legislation a long-overdue modernization effort that will significantly improve infrastructure and quality of life across Louisiana.

The transportation reform package includes:

• HB 528 (approved 97-0) prohibiting the use of Transportation Trust Fund dollars to cover costs not associated with construction of roads and bridges, establishing the Office of Transformation, and identifying key performance indicators,
• HB 556 (approved 97-0) changing the highway priority program, creating an Assistant Secretary for Project Delivery position, and calling for direct coordination with the legislature and economic development officials on determining infrastructure priorities,
• HB 640 (approved 96-2) establishing the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, and
• HB 428 (approved 99-0) extending the creation of the Department of Transportation for two years.

“This is the kind of bold action that addresses the concerns of our voters and businesses who are universally frustrated with the slow pace of progress.  This comprehensive package broadly addresses our state’s transportation issues and will significantly transform the way projects are prioritized, managed and delivered,” said Representative Bourriaque. 

The package of bills now heads to the Senate for referral to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. 

Courtesy of the Legislative Communications Office

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), along with GeauxPass, Louisiana’s statewide toll system, would like to remind residents of a nationwide “smishing” scam. The scammers are using text messages to falsely represent a tolling agency and make false claims that a toll payment is due.

The fake text messages direct recipients to an unaffiliated website, where they are asked to provide personal and financial information to settle alleged balances. GeauxPass will never ask for personal information via text.

Scammers will direct responses to a web address that has a hyphen in the address, such as geauxpass-la.com, or one that is misspelled by one letter, such as leaving out the “x” in GeauxPass, and has a .net domain instead of .com.

INCORRECT: https//geaupass.net
INCORRECT: https://geauxpass-la.com

The correct website to access your GeauxPass account and to contact the customer service team is http://www.geauxpass.com.

Citizens should also be aware that some scam texts direct recipients to what appears to be the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The OMV website is http://www.expresslane.org and does not contain any extra characters at the end. These texts are fraudulent as well. Please note that OMV is a separate agency from DOTD, and citizens should directly contact OMV with any questions at 225-925-6146.

INCORRECT: https://expresslane.org-phxm.win/us

Tips to avoid online scams include:

• Checking domain names carefully and remembering that scammers are hoping you don’t notice small changes.
• Not logging in if anything seems suspicious.
• Deleting any scam text received.
• If you clicked any link or provided your information, taking efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts.
• When in doubt, calling GeauxPass customer service.

To view the FBI’s reporting recommendations, go online to fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/spoofing-and-phishing

If you have any questions, contact GeauxPass customer service by emailing customerservice@geauxpass.com or calling 866-662-8987.

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In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington. They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time. They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them. Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma. The neighborhood was nice. All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories. The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were. To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street. Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church. It was a picturesque neighborhood. This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof. Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door. After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over. At first glance, this house felt like home.

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later. They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home. It was a pleasant noise. Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely. They heard people singing. They remembered the large Catholic church across the street. Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls. Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window. There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home. Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture. After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away. As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal. They gathered once a week to sing to the house. Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home. Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come. The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day. You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home. It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

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The 28th annual Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival is this weekend; the organizers call it the biggest and best ever.

“We’ve already sold more advance tickets than we’ve ever sold at this point,” said festival Chairman Rodney Harrington. Many purchasers are from hundreds of miles away!”

According to Harrington, the excitement stems from the fact that country music superstar Gretchen Wilson is headlining and will appear Saturday night. There’s also lots of interest in the legendary funk-R&B pioneers Bar-Kays out of Memphis, TN, and many of the other acts that are going to be appearing.

“People love the diverse and eclectic variety of the music we present”, said entertainment committee member Greg Burke, “from Bluegrass to gospel, country, to rock & roll, soul, blues, and of course jazz and R&B, we have it all!”

The town is also abuzz about Friday night’s “Tribute to Legends” lineup, which includes the iconic Bon Jovi tribute band Bad Medicine out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by the Amazing Taylor Swift tribute out of Dallas, TX, “Lovers: An Eras Tour Experience.”

 Advanced ticket purchasers to this weekend’s festival will be included in a Steel Magnolias Getaway Giveaway drawing, the winner of which drawing will receive 2 nights at the Steel Magnolia House, along with meals, a Riverboat ride, gift certificates, and much more, a value of over $1,000!

All advanced ticket purchasers will be included in the drawing. For a full lineup and ticket information, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com

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Red River Elementary School has been recognized as a National Showcase School by Capturing Kids Hearts, for the 8th consecutive year! CONGRATS!

The Kisatchie Ranger District has reopened the Sandstone Multiple-Use Trail. Foot traffic, bikes, E-bikes, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and horses are all welcome on the two loops which comprise the 31-mile trail system. Take a shortcut via the cross-over spur trail to shorten the northern portion of the trail, allowing you to enjoy even more of the spectacular views, hilly terrain and beautiful longleaf pine trees that characterize the Kisatchie Hills. The Sandstone Multi-Use Trail, located at 229 Dogwood Park Road in
Provencal, offers an unforgettable and exhilarating experience for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Red River Junior High is hosting a Sadie Hawkins dance Thursday, May 29 from 5:30-7pm in the school’s gym. Girls, it’s your turn to ask the guys! Cost $10. Refreshments will be served. 

Krewe de Khulu Coronation 2025 will be held June 29 at 6pm at Grand Bayou Resort Event Center. Ladies put on your best sundress and fellas grab your seersucker suits. Tickets are $25. Dress code will be strictly enforced.

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John Feazel
December 11, 1974 — May 6, 2025
A Celebration of life will be held at a later time.

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From the Office of Attorney General Liz Murrill

On May 6, 2025, 63-year-old Thomas Hoeflinger, of Spruce Street in Coushatta, was arrested in Red River Parish. The arrest followed an investigation conducted by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), the investigative division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted LBI with investigating and the arrest.

At the request of the Red River Parish Sheriff, the LBI investigated allegations of fraud committed by Thomas Hoeflinger, owner of the Quality Outdoor dealership in Coushatta. In July 2024, Hoeflinger closed the business, leaving many customers and the bank that funded Quality Outdoor with many outstanding financial disputes. The subsequent investigation by the LBI identified numerous victims of theft and fraud, including previous customers of Hoeflinger’s dealership and a specific financial institution that funded the inventory purchases for retail sales.

As Quality Outdoors, Hoeflinger sold lawn equipment, tractors, generators, trailers, and other products to customers across the southern United States. Often, customers funded expensive purchases through their banking institutions, and Hoeflinger received the bank funds for payment of the purchased item, but never ordered the products from the manufacturer. This left the customer without delivery of the purchased item and obligated them to the bank financing they had arranged.

An example of this deceptive practice appears in the case of a victim, Hoeflinger, who negotiated the sale of a new tractor that included a used tractor as a trade-in allowance. Hoeflinger sold that tractor from his dealership and never paid off the customer’s trade-in. This left the customer financially responsible for the outstanding loan on the traded-in tractor and the newly purchased tractor.

In another case, Hoeflinger took one pickup truck in on consignment at Quality Outdoors. Hoeflinger sold the vehicle and paid the owner a check for the truck’s sale. However, the bank reported the account as having insufficient funds, and Hoeflinger never compensated the vehicle owner for the vehicle.

LBI interviewed several victims who purchased towing trailers and paid the licensing fees to register them with the state motor vehicle office, but never received their registration. The investigation found that Hoeflinger charged the customers fees to cover the cost of the registration charges and misappropriated the funds himself. This meant those customers were left financially responsible for paying fees a second time to have the trailers registered as required by law.

Hoeflinger used a Red River Parish financial institution to purchase stocked items for display for sale, meaning several individual loans were made to the business as inventory was purchased. When the bank-funded items were sold, Hoeflinger was required to reimburse the bank for the money borrowed. Adding to this, after Hoeflinger closed the business, the LBI discovered several financed inventory items were removed from the business property, sold, or, in cases, used by Hoeflinger for personal use, again defrauding the financial institution of the bank loans.

Hoeflinger’s criminal schemes to defraud the financial institution and customers have resulted in monetary losses of over five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00).
In cooperation with the Red River District Attorney’s Office, the LBI obtained twelve (12) individual arrest warrants for Hoeflinger through the 39th Judicial District.

Charges:
• 1 count of LA RS 14:71.1 Bank Fraud (Felony)
• 9 counts of LA RS 14:67 Theft (Felony)
• 1 count of LA RS 14:71 Issuing Worthless Checks (Felony)
• 2 counts of LA RS 14:67 Theft (Misdemeanor)

Hoeflinger must appear at a Bond Hearing before a judge to determine a bond amount. No bond has been set at this time.

Our investigation is ongoing.

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Red River’s own Kyleigh Antilley has been selected to join the dance team at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  Antilley has been a member of the Red River Dance team for four years and is its captain.  

Antilley, daughter of Michael and Jamie Antilley and granddaughter of Jimmy and Melinda Hardy, has shown excellence in dancing in competition, school, and on the national stage.  

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Matt Vines

Pair of Riverdale girls land on podium at state track meet
JACKSON, Miss – Two Riverdale Academy girls track and field athletes landed on the podium in their respective events at the overall MAIS state track meet in Jackson this past weekend.

Junior Makayla Pickett claimed third in the discus with a throw of 82-7 in Class 2A.

As just a sixth grader, Dally Bell has a medal around her neck with a third-place effort in the 800 meters (2:42.12) in Class 2A.

Zane Givens was the only Rebel who qualified for multiple events at the state championships, placing sixth in the 100 meters (12.15) and seventh in the 200 meters (25.23).

Julia Grace Riggs just missed the podium with a fourth-place showing in the shot put with a 28-7.

The 4×1 boys relay placed eighth with a time of 52.37.

Riverdale’s Caskey/Pearah finished in top third at state championships
Riverdale Academy anglers Colton Caskey and Brayden Pearah rode the strength of their first day to finish in the top third of the Louisiana Youth Bass Nation high school championships this past weekend on Lake D’Arbonne.

The Rebel pair finished 23rd with a two-day total of 13.86 pounds.

Caskey and Pearah sat at No. 9 after the first day with a bag of 11.90 on what Caskey called a stingy Lake D’Arbonne in a Facebook post, but the body of water proved much stingier on day with a two-pound bag.

The winning weight checked in at 30.59, but only eight boats netted a total of more than 20 pounds.

Caskey/Pearah entered the championships ranked third in the North and seventh in the West division in the Angler of the Year Standings.

Two Red River track and field athletes competing at state
Logan Mims and Khylee Winn will represent Red River High at the LHSAA Outdoor Track and Field State Championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium.

Mims is ranked eighth in the nine-participant field in the 1600 meters (4:59.57) while Winn enters ninth in the girls high jump (4-8).

The Class 2A state meet will be Friday.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a project to repair a section of LA 515 north of Coushatta in Red River Parish.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 12, 2025, weather permitting.

The $2.6 million project stretches on LA 515 from US 71 to LA 514, providing six miles of roadway improvements.

The project includes full-depth patching, milling to remove old asphalt, and a new asphalt overlay on LA 515 through the New Hope and Crichton communities. Full-depth patching addresses damaged portions of roadway all the way to the base, strengthening the road and extending its overall service life over time.

The full-depth patching will then be followed by the milling to remove the old asphalt, and then new asphalt paving operations will be conducted.

A cross drain pipe replacement, which runs under the roadway, is included in this project and will require a full road closure. Dates for that closure will be provided when those are finalized.

Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures in order to allow the contractor to safely and efficiently perform the necessary construction work.

The entire project is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

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Did you know arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.? Over 50 million adults and 300,000 children live with joint pain or disease. This month is a chance to learn more about arthritis, how to manage it, and support those affected.

Key Facts:

• There are 100+ types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.
• Early signs include swelling and stiffness, especially in the morning.
• Heat or cold therapy can offer quick relief — but limit use to 20 minutes.

Why It Matters:

• Awareness:Knowing symptoms helps with early diagnosis.
• Relief:Try safe, doctor-approved treatments like creams or electrical therapy.
• Support:The Arthritis Foundation offers helpful resources and events.

How to Help Yourself:

• Stay active:Gentle exercise can ease stiffness and strengthen joints.
• Explore non-pill options:Topical treatments or devices may offer relief without medication.

5 Arthritis-Friendly Foods:

1. Tart cherries:Reduce inflammation and gout flares.
2. Colorful veggies:Like peppers and sweet potatoes, rich in vitamin C.
3. Fatty fish:Salmon and sardines help with inflammation and heart health.
4. Walnuts:Packed with omega-3s to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
5. Garlic:Fights inflammation and may help protect joints.

Source: OGB May Live Better Louisiana Newsletter

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“The Golden Age of America begins right now, during every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first … And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free.”  Trump Inaugural Address

I would be remiss not to observe the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration.  They have been outstanding, one of the most consequential starts to a presidential term in our history.  We may not fully recognize for years the fundamental restructuring that is occurring in our country, and the world.

While there is simply not space to list all the Trump 2.0 accomplishments, let me attempt to list the major ones.   

He has secured the border—there are virtually no illegals coming in; he has pushed back forcefully against China, with both rhetoric and onerous tariffs, and he has completely unleashed American domestic energy production.

Regarding illegals, Trump has not only dramatically curbed the flow on both our southern and northern borders, he is also fighting back hard against the drug trade (including enormous amounts of fentanyl), human trafficking, and terrorists, as well. He declared a national emergency to stem the illegal invasion, directed military troops to the border, reinstated the highly effective Remain-in-Mexico policy, completely ended “catch-and-release,” revved border wall construction back up, designated criminal drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” and ended birthright citizenship.

However, although a stunning amount of progress, illegal immigration, China and unleashing American energy barely scratch the surface.

Trump has also broadly imposed a tariff regime that will, finally, stop America from being taken advantage of by every other country that trades with us.  He also engaged Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to uncover more corruption and fraud than we could have ever imagined was occurring with American taxpayer dollars.  All these actions taken together are driving down the inflation rate after four years of the highest inflation in 45 years, if not our nation’s history. (See the price of eggs and the cost of a gallon of gasoline.)

Still further, President Trump has attacked the transgender delusion by blocking males from competing against women in sports. (See the state of Maine). He has simultaneously attacked so-called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government and in any American institution that receives federal funds, by threatening to block those federal funds.

In addition, he is dismantling the Department of Education which has done less to teach—and more to indoctrinate—students than can be imagined.  Those education funds will now be—in a fashion that is both targeted and smart—block-granted to the states who know far more about their specific education needs than the federal bureaucracy in D.C.

Trump has also directly attacked antisemitism on college campuses by, again, demanding that if college campuses don’t reform their blatant bigotry and viewpoint discrimination, they won’t receive federal funds.  (See Harvard).

Trump is also vastly improving the morale of our military men and women, see the dramatic increase in military enlistments and individuals wanting to serve in border enforcement.  He has returned our military to its one core and critical mission: lethality.

Globally, Trump has our enemies back on their heels.  China has halted for now its imperialist designs and Iran is back at the negotiating table, well aware of Trump’s demand that Iran will “never possess a nuclear weapon.”  I do believe Trump will end the Russia-Ukraine war.  I also believe he will do everything he can to extract valuable commodities from Ukraine to offset the $350 billion (stupidly unsecured by the Biden Administration) America has given Ukraine.

Perhaps most importantly, Trump is bringing to a head out-of-control federal judges.  Who tells the Judicial Branch—nothing more than a co-equal branch—that it has exceeded its authority?  Constitutional law expert, Jonathan Turley, asserts that “federal judges have overextended themselves, they have intruded into areas of Article II, which is presidential authority …”  Trump has now forced the U.S. Supreme Court to address these rogue judges and, in particular, the nationwide injunctions blocking the president from exercising his core powers.

With this dizzying number and pace of accomplishments, the nation waits with great hope and promise for the next 100 days.  All patriotic Americans should continue to support and pray for President Trump–for his success and physical safety from additional assassination attempts—as he leads our nation and the world away from the brink of economic and military disaster.

Royal Alexander

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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.

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Northwestern State University will award diplomas during three Commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15 in Prather Coliseum.

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Business and Technology and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14.

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14.

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15.

Also during the 10 a.m. ceremony, NSU’s graduate class of 1975 will be recognized and awarded 50-year diplomas in celebration of their Golden Jubilee.

All ceremonies will be live streamed via http://www.nsula.edu.

For a detailed schedule, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and candidate information, visit http://www.nsula.edu/graduation.

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If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

• Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)
• Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)
• Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)
• Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)
• Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)
• Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room. Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

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Ashaunta Bradley has made it into the Top 5 on Favorite Chef. Voting to get him into the Quarterfinals closes Thursday, May 8 at 9pm. Help him reach the quarterfinals by casting your vote here. 

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host Boilin’ on the Red 2025 this Saturday, May 10 from 11am until 6pm at the Fairgrounds. Price at the gate will be $30. Entry only–no crawfish–$10. Kids 8 and under are free. Live Zydeco music will be provided by Pat Mason and Bayou Boogie from 3-6pm. Red River Lady Bulldog Softball will sell water, soft drinks and lemonade from the concession stand. Bring your chairs, canopies and hang out all day. NO coolers/ice chests, outside food or drinks or any alcohol allowed. Parking will be in the fairgrounds area–drive through the gate by Dairy Queen. For more information contact Brandon Baxley 318.332.4159.

The May Genealogy Meeting will be held at the library Wednesday, May 21 from 10am -12pm. Dr. Virginia Webb and the library staff will be available to help you research your family tree using library resources, including Ancestry.com. You may use your own laptop, a library laptop, or no laptop. For more information, call 318-541-6761.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry is May 23 from 5-7pm. Martin Baptist Church 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. 

The Red River Tourism Commission presents its first Block Fest July 19 starting at 12pm and ending at 8pm at the Coushatta Ballpark. VENDORS ARE WELCOME FOR FREE!!! Registration form coming soon. There will be music, games, food contest, and much more. Mark your calendars and plan a fun filled day with family and friends. To register contact 318.564.0031.

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A moderate risk  for heavy rainfall and flash flooding will return across the region on Tuesday into Tuesday night as the next major storm system arrives. 

Showers and thunderstorms become widespread through the day/evening. 

Given our already saturated soils, flooding will only be exacerbated with additional rises on area lakes and rivers is expected. 

Total rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches is expected, with higher amounts possible 

Tuesday’s forecast:

Thunderstorms during the day. Some may contain strong gusty wind. High around 70F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.

Thunderstorms likely during the night. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 63F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 

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