Each year, the first Monday in September is set aside as Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of American workers. The holiday was first recognized in the late 1800s during the height of the Industrial Revolution, a time when labor unions grew in strength and workers began organizing for fair wages, safer conditions, and reasonable working hours.

The first official Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. Over the following years, the idea of a day to celebrate workers spread across the nation, and in 1894, Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday. Since then, it has stood as a yearly reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of working men and women who built and continue to sustain the nation.

Today, Labor Day marks more than just the unofficial end of summer. It is a chance to pause and recognize the millions of individuals whose daily work keeps communities and industries running. Many people celebrate with family gatherings, cookouts, and parades, while others simply take the day to rest and recharge.

In honor of Labor Day, the RRPJ staff will also be taking a break to spend time with family and friends. We will not publish on Labor Day, but we’ll be back with you bright and early Wednesday morning. We wish all of our readers a safe, restful, and happy holiday weekend.

Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Journal.

Last month, OnPath Federal Credit Union agreed to buy Heritage Bank of St. Tammany in Covington, Louisiana, a century-old institution with deep local roots. The deal was hailed by OnPath CEO Jared Freeman, who praised Heritage’s “unwavering commitment to the local community.” But what Freeman failed to mention is that the acquisition will rob that community of a critical source of revenue.

Because OnPath is a credit union and thus tax-exempt, the deal means that St. Tammany Parish will lose a reliable stream of tax payments. Those dollars help fund schools, pay essential public servants like police officers and firefighters, and support other vital public services across the parish. Once the acquisition is finalized, that revenue will disappear, and the burden of making up the difference will fall squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers.

The example of OnPath in Louisiana illustrates a much bigger problem across the country: credit unions are no longer the small, member-focused institutions they were established to be. Many have grown into large financial operations, similar to banks, all while enjoying tax-exempt status. Lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is ultimately leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.

The situation in Louisiana is not the first. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) had planned to acquire Sabine Bank and Trust, which is based in Many, Louisiana. Although TDECU ultimately backed away from the acquisition, it underscores the fact that credit unions have strayed far from the original mission Congress envisioned when it exempted them from most federal, state, and local taxes under the Federal Credit Union Act. It’s time for Congress to revisit whether the tax breaks are still justified.

Credit unions like TDECU have grown into large financial institutions by leveraging taxpayer subsidies. Far from its founding mission to serve the residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, TDECU now serves over 380,000 members across the state. Ending 2024 with $4.8 billion in total assets, TDECU’s services have widened to include wealth management investment products through its partnership with LPL Financial, which they even acknowledge as being a conflict of interest. The growth doesn’t stop there. Credit unions are buying community banks at a time when bank consolidation and burdensome regulations are putting extreme pressure on banks’ bottom lines. The current regulatory environment and credit union acquisitions are exacerbating bank consolidation. In fact, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows that the number of community banks dropped by 46% over the last two decades, falling from 7,620 in 2003 to 4,129 in 2023. Credit unions are thriving, and skirting taxes while community banks are getting squeezed.

One negative outcome of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring community banks is that local and state governments lose revenue. This essential tax revenue helps fund local schools, projects, and infrastructure. The state of Louisiana has a bank shares tax that funds local communities, but when a credit union acquires a bank, it eliminates that source of revenue and results in less funding for local services. The shortfall in revenue could compel a parish to raise taxes on households to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Tax Foundation, “since 2011, more than 100 credit union–bank acquisition deals have been announced across the country.” Credit unions get to grow and avoid paying taxes, while American households across the country are getting forced to foot the bill at the end of the day.

Americans expect transparency, safeguards, and a level playing field from banks. These same principles should apply to credit unions. This is not about eliminating credit unions; it is about accountability and ensuring the law matches credit unions’ behavior. In an era where credit unions operate more like large financial institutions and less like community-oriented lenders, Congress should conduct oversight hearings and reexamine whether their tax-exempt status still aligns with their actions today. Louisiana taxpayers, in towns like Many and Covington, and in parishes around the state, should not have to pay more taxes because the law, as currently written, allows credit unions to exploit their tax loophole.

Ken Hale is the President & Chief Executive Officer of BOM Bank

The Red River Parish Rodeo is right around the corner, and excitement is already building for two nights of action-packed fun. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 19, and Saturday, September 20, 2025, when the rodeo comes to town with all the traditions families look forward to each year.

Admission is just $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children, making it an affordable outing for the whole family. This year’s lineup will feature classic crowd favorites, including mutton bustin’ and the always popular calf scramble. 

In an effort to make the event even more family-friendly, rodeo organizers are planning something special for local students. They are also working on adding a special event for women to participate in during the rodeo, giving everyone in the stands a chance to get in on the fun.

With thrilling events, family-friendly prices, and new opportunities for participation, the 2025 Red River Parish Rodeo promises to be a memorable weekend for the whole community.

Matt Vines

BASTROP – After losing to rival Claiborne Academy at home to open the season, the road doesn’t get any easier in Week 2.
The road is literal as the Rebels (0-1) hit the highways to travel to Bastrop and face Prairie View Academy (1-0).
The Class 2A squad routed Delta Streets Academy, 42-12, in their season opener.
The Spartans, who won the Class 2A MAIS title in 2021, return their top passer, rusher and receiver from a team that won all 11 games in the regular season this past year.
That included a 35-14 decision against Riverdale Academy to open the 2024 season in East Point.
“Prairie View obviously brings a lot of experience back, and a lot of talent,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “They are a well-rounded team that can play power football or spread you out and beat you with speed.
“The key for us is to cut down on the big plays. Make the plays we can make and sustain our drives on offense.”
Riverdale knows the road and their opponent well after playing in a jamboree there two weeks ago.
The Rebels will certainly hone in on preventing big plays after Claiborne Academy logged key explosive plays to score 30 points in the first quarter.
Riverdale’s small roster prevents them from doing much live tackling in practice, but tackling should improve with two live games under their belts.
Ashton Almond and Tanner Carlisle are stalwarts on offense and defense, and Edie said Carlisle, who was limited in the opener with an injury, is healing.
“Tanner is getting better, but it’s not a process that we are going to rush through,” Edie said. “As a competitor, he wants to play every snap, but he understands the process.
“Practicing has been a little difficult this week because there’s a bug going through the team, but we’re getting better each day.”
Almond has been the team’s primary quarterback for each of the last two seasons, and he and Carlisle will share those duties with other filling a playmaker role at running back or receiver depending on the formation.

Riverdale softball logs first win, competitive in losses
A record of 1-7 might not knock the socks off anybody, but the Riverdale softball team proved it can be competitive against good competition.
The Lady Rebels logged their first win by beating Converse 8-4 as Mary Jones broke a tie game with a fourth-inning grand slam on Saturday. Riverdale likely would have gotten another win as they led Union Christian 7-2 in the first inning before the game was delayed.
Riverdale competed well in losses of 13-6 and 4-0 Logansport that day, a team that’s a regular state title contender in LHSAA Class 1A.
Riverdale took third place in the Central Christian Academy Softball Tournament.
The Lady Rebels nearly knocked off River Oaks in a 17-16 loss Monday before falling to Franklin Academy, 11-3, on Tuesday.

The Smith family is pleased to announce an exciting new chapter for the Ashley OUTLET in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Effective immediately, Dane Terrell and his trusted Ivan Smith team will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the store.

Dane brings with him a proven ability to connect with people and lead with integrity—a combination that aligns perfectly with the values our family business was built on. We have a high degree of confidence in the future of our Ashley OUTLET under his leadership.

With this change, customers can expect an even more seamless shopping experience across both of our Natchitoches locations. Shoppers will now be able to work with their favorite salespeople at either store, continuing the relationships they’ve built over the years.

In addition, we are proud to continue offering the in-store financing options that our community has trusted and relied on for generations—now available at the Ashley OUTLET as well.

We are deeply thankful for the continued support of the Natchitoches community. Your loyalty has allowed us to grow and serve in new ways, and we look forward to this exciting next step together

A Celebration of the Life of Linda Dupree Dowling will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Methodist Church Shreveport, 500 Common St., Shreveport, Louisiana. There will be a reception to follow. Officiating the service will be Dr. Steven Bell. A private burial at Springville Cemetery in Coushatta, Louisiana will take place prior to the service.

Linda passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. She was born on September 13, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the oldest daughter of Dot and Ivy D. Dupree. She grew up in Coushatta, Louisiana, where she formed many cherished memories. Linda had a special love for Coushatta, and especially treasured time spent on the family farm.

Linda graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a member of the Phi Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega Sorority. She taught second grade at First Baptist Church School for thirteen years and was a faithful supporter of this school for thirty-five years.

Linda was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Shreveport. She served on the Foundation Board for the ARC of Caddo/Bossier, the Foundation Board of Christus Shreveport/Bossier, and as a member of the Colonial Dames, where she served on the Board of Managers. Additionally, she was a member of the Cotillion Club.

Linda loved traveling with friends and family, and was devoted to LSU. She absolutely bled Purple and Gold and proudly contributed to LSU in many ways, including her time on the Tiger Athletic Board.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Daniel Ivy Dupree, Jr.; her grandparents, Chloe and Daniel Adcock, and Gertrude and Daniel Ivy Dupree.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Sarah Katherine Hoopes (Justin) and Wesley Elizabeth Houtz (Carlton); her granddaughters, Hannah Kendrick, Katherine Kendrick, Ainsley Houtz and Olivia Hoopes; one grandson, Cooper Houtz; her two precious sisters, Cindy Coffey (David) and Suzan Simpson (Michael); her niece, Caroline Bratton (Daniel); nephews, Daniel Simpson (Morgan) and Dr. David Coffey, Jr.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all the caring physicians, professionals and caregivers who walked with Linda on her journey: Dr. Richard Michael of Sure Access, Kimberly Mills, RN, of KindCare, Dawn Atkins, Danette Brooks and Lequita Phillips of Professional Sitter Services, Bristol Hospice of Shreveport and the amazing team at Texas Neurology in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Shreveport, 500 Common, Shreveport, LA, 71101, First Baptist Church School, 533 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71106, or the Dorothy A. Dupree Culinary Center at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, 904 Deville, Ruston, LA, 71270 or the charity of your choice.

Growing up there’ve been all kinds of jobs I’ve had; some I hated and a few I really enjoyed. As a teenager, I worked part time for a parcel shipping company, a lumber yard, summer baseball leagues, worked two summers for Brown & Root Construction and two summers for the Texas Highway Department.

Each of these jobs taught me different things that would benefit me later in life. So many lessons can be learned through working and holding down a job, especially at an early age.

Today, I want to recognize a group of people who deserve a lot more respect than what they are given — game wardens!

It takes a special person to be a game warden. These men and women who take on the job of policing our land and waterways are a special breed, and in many cases never get the credit they deserve.

Talk about a thankless job, these folks do what very few want to do. It’s their job to enforce the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world. They go through intense training and schooling to become a certified fish and wildlife official.

They are constantly dealing with the public, who in many cases are carrying weapons. They must have good people skills allowing them to deal with some of the toughest people on earth, hunters and fishermen.

Most of the time as they approach people on the water or in the woods, they are often met by disgruntled anglers or hunters aggravated about being checked.

They have to deal with people with attitudes, who give one excuse after another why they don’t have the necessary licenses, or decided not to follow the rules and regulations that are in place.

Game wardens too often deal with folks who would rather lie than tell the truth. Many times, the wardens must go above and beyond the call of duty, like being first responders to help and rescue people after a hurricane or any type of natural disaster.

They are the guys who must retrieve our loved ones who may have drowned while fishing or been shot in hunting accident. This is a job very few people would ever want.

Growing up in East Texas and now living in Louisiana, I’ve been blessed to get to hunt and fish all across this great country. Hunting and fishing are privileges, not rights, and these men and women we call game wardens do a great job at making sure we are safe.

Today, I want to salute those who carry the badge while patrolling our lakes and waterways making sure the rules and regulations of the hunting and fishing world are enforced.

The next time you see or have some kind of interaction with a game warden, make sure to tell them, “Thank you,” and share that you appreciate the job they do. They’re not the enemy and are not out there just to write tickets. They are out there to keep you safe and enforce the law.

‘Til next week, good luck and stay safe while hunting or fishing. Make sure to follow the rules and regulations set by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in your state.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Friday, August 29

Thunderstorms likely, especially in the morning. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch until this afternoon due to flooding that may be caused by excessive rainfall. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. 

Monitor the latest forecasts as the threat area and forecast amounts may change over the next few hours. Be alert for possible flooding warnings. 

Cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. 

Saturday, August 30

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 88F. Winds light and variable. 

Partly cloudy overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. 

Sunday, August 31

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning hours will give way to a few showers in the afternoon. High 88F. Winds light and variable. Change of rain 30%.

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. 

Matt Vines

NATCHITOCHES — Red River is football is ready.

With the scrimmage against Bossier in the rearview mirror, the Bulldogs are ready for more live-action football with the Battle on the Bricks jamboree at Northwestern State.

Red River faces Tioga on Saturday at noon, a change from the earlier announced schedule. If you don’t have tickets yet ($12), visit the Red River office.

First-year coach Travis Gary said he liked what he saw from his bunch in the scrimmage.

“I liked that attitude and effort that our guys played with,” Gary said. “They may not have always been right, but they effort was there.

“We have to clean up our tackling, which is to expected from the first live action against another team.
“We also need to focus on the small details. But once we get there, we will be fine.”

“Getting there” is something Red River football more than accomplished this past season, winning the school’s first district title since 2005.

The Bulldogs return many key members of that squad, including players like three-year quarterback Malique Smith and skill guys like Warren Bowman and Cameron Jones.

“A lot of our guys have always had the athletic ability and been able to play football, but the area they’ve grown the most in is leadership,” Gary said. “They have attacked the role of being leaders on the team, and that will be evident in the way our team plays the game.

“Our skill group as a whole I believe is second to none in our classification, but our unsung heroes are our offensive linemen. They aren’t the biggest, but they are a UNIT that works together well and will continue to grow and get better.”

The defense’s improvement throughout last season, of which Gary was in charge of when he was promoted to defensive coordinator mid-season, was the key driver of the team’s success in the second half of the 2024 campaign.

Red River must replace some big pieces like all-state performers Jacob Kellogg and Jomello McDonald, but many of the offensive and defensive starters return from a team that won six straight games, which included a first-round playoff game against Winnfield.

The action-packed jamboree at NSU’s Turpin Stadium starts Friday with Lakeview taking on Leesville (4 p.m.) followed by Winnfield against Holy Savior Menard (6 p.m.) and Leesville and Natchitoches Central (8 p.m.).

Red River kicks off Saturday’s action followed by LaSalle and Grant (2 p.m.) and St. Mary’s versus Pickering (4 p.m.).

“This will be a great experience for our kids, not only because we are in a college stadium, but because we’ll be in a college stadium that will be filled with fans from our community and from around the area.

“The people that are going to show up at the jamboree will be familiar faces, and that makes the experience that much more enjoyable.”

The Bulldogs kick off the regular season Sept. 5 on the road at Catholic-Point Coupee.

By Nolan Mckendry Aug 25, 2025

(The Center Square) − Louisiana taxpayers will help fund a new $370 million secure microchip facility in Ruston, with the state pledging nearly $37 million in direct support for the project.

Radiance Technologies, an Alabama-based defense contractor, said Monday it will build a 40,000-square-foot research and manufacturing plant. State officials say the project will create 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $85,000, along with an estimated 146 indirect jobs, for a total of nearly 300 positions.

To secure the deal, Louisiana Economic Development is providing $20 million in performance-based grants to the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for facility equipment. Another $17 million will go to Louisiana Tech for research upgrades and training programs in secure chip manufacturing. The money will be tied to project milestones, according to Louisiana Economic Development.

“Louisiana is investing in ourselves – because we know our strengths, and we know what we’re capable of,” Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and wrap up by summer 2027. The facility will sit north of the Ruston Sports Complex and focus on research, design, and fabrication of secure microchips, which state leaders say are critical to national defense.

Gov. Jeff Landry called the project a generational win.

“This new secure microchip facility not only strengthens our national security, it also positions North Louisiana as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” Landry said.

The expansion builds on Radiance’s existing locations in Shreveport and Baton Rouge and its longstanding partnership with Louisiana Tech. University officials said the project will create opportunities for students and faculty while expanding research capacity.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said the city worked with Louisiana Tech and the university’s foundation to secure land for the facility, calling it “a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships.”

While Radiance will invest the bulk of the $370 million price tag, Louisiana’s direct contribution highlights the state’s strategy of using public funds to leverage private-sector growth in defense, technology, and manufacturing.

In 2006, 28-year-old Army Specialist Todd Shriver was just one of many soldiers fighting in Iraq against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Todd and other soldiers in his unit were tasked with clearing buildings of enemy insurgents in the city of Ramadi, but the work was slow. The soldiers listened for any movement in the room to be cleared. If they heard nothing, the soldiers took a quick peak into a room, with a mirror if one was available, to check for any signs of obvious danger such as enemy soldiers or explosives. They could be hiding anywhere. Then, the soldiers cautiously and slowly walked or crawled through the doorway with their weapons at the ready. Once a room was cleared, they repeated the process on a slow, seemingly endless cycle. If they failed to notice a tripwire, just one…BOOM!

Enemy soldiers had set booby traps in many of the buildings. The explosives were triggered by nearly invisible trip wires. The various branches of the military had spent an untold amount of money searching for a practical solution for finding these tripwires, but none of their ideas became standard-issue equipment. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, explained that soldiers often have to improvise on the battlefield and that commanders are given money to purchase nonstandard supplies. During the war in Iraq, soldiers bolted scrap metal to vehicles in what they called “Hillbilly Armor.” Troops removed old bulletproof windshields from damaged vehicles and attached them to working military vehicles to provide extra protection to gunners. Medics used tampons to plug bullet holes until the wounded soldiers could be transported from the battlefield to medical facilities. Soldiers used condoms over the muzzles of their rifles to keep sand out.

With no clear solution to easily locating tripwires, Todd and his fellow soldiers continued the slow process of clearing buildings. One day in October 2006, Todd was assisting some Marines in clearing a building. It was pretty much the same process of listen and look. Then, the Marine did something Todd was not expecting. He pulled out an aerosol can and sprayed its contents through the doorway. Todd was curious about the Marine’s action, but the soldiers knew to keep quiet. After clearing a few rooms in the same manner, the Marine took out the aerosol can and sprayed it as he had through the other doorways. This time, something different happened. The contents that spewed from the can clung to a nearly invisible thread which spanned the doorway. With a quick push of the can’s nozzle, the soldiers located a practically invisible tripwire that could have been deadly.

Todd requested cans of the product, but none could be found in Iraq. The product was plentiful in the United States, so Todd turned to his mother, Marcelle Shriver. On a telephone call, Todd told her what the product was and how they could use it if they had it. Todd’s mother sprung into action. She sent her son a few cans of the spray, but they needed more. With the help of her church, Todd’s mother sent him a few more dozen cans. Word spread quickly about the need and manufacturers joined in the cause. Within a year, Todd’s mother had sent more than 80,000 cans of the spray to soldiers in Iraq. Todd’s mother was collecting the spray cans, not from hardware stores, but from party supply stores. You see, the product in the aerosol cans that has saved countless lives by making the invisible tripwires visible was a silly solution called Silly String.

Sources:

1. “A Serious Use For Silly String,” December 6, 2005, CBS News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-serious-use-for-silly-string/.

2. Mel Evans, “Silly String care packages sent to troops in Iraq,” October 15, 2007, NBC News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21309380.

By Alan Wooten Aug 25, 2025

(The Center Square) – Twenty years ago this Friday, Hurricane Katrina – once a Category 5 beast – made landfall as a Category 3 first in southeastern Louisiana and then again on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Center, an arm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, calls Katrina “one of the most devastating natural disasters in United States history.” More than 1 million were displaced, the death toll has fluctuated between 1,833 and 1,392, and the damage estimate was $125 billion.

In today’s dollars, it would be $226 billion.

“Katrina was an extraordinarily powerful and deadly hurricane that carved a wide swath of catastrophic damage and inflicted large loss of life,” the report from the Hurricane Center says. “It was the costliest and one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States.”

Arguments persist on storms, including the volume and the intensity. In the 20 years since, varying reasons have led to some of the worst from the Atlantic basin and its season that runs June 1 to Nov. 30.

Patterns suggest if and where the storms strike outweigh storm intensity at landfall. A look back only to Hurricane Helene last fall shows that while the storm was Category 4 at landfall in Florida, it was while over the mountains of North Carolina that the greatest loss of life and property damage came.

Helene is recorded as 250 deaths (176 direct) and $78.7 billion in damage in the report issued in April from the Hurricane Center. In North Carolina, 107 deaths and $60 billion are attributed to the storm.

One that didn’t strike the mainland but is high on American lists is Hurricane Maria in 2017. It devastated the American territory of Puerto Rico, with more than 3,000 deaths and $91.6 billion in damage.

On the mainland that year, Hurricane Harvey killed 103 – 68 were deemed direct from the storm, the Hurricane Center says – and caused $125 billion in damage. In today’s dollars, that’s $164 billion.

Harvey reached Category 4 status on the wind scale, yet it was the 60 inches of rainfall over four days in southeastern Texas that caused flooding and the most direct deaths.

Ian in late September 2022 killed 156 (66 direct) and caused an estimated $112.9 billion in damage, striking the southwestern tip of Florida at Cayo Costa Island. It crossed back to the Atlantic through Cape Canaveral, and went north into Georgetown, S.C.

Statistically and geographically different, Hurricane Sandy was a brute of a storm in late October 2012 that is credited with damage from Florida to New England. It stayed off the mainland for the most part until making landfall as a tropical storm near Brigantine, N.J. The Hurricane Center says Sandy killed 159 in the United States, including 72 directly, with more than 8.5 million losing power as a result of the storm.

The estimated cost is $70 billion, or $104 billion in today’s dollars.

The Red River Parish Library will host Adult Game Day Tuesday, Sept 2 at 10am. Enjoy games, refreshments and fun with friends.

Red River Shooting Sports will host an informational meeting Tuesday, Sept 2 at 6pm at the 4-H Office. The program includes archery, BB, rifle, shotgun. 4-H members in grades 4-12 are invited to participate.

First Baptist Church Coushatta is seeking a part-time church pianist to play Sunday services and for special events. Pay is based on experience. Email resume to Penny Hay at pennydupree3@yahoo.com.

Local golfer, Sam Burns, has been selected for the U. S. Ryder Cup team. Congrats Sam!

The 2nd annual Natchitoches Bigfoot Festival is slated for Sat. Sept 6 from 9am until 6pm at the Natchitoches Event Center. Five incredible speakers, dozens of vendors, hundreds of fellow enthusiasts…AND meeting Bigfoot at this family-friendly event! Tickets will also be available at the door. Limited merch available at event. 

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer a driver education course Oct. 6-9 from 7:30am-4pm in South Hall on the NSU campus. This course will consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of eight hours of practice driving (behind-the-wheel instruction). Participants will receive a certificate verifying successful completion of the course. Students must be 15 years old on or before Jan. 6, 2026, to take the course. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 26. A mandatory parent meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 29 at 6pm. For more information, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

Meta is investing $10 billion to build a massive AI-focused data center complex—spanning over 4 million square feet—in Richland Parish nicknamed the “AI Supercluster” or “Hyperion”. To meet its enormous energy needs (estimated to be equivalent to that of 4 million homes and up to 5 gigawatts of computing power), Meta is working with Entergy to build three new gas-fired power plants totaling 2.3 GW.

The BPCC Petula Holden Student Salon at the Natchitoches campus is open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am – 2pm. The salon offers a full range of beauty and personal care services including haircuts, styling, coloring, manicures, pedicures and much more. All services are performed by BPCC Cosmetology students under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. No appointment needed–walk-ins are welcome. Visit https://bit.ly/4lvck88 for a full list of services and pricing info. 

The Independence Bowl announced a two year extension with three one-year options with Radiance Technologies. 

Judy Gail Dickson
January 9, 1953 – August 24, 2025
Graveside services will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11am at Mt. Zion Cemetery weather permitting.

Linda Dupree Dowling
September 13, 1950 — August 28, 2025
A Celebration of the Life will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Methodist Church Shreveport, 500 Common St., Shreveport.

Red River High School’s football team will showcase their talent on a big stage when they participate in the Battle on the Bricks Jamboree at Northwestern State University’s Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches on Saturday, August 30.

The NRMC Jamboree Battle on the Bricks is a highly anticipated event that brings together teams from across the area for two days of competitive matchups in a collegiate setting. For Red River, the opportunity offers student-athletes a chance to shine in front of a larger audience while representing their school and community with pride.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12pm (noon). Fans are encouraged to arrive early and wear Bulldog colors to show support. Tickets are available at the school for $12 per person. 

Action begins Friday afternoon at 4pm with Lakeview taking on Leesville, followed by Winnfield vs Menard at 6 and the night cap battle between Natchitoches Central and Leesville.

The Bulldogs kick off the action Saturday with other games pitting LaSalle against Grant (2pm) and St. Mary’s vs Pickering  (4pm).

The Bulldogs begin regular season play on the road at Catholic of Point Coupee Friday, September 5 at 7pm.

The 2025 banquet is scheduled for September 18 at the Coushatta Country Club beginning at 5:00 p.m.

For ticket reservations, call Tray Murray or email him at tray.murray.pocn@statefarm.com. All-inclusive admission is $50. For Green Wings (under 16), admission is $25. The price of admission also includes your one-year membership and the DU magazine.

There will be raffles, games, guns, and fun for everyone. Organizer Tray Murray encourages everyone to make their reservations for tables now. “Space is limited; get tickets now and avoid the rush.”

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for a second year in a row.  These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Council on Aging, David Beard Builders, 4B Garage, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s, Pathway Tire, and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2025 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

START PICKING NOW – This week’s contests –>   2025 Pick Em Form

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (August 28-31) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Wednesday, August 27

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 89F. Winds light and variable.

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early in the evening. Then a few clouds from time to  time overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. 

Thursday, August 28

Partly cloudy. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10mph.

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.

The National Weather Service shared that the threat of heavy rainfall will increase across the area Thursday afternoon/night, along and behind a weak cool front. Rainfall amounts could range from 1-3+ inches in some areas. 

Monitor the latest forecasts as the threat area and forecast amounts may change over the next couple days. 

Dr. Diane Newton, Director of Federal Programs for Red River Parish Public Schools, is encouraging parents to apply for tutoring support available through the Steve Carter Education Program.

The program provides $1,500 vouchers to families of eligible K–12 students to help cover the cost of tutoring services.

Parents who are interested must complete the application form before September 2, 2025.

This opportunity is designed to give students additional academic support and resources to help them succeed in the classroom.

If you’ve ever tried to order at a fast food drive-thru with a speaker that sounds like it was built during the Tower of Babel incident, you know the struggle. You pull up, hungry and hopeful, only to be greeted by a garbled voice that sounds like it’s speaking in tongues—but not the kind Paul was talking about.

“Whaaaat can Iiii get foooorrrr youuuuu todaaaay?”

You squint at the menu like it’s Leviticus, trying to decipher what’s actually available. You speak clearly, slowly, and with conviction: “I’d like a number three with no onions, a medium fry, and a Coke.”

There’s a pause. Then the voice replies, “So that’s a number two, extra onions, large fry, and a Diet Dr. Pepper?”

You sigh. “No, that’s not what I said.”

And suddenly, you realize this feels oddly familiar. Like prayer. Like trying to hear from God.

Let’s be honest—sometimes hearing from God feels like trying to decode a drive-thru speaker in a thunderstorm. You pray with all your heart, asking for guidance, clarity, maybe even a sign. And what you get back feels… fuzzy.

You ask, “Lord, should I take this job?”

And you hear, “Take the jog.”

Jog? Is this about exercise? Is this metaphorical? Is God telling me to run away from the job? Or toward it? Is this a Jonah moment or a Joshua moment?

You start Googling biblical references to jogging. You ask three friends, your pastor, and maybe even your dog. Still unclear.

Drive-thrus are designed for speed but rarely deliver clarity. Similarly, we often approach God like He’s a spiritual vending machine. We want fast answers, clear signs, and instant peace. But God’s not in the business of fast food theology.

He’s more like a slow-cooked brisket—rich, layered, and worth the wait.

Sometimes we get frustrated because we think we’re doing everything right. We’re praying, reading Scripture, even fasting (which, ironically, makes the drive-thru even more tempting). But God’s voice isn’t always loud or obvious. Remember Elijah? God wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. He was in the whisper.

And let’s be real: whispers don’t work well through drive-thru speakers.

The key difference? God’s not garbled. We are.

The static isn’t on His end—it’s on ours. We’ve got spiritual interference: anxiety, distractions, expectations, and sometimes, just plain hunger. We’re trying to hear divine direction while scrolling Instagram, binge-watching Netflix, and mentally calculating how many calories are in a Chick-fil-A milkshake.

But God’s voice requires quiet. Stillness. Intentional listening. It’s not about shouting into the speaker and hoping for the best—it’s about pulling forward, parking, and spending time in His presence.

So next time you’re in a drive-thru, waiting for your order and wondering if they got it right, take a moment to laugh—and reflect. Hearing from God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. He’s not a fast food employee trying to rush you through. He’s a loving Father who wants relationship, not just requests.

And unlike the drive-thru, He never gets your order wrong.

So breathe. Listen. And maybe skip the onions. Just in case.

The Parkinson’s Foundation recently announced the recipients of more than $1 million in community grants for Parkinson’s disease programs across the U.S. Louisiana Tech University was awarded $10,000 to provide care partner support through their Parkinson Resource Center.

This grant will support the Music & Movement and Voice programs that are offered free to those with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. In addition, this grant will provide education events to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of a PD diagnosis.

“The Parkinson Resource Center at Louisiana Tech was established as a collaborative effort between university faculty, students, and community experts with the goal of promoting a healthy Parkinson’s community by connecting people, programs, ideas, and resources,” said PRC director and nursing professor Dr. Donna Hood.

Since its inception in 2019, the PRC has involved faculty and students from nursing, speech-language pathology, music, nutrition & dietetics, the VISTA program, and kinesiology. Grants from the Parkinson’s Foundation coupled with gifts from donors across our region and collaboration with Louisiana Tech’s Rock Steady Boxing affiliate provide a comprehensive support network for those across north Louisiana who are living with a PD diagnosis.

The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for health, wellness and educational needs. The 2025 grant cycle funds programs that address mental health needs of people with PD, reach those who are PD care partners, and educate and deliver exercise specifically designed for people with PD.

“For the more than 1 million people living with PD in the U.S., access to local programs like support groups, exercise classes or educational courses is truly life-changing,” said Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. “Investments in nation-wide community grant funding represents the Foundation’s on-going dedication to improving the lives of our Parkinson’s community across the country.”

About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Big news is coming for college football fans in Louisiana: the Southeastern Conference (SEC) will officially expand to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in the 2026 season. For LSU and its loyal Tiger fans, this shift means tougher competition, more variety in opponents, and even greater excitement on Saturday nights in Death Valley.

Under the new format, each SEC team will play three permanent rivals every year, keeping historic showdowns intact. For LSU, that possibly means continued annual matchups with longtime rivals such as Alabama and Ole Miss, rivalries that have defined generations of Tiger football. The other six SEC opponents will rotate each season, giving LSU fans a chance to see more teams come through Baton Rouge on a regular basis.

The change also guarantees that LSU will face every SEC school at least once every two years, both home and away within four years. That means Tiger fans won’t have to wait nearly as long to see marquee matchups with schools like Georgia, Tennessee, or new conference members Texas and Oklahoma.

On top of the nine SEC games, the league will still require each school to schedule at least one non-conference game against a Power Four opponent or Notre Dame. For LSU, that opens the door to maintain or add big-time games outside of conference play — the kind that make Tiger Stadium roar and attract national attention.

Commissioner Greg Sankey shared, “Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation. This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.”

For the College Football Playoff, this change could give SEC teams a leg up. With strength of schedule now a key factor in playoff selection, an additional SEC game adds credibility to postseason résumés.

For SEC football fans, the news is simple: more chances to watch the SEC face the best of the best. Whether in Baton Rouge or on the road, the 2026 season promises a new era of excitement for Tiger Nation.

Photo: SEC website