Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The Coushatta community finally got to see the new and improved Red River football team up close as the Bulldogs pitched a shutout in its home opener.

Red River steamrolled White Castle in a 40-0 win Friday.

The Bulldogs (2-2) scored 20 first-quarter points and cruised to the win against a White Castle bunch that still hasn’t scored a point in its first four games.

“(The atmosphere) was electric,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “It felt like what high school football should feel like on a Friday night.”

Gary said he wanted to make sure his team built an early lead, further making the point that Friday wasn’t going to be the night that White Castle wasn’t going to turn things around.

“We came out with a goal of starting fast, and we were going to take our shots early and often,” Gary said. “Our guys were disciplined, and all 11 did their job.

“That leads to shutouts with good defenses like ours.”

The shutout is the program’s since 2019 when the Bulldogs blanked Mansfield in Week 3, winning 6-0.

This shutout provided the Bulldogs much more of a cushion as Red River reached the 40-point mark for the first time this season.

Red River’s five touchdowns were spread among four players, with Cedric Moody scoring twice while Lathyn Lewis, Carl Lewis and Warren Bowman all reaching the end zone once.

Quarterback Malique Smith had been using his legs more to score touchdowns, but Smith distributed effectively and let his playmakers take the reins.

With a 7-0 lead and after recovering a White Castle fumble, Red River took advantage as Carl Lewis sliced through the defense for a 40-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass.

Elijah Lewis broke free on a 30-yard touchdown catch finding a seam in the White Castle defense to go up by four touchdowns.

Smith threw for 200 yards while Red River added another 67 rushing yards in a game where the Bulldogs had advantageous field position because of its defense.

White Castle gained just 128 yards total and just 48 on the ground.

The Bulldogs forced three turnovers while overcoming two Smith interceptions themselves.

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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

Each week the picking will remain open until 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

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 tiebreaker consisting of guessing the total points scored in one 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!

Week 1: Charles Crockett
Week 2: Michael Birdsong
Week 3: Lori Lee
Week 4: John Perkins

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Matt Vines

EAST POINT – When Ashton Almond evaded one tackler and spun around another to find the end zone late in the fourth quarter against Tensas Academy, it appeared as though Riverdale would be gearing up for a game-winning two-point conversion.

But a yellow penalty flag flew from the back judge and wiped out Riverdale’s touchdown – and the Rebels’ (0-5) chance at its first victory of the season.

A questionable holding call seemingly away from the play eliminated a 13-yard touchdown pass by Tanner Carlisle in which he picked up a low snap and found Almond.

Tensas (2-3) went on the road and prevailed in a 36-30 win Friday.

Almond scored three touchdowns with Carlisle adding another in the 30-point performance, which more than doubled Riverdale’s output in its first four games.

“The running game was working, and Ashton just refused to be stopped,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “But unfortunately we had five turnovers.”

The offensive output comes as Carlisle continues to get healthier from a leg injury, looking the best he has all season.

Riverdale’s 36 points allowed is a season-low as well for a unit that’s given up between 46-54 points in its first four losses.

Edie said the defense moved a few pieces around this week, which helped with the improvement.

“We moved Ashton to a safety/linebacker hybrid,” Edie said. “Ryder Shaver stepped in at corner and made several big plays on the outside.

“Unfortunately, we still have given up too many big plays. They got a touchdown right before the half that was big for them.”

The loss stops a four-game winning streak for Riverdale in the Tensas Academy series.
Riverdale hits the field next against River Oaks, arguably the best MAIS team in Louisiana.

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Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy will provide flu shots at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street,  Friday, October 3 from 8-10am. 

Bring your insurance, Medicaid and/or Medicare cards with you.

RRCOA is not responsible for any payments. 

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Lump Sum Bid

Sale Type:
Lump sum sealed bid opening 1pm (ct), Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 with bid luncheon at 12pm ct. 

Overview Caddo Parish, Louisiana:

3-tracts totaling
1,944 acres (1,958deed acres) with 1,042-acres in planted pine (averaging: age 27, dbh11.5”, tpa250), 377-acres in natural pine (averaging: age 30, dbh12.6”, tpa119)

372-acres in natural hardwood with scattered pine (averaging: age 29, dbh7.6”, tpa126)

153-acres in roads and non-timber (rows, decks, pads, & ponds). All 3-tracts have active hunting leases $6-$10/acre, which transfers with sale.

Paved road access on state highway LA1(2), paved Parish Rd 150 and paved Parish Rd 117 (Boyter Road). Tracts within 3-miles southwest of Vivian city in northwest Louisiana. Logging capabilities average 8-months per year on roadside stands. A dozer and bushhogs are currently clearing roads, along with a culvert installation.

Complete detailed prospectus package with original tally workups by stand in adobe and excel, kml/shp based stand maps, and npv excel interactive program are available by emailing or calling Colleen 870-299-0978 or Ted 870-299-0977.

A Reynolds Forestry 4-wheel drive large SUV is at the Vivian airport for anyone who flies in; Reynolds Forestry has a p210n 6-seater which is also available to transport prospects within 4-state area; call Ted/Colleen to schedule.

Bid Opening:
Reynolds Forestry Office, 2315 North Vine Street, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 (bidder attendance welcome). Lunch provided in conference room at 12pm (RSVP for meal) and bid opening at 1pm. Drive round to back porch door.

Bid Options:
Sealed bid by individual tract and/or cumulative for all 3-tracts and/or any 2-tract combination. Acceptance based on highest of cumulated individual bids compared to highest cumulative and highest two-tract combination (with highest single added for comparison to cumulative bids).

Contact: colleen@reynoldsforestry.com

Website: Land Sales Link

Google Maps Link: Click Here

Phone: 870-299-0978

LEGAL:

Reservation: Minerals reserved and seller reserves right to reject any and/or all offers.

Closing: Within 60 days of acceptance, overseen by RFC&RE, attorney, and abstractor. 2% Earnest of winning bid (minimum $20,000) due within 5 business days of offer acceptance. Title insurance, revenue stamps, and closing admin fee divided equally. Taxes prorated. Closing costs increased by buyer paid by buyer (10% per annum daily prorate fee for buyer closing extension). No other terms exist outside this document unless duly executed by all parties. Submitted offers (verbal & written) legally binding to all terms stated in this prospectus, deviating party responsible for reimbursing legal costs related to ensuring compliance.

Disclosure: Reynolds Forestry does not guarantee boundaries or volumes

VIEW & DOWNLOAD BID PACKAGE

STAND DETAILS

AERIAL MAPS

SOIL MAPS

Monday, September 29

Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 91F. Winds light and variable. 

A few clouds from time to time overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. 

Tuesday, September 30

Cloudy. High 88F. Winds light and variable. 

Mainly clear overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. 

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BATON ROUGE, La.- Leaders of the Louisiana House and Senate say yesterday’s announcement during the Revenue Estimating Committee of historic balances in state bank accounts is worthy of praise. The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports that the Unemployment Trust Fund is expected to grow to $1.2 billion by August of 2026, the highest total in the state’s history.

As a result, unemployment taxes for business will be reduced and jobless benefits will increase
to $282/week.

Additionally, the Budget Stabilization Fund has also reached an unprecedented balance of
$1.227B, more than doubling in the last five years.

The Budget Stabilization Fund was established in 1999 and contains surplus funding and mineral
revenue. The fund can be used to cover fiscal shortfalls/deficits and during a declared disaster.
“Responsible budgeting by the legislature is having an incredibly positive impact and reducing
taxes on our businesses,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “Not only have we
delivered on the reforms we promised in terms of crime, education, transportation and insurance
legislators have done so with an eye towards saving money, prioritizing spending and reducing
waste. And it’s all paying off by limiting government growth and giving money back to our
citizens.”

“Recognizing historic amounts fund balances is a significant accomplishment for the state,” says
Senate President Cameron Henry. “It sends a message that Louisiana is responsibly managing its
budget and we’re ready to invest in economic development and improve our overall business
climate in ways we’ve never been able to do before.”

Courtesy of Louisiana Legislature

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As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, CHRISTUS Health is urging women to recognize the subtle symptoms of this deadly disease and seek care early.

“Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because its symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for less serious conditions,” said Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, hematology and oncology specialist with CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport. “Our goal is to empower women to listen to their bodies and seek care early.”

This year, an estimated 20,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, resulting in nearly 13,000 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. In Louisiana alone, the disease claims the lives of two out of every three women diagnosed.

Symptoms may include bloating, pain in the lower belly, feeling full after eating only a small amount and needing to urinate more often or more urgently than usual.

Chintapalli said women with a family history of ovarian cancer or certain genetic mutations are considered high risk and may benefit from regular screenings, which include blood tests and ultrasound of the pelvis.
It’s important to discuss these options with a health care provider to determine the best approach for individual needs, she said.

The effectiveness of screening is part of the growing effort to improve early detection. That is why education, awareness and proactive health are so important.

“Awareness is our strongest tool, and I encourage women not to hesitate if something feels off,” she said. “Know your family history, ask questions about genetic testing and listen to your body. It could save your life.”

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Northwestern State University of Louisiana has earned top honors in the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including the distinction of being the No. 1 Top Public School in Louisiana among Regional Universities in the South.

This year’s Best Colleges rankings highlight Northwestern State University’s strong academic performance, student success and growing reputation. The university placed No. 59 in the overall Regional Universities (South) category, tied for No. 25 in Social Mobility, tied for No. 31 in Top Public Schools, tied for No. 30 in Best Colleges for Veterans and ranked No. 294 in Undergraduate Nursing.

The recognition makes Northwestern State eligible to display official U.S. News badges, marking a significant achievement for the institution and its students.

U.S. News & World Report calculates its rankings based on a wide range of factors, including graduation rates, faculty resources, student excellence and outcomes for graduates. These measures are designed to give prospective students and families reliable data as they make college decisions. According to U.S. News, Northwestern State’s strong performance reflects a commitment to access, affordability and quality outcomes for its students.

President James T. Genovese said the recognition represents years of hard work and investment across the university.

“Northwestern State continues to rise as a leading institution in Louisiana and across the South. This recognition confirms the dedication of our faculty and staff to supporting students, while also highlighting the outstanding achievements of our students themselves. Families across Louisiana and beyond are looking for trusted signals of quality, and this recognition sends a strong message that Northwestern State delivers value and results.”

Dr. Greg Handel, executive vice president and provost, said the rankings show the university’s academic strength.

“Our students are receiving a high-quality education that prepares them for meaningful careers. The rankings validate the efforts of our faculty and academic programs to maintain excellence while adapting to the needs of today’s workforce. Being ranked No. 1 among Louisiana’s public regional universities underscores that our programs deliver outcomes that matter to students and families.”

The 2026 Best Colleges rankings highlight Northwestern State University’s commitment to student success. With top recognition in Louisiana and across the South, the university is well positioned to welcome new students and prepare graduates who will make a lasting impact in their communities and careers.

For more information or to view the full rankings, visit http://www.nsu.la/usnews.

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Fall Picture Day at Red River Junior High is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2025.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer a Pick Up Your Brush painting class Oct. 2 and 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45. The painting on Oct. 2 will be titled “Truckload of Fall.” Those in the Oct. 16 class will paint “Colorful Pumpkin Stack.” No special or prior skills are required. Children ages 7 – 12 years old are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child during the entire class. Parents do not have to enroll unless they take part. All supplies are included. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu

Airlines are considering a radical new seating design that would allow passengers to fly almost standing up. The concept, called Skyrider 2.0, replaces regular seats with upright saddle-style chairs.

The 2025 LHSAA Prep Classic released the schedule for championship games Dec 11-13 in the Caesars Superdome.  

Netflix is developing a live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s book Miss Nelson is Missing with Melissa McCarthy set to play Miss Nelson.

Mark your calendars for Dec 6 for the Zwolle Cajun Christmas Festival. Free entry and family friendly. Fireworks at 6pm.

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The Red River Council on Aging is a vital resource for the citizens of Red River Parish, especially for older adults and their families. For many in the community, it represents support, connection, and independence. Its services go far beyond just providing meals or transportation — it plays a key role in improving quality of life for seniors while offering peace of mind to their loved ones.

For older residents, the Council on Aging is often a lifeline. It provides access to nutritious home-delivered meals and congregate meals at senior centers, ensuring that no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from. This service is especially important for seniors living alone or in rural areas where access to groceries may be limited.

Transportation is another critical service. Many older adults no longer drive, which can make it difficult to attend doctor’s appointments, grocery shop, or participate in community events. The Council on Aging helps by offering rides, keeping seniors connected to essential services and reducing feelings of isolation.

Beyond basic needs, the Council on Aging creates opportunities for social interaction and engagement. Through activities, classes, and events, seniors can build friendships and stay active both physically and mentally. These programs help fight loneliness, which is a common challenge for many older adults.

For families, the organization provides support and relief, knowing their loved ones are cared for and have access to trusted resources. It also offers guidance on navigating services such as Medicare, health care options, and assistance programs, which can be overwhelming to manage alone.

In short, the Red River Council on Aging is more than just a service provider — it’s a valuable community partner. It helps seniors maintain their independence, supports their well-being, and strengthens the entire parish by fostering a culture of care and connection. For many citizens, it represents dignity, respect, and the assurance that they are valued members of Red River Parish.

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Onto the next.

That’s the mantra Red River football coach Travis Gary preached to his team this week after an admirable showing against Class 2A power Oak Grove.

The Bulldogs built a two-touchdown halftime lead but ended up falling 42-36.

The next one happens to be Red River’s (1-2) first home game of the season when White Castle (0-3) comes to town tonight.

“When it all sunk in, we were back to the regularly scheduled program,” Gary said. “We put it to bed Monday, and we move on.

“That’s been our philosophy since the beginning, whether we win lose or draw. The players have embodied that in practice this week, locked in, and focused on White Castle.”

There’s much more to glean from the Oak Grove loss aside from the disappointment of not pulling off the upset, particularly in a series in which Oak Grove won 55-8 in 2024.

Red River is rising with its new head coach, who has unleashed quarterback Malique Smith and opened up the offense and its athletes similar to the John Bachman days.

Smith connected on touchdown passes with Warren Bowman and Elijah Lewis before running one in himself in the first half.

He served as more of a game manager in a more conservative offense the past two seasons, but the third-year starter is flourishing in the pass-first spread offense this year.

The Bulldogs are eager to show their community the new look in the team’s first home game.

“EVERYONE is excited,” Gary said. “The entire community is ready to see these young men perform here in Coushatta.”

They’ll aim to overwhelm a proud White Castle program that’s off to an unimaginably rough start in new coach Guy Morgan’s first season.

White Castle, which returns 13 seniors, has been shutout in all three games this season, falling to Central Catholic (35-0), Liberty (59-0) and Jeanerette (59-0).

But that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs aren’t dangerous as an 0-3 White Castle team topped Red River, 48-30, this past season.

“They are a group that seems to be finding their way,” Gary said. “They are figuring it out.

“They definitely have a bunch of good athletes, and if they put it all together, they can be dangerous. So we have to respect their athleticism and just make sure they don’t put it all together and figure it out against us.”

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Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The first win for Riverdale Academy football has been elusive as the Rebels have faced a juggernaut of an early schedule.

Riverdale (0-4) faces challenges of small roster size and injuries, but the clouds may be parting this week as cooler temperatures and Tensas Academy (1-3) come to town Friday.

Quarterback Tanner Carlisle continues to make progress with his leg injury, not missing games but slowly gaining full strength.

Carlisle broke an 11-yard run this past week in which he evaded multiple tacklers and stiff armed one more, evidence that the athletic signal caller is becoming more mobile.

“Tanner is getting better, but he’s still not quite a full go yet,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “The worst part about leg injuries is not the injury itself but trusting it as it heals.

“We don’t ask him to do more than what we feel like he’s capable of in that moment.”

One player who’s shown he is more capable and gaining additional responsibility is Ben Moseley.

The linemen appeared in the backfield and was the primary running back this week, punishing defenders at the end of his runs.

“Ben is definitely going to be a bigger part of our offense going forward,” Edie said. “He takes some of the pressure off Tanner and Ashton, and he runs extremely hard.

“Obviously he’s not used to running the ball, so he’s adjusting. But he’s willing to do whatever he can to help us win.”

It’s that spirit that could help Riverdale break through against a Tensas Academy bunch that the Rebels are accustomed to beating.

Riverdale won the past two seasons by 50-plus points and has taken the past four meetings since 2020.
To keep the winning ways in this series, Riverdale understands it must sustain offensive drives and limit the big plays defensively that’ve led to its first four losses.

“I am a believer that the next game is always the most important game,” Edie said. “The boys understand they have to execute on offense and tackle on defense to win this game.

“Tensas is a young team but pretty athletic. They have a really good running back and like to spread the field. We’ll have to cover in space and box in their playmakers.”

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A drive down Hwy 155 on Wednesday morning turned into a question of Who oversees safety for the roads. According to one citizen, the dip in the road at the Carroll Creek Bridges is not safe. In fact, this person went so far as to warn motorists and the DOTD that their approval of the road was less than perfect.

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Riverdale Academy’s BETA Club has earned statewide recognition for its commitment to service, ranking 5th in Louisiana for the total number of service hours completed by its members. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of the students who participate in the nationally recognized organization.

The National BETA Club emphasizes leadership, academic achievement, character, and service, challenging students to give back to their schools and communities. At Riverdale, each BETA Club member is required to complete a minimum of 10 service hours per year, but many go above and beyond, contributing to the club’s ambitious goal of 1,900 total service hours for the school year.

Members at Riverdale are involved in a wide variety of projects, from supporting local events and helping with school activities to volunteering for organizations across Red River Parish and surrounding areas. These experiences not only benefit the community but also give students valuable leadership skills and a lifelong commitment to service.

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Friday, September 26

Mostly sunny skies. High around 85F. Winds light and variable. 

Clear skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. 

Saturday, September 27

Mainly sunny sky. High 86F. Winds light and variable. 

Partly cloudy overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. 

Sunday, September 28

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 87. Winds light and variable.

Clear overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.

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Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust. Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

Sources:

Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.

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Few foods bring people together quite like pancakes, and every year, September 26 is set aside to celebrate National Pancake Day. Whether you like them fluffy and golden, topped with butter and syrup, or stacked high with fruit, nuts, and whipped cream, pancakes have long been a breakfast favorite that feels both comforting and festive.

The history of pancakes stretches back thousands of years—versions of the dish have been found in cultures all over the world. From French crêpes to Russian blinis to the American short stack, pancakes have always been a symbol of warmth and hospitality. In the United States, the fluffy buttermilk pancake is the classic, often paired with maple syrup and bacon for the perfect breakfast plate.

National Pancake Day isn’t just about eating, though—it’s also about enjoying the tradition. Families often celebrate by gathering around the griddle, flipping pancakes together, and experimenting with creative add-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or even savory toppings. Restaurants across the country also join in, offering specials and promotions to mark the occasion.

So, on September 26, grab a spatula, heat up the skillet, and celebrate with a stack of your favorite pancakes. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and when it includes pancakes, it just might be the happiest, too.

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(The Center Square) -Nolan McKendry  

Louisiana and four other state public service commissions have filed a formal complaint against the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, accusing the grid operator of reliance on “patently unreasonable” assumptions to justify $22 billion worth of transmission projects in its long-range planning portfolio. The grid operator functions to coordinate the reliable transmission of electricity across multiple states by managing power flows.  

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Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy will provide flu shots at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street,  Friday, October 3 from 8-10am. 

Bring your insurance, Medicaid and/or Medicare cards with you.

RRCOA is not responsible for any payments. 

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When you say the words “Red River” to most tournament anglers, the majority will instantly start telling you how much they hate this body of water. BUT NOT ME! Yes, the Red River is a challenging river system and not just with fishing, but navigation as well. But I love the Red River for several reasons.

First is the fact that it’s such a diverse fishery. You have two choices on where to fish. It’s either the shallow backwaters or the jetties and cuts on the main river, which pretty much narrows down where you’re going to attack this body of water.  

The fishing can be really good, especially when it comes to catching numbers of bass. Quality, on the other hand, can be a little tougher to come by. When fishing the Red, you must lower expectations in terms of size and quality. A 13-to-15-pound bag with five fish will be in the running to win. However, the Red River is on its way back to providing catches of good solid five-fish bags of 15 to 18 pounds.

The improvement in fishing is thanks to the Red River Waterway Commission which has implemented an annual restocking program for black bass ever since the flood of 2016.

My latest adventure on the Red was one of regret and one of joy as I participated in the recent American Bass Anglers Louisiana Pro League make-up tournaments. Two of the three regular season LA Pro League events were canceled back in April and May due to various reasons.

While I’ve been fishing the Texas division since its inception, I decided to jump into the Louisiana circuit when ABA rescheduled both make-up events on back-to-back days on my favorite body of water — the Red River.

Over my tournament fishing career, the Red has been the site of some of my most successful tournament experiences with a few wins and several Top 10 finishes. For some strange reason it seems to fit my style of fishing. I’ve always been a shallow water angler since I was a kid growing up on small ponds. And the river is conducive to my throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait and flipping a creature bait in thick cover.

Tournament 1 was on Saturday, August 23 and the results were average for me with a sixth-place finish, weighing a little over 11 pounds. But tournament 2 on Sunday was much better as I finished second with 13 pounds. Former FLW pro Jim Dillard won the event on Day 2 with 15.03 pounds.

On Day 2, I pretty much followed the same game plan as Day 1 but with a couple of adjustments. Instead of starting on the main river, I went straight into the backwater areas. This turned out to be a good move as I had a five-fish limit by 8 a.m. I still caught two good keepers on the main river later that day, which allowed me to cull up in weight.

Turns out, one specific spot I had found in Pool 4 during practice was the key to my success on Day 2. Over a two-day period, I caught over 22 bass off this one spot about the size of a pickup truck. I caught 15 fish off it on Day 1 with only two keepers. Day 2, I caught seven fish off this same spot and three fish were 3 pounds each or better. As they say, “What a difference a day makes!”

Again, I’ve never been able to say exactly why I seem to do so well on the Red River. It’s just a place I feel so confident and comfortable on that no matter how big the event, I seem to do very well.

Every angler who has ever fished tournaments will tell you that there are certain bodies of water where they just feel right at home. For me, that would be the Red River.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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