For the first time since 1871, Red River Parish and the Town of Coushatta have only one dedicated local news source, The Red River Journal. In mid-February, The Coushatta Citizen Newspaper was quietly removed from publication.

A call to The Natchitoches Times confirmed that “The Red River News” would now be a section of the Natchitoches newspaper. “We are trying this for now, we hope it will work”.

According to the 2025 report, “The State of Local News” by the Medill School of Journalism, “Nearly 40% of all printed newspapers that operated 20 years ago have ceased to exist”. Declining readership and advertising are key factors in the demise.

The Library of Congress lists The Coushatta Citizen as the oldest newspaper for the town. First published on December 9, 1871, the newspaper is listed as the creation of W.H. Scanland. Also published in the area were The Coushatta Times from 1871 to 1877, and The Huey Long Red River Democrat in 1938.

The Red River Parish Library has an extensive collection of The Coushatta Citizen for perusal.

The Red River Parish Journal will continue to be your up-to-date, reliable access to your local and state news. Click JOIN to subscribe at https://redriverparishjournal.com/

Make sure to send in all of your school, church, and community happenings and news to Redriverparishjournal@gmail.com.

Advertisers and public notices are encouraged to reach out and discuss what RRPJ can offer to achieve the viewership you seek. In January, RRPJ had 93,300 views and more than 59,300 visitors.  Contact redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

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Matt Vines

Red River girls battle Oak Grove, ultimately fall short in quarterfinals
Red River took Oak Grove’s best punch as the Lady Tigers leapt to a 14-1 edge.

The No. 10 Lady Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game, but ultimately, they couldn’t generate enough offense as No. 2 Oak Grove held on for a 43-31 win in the Division III Non-Select quarterfinals.
Red River slowly chipped away at Oak Grove’s lead and trailed 20-13 at halftime, but the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t convert on enough chances down the stretch to pull off the upset.

The Lady Bulldogs end their season at 20-13, the first 20-win season since the Lady Bulldogs won 29 games in 2020 en route to a Class 2A championship game appearance.

Red River had its best season in the Kim Burton era and captured a District 3-2A title.

The Lady Bulldogs topped Mansfield three times this season, including in the second round of the playoffs on the road to reach the Oak Grove quarterfinal game.

This game featured two of the state’s top prospects in the Class of 2027 – No. 1 Caroline Bradley and No. 6 Kaleah Crawford.

Bradley, the reigning Miss Basketball by the LSWA and the No. 3 recruit nationally, affected the game with her 6-foot-5 frame.

Red River’s team defense, a hallmark of a vastly improved squad from years past, did a lot to limit Bradley and her teammates after Oak Grove’s initial surge.

Red River loses just one senior in Adrina Jackson, and Crawford leads a group of six juniors who will return in 2026-27 with a hunger and knowledge about what serious playoff basketball looks like.

Red River boys set to start playoff journey Friday
The journey to a possible third straight Top 28 begins tonight for the Red River boys basketball team.

The No. 6 seed Bulldogs (21-10) host No. 27 Crowley (10-18) on Friday in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs.

This year’s group of seniors have been the backbone of Red River’s past two deep playoff runs – reaching the 2024 state title game and the 2025 semifinals.

The past two playoff runs looked drastically different.

As a No. 13 seed in 2024, Red River went on the road to knock off No. 4 Vinton and No. 5 Madison Parish.

Red River topped No. 8 Donaldsonville before losing to No. 6 Marksville in the title game.

As a No. 2 seed in 2025, the road to Lake Charles came through Coushatta as they comfortably dispensed of Rayville and Westlake en route to the Top 28, falling to Marksville in the semifinals.

Whatever happens in this playoff journey – Red River won’t see Marksville until a state title matchup as they are on the other side of the bracket as the No. 1 seed.

But should seniors like Malique Smith, Jamarion Davis, Warren Bowman, Cameron Jones, Collin Stafford, Tylan Beavers and Demarche Newton lead Red River past Crowley, the chances of Red River seeing familiar faces is high.

The Bulldogs could play either No. 11 Green Oaks or No. 22 district foe Many in the second round.

Red River beat Green Oaks by 10 points on Dec. 27 and Many twice in district play.

Donaldsonville is a potential quarterfinals trip, and if the No. 3 seed somehow falls before then, No. 14 Rayville is the likely opponent in the quarters.

No. 2 Madison is a probable semifinals opponent if the bracket holds.

But business has to be handed against Crowley first.

Crowley does own wins against a 13-win Church Point squad (No. 18 in this bracket) and a 14-win Iota bunch.

But tougher competition has caused Crowley problems, with loss of 20 or more points to No. 5 Mamou and No. 19 Ville Platte in this bracket as well.

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Red River Junior High is inviting local youth to get active this spring with the Believe • Achieve • Succeed League Youth Athletics program, offering opportunities for boys and girls to participate in basketball, dance, and cheer.

The program is open to children ages 5–13 and will run every Saturday from May 16 through June 13. Organizers say the league is designed to encourage teamwork, build confidence, and give young athletes a fun and supportive environment to learn new skills.

The cost to participate is $40, and registration along with payment must be completed by March 26. Registration forms are available for pickup at Red River Junior High School or Red River Elementary School.

School leaders say the youth athletics league aims to bring the community together while promoting physical activity and positive experiences for students both on and off the court.

Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to pick up forms soon and secure a spot before the registration deadline.

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Matt Vines

Riverdale quartet to play in MAIS All-Star game Friday
EAST POINT – Three Riverdale girls basketball players and one Riverdale boys player have been selected to play in Friday’s MAIS All-Star game.

The Lady Rebels will be represented by Mary Claire Jones, Hanna Huddleston and Makayla Pickett.

The Rebels will have Tanner Carlisle sporting the Riverdale red in the boys game.

Girls coach Trey Pittman will be on staff.

The girls play at 1 p.m. with the boys following at 2:30 p.m. at Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

Both teams had successful playoff runs as the Lady Rebels were Class 1A runner-ups and advanced to the overall state tournament for the second straight season.

The Rebels won a game in the regional tournament and competed admirably in two regional losses and their quarterfinals loss in the Class 1A state tournament as Carlisle helped developed an incredibly young supporting cast.

Red River baseball/softball
The Red River baseball team recovered from its offensive struggles earlier in the week to knock off North Webster, 7-1.

The Bulldogs (4-4) didn’t dent the scoreboard in a 10-0 loss to Evangel and a 15-0 loss to Glenmora.

For the softball team, offense wasn’t a problem as the Lady Bulldogs demolished Ringgold, 19-6.

The Lady Bulldogs (2-1) fell to Simsboro this past Thursday (13-7) but will have ample opportunity this coming week with games at Dodson on Monday, against Lakeside on Tuesday and at Montgomery on Thursday.

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Friday:

Mainly sunny with a high of 79F. Winds light and variable.

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.

Satruday:

Sunny. High 82F. Winds light and variable.

Mainly clear early then a few clouds overnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. 

Sunday:

Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable.

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William J. “Bill” Blythe Jr. had recently been honorably discharged from the Army and had just been hired as an equipment salesman by the Mankee Equipment Company of Chicago. Immediately following World War II, so many soldiers were returning home and looking for work that jobs were scarce. 29-year-old Bill could find no work in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, and was lucky to find work even if it required him to relocate to the windy city. It could not have come at a better time. Bill’s wife, 22-year-old Virginia Dell Cassiday, was six months pregnant. After calling home with the happy news, Bill began the 750-mile drive back to Hope, Arkansas, to prepare the family for the move.

Just before midnight on May 17, 1946, Bill had driven about half of the 755 miles to Hope when, about three miles west of Sikeston, Missouri, one of the front tires on Bill’s 1942 Buick sedan blew out. Bill lost control of the car, and it rolled over twice before coming to a stop on the side of the Brown Spur drainage ditch along Highway 60. Sikeston was surrounded by drainage ditches to help prevent flooding. Bill suffered a head injury and crawled out of the wrecked car. He could hear the sounds of passing cars and could see their headlights as they passed. He began crawling up the steep embankment toward the highway. As he was crawling, he slipped and fell into the drainage ditch which contained four feet of water. There, he drowned.

Virginia was devastated. Three months after the accident, she had her child and named him William J. Blythe III in honor of her late husband. Everyone called him Billy. Virginia, now a single parent, went to nursing school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia’s parents took care of Billy while she was away. In 1950, Virginia returned to Hope and went to work as a nurse. In that same year, she met and married a car dealership owner named Roger. In 1956, Roger and Virginia had a son whom they named Roger Jr. At some point, Billy Blythe began using his stepfather’s last name, and, in 1962, Billy legally changed his last name so that he and his half-brother would have the same last name. In the following year, Billy was selected to be a delegate to Boys Nation, a special youth leadership conference held in Washington D.C. Billy was among the other boys from Boys Nation who, along with the Girls Nation, were invited to the Rose Garden at the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. Billy was one of the first in line to shake JFK’s hand. Billy said later that meeting JFK had a profound impact on his life.

Imagine just for a second that Bill Blythe’s car wreck never occurred. Billy Blythe III would probably have been born in Chicago. The whole trajectory of his life would have been different. He probably would not have become President of the United States. If he had, we would know him as Bill Blythe rather than Bill Clinton.

Sources:

1. Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), May 18, 1946, p.1.

2. “It All Began in a Place Called Hope: Biography of the President Bill Clinton,” National Archives, accessed February 15, 2026, https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/Hope.html.

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The world has lost a quiet pioneer of modern technology with the passing of Gladys West, a mathematician whose groundbreaking research played a critical role in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). West died at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape daily life across the globe.

Born in rural Virginia, West grew up in a time when opportunities for women — especially Black women — in science and mathematics were limited. Through determination and academic excellence, she earned a degree in mathematics and went on to work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. There, she became one of the few women and African American scientists contributing to advanced military and satellite research during the Cold War era.

West’s work focused on creating highly accurate mathematical models of the Earth’s shape, known as geodesy. Using early supercomputers, she helped develop precise calculations of the planet’s surface, data that became essential to satellite positioning technology. Those calculations laid the foundation for GPS, which today supports everything from navigation apps and agriculture to emergency response and aviation.

For decades, West’s contributions remained largely unknown to the public, as much of her work was conducted behind the scenes in government research. In later years, however, she received long-overdue recognition for her achievements, including induction into the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. Educators and scientists often point to her story as an example of perseverance, innovation, and the impact of STEM education.

Today, GPS technology is woven into everyday life — guiding drivers, helping farmers map crops, assisting search-and-rescue teams, and even enabling the smartphones people carry in their pockets. Much of that progress can be traced back to the detailed calculations and scientific dedication of Dr. Gladys West.

As news of her passing spreads, tributes continue to highlight not only her scientific contributions but also the doors she helped open for future generations of women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her life’s work stands as a reminder that some of the most important advances in modern technology come from individuals whose names are only later recognized, even though their impact is felt worldwide.

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When you’re young and full of pee and vinegar, you think you’re bullet proof. You have a younger mindset that nothing can happen to you. But nothing could be further from the truth. For an angler, or anyone who spends a great deal of time in the outdoors, there are three words you never want to hear, “You have Melanoma.”

This is the number one form of cancer that takes more lives than any other. Like so many others, I thought something like this would never happen to me. But God had other plans as that day came for me in June of 2023. Never in a million years did I think I would be that guy who would have to battle cancer, but here’s my story.

A couple of years earlier I started seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. Then one day while my sister-in-law was cutting my hair, she asked if I knew about this small black dot on the back of my ear. Since none of us can see the back of our ears, I had never seen this spot. She suggested I get it looked at, so I took her advice and made an appointment.

It was March of 2023 when I had this appointment, and my dermatologist suggested we try some chemo cream to help get rid of this spot. Well, after two weeks of chemo cream the spot went away. I thought my worries were over until mid-April when the spot returned. So once again, I made another appointment scheduled for the first week of May.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, we were planning a family vacation to Disney World the last week of May and I wanted this spot off my ear. But as fate would have it, my dermatologist had to go out of town to attend a convention, and my May appointment was cancelled. So, they rebooked me for the last week of June which was basically eight weeks.

Again, at this point, I’m still not overly concerned but really wanted this off my ear. Well, let’s just say when I returned for my appointment the last week of June, this spot had ulcerated and was now a deep purple color. Then the day of my appointment, the minute I was called to the back, the nurse took a look at my ear, and she instantly got very concerned and rushed out of the room to get my dermatologist.

This got my attention and now I’m nervous as my doctor walked in and said, “Oh, Steve this is not good, and I’ll go ahead and prepare you that this is probably going to come back positive for Melanoma.”

She biopsied the spot and overnighted it to a lab for testing. The next day around 10 that morning, she called and told me, “You have Melanoma.” My heart sank and I was a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what to think. But my dermatologist did an outstanding job of reassuring me that everything will be OK, as hopefully we’ve caught this early.

To shorten this story, I had two ear surgeries to remove the upper portion of my left ear and four difficult immunotherapy sessions that were hard to get through due to my reaction to the drug OPDIVO. But since then, all of my scans have been clear and bloodwork has been good.

Immediately I started the first year going to M.D. Anderson in Houston every three months. Then in late 2025, they scheduled me for testing every six months which is where I’m at today. Hopefully, if my PET scans, MRI’s and bloodwork continue to be clear, I’ll soon be moving to testing annually for the rest of my life.

The one thing my cancer doctor has told me is that Melanoma is the worst form of cancer that can hide in the body for long periods of time. It can come back at any point and that’s why I’ll continue to go back to M.D. Anderson from now on.

Here’s my advice to anyone (especially anglers) when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. First, understand this: Melanoma does not discriminate, and no one is immune to getting this form of cancer. Wear long sleeve SPF shirts with built-in sunscreen. Wear long pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. Wear a wide brim hat — even if you look goofy. I also wear fishing gloves to help protect my hands.

Always apply sunscreen to any portion of the skin that might be exposed. Do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because the words you never want to hear are, “You have Melanoma.”

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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Play Sudoku online!

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The Pilots for Patients fundraiser is Sat at the Hall Summit Community Center and Park. A full day of fun, fellowship and community activities are on slate including the Don Bernard Poker Run, silent auction, great raffle items and vendors. The BBQ cookoff has been postponed.

The Black History Program at Red River High has been rescheduled for Mar 5 at 9am.

Parkway alum and LSU standout Mikaylah Williams has joined the 1500 point club surpassing the mark last night in LSU’s win over Tennessee. Williams became the 17th player in LSU history to score 1,500 career points when she hit a jumper about midway through the third quarter.

The Natchitoches Alligator Park is looking for spring and summer interns. Contact Candice at gatorrescue@gmail.com if interested.

Woman Church will be held Mar 10 at 6pm at The Shop in Martin. Speaker is Morgan Weaver Rachal and worship will be led by Tracy Miller. Dinner will be provided. Bring your Bible and bring a friend.

The 40th Annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum will be held Mar 10 from 8:30 am until 4pm at The Union at LSU Shreveport. Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/40th-annual-ark-la-tex-forestry-forum-tickets. Lunch will be provided.

The Red River Parish Library will host From Shamrocks to Superfoods Tue Mar 17 at 1pm. Join Elizabeth Martin, LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agent, to learn tips and tricks to make healthier food choices and enjoy a festive food demo.

Red River High Cheerleading tryouts will be held Mar 26. Clinic dates are Mar 23-25 from 3:30-5pm in the gym. There will be a mandatory meeting for parents/guardians Mar 10 at 5pm in the gym. All forms must be submitted by Mar 10 to tryout. If you have any questions email kandis.temple@rrbulldogs.com.

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Margaret A. Lewis
February 27, 1955 – February 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2pm at Deliverance Temple in Coushatta.

JC Wells
January 15, 1941 ~ February 14, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2926 at 11am at Deliverance Temple in Coushatta. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On February 19, 2026, at approximately 5:22 p.m., deputies with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported physical altercation at the Dollar General located on Highway 371 in Hall Summit.

Upon arrival, deputies learned that two individuals, Chad Feazell and Tarkedria Hill, both of Hall Summit, were involved in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation. During the incident, Hill produced a 9mm handgun and discharged the weapon, striking Feazell in the shoulder and causing a non-life-threatening injury. Feazell was later located at his residence, treated on scene by RREMS for minor injuries, and declined transport to a hospital.

Investigators determined that Feazell committed a battery at the onset of the altercation. Hill was later located in Bienville Parish with the assistance of the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody after evidence, including store surveillance video and witness statements, confirmed her involvement.

Arrests:

Chad Feazell – Simple Battery (LA R:S 14:35), Disturbing the peace by Engaging in a Fistic Encounter (LA R:S 14:103)

Tarkedria Hill – Illegal Discharge of Firearm (LA R:S 14:94), Disturbing the peace by Engaging in a Fistic Encounter (LA R:S 14:103), Simple Criminal Damage to Property (LA R:S 14:56), Aggravated Battery (LA R:S 14:103)

Both individuals were booked into the Red River Parish Jail, awaiting bond.

This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 318-932-6701.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Residents across Red River Parish experienced another minor earthquake early Tuesday morning, marking the latest in a series of seismic events reported in the area since December.

According to available reports, a 2.9-magnitude earthquake struck at approximately 1:44 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, with a recorded depth of about 3.1 miles. The epicenter was located off U.S. Highway 371 between Louisiana Highway 177 and U.S. Highway 84, just outside the Coushatta area.

This latest tremor is now the eighth earthquake recorded near Red River Parish since December 1, 2025, continuing an unusual stretch of seismic activity that has drawn attention from residents and officials alike. While the quake was considered minor and no damage or injuries have been reported, several residents noted feeling brief shaking during the early morning hours.

Small earthquakes of this magnitude are typically not strong enough to cause structural damage, but they can be felt by people close to the epicenter, especially during quiet overnight conditions.

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Matt Vines

MANSFIELD – Beating a team three times in one season is hard to do.

It’s one of the oldest adages in sport, yet the Red River girls basketball team found a way Monday as they knocked off No. 7 seed Mansfield in overtime, 57-53.

Kaleah Crawford owned the floor with 30 points and double-digit rebounds as the double-double machine took over.

Red River (20-12) advances to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2020, where No. 2 seed Oak Grove and national top-five recruit Caroline Bradley await.

It’s the second victory over Mansfield in overtime this season as coach Kim Burton said her team relied on its maturity and mental toughness developed over the course of this season.

Red River hits the road for Oak Grove (22-2) on Thursday for a 6 p.m. tip.

The Lady Bulldogs’ improved team defense will certainly be put to the test against the 6-foot-5 Bradley and her compatriots.

The reigning LSWA Miss Basketball, which is awarded to the best player in the state, averaged nearly 21 points and 15 rebounds in 2024-25, leading the Lady Tigers to a state title game appearance.

Oak Grove hammered No. 15 Winnfield 76-37 in the second round.

But just like Red River is re-establishing itself as a Class 2A force to be reckoned with because of its three wins against Mansfield, a win against Oak Grove would mean the Lady Bulldogs are bonafide championship contenders.

Oak Grove has appeared to strengthen its supporting cast around Bradley with wins against programs like Ruston, West Monroe, Jena, Ouachita, and Southern Lab in addition to a split with Sterlington.

Red River relies on its strength and swarm of its team in complement Crawford.

May the best double-double (and supporting cast) win.

Red River boys nab No. 6 seed, play Friday
The Red River boys earned the No. 6 seed in the Division III Non-Select playoffs and will host No. 27 Crowley (10-18) on Friday in the first round.

Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. in Coushatta.

After winning the District 3-2A title, the Bulldogs (21-10) challenged themselves heavily in the final week of the regular season, posting a 3-2 record.

Red River edged Parkway (56-52) on Feb. 14, traded licks with Calvary Baptist in a 65-49 loss on Monday, bested Loyola (65-43) on Tuesday and Homer (60-28) on Wednesday and fell to Ruston on Saturday (83-66).

he whirlwind finish secured a No. 6 seed in the playoffs, falling just 0.05 points shy of No. 5 Mamou but topping the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds by a few tenths of a point.

Red River, who advanced to their second straight Top 28 as a No. 2 seed last year, probably doesn’t mind being on the opposite of No. 1 seed Marksville, who returns many of its pieces from the 2024 state title team and 2025 state runner-up.

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The Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) stopped by the parish library at just the right moment — it was new book ordering day. Staff members were reviewing the latest list of titles to add to the shelves, giving visitors a first look at what’s coming soon.

But the excitement over new books was only part of the story.

The first question from nearly everyone in the building was the same: How can we help?

“The library is always looking for ways that we can connect with the people of Red River Parish. We want ideas from everyone. How can your library better serve you?” staff members shared.

Programs for Children and Families

Children’s Time is offered every Friday at 10 a.m., led by Kayla Hill Sims. Each week features a new theme, complete with read-aloud books, related activities, and browsing time. Toddlers through school-age children are encouraged to attend.

“We work with kids who are home-schooled and preschool ages as well as students in all the schools,” said Sims. “We can go into the schools and do story time. Teachers can call and get help with themes and so much more.”

Summer brings one of the library’s most anticipated events — the Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read!”, encouraging young readers to grow their love of books all season long.

A Place for Everyone

Mary Adkins, librarian, calls it the “best place to visit.”

“Come look around, spend some time looking at the historic artifacts,” Adkins said.

The Young Adult section is fully stocked and ready to welcome the parish’s teenagers. For adults, Bingo is offered on the second Wednesday of each month, providing a fun and friendly gathering opportunity.

The library also offers access to Ancestry.com within the building, and the Heritage website is linked on the library’s website for additional genealogical research. Genealogy workshops are offered most months, and a trained librarian is available to assist with family history research.

Looking Ahead: Technology and Community Partnerships

In response to growing interest in technology, the library will host an AI Introduction Workshop on March 3, focused on building skills for a smarter, technology-driven future. A follow-up technical AI workshop is planned for April.

Community partnerships continue to expand as well. The LSU AgCenter will cooperate with the library to provide food and nutrition guidance. An announcement is also expected in April regarding a cooperative endeavor with Louisiana State Parks.

Resources at Your Fingertips

Groups can rent the library’s meeting room for trainings and gatherings by calling for information. Computers and printers are available for anyone with a library card — and a first library card is free.

Whether you’re researching your roots, introducing your toddler to their first storybook, learning about artificial intelligence, or just looking for a good book and a quiet place to sit, the parish library continues to grow as a hub for learning, history, and community connection.

And as staff members made clear, they’re always ready to hear what you’d like to see next.

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Red River SWCD is having its 4th annual Tree Sale. The sale will be held on February 25, 26, 27th.

Buyers can choose from assorted hardwoods and fruit trees on sale at the Coushatta office, located at 1311 Ringgold Ave. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Do not miss your chance to purchase.

Tree Sale
February 25, 26, 27, 2026
Red River SWCD
1311 Ringold Avenue, Coushatta, LA
8 AM to 3 PM

 

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Monday afternoon, the Red River Parish Fire Department responded to a call on East Carroll St. A neighbor had been working in his yard and burning debris when the fire spread under his fence and engulfed the storage shed next door.   

No one was hurt, and the fire was quickly contained. The shed, however, did not survive.  

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Wednesday:

Cloudy with a high of 79F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20mph.

Mostly cloudy overnight. Low 64F. Winds S at 5 to 10mph.

Thursday:

Overcast with a slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds light and variable.

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

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BATON ROUGE, La. —

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has approved Louisiana’s application for the federal Education Flexibility Program (Ed-Flex). This allows the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to grant certain federal waivers directly to local school systems, increasing state-level decision-making while maintaining all federal requirements and safeguards.

“Louisiana is showing what’s possible when states are trusted to lead,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Ed-Flex allows us to move faster, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure decisions about federal resources are made closer to students.”

What Ed-Flex Means for Louisiana
Ed-Flex streamlines how school systems request flexibility in the use of certain federal education funds.

School systems previously submitted waiver requests to the LDOE, and the LDOE then had to seek approval from ED. Under Ed-Flex, the LDOE may approve eligible waivers at the state level without waiting for separate federal approval.

Through the 2029–2030 school year, the LDOE may:

• Allow school systems to carry over more than 15 percent of Title I funds from one year to the next without seeking federal approval, supporting more strategic long-term planning.
  Approve waivers that increase flexibility in the use of Title IV funds, including flexibility related to technology spending limits, allowing school systems to better align funding with local needs.
• Ed-Flex is designed to encourage innovation in the implementation of federal education programs while continuing to hold schools accountable for student performance. The authority supports school systems in making strategic investments aligned to effective instructional practices and improved student outcomes.

Accountability and Safeguards Remain in Place
Ed-Flex does not eliminate federal oversight. Louisiana will continue to uphold all federal standards, accountability measures, funding protections, and student safeguards. The LDOE must also submit annual reports to ED detailing how the state oversees Ed-Flex and how approved waivers affect school and student performance.

“This authority allows educators to focus more on advancing student achievement and less on navigating administrative requirements,” Brumley said. “It gives school systems greater discretion to direct federal resources where they can have the greatest impact on Louisiana students and teachers.”

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I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.

And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our well intentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!

Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.

John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.

So they set out to convert him.

They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.

Until the next year.

The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.

And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”

It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.

Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.

This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?

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John Woodfin, Red River Fire Chief, announced today that due to the risk of wildfires from our current drought conditions across Red River Parish, all outdoor burning is currently prohibited until adequate moisture is returned in vegetation and the risk of wildfires has decreased. 

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

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NSU softball returns home this weekend as hosts of the 2026 City of Lights Classic at the Demon Diamond. The three-day tournament will feature seven total games, including three games on both Friday and Saturday. Joining the Demons (5-12) in the field are Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-6) and Missouri State (8-6). All-day passes for Friday and Saturday are available for $10 per day and provide admission to all games scheduled for that day. Regular ticket prices will be in place for Sunday’s single game. NSU season ticket holders can use their tickets for entry into all NSU games. Fans are invited to bring their leashed dogs to games on Friday and Saturday for “Dogs on the Diamond”. Following Sunday’s single game between UAPB and NSU, kids will have the opportunity to run the bases at the Demon Diamond.

Amazon announced this week that it is building 3 state-of-the-art data centers in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. 540 direct new jobs will be created.

The Winter Olympics ratings were up 96% from 2022, most viewed in 12 years.

United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) invites the community to its annual Tails & Ales: A Celebration of Impact on March 12, 2026, at Paradise Theatre inside Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City. The evening begins with a networking and cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:00 p.m. With limited seating available, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at: https://unitedwaynwla.org/tails-ales/

Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s biennial spring seafood festival, will return to Prather Coliseum Friday, March 20. Presented by the NSU Foundation, Flavor of Louisiana will feature dozens of vendors offering samplings of seafood dishes prepared by chefs and restaurateurs from around the state in a festival atmosphere with music and entertainment. All proceeds support scholarships for students, faculty development and academic program enhancements. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.nsu.la/FOL2026. 

LSU Shreveport ranks No. 3 in Louisiana public university rankings, according to an analysis done by Niche.com. The platform awarded LSUS an overall B grade as the university graded highly in areas like faculty (A-), diversity (A-), value (B+), and safety (B+). LSUS is the most affordable college on the list with a calculated net price of $7,554 per year, which factors in the average out-of-pocket cost to a student after scholarships, grants, and other aid. Average out-of-pocket costs calculate not just tuition but other expenses such as books, housing, and food.

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