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Colt Dulaney won Reserve Champion Junior Showman in the goat show a the LSU AgCenter State Livestock. Congrats!

The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will begin their annual migration north early next month. Peak time they will cross through Louisiana is Mar 1-30 with highest concentration in Red River Parish near the end of the month.

Guitarist Luke Brouillette will perform with the Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra on Monday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at http://www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. Associate Professor of Music Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.

Shreveport’s Wonder Oasis Waterpark announces permanent closure.

Louisiana Christian University invites high school students to its annual Spring Preview Day on Saturday, March 7, to learn what opportunities are available to them on campus. All high school students in public, private and home school are encouraged to preregister to attend the event on campus from 10am to 2:30pm. Registration on the day of the event will be at 9am. Students and their parents will meet with faculty and learn about academic programs, athletics and extracurricular activities. Attendees will also hear from current students about their experiences in major fields of study and what it’s really like to be a
Wildcat.

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Robin Ilene Green
March 25, 1959 — February 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11am at Martin Baptist Church in Martin.

Curtis Brasco
February 14, 1955 – January 31, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 21, 2026 at 11am at New Hope #1 B.C. in Hanna.

JC Wells
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28 at 11am at Deliverance Temple in Coushatta. 

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The Red River girls basketball team has vastly improved this season, and they’ll have a chance to put that improvement on display when the No. 10 seed Lady Bulldogs host No. 23 Many in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs.

The Lady Bulldogs (19-12) will host Many (12-17) on Thursday at 6 p.m., the program’s first postseason home game since 2021.

The Lady Bulldogs head into the postseason as winners of seven of their last eight games, including a District 3-2A title with a 7-1 record.

That one loss came to Many in the district opener, falling 39-33 on the road on Jan. 16.

But Red River more than made up for that loss with a 58-43 triumph at home on Feb. 3.

“The difference (between those two games) was execution and energy,” said Red River coach Kim Burton.

“In the loss, we allowed momentum swings to affect us and didn’t control the pace.

“In the win, we stayed disciplined, defended with consistency, and made timely plays. We were more physical and rebounded better. But we know the records and rankings don’t matter in the postseason. Every team is fighting to extend their season, and we are going to take it one possession at a time and game at a time.”

Burton credited improved effort and performance on the defensive end for Red River’s late-season surge, which extends to 12-3 in their last 15 games.

“Our defense has improved tremendously,” Burton said. “Coach McDuffy has brought a special touch and intensity to that side of the ball, and the girls have completely bought in.

“They’ve committed to defending at a high level, rebounding with purpose, and valuing every possession.”

Many finished district play at 4-4, splitting with Red River and Winnfield, losing both to Mansfield and sweeping Lakeside.

Red River is sort of in a position to defend its district title in the playoffs, with the Red River-Many winner facing the winner of No. 7 Mansfield and No. 26 Donaldsonville.

The Lady Bulldogs swept the Lady Wolverines in the regular season by scores of 32-27 and 42-39.
Mansfield has been the standard in the district, and Burton knows that feat should translate into the postseason.

“Any district championship is meaningful, but sweeping a program like Mansfield certainly adds to it,” Burton said. “They are well-coached, disciplined, and competitive, so earning two wins against them says a lot about our growth.

“More than anything, it reinforced to our girls that when they execute the game plan and stay locked in, they can compete with anyone. It wasn’t about just beating Mansfield, it was about proving to ourselves that we can handle big moments with composure.”

That mental maturity has been the difference in winning close games and enforcing their will on opponents that didn’t necessarily happen earlier in the season.

“The biggest key to our strong finish has been maturity and buying into the details,” Burton said. “Early in the season, we showed flashes of what we could be, but down the stretch, we truly locked in, especially on the defensive end.”

Red River is looking for its first playoff win since 2021, the last season under Missy Antilley. It’s also the last time playoff girls basketball graced Coushatta.

This is the best season since 2019 when Red River claimed the No. 4 seed and went to the Top 28.

The Lady Bulldogs want to pen another chapter in that story.

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Services will be offered on February 18th at 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM, each lasting about 25 minutes.

Ash Wednesday is the traditional beginning of the season of Lent; a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and repentance before the joy and celebration of Easter Sunday. On Ash Wednesday, we will gather to read Scripture, pray, and receive the sign of ashes on our foreheads in remembrance of God’s Word in Genesis 3, “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday is a wonderful opportunity to be reminded that God’s love is given to us not because of what we can do for him, but because of what Jesus has already done for us.

No dress code, no membership requirements, no judgement – come as you are and see that the Lord is good!

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Matt Vines

CLINTON, Miss. – One last ride.

That’s what Riverdale and its five seniors are guaranteed Wednesday when the Lady Rebels face Madison-Ridgeland Academy in the first round of the overall MidSouth Association of Independent Schools tournament at Mississippi College.

Tip is Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. with streaming options available through maisnetwork.org for those that can’t attend in person.

But Riverdale (28-6) wants more than just one game as it makes a second straight appearance in the overall tournament.

And as the only program in the smallest classification to ever win the overall tournament, Riverdale has proven before that Class A schools aren’t just there for decoration.

Head coach Trey Pittman was in charge when Riverdale accomplished that feat the first time in 2003, and Pittman in his third season back in the saddle in East Point.

What awaits Riverdale on Wednesday is a Madison-Ridgeland bunch that won the Class 4A Division II state championship with both tournament wins coming by more than 20 points.

“(MRA) is probably the best team in the MAIS, and they are ranked top five, maybe even as high as third, in the entire state,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman. “It’ll be a challenge for sure.”

MRA (30-5) has four of its five losses to members of the Mississippi High School Athletics Association. Simpson Academy is the only MAIS to hand MRA a loss, but MRA owns two victories over Simpson.

The Patriots feature four players standing at least 6 feet tall, including 6-foot-5 Alyssa Dampier, daughter of famed Mississippi State basketball player Erick Dampier, a 16-year NBA veteran.

Riverdale will need to connect from the perimeter as driving off the dribble and interior passing will be made difficult by a long MRA squad.

The Lady Rebels will need to learn from their 52-41 loss to Desoto in the Class A championship game in which the Lady T-Birds were able to run the floor and limit Riverdale’s opportunities from live ball turnovers.

But a shooting touch like Riverdale had in a 62-49 win over Marvell Academy is possible, and Riverdale will likely need point guard Mary Claire Jones to repeat her 31-point performance on Wednesday.

Jones eclipsed the 2,000-point scoring mark for her career earlier this season as one of the most prolific scorers in Riverdale history.

The reigning Class 2A Player of the Year (before the MAIS reverted back to Class A) certainly wants to extend her career as well as the careers of her four fellow seniors.

Julia Grace Riggs and Hanna Huddleston joined Jones on the all-tournament team, and seniors Makayla Pickett and Charity Williamson also play key roles in the team’s success.

“These seniors deserve this opportunity, and they deserve another game,” Pittman said of the chance to return to the overall MAIS tournament.

The talk of a “blue trophy” has permeated this season, and even though Riverdale couldn’t hoist a blue trophy at the conclusion of the Class A Tournament, they’ll pour everything into winning an overall MAIS trophy.

Beat Madison-Ridgeland on Wednesday, and the Lady Rebels prove they can top anyone in the tournament.

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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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Wednesday:

Overcast. Areas of dense fog. High near 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10mph.

Cloudy skies. Areas of dense fog. Low 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10mph.

Thursday:

Cloudy skies. Areas of dense fog. High 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 15mph. 

Cloudy in the evening with a slight chance of a rain shower. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.

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The lineup is now official for Louisiana’s first congressional closed party primaries since 2010, with a highly anticipated U.S. Senate race expected to headline the May 16 primary election.

Qualifying for the races opened Wednesday and closed Friday, finalizing the list of candidates who will appear on the ballot, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. Under the closed primary system, Republican and Democratic voters will cast ballots within their respective parties, while registered No Party voters may choose which primary to participate in.

U.S. Senate Race Draws Major Attention

Incumbent Republican Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge has officially filed for a third six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Cassidy faces several challengers within his own party, including John Fleming, the state treasurer from Minden; U.S. Representative Julia Letlow of Baton Rouge; and Mark Spencer of Belle Chasse.

On the Democratic side, candidates include Nicholas “Nick” Albares and Gary Crockett, both of New Orleans, along with “Jamie” Davis of Ferriday.

With multiple well-known political figures in the race, political observers expect the Senate contest to be one of the most closely watched races heading into the spring election season.

4th Congressional District Race Takes Shape

In the 4th Congressional District, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Bossier City has filed for re-election. Challenging him in the primary field are Republicans Joshua Morott of Benton and “Mike” Nichols of Pitkin, as well as Democratic candidates Conrad Cable of Farmerville and “Matt” Gromlich of Greenwood.

The district, which includes much of northwest Louisiana, will again draw attention as Johnson seeks another term while maintaining his national leadership role.

Looking Ahead to May 16

The return of closed party primaries marks a shift in how voters participate in congressional races this year. Election officials encourage voters to verify their registration status and understand which primary they are eligible to vote in ahead of the May election.

As campaigning ramps up across the state, the crowded Senate field and competitive congressional races are expected to dominate political conversations leading into the first primary.

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This winter has been a banner season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. With no grass to slow them down, they’ve taken to excavation like they’re auditioning for a canine episode of Gold Rush. They dig with abandon—pure, unfiltered joy. They’ve discovered a corner of the yard where two fences meet, a natural low spot that practically whispers, “Come on boys… dig here.” And they have obeyed that whisper with religious devotion.

Their digging has become a daily game: they dig, and I fill. They dig again, and I fill again. It’s our own little liturgy of futility. The hole is impressive—honestly, at this point I think the city should consider it for historical landmark status. They’ve even tunneled under the fencepost. Every day I stand there with my shovel, muttering, “Surely this time I’ve filled it,” and every day the dogs look back at me like, “Bless your heart.”

The other day, while filling the hole for the 47th time (give or take), I noticed it seemed to stretch out into the field behind the house. That was odd. I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig beyond the fence—some kind of canine yoga pose, no doubt.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I walked around to the other side. And there it was: a matching hole. My dogs weren’t just digging a hole—they were digging a two-sided hole. A collaborative, multi-campus excavation project. Most dogs dig under a fence to escape the yard. Mine? They dig under the fence and then keep digging on the other side, not to escape, but because the hole itself is the joy. They could have run free, explored the world, chased squirrels in new zip codes… but no. They stayed focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard.

They are on a perfect hole-digging mission.

And it makes me wonder: what about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and tenacity as you try to live out your purpose?

Or—and let’s be honest here—are you more like the rest of us, digging a hole on one side of the fence, then walking around and digging the same hole from the other side? We don’t always need help escaping our problems. Sometimes we need help stopping the digging.

That raises the real question: what is your purpose in living? There’s a place called the church, and on Sunday mornings we help you wrestle with that question. We help you find direction, hope, and meaning.

And yes—many times—we help you climb out of the very hole you’ve dug for yourself.

Because unlike my dogs, you don’t have to keep digging. You really can step into a bigger world.

And we’d love to help you do it.

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Beginning today, February 18, new food purchase restrictions are now in effect for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients across Louisiana, changing what items can be bought using SNAP benefits.

State officials say the updated policy is intended to encourage healthier food choices while continuing to support families’ basic nutritional needs. Under the new rules, certain items are no longer eligible for purchase with SNAP funds, while approved foods will continue to include staples such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essential grocery items.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services emphasizes that the restrictions apply only to SNAP benefits, not to personal funds. Recipients will still have access to a wide range of nutritious food options, and retailers participating in SNAP have been preparing their checkout systems ahead of the rollout.

Advocates and community organizations encourage SNAP households to review the updated guidelines so they can plan grocery purchases accordingly. State officials say outreach efforts will continue to help recipients better understand how the changes work and what remains eligible under the program.

Residents with questions about the updated SNAP rules are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office or visit the state’s benefits information portal for additional details.

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A special Crappie Fishing Tournament honoring veterans is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Grand Bayou Resort. Sponsored by the Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Cover 6 Outdoors, the event promises a full day of fishing, friendly competition, and prizes. The tournament will run from safe light until 2 p.m., with all fish required to be weighed in by 2 p.m. sharp. Entry is $100 per boat, with an optional $20 Big Fish pot and a $10 Trash Fish pot available for those looking to up the stakes. Organizers will weigh five live fish, and payouts will go to the top 30 percent of contestants. The tournament features a 14-boat minimum, ensuring competitive payouts and an exciting day on the water. For more information or to sign up, participants can contact Brandon Baxley at 318-332-4159.

According to reports, Haynesville Shale drilling activity is seeing a 32-month high.

David Toms birdies final hole to win on PGA Tour Champions for first time since 2023. This is his fifth PGA Tour Champions title of his career.

LSU Athletics announced historic partnership with Woodside Energy. The logo hits all 21 sports starting in 2026-2027. 

Minden has become an antique and thrift destination for day trippers with almost 15 business to shop.

Steak ‘n Shake announced on social media all microwaves will be removed from restaurants by April 15. The company stated it’s  part of the journey to improving food quality and quality restaurants don’t need microwaves.

Chris Paul is retiring from NBA basketball after 21 seasons he announced on social media.

Wendy’s 4th quarter sales plunge double digits and plans to close up to 6% of locations by middle of 2026.

Trump pardons 5 former NFL players including LSU’s Billy Cannon.

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Curtis Brasco
February 14, 1955 – January 31, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 21, 2026 at 11am at New Hope #1 B.C. in Hanna.

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The second annual Town of Coushatta Mardi Gras parade rolled through town on February 15.  

Jerry Guye III was the honored Grand Marshal.  Guye is recognized as an outstanding athlete and humanitarian.  

After the parade, revelers were invited to the Coushatta Ballpark for music, vendors, and community fun. 

          

   

 

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Matt Vines

STEENS, Miss. – The Riverdale girls basketball team relied on their technical superiority to put together a memorable season that included an appearance in the Class A state title game Saturday.

But the No. 1 seed Lady Rebels couldn’t match No. 2 seed DeSoto’s athleticism and size as the Lady T-Birds fended off multiple Riverdale comeback attempts in a 52-41 win.

Riverdale cut DeSoto’s lead to nine points twice in the fourth quarter, including with 3:30 remaining (45-36) on a Mary Claire Jones 3-pointer.

But the Lady T-Birds answered on the next possession in each of those situations to protect their edge.
The latter answer came in the form of a Kylee Jo Holder 3-point play in which Holder traveled the length of the court.

“Their size and athleticism was the difference in the game,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman. “We couldn’t finish at the rim because of their 6-foot-3 post and couldn’t contain dribble drives from their guards.

“It’s a tough combo to contain.”

The Lady T-Birds were able to penetrate through the Riverdale defense in the open floor at times, creating easier chances than Riverdale’s offenses who almost always had to operate in the halfcourt.
The Lady Rebels (28-6), who were seeking their first state title since 2018, couldn’t pressure DeSoto and force turnovers to which they are accustomed.

“They didn’t have live ball turnovers,” Pittman said. “We just couldn’t get easy baskets and just didn’t force enough turnovers to make a good run.

“We probably had our worst shooting performance of the year as well.”

Both Jones and Holder scored a game-high 19 points to lead their respective teams.

DeSoto opened a double-digit lead quickly in the first half and maintained it through most of the game, although Riverdale didn’t allow the Lady T-Birds to run away with the contest.

Riverdale leaned on Jones’ sharp shooting to reach the title game as the Lady Rebels knocked off Marvell Academy in the semifinals, 62-49.

Jones dropped 31 points in the semifinals win as Riverdale beat a Marvell bunch that ended the Lady Rebels’ bid for a state title in 2025 in the semifinals.

“We shot it extremely well against Marvell and also got an incredible performance off the bench from senior Charity Williamson with Makayla Pickett in foul trouble,” Pittman said.

The five-member senior class of Jones, Williamson, Pickett, Julia Grace Riggs, and Hanna Huddleston will get one more shot on the court this season.

Jones, Huddleston and Riggs were selected to the Class A all-tournament team.

As the Class A runner-up, Riverdale advances to the MAIS overall state tournament which pits schools of all sizes against each other.

Riverdale draws Class 4A Division II champion Madison-Ridgeland Academy in the opening round on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. at Mississippi College.

Riverdale remains the only program from the smallest classification to win the overall state program, which they did in 2003 in Pittman’s first stint (2001-04).

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Communities across the country will pause tomorrow to observe Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday set aside to honor the legacy and service of America’s presidents.

Originally established to recognize the birthday of George Washington, the nation’s first president, the holiday has grown to commemorate all U.S. presidents and their contributions to the country’s history. Celebrated each year on the third Monday in February, Presidents’ Day serves as a reminder of the leadership, challenges, and decisions that have shaped the United States.

This year’s observance also comes as the nation looks ahead to United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across Louisiana and the country are beginning to plan celebrations leading into the milestone anniversary, making Presidents’ Day a fitting time to reflect on the leaders who guided America from its founding to the present day.

Presidents’ Day offers a moment not only to remember historical figures, but also to reflect on the ideals of leadership, unity, and service that continue to influence the nation today.

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Monday:

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 70F. Winds light and variable.

Mostly clear skies overnight. Areas of dense fog. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.

Tuesday:

Mostly cloudy. Areas of dense fog. High 74F. Winds S at 10 to 15mph. 

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Areas of dense fo60 Low 55F. Winds S at 5 to 10mph. 

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By Darren Svan Feb 11, 2026

(The Center Square) – Around $5 million is expected to be spent on removing debris related to a storm that dumped ice and snow in north Louisiana, according to the state Department of Transportation and Development.

The winter storm hit Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Bienville Parish, Red River, Webster and Claiborne parishes particularly hard. Freezing rain and sleet created hazardous driving conditions, covering roads and bridges with ice and leading to scattered power outages. School districts and municipal governments in affected areas closed for several days.

Portions of interstate highways and rural roadways were shut down because of icy stretches that caused numerous crashes, stalled vehicles and tractor-trailers sliding off the road.

The cleanup will initially focus on the northwest region, targeting accumulated tree debris along state-maintained roadway rights-of-way. A transportation department contractor began work this week.

The department does not anticipate any “major impacts to traffic,” said Erin Buchanan, its public information officer. However, “intermittent lane and shoulder closures will be necessary to allow for debris removal operations.”

Motorists in Bienville, DeSoto and Red River parishes should notice contractor equipment and personnel and proceed with extreme caution through the work zones, the department said.

“These operations will continue until the debris is removed from the right-of-way of the affected areas,” Buchanan said.

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The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office shared on social media the administrative offices will be closed Mon Feb 16 and Tue Feb 17 in observance of Presidents Day and Mardi Gras. If you require immediate assistance, ring the buzzer located to the right of the door and a staff member will assist you.

Brylee Halbmaier recently placed 5th in the MAIS Overall Spelling Bee in Jackson, MS. She is the daughter of Jake and Jonna Halbmaier and in the 8th grade at Riverdale Academy. Congrats!

According to new data released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January marking a significant upward shift from previous months.

Report shows hundreds of Louisiana restaurants cited and find for not disclosing imported seafood.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was named the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year voted on exclusively by fans.

A recent study shows at least a cup of coffee a day helps keep dementia away.

ESPN broke the news that Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, has verbally committed to play golf at Florida State and will be a member of the 2027 recruiting class.

End of an Era: Minute Maid is discontinuing nostalgic frozen canned juices after 80 years.

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