This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.

Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”

Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.

Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.

We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.

Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”

Red River Public Schools will hold parent teacher conferences Thur Apr 23 from 4-6pm and Fri Apr 24 from 7:45am until 12pm.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be held Fri, Apr 24 from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 ($10 for kids 10-17). Dinner includes All you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. Grand Cane Baptist will host.

Bro. Olan McLaren announced his retirement in church this past Sunday. His last sermon will take place this Sun Apr 26 at 11am at Davis Spring Southern Methodist Church. 

LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, leading the 2026 All-Louisiana team after a standout senior season.

Louisiana Tech celebrated its eighth annual Giving Day in March, receiving 897 gifts from students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, corporate partners, and friends who together raised more than $1.25 million for the University.

Geraldine C Bumgardner
March 21, 1947 — April 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 2pm at New Ramah Baptist Church in Ashland.

Gloria A. Wood
March 16, 1942 — April 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11 am at Rose-Neath in Coushatta.

Edna Frances Worley
April 10, 1941 — April 16, 2026
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 4 to 6pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

At Red River High School’s final softball game of the season, the school took time to honor Coach Ginger Craig for her many years of service and dedication to the children and youth of the parish.

Craig will retire at the end of the school year in June, closing out a remarkable 36-year career in education.

Her teaching/coaching journey began at Martin High School in 1990, where she served until the school closed in 2001. During her time there, she coached girls basketball, boys and girls tennis, began the softball program, and even spent time as the boys basketball coach.

In 2002, Craig moved to Red River Elementary, where she continued investing in student-athletes through a wide range of sports and age groups. Over the years, she coached elementary basketball, junior high softball, high school softball, and golf, leaving her mark on countless students and families across Red River Parish.

For 25 years, Craig also served as the director of Red River Biddy Ball, where she touched countless lives through what many saw as her ministry of sports. Through that program, she taught young athletes not only how to play the game, but also how to carry themselves, how to persevere, and how to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Her influence has reached far beyond local gyms and ballfields. Craig has been instrumental in helping develop athletes who went on to compete at the collegiate level, a testament to her knowledge of the game and her ability to bring out the best in her players.

Craig’s own athletic career was impressive long before she became a coach. A standout athlete from Converse, she went on to play four seasons of softball at Northwestern State University. During her remarkable career at NSU, she built an outstanding record and set several marks that still stand today. One of the highest honors of her athletic career came when her No. 3 jersey was retired, a reflection of the legacy she built as a Lady Demon player.

The tribute at Red River High School’s final softball game was a fitting way to recognize a woman whose impact has been felt across generations. Through decades of teaching, coaching, and mentoring, Craig has shaped lives not only through wins and losses, but through the values, discipline, and encouragement she poured into young people year after year.

As she prepares to retire in June, Craig leaves behind a legacy built on service, faith, dedication, and a deep love for the students and families of Red River Parish.

While her coaching career may be coming to a close, the impact Coach Ginger Craig has made on Red River Parish will continue to be seen in the lives of the students and athletes she helped shape.

Red River Elementary School and Red River Junior High have both been recognized as 2025-2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts honored campuses.

Red River Elementary was named a National Showcase School for the ninth consecutive year, while Red River Junior High earned recognition as a Rising Star Campus for the 2025-2026 school year.

The honors, awarded by the Flippen Group, recognize campuses that show a strong school culture built on relationships, meaningful student-teacher connections, and a positive learning environment.

In a recent Capturing Kids’ Hearts Facebook post, the organization praised the schools by saying, “These campuses are shining examples of what it looks like to lead with heart, build strong relationships, and create cultures where both students and staff thrive.”

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts program focuses on building trust, strengthening communication, and creating campuses where students feel connected, supported, and valued. These recognitions reflect the work being done on both campuses to create school environments where relationships are a priority and students can thrive.

The Village of Martin will take part in Love the Boot Week with a community clean-up day on Saturday, April 25.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Village Hall to help with the effort to keep Louisiana beautiful. Organizers say lunch will follow the event.

The clean-up day is part of the statewide Love the Boot campaign, which encourages communities across Louisiana to come together and help pick up litter and improve public spaces.

Anyone with questions is asked to message the Village of Martin Facebook page or send a text to 318-581-6016.

Matt Vines

Riverdale track team advances to South A Regional meet
The Riverdale track and field team excelled in its district meet earlier this week and will advance to the Class A South Regional meet.

Both boys and girls teams finished third in district, with the girls scoring 45 points and the boys 34.

The girls were paced by Julia Grace Riggs, who won the shot put with a throw of 30 feet, three inches (30-3).

The boys won two events as Kandyn Nettles took the 400 meters (58.51) and Zane Givens captured the high jump (5-10) district crown.

The girls finished in the top three in eight other events.

Dally Bell took second in both the 800 meters (3:02.36) and the long jump (13-06.50) while running legs on third-place relay teams (4×100, 4×200, 4×400).

Alaina Boyd, who also ran a leg of each relay, added a silver in the 300 hurdlers (1:02.80) and a bronze in the high jump (4-2). Other relay runners included Abbi Jowers and Avery Longino.

Makayla Pickett added another throws medal with a second-place effort in the discus (84-09).

On the boys side, Givens earned third place in the 200 meters (27.73) and ran a leg of the second-place 4×400 and third-place 4×200 and 4×100.

Tyler Wilhite, who also ran legs on all three relays, added a third-place in the 400 meters (1:04.61).
Other relay runners included Nettles and Lane Mancil.

Riverdale anglers set for state tournaments
The Riverdale Bassmasters High School Team and the Junior Bassmasters are preparing for their upcoming state tournaments.

The high schoolers will compete May 2-3 on Diorions Landing in Morgan City while the junior team will fish the RA Championship on Grand Bayou on May 15.

Riverdale golfer takes to the links Monday
Riverdale sophomore golfer Jackson Hillman qualified for the MAIS state championships and will hit the links at Morehouse Country Club on Monday.

Hillman will compete as an individual for a state title.

Red River 4-H members traveled to Chicot State Park on Tuesday, April 14th to participate in the State Jr WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program), where they competed in activities such as making a Wildlife Management plan, map skills, Wildlife ID, trail scavenger hunt, and ecosystems knowledge, all while enjoying the beautiful environment at the Arboretum.

We ended the day with a service project, helping to build and repair boxes for Warblers.

Brylee Halbmaier, Lane Mancil, Grayci Bamberg, and Hasty Davis place 2nd with their Teen Leader Alaina Boyd.

Thank you so much to Chicot State Park for hosting us, LSU AgCenter Wetlands department, for organizing this event.

Shared by Red River Parish 4-H

Young hunters Carter Allen and Ella Stewart are celebrating a milestone after a successful season recognized at Last Chance Hunting Club’s 2026 Family Day.

Both Carter and Ella harvested their first deer during the recent hunting season, an achievement marked not only by the experience itself but now by mounted trophies commemorating the moment. The event gave family and friends an opportunity to honor the dedication, patience, and effort that led to their success.

A planned Parish-Wide Clean-Up Day has been postponed, and organizers say a new date will be shared once it is decided.

The community event had originally been scheduled for April 25 at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds.

Residents are encouraged to watch for an updated announcement once the new clean-up date is set.

The Village of Martin Clean-Up Day is still scheduled for Saturday, April 25. 

Next time you’re driving around town, check out Nichols’ facelift.

Join the LSUS Institute of Nonprofit Administration and Research for a screening of the documentary “What is Philanthropy?” followed by a panel featuring key Shreveport figures in nonprofit and government organizations. The Apr 21 event is free and will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the LSUS Theatre. Registration is encouraged.

The Red River High School Art & Culinary Show is scheduled for Thur April 23 from 4-6pm in the RRHS Vocational Building. During parent conference, stop by and sample Louisiana’s international flavors and browse through the art gallery. Enjoy a night of food, art & photography.

Celebrate Recovery in Coushatta will welcome “Ms. C” on Thur Apr 23, 2026, as she shares her testimony of healing and recovery from childhood trauma to a Christ-centered, fulfilling life.The group meets at Amazing Grace, 7387 U.S. Highway 371 in Coushatta. A meal will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the large group session at 6 p.m., which will include Ms. C’s recovery story. Organizers invite the community to attend and hear what God has done — and continues to do — through Celebrate Recovery in Coushatta. For more information, contact Frank Rose at 318-422-1923, Virgie Rose at 318-218-5853, or Pastor R. Joseph Carey at 318-521-5665.

More than a century of photos of Shreveport-Bossier will be on display when the exhibit “Thurman C. Smith: A Photographic Legacy” opens at the Northwest Louisiana Archives on Apr 23. The Archives, which is located on the third floor of the Noel Memorial Library, will display photographs from arguably the best photographer in Shreveport history. The opening event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. celebrates a curated exhibit of Shreveport-Bossier visual history. The exhibit runs until June 5.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church is hosting a garage sale Apr 25 from 8an – 1pm at Frist Assembly of God (across from Pizza Hut). All proceeds go toward helping their kids & youth attend camp this summer. 

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum, located in Baton Rouge, will host its Astronomy Day–themed Free First Sunday on May 3 from 1–5 PM, featuring free admission, $5 unlimited immersive planetarium experiences, hands-on activities led by the Glasgow Middle School Myth Makers, story time sessions and crafts with the Junior League, BASF Pop-Up Science with a NASA Solar System Ambassador, interactive learning with the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and more.

The Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries has a new website. Go check it out.

The Riverdale Sophomore Class will hold a fundraiser at The York Chop May 7 from 5pm until closing. There will also be baked goods for sale. 

Geraldine C Bumgardner
March 21, 1947 – April 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 2pm at New Ramah Baptist Church in Ashland.

Red River High School celebrated one of its most accomplished student-athletes on April 13, 2026, as Tyler Hughes’ baseball jersey was officially retired in a ceremony that drew teammates, coaches, family, and community members together.

Hughes, a 2024 graduate, left an enduring mark on the school’s baseball program during his four-year career. Known for his versatility as both a pitcher and utility player, he earned All-District and All-State honors multiple times, distinguishing himself as one of the most dynamic players to ever wear a Red River uniform.

But Hughes’ impact extended far beyond statistics. Coaches and teammates consistently pointed to his leadership and character as defining traits. He was widely respected for his ability to bring players together, fostering a sense of unity that helped elevate the entire team. Under his influence, Red River achieved some of its most memorable seasons, with Hughes often at the center of the team’s success both on and off the field.

Equally impressive were Hughes’ accomplishments in the classroom. A dedicated scholar, he balanced the demands of high-level athletics with academic excellence, setting a standard for what it means to be a true student-athlete.

“Tyler represents everything we hope for in our athletes,” one coach shared during the ceremony. “He competed at the highest level, supported his teammates, and never lost sight of the importance of his education.”

Now continuing his baseball journey at Centenary College as a member of the Gents baseball team, Hughes is building on the foundation he established at Red River. His jersey retirement not only honors his past achievements but also serves as inspiration for future generations of Red River athletes.

As his number takes its permanent place among the school’s all-time greats, Tyler Hughes’ legacy is firmly cemented—one defined by excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on his team and community.

Northwestern State University recently inducted 130 new members into Alpha Lambda Delta, the national honor society for first-year college students who earn a 3.5 grade point average or higher during their first year of college.

The induction ceremony took place as part of Honors Week at NSU. Alpha Lambda Delta encourages academic excellence and offers students opportunities for scholarship, leadership training, and continued involvement in campus honor societies.

Among the new members were Red River Parish natives Anna Grace Mabile, Shelby Pickett, and Rafe Suggs.

For many students, Alpha Lambda Delta serves as a stepping-stone to additional academic, leadership, and Greek honor societies as they continue their college careers.

The organization’s officers for the 2026-2027 year are President Rachel Wagoner of Haughton, Vice President Baylee Johnson of Robeline, Secretary Drew Kent of Haughton, Treasurer William Brayden Campbell of Marthaville, Service and Philanthropy Chair Gracie Ross of Denham Springs, Faculty/Staff Liaison Kaleb Godwin of Leesville, Scholarship Chair Madison Scott of Shreveport, Historian and Public Relations Chair Kaylee Stacy of Natchitoches, and Junior Advisor Heidi Gauthier of Moreauville.

Alpha Lambda Delta was established in 1924, and the Northwestern State chapter was founded in 1965. The NSU chapter has built a strong reputation for excellence on campus and nationally. Last fall, the chapter earned the national “Maintaining the Flame” Award, one of only two annual awards presented to the most outstanding Alpha Lambda Delta chapters.

Since 2018, the NSU chapter has been recognized seven times as a recipient of either the Order of the Torch or Maintaining the Flame award. Members are active in campus life through events such as Demon Days Welcome, the Sophomore Breakfast Club, Be a Tourist in Your College Town, and a variety of service projects that include helping with the NSU Food Pantry, Special Olympics, and the First Year Experience initiative.

The induction of local students into Alpha Lambda Delta reflects both their hard work in the classroom and their promising future as student leaders at Northwestern State University.
New inductees are as follows.

Addis — Kennedy Fiscus

Alexandria — Shakiya Allen, Lawson Kirsch, Destinee Morris, Trinity Patrick, Roye’l Roberts, Kelsey Stuckey

Baton Rouge — Seth Curole, Alexandra Wilfong

Beaumont, Texas — Cayenne Rye

Bell City — Diana Lopez

Belle Chasse — Kaidyn Meyers

Benton — Jacob Butler, Olivia Kolb

Bossier City — Yousra Awawda, Bianca Capelli, Alyssa Espinosa, Chase McLaurin, Elyssa Moore, Joseph Resendez, Stephanie Salas Hernandez, Lauren Wendrock

Boyce — Chloe Cloessner

Breaux Bridge — Shanna Champagne, Kyrsten Torres

Broussard — Alexis JeanBatiste

Bunkie — Peyton Longlois

Campti — Zoey Fulton, Alexia Moore

Carencro — Owen Kennerson

Castor — Leanna Colson, Malorie Cooper, Camie Young

Cloutierville — Sydni Jones

Colfax — Bella Daniela

Coushatta — Anna Grace Mabile, Shelby Pickett, Rafe Suggs

Delhi — Laiyla Johnson

Denham Springs — Grace Ross

DeRidder — Autumn Dawson, Jalynn Guimbellot, Mia Riveria

Diana, Texas — Liam Donaghy

Dry Creek — Samuel Bailey, Kaylee Guillory, Adley Hardwick

Dry Prong — Ian Tarver

Eunice — Emily Autrey

Forrest Hill — Kari Polakovich

Fort Polk — Rosemary Carver

Gloster — Makayla Butler

Goldonna — Cannon Hatcher

Grand Cane — Carmen Puckett

Gray — Dru Thibodeaux

Haughton — Hannah Fields, Andrew Kent, Emilie North, Rachel Wagoner

Houma — Taylor Comeaux, Emma LeBoeuf

Izmir Turkey — Melis Özipek

Keithville — Katie Hester, Madison Lenser

Kinder — Davyn Johnson

Lafayette — Davyn Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Sophie Normand

Lake Arthur — Mallory Lyon

Lake Charles — Halee Jackson

Leesville — Kaleb Godwin, Jasmine Tatum, Adalynn Wright

Livingston, Texas — Kaleigh Standley

Many — Madison Cauthen

Marksville — Addison Clark

Marthaville — William Brayden Campbell

Maurice – Emily Hargrave

Minden — McKenna Chreene

Monroe — Daisy Guy, Kamari Ward

Maurice — Emily Hargrave

Metairie — Ainsley Leaman

Natchez — Mallory LaCour

Natchitoches — Sariah Braxton, Avery Broadway, Ava Bush, Cailah Bush, Breanna Hale, Darlisha Jefferson, Brooklyn Jones, Aliyah Mason, Evan McDonough, Jaden Smith, Kaylee Stacy

New Iberia — Emma Menard

Pineville — Hannah Gore, Ashleigh Moses, Annmarie Sanders

Ragley — Amanda Saizan

Ringgold — Shelby Pickett

Robeline — Jax Colston, Allison Goings, Jon Henderson, Maddie Hendon, Baylee Johnson, Gabe Roe

Scott — Amireyon Wesley

Shreveport — Amber Bledsoe, Ava Colvin, Cassie Donaghey, Precious Green, Piper Haynes, Ryann Jackson, Breanne Jones, Aliyah Mason, Carley Prim, Carolina Resendez, Madison Scott, Kirsten Sepulvado, Kendrah Shields, Mariah Smith

Springfield — Reagan Scivicque

St. Francisville — Nakiya Pittman

Stonewall — Laylen Wallace, Gabriel Williams

West Monroe — Jenianne Chase, Abbygale Sims

Winnfield — Mattie Barnes, Kyleigh Blundell, John Pickett

Youngsville — Caitlin Davis

Zwolle — Emma Meshell, Summer Sepulvado

Alpha Lambda Delta Inductees:

Northwestern State initiated 130 new members into Alpha Lambda Delta, the honor society for first-year students. Alpha Lambda Delta fosters lifelong academic success, scholarship opportunities and leadership training.

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The Red River softball team slid into a first-round home game for the second straight season, the first time in program history the Lady Bulldogs accomplished that feat.

But the playoff road ended there Thursday as No. 16 Red River fell to No. 17 Church Point in a 16-0 loss in three innings.

The visiting Lady Bears (13-16) scored 13 runs in the first inning, facing more than 60 pitches from starting pitcher Maddie Baxley in that opening frame.

Church Point runners found their way onto the basepaths in a variety of ways, scoring four runs before Red River recorded the first out.

While there were many critical junctures in the first inning, a three-run home run from Madeline Broce that pushed Church Point’s edge to 11-0.

Red River (15-11) scattered a handful of runners on the bases in their three at-bats, but the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t manage a serious scoring threat against pitcher Joshlyn Melancon.

Church Point advances to face No. 1 Jena in the second round.

Red River and Church Point were destined to play each other in the first round of the playoffs as the teams jockeyed for home field advantage in the final days of the regular season.

The Lady Bulldogs’ win against Dodson on Monday likely secured a home game for Red River, who had arguably their second-best season ever following last year’s 20-win campaign.

Red River earned a home game by edging Church Point by fractions of a power point when the playoff brackets were released Wednesday.

The game was put together quickly with one day’s turnaround, playing much earlier than most other playoff teams, which have until Saturday to finish the first round.

While the program is still looking for its first-ever playoff victory in its eighth playoff appearance, hosting its third home playoff game and second in the last two seasons is still a positive step forward.

 COUSHATTA, La. — The Coushatta Chute Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), in coordination with the Town of Coushatta, is proud to announce plans for a new community mural in celebration of America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The mural, which will be located in Coushatta, is intended to honor the nation’s rich history while highlighting the unique heritage and spirit of the local community. As part of the America 250 initiative, the project aims to inspire reflection on the founding ideals of the United States—liberty, patriotism, and civic responsibility—while bringing residents together through public art.

Chapter Regent Karen Squires shared that the mural will serve as both an educational and cultural landmark. “This project is an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s past while creating something meaningful for future generations here in Coushatta,” she said. “We hope it will be a source of pride for the entire community.”

As part of the planning process, the Coushatta Chute Chapter is inviting local artists to submit designs and creative ideas for possible inclusion in the mural. Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate.

The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026. Entries should be emailed to kts8_14@yahoo.com
with the subject line “YOUR NAME_Mural Project.” Submissions may include sketches, written concepts, or other visual ideas that reflect both American history and the Coushatta community.

The design of the mural will incorporate elements of American history alongside imagery that reflects Coushatta’s local identity. Community involvement will be a key part of the process, ensuring the finished piece represents the voices and creativity of the area.

 The Coushatta Chute Chapter invites community members to follow the progress of the mural and take part in upcoming activities related to the project. Additional details, including the mural’s location, artist selection, and unveiling date, will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the mural or to get involved, please contact the Coushatta Chute Chapter DAR.