Rebel Baseball Starts Season 3-1

By Molly Seales

The Riverdale Rebel baseball team had another good week, beating Claiborne twice and falling just short to Junction City, Arkansas. On February 28, the Rebels traveled to Haynesville and came away with a 7-0 win. Sophomore Aston Hester threw a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits and zero runs over 7 innings. He struck out 15 batters. Landen Barrett led the Rebels at the plate, going for 2 for 4 and scoring 2 runs. Colton Massey was 1 for 4 and also scored 2 runs. Colton Caskey was 1 for 2 with a stolen base and 2 runs. Aston Hester had an RBI, and Ryder Huddleston scored a run.

On March 2, the Rebels traveled to Junction City and fell 8-5 after a sixth inning charge from Junction City. Four Rebels combined on the mound for the game. Colton Massey went 5 1/3 innings, striking out 7 and allowing only 1 hit and 1 earned run. Ryder Huddleston, Kaidyn Williams, and Landen Barrett also had some time on the mound. The Rebels had 7 hits but couldn’t hang on for the win. Aston Hester led the Rebels at the plate, going 3 for 3, including a triple, with 2 RBIs and scoring one run. Ryder Huddleston was 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. Landen Barrett was 1 for 2, with 3 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored. Colton Caskey picked up a hit for the Rebels. Colton Massey added an RBI, and Kaidyn Williams had a stolen base and scored a run. Mason Murray also scored a run for the Rebels.

On March 4, Claiborne Academy traveled to East Point for a beautiful Saturday afternoon of baseball. The Rebels came out on top of Claiborne 14-4, defeating them for the second time last week. Aston Hester went the distance on the mound, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run over 5 innings. He struck out 7 batters. With sophomore 2nd baseman Colton Caskey out for a fishing tournament, 7th grader Jax Hearold stepped up and helped shut down the middle infield. Hearold went 1 for 4 with an RBI. Aston Hester went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. He also had a stolen base and scored 2 runs. Mason Murray and Kaidyn Williams stepped up big at the plate for the Rebels. Both of them went 2 for 3, with a double each. Williams had an RBI and scored 2 runs, while Murray had an RBI, a stolen base, and scored 2 runs. Landen Barrett was 1 for 2 with a double, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. Colton Massey was 1 for 3 with an RBI, 2 stolen bases, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. Ryder Huddleston went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. Matthew Smith was 1 for 3 with an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. James Wagoner had a stolen base and scored 2 runs.

The Rebels have a busy week.  They traveled Monday to play Parker’s Chapel then they go Thursday to play Providence Classical Academy.  They will be at home Friday to take on Parker’s Chapel. Friday’s game begins at 3:00 p.m. so come out to East Point and support the Rebels! Great job guys!


OPPORTUNITY: Administrative Assistant 5

Position: Administrative Assistant 5

Salary: $2,883.00 – $5,675.00 Monthly

Location: Natchitoches, LA

Job Type: Classified

Department: Northwestern State University

Job Number: 171972

Closing: 3/9/2023 11:59 PM Central

Supplemental Information

Northwestern State University is currently accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant 5 in Business Affairs.

Applicants must have Civil Service test scores for 8500-Office Support Exam in order to be considered for this vacancy unless exempted by Civil Service rule or policy. If you do not have a score prior to applying to this posting, it may result in your application not being considered.

Applicants without current test scores can apply to take the test here.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Benetrus Brooks, H.R. Specialist

Northwestern State University – Human Resources

200 Sam Sibley Dr. – St. Denis Hall

brooksb@nsula.edu

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (FULL DISCLOSURE)

It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Northwestern State University to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on job related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity.

In keeping with this policy, the University will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status. All personnel actions, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, training, and education are administered without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status.

The University is committed to equal opportunity for student success by providing access to educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational activities for all students without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status.  Additionally, the University provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Student complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Student Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 308 of the Friedman Student Union or email obannonj@nsula.edu.  Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For studentacademic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Taylor Camidge (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email camidget@nsula.edu.  For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Four years of experience in which clerical work was a major duty.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Training in a business or clerical-related curriculum in a business school or technical institute will substitute for the required experience on the basis of six months of training for six months of experience for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

Completion of a business or clerical-related curriculum in a business school or technical institute will substitute for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

College training will substitute for the required experience on the basis of 15 semester hours for six months of experience.

NOTE:

Business or technical school training with less than completion will only be credited in six month increments. Similarly, college training will only be credited in 15 semester hour increments.

NOTE: Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Job Concepts

Function of Work:

To serve as the special assistant to a classified/unclassified executive or high-ranking classified administrator.

Employees perform duties independently and exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative in determining the approach/action to take in non-routine situations.

Level of Work: Advanced.

Supervision Received:

General from a classified/unclassified executive or high-ranking classified administrator.

Supervision Exercised:

May supervise 1-2 lower-level personnel.

Location of Work:

May be used by all state agencies.

Job Distinctions:

Differs from Administrative Assistant 4 by the presence of responsibility for serving as special assistant to a classified/unclassified executive or a high-ranking classified administrator.

Differs from Administrative Assistant 6 by the absence of responsibility for serving as the confidential executive assistant to the unclassified Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, or equivalent high-level classified/unclassified executive of a major state department.

Examples of Work

Relieves the executive of a variety of administrative matters by assuming delegated authority in assigned areas.

Performs and supervises administrative support activities such as maintaining files and central records, printing and duplicating services, security, purchasing of supplies and equipment, warehousing, and preparation of payroll and personnel records.

Serves as executive support to department advisors and decision-makers, including administrators and boards/committees.

Reviews correspondence and receives telephone calls related to the most sensitive and confidential matters and determines appropriate action to be taken.

Interprets departmental policies and procedures for staff members and the general public.

Conducts and/or supervises special projects, such as organizing charity drives or coordinating facility maintenance.

Collects and compiles budgetary data for monitoring funds and staffing levels.

Prepares materials needed for meetings, such as agendas, handouts, binders, etc.

May attend meetings and transcribe minutes.

May serve as backup for experienced-level professional duties, such as procurement, accounting, etc.

Administrative Assistant 5 – View Online

EOE


Dinner With Gubernatorial Candidates

The DeSoto Parish GOP invites you to a steak dinner with the candidates for Louisiana Governor.  The event will be held Thursday, March 23rd at the RB4 Event Center near Logansport.

Admission is $50 per person or $500 for a table.  Pre-payment and RSVP are required.  See the flyer below for complete details.


Update: Red River 4-H Livestock

The local 4-H clubs updated their livestock show events.  They said, “These RR 4-hers have been across the country doing what they love.”

Brooklyn Giddings showed at the Houston Livestock Expo. Madelyn Chamberlin didn’t make it to Houston in person, but her Brahma went without her and was well loved. Xander Loftin showed at the Lionhead Nationals in Dalton, GA. Dusty Halbmaier was the first ever funny man at the Hooey Junior Patriot rough stock event in Fort Worth.


Weekly Arrest Report

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for February 24-March 3,  2023.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Notice of Death – March 8, 2023

Shelby Lee Gardner, Jr.

August 3, 1960 — February 28, 2023

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2023/03/02/shelby-lee-gardner-jr/

The Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media.  Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)


ETC… For Wednesday, March 8, 2023

All Red River Parish Schools will be closed on Friday, March 10th and Monday, March 13th. Spring Break is the occasion.

Get those smiles ready. Picture day at Riverdale will be March 15th. This will be for all spring sports, Kindergarten cap and gown, and any retakes.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present a concert “Gershwin and Friends” on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Tickets are $15.75 each and can be purchased online at: nnssla.org/ticket-sales. The concert will feature Northwestern State faculty member and pianist John Price on George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and vocalists Kelli Roberts and Jenny Massia on songs by George and Ira Gershwin and Stephen Sondheim. They will be featured on “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess,” “Send in the Clowns from “A Little Night Music,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” from “Oh, Kay!” and “I Got Rhythm” from “Girl Crazy.”


Self Defense At Fairview Baptist

Last Saturday fifteen ladies at Fairview Baptist Church participated in a Ladies Self-Defense Class. It was led by Captain Suzanne Gallier of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Troy Murray and Det. Tamara George-Walker assisted.

The training included approximately two hours of classroom instruction as well as two hours of hands-on self-defense techniques.

While it was an enjoyable time for all, it also equipped these ladies with practical and valuable information that may prove useful when circumstances of life become more serious.

If you are interested in scheduling a self-defense class for a group of ladies in Red River Parish, please contact Captain Gallier at our Criminal Investigations Division at 318-932-6701.


Elementary School Notes

A couple of notes from RRES.  This week two volunteers came to read to students.  Mrs. Morse and Mrs. Sarah Barfield came to read.  The school than ked them for investing in the students.

Red River Elementary School has scheduled a lunch for second grade parents and students. It is scheduled from noon to 1:00 pm on Monday, March 27th.  Parents and family members are encouraged to come and sit with the student during lunch.  The cost is $5 for parents planning to eat lunch.  Payment must be made in cash by March 16th.

Friday March 24th is the Father Daughter Sneaker Ball from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the gym.  Tickets are $20 for King and Princess and additional daughters are $5.  Payment is due by March 15th.


A Loopy Loophole

By Brad Dison

In February 1914, May Pierstorff’s parents prepared for their five-year-old daughter, May, to visit her grandmother.  May and her parents lived in Lewiston, Idaho.  May’s grandmother lived about 70 miles away in Grangeville, Idaho.  In the 1910s, automobiles had not yet become the predominant form of transportation in Idaho.  Most people traveled on or were pulled by horses if they were traveling within a short distance from home.  May’s parents decided that May would travel to and from her grandparents’ home by train due to the distance of the trip.  For some reason, probably the cost of train tickets, May’s parents could not accompany her on the trip.

The cost of May’s ticket was more than the family could afford.  May’s parents looked for a loophole.  Surely, they thought, they could purchase a discount ticket due to May’s age, but the railroad offered no such discount.  Maybe, they thought, they could get a discount due to May’s weight, which was 48 ½ pounds.  They got lucky.  This was the loophole they had been looking for.  May was just a pound and a half below the 50-pound weight limit.

On February 19, May’s parents pinned something on May’s coat and dropped her off at the train station in Lewiston, Idaho for the 70-mile trip.  They watched as May boarded the train and, at the proper time, the train chugged out of the station.  When the train arrived at the Grangeville station, no one was waiting to pick May up.  An employee named Leonard Mochel delivered the five-year-old to her grandmother’s home.

When money is tight, all of us look for clever ways to save money.  May’s parents were no exception.  May traveled from Lewiston to Grangeville… as a parcel in the train’s mail car to save money.  The thing May’s parents attached to May’s coat was 53 cents in parcel post stamps.  The employee who delivered May to her grandmother’s home was the mail clerk.  May’s parents mailed May to her grandmother’s home.  When their visit was over, May’s grandmother sent her back to her parents in the same manner, through the mail.

Sources:

  1. Smithsonian National Postal Museum, “100 Years of Parcels, Packages, and Packet, Oh My!”postalmuseum.si.edu/research-article/100-years-of-parcels-packages-and-packets-oh-my/the-oddest-parcels.
  2. The Pomona Progress, February 20, 1914, p.1.
  3. The Long Beach Telegram and the Long Beach Daily News, February 20, 1914, p.1.
  4. The Minneapolis Journal, March, 26, 914, p.11.

Local Ladies in Livestock Show

Red River 4-H Livestock ladies showed up and showed out at this year’s LSU State Livestock show.

Adalyn Halbmaier, Shirley Boyd, and Addisyn Giddings had entries in the swine shows. Alaina Boyd competed in the swine and beef shows. Brooklyn Giddings and Madelyn Chamberlin competed in the Beef Shows.

The 4-H Club said, “We are so proud of these ladies and their families for helping them to get here.”


John Bernard Realty

Look around our area, new business everywhere. Real Estate is also getting a new look. I have been a successful realtor for 16 years. I have learned the ins and outs of the business thoroughly during this time. We have opened a new office and we’re bringing what I believe to be a much-needed change that will assist those thinking about buying or selling a home. My grandson Colby Session is working with me as a licensed LA. Realtor. Together our mission is to make the process of buying or selling more affordable. We will accomplish this by listing and selling your house for as low as 2.5%.

We hope to be an asset to everyone we come in contact with. Our thoughts will always center around “whatever it takes”. Call John at 318-332-9850 or Colby at 318-652-4878

We can help keep YOUR equity and wealth in YOUR pocket!


New Lake Record on Toledo Bend

By Steve Graf

Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or corn hole, records are made to be broken. It’s not every day that a person gets the opportunity to set or break a record of any kind. It usually means the person setting the new record has played a particular sport for a long time. He or she has put in many hours of practice and dedicated themself to being the best. No matter how big the record is, the day will come when it will be broken.

In 1932 the world record largemouth bass of 22.4 lbs. was caught in Georgia’s Lake Montgomery by George Perry which still stands today! This record has stood for over 90 years! But, in 2009 a Japanese angler by the name of Manabu Kurita caught a 22.5 lb. bass in Lake Biwa in Japan. Based on simple math, you would think this would be a new world record by 1 ounce. Hold on, there’s a rule with IGFA (International Game Fish Association) which certifies all fishing world records, states that to be a new world record of any kind, the fish must weigh at least two ounces more than the previous record. But IGFA did give him credit for tying the world record catch. 

Now let’s look at what happened on Saturday, February 11th during the Bass Champs Team Trail event on Toledo Bend. Somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, Bill Cook of Houston, Texas set the hook on what he knew was a big bass. After hooking the bass on what’s called an A-Rig (A umbrella-style rig that imitates a small school of baitfish). Bill knew he had a big fish, but had no clue what was about to transpire.

The story goes, Bill had spotted the fish on his forward-facing sonar in about 18 feet of water on the edge of a drop-off. He made a cast in the direction of the bass and let the A-rig sink to the bottom. While watching his bait on his depth finder like a video game, he then engaged the reel and began to slowly retrieve the bait just off the bottom when the big fish came up and bit his lure. After a tough battle, his partner (Ken Burgess) netted the fish. At first glance, they thought the fish might be a 12-pounder which was bigger than any fish Bill had ever caught before. They had no idea that Bill had just caught a new Toledo Bend Lake record of 15.67 lbs. until they hit the scales during the weigh-in that afternoon.   

The funny part of this story is that the weekend before in a MLF BFL tournament, his co-angler partner (Michael Fagan) caught an 11-pounder off this same spot on an A-rig along with a 6.14 lb. bass to finish 2nd on the co-angler side of this event. The co-angler asked Bill if he had an A-rig tied on? Bill, thinking, he had one rigged up in his rod locker, opened the locker only to discover he had left that rod with the A-rig in his garage! But he made sure he had it in the boat for the Bass Champs event the next week and as they say, the rest is history!

The previous record of 15.32 caught by Eric Weems had stood for 22 years. Bill Cook is no stranger to the waters of Toledo Bend and has fished this body of water for over 30 years. He’s had a lot of success in tournament circuits like the BFLs, Toyota Series, and team trails. Bill is one of those anglers, you hope to be paired up with if you’re fishing as a co-angler in any event. He’s not only an excellent angler but an even better person.

No one is more deserving of a record like this than Bill Cook, and I along with a lot of other anglers hope his record catch stands for a long time! Unless the fishing Gods shine down on me with such an opportunity! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook! You never know, it just might be a new record!


Preparations for Seventieth

Since 1953 Clara Springs has been serving District Eight Baptist Missions and beyond. They want to celebrate BIG for their 70th Anniversary and they are inviting g everyone to join us.

There will be 2 major events to celebrate. On March 24th”Old School Campers” starting at 3:00 pm.  There will be a concert by The Southern Plainsmen.  The day ends with the Fourth Friday Fish Fry.

On March 26th “Campers of Today” will begin at 4:00 pm with activities for the whole family including dinner, s’mores, and a fireworks show.

Both the Friday concert and Sunday activities are FREE but you must reserve your tickets.

Here is where to get details and how to register: clarasprings.com/2023-events/70th-anniversary


4-H March Calendar

The calendar is packed for 4-H this month in the parish.  Couple of highlights include registration this month for summer camp, the Junior Leader Conference March 9-11, and Northern Region shooting sports starts March 28th.  Here is their complete calendar:


Dinner With The Candidates

The DeSoto Parish GOP invites you to a steak dinner with the candidates for Louisiana Governor.  The event will be held Thursday, March 23rd at the RB4 Event Center near Logansport.

Admission is $50per person or $500 for a table.  Pre-payment and RSVP is required.  See the flyer below for complete details.


Notice of Death – March 3, 2023

Shelby Lee Gardner, Jr.

August 3, 1960 — February 28, 2023

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2023/03/02/shelby-lee-gardner-jr/

Dorothy M. Fields

February 27, 1944 ~ February 23, 2023 (age 78)

Services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 4, 2023 at New Bethel MBC.

Rita Webber

6/3/1973 – 2/21/2023

Service: Saturday, March 4, 2023 @ 11:00 A.M. Zion Chapel B.C. Coushatta.

The Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media.  Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)


ETC… For Friday, March 3, 2023

The date for Red River Blue Diamonds dance tryouts is March 15th through 17th.  Upcoming 6th through 12th graders are eligible. Get the tryout form from your school secretary.

Red River 4-H is conducting their annual Fern Sale.  Deadline to order is March 13th for Easter delivery.  Price is $20 for a 10” hanging basket of Asparagus, Boston or Macho fern.

Get ready for the Fourth Friday Fish Fry March 24th at Clara Springs Camp.  Great fried fish and all the trimmings for $15.


Shelby Lee Gardner, Jr.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Shelby Lee Gardner, Jr., 62, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 3, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Coushatta chapel with Bro. Bobby Henley officiating. Interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery in Coushatta. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the funeral home.

Shelby was born on August 3, 1960, in Coushatta, LA to Shelby and Carolyn Ann Gardner and passed away February 28, 2023, in Shreveport, LA.

Shelby was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Gardner; sisters, Nancy Gardner and Kelly Bonner; and brother-in-law, Michael Taylor, Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his father, Shelby Lee Gardner, Sr.; daughter, Julie Gardner and fiancée, Charles Stratton, Jr.; spouse, Colinda Crocker; sisters, Becky Dubois, and husband, Doug, Jr., Lisa Gardner, and April Gardner; and his beloved fur baby, Dusty.

Honoring Shelby as pallbearers will be Derrick Dubois, Jessie Bonner, Michael Brown, Michael Taylor, Jr., Charles Stratton, and David Gardner. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Timothy Tingle, Selma Tingle, Bobby Henley, Damon Gardner, Cody Dubois, Roger Gardner, and Destyni Dubois.


Rise and Shine Tuesday

Red River Junior High sponsored a wonderful event Tuesday morning. This was the first meeting of “Rise and Shine!” for the young ladies.

All mothers, grandmothers and positive female role models were invited to attend. Students were able to hear positive messages from Elizabeth Hughes and Jackie Smith.   The school reported an outpouring of support from the community for this event.


Bulldogs Bow Out

The Red River Boys Basketball season came to an end in Ville Platte Tuesday.  The Dogs lost Boys lost 67-64 to end their season.

The high school posted, “So proud of our Boys for a great playoff run.  They took the #8 team down to the wire.”

Earlier Red River had defeated #9 Sterlington 51 to 49 in a hotly contested Bi-District match.  


Severe Weather Possible Later This Week

There is an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms areawide Thursday afternoon and into the overnight hours. The advisory was issued. By the Shreveport weather service office.

There’s also an increased probability for significant severe weather, which includes the possibility of EF-2 or greater tornadoes and damaging winds of 74 mph or greater.

Monitor local media for updates as Thursday approaches.