This Fourth of July carries special meaning as Americans celebrate 250 years since the birth of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty, self-government, and opportunity. For two and a half centuries, the United States has remained a symbol of hope, resilience, and freedom for people around the world.

America’s story began in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that all people are created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those words became the foundation of a nation that has continued to grow, overcome challenges, and inspire generations.

Over the past 250 years, the United States has endured wars, economic hardships, natural disasters, and periods of division. Yet through every challenge, the American people have demonstrated remarkable courage, determination, and an unwavering belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

The strength of America has never rested solely in its monuments or government buildings. It is found in hometowns across the country—in family farms, small businesses, schools, churches, military service, volunteer organizations, and neighbors helping neighbors. Communities like those throughout Red River Parish reflect the values that have defined this nation for generations: hard work, faith, service, and a commitment to caring for one another.

Independence Day is more than fireworks and cookouts. It is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for our nation’s freedom and by the countless men and women who have continued to defend it. It is also a time to honor first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, business owners, and everyday citizens whose contributions help keep our communities strong.

As families gather beneath waving flags and evening fireworks light the summer sky, this milestone anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the blessings of living in a free nation while looking ahead with hope for the future. The freedoms Americans enjoy today were earned through sacrifice and preserved by generations who believed our nation was worth serving.

As our nation begins its next chapter, may we continue to cherish the freedoms we enjoy, respect one another despite our differences, and work together to build stronger communities for future generations.

This Independence Day, as America celebrates 250 years of freedom, let us proudly fly the Stars and Stripes, remember those who came before us, and give thanks for the enduring spirit of a nation that continues to inspire the world.

In addition to Independence Day, here are a couple of other things that happened on July 4:
President Thomas Jefferson announces the Louisiana Purchase. The price tag: $15M, about 4 cents per acre. (1803)
In Paris, the French government presents the Statue of Liberty to the United States. (1884)

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The Red River Parish Police Jury approved new library board appointments and adopted reduced millage rates during its committee and regular meetings on July 1.

Jurors in attendance were Murray, Young, Hillman, Taylor, Davis, and Moore. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Jury President Tray Murray opened the floor for public comments, but no citizens spoke.

The meeting’s most significant action came with the appointment of the new Red River Parish Library Board. Serving alongside Jury President Murray will be Lillie Moore, Mike Waters, Merritt Cason, Heather Wren, Sharon Jenkins, Kathy McDuffy, and Karen Squires. The Police Jury will establish term lengths for board members in January.

Earlier in the meeting, the Library Board representative reported a strong start to the Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, READ!,” with 59 children attending the opening day. She thanked The Red River Parish Journal for its continued coverage and encouraged residents to follow the library on Facebook and use its online resources.

The Jury also approved the 2026 parish millage rates. The Red River Parish Library millage saw the largest change, decreasing from 8.13 mills to 4.40 mills. Other approved rates include General Alimony, 4.41 mills; Exempted Municipalities, 2.20 mills; Health Unit, 2.42 mills; Police Jury PFMF, 3.63 mills; and Council on Aging, 1.15 mills.

Additional business included approval of a Certificate Agreement with Capital Area Finance to assist first-time homebuyers and designation of the Natchitoches Times as the Police Jury’s Official Journal.

Department reports included an update from the parish ambulance service, which reported increased call volume and expanded weekend staffing, while the Fire Board reported no major changes and that all equipment remains in good operating condition.

The Commercial Vehicle Office reported $42,563 in permit sales and $4,863 in citation revenue. Jurors also approved expenses for members attending the NACO Conference, with Expand Energy assisting with sponsorship costs, and discussed broadband infrastructure planning with Conterra Networks to ensure reliable service for parish facilities and emergency communications before adjourning.

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Dear Red River Parish Journal Editors,

I am writing as a resident of the Hall Summit area to bring attention to the prolonged closure of the LA 514 bridge replacement over Bayou Chicot in Red River Parish. This project has severely impacted our local community, and after more than 16 months of closure, residents deserve greater transparency and urgency.

Key Details:

• The bridge has been closed since March 17, 2025 — more than double the original eight-month estimate.

• Roadway tie-in work was completed approximately five weeks ago, with the only major remaining task being guardrail installation.

• The contractor, Apex Construction, is handling this as part of a larger contract for six bridges. While they remain within overall contract timelines (262 work days remaining), individual bridge projects like this one lack strong incentives for timely completion, leading to extended disruptions.

• DOTD has cited rain delays for the guardrail asphalt pads, but I’ve noted that heavy equipment has operated successfully in the area during the same periods.

This closure forces longer commutes, higher fuel costs, and daily inconvenience — hitting residents on fixed incomes especially hard. It affects not just one person but the entire community’s access and economy.

I have been in ongoing communication with:

• Erin Buchanan, DOTD Public Information Officer (Bossier City) – erin.buchanan@la.gov

• Michael Murphy, Project Engineer, BEAST Engineering mmurphy.beast@gmail.com, 318-746-2878

• David North, DOTD District 4 Engineer Administrator – david.north@la.gov

• Rep. Dennis Bamburg’s office – hse005@legis.la.gov

Recent updates from DOTD indicate the contractor has been instructed to prioritize this site, with hopes of reopening next week (as of late June) which has now come and gone once again. This contractor is trying to work on too many other bridges instead of finishing one bridge. This has been poor judgment and management by both the contractor, the PE, and DOTD for allowing this behavior. 

I urge the Journal to look into this story. Greater public awareness could help ensure the project is completed promptly. Stronger oversight, better contract structuring for multi-bridge projects, and accountability for contractors on critical infrastructure are needed to prevent this from happening to other communities.

Thank you for shining a light on local issues that matter to Red River Parish residents.

Signed,
A concerned local citizen 

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Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches across our community are welcoming children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Red River Cowboy Church M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series offers a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Remaining dates are July 5, & August 2.

New Life Church in Hall Summit will host a one-day VBS July 11. Registration is at 8am. VBS is from 8:30am until 1pm. There will be a water slide from 1-2pm.

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 7387 US Hwy 317, is hosting a 3-day VBS July 24-26. Learn about the Beatitudes and how having a heart like Jesus changes everything. Friday & Saturday from 6-8pm, Sunday 5-7pm with commencement at 7pm. Refreshments will be served after. For more information, please contact: LaJuana Keith 318-505-6430.

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a weekend VBS in October. More plans will be shared at a later date.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

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Here’s the Buzz . . . . .

The Summer Reading Program continues next week with a program led by Mr. Beekeeper. On Monday at 2:00 pm, at the library, the beekeeper will tell us all about keeping bees and will answer all or questions, such as : Where do the bees live? What do bees eat? Where does the honey come from? Do the bees sting? and so many more.

All ages are welcome. One more thing, no live bees will be at the program, but there will be honey!

We will be closed on Friday, July 3 rd , and Saturday, July 4 th . We hope everyone has a great 4 th of July holiday.

Remember, we are open on Saturdays all month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Every Thursday afternoon, from 2:00 to 3:00, there are games and crafts for children and parents who need to get out of the house for a little while. Ms. Kala will have a variety of things to do. Also, remember that Storytime is every Friday morning at 10:00.

We have more fun going on than the average person can imagine! The library is definitely the place to be!

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Friday:

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Hot and humid. High 93F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

Partial cloudy skies overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.

Independence Day:

Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Hot and humid. High 92F. Winds light a variable. Chance of rain 40%.

A few clouds from time to time overnight with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Sunday:

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially in the morning. Hot and humid. High 91F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.

Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

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Have you ever questioned why you’re here? Ever wondered, ‘what am I supposed to be doing with my time on this Earth?’

Each of us has a calling but it may take a while to discover what it is. As a child, I questioned a lot of things that took place during my younger years, especially as I started school. 

It became very apparent that the classroom was going to be a challenge. The biggest problem was that I had no guidance, no one to make sure I did my homework or that I even got up every day to go to school.

But there was one day in my life that I will never forget. It was the day they had Little League baseball tryouts. Even though I was not old enough to play Little League, I still showed up with glove in hand and ready to show anyone that I could play this game. 

I rode my bike up the street to a local ballpark where the tryouts were taking place. I hopped off my bike and ran onto the field and got in the first line of players I saw as they were taking ground balls and throwing them back to a coach. 

When my turn came around, the coach hit the ball to me, and I scooped it up and fired it back at the coach. I’ll never forget his reaction as he waived me over to talk to him. Then he uttered words that I will never forget. 

“Son, I don’t think you’re old enough to play Little League, but I can tell you one thing for sure. You’re going to be one heck of a player when you get older.”

Disappointment that I was not eligible to play baseball yet really hit me hard mentally. Finally, there was something that I knew I was good at! Baseball was going to give me purpose! 

It would be on a baseball field that I would shine. It would be through baseball that my confidence and self-esteem would soar. The baseball field was where I was supposed to be!

School on the other hand would continue to be difficult as I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. But because of a couple of great teachers by the name of Mrs. Mickey Sinclair and Mrs. Elwanda Carpenter, my world in the classroom was turned around.

From the third grade on, school curriculum would not be as challenging, but I had to work hard to make passing grades. Studying was a necessary evil in order for me to do good in school and get to play sports.  

My parents understood school was a challenge but expected nothing short of A’s and B’s. C’s were not acceptable and there would be consequences for bringing home one. Mother would threaten to pull me out of sports when a C appeared on a report card. 

But again, I figured out early in life that sports, especially baseball, would be my purpose in life. It would be my calling and my saving grace for me as person. It gave me a feeling of confidence that nothing else could. 

Today when I speak to youth, this is one of the topics I’ll discuss. No matter what it is, find that one thing you’re good at and make that your purpose. Make that the reason you get up every day. Make that your passion whether it’s sports, education, music or, maybe if you’re lucky, it’s bass fishing!

Life can offer us so many opportunities but it’s up to each of us to take advantage when those opportunities roll around. I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us. 

It just might take some of us longer to figure out exactly what our purpose is, but isn’t that what life is all about? The journeyis the great adventure.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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For 20 years Cris had worked as a commercial fisherman and a dockworker.  On this particular cold March afternoon, Cris had some time on his hands.  He had just returned from working on a ship in the Bahamas and was waiting to catch another ship which would take him to yet another port city.  He never caught that ship.  While he waited, Cris walked over the frozen, snow-covered ground to King Street, the port city’s main hub of activity.  Cris carried a pound stick, a tool of his trade.  A pound stick was a large stick used to strike or pound a ship’s deck to summon crew to their stations and for setting the pacing for others while they were loading and unloading a ship’s cargo.  When not on duty, Cris and other sailors used their pound sticks as walking sticks.  

Shopkeepers on King Street recognized that something other than the comings and goings of regular commerce was happening in front of the government building nearby.  Shopkeeper Edward Payne stood in his entry doorway gazing at the large crowd trying to understand the situation.  Edward heard the voices of men and boys yelling at each other in the crowd.  Suddenly, chaos erupted.  The men and boys threw rocks, hard-packed snowballs, and anything else they could get their hands on at the nine guards protecting the government building.  Some of the sailors swung their pound sticks at the guards.  Whether Cris swung his stick has never been confirmed, but he was in the front when the guards opened fire.  The gunfire lasted for only a few seconds.  

Yells of anger turned into a mixture of moans of pain and shrieks of terror.  51-year-old Sam Gray, a rope maker, was shot in the head and died instantly.  17-year-old Sam Maverick, an apprentice, was shot in the stomach and died the following day.  49-year-old James Caldwell, a mate on a ship, was shot twice in the back and died in the street.  30-year-old Patrick Carr, leather worker, was shot in the hip and died nine days later.  Cris was shot twice in the chest and died instantly.

Others were injured but survived.  Shopkeeper Edward Payne’s arm was broken when he was struck by a shot as he stood in his shop’s doorway.  John Green, a tailor, was shot in his thigh.  Robert Patterson, a sailor, was shot through his right arm.  A youth named David Parker was shot in his thigh.  Two 17-year-old boys, Christopher Monk and John Clark, both apprentices on ships, were shot; Monk in the back and Clark in his abdomen.  All but Monk recovered from their wounds.  Monk’s wound was extremely severe, left him disabled, and led to his early death ten years later.  

Most citizens in Great Britain are unaware of this altercation, but the British government officially referred to it as the Incident on King Street.  Colonists initially called it the Bloody Massacre.  The world now refers to the Incident on King Street as the Boston Massacre.  

Sources:

1.     The Boston Gazette, March 12, 1770, p.1-3.

2.     “The bloody massacre perpetrated in King Street Boston on March 5th 1770 by a party of the 29th Regt.,” Library of Congress, accessed June 28, 2027, https://www.loc.gov/item/2008661777/.

3.     “What was the Boston Massacre?” Boston Massacre Historical Society, accessed June 28, 2027, https://www.bostonmassacre.net/index.html.

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As Independence Day approaches, CHRISTUS Health is reminding families to celebrate safely, noting that fireworks-related injuries remain a serious and largely preventable risk when not handled with care.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2025, with 15 deaths reported nationwide.

Burns were the most common injury, with hands, fingers, and the head and face most frequently affected. Many of these injuries occur during backyard celebrations and often involve misuse or malfunction of devices.

“I love a good celebration, but I also see firsthand how quickly firework injuries can change a holiday. Most of the burns, hand injuries and eye trauma we treat are completely preventable,” said Dr. Kelly Bihm, emergency room physician with CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport-Bossier. “Please keep a safe distance, supervise children closely, use only legal fireworks, and leave the big displays to trained professionals.”

Dr. Greggory Angier, trauma medical director at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, said injuries treated in trauma centers can be severe and sometimes life-altering.

“Fireworks may seem harmless, but we regularly see injuries that involve significant burns, loss of fingers or serious eye damage,” he said. “These incidents can happen in seconds and often have lasting consequences. The safest option is always to attend a professional show, where safety precautions and trained personnel are in place.”

Angier also cautioned against mixing alcohol and fireworks, noting it is a frequent factor in preventable injuries.

 “Alcohol and fireworks are a dangerous combination,” Angier said. “Too many accidents happen when alcohol is involved, impairing reaction time, judgment and overall awareness.”

Children and young adults are particularly at risk, and even seemingly harmless items like sparklers can reach temperatures hot enough to cause serious burns.

To reduce the risk of injury, CHRISTUS Health recommends:

• Never allowing young children to handle fireworks
• Always keeping a safe distance after lighting devices
• Avoiding relighting malfunctioning fireworks
• Keeping water or a hose nearby in case of fire
• Using fireworks only in areas where they are legal

“Celebrations should create lasting memories for the right reasons,” Angier said. “A little caution can go a long way in preventing a trip to the emergency room.”

For many families, choosing community-sponsored or professional fireworks displays is the safest way to enjoy the holiday.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Woman Church will be held Tue July 7 at 6pm at The Shop in Martin. Guest speaker will be Paula Callender. Dinner will be provided.

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is offering half-priced admission to Louisiana residents in July.

Fairview Baptist Church will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration Service July 12 from 10am-12pm. Guest speaker is Dr. Drew Landry. A meal will be served following morning service.

Martin Baptist Church will host its 5th Annual Basketball Camp July 12-14 for students who have completed Pre-K4 through 7th grade. The camp will be held each evening from 5:30 to 7:30pm, with drop-off beginning at 5:15pm. Participants will have the opportunity to develop basketball fundamentals, build teamwork skills, and enjoy a positive environment. Free snacks and drinks will be provided each day. All children must have a completed waiver on file to attend. For additional information, contact Dan Dupree at (318) 464-5303.

Deliverance Temple Church in Coushatta is inviting area youth and families to attend Youth Explosion on Sunday, July 12, at 3 p.m. The event will be held at the church, located at 1908 Jones Street, and will focus on encouraging young people through faith, purpose, and personal growth. Minister Jemarcus Latson of Deliverance Temple Church will serve as host, with Minister Michael Coleman Hicks of Mount Canaan Baptist Church in Shreveport as the guest speaker. Organizers invite the community to come out for an afternoon of inspiration, fellowship, and empowerment centered on the message of Proverbs 22:6.

The 10th Annual Balloons over DeSoto will be held Sun July 12 from 4-10pm at the C.E. “Rusty” Williams Airport in Grand Cane. Gates open at 4pm. Balloons enter the airport & tethered balloons rides begin at 7:30pm. The balloon glow is scheduled for 8:30pm followed by fireworks at 9:15pm. Gates close at 10pm.

For the first time ever, Louisiana now has more registered Republicans than Democrats.

According to news reports, a New York couple recently had a newborn weighing over 14 pounds.

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Thomas Walter “Sonny” Hardee III
July 3, 1938 — June 30, 2026
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 at 2pm at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, 1856 W 1st Street, in Pleasant Hill.

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Construction on Pelican Broadband’s fiber internet expansion project continues to move forward in Red River Parish, with crews now actively working in Coushatta’s Old Town neighborhood and preparing to begin the next phase of construction along the Highway 155/Esperanza area on July 3. Residents can also sign up for updates or check availability in their neighborhood at this website.

The project, which officially launched June 1, is part of a two-year effort to expand high-speed fiber internet service to more than 1,200 homes and businesses across Red River Parish through Louisiana’s GUMBO 2.0 initiative and the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

Since construction began, residents in Old Town have seen utility crews installing underground fiber infrastructure as work progresses through the neighborhood. During construction, there were two incidents of minor damage to water and sewer lines. Crew members repaired the lines on the same day, and Pelican Broadband crews helped the repair team. Pelican Broadband says the project remains on schedule, with crews set to expand into the Highway 155/Esperanza area beginning July 3.

Residents in the upcoming construction zone can expect to see utility vehicles as fiber installation gets underway. Following work along Highway 155/Esperanza, construction will continue in phases across additional areas of Red River Parish, including Springville, Highway 71 South, 480 South, Highway 784, and Edgefield. The parish-wide project is expected to be completed by June 2027. Residents can check this interactive map to see a street-level view of progress on the project.

Once finished, the new fiber network will provide internet service capable of supporting remote work, online learning, telehealth, streaming and other high-bandwidth applications for residents and businesses.

Pelican Broadband encourages residents to follow construction progress using its interactive online project map, which provides street-level updates on active work areas. Community members can also sign up for project updates and check service availability in their neighborhood through the company’s website.

The Red River Parish expansion represents a $5.3 million investment in local broadband infrastructure and is one of several rural connectivity projects funded through the BEAD Program, which aims to bring reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved communities across Louisiana.

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By Thérèse Boudreaux | Jun 29, 2026

(The Center Square) – Major changes to federal student loans will begin July 1, with most prospective federal student aid applicants facing only two repayment plan options from that day forward.

The new plans replacing PAYE and ICR plans are a tiered Standard Repayment Plan and the income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Borrowers currently on PAYE or ICR plans will have until July 1, 2028, to transition to one of the new plans.

The Standard Repayment Plan, which currently lasts 10 years, will be modified to allow borrowers to pay a fixed monthly payment, based on the loan amount instead of income, over a period of 10 to 25 years.

Lower-income borrowers could choose the Repayment Assistance Plan and pay a lesser percentage of their adjusted gross income, capped at 10%. Any remaining loan balance after 30 years would be forgiven.

The government would also waive the loan interest portion for RAP plans if on-time monthly payments do not cover interest, ensuring that borrowers who make regular payments don’t see their outstanding balance go up.

Additionally, July 1, 2026, begins a 90-day countdown for the roughly 7.5 million borrowers currently enrolled in the Biden administration’s now defunct SAVE plan.

Those loan holders must transition to either the Income Based Repayment plan – which will only be available for loans taken out before July 1, 2026 – or one of the two new repayment plans. Otherwise, they will automatically be placed on one of the new plans.

Republicans argue that the new plans will not only save the federal government $278 billion by 2034 but also simplify and streamline the federal student loan borrowing and repayment process. Democratic opponents and higher-education groups have criticized the post-graduate borrowing caps, arguing they will impact a large group of students wanting to continue with specialized degrees. 

The changes are a result of congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill,” also known as the “Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” that became law last year.

That budget reconciliation bill also authorized the Secretary of Education to establish an accountability framework for educational institutions offering programs that don’t provide students with a return on investment in employment opportunities.

Additionally, the legislation made changes to how much federal aid post-college students can borrow, changes that also take effect Wednesday. The GRAD Plus loan program will no longer be available and will be replaced by Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Graduate student borrowing will be capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 over a lifetime, unlike the GRAD Plus loans that allowed students to fully cover the cost of attendance. Professional students, including those in law and medical schools, will only be able to borrow $50,000 per year and $200,000 over a lifetime.

As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of Education holds roughly $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loans owed by roughly 43 million borrowers, and roughly a third of those borrowers are behind on payments, according to Federal Student Aid.

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Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.”

               Doug said, “I drive, therefore I am,” and honestly, I’m starting to trust my version more.

               I spend so many hours with my body attached to a car that I’m basically a mobile Methodist. I know I‑20 like the back of my hand—every bump, every dip, every spot where my cell signal disappears as if it’s entering the Witness Protection Program. I know where law enforcement hides, waiting to catch those who treat the speed limit as a suggestion from a friend rather than a command from the state. I know exactly how far I can push the fuel light before I’m praying in tongues at the next exit. If you see me on the Interstate, give me a wave. I’ll wave back. I’m friendly like that.

               Driving entertains me. I read bumper stickers like they’re sacred texts. If you see me tailgating, don’t worry—I’m not being aggressive; I’m just trying to discern whether your “Coexist” sticker is faded or ironic. And I’ve developed a spiritual gift: I can tell when someone is talking on the phone while driving. They always slow down. Always. It’s like the car senses the conversation and decides to meditate.

               Today I was headed to Bossier City when the nice truck in front of me decided it was time for a mid‑journey spa treatment. He hit his windshield washer at 70 mph. At my following distance, his washer fluid became my washer fluid. A surprise baptism by Rain‑X. I just smiled and thanked God for the improvisational rain shower. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, but apparently so are Louisiana drivers.

               Now here’s where the sermon sneaks in.

               My actions can change your attitude, and your attitude interprets my actions. That’s the whole ballgame.

               I could’ve gotten mad. I could’ve imagined he did it on purpose. I could’ve turned on my wipers and smeared my windshield into a Monet painting. Or I could interpret it factually: I was following too closely behind a man with a dirty windshield who needed to see better. Or I could interpret it spiritually: God’s grace falls on the just, the unjust, and the guy behind the truck who wasn’t expecting a windshield blessing.

               We don’t live in a vacuum. Our actions splash onto the people behind us—sometimes literally. That’s why Scripture tells us to be careful how we walk. We don’t want to trip someone else up. But the other side is just as important: I’m not responsible for what you do to me, but I am responsible for what I let your actions do inside me.

               The world is small. The road is shared. And whether we like it or not, we’re all windshield washers for somebody.

               So drive kindly. Live kindly. And if you must baptize the car behind you, at least use the good fluid.

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Wednesday:

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds light and variable.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Thursday:

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds light and variable.

Clear skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

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A cast, orchestra, and choir of more than 80 local performers will bring Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame to life this summer at the Emmett Hook Center.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the beloved Disney film, the musical follows Quasimodo (played by Caleb Williams), the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, whose first taste of freedom draws him into a struggle against Judge Frollo (portrayed by local favorite Steve Valenzuela). What unfolds is a sweeping story of love, courage, justice, and the search for belonging.

This is not a typical Disney musical. Featuring a 24-member backstage choir, a 20-piece orchestra, and a cast of 20 local actors, Hunchback brings together one of the largest musical forces ever assembled for an Emmett Hook Center production. From intimate character moments to thunderous cathedral-sized musical scenes, the production offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable score live.

The music was written by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken, whose songs helped define Disney’s Renaissance era through classics such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.

Widely regarded as his most ambitious stage work, Hunchback blends Broadway storytelling with the grandeur of symphonic and choral music. Bringing together performers from across the Ark-La-Tex, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame comes to the Emmett Hook Center for six performances: July 10 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and July 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $20–$30. Buy tickets HERE. They are also available through the Emmett Hook Center Box Office at 318-429-6885.

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I addressed America’s 250th Anniversary a couple of weeks ago but given its momentous nature and historic significance, I thought I would more fully develop my thoughts.

I reflect on our liberty that has been guaranteed to us throughout America’s history only by the great sacrifice—the “last full measure of devotion”—of the 1.1 million Americans who died—and millions more who were grievously wounded—defending the freedoms we often take for granted.

I think of General George Washington who bravely held together a rag tag army, many of whom had neither shoes in that freezing weather nor a weapon, to defeat the British army and secure America’s independence.

I think of the Framers as they sat in the miserable heat of that Philadelphia convention hall from May to September 1787 with no cooling breeze of any kind because they had no choice but to keep the doors and windows closed so as not to have it discovered that they were writing a constitution rather than doing what they were supposed to be doing—revising the Articles of Confederation.

I think again of George Washington who reluctantly served as president of the convention and literally said nothing for the 4 months of the convention. Yet, his mere presence in the room conveyed a moral authority and dignity upon the gathering that did nothing less than hold the often-volatile proceedings together.

I think of Benjamin Franklin also, who, after weeks of sitting quietly in the convention hall, realized that the delegates were making only “small progress” and he implored the men to begin praying each morning before they began their deliberations.

Franklin rose, unsteady on his feet in his late 80s and with a weak voice. “I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it likely an empire can rise without His aid?” The delegates did begin praying after that and they began to make progress.

I am deeply moved recalling the sacrifices of the signers of the Declaration of Independence who knew they were committing treason by signing and the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the war. (The Price They Paid, The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.)

Another lost his ships to the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags. One was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. (Id.)

The properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton were looted. At the Battle of Yorktown, British General Cornwallis had taken over the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr. for his headquarters. Nelson quietly urged General George Washington to open fire on his home, which was done. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. (Id.)

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home after the war to find his wife dead, his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. (Id.)

The men who signed the document were men of means and education who had security but valued liberty more. (Id.) They stood together bravely and vowed that “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

President Reagan said,

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will tell our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

At this amazing 250th anniversary we should never forget such men and such sacrifice, without which our Nation would not have existed or endured.

Royal Alexander

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On July 1, 1963, the United States Postal Service introduced ZIP codes, a change that transformed the way mail was sorted and delivered across the country. What began as a five-digit numbering system quickly became one of the most recognizable parts of every American address.

The term “ZIP” stands for Zone Improvement Plan. The system was designed to help the Postal Service handle the growing volume of mail by directing letters and packages through a more organized and efficient network. Before ZIP codes, postal workers often relied on local knowledge and handwritten sorting methods, making delivery slower and more difficult as the nation’s population continued to grow.

Each of the five digits has a purpose. The first number identifies a broad region of the country, the next two identify a sectional processing center, and the final two narrow the destination to a local post office. In 1983, the Postal Service introduced the ZIP+4 system, adding four more digits to pinpoint neighborhoods, apartment buildings, or even large businesses for even greater accuracy.

To help Americans become familiar with the new system, the Postal Service introduced “Mr. ZIP,” a cheerful cartoon character that appeared in advertisements, on stamps, and in educational campaigns encouraging people to include ZIP codes on their mail.

Today, ZIP codes are used for much more than delivering mail. They help emergency responders locate addresses, guide weather forecasts, assist businesses with deliveries, determine insurance rates, support census and demographic research, and even influence marketing and economic studies.

More than 60 years after their introduction, ZIP codes remain a simple but essential part of daily life. Whether sending a birthday card across town or a package across the country, those five numbers continue to help millions of pieces of mail reach their destinations every day.

For many longtime residents, 71019 is more than just a ZIP code—it’s part of Coushatta’s identity. Whether it’s written on a letter, entered into a GPS, or used when ordering online, those five numbers have connected the community to the rest of the country for more than six decades, making everyday communication and commerce faster and more reliable

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Communities across Louisiana are preparing to celebrate Independence Day as the nation marks 250 years of American freedom. Here’s a roundup of some of the state’s biggest celebrations.

Toledo Bend Lake Country – Patriotic Celebration
Friday, July 3 Big Bass Marina 1st Year Anniversary Fireworks at 9pm
Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4 Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park Open 9am to 9:30pm; DJ & Live Bands; Fireworks at 8:45pm
Saturday, July 4 Patriotic Boat Parade 10am; Water balloon fight and food trucks at LTD Marina 4pm; America 250 Fireworks Show at Cypress Bend Park 9pm
Sunday, July 5 Downtown Many Patriotic Parade at 3pm followed by The Stewart’s God Bless America Concert

Robeline – Uncle Sam Jam
Saturday, July 4 | 5:00 p.m. until
Robeline City Park will host an evening of live music, food, family activities, raffles, complimentary watermelon, and a patriotic celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

Natchitoches – America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, July 4 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Downtown Riverbank will feature live entertainment, food trucks, a kids’ area, and fireworks over Cane River at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Shreveport-Bossier – KTBS Freedom Fest
Saturday, July 4 | Activities begin in the afternoon; fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and synchronized fireworks displays at multiple locations across the metro area.

Logansport – DeSoto Parish Fourth of July Festival
Saturday, July 4 | 4:00-10:00 p.m.
Dennis Freeman Memorial River Park will host live entertainment, food, family activities, and the annual Warren Family Fireworks Show over the Sabine River.

Monroe-West Monroe
Saturday, July 4
Children’s Parade: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Twin Cities 250th Anniversary Parade: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The festivities continue throughout the day, followed by an evening fireworks display.

Baton Rouge – America 250 on the River
Saturday, July 4 | 2:00-9:00 p.m.
Repentance Park will host an afternoon and evening of live music featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Amanda Shaw, Wayne Toups, and John Schneider. Fireworks over the Mississippi River begin at 9:00 p.m.

Lake Charles – Red, White, Blue & You Festival
Saturday, July 4 | 2:00-9:30 p.m.
The free family festival includes patriotic entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities, military tributes, and a fireworks finale.

Metairie – Uncle Sam Jam
Saturday, July 4 | Gates open in the afternoon; fireworks after dark
Lafreniere Park will feature national and local entertainment, food vendors, family fun, and one of southeast Louisiana’s premier fireworks shows.

New Orleans – Go 4th on the River
Saturday, July 4 | All-day festivities; fireworks around 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate along the Mississippi River with live entertainment, family activities, and one of Louisiana’s most iconic fireworks displays.

Marksville – Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, July 4 | 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Held at Paragon Casino Resort, Louisiana’s longest-running Independence Day celebration features live music on multiple stages, arts and crafts, food vendors, a car and motorcycle show, family activities, contests, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening. Admission is $10, and children ages 4 and under are admitted free.

Whether you stay close to home or travel across the state, Louisiana offers countless ways to celebrate Independence Day. From small-town festivals to major riverfront celebrations, communities will come together to honor America’s past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future as the nation begins its next 250 years.

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Dr. Joseph “Andy” Briseno, an associate professor in Northwestern State University’s Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies, will be a contestant on the popular gameshow Jeopardy on Thursday, July 2. Viewers can watch the episode on KTBS Channel 3 in the Shreveport and Natchitoches areas at 4:30 p.m. The show is also broadcast on their sister station, KPXJ CW 21, at 5:30 p.m. Live streaming is available for subscribers to services that include local affiliates, such as YouTube TV or Hulu.

On Wednesday, Louisiana Tech officially became a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

Residents seeking assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should be aware of upcoming call-in dates and requirements. The DeSoto Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services is accepting names for the LIHEAP cooling assistance waiting list on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 callers will receive a place on the waiting list. Applicants must call (318) 872-8241 and follow the phone prompts to speak with the appropriate case manager, as voicemails will not be accepted. Individuals needing crisis assistance due to utility disconnections may call (318) 872-0880 on Mondays and Fridays, subject to available funding. Applicants should have required documents ready, including identification, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills and proof of residency.

Paul Skenes, former LSU Tiger, got his 500th strikeout of his MLB career last Friday. It is reported, he is the fastest in franchise history to hit the milestone.

The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will take place Saturday, July 18, at Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The family-friendly event begins at 9 a.m. and features a full day of live music, traditional dancing, Louisiana food, handcrafted arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations, KidFest activities, dance lessons, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, and the popular Gumbo Cook-Off. This year’s theme, “America the Beautiful,” celebrates the rich traditions and diverse cultures that make Louisiana unique. Admission is $10 for the full day or $6 after 5 p.m., and children ages 12 and under are admitted free. For a complete schedule and additional information, visit http://www.nsula.edu/folklife or call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332.

LSU legend and Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu will headline the 2026 Radiance Technologies, Inc. Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner Aug 17 at 6pm at the Shreveport Convention Center. Tickets are available now: https://bit.ly/4wyMMOm

Uber is enforcing stricter background checks for its drivers and couriers as part of ongoing efforts to enhance rider safety.

The Buffalo Bills announced the decision to not include OJ Simpson on the team’s Wall of Fame when the team moves into their new Highmark Stadium for the 2026 NFL season. He was the very first player inducted into the Bills’ Wall of Fame back in 1980 and one of the most accomplished player to wear a Bills uniform.

According to social media reports. LeBron James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him. He plans to continue his basketball career elsewhere per his agent.

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Linda Faye Thomas-Miller
December 1972 – June 21, 2026
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11am at Bright Star Baptist Church in Shreveport.

Johnny Jones
August 3, 1945 – June 28, 2026
Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 4, 2026 at 11am at Springville B.C. in Coushatta.

Carlos Wayne Helm Jr. – ” Big Baby”
May 17, 1977 – June 25, 2026
Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 4, 2026 at 11am at Mansfield High School Gym in Mansfield.

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