Red River Parish voters decided two of three contested School Board races Tuesday, November 3, while a third will be settled in a December runoff. Rachal Henry claimed the District 3 seat, Kenneth Bradley won a close contest in District 5, and Sharon Jenkins and Alan Miller will face each other again in District 4.

All precincts have reported in the three School Board races, according to unofficial election results from the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Henry Wins District 3

Rachal Henry secured the District 3 School Board seat with 189 votes, or 51% of the total. Stephen Giddens finished second with 112 votes (30%), followed by Jacob Caldwell with 67 votes (18%).

Henry received enough votes to win outright in the three-candidate race, eliminating the need for a runoff. All three precincts reported, with unofficial voter turnout at 49.1%.

District 4 Headed to Runoff

The District 4 School Board race will continue into December after none of the three candidates received a majority of the vote.

Sharon Jenkins led the field with 211 votes (48%), followed by Alan Miller with 123 votes (28%). Alvester Barfield received 103 votes (24%).

Jenkins and Miller will advance to the December 12 runoff election, giving District 4 voters another opportunity to decide who will represent them on the School Board.

All five precincts reported, with unofficial voter turnout at 52.6%, the highest among the three contested School Board districts.

Bradley Claims Narrow Victory in District 5

District 5 produced the closest School Board contest of the night, with Kenneth Bradley defeating Monique McDuffy-Jones by just 19 votes.

Bradley received 205 votes (52%), while McDuffy-Jones finished with 186 votes (48%).

All three precincts reported, with unofficial voter turnout at 49%.

Four School Board Members Elected Without Opposition

Four additional School Board seats were decided during qualifying when no opponents entered those races.

Melinda Hardy will return to represent District 1, while Reginald Prealow will continue serving District 6. Both will begin their second terms.

Renee Hester will join the School Board representing District 2, and Joey Miller will take the District 7 seat. Both were elected without opposition.

With the results of Tuesday’s election and the unopposed seats, five of the seven School Board districts will have new representatives. The final seat will be decided in the December runoff.

Maxwell Wins Constable Race

In another contested local race, Tangela Maxwell won the Constable–Justice of the Peace District A seat, receiving 546 votes (63%).

Cherlonda Raymond received 324 votes (37%).

All nine precincts reported in the race, with unofficial voter turnout at 40.1%.

Looking Ahead

With Tuesday’s results, six of the seven Red River Parish School Board seats are now decided. District 4 voters will return to the polls on Saturday, December 12, to choose between Sharon Jenkins and Alan Miller.

All election-night results remain unofficial until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

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Louisiana voters headed to the polls Tuesday, November 3, to decide several major races and 10 proposed constitutional amendments. Election-night returns showed Republican Julia Letlow winning the U.S. Senate race, Congressman Mike Johnson securing another term representing Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, and John E. Atkins winning the Public Service Commission District 5 seat.

Voters also supported seven of the 10 proposed constitutional amendments, while three were rejected in the unofficial returns.

All results remain unofficial until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Letlow Wins U.S. Senate Race

Republican Julia Letlow was projected the winner of Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, defeating Democrat Jamie Davis.

Letlow received 688,723 votes, or 53%, compared to Davis’ 600,185 votes, or 47%, according to the unofficial statewide returns available Tuesday night.

The margin between the two candidates stood at 88,538 votes.

Johnson Wins reelection to Congress

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson secured another term representing Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Red River Parish.

Johnson received 134,241 votes, or 58%, with 682 of 684 precincts reporting.

Democrat Cord Cabler finished second with 52,699 votes (23%), followed by Democrat Matt Gromlich with 32,727 votes (14%). Republican Mike Nichols received 7,254 votes (3%), while Republican Gordon Heslop received 2,559 votes (1%).

Johnson also carried Red River Parish, receiving 1,417 votes, or 55%, in the local returns.

Atkins Wins Public Service Commission District 5

Republican John E. Atkins defeated Democrat James Edward Green in the race for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 5.

Atkins received 160,508 votes (59%), compared to Green’s 110,864 votes (41%). The district-wide results included 867 of 869 precincts reporting.

Red River Parish voters also favored Atkins, giving him 1,417 votes (56%), while Green received 1,097 votes (44%).

The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates public utilities, including certain electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water services.

Louisiana Voters Favor Seven Constitutional Amendments

Louisiana voters considered 10 proposed changes to the state constitution, with seven receiving majority support and three failing in the election-night returns.

Amendment 1 – Approved (75% Yes, 25% No)

Allows a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran to transfer a qualifying property tax exemption one time to another home.

Amendment 2 – Rejected (43% Yes, 57% No)

Would have allowed taxing authorities to continue using a reduced property tax millage rate without losing the ability to adjust it back up to the authorized maximum.

Amendment 3 – Approved (69% Yes, 31% No)

Prohibits release on bail for defendants who have been convicted of certain offenses against children.

Amendment 4 – Approved (57% Yes, 43% No)

Establishes a lifetime limit on serving as Louisiana governor of no more than two and one-half terms.

Amendment 5 – Rejected (38% Yes, 62% No)

Would have allowed public retirement systems to apply funds toward any unfunded accrued liability rather than being required to address only the oldest liability.

Amendment 6 – Approved (65% Yes, 35% No)

Allows an extension of an additional property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older.

Amendment 7 – Approved (64% Yes, 36% No)

Authorizes public funds to be used to identify, inventory, remove or replace certain water service lines.

Amendment 8 – Approved (64% Yes, 36% No)

Prohibits the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent acting on behalf of a foreign adversary.

Amendment 9 – Approved (59% Yes, 41% No)

Increases the income limit for homeowners to qualify for the special assessment level associated with a homestead exemption.

Amendment 10 – Rejected (47% Yes, 53% No)

Would have allowed property tax exemptions for rehabilitated blighted properties under conditions established by law.

Election Results Remain Unofficial

Although most precincts had reported Tuesday night, election results remain unofficial until the Louisiana Secretary of State completes the certification process.

Voters can review all election results through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s election results website.

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Red River High School is proud to announce that Kolten Antilley will be continuing his fishing career at the collegiate level as he officially signs with the Northwestern State University Demons Fishing Team!

Making this accomplishment even more special, Kolten will become the first student in Red River High School history to earn a fishing scholarship! He will also become the next Antilley to earn an athletic scholarship, following in the footsteps of his sisters, who earned a college basketball scholarship and a college dance scholarship.

Throughout his high school fishing career, Kolten has worked hard to establish himself as a competitive angler, earning the honor of being a three-time Louisiana High School State Qualifier. His dedication, passion for the sport, and commitment to success have helped make this opportunity possible.

Kolten will officially sign on:

November 17th at 10:00 AM

Red River High School – Banquet Hall

We are incredibly proud of Kolten and excited to see what the future holds as he takes the next step in his fishing journey and represents Northwestern State University and the Demons Fishing Team.

Please join us in celebrating Kolten, this historic accomplishment, and another Antilley family milestone!

Congratulations, Kolten! Geaux Demons!

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The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for the third year in a row. These two businesses love football and love to see you win.

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Parish Library, 4B Garage, Bethard & Bethard, Red River Land Specialties, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

David Martin gets the win by tiebreaker and walked away with $100!

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2026 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (September 4-5) and running through early November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and asked to take a photo for that week’s RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

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The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to celebrate the Christmas season with the annual Coushatta-Red River Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 3, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas,” and participants are encouraged to bring their favorite Christmas stories to life.

The parade will travel down Ballpark Road, turn left on Rush Street, turn right on Ringgold Avenue, and turn left on Front Street, ending at the Methodist Church.

Families can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 5:15 to 7 p.m., and fireworks are scheduled for 6 p.m.

Side-by-sides and unconventional vehicles, including boats, are welcome in the parade, but animals will not be permitted due to safety and insurance requirements.

Anyone interested in participating should register through the Chamber’s Facebook page.

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Welcome to the holiday season officially known as New Hallowsthanksmas!

I am not certain how official it is. I believe I named it sometime in the 1980s, and, as far as I know, I remain the only person using the designation. Still, every tradition has to begin somewhere. Usually, in my family, it begins with somebody saying, “Are you going to eat that?”

New Hallowsthanksmas stretches from Halloween through New Year’s Day. Calorie counting is suspended. Sound nutritional advice disappears beneath a layer of cream cheese. Family members suddenly rediscover the road to your house, especially if you have a guest bedroom and dependable Wi-Fi.

It is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the people we love. Occasionally, it also reminds us why we usually love a few of them from a distance.

Somewhere along the way, however, we turned celebration into a competitive sport.

How many dishes are necessary for Thanksgiving dinner? At what point does a meal become an agricultural exposition? Must we serve sweet potatoes in three different forms? Apparently, a sweet potato cannot enter the kingdom of Thanksgiving unless it has been baptized in butter and covered with marshmallows.

Then comes Christmas. How tall should the stack of presents be? Should we still be able to see the tree? How many parties constitute a successful season? And who decided every organization we have ever joined needs to hold its Christmas gathering during the same eleven days?

By January, we are exhausted, overdrawn, and eating leftover cheese ball because nobody has the strength to find a vegetable.

Someone asks, “How were your holidays?”

“We survived.”

That ought to tell us something.

Survival is a reasonable goal for a shipwreck. Surely we can hope for more from the celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Perhaps this year we could begin with a different question: What would help us receive the gifts God is actually giving?

Thanksgiving invites gratitude. Gratitude requires enough attention to notice what we already have. That is difficult when we are busy making lists of everything we still need to buy.

Christmas announces that God has come near. Yet we can become so occupied preparing for Christmas that we have little time to pray, worship, or notice the person beside us.

The first Christmas ought to give us permission to simplify. God entered the world in the vulnerability of a child laid in a manger. We keep acting as though the occasion requires matching pajamas, six coordinated wreaths, and a dining room that qualifies for a magazine cover.

There is nothing wrong with decorations, presents, or a good casserole. I am a Methodist minister. I would never recklessly endanger the casserole.

But we ought to ask whether our celebrations leave room for the love Jesus teaches us to practice.

Could we prepare one fewer dish and spend a little longer at the table? Buy one fewer gift and help a neighbor keep the lights on? Decline an invitation and visit someone whose calendar is painfully empty?

Could we listen to a relative without preparing our rebuttal? Offer an apology before passing the rolls? Remember that the people in our homes need kindness more than they need a flawless centerpiece?

Make a little room now. Leave an evening open. Spend within your means. Worship with your church. Welcome someone who might otherwise be alone.

When New Year’s Day arrives, may we have something better to say than “We survived.”

May we be able to say, “We gave thanks. We made room for Jesus. We loved the people he placed before us.”

And if there are only two kinds of pie, I believe the family will recover.

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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is warning residents about the dangers of using tap water for sinus rinsing or contact lens care following 10 reported infections involving a rare amoeba called Acanthamoeba since 2024, including one fatal case this year.

According to health officials, eight of the infections involved Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can cause permanent vision loss. Seven of those patients wore contact lenses, and five of the eight experienced permanent vision loss.

Two additional serious infections were identified in 2026 among patients with weakened immune systems. One infection affected the sinuses, while another affected the brain and resulted in death. Both patients reported using tap water in nasal irrigation devices, although health officials have not confirmed that tap water was the source of their infections. The locations of the cases have not been disclosed.

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism commonly found in soil, dust and water, including tap water. Although exposure is common, infections are rare. The organism can cause serious infections when it enters the eyes, nasal passages or other vulnerable areas of the body.

Health officials recommend using only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water in neti pots, squeeze bottles and other sinus-rinsing devices. Contact lens wearers should never use tap water to clean or store their lenses and should remove them before swimming, showering or entering a hot tub.

Residents who use CPAP machines should also follow manufacturer instructions and use the recommended water, typically distilled water, in the humidifier.

Symptoms of an Acanthamoeba eye infection may include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Contact lens wearers experiencing these symptoms should remove their lenses and seek prompt medical attention from an eye care professional.

State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol emphasized that although these infections are uncommon, the consequences can be devastating. Following proper hygiene practices and using the correct water for medical and personal care devices can significantly reduce the risk.

Health officials stress that drinking tap water does not put people at risk of contracting an Acanthamoeba infection. The warning is specifically about using untreated tap water for nasal rinsing and contact lens care.

The department encourages residents to take these simple precautions, particularly those with weakened immune systems, to help prevent potentially serious infections.

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The Pine Beetle Festival in Castor invites everyone to a community-wide prayer meeting on Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. under the pavilion. Bro. James Hester of The Church at Pleasant Grove in Ringgold will bring the message, with music provided by Pat and Angela Bumgardner and Hayley Lewis. Food booths will be open, and everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of worship and fellowship.

New Life Church in Hall Summit invites children and youth ages 4 through 12th grade to Kids & Youth Night on Wednesday, November 4, from 6–7 p.m. The evening will include fellowship, Bible lessons, fun activities and opportunities to grow in Christ. An adult Bible study with Bro. Collin will also be held in the sanctuary at the same time. Everyone is welcome to attend at 5047 Duke Avenue in Hall Summit. Bring your friends and family.

The 46th Annual Sabine Free State Festival returns to Florien, November 6–8, with a weekend full of family fun, entertainment and community traditions. Festivities include a Veterans Day program, parade, car show, live music, shootouts, historical demonstrations, the Wonderdog Show, freestyle bingo and the popular No Man’s Land BBQ Championship. Saturday will be packed with activities for all ages, including games, contests and performances, while Sunday wraps up the celebration with gospel singing, a community church service and more.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes Nov. 12 and 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The Nov. 12 class will feature “Blue Gobbler,” while the Nov. 19 session will feature “Coo Coo Cardinal.” Each class costs $45 and includes supplies. No previous painting experience is required. Children ages 7-12 may participate when accompanied by a parent. Registration is available at checkout.nsula.edu or by calling 318-357-6355.

Red River Parish Head Start and Pre-K 4 students are getting ready to rock around the clock as they celebrate their 50th day of school with a 1950s Sock Hop on Monday, November 16. The little Bulldogs are invited to dress in their favorite 1950s-inspired outfits, slip on some fun socks, and put on their dancing shoes for a groovy celebration. From poodle skirts to classic rock ’n’ roll, it will be a fun day as students celebrate 50 days of learning.

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science has received $612,000 from the U.S. Department of War to support cybersecurity scholarships and expand training capabilities, giving students greater access to careers protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure. The award includes approximately $463,000 for Cyber Service Academy scholarships and $149,000 for capacity building involving artificial intelligence and security operations training. Led by Dr. Brad Glisson, professor of Computer Science, the effort builds on Louisiana Tech’s nationally recognized cybersecurity education and research programs.

The New Orleans Saints are making more changes following a disappointing 2–5 start to the season. The team has fired run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti after continued struggles with its rushing attack. Paganetti joined the Saints in 2025 alongside head coach Kellen Moore after working with him in Philadelphia. New Orleans currently ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 86 yards per game. Offensive line coach Brendan Nugent will take on additional responsibilities as the Saints look to improve their ground game. The changes don’t stop there! The Saints have also parted ways with veteran kicker Daniel Carlson after he missed four field goals in seven games, according to WDSU News. With changes to both the coaching staff and roster, New Orleans hopes to turn things around heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

The Chicago Bears made NFL history this week, becoming the first team ever to defeat both of the previous season’s Super Bowl teams in back-to-back primetime games! Chicago knocked off the New England Patriots 30–24 on Thursday Night Football before defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 34–17 on Monday Night Football. With those impressive victories, the Bears improved to 6–2 and gave fans plenty to cheer about.

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A joint investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office is underway following the discovery of human skeletal remains in a remote wooded area near Ashland on Thursday, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Shortly after 12:00 p.m., detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau, along with NPSO Chief Deputy Darrel Winder and Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton, responded to a report of possible human skeletal remains discovered by loggers working in a remote wooded area off Oil Field Road near Ashland.

Upon arrival, investigators were guided to a wooded area near a dry creek bed, where they located and confirmed the presence of human skeletal remains.

NPSO detectives, working alongside Coroner Clanton, carefully processed the scene and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area for potential evidence that could assist in determining the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death.

The skeletal remains were carefully collected and secured for further forensic examination.

NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau Major J. Byles said the remains were discovered in a remote, heavily wooded area near a dry creek bed and appeared to have been there for an extended period of time.

“The remains were located in a secluded area that is not easily accessible. Based on the condition of the remains and observations at the scene, it appears they may have been there for quite some time. However, additional forensic examination will be necessary to determine their identity and other information relevant to the investigation,” said Major Byles.

Investigators say the skeletal remains will be transported to the Louisiana State University Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (F.A.C.E.S.) Laboratory in Baton Rouge for specialized forensic examination and assistance with the identification process.

Detectives also confirmed that they have previously conducted searches in the general area for an Ashland man who was reported missing by family members on September 14, 2023. According to the original missing person report, family members last saw the man on June 1, 2023.

Investigators emphasize that the identity of the skeletal remains has not been established, and there is currently no confirmation that the discovery is connected to the previously reported missing person case.

Sheriff Stuart Wright said investigators will continue working closely with the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office and forensic specialists to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

“Our detectives and the Coroner’s Office are working diligently to gather evidence and obtain answers concerning this discovery,” said Sheriff Wright. “We recognize that families with missing loved ones may have questions, and we ask for patience as investigators and forensic specialists work through the identification process. Our goal is to establish the facts and provide answers to the family involved.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and can be shared without compromising the investigation.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Detective Sgt. M. Giammone, Case Agent NPSO High Tech Crime Unit or NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau Major J. Byles at (318) 357-7830.

Source: Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office

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Red River High School is proud to recognize Madilynn Vangundy as its 12th Grade Student of the Year!

This special recognition celebrates Madilynn’s accomplishments and the positive example she sets as a senior at Red River High School. Being selected as the 12th Grade Student of the Year is a tremendous honor and reflects the hard work, dedication, and
commitment to excellence that this award represents.

Madilynn’s recognition is a moment of pride not only for her, but also for her family, teachers, classmates, and the entire Red River High School community. She represents the outstanding students who make our school a special place and remind us of the
importance of setting goals, working hard, and striving for success.

The faculty and staff of Red River High School congratulate Madilynn on this well-deserved honor. We are excited to celebrate her achievement and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes as she prepares for the next chapter of her journey.

Congratulations, Madilynn! We are proud to call you a Red River Bulldog!

Submitted by Red River High School

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The shift to stud athlete Lathyn Lewis getting more snaps under center continued Friday at Lakeside, but it was the Warriors run game that ruled the day.

Lakeside rushed for 388 yards and took firm control late in the first half of a 48-18 win in Sibley.

Leading by one score, Lakeside quarterback Levi Bogdan completed his only pass of the night, a 15-yarder to Brandon Jacobs for a touchdown, to put the Warriors ahead 28-12 right before the half.

A punishing rushing attack led by freshman Malik Thorn (235 yards and five touchdowns) paved the way for Lakeside’s sixth win in its last seven games.

The Warriors (6-3, 2-1) moved up into home playoff territory at No. 16 in the Division III Non-Select power rankings.

Red River’s (1-8, 0-4) are almost extinguished as the Bulldogs sit at No. 33 as they try to climb their way into the top 28 for a spot.

The Bulldogs could have a chance if they find a way to upset Class 3A Loyola (6-3), who is receiving votes in the LSWA statewide poll before poleaxing North Webster by the score of 47-0 on Friday.

Back to Red River’s offense.

Lewis, Red River’s best athlete, has taken more direct snaps and even become a passer in an attempt to get more touches.

He led the Bulldogs first drive by running every play of that possession, which resulted in Red River’s first score that pulled the Bulldogs to within 7-6 in the first quarter.

Lakeside scored the next two touchdowns to lead 21-6, but Red River stayed within striking distance as their second touchdown cut Lakeside’s edge to 21-12.

But the Warriors cashed in late in the second quarter, the first of four straight touchdowns and a 48-12 lead to salt the game away.

Red River quarterback Ashton Johnson also appeared under center as he continued his role from the beginning of the season.

Johnson assumed the starting position for an injured Landon Wilson just before the regular season began. Wilson has since returned in a receiver/running back role a few weeks ago.

But it’s been the defense, particularly the inability to stop the run, which has been arguably the biggest issue.

Red River has allowed at least 40 points in seven of its eight losses this season, which includes a four-game losing streak in a run-heavy district.

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The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for the third year in a row. These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Parish Library, 4B Garage, Bethard & Bethard, Red River Land Specialties, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2026 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (September 4-5) and running through early November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigable, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Week 1: Ken Mangham
Week 2: Elizabeth Perkins
Week 3: Richard Kaufman
Week 4: Nicholaus Grigg
Week 5: Sarah Holland
Week 6: Ethan Squires
Week 7: Chardrick Hardy
Week 8: Michael Antilley

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Calling all educators and lovers of young adult literature.

LSUS is hosting the sixth annual Conference for Young Adult Literature Louisiana (CYALL) on Nov. 6 on the third floor of Noel Memorial Library.

The day-long event is aimed at educators, librarians, and students in teacher education and literature programs.

The conference begins at 9 a.m. and ends with an evening keynote reception by William Joyce — author, illustrator, producer, and pioneer in the digital and animation industry.

Educators will receive seven continuing education hours (0.7 CE units) for participation.

Registration cost is $45 with students gaining access for $30.

“The conference is an opportunity to provide accessible, high-quality training to educators using young adult literature in their classroom or in the library,” said Brian Sherman, dean of LSUS’s Noel Memorial Library. “The conference represents an investment in both educators and young readers.”

“Participants will hear fresh ideas and practical takeaways on how to reimagine curriculum, bridge theory and practice, and bring YA literature and media to life.”

Attendees can learn in 16 different sessions throughout the day, varying from how to use practical strategies for teaching young adult literature in undergraduate classrooms to using hexagonal thinking as a tool for cumulating literary analysis.

Other sessions include exploring analysis in children’s and young adult literature and discussing the importance of body image/representation in young adult literature.

The keynote speaker, William Joyce, has achieved worldwide recognition as an author and has written and illustrated over 50 bestselling children’s books and novels which have been translated into over 40 languages and has been a frequent contributor to The New Yorker Magazine.

Joyce was named by Newsweek magazine as “one of the 100 people to watch in the new millennium.”

His feature films, all based on his books, include Rise of the Guardians, Robots, and Meet the Robinsons. His television series include the groundbreaking Rolie Polie Olie for which he was creator and showrunner.

In October of 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement award by the Society of Illustrators in New York City. He is currently in pre-production on an animated version of The Great Gatsby with a script by award-winning author Brian Selznick.

For more information, email CYALL@LSUS.edu or call 318-798-4131. Visit the conference website or register at https://www.lsus.edu/CYALL.

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By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | Oct 26, 2026

(The Center Square) – With the midterm elections a week away and oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz at prewar levels, gas prices remain high, dropping slightly in the last month.

U.S. Central Command reported over the weekend that the U.S. has ensured 1.5 billion barrels of oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since June.

Despite the encouraging numbers, gas is averaging $4.28 per gallon, down only one cent from a week ago. However, it is down 20 cents from $4.48 a month ago, according to AAA.

While gas prices may be slowly decreasing, they are up more than a dollar from one year ago, when the average was $3.05.

The high gas prices come as political leaders, including President Donald Trump, have been engaging in a coast-to-coast campaign blitz to help Republicans try to maintain control of Congress.

Trump acknowledges the high gas prices, defending the increase, saying it is a small price to pay to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

It’s unclear whether the high gas prices will negatively impact Republicans come Nov. 3, as the president continues to weigh options on how to deal with a simmering situation with Iran.

Trump vowed not to strike Iran before the midterm elections, but will not take strikes off the table completely. He told reporters over the weekend that Iran will either make a deal or the U.S. will “finish them off.”

Since the war began when the U.S. and Israel began carrying out joint strikes against the Islamic Republic, the Pentagon estimates that Operation Epic Fury, which began Feb. 28 of this year, has cost at least $33.4 billion.

However, the Trump administration estimates the complete naval blockade on Iranian ports is costing the Islamic Republic’s economy between $400 million and $500 million a day in economic losses, as the country cannot export oil.

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United Way of Northwest Louisiana is partnering with Entergy Louisiana to help eligible households manage rising household costs through a new utility bill assistance program. Beginning Wednesday, October 28, at 9 a.m., eligible Entergy Louisiana residential customers can apply for a one-time $100 credit toward their utility bill while funding remains available.

Funded through a $2 million investment from Entergy shareholder dollars, the statewide program is designed to help residential customers experiencing financial hardship, with priority given to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic costs of living, including housing, food, transportation and utilities. This assistance is intended to help bridge the gap for working households who may not qualify for traditional assistance but still face challenges making ends meet.

For many families across Northwest Louisiana, rising costs can make it increasingly difficult to keep up with everyday expenses. Through this partnership, United Way of Northwest Louisiana will help connect eligible residents with available assistance and provide opportunities for in-person support throughout the region.

The program is available to eligible Entergy Louisiana residential customers in the following six Northwest Louisiana parishes:
Bienville, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster.

Applicants must complete an online application and provide a photo ID, along with income documentation for each income earner age 18 or older. Accepted documentation includes the first page of a 2025 tax return, 2025 W-2 forms, recent pay stubs, or qualifying Social Security Administration forms or benefit-determination letters.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 13, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon). Applicants should monitor their email regularly after submitting an application, as additional supporting documentation may be requested. All requested documentation must be received by Friday, November 20, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon). Documentation received after the deadline will not be considered.

Funding is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee that assistance will be awarded.

APPLICATION

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Willis Knighton Primary Care in Coushatta is opening its doors at a new location on toda. The clinic is now located at 6007 Highway 71 in Coushatta and looks forward to welcoming patients and their families. Staff members ask for a little patience as they settle into the new facility and work to accommodate everyone. For more information, call 318-702-0290.

Feeling crafty? The Red River Parish Library is inviting adults to enjoy two FREE craft sessions in November. Today, November 2, participants will make blankets, followed by a Thanksgiving coaster craft on Wednesday, November 4. Both sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. Whether you enjoy crafting or just want to try something new, this is a wonderful opportunity to get creative and enjoy some fellowship.

Nichols will celebrate its 112th anniversary on November 6–7, and shoppers can join the celebration! All purchases will be tax-free during the two-day event at Nichols locations in Coushatta, Many, Winnfield and Leesville. Customers can also register for a chance to win a $1,000 Nichols gift card at each location, with $4,000 in gift cards being given away across all four stores. Mark your calendars and stop by Nichols to celebrate 112 years of serving local communities!

Calling all LSU Tiger fans! Here’s your chance to show off your purple and gold pride and get paid for it! Caballero Casting is seeking men and women ages 18–39 to appear as tailgaters in a commercial being filmed in Baton Rouge on November 6–7, just in time for the LSU-Alabama game. Selected extras will receive $466.60 at the advertised SAG extra rate, with the possibility of being upgraded to a featured role. Interested applicants should email commercial@caballerocasting.com with LSU TAILGATERS in the subject line. Include your name, age, phone number, location, height, weight, a current headshot, a full-body photo and the dates you’re available. The casting listing indicates that local talent will be considered, so be sure to include your city and state. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement of LSU game day!

For the third consecutive season, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs have secured bowl eligibility following their 35–20 victory over South Alabama on Saturday. Louisiana Tech improved to 6–2 on the season and remains undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play.

On his 75th birthday, former LSU and Alabama head coach Nick Saban gave Tiger fans something to celebrate! On ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban named LSU as his College Football Playoff championship sleeper. The coach who led LSU to the 2003 National Championship still believes in the purple and gold!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made NFL history Sunday, shutting out the Atlanta Falcons 16–0 without completing a single pass! In a rain-soaked game, quarterback Baker Mayfield went 0-for-3 passing, while the Buccaneers rushed for an incredible 324 yards. Tampa Bay became the first NFL team since the 1974 Buffalo Bills to win a game without completing a pass. That’s something you don’t see every Sunday!

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