Early voting has officially ended in Louisiana, and Red River Parish is drawing national attention for a significant shift in Black voter participation ahead of the November 3 election.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s latest figures, 1,138 ballots had been recorded in Red River Parish as of October 28, including 966 in-person early votes and 172 absentee ballots received.

Red River Parish Ranks No. 1 in National Early Voting Snapshot

Red River Parish attracted attention after an October 23 analysis from TargetSmart showed the parish ranked first nationally for the largest increase in the percentage of early and absentee ballots cast by Black voters compared with the same point in the 2022 midterm election.

According to that snapshot, Black voters accounted for 55.80% of early and absentee ballots in Red River Parish, compared with 24.76% at the same point in 2022. That represents an increase of 31.04 percentage points.

The distinction is important: The ranking reflects an increase in Black voters’ share of ballots cast, not a 31% increase in the total number of Black voters.

The October 23 ranking was a snapshot taken before early voting ended. A final national ranking has not yet been confirmed.

Early Voting Surges Across Louisiana

Red River Parish was not alone in seeing strong voter participation.

Statewide, election officials had recorded 524,346 early and absentee ballots through October 28, including 448,586 in-person votes and 75,760 absentee ballots.

By comparison, Louisiana recorded 377,428 early and absentee ballots during the 2022 midterm election, putting this year’s statewide participation approximately 39% higher, even before all absentee ballots have been received.

Local School Board Races Add Interest

Red River Parish voters also have several important local decisions to make, including three contested School Board races.

District 3 voters will choose among Jacob Caldwell, Stephen Giddens and Rachal Henry.

In District 4, candidates are Alvester Barfield, Sharon Jenkins and Alan Miller.

District 5 voters will select between Kenneth Bradley and Monique McDuffy-Jones.

Five of the seven School Board seats will have new members following this election because of term limits. Melinda Hardy in District 1 and Reginald Prealow in District 6 are returning unopposed, while Renee Hester in District 2 and Joey Miller in District 7 will take office without opposition.

The local races give parish residents an opportunity to help shape the future of education in Red River Parish.

Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3

For those who have not voted, polls will be open Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

The deadline for registrars to receive absentee ballots is Monday, November 2, at 4:30 p.m., with exceptions for military and overseas voters.

With early voting complete and Election Day just days away, Red River Parish residents have already demonstrated considerable interest in this year’s election. The final turnout will not be known until Election Day ballots and remaining absentee votes are counted.

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Families across Red River Parish are getting ready for a weekend filled with costumes, candy and trick-or-treating. As children prepare to head out for the festivities, Sheriff Glen Edwards and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office are reminding everyone to keep safety a top priority

The Sheriff’s Office shared several important safety tips to help children, parents and motorists enjoy a fun and safe Halloween.

Walking and Traffic Safety

Children should always trick-or-treat with an adult and never go out unsupervised. Families are encouraged to look both ways before crossing streets and watch carefully for vehicles, especially when stepping off curbs. Trick-or-treaters should put away electronic devices, avoid running and remain alert to their surroundings.

Motorists are also reminded to slow down and use extra caution when driving through neighborhoods, as excited children may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

Costume Safety

Choose bright-colored costumes that make children easier for drivers to see. Families should also avoid masks that restrict vision. Face paint is a safer alternative when masks interfere with a child’s ability to see clearly.

Neighborhood Safety

The Sheriff’s Office encourages families to visit only homes displaying an active porch light. Children should remain outside and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle for any reason.

Parents should remind children to trust their instincts and avoid situations that make them feel uncomfortable. Families should also use caution around animals, as costumes and unfamiliar activity can frighten pets.

Candy Safety

Before enjoying Halloween treats, children should wait until an adult has inspected their candy. Parents should check packaging carefully and discard any candy that appears opened, torn or unwrapped.

By taking a few simple precautions, families can enjoy the costumes, candy and excitement while helping keep children safe throughout the community.

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Families, laughter, and plenty of good food filled Alonzo and Edgar Streets in Coushatta on Wednesday, October 28, as First Baptist Church of Coushatta and First Methodist Church Coushatta joined forces for a community Fall Festival.

Families enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on Alonzo Street and jambalaya on Edgar Street. Children moved between jump houses, a petting zoo, candy-filled trunks, and games. The cake walk featured dozens of delicious homemade cakes and cookies, while the toy walk offered a mound of prizes that delighted young participants.

Children loved the train, which carried them around the festival. Pastors Cory Tucker and Trevor Blair provided plenty of entertainment, spending the evening in the dunking booth to the delight of festivalgoers.

Planning an event of this size took many helping hands. Makayla Mills headed the First Baptist Church effort with the Children’s Event Committee, while Karen Squires led the First Methodist Church preparations alongside the Fun Bunch Committee.

“Thank you to all the people who helped with the festival,” Mills said. ” Their hard work made the entire event possible.”

Squires reflected on what the evening meant to the community.

“With all of the worries of the world today, it is wonderful to see the people of this community coming together. So many people from the churches came together in extraordinary ways. We all received the blessing here.”

The churches also want to thank Coushatta Mayor Ashanti Cole, Police Chief Michael McDuffy, and Red River Parish Sheriff Glenn Edwards for helping with the event.

While the games, food, and activities brought families out for the evening, cooperation among churches, local officials, and volunteers made the festival special.

For a few hours on a Wednesday evening, two churches and a community came together to share a little fun, a lot of laughter, and the simple joy of being neighbors.

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Fall celebrations are filling the calendar across Red River Parish, with churches, businesses and community organizations planning festivals, trunk-or-treat events and family activities. From games and candy to food and entertainment, residents have several opportunities to enjoy the season together.

Bank of Coushatta – October 30

BC Bank | Bank of Coushatta is getting into the Halloween spirit! Families are invited to stop by the bank’s Coushatta location at 1525 Ringgold Avenue on Friday, October 30, during regular business hours for some Halloween candy. Treats will be available while supplies last, so bring your little ghosts and goblins by for a sweet surprise!

Chevron/Shop A Lott – October 30

Chevron/Shop A Lott is helping little ghosts and goblins get ready for Halloween! The Coushatta Chevron/Shop A Lott location will give away free Halloween candy buckets and candy Friday, October 30 from 3-5pn. Families are invited to stop by and pick up a bucket for their trick-or-treaters while supplies last. Be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

Red River Parish Library Halloween Party – October 30

Red River Parish Library will host a Halloween Party Friday, October 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Families are invited to bring their children for an afternoon of fun, a lot of candy, and opportunities to take many pictures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

CHRISTUS Coushatta Trunk or Treat – October 30

CHRISTUS Coushatta will host a Trunk or Treat celebration on Friday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the clinic parking lot. Families are invited to bring their children for an evening of Halloween fun, costumes and treats.

Trunk or Treat Under the Bridge – October 30

Linda Kay’s Bunch & More will present Trunk or Treat Under the Bridge on Friday, October 30 from 5 to 7pm. The event will offer Halloween fun for children, including free hot dogs and nachos while supplies last. Families are invited to come out and enjoy the festivities.

Takuache Mexican Grill Trick-or-Treating – October 31

Takuache Mexican Grill in Coushatta is getting into the Halloween spirit with a special treat for little ghosts and goblins! Families are invited to stop by on Saturday, October 31, between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. for trick-or-treating and free candy. Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes, grab a delicious meal, and enjoy some festive fun while collecting sweet treats!

New Life Church Fall Festival – October 31

New Life Church in Hall Summit will host its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 5047 Duke Avenue. The free event will feature the GameOn Video Game Truck from Shreveport, inflatables, a paintball shoot, face painting, games, food and plenty of candy. Activities are planned for all ages, and families are encouraged to stop by before heading out for trick-or-treating.

The Pentecoastals of Martin Fall Festival – October 31

The Pentecostals of Martin will host a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 5 p.m. at 159 Kellogg Road in Coushatta. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of fall fun featuring games, food and plenty of candy. Everyone is welcome to come out and join the festivities!

Zion Baptist Church Fall Fest – October 31

Zion Baptist Church will host its Fall Fest on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 6 p.m. at 174 Grappes Bluff Road in Coushatta. The church invites residents of all ages to enjoy an evening of games, food, fellowship and family fun.

Open Door Fellowship Fall Fest – November 7

Open Door Fellowship Fall Fest is Saturday, November 7 at 2pm. More information coming soon.

Amazing Grace Bpatist Church Fall Fest – November 14

Amazing Grace Baptist Church invites everyone to its Fall Fest on Saturday, November 14, from 5–7 p.m. at the church, located on U.S. Highway 371 in Coushatta. Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun featuring food, games, treats and prizes. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the festivities!

Fairview Fall Fest – November 14

Fairview Fall Fest will take place Saturday, November 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 104 Highway 71/84 in Coushatta. The afternoon celebration will include games, food, activities, giveaways, candy and a cake walk. Families are invited to come out and enjoy the fall festivities together.

Have a Fall Festival to Share?

The Red River Parish Journal would love to help spread the word about upcoming fall festivals and community celebrations. Churches, organizations and businesses are encouraged to send event details and flyers to redriverparishjournal@gmail.com so they can be shared with readers.

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The playoffs start now.

That’s the mentality that the Red River football team has to take as the No. 30 Bulldogs are in mad dash for one of 28 playoff spots in the final two weeks.

The Bulldogs (1-7, 0-3 District 4-2A) enter into an almost surely must-win situation when they head to Lakeside (5-3, 1-1).

Red River hasn’t been able to build upon its lone win three weeks ago, an impressive victory over a ranked Class 1A Logansport squad that still has just the one loss.

The Bulldogs slowed down a pass-first Tigers team that week, but three almost exclusively running teams have averaged more than 50 points per game in losses to Winnfield (68-39), Many (43-22), and Mansfield (48-12).

Enrollment and parish population size undoubtedly play a role as the Bulldogs’ roster size is only a little more than half of those three teams.

Red River has the athletes in the skill positions to compete – Lathyn Lewis and Landon Wilson are two of the best pairs in the district while quarterback Ashton Johnson has improved by leaps and bounds in his first season as a starter thrust into action by Wilson’s preseason injury.

But the lines of scrimmage are what’s costing the Bulldogs as depth and size along the line is the difference.

Lakeside has a similar roster size (34 Warriors and 29 Bulldogs as listed on maxpreps.com), but they’ll bring the same run-first philosophy as their other district mates.

Freshman running back Malik Thorn is nearing 1,000 yards as he leads a stable of runners in the Wing-T that includes quarterback Levi Bogdan.

Head coach John Ware has rebuilt Lakeside into a competent program again, bringing his hard-nose style from North Webster.

The Warriors didn’t have the guns to hang with district favorite Mansfield in a 42-15 loss, but Lakeside has won its five other games aside from that one.

They topped Winnfield 20-14 at home and will try to eat clock and yards on the ground to outlast Red River.

The Bulldogs have an athlete advantage and will want to create explosion plays on the edges, but they’ll need to consistently convert third and fourth downs to keep drives alive while getting off the field enough on defense.

While Red River could certainly get in the playoffs by winning just one of its final two games, the finale opponent Loyola (5-3), which was ranked in Class 3A earlier in the season, is the likely tougher draw.

Which means the Bulldogs need a win to climb into the playoff picture heading into the regular-season finale, and hope the power points from the Lakeside and Loyola games are enough to keep them in the postseason should the Bulldogs not pull a Loyola upset on the road.

Lakeside is 5-3 with five wins in their last six games.

A closer look reveals that some of those wins (North Caddo, Plain Dealing and Oberlin) combined three wins. Ob has zero, PD 1, and NC 2 But East Beauregard and Winnfield each have 5 or so wins combined 10

The Warriors score against Mansfield is similar – 42-15 loss to 48-12 loss for Red River.

The style is going to be similar to Mansfield and Winnfield, power run game, want to dominate lines of scrimmage.

Freshman RB Malik Thorn is close to topping 1,000-yard mark that leads a stable of backs. QB can run.

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DOTD announces continued progress on the ongoing $12 million project to replace six rural bridges in northwest Louisiana, with the LA 507 bridge over an unnamed creek near the intersection with LA 514 at Womack in Red River Parish now open to traffic.

As the project moves forward, the next bridge site in the project will be under construction beginning Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This bridge is located on LA 507 over Stanley Creek in Red River Parish.

This bridge on LA 507 is located approximately 3.5 miles south of the intersection with LA 514. (see included map)

Construction time for this replacement work is anticipated to be approx. 8 months, weather and other factors permitting. This is the next to last bridge to replaced as part of this ongoing project.

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Don’t forget to turn back your clocks this weekend! Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m., when clocks will move back one hour to 1 a.m. That means an extra hour of sleep, but it also brings earlier sunsets and darker evenings. Most smartphones and electronic devices will adjust automatically, but remember to turn back manual clocks before going to bed Saturday night.

Despite years of discussion about ending the twice-yearly clock changes, Americans are still required to spring forward and fall back. In July 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. However, the legislation has stalled in the Senate, where lawmakers have not reached an agreement. Louisiana passed similar legislation in 2020, but it cannot take effect without a change in federal law.

Until Congress takes further action, the twice-yearly time changes will continue. In the meantime, this weekend is also a good opportunity to check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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Halloween is almost here, and we know people are making plenty of memories around Red River Parish and the surrounding area. From decorated trunks at Trunk or Treats to fall festivals, trick-or-treating, and little ones celebrating their very first Halloween, we want to help share the fun!

Did you create an amazing trunk? Get pictures of the grandkids in their costumes? Capture a first Halloween? We want to see those special moments. And don’t forget your four-legged family members! Pets in costume or simply enjoying the fall season deserve a little spotlight, too.

Email your photos to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com or TAG US ON FACEBOOK.
Please include the names of the people pictured and the name of the event or activity so we can properly identify everyone when we publish your pictures.

The Red River Parish Journal will publish as many photos as we can throughout Halloween week, giving our community a chance to enjoy the creativity, costumes, and memories being made all around the parish.

Let’s celebrate the season together and show off a little of the fall fun happening in our corner of Louisiana!

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On April 3, 1783, in the same week that New Yorkers learned of the Treaty of Paris which officially ended the American Revolutionary War, proud parents William and Sarah welcomed a new boy into the world. William was a prosperous merchant who envisioned his son eventually joining the family business. As the boy grew older, however, he became less interested in his schoolwork and more interested in tales of adventure. He was the type of student who got lost in his own imagination when he was supposed to be studying. He longed for an adventure of his own. In 1798, an outbreak of yellow fever provided the boy with an unexpected adventure. To escape the epidemic, his parents sent him and his siblings to Tarrytown, New York, a small rural port town about 25 miles north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. The city boy fell in love with the countryside, especially a nearby Dutch settlement known as Slapershaven. The boy, Geoffrey Crayon, later described the settlement: “Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley or rather lap of land among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility.” To Geoffrey, it was paradise.

When the threat of yellow fever subsided, the children returned to Manhattan and resumed their studies. Geoffrey continued to daydream at the expense of his education. More interested in the arts than in business, he dreamed of becoming a writer. In 1802, he began publishing articles about the local social and theater scene in the New York Morning Chronicle, a newspaper edited by his brother. In 1806, he took and barely passed the bar exam, but his passion remained writing. In 1807, he helped create a moderately successful satirical magazine in which he referred to New York City as Gotham more than 130 years before the name became associated with Batman. The War of 1812 was disastrous for many New York merchants, including Geoffrey’s family. In 1815, he traveled to England in an unsuccessful attempt to save the family’s trading company. Rather than returning home, Geoffrey remained in England to pursue his writing career. Although he failed to save the family business, his writing career thrived. His books were well received.

In 1819, Geoffrey began publishing essays and short stories in a collection called The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His thoughts often returned to the little Dutch settlement he had visited as a boy. Slapershaven had made a lasting impression on him, and he used the peaceful community as the setting for one of his most famous stories. Geoffrey eventually returned to the United States and settled near the place that had captured his imagination as a boy. He remained there for the rest of his life. His tale became wildly popular and has never been out of print. It has been adapted for television, films, and other media. So popular was the story that the old Dutch community, originally known as Slapershaven, Dutch for Sleepers’ Harbor, eventually became known by the name in Geoffrey’s book. Geoffrey Crayon was not the name given to him by his parents, it was the pen name of Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Happy Halloween!

Sources:

1. Washington Irving, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., 1820.
2. Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1859, p.1.
3. Washington Irving, Salmagundi, New York : R.F.Fenno, 1900, https://archive.org/details/salmagundi00irviiala/page/13/mode/2up.
4. Tarrytown Daily News, December 11, 1996, p.1.

© 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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Jones Seafood is having a soft opening today from 11am until 8pm. A modified menu will be served. Go check them out!

CASA of Central Louisiana will host its second annual Superhero Run on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the downtown Natchitoches riverbank to support children experiencing abuse or neglect in Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine parishes. A fun run and walk begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 5K race at 8:15 a.m. Activities will include superhero costume contests, awards and family entertainment. Registration costs $35 through Nov. 6 and $40 on race day. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes while supporting CASA’s child advocacy efforts.

Red River Elementary will host a Veterans Day Celebration Tuesday, November 10 at 8:30am. Only grades 3-5 will participate in this event. More information will be released to students.

Woman Church will be held November 10 at 6pm at The Shop in Martin. Ammer Gayle Whatley will be the speaker, and Jennifer Breedlove will be the worship leader. A meal will be served.

Farm Pro Supply announced it is officially a Kato dealer.

Shreveport Regional Airport has been named Louisiana’s 2026 Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the state DOTD.

According to multiple reports, Louisiana has the highest rate of flu activity in the Continental US.

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Daniel Gray
July 19, 1964 – October 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11am at Mt. Olive B.C. in Coushatta.

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Fall celebrations are filling the calendar across Red River Parish, with churches, businesses and community organizations planning festivals, trunk-or-treat events and family activities. From games and candy to food and entertainment, residents have several opportunities to enjoy the season together.

First Baptist and First Methodist Fall Festival – October 28

First Baptist Church of Coushatta and First Methodist Church Coushatta will join together for a community Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Alonzo and Edgar Streets in Coushatta. The free event will feature food, games, inflatables, face painting, Trunk or Treat, a costume contest, cake walk, toy walk, door prizes and drawings. For more information, contact First Methodist Church Coushatta at 318-272-1468 or First Baptist Church of Coushatta at 318-932-4023.

Red River Parish Library Halloween Party – October 30

Red River Parish Library will host a Halloween Party Friday, October 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Families are invited to bring their children for an afternoon of fun, a lot of candy, and opportunities to take many pictures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

CHRISTUS Coushatta Trunk or Treat – October 30

CHRISTUS Coushatta will host a Trunk or Treat celebration on Friday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the clinic parking lot. Families are invited to bring their children for an evening of Halloween fun, costumes and treats.

Trunk or Treat Under the Bridge – October 30

Linda Kay’s Bunch & More will present Trunk or Treat Under the Bridge on Friday, October 30 from 5 to 7pm. The event will offer Halloween fun for children, including free hot dogs and nachos while supplies last. Families are invited to come out and enjoy the festivities.

Takuache Mexican Grill Trick-or-Treating – October 31

Takuache Mexican Grill in Coushatta is getting into the Halloween spirit with a special treat for little ghosts and goblins! Families are invited to stop by on Saturday, October 31, between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. for trick-or-treating and free candy. Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes, grab a delicious meal, and enjoy some festive fun while collecting sweet treats!

New Life Church Fall Festival – October 31

New Life Church in Hall Summit will host its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 5047 Duke Avenue. The free event will feature the GameOn Video Game Truck from Shreveport, inflatables, a paintball shoot, face painting, games, food and plenty of candy. Activities are planned for all ages, and families are encouraged to stop by before heading out for trick-or-treating.

The Pentecoastals of Martin Fall Festival – October 31

The Pentecostals of Martin will host a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 5 p.m. at 159 Kellogg Road in Coushatta. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of fall fun featuring games, food and plenty of candy. Everyone is welcome to come out and join the festivities!

Zion Baptist Church Fall Fest – October 31

Zion Baptist Church will host its Fall Fest on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 6 p.m. at 174 Grappes Bluff Road in Coushatta. The church invites residents of all ages to enjoy an evening of games, food, fellowship and family fun.

Open Door Fellowship Fall Fest – November 7

Open Door Fellowship Fall Fest is Saturday, November 7 at 2pm. More information coming soon.

Fairview Fall Fest – November 14

Fairview Fall Fest will take place Saturday, November 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 104 Highway 71/84 in Coushatta. The afternoon celebration will include games, food, activities, giveaways, candy and a cake walk. Families are invited to come out and enjoy the fall festivities together.

Have a Fall Festival to Share?

The Red River Parish Journal would love to help spread the word about upcoming fall festivals and community celebrations. Churches, organizations and businesses are encouraged to send event details and flyers to redriverparishjournal@gmail.com so they can be shared with readers.

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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.

Michael Antilley 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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Cowtown Creamery has announced it will temporarily close after Friday, October 30, with plans to reopen in summer 2027.

To celebrate its final day of the season and clear out remaining inventory, the creamery will offer all ice cream scoops for just $2 each while supplies last.

Customers can also enjoy chicken wings and loaded fries on Friday.

Stop by Friday for one last sweet treat before the seasonal closure!

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Halloween is almost here, and we know people are making plenty of memories around Red River Parish and the surrounding area. From decorated trunks at Trunk or Treats to fall festivals, trick-or-treating, and little ones celebrating their very first Halloween, we want to help share the fun!

Did you create an amazing trunk? Get pictures of the grandkids in their costumes? Capture a first Halloween? We want to see those special moments. And don’t forget your four-legged family members! Pets in costume or simply enjoying the fall season deserve a little spotlight, too.

Email your photos to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com or TAG US ON FACEBOOK.
Please include the names of the people pictured and the name of the event or activity so we can properly identify everyone when we publish your pictures.

The Red River Parish Journal will publish as many photos as we can throughout Halloween week, giving our community a chance to enjoy the creativity, costumes, and memories being made all around the parish.

Let’s celebrate the season together and show off a little of the fall fun happening in our corner of Louisiana!

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Some of us are exhausted because we are doing chores for a dead duck. Stay with me. This is a spiritual problem, although a shovel might have helped initially.

Arron Chambers, in Remember Who You Are, retells a story from Richard Hoeffer’s Will Daylight Come? about a boy named Johnny who received his first slingshot while visiting his grandparents.

Johnny practiced in the woods without hitting anything. Trees were safe. Squirrels relaxed. The entire woodland community lowered its threat level. Then he returned to the backyard, spotted Grandma’s pet duck, and took an impulsive shot.

For the first time all day, his aim was perfect.

The duck died.

Johnny panicked and hid the evidence in the woodpile. Unfortunately, his sister Sally had witnessed everything. Sally said nothing. That should have worried him.

After lunch, Grandma asked Sally to help wash dishes. Sally announced that Johnny wanted to help instead. Then she whispered three words:

“Remember the duck.”

Johnny washed.

Later, Grandpa offered to take the children fishing, but Grandma needed Sally’s help with supper. Sally graciously volunteered Johnny.

“Remember the duck.”

Sally went fishing. Johnny stayed in the kitchen, discovering that one dead duck could generate a remarkable amount of housework. For several days, Sally enjoyed the benefits of having a brother with a secret. Johnny did his chores and hers.

Finally, he confessed.

Grandma hugged him. She explained that she had seen the whole thing from the window. She loved him and had already forgiven him. She had been wondering how long he would let Sally make a slave of him.

What’s your duck?

An ugly sentence you cannot unsay? A betrayal? A failure your mind replays at two in the morning with the dedication of a cable channel showing the same movie all weekend? You have confessed it to God. You have asked forgiveness. Perhaps you have begun the difficult work of making things right. Then comes the whisper.

“Remember the duck.”

So you keep paying. You cannot accept a compliment. You distrust joy. You volunteer for everything because somewhere inside you believe exhaustion might qualify as restitution. Surely, if you wash enough dishes, God will finally love you again. But grace interrupts that bargain.

God’s forgiveness comes to us through Jesus Christ, who knows the whole story and still calls us to come home.

Confession matters. Repentance matters. Repairing the harm we have done matters. But none of those things requires a lifetime sentence in the prison of self-contempt. There is a difference between taking responsibility and letting shame take possession. The cross tells us that sin is serious. It also tells us how far God’s love will go to rescue sinners.

Perhaps today you need to bring your secret out of the woodpile. Tell God the truth. Seek the help you need. Take the next faithful step. And when that old whisper returns, remember this:

Grandma had a window.

God has seen the whole thing.

You can quit hiding and come home.

There is grace enough for you—and you might even get to go fishing.

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Get ready for a night of bingo, music and Mardi Gras fun! Krewe de Khulu will host its Jersey Jam Bingo on Friday, November 13, at the Coushatta Event Center, located at 5093 Cut-Off Road in Coushatta. Doors open at 7 p.m., with bingo beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Guests are encouraged to show off their favorite team jerseys while enjoying music from DJ BJ and food available from Buckalicious. Come out for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition and entertainment!

Travelers in northwest Louisiana now have a new option for reaching Chicago and destinations around the world. United Airlines officially launched daily nonstop flights between Shreveport Regional Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Sunday, October 25. The year-round service marks the first nonstop connection between the two cities in more than 18 years and makes Chicago Shreveport’s 10th nonstop destination. Through United’s Chicago hub, passengers can connect to more than 220 destinations, including 47 international cities. Flights are available for booking through United Airlines.

Eric Bauza, the award-winning voice actor known for bringing beloved cartoon characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and others to life, has reportedly died at age 46. Bauza was celebrated for carrying on the legacy of some of animation’s most recognizable voices.

Two LSU football players earned Southeastern Conference weekly honors following the Tigers’ performance against Auburn on Saturday. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week, while defensive end Jordan Ross earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Ross recorded four tackles, two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in a dominant defensive performance against Auburn. Both players were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Tigers’ success.

Want to learn something new without paying tuition? The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers free online access to educational materials from more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate courses through its OpenCourseWare program. Subjects range from science, mathematics and engineering to business, literature and the humanities. Anyone can access the materials without enrolling, applying or creating an account. Depending on the course, resources may include lecture videos, notes, assignments, exams and reading materials. While the courses do not provide college credit, certificates or degrees, they offer an excellent opportunity for students, teachers and lifelong learners to expand their knowledge at no cost. Visit MIT OpenCourseWare to explore available courses.

Holiday shoppers can start planning for Black Friday bargains as Walmart’s 2026 holiday sales dates have been announced. Early Black Friday deals are scheduled for November 12–15, followed by the main Black Friday sale November 23–29. Cyber Monday deals will run November 30 through December 2. Walmart+ members will receive early access to select deals. Individual sale prices and the full Black Friday advertisement have not yet been released, giving shoppers something to watch for as the holiday shopping season approaches.

New Orleans is in the running to host both the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Final Four championships sometime between 2032 – 2036. According to multiple reports, the Crescent City has been named a finalist to host the prestigious tournaments during that five-year period. New Orleans has a long history of hosting major sporting events, including multiple NCAA Final Fours and Super Bowls.

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Kerry Land Kimler
June 16, 1944 — October 24, 2026
Funeral services will be held. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 11am at Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church in Campti.

Daniel Gray
July 19, 1964 – October 18, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11am at Mt. Olive B.C. in Coushatta.

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