Louisiana voters can still cast ballots in the state’s May 16, 2026, closed-party primary election, with early voting set to begin Saturday, May 2. But state officials say one major part of the ballot — races for the U.S. House of Representatives — has been suspended following a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map.
Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order suspending the closed-party primary elections only for U.S. Representative after the court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which struck down the state’s congressional district map. Landry said holding elections under a map found unconstitutional would undermine the integrity of the process and that the pause is intended to give the Legislature time to pass a new congressional map.
Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Thursday that voting on May 16 will proceed as scheduled for all other contests and for constitutional amendments. However, she said notices will be posted at early voting locations to alert voters that while U.S. House races may still appear on ballots, any votes cast in those contests will not be counted.
Early voting runs May 2 through May 9 (excluding Sunday, May 3). Registrars of voters open early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the early voting period. Early voting for Red River Parish will be at the Registrar of Voters’ office on Front Street in Coushatta.
Election Day voting on May 16 will also continue for the remaining races, in addition to the constitutional amendments.
The May 16 election is part of Louisiana’s closed-party primary schedule, meaning party affiliation can determine which candidates a voter may select in certain contests. State election officials are urging voters to verify their registration information, including party status, before heading to the polls. When voting early, voters are asked to identify themselves using a photo ID or by signing a voter affidavit, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State.
A three-judge federal panel has also given the state time to draw a new map consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, adding urgency to the redistricting process and raising concerns from some Democrats that the late change could confuse voters. Election officials say posted notices at early voting sites are intended to reduce that confusion as voters head to the polls.
Residents will have an opportunity to check in on their health during a Community Health Fair planned for Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The fair will offer several basic health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and blood sugar checks. Organizers are also planning door prizes for those who attend.
A number of vendors are expected to take part, including representatives from home health, the resource center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, medical technology, rehab centers, hospice, LaCHIP, Acadian On Call, and blood sugar check services.
Blood work will also be available through CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare. The flyer lists a lipid profile for $10, a comprehensive profile (CMP) for $10, and tests including HGB A1C, TSH, and CBC for $5 each. The flyer also notes that some services are being provided at no charge through the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy / BHF Heart Program.
The health fair is designed to give local residents a simple way to access screenings, lab work, and information from health-related organizations all in one place.
(UPDATE 4/29/2026): DOTD advises motorists that the contractor has re-mobilized on site and is making progress on the LA 514 Bayou Chicot bridge location in Red River Parish.
This bridge is one of six included in the ongoing $12 million project, which also involves the current replacement of the LA 507 bridge over an unnamed creek near the Womack community.
Current contruction activities on the LA 514 bridge include riprap installation, which is used to prevent erosion, as well as preparing the existing dirt roadway for new asphalt paving in order to tie it in to the newly constructed bridge. Once paving is complete, guardrail will be installed and the roadway will be striped for reopening.
The LA 514 bridge is estimated to reopen in late May 2026, weather and other factors permitting.
Meanwhile at the LA 507 bridge site, the contractor is currently making significant progress on the bridge deck, among other major construction items on the new structure.
The LA 507 bridge is estimated to reopen in August 2026, weather and other factors permitting.
Riverdale tennis team takes runner-up in Class A at state The Riverdale Academy tennis team finished as runners-up in the Class A state championship match Thursday at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Doubles pairs Mary Claire Jones and Hanna Huddleston and Charity Williamson and Hope Williamson reached the finals and claimed silver in their respective divisions.
Riverdale track ready for state championships The Riverdale Academy track team is ready to start its quest for a state championship as the field events begin Friday at the MAIS Class A state meet. Julia Grace Riggs will throw the shot put, Makayla Pickett the discus, and Zane Givens will compete in the high jump (won the region title). Givens will also run in the 200 meters and run a leg on the boys 4×400 relay team. Kandyn Nettles aims to build on his 400 meters region title. Alaina Boyd will represent the girls runners as she will take part in the 300-meter hurdles.
Red River sending athletes in seven events to state The Red River boys and girls track and field teams will send athletes in a combined seven events to state after podium finishes at the Region 1-2A track meet at Ouachita Christian. Three individuals garnered second place in their respective events. Khylee Winn cleared 4-10 in the high jump, Kaleah Crawford clocked a 1:03.74 in the 400 meters, and Lathyn Lewis turned in an 11.05 in the 100 meters. Four other event participants punched their tickets with third-place finishes. Logan Mims took bronze in the 800 meters (2:08.75) and 1600 meters (5:04.71). The other two entries are relay teams as the boys 4×800 and the girls 4×200 placed third. Crawford will be joined by relay mates Adrina Jackson, Ahmauriyeh Demease, and Aniyah Jones after turning in a 1:51.04 in the 4×200. On the boys side, a trio of freshmen (Kamrin Nelson, Christopher Hackett, and Jacarvis Speed) ran with junior Emmanuel Scott to run a 9:08.20 in the 4×800. Five other events just missed state championship participant status, including three girls relays. The championships will take place at LSU on May 8.
COUSHATTA, La. — Demolition crews began work Monday morning, and by evening the former Red River Industries property had been cleared down to a clean slab at the site purchased by Willis-Knighton Medical Center in December 2025.
Willis-Knighton also purchased the office building next door, and while future plans for the properties have not yet been made public, residents say anticipation is building over what new health care services could be headed to Red River Parish.
The Red River Parish Library is happy to announce its partnership with Louisiana State Parks. The Check Out Louisiana State Parks program, developed by the State Library of Louisiana in collaboration with Louisiana State Parks, encourages Louisiana residents to experience and discover the state by visiting its many great state parks and historic sites.
This program aims to increase public access to Louisiana’s rich natural and cultural resources while emphasizing the important roles of libraries and state parks in community enrichment. The program was actually launched last week on April 21, 2026, and will continue through the end of this year. It will allow our cardholders to obtain a free day pass from the library. The day passes will allow cardholders to access 21 Louisiana state parks and 16 state historic sites.
Our library has received a number of passes. The “pass” is a physical ticket that allows one person or one vehicle a one-day access to any of the state parks or historic sites across the state. The pass must be presented to the park ranger upon entry to the park. It allows a one- time entry and cannot be reused.
We also have “Geaux Explore” backpacks that can be checked out if desired. Each backpack includes a pair of binoculars, a compass, and a magnifying glass. The backpack and its contents must be returned at the end of a week.
For more information about this new program, a patron may stop by the library and speak to the librarians or call the library at 318-932-5416. One can also visit the following websites: http://www.CheckoutLouisiana.org or library.la.gov/check-out-la-state-parks.
Community partners and donors recognized for record-breaking 2025 fundraising
(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System recognized local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) corporate partners and donors at a Mega Party Breakfast Celebration honoring their fundraising efforts throughout 2025.
Hospital president and CEO Casey Robertson opened the breakfast by thanking the partners in attendance and highlighting the profound impact of their fundraising. He brought those efforts to life by introducing Cade Hanna, the 2026 local CMN Champion, whose journey exemplifies the mission they support.
“Cade is a walking testament to the heart behind our mission and the partners who make it possible,” said Robertson. “We can’t express our gratitude enough for their continued support. Their generosity and commitment shine through in everything they do, and it truly changes lives.”
Just before his second birthday, Cade was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor known as a pilocytic astrocytoma and spent 42 days hospitalized undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy. Now back home in Louisiana, he continues physical and occupational therapy at CHRISTUS Kids Clinic – Shreveport. Today, Cade is thriving. He recently graduated from speech therapy and enjoys playing baseball and golf, as well as showing off his musical talents on the drums.
Partners from Love’s Travel Stops, Take 5 Oil Change, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Despino Tire’s Fishin’ for Kids Bass Tournament were formally recognized by Amy Heron, executive director of philanthropy at CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier, for their record-breaking fundraising achievements. The event also celebrated the impactful contributions of Ace Hardware, Barksdale Federal Credit Union and Credit Unions for Kids, CEFCO, Dairy Queen, dd’s Discounts, Raising Cane’s, GameStop, Panda Express, 7 Brew, Re/MAX, Jason’s Deli, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Log‑A‑Load for Kids, Louisiana Forestry Association, Cintas and Phi Mu Fraternity.
Thanks to the collective efforts of local CMN partners, CHRISTUS will invest over $1.3 million to enhance the quality of care and services for pediatric patients. Funds raised in 2025 will support the purchase of critical, specialized equipment, including a sensory room upgrade, a perinatal transport neonatal intensive care unit incubator, wireless fetal monitors and more, helping CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System better serve infants, children and families throughout the region.
“Because of our CMN partners, we are able to provide high-quality, reliable care that supports children and families at every stage of their journey,” said Kelley Matkins, CMN program director at CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier. “Their commitment helps ensure our mission remains focused on service, quality and compassion.”
About CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.
When Louisiana voters head to the polls on May 16, they will be asked to decide more than just candidates. The ballot will also include five proposed constitutional amendments, each dealing with a different issue ranging from education and taxes to state jobs and the courts. These proposals have already passed through the Legislature, but they cannot become law unless voters across the state approve them.
One of the amendments would deal with state civil service, giving the Legislature more authority to add or remove certain positions in the unclassified state civil service by law. Another amendment focuses on the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish and would give it the same constitutional authority as a parish school system in areas such as funding and school operations.
A third amendment may get a lot of attention from school employees and families. It would direct money connected to savings in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana to help fund pay raises of $2,250 for certificated school employees and $1,125 for support staff, along with related changes to certain education funds.
Another proposed amendment deals with business inventory property taxes. If approved, it would allow parishes more flexibility when it comes to reducing or exempting those taxes, while also making related changes to how some public service property is classified for tax purposes. The fifth proposal would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75, though judges would still be allowed to finish the terms they are serving.
For local voters, the amendments may not all sound equally familiar, but each one could affect how parts of state and local government operate in the future. Because constitutional amendments are harder to change later than regular laws, election officials encourage voters to read them carefully before casting a ballot.
Election Day is May 16, and early voting runs from May 2 through May 9, excluding Sunday, May 3.
Cleco Group LLC, the Pineville-based electric utility that serves nearly 300,000 customers in Louisiana, is preparing for a change in ownership.
Under a newly announced agreement, infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak and Bernhard Capital Partners will acquire Cleco from its current ownership group, which includes Macquarie Asset Management, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation and Manulife Investment Management. Once the deal is complete, Stonepeak will become the company’s majority owner.
Cleco officials said the change will not move the company out of Pineville or alter its day-to-day utility operations. The company will remain a regulated electric utility under the Louisiana Public Service Commission and will continue serving customers across its 24-parish service area. Red River Parish is among the parishes included in Cleco’s service area.
The company also said no staffing reductions are planned, and employee pay and benefits are expected to remain in place. Cleco currently has about 1,200 employees.
The new ownership group is expected to bring additional investment support as Cleco continues work on reliability, infrastructure upgrades and long-term system improvements. In the last decade, the company has invested roughly $3 billion in upgrades and resiliency efforts, including a grid hardening project approved by regulators in 2025.
Company officials said the acquisition is intended to support Cleco’s continued role in Louisiana’s energy system and economic development.
The sale must still receive required regulatory approvals before it is finalized.
Louisiana saw a big night in Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, with 11 tickets hitting for at least $1 million. The wins included both $1 million and $2 million prizes, marking one of the largest single-drawing payouts in state history.
The LHSAA announced the state softball tournament has been rescheduled due to weather. Games scheduled for today will now be played Sat and games originally scheduled Sat will not be on Sun.
Early voting for the May 16 election will run Sat May 2 through Sat May 9 at the Registrar of Voters Office, 1906 Front St. (Alonzo Street side, across from Bearing Service). Hours are 8:30am to 6pm daily, except the office will be closed Sun May 3. Because the May 16 election is a closed-party primary, only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties may vote in those parties’ races. Voters registered as “No Party” can still participate by filling out a Declaration of Ballot Choice form during early voting or at the polls on Election Day. That form lets unaffiliated voters choose a Democratic ballot, a Republican ballot, or a No Party ballot — which in this election includes only the constitutional amendments.
Bonnie & Clyde “Red, White & Momma’s Market will be held May 15-17. Take the whole family for a fun weekend filled with craft booths, food, vendors selling odds and ends, a photo booth and water slides.
The United States Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in the Louisiana v. Callais case, striking down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district as unconstitutional and remanding the case back to the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
A beginning ceramics class, “Playing in the Mud,” will be offered through Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education starting May 14. The class will be held on Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. through June 25 in Room 113 of the Fine Arts Annex. The fee is $150 plus a $20 material fee paid directly to the instructor on the first night of class. Enrollment in the class is limited. This course is an introduction to working with clay. The student will learn hand-building and sculptural techniques, as well as work on the potter’s wheel. There will also be room for intermediate and advanced students to take the class who want to use the facilities during class time. Those taking the class should wear clothes that can get dirty. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (318) 357-6355.
The Blue Essence Dance Company will present its spring recital, “The Awakening,” on May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Red River High School Auditorium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the evening performance, which will showcase a variety of dance routines highlighting the talent and hard work of local performers. Guest performances include the Red River High Cheer Team, The Legendary Rangerettes, Legacy Dance Studio, The Glamdolls and The Prancing J-Settes. Tickets are available for $20, which includes admission, an ad book, and a raffle ticket.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration returns to Natchitoches June 25–27, honoring the Class of 2026 with three days of events celebrating Louisiana’s rich sports history. The weekend will include free community events, the Celebrity Bowling Bash, Rockin’ River Fest with live music and fireworks, VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Junior Training Camp, Round Table Luncheon, and the official Induction Reception & Ceremony. This year’s class includes John Brady, Sylvia Fowles, Joe Horn, Jonathan Lucroy, Todd McClure, Mike McConathy, Warren Morris, Dewain Strother, Pat Williams, Kathy Holloway, John James Marshall, and Gil LeBreton. Event details, registration, and tickets are available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/KSt/
As Louisiana’s America 250 celebration continues, Louisiana’s Saturday Night: Let Freedom Ring Concert is coming to Zwolle on June 27 promising an evening of music, patriotism, and family fun at the Zwolle Festival Grounds. Gates open at 3pm with the concert beginning at 4pm featuring Grammy-winning Louisiana legend Wayne Toups, American Idol winner Laine Hardy, and local favorite Next of Kin. Organizers invite residents from across the region to bring family and friends and enjoy a night of live entertainment as Sabine Parish celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
LIV Golf cancels NOLA tournament amid questions about its future.
According to multiple reports, America’s Top Bigfoot Hunter is investigating a reported sasquatch sighting in Westlake.
Two attorneys with deep Red River Parish roots have earned regional recognition for their work in the legal profession.
Kambrie Bethard Hays and Joseph “Joe” Hays were recently voted among SB Magazine’s People’s Choice Top Attorneys, an honor based on public voting and community recognition across the region.
The recognition highlights attorneys who have earned the trust and respect of clients, peers, and the communities they serve. Being named to the People’s Choice list reflects not only professional ability, but also reputation, service, and commitment to others.
For Red River Parish, the honor also shines a light on a longstanding local legal tradition through Bethard & Bethard, a firm that has served the Coushatta area for generations. The firm has been part of the community for decades, providing legal services while maintaining strong ties to the people of Red River Parish.
Kambrie Bethard Hays represents the third generation of Bethards to practice law through the family firm, continuing a legacy built over many years. Her recognition, alongside her husband Joe Hays, reflects both personal achievement and the continued strength of a family deeply rooted in service to the parish.
Friends and supporters say the honor is well deserved and a testament to the dedication both attorneys bring to their clients and community.
Being recognized in a regional publication such as SB Magazine places the Hays attorneys among a respected group of legal professionals and serves as a point of pride not only for their firm, but for Red River Parish as well.
COUSHATTA, La. — Red River Parish voters will head to the polls Saturday, May 16, for a closed-party primary featuring contests for U.S. Senate, U.S. House in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, and Public Service Commissioner for the 5th District, along with five proposed constitutional amendments.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to register to vote — or to update an existing registration — for the May 16 election has passed, ending April 25.
Early voting will run Saturday, May 2, through Saturday, May 9, at the Registrar of Voters Office, 1906 Front St. (Alonzo Street side, across from Bearing Service). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except the office will be closed Sunday, May 3.
Because the May 16 election is a closed-party primary, only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties may vote in those parties’ races.
Voters registered as “No Party” can still participate by filling out a Declaration of Ballot Choice form during early voting or at the polls on Election Day. That form lets unaffiliated voters choose a Democratic ballot, a Republican ballot, or a No Party ballot — which in this election includes only the constitutional amendments.
Officials noted the choice does not change a voter’s party affiliation on their registration record.
Voters who qualify for a mail ballot must request one no later than Tuesday, May 12, either in person or online. Requests can also be mailed to P.O. Box 432, Coushatta, LA 71019-0432.
Completed mail ballots must be returned to the Registrar’s office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 15. Military and overseas ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16.
For more information, contact the Red River Parish Registrar of Voters Office at (318) 932-5027. The fax number is (318) 932-5086.
The Red River Lady Bulldogs softball team had several players recognized on the District 3-2A All-District Team after finishing the season 15-11 and earning a spot in the playoffs.
Red River entered the postseason ranked No. 16 and hosted a first-round playoff game, where the Lady Bulldogs’ season came to an end. While the team finished in the middle of the pack, the year gave a young roster valuable experience to build on.
Named Second Team All-District were Madalynn Baxley at pitcher, Remedy Boudreaux in the outfield, and Hope Williamson as a utility player. Earning Honorable Mention honors were Darcey Bohannon in the outfield and Ke’Asha Clark in the infield.
With only one senior on the roster, the Lady Bulldogs softball program is expected to return a core group of players next season. That experience could be important as Red River looks to build consistency and move higher in the district and playoff standings.
Coach Ginger Craig, who recently announced her retirement, shared “These honors are well deserved and reflect the hard work these girls put in all season. It means a lot to see this group finish with playoff experience and individual recognition, especially with so much young talent returning to the program.”
Charlotte Ann Brown, 85, of Coushatta, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. A lifelong resident of Coushatta, Charlotte was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Charlotte was born to Kirwen and Mildred Glover Brown, who preceded her in death, along with her devoted husband, Lewis Hunter Brown, and her brother, John Kirwen Brown, Brothers-in-law James E. Brown, Willie B. Robinson, and Joe Dan Simpson, Sisters-in-law, Joy Ruth Brown and Wanda Brown Simpson. She is survived by her sons, Truett Dodd Brown and Dr. Ashton Hunter Brown; her sisters Mary Brown, Karla Brown Anderson (Jimmy), and Kris Brown O’Daniel (John); her stepmother Gladys Cason Brown; and her sister‑in‑law Sheryl Brown Robinson. She was a proud grandmother to Benjamin Truett Brown (Emily) and Laura Elizabeth Brown, and she cherished her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who brought joy to her life.
Charlotte grew up in Coushatta and graduated from Coushatta High School, Class of 1959. Her professional life included service at the Bank of Coushatta and American Bank and Trust, and she later partnered with her husband in operating Brown’s Home Furnishings and Gifts, a business that became a warm and familiar part of the community. Later years she worked at The Hall Tree in Natchitoches.
Deeply committed to her hometown, Charlotte served on the Springville Cemetery Board and was elected to the Valley Electric Cooperative Board, where she worked diligently and honorably.
Charlotte’s musical gifts were a blessing to generations. An accomplished pianist, she played for countless weddings, funerals, graduations, talent shows, pageants, and community events. Her music was a ministry in itself—offered with grace, humility, and a heart for service.
Her greatest devotion, however, was to her Lord and to her church. Charlotte was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church Coushatta, where she served as church accompanist for more than 40 years. She was a leader in the Women’s Ministry and a dedicated teacher of the Young Adults. Her consistent walk with Christ, her steadfast prayer life, and her gentle spirit were a testimony to all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, April 30, at First Baptist Church Coushatta at 3:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Cory Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery under the direction of Rockett‑Nettles Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Simpson, Will Almond, Winn Almond, Adam Breedlove, Jeffery Deen, Tyler Jones, John Perkins, and Lance Webb.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are her nephews and cousins, Chris Brown, Nettles Brown, Jerry Glover, Bill Jones, Tommy Glen Jones, and Michael Simpson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Coushatta or Springville Cemetery.
As we remember Charlotte’s life of faith, service, and love, we rest in the promise of Scripture:
“Her children arise and call her blessed… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31
Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Rain showers during the evening with thunderstorm developing overnight. Low 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%
Thursday:
Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 67F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 55F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
(ARK-LA-TEX) – April marks Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the vital role occupational therapists play in helping individuals regain independence and improve quality of life. Their work supports everything from performing basic activities of daily living to managing responsibilities at home or work and participating in meaningful leisure and recreational activities.
Throughout the month, health care providers are highlighting the impact these professionals have across inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation settings and within the community. Their work helps support safer recoveries, reduces hospital readmissions and improves long-term outcomes for patients of all ages.
“In our outpatient hand clinic, occupational therapy helps patients whose arm or hand injuries have disrupted their daily lives regain the skills and confidence they need to return to what matters most to them,” said Sonja Nicolosi, an occupational therapist at CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport-Bossier. “We work with patients of all ages, helping them get back to caring for family, returning to work or just daily life routines.”
Occupational therapy helps people regain skills after an injury and manage chronic conditions by supporting accessible participation in everyday activities.
Whether helping a stroke patient relearn basic motor skills, guiding a child through key developmental milestones or assisting an older adult in maintaining independence at home, occupational therapists work with patients to address physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.
“Many of our patients are facing significant changes in their abilities, and that can feel overwhelming,” said Chrissy Rabideau, rehabilitation supervisor for inpatient therapy at CHRISTUS Health in Texarkana. “Our team works closely with patients and their families to set meaningful goals and provide the support needed to help them regain function and confidence.”
The importance of occupational therapy continues to grow as health care shifts toward whole-person care. Therapists collaborate with physicians, nurses and other specialists to create individualized care plans that address not only medical needs, but also functional and lifestyle goals.
As communities recognize Occupational Therapy Month, it serves as a reminder of the essential role these professionals play in helping people live healthier, more independent lives.
Current and former employees of Red River Parish Public Schools are invited to a special Employee Appreciation Luncheon set for May 15 at 11 a.m. in the Red River High School cafeteria.
The event will recognize all current employees as well as retirees from the past 25 years, celebrating their service and contributions to the students and schools of Red River Parish.
Retirees planning to attend are asked to stop by the Red River Parish School Board Office, 100 Bulldog Drive, to receive a ticket and reserve their seat. Organizers note retirees will receive one ticket per person, and reservations should be made by May 1.
School leaders say the luncheon will be a time of appreciation and fellowship while honoring those who have helped shape public education in Red River Parish.
An oil pumpjack operates in a rural Texas field. Photo: wetpainthtx / Pexels
By Nolan Mckendry | Apr 27, 2026
(The Center Square) – Louisiana energy companies may be keeping major projects on the sidelines until a 2025 law meant to bring more predictability to oilfield environmental litigation takes effect, according to comments from Rep. Brett Geymann.
In an interview, the Lake Charles Republican said an oil and gas working group that included about 30 people – roughly 10 to 12 legislators and the rest industry representatives – heard directly from executives about why Louisiana projects remain stalled. No lobbyists were allowed in the room, he said, because lawmakers wanted “raw, unfiltered discussion.”
The result, Geymann said, was candor.
Executives “put their guard down,” he said, and described a business climate in which Louisiana investments are still being delayed because of pending and potential lawsuits.
One industry representative, Geymann said, told lawmakers that when executives sit in a board room and review stacks of potential investments, “we take the Louisiana stack and move it to the side.”
The industry, according to Geymann, was encouraged by a law passed in 2025 as a way to create legal predictability, but industry officials may still see the law’s two-year transition period as a reason to wait.
The law, among other things, became a vehicle for major changes to oilfield environmental litigation, especially so-called legacy lawsuits over alleged environmental damage from oil and gas activity.
The law was brought by Rep. Jacob Landry, R-Erath, and changed how remediation plans are developed, how damages and attorney fees are handled, and when the new rules apply. One of its most significant provisions creates a Sept. 1, 2027, cutoff. Lawsuits filed afterward are subject to a much higher burden of proof, a win for energy companies.
Industry officials have argued that the two-year window leaves Louisiana in legal limbo. Rep. Danny McCormick described the working group’s conclusion this way: until Rep. Landry’s bill fully kicks in, projects may remain in the queue, but companies are unlikely to move forward.
Geymann said the message from industry was blunt: shorten the timeline, and projects could move.
“If y’all could shorten the timeline, we’d have these wells up and running in a few years,” one participant said, according to Geymann.
The discussion also went beyond existing legacy lawsuits. Geymann said industry representatives raised concerns about how Louisiana could get ahead of future lawsuits over emissions, pointing to litigation in other states, including the Colorado Suncor case.
That concern reflects a broader fear among energy companies that today’s operations could become the basis for lawsuits years from now, even if companies comply with permits and environmental regulations at the time.
Supporters of Senate Bill 244 have said the law is meant to reduce that uncertainty by creating a clearer legal framework for environmental claims tied to oil and gas activity. But Geymann’s comments suggest industry leaders may not view the matter as settled until the grandfather period expires – or until lawmakers shorten it.
Louisiana has long relied on oil and gas production, refining and petrochemical investment as pillars of its economy. If companies are moving Louisiana projects to the side because of litigation risk, the state could lose out on drilling, jobs, tax revenue and related industrial development even after passing a law intended to reassure investors.
According to research from the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, the coastal lawsuits alone resulted in between $40 million and $100 million in lost economic activity, as well as 2,000 jobs.
“These are our friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren leaving the state to find opportunity elsewhere,” Daniel Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute, told The Center Square.
The energy industry, in large part, has been succesful in their mission to limit their liability to what they call frivolous lawsuits. The same day Geymann spoke with The Center Square, he advanced a law that would ban certain legal claims related to climate change.
Legislative wins aside, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a potentially lethal blow to the several dozen coastal lawsuits currently pending in Louisiana courts, which will now likely be held in federal court.
Still to come is the ruling on Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, which will likely be heard in the fall.
If the court rules in favor of Suncor, it could make it much harder for states and local governments to use state law to seek damages from oil and gas companies for climate-related harms, further reducing one of the major litigation risks industry officials say is chilling investment.
Geymann’s comments came shortly after he advanced a bill aimed at shielding energy companies from the same type of climate-related lawsuits now before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Suncor case. House Bill 804 would would make it far more difficult to sue energy companies for claims related to personal and economic damages from climate change.
“People don’t understand that the industry that provides a living for myself an dmy family and other employees, energizes not only america, but is going to energize most of the world,” Landry said while the bill was being debated.
If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.
Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.
But as I walked out of the office, ears squeaky‑clean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?
Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.
Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.
Spiritual wax works the same way.
A little pride here.
A little resentment there.
A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”
Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:
The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”
But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.
After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.
Spiritually, the same principles apply.
Stop sticking things in your ears. You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doom‑scrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.
Let the Spirit do the cleaning. Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.
Get professional help when needed. Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned come‑to‑Jesus moment.
When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.
When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.
Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”
Notice: Red River Parish Assessor Dovie Beard advises that due to software problems, some errors may have been made in the distribution of tax notices for 2025. With deadlines approaching, Beard is advising that any taxpayer who usually receives a tax notice but has not yet received one, or any person who received an unexpected tax notice, should immediately contact the Assessor’s Office at 318-932-4922.
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