Music, school spirit and exciting performances filled Pat Strother Stadium Saturday, October 24, as the Red River Blue Wave Sound Machine hosted its inaugural Clash on the River Battle of the Bands.

Nine high school bands from Louisiana and Arkansas participated in the event, showcasing their musical talents, precision and creativity before an enthusiastic crowd.

Huntington High School dominated the competition, earning the title of Grand Champion. Huntington also claimed first place in the Large Division, Majorettes, Flags/Colorguard, Danceline and Drum Major categories.

Several other schools earned top honors throughout the evening.

Official Competition Results

Majorettes

• 1st Place: Huntington

Flags/Colorguard

• 1st Place: Huntington
• 2nd Place: Woodlawn
• 3rd Place: Union Parish

Danceline

• 1st Place: Huntington
• 2nd Place: Union Parish
• 3rd Place: Green Oaks

Drum Major

• 1st Place: Huntington
• 2nd Place: Green Oaks
• 3rd Place: Logansport

Small Division

• 1st Place: Green Oaks
• 2nd Place: Logansport
• 3rd Place: Union Parish

Medium Division

• 1st Place: Richwood
• 2nd Place: Prescott

Large Division

• 1st Place: Huntington
• 2nd Place: Woodlawn

Grand Champion: Huntington High School

Following the competition, event organizer Louis Lemons Jr. expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped make the inaugural event a success.

Lemons thanked the participating bands for their outstanding performances, community members for their support and the Red River Junior High staff members who assisted with the event.

The first Clash on the River brought together talented young musicians and performers while providing an opportunity for the Red River Parish community to celebrate music, teamwork and school pride.

Photo credit: Louis Lemons, Jr.

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When people in Red River Parish see the above symbol, most know that it is about our very own Margaret Jones. The symbol reminds us of her smile and her laugh and her great talent as an artist. She has been kind enough to loan our library two of her paintings so that we can all enjoy the beauty she has shared. Below is her story in her own words:

“I began painting in early 1972 in Austin, Texas, and was soon accepted as a member of the Austin Palette Club. I was an active member of this club, constantly studying and enrolling in workshops until when, in the summer of 1974, my husband was transferred to Tokyo, Japan. While there I began to paint in a completely different style, not at all like the realism that I sought in Texas. After only four short months in Japan, we returned to Texas where once again I translated those beautiful hill country landscapes to canvas. After traveling with my husband and our four sons during his Air Force Career, we retired to Red River Parish in Louisiana. Since that time, I have taught art in the public and private schools in our parish, as well as working in the Art-in-Education program for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. I also continued to share what art knowledge and techniques I’ve gained by teaching workshops in Louisiana and surrounding states. I have held memberships, and have been active, in several different art guilds and councils and have won ribbons and cash awards in many juried exhibitions and competitions. Through all of this I have been grateful for any success and humbly acknowledge that ‘I am still learning.’”

It is our honor at the Red River Parish Library to recognize the talented artists and writers from our local area. A visit to the library is an opportunity to view some of Mrs. Jones’ artwork and to acknowledge the contributions of others.

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Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Riverdale Academy quarterback Jayden Jones has been released from Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport after suffering a severe concussion in the first quarter of Friday’s game against Tallulah Academy.

Jones was airlifted by helicopter from the field to the hospital during the first quarter.

The school posted a Facebook update late Saturday morning from Jayden’s mother that indicated further testing such as an MRI revealed no additional damage beyond the concussion.

“The MRI came back OK, and they will keep an eye on the back and head,” the message read on Riverdale Academy’s Facebook post. “They said he’s very lucky, where he hit could have easily paralyzed him but God has his hand on our boy!

“It’s going to be rough for the next month because of the severity of the concussion. Thanks for all the prayers, calls and texts! We love each and every one of you!”

Jones was tackled as he stepped out of bounds on a scramble, with he and the Tallulah defender rolling after contact was made toward the bench area.

The video footage revealed nothing malicious about the tackle, just a normal form tackle that happened to occur a step out of bounds and ended with the players rolling from the momentum of the tackle.

Jones and the family have received all the love and prayers from the Riverdale community, something head coach Denver Williams said is unlike anything he’s experienced.

“At Riverdale when something tragic happens, it’s different,” said Williams, a Riverdale alum and first-year head coach whose also served as an assistant on the staff. “It’s not that it’s just a kid that’s hurt, it’s like it’s our own kid.

“When people say Riverdale is like a family, it really shows in times like these. Football players circled up praying, cheerleaders prating, parents praying, the whole stadium lifting it and leaving it in God’s hands. I’m so thankful to be a part of this Riverdale community.”

Initial reporting from a social media news entity called Woke NELA suggested that Riverdale Academy’s bench was too close to the sideline, but principal Dr. Hunter Brown wrote in the post that Riverdale’s benches were more than six feet beyond the national guideline of 12 feet.

Brown said he measured the distance to confirm.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of Friday’s game, which was suspended with Tallulah Academy leading 16-0.

The game was the finale for Riverdale (0-9), who didn’t make the playoffs after brackets were released over the weekend.

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Traffic was diverted Sunday evening near the Red River Parish Library after an 18-wheeler struck a power pole at the intersection of Highway 84 and Ringgold Avenue in Coushatta.

According to officials, the impact knocked down the pole, causing a power line to fall across the roadway and creating a hazard for motorists.

Town of Coushatta police officers secured the area and rerouted traffic around the affected section of Highway 84/71 while crews responded to the scene.

The utility company began repairs by 7:45 p.m.

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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

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Matt Vines

MANSFIELD – Red River couldn’t solve Mansfield’s rushing attack or the Wolverine defense Friday in a 48-12 loss on the road.

Mansfield (7-1, 2-0 District 4-2A) created running lanes to the tune of 523 rushing yards and six touchdowns as the Wolverines controlled the game from the ground.

The Wolverines scored the game’s first 20 points before Red River (1-7, 0-3) found the end zone in the second quarter to slice the lead to 20-6.

But Mansfield added two more touchdowns to build a 35-6 halftime lead and scored 28 straight points to make sure the Bulldogs didn’t have thoughts of a comeback.

Mansfield produced two 100-yard rushers in Jaydan Hamilton (9-164, 2 TDs) and Zayvon Sanders (14-170, 2 TDs) with quarterback J.J. Howard approaching the century mark with 89 yards and a score.

The Wolverines averaged nearly 14 yards per carry as generated explosive plays in the run game.

Red River’s offensive performance was marred by turnovers, which included at least two interceptions and a lost fumble coupled with an onside kick recovered by Mansfield.

District opponents in particular have found room to run against Red River after Winnfield and Many had success on the ground.

The Bulldogs have allowed at least 40 points in all three of their district losses and will try to correct course in the district finale at Lakeside (5-3, 1-1).

The loss knocked Red River out of the playoff picture for now as the Bulldogs slid to No. 30 in a scramble for 28 spots in the Division III Non-Select power rankings.

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By Misty Castile | Oct 22, 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana State University officials and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill asked a federal judge Tuesday to dismiss the Southeastern Conference’s lawsuit, arguing the university complied with conference rules and no continuing dispute warrants court intervention.

The reply challenges the SEC’s reliance on new allegations involving LSU’s basketball program to sustain a case that began over two football players. It follows the conference’s opposition to dismissal and comes more than a month after SEC leaders met without voting to consider expulsion of Louisiana’s publicly funded flagship university.

The SEC maintains the dispute extends beyond individual players and concerns its authority to determine conference membership without interference from LSU or state officials.

“Again, no rules were broken. If Greg Sankey won’t dismiss the case, the court should do it for him,” Murrill said in a statement, referring to the SEC commissioner.

Murrill’s office said the parties now await the court’s decision.

In the reply, attorneys for the defendants say the events that prompted the lawsuit have passed: LSU did not place the two football players on its roster, and university officials did not interfere with the Sept. 10 meeting of conference presidents and chancellors.

The defendants also say the SEC controls its membership decisions and chose not to remove LSU.

“Any continued association with LSU is thus the SEC’s choice,” the filing states.

The reply says no further termination meeting is scheduled and argues the conference’s concern that LSU would obstruct a future meeting is speculative.

In its Oct. 13 response, the SEC said leaving the players off the roster did not resolve its allegations about institutional control and compliance with conference rules. The conference maintains its First Amendment right of expressive association includes the right to end LSU’s membership.

The SEC also cited LSU’s recruitment of basketball player R.J. Luis Jr. and international players whose eligibility remained in question. It pointed to coach Will Wade’s comments about being unapologetic about his recruiting approach.

The defendants counter that those allegations were not included in the amended complaint and cannot be added through a response to a dismissal motion.

They also accuse the conference of taking Wade’s remarks out of context. The reply cites his Sept. 23 statement that LSU would abide by SEC requirements and subsequent comments that the basketball player at issue had not been placed on the roster.

The dispute began when LSU coach Lane Kiffin sought to add former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who signed NFL contracts and were cut before the regular season began, then sought to return to college.

As The Center Square previously reported, a Baton Rouge judge granted relief to athletes challenging eligibility restrictions and barred the SEC from punishing schools in connection with the affected players. The conference sued LSU officials in Alabama and later raised the possibility of terminating LSU’s membership.

LSU ultimately filled its remaining football roster spots with other players. Conference leaders announced no sanctions after their Sept. 10 meeting.

The latest reply also renews arguments that the Alabama court lacks jurisdiction over the Louisiana defendants, that sovereign immunity bars the claims and that an alleged violation of conference rules does not establish a constitutional violation. The headquarters of the league are in Birmingham.

The defendants ask for dismissal without prejudice, which would leave the SEC able to bring a future case.

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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.

It’s almost time to turn back the clocks! 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. Halloween night, October 31, will be the last evening of the year with a sunset after 6 p.m. in northwest Louisiana. Most smartphones and electronic devices will adjust automatically, but remember to turn back manual clocks before going to bed Saturday night. It’s also a good time to check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors named Dickie Crawford acting president of Louisiana Tech University last week. Crawford, who previously served as the university’s senior vice president for student advancement and chief operating officer, steps into the leadership role following the resignation of former President Jim Henderson. Henderson stepped down earlier than expected due to health reasons. Crawford will oversee university operations during the leadership transition.

CHRISTUS Health in Marshall has earned its first certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for its cardiac rehabilitation program, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, integrated care and helping patients improve their quality of life following a cardiac event. The three-year certification recognizes programs that uphold evidence-based practices and high standards of care for patients recovering from heart attacks, cardiac procedures and other cardiovascular conditions.

Airbnb is changing its checkout policies, giving travelers a break from lengthy cleaning lists before leaving vacation rentals. Beginning November 20, 2026, for newly booked reservations, hosts will generally no longer be allowed to require guests to strip beds, wash and put away dishes or take trash off the property. Guests may still be asked to complete simple tasks, such as placing dirty dishes in the sink or gathering used towels. The changes come after complaints from travelers who were required to complete extensive cleaning chores despite paying cleaning fees. Hosts may continue charging cleaning fees, but guests will no longer be required to perform tasks typically handled by professional cleaners.

The NFL is reportedly considering a change to its instant replay system that would allow television viewers to hear conversations between on-field referees and the league’s officiating center in New York during controversial calls. The proposal would give fans a behind-the-scenes look at how replay decisions are made, similar to practices introduced by several major college football conferences. The change could take effect before the end of the 2026 regular season, although no official decision or implementation date has been announced.

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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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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. 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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Red River Parish 4-H members have been busy kicking off the new year with hands-on activities, leadership opportunities, community service projects, and plenty of fun. From representing the parish at the state level to giving back to the community, local 4-H members are already making the most of the opportunities the program offers.

The Junior Leaders started the year with a back-to-school meeting filled with laughs and messy activities, while other clubs began meeting and welcoming members. Those who enrolled early received a special treat when Peyton Caldwell and his mother, Erikka, brought their Pey-Pey Ice Cream Treats truck to celebrate the start of another 4-H year.

Several Red River Parish members have also taken on leadership roles beyond the parish. Morgan Moseley and Joseph Shaver were selected as Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors, a position recognizing their accomplishments in shooting sports, leadership, citizenship, and service. The two attended the Shooting Sports Ambassadors Summer Board Meeting at Tall Timbers Camp, where they worked with fellow ambassadors from across the state to plan activities and develop their leadership skills.

Katelynn Albright is also representing Red River Parish as a Northwest Ag Ambassador and has attended her first meeting of the year. She has been sharing her knowledge locally as well, leading a goat milk soap demonstration during a Livestock Club meeting. Members helped make a batch of soap and each received some to take home.

Local 4-H members have also had opportunities to share their experiences with community leaders. Alyssa Young, Daniel Grigg, and Lauryn Bradley spoke at a town council meeting about their summer 4-H experiences. Other members addressed the Red River Parish School Board, sharing what they had learned through camps, community service, Marsh Maneuvers, Clover College, and competitions at 4-H University. Their presentations highlighted the many ways 4-H encourages young people to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a willingness to try new things.

The Red River High School 4-H Club has been active in school events, including operating a booth during Meet the Bulldogs Night. The club thanked leader Mr. Arnold and Magnolia Outfitters for sponsoring awards. Members also worked in the concession stand during a Bulldog football game, gaining experience in teamwork, responsibility, and hard work.

Red River Parish 4-H member Dusty Halbmaier, known as “The Kid in the Can,” made a special appearance during the Red River Rodeo.

Hands-on learning has been another big part of the new year. Fourth graders at Riverdale Academy and Red River Elementary School helped clean up their school gardens in preparation for a new growing season. During the September Harvest of the Month meeting, students also had an opportunity to sample squash.

Project clubs are underway, offering members a variety of interests to explore, including Livestock, Junior Leaders, Explorers, Cloverbud LEGO Robotics, STEM activities, Esports, Shooting Sports, and 4-H Chefs.

Community service continues to be an important part of the program. During National 4-H Week, Junior Leaders decorated and packaged cookies for community members. Special thanks went to volunteer Jennifer Breedlove, who made the cookies and helped students decorate them.

The Junior Leaders continued serving others during fall break with a visit to the Council on Aging, where they sang, made soap, and played bingo with participants. They also delivered cookies to several local businesses.

Members throughout the parish are participating in a food pantry donation project. The first collection of donated items has already been delivered to a local food pantry, with Riverdale’s third through sixth grade club currently leading the friendly competition. The competition continues through the end of October, but donations are welcome throughout the year.

With so many activities already underway, Red River Parish 4-H is looking forward to another year of learning, leadership, and service. Enrollment is still open, and students interested in joining are encouraged to get involved and take advantage of the many opportunities available through 4-H.

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Matt Vines

EAST POINT – A win and you’re in?

While the power rankings would still need to be sorted out, a Riverdale Academy win could very likely send the Rebels to the playoffs when Tallulah Academy visits Friday for the regular-season finale.

The Rebels (0-8, 0-1 district) would almost surely finish on the outside of the 12-team playoff with a loss, but a win over Tallulah (7-2, 0-1) could generate enough power points to boost Riverdale into the postseason.

More importantly than that, a win would snap Riverdale’s 18-game losing streak that dates back to the 2024 playoffs.

It’ll be a tough task to top the Trojans, who had a seven-game winning streak snapped in a 34-30 loss to Briarfield Academy.

Tallulah has big wins over Tensas Academy (58-8) and Prairie View Academy (64-40), squads that beat Riverdale this season.

“Tallulah is dominant at running the ball due to their power up front,” said Riverdale coach Denver Williams. “Containing the line of scrimmage and meeting guys in the hole are our biggest key points this week.”

But the Rebels shouldn’t be judged just by results alone.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood” as the famous Theodore Roosevelt speech goes.

Riverdale successfully fielded a football team this year, which not all schools who were dealing with player shortages can say.

The Rebels were originally scheduled to play Union Christian this past week, but UCA wasn’t able to play football this season because of low participation numbers.

That game would have served as a prime opportunity for Riverdale to snap the streak.

UCA and Hillcrest Christian were two MAIS teams that weren’t able to field teams this season and may never be able to bring football back to its campuses.

Those teams join the likes of Tensas High as that parish became the first in the state to not offer 11-man football.

Tensas Academy carries the football banner for the parish now, the smallest parish by population in the state.

Riverdale rallied enough students in the late stages of preseason to field a team, able to log eight practices before the regular season began on a roster than eventually grew to 14 players, though injuries did force a cancellation of one game (Claiborne Academy).

The return of lone active senior Cannon Breedlove played a huge role in Riverdale having a season at all as his presence was an anchor for a young team that includes middle schoolers.

Breedlove will play his final home football game and will celebrated with fellow senior Connor Roberts, who joined the team early in the season but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6.

“Cannon Breedlove coming out this year really made an impact on this season although the record doesn’t show it,” Williams said. “He’s become our leader in scoring and receiving yards while helping out with numerous tackles.”

Williams added that Roberts was playing football for the first time ever, and was an asset on defense and as a tight end before the injury.

The Rebels will be as healthy and rested as they’ve been all season with bye weeks in two of the last three weeks, which sandwiched a loss to Briarfield.

“Aside from Conner, I’m back with a full roster, and the two bye weeks have given us an opportunity to heal not only physically but mentally,” Williams said. “We’ve gotten the opportunity to better ourselves in fundamentals rather than having to fully focus on the next game scheme.”

Riverdale was not without the taste of victory at all. The junior varsity team beat Lafayette County (Ark.), which features many of Riverdale’s players on Friday nights.

The JV team also suited up against Tensas Academy in a 30-20 loss this past week, offering valuable competitive experience for younger players.

The foundation has been set under first-year coach Denver Williams, who not long ago wore the Riverdale red himself.

The community will come out and enjoy one last Friday night under the lights this season.

And the actions of the players this season should allow this wonderful tradition of football to continue.

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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.

Red River Tourism Commission Fall Fest – October 24

The Red River Tourism Commission will host its 2nd Annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Coushatta Ball Park. The event will feature live music by Jeremy Fruge & the Zydeco HotBoyz, a performance by the Rangerettes, music from DJs Sirlo J and BJ Taylor, food vendors and other activities. For vendor information, contact Chandra Wilson at 318-564-0031.

Martin Baptist Church Fall Festival – October 25

Martin Baptist Church will host its Fall Festival on Sunday, October 25, beginning at 5 p.m. at 3191 Highway 507 in Coushatta. The celebration will feature games, food, cotton candy, a cake walk, an obstacle course and Trunk or Treat. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of fall activities and fellowship.

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. 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. An event time and specific location were not provided on the announcement.

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.

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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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The playoffs are still in reach for Red River as the Bulldogs head to District 4-2A favorite Mansfield on Friday.

But it’s crunch time, and the Bulldogs (1-6, 0-2) need to win at least one of their last three games – if not two – to punch their postseason ticket.

Red River couldn’t find ways at home against Winnfield (68-39) and Many (43-22), so now the Bulldogs need to pack up and get it done on their road in their final three games.

Stopping the run has been a key issue for a Red River defense that’s allowed five teams to score 49 points or more this season.

And that’s exactly what Mansfield (6-1) brings to the table as its running machine of Jaydan Hamilton and Zayvon Sanders along with quarterback Jaterrius Howard powers a Wolverine offense that’s rushed for more than 2,500 yards.

While the Wolverines have just one win over a team with a winning record (Lakeside, 42-15), Mansfield has crushed lesser opponents like Class 5A New Iberia (42-0), Class 3A Washington Marion (48-0), Class 3A Grant (46-23) and Class 4A Woodlawn (40-20).

The Bulldogs have primarily relied on the pass this season as quarterback Ashton Johnson has blossomed after assuming the starting role right before the season.

The return of preseason starting quarterback Landon Wilson into his receiving role the past two weeks has added more firepower to an offense that features Lathyn Lewis, Christian Haskett, and Tra’jalen Demery.

The Bulldogs could certainly benefit from a traditional running game (Johnson is the leading runner from under center), but moving the ball and scoring points hasn’t been much of a problem.

While failed fourth-down conversions from all over the field sometimes put the defense in unenviable positions, the Bulldogs need to get off the field more defensively and generate more turnovers.

The good news? Red River’s lone win this season came against Class 1A power Logansport that still remains as the Tigers only loss.

The Bulldogs currently sit at No. 28, the final playoff spot – one position behind the Many bunch that just beat them.

Red River is helped by its strength factor (7.14), which is among the top quarter of teams in Division III Non-Select.

But the Bulldogs need wins to keep their playoff spot.

Even if it doesn’t come against Mansfield on the road this week, the Bulldogs will need to topple either Lakeside or Class 3A Loyola in their final two games.

Two wins guarantees a spot, while one win will have the Bulldogs scoreboard watching to see if they can snatch a spot.

But if that one win comes against No. 7 Mansfield on Friday, put that playoff bus reservation in.

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First Methodist Church Coushatta invites children in preschool through fifth grade to enjoy a weekend of faith and fall fun at Kingdom Kids’ Camp on Friday, October 30, from 5:30–8 p.m. and Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. With the theme “Give Me S’more of Jesus,” the camp will feature food, crafts, games, a campfire and more. Parents are encouraged to register their children in advance using this registration link.

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Early voting for the November 3rd election continues daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (excluding Sundays) through Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Red River Parish Registrar of Voters office on Alonzo Street.

A free community haircut event will be held Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Coushatta Event Center. Organized by Tray Newton with help from community supporters, the event welcomes people of all ages and genders to receive a free haircut or touch-up. Attendees can also enjoy music and a positive atmosphere while connecting with others in the community. Organizers hope to build on last year’s event and encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of this free service.

The Red River Blue Wave Sound Machine will host its inaugural Clash on the River: Battle of the Bands on Saturday, October 24, at 5 p.m. at Pat Strother Memorial Stadium in Coushatta. Nine high school bands from Louisiana and Arkansas will compete for the title of Grand Champion. Participating schools include Wossman, Union Parish, Huntington, Logansport, Richwood, Mansfield, Green Oaks, Woodlawn and Prescott. The community is invited to come out and enjoy an evening of music, school spirit and exciting band performances. Admission is $10.

Historic Grand Cane is gearing up for a festive October with the Grand Cane Spooktacular Fall Fair Market on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature arts, crafts, a variety of vendors and family-friendly fall fun. Vendors of all types are welcome to participate. For vendor information, contact Jan at 903-343-9917.

Mansfield State Historic Site will host “Ghosts of the Battlefield” on Saturday, October 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. Visitors will take an evening walk through the historic Civil War battlefield, exploring what happened after the fighting ended. The experience will highlight the confusion, loss, medical emergencies and personal stories of soldiers following the Battle of Mansfield. Admission is $6 per person, $4 for seniors and free for children ages 6 and under. The historic site is located at 15149 Highway 175 in Mansfield.

The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers will make NFL history on Sunday, October 25, when they play in the league’s first regular-season game in Paris, France. The historic matchup will take place at Stade de France, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Central Time (3:30 p.m. in Paris). Fans can watch the game nationally on NFL Network.

Louisiana Tech University is one of 50 U.S. libraries selected to host “Americans and the Holocaust,” a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association (ALA) that examines the motives, pressures, and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war, and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. “Americans and the Holocaust” will be on display at Prescott Memorial Library, along with a series of related special events, from October 26 to December 3.

William Shakespeare fans will want to circle Oct. 28 on their calendars as the Texas Shakespeare Festival returns to LSUS to perform some of the Bard’s best material at the University Center Theater. The day begins at 11 a.m. with Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, a selection of scenes from Shakespeare’s most popular plays, and the evening action starts at 6 p.m. with Twelfth Night.
Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits features selected scenes from As You Like It, Romeo & Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Othello, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For those wanting to practice their acting skills, a Shakespearean acting workshop will take place at 1 p.m. All performances are free and open to the public thanks to sponsorship by the LSUS Office of Academic Affairs and the Noel Memorial Library.

Red River Elementary School’s Head Start and Pre-K 4 programs will host a Trunk or Treat celebration on Thursday, October 29, at 9 a.m. in the RRES front parking lot. The event will feature candy, treats and Halloween fun for young students and their families. Costumes are welcome! Organizers are seeking donations of candy, small treats and trunk decorations, along with staff, families and community members willing to decorate their vehicles and distribute treats. Anyone interested in helping or donating can contact Ms. Cato at 271-3197 or Mrs. Wendy at 271-3196.

LSU Women’s Basketball will open the season ranked No. 9 in the preseason AP Poll released earlier this week.

Down Da Bayou announced on social media it will be closed until January.

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Rosemary Watts
June 13, 1950 ~ October 17, 2026
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11am at Deliverance Temple COGIC in Coushatta.

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Students from across northwest Louisiana stepped back in time Sept. 29-30 as members of the Northwest District Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a two-day Revolutionary-era event at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students from Red River Elementary, Riverdale, North DeSoto Elementary, Providence Academy and Herndon Elementary, along with recognized homeschool students, took part in activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Constitution during Constitution Week.

Members of the Coushatta Chute, Pelican, Shreveport and Francis Rebecca Harris Chapters worked with students throughout the event. Children learned to write with quill and ink, played games from the Revolutionary period, deciphered puzzles, sang songs from the era and learned about women who played significant roles in the American Revolution.

Students also had the opportunity to examine primary documents written and signed by men who helped shape the nation’s founding. Before leaving the museum, each student signed a copy of the Constitution to take back to the classroom.

The event continued the DAR’s commitment to historic preservation, education and patriotism. Constitution Day is observed annually on Sept. 17, recognizing the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

Each participating chapter wrote grants to help cover the cost of event materials. Teachers received bags of books about the Revolutionary period for classroom reading, while students took home books, bookmarks and pens that write with invisible ink.

The Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum donated the use of the facility for both days, helping make the educational program possible.

Northwest District DAR members expressed appreciation to the museum, the Friends of the Museum, participating chapters, school administrators, parents who helped transport students and all DAR volunteers who contributed their time and effort.

The two-day program gave students an opportunity to explore the nation’s founding documents and the people behind them as the country prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

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The magic of Christmas is coming to CBS Home Express & More, and this year, you won’t have to travel far to find it!

There’s a little extra Christmas cheer coming to Coushatta! CBS Home Express & More is opening its Christmas Shoppe, located in the warehouse right next to the main store. And this isn’t just another holiday display — it’s a Christmas shopping experience filled with festive finds, hometown charm, and prices worth celebrating!

Step inside and discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees, shelves filled with ornaments, festive pictures and signs, Santa Claus decorations, wreaths, gift bags, wrapping paper, and outdoor Christmas blow-up displays. There’s even a special children’s corner to bring a little extra magic to the season.

And here’s the real Christmas surprise — Christmas Shoppe merchandise is 50% to 60% OFF, with outdoor Christmas blow-up displays at 30% OFF! This one-of-a-kind holiday sale brings incredible savings on Christmas decorations and seasonal treasures, all right here in Red River Parish.

Why drive 40 miles to shop for Christmas when you can find beautiful decorations, wonderful bargains, and a little holiday inspiration right here at home? Whether you’re decorating an entire house, adding a few new treasures to your collection, or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone at the Christmas Shoppe.

And the holiday cheer doesn’t stop there! Spend $25 in the store and get your name entered into a weekly drawing for Christmas tumblers. It’s just one more way CBS Home Express & More is making the season merry and bright.

Christmas Shoppe Hours:

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

So gather your friends, bring your Christmas spirit, and come see what all the excitement is about. Big-city shopping trips can wait — this Christmas, some of the best holiday finds are waiting right here in Coushatta!

CBS Home Express & More — Your hometown store, with a whole lot more Christmas!

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