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

Red River Cowboy Church will kick off its M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series on May 24, offering a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Kids who attend three of the four events will earn a buckle. Additional dates: June 14, July 5, & August 2.

Ashland Baptist Church will hold a one-day VBS, Illumination Station, on May 30 from 8am until 12pm.

First Baptist Church Coushatta is getting ready for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School with this year’s theme, “Illumination Station,” set for June 1-5 from 5:30-8pm each night. Children completing Pre-K through sixth grade are invited to enjoy Bible adventures, music, games, crafts, fellowship and nightly meals while learning more about Jesus in a fun and energetic environment. The week will also feature special dress-up days, themed activities and kid-friendly meals throughout the week.

Martin Baptist Church will host VBS, Illumination Station, June 8-12 from 5:30-8:20pm for COMPLETED PK-4 -6th grade (NO 3 yr olds). Register at https://forms.gle/vWCbZurjEqeraV3s5. Contact Brandi Jones or the church for any questions.

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Castor, will host Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 22–26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Children in Pre-K through 6th grade are welcome to attend and enjoy a week of VBS fun.

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

Cottage Coffee is closing its brick-and-mortar location and transitioning to a delivery only service. The last day to grab a coffee in-store is tomorrow (May 23). 

LSU football announced Coach O is back! He will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the team.

Red River Parish Public Schools will be closed in observance of Memorial Day May 25-26. Classes resume Wed May 27.

Red River Junior High will present the End of Year Performing Arts performance June 4 at 12pm in the gym. Performances will include music, choir, dance and cooking.

DOTD lifts the 18-wheeler ban on 1-20 as the major renovation project comes to an end.

According to reports, John Fleming has challenged Julia Letlow to take part in three face-to-face televised debates.

Specialists from Reuter Organ Company arrived in Natchitoches this week to disassemble, pack and transport Northwestern State University’s famed pipe organ back to its place of origin in Lawrence, Kansas, where it will undergo cleaning, repairs and expansion with the addition of digital components. The organ is expected to be reinstalled in late summer with a fall concert in the works for a rededication.

Non-stop flights from Shreveport to Nashville began yesterday from Shreveport Regional Airport for the summer season.

Aaron Rodgers announced he will retire after the upcoming 2026 season. He returns to Pittsburg for his 22nd season with a one-year contract.

Alvin Roy Lloyd
July 19, 1953 — May 20, 2026
Memorial services will be held  Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10am at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Creston.

By Misty Castile | May 18, 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said no state government employees will receive raises if teachers do not receive permanent salary increases this year, escalating the stakes after voters rejected a key constitutional amendment tied to education funding.

“In light of Amendment 3 falling short, I want to make it very clear – if our teachers don’t get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise,” Landry said in a statement posted to social media. “I mean nobody.”

The remarks come days after Louisiana voters rejected Amendment 3, which would have restructured education funding and helped finance permanent teacher pay raises. It would have required the state to dissolve three education trust funds to pay off employee retirement debt early for K-12 school districts and universities. The districts were to use the savings to give teachers and support workers raises of $2,250 and $1,125.

Without that funding mechanism, lawmakers now face a more difficult path to securing the estimated hundreds of millions of dollars needed to boost salaries.

Landry did not outline a specific plan for how teacher raises would be funded in the absence of the amendment but framed the issue as a priority for the upcoming budget process.

Teacher pay has been a recurring issue in Louisiana, where salaries have historically lagged behind the national average. Lawmakers in recent years have relied on temporary stipends rather than permanent raises, a strategy critics say creates uncertainty for educators and school systems.

Is your computer secure? Have you ever been hacked? Do you want that to happen again? What can you do to keep your computer safe and protect your personal data? We can help.

On Friday, May 22, Mr. Tobin DeVille of DeVille Training Connection will be at the library for two sessions about computer security. He will be able to help you answer some of the questions you might have, such as: What should you secure?, What is Social Engineering?, How do you write a secure password?, What computer settings should you use?, What Anti-Virus protection should you use? Mr. DeVille will discuss
all of these topics and more. There is so much to learn!

If you wish to join us for this workshop, there are two options from which you can choose. The first session is scheduled for 10:00 to 12:00 Friday morning. The second session is scheduled to begin at 2:00 and will end at 4:00. You can call the library at 318-932-5614 and tell us which session you prefer and we can put your name on the list. Bring a friend with you if you wish, and walk-ins are welcome.

Snacks and coffee will be provided. We are looking forward to seeing you here!

Shared by Red River Parish Library

As summer approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reminding families about the importance of water safety. Using strong water safety practices can prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, especially among children. This reminder comes as Governor Jeff Landry proclaims May as Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Swim Safety Month in Louisiana.

Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana.

“Most drownings are preventable, and they can happen quickly and silently,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “There are important things for adults to do whenever children are in or around water — have a designated adult ‘on duty’ to actively supervise swimmers, keep young children within arm’s reach, and never leave children unattended when in or around water.”

Fifty-five children drowned in Louisiana between 2022 and 2024, according to the LDH Office of Public Health (OPH). More than half (65%) were unsupervised, and 42% drowned in water unprotected by proper barriers. Most of these instances (58%) occurred in swimming pools. Another 54 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings (or near-drownings), which can lead to lifelong disabilities.

“Watching the water is one of the most important jobs a parent has this summer,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin. “Even if a child is rescued from drowning, the near-miss can still be very serious and could include permanent damage that affects how a child walks, talks, or learns for the rest of their life.”

Best practice recommendations for water safety 

TEACH THEM EARLY: Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age to ensure they learn essential water skills and safety awareness.

PROTECT POOL AREAS: Surround private pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent children and uninvited guests from swimming unattended and toddlers from falling into water, unable to swim. Install safety devices, such as barriers, pool covers, and alarms.

KNOW YOUR DRAINS: Teach children to stay away from pool drains. 

ENSURE COMPLIANCE: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.

CONSIDER THE DANGERS: Everyone needs to know the rules and dangers in different environments, from backyard pools and hot tubs to area lakes and beaches. Open water brings special challenges, including low visibility in murky water, hazardous currents, changes in depth, and uneven surfaces and hazards.

WATCH ACTIVELY: Always supervise children in or near the water. Never leave them unattended. Be sure an adult is always within arm’s reach. When there are several adults present, designate one adult as a “water watcher” to supervise, with no distractions for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the “water watcher.”

MIND THE RED FLAGS: At the beach, be aware of and respect conditions. Always swim with a buddy under the watch of lifeguards. Know what to do if you are caught in open currents or a riptide. Never swim alone.

WEAR A LIFE JACKET: When boating or participating in open-water activities, ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets appropriate for their weight and activity.

AVOID ALCOHOL: Swim sober. Avoid alcohol use near open water and before or during swimming, boating, and other water activities, as it could impede awareness and emergency response. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

BE PREPARED: Know what to do in a water safety event. Learn life-saving practices, like CPR and basic water rescue skills. Have a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Resources and tips

Resources and additional tips for water safety, including information on local swim lessons and CPR classes, are available at getaswimplan.ldh.la.gov.

Donna Alexa Dozar (Womack), 69 of Colfax, LA, passed away on May 11th, 2026, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Born on December 18th 1956, she was the beloved daughter of Emmett V. Womack Sr. and Juanita Womack.

Alexa was a gifted artist whose creativity touched everyone around her. She crafted beautiful, delicious, fondant cakes for her nieces, nephews, and friends and her charcoal drawings remain treasured keepsakes among her family and friends. Her greatest joys in life were fishing with Mike and spending time caring for her mother, Juanita. Their bond was deep, loving, and unbreakable. Juanita currently resides at the Belle Grande Nursing home in Alexandria, LA.

Alexa was preceded in death by her father Emmett V. Womack Sr and nephew Emmett V. Womack III (Trey). She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mike Dozar of Colfax, LA; her mother Juanita Womack of Alexandria, LA; her three brothers, Emmett Vaughn Womack JR (wife Mickey), of Coushatta, LA; Allen Womack, of Coushatta, LA; Randall Womack (Wife Dee), of Baton Rouge, LA; niece Kerri Weaver (husband, Buddy) of Winslow, AR. Her great nieces and nephews include Payton Thornton and his wife Logan of Roseland, LA; Madden and Sam Weaver from Winslow, AR, and Jaden and Alanna Womack of Castor, LA. Her great-great niece and nephew Harper and Emmett Thornton of Roseland, LA. Very special friend Fran Bromley and all of her domino buddies at the barn.

The family takes deep comfort in knowing that Alexa’s steadfast Pentecostal faith has carried her home to heaven, where she is reunited with her daddy fishing with him in the presence of the Lord. Alexa’s life was marked by devotion, kindness, artistry, and quiet strength. Her presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will remain a blessing to her family, friends, and community.

In accordance with Revised Statutes 3:667, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry hereby gives notice that Red River Livestock, L.L.C. has submitted an application for a livestock market charter in Red River Parish, to be located at 6066 Highway 1, Armistead, Louisiana, 71019. The Board of Animal Health will hold a hearing at its next regularly-scheduled meeting to consider the application. The meeting will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry headquarters building, located at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. The hearing will be open to the public.

Daniel Myrick, DVM
Assistant State Veterinarian
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

Paid Content

Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana are reminding drivers that the “Carolina Squat” vehicle modification is illegal under state law and that enforcement efforts are increasing.

The modification, most commonly seen on pickup trucks, raises the front of the vehicle significantly higher than the rear. Officers say the altered stance can create safety concerns by limiting visibility, affecting vehicle handling and causing headlights to shine directly into oncoming traffic.

Louisiana lawmakers approved legislation banning the modification in 2022. Under the law, vehicles cannot have the front raised six inches or more higher than the rear when measured from the ground through the center of the wheels while operating without a load or trailer attached.

Police departments in several parts of the state have recently announced plans to focus more attention on illegally modified vehicles. Drivers found in violation could face citations and may be required to correct the issue before the vehicle can return to the road.

Supporters of the law say the goal is to improve roadway safety and reduce risks for other drivers. The “Carolina Squat” trend became popular through truck culture and social media but has since been restricted in multiple states due to safety concerns.

Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.

Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.

I’ve seen:

People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eye roll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.

After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.

To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.

Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.

I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.

Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.

I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone. If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.

Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be held Fri, May 22 from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 ($10 for kids 10-17). Dinner includes All you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. Martin Baptist Church will host.

A one night revival is scheduled for Sat May 23 at 4pm at the Hall Summit Community Center & Park. Worship will be led by New Light Church & New Light Baptist Church. Speaker is Marvin Leleux. Bring your chairs.

Grand Ecore bridge over the Red River going into Natchitoches is reduced to one lane through Friday for routine inspections.

The public is invited to the pastoral installation of Pastors Kalvin and Charlene Douglas May 31 at 2pm at Grace Assembly Church in Coushatta. Pastor Hurmon Hamilton from New Beginnings Community Church will be bringing the Word, and Apostle Sebastian Babers will be performing the installation ceremony in proxy of Apostle Lee Otis Sibley Sr. 

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development is seeking nominations for the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Educators, Outstanding Young Professionals and the Friend to Education Award. The Hall of Distinguished Educators is the highest honor bestowed by the School of Education. Nominees must have earned an education degree from Northwestern State University, must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the field of education and must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community at a local, state, national or international level.  Nominees may be living or deceased. More than 100 educators have been honored with the Hall of Distinguished Educators award since 2000. Outstanding Young Professionals in Education must have earned an education degree from NSU and have a minimum of 10 years of service in the field of education. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community. Nominees must be 45 years old or younger. The Friend to Education award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of education, the Northwestern State University School of Education, the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development and/or the university as a whole. Nominees for this award are not eligible for consideration for the Hall of Distinguished Educators. Individuals may be nominated regardless of whether they are living or deceased. Applications are due by August 5, 2026, and are available now at 2026 Nominations. For more information, contact Dr. April Jessup Giddens at giddensa@nsula.edu. Individuals selected will be honored with a reception and induction program during Homecoming festivities Oct. 23-24.  

Sarah Marie Wood
May 27, 1961 — May 17, 2026
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

Donna Alexa Womack Dozar
December 18, 1956 — May 11, 2026 
A memorial service will be held at a later date.

A total of 1,208 voters cast ballots in Red River Parish for the May 16 election, including early voting and Election Day turnout.  The turnout represents approximately 22% of registered voters in the parish.

Early voting drew 364 voters across one or more ballot categories, with Republicans leading early turnout at 206 voters compared to 152 Democrats.

Overall, Republicans outpaced Democrats in the closed primary, with 674 Republicans participating compared to 463 Democrats. At least 71 independent voters chose not to participate in a party primary.

Here is the statistical breakdown for Red River Parish.  

Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards announced the addition of Jackson Ellis and Cody Mathews to the sheriff’s office patrol division following their graduation from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy.

Both deputies completed the academy on May 13, earning Level 1 Certification for Basic Law Enforcement Peace Officers through the Louisiana POST Council. A graduation ceremony recognizing the 16-member class was held May 14.

Deputy Cody Mathews received special recognition during the ceremony, earning the academy’s Academic Award for outstanding classroom performance.

The 14-week academy, directed by Captain Avery Leary, included more than 500 hours of training covering officer survival, active shooter response, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, report writing, first aid/CPR, physical fitness and more.

Sheriff Edwards said continued training remains critical in preparing deputies to serve the community safely and professionally.

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

Red River Cowboy Church will kick off its M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series on May 24, offering a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Kids who attend three of the four events will earn a buckle.

Ashland Baptist Church will hold a one-day VBS, Illumination Station, on May 30 from 8am until 12pm.

First Baptist Church of Coushatta will host its Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 1–5 from 5:30-8pm for Pre-K4-6th grade. The week will focus on shining a light on who Jesus really is.

Martin Baptist Church will host VBS, Illumination Station, June 8-12 from 5:30-8:20pm for COMPLETED PK-4 -6th grade (NO 3 yr olds). Register at https://forms.gle/vWCbZurjEqeraV3s5. Contact Brandi Jones or the church for any questions.

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Castor, will host Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 22–26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Children in Pre-K through 6th grade are welcome to attend and enjoy a week of VBS fun.

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

• B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
• E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
• F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.

In accordance with Revised Statutes 3:667, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry hereby gives notice that Red River Livestock, L.L.C. has submitted an application for a livestock market charter in Red River Parish, to be located at 6066 Highway 1, Armistead, Louisiana, 71019. The Board of Animal Health will hold a hearing at its next regularly-scheduled meeting to consider the application. The meeting will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry headquarters building, located at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. The hearing will be open to the public.

Daniel Myrick, DVM
Assistant State Veterinarian
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

Paid Content