Red River Parish resident David Pickett has been named the Pelican Crappie Club’s 2026 Senior Angler of the Year, earning the highest overall point total among all amateur divisions, including Amateur, Male/Female and Senior. The Senior Angler of the Year title recognizes anglers age 60 and older for their performance throughout the tournament season.

Pickett has not missed a Pelican Crappie Club tournament since 2025, traveling to lakes across Louisiana and neighboring states to compete in all kinds of weather. His dedication and consistency helped him secure the season-long honor.

In addition to his Angler of the Year title, Pickett received the 2026 Largest Amateur Big Fish award for a 2.89-pound crappie caught during the Raising for the Risers Benefit Event in June. He also finished fourth in the 2026 Pelican Crappie Club Championship, held October 9–10 at Lake D’Arbonne.

Pickett’s accomplishments highlight an outstanding year of competitive fishing and bring recognition to Red River Parish.

Photo credit: Pelican Crappie Club social media

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The State Fair of Louisiana is preparing to welcome visitors back to Shreveport October 29 through November 15, and this year’s fair will feature a special attraction that recently made history in the nation’s capital.

The Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel, which served as the centerpiece of America’s 250th anniversary celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is making its next stop at the State Fair of Louisiana.

Standing 110 feet tall, the Ferris wheel was a featured attraction at the Great American State Fair in Washington, where it welcomed visitors from across the country during a 16-day celebration. With the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums providing the backdrop, the wheel became part of the festivities recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Now, fairgoers in Shreveport can experience the same attraction from the historic celebration.

“The Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel served as the centerpiece of the Great American State Fair, symbolizing America moving forward with every revolution of the wheel,” said Taylor Talley, Chief Marketing Officer of Talley Amusements. “We’re proud to continue that journey by bringing a piece of this historic celebration to Louisiana.”

Talley, who served as the official public spokesperson for the Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel during the Washington celebration, will also be in Shreveport representing Talley Amusements throughout the fair.

The wheel is owned and operated by Talley Amusements, a traveling amusement company that provides rides and attractions at fairs, festivals and special events across the country.

Its appearance in Shreveport gives Louisiana residents a chance to enjoy an attraction that recently stood among some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks.

Along with the Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel, the State Fair of Louisiana will bring the excitement of the midway back to Shreveport for its annual fall run.

The State Fair of Louisiana will take place in Shreveport from October 29 through November 15. The Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel is expected to be one of the fair’s featured attractions, giving visitors an opportunity to take a ride on a piece of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

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Ponderings

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Please pick the beep you like best. You will be hearing it again shortly.

A beep is a short, high-pitched sound intended as a signal, summons, or warning. It also replaces words unsuitable for a family digital publication. For example: “Oh, BEEP! I dropped the hot casserole after taking it out of the microwave when it BEEPED.”

Beep is an example of onomatopoeia. That is a large word describing a small noise that is slowly driving me crazy.

The microwave beeps when the food is ready. Mine continues beeping until I open the door or push stop. Apparently, it fears I will forget the sumptuous frozen dinner it has prepared. Nothing says fine dining like a plastic tray and an appliance demanding that you come get it.

The oven beeps when it reaches the selected temperature. It beeps when the cooking time is nearly over. It beeps when the cooking time is over. Then it beeps until I acknowledge its contribution to the meal. I have known preachers who needed less affirmation.

The house alarm beeps when I turn it on, when I turn it off, and when the power fails. When the power returns, it beeps to tell me the power failed. I know. I was here. The lights went out.

Every button beeps. Then the system beeps to announce that I have thirty seconds to leave the house. Suddenly, I am a contestant on a game show, gathering my keys and trying to escape before the horn announces that I have lost.

Seeking peace, I retreat to the BEEPING car.

My Toyota has a mystery beep. Sometimes I turn off the engine, open the door, and receive a beep of disapproval. I don’t know what I have done. Perhaps I have disappointed it. Perhaps it is saying goodbye. Perhaps somewhere in Japan an engineer is laughing.

The car beeps when I get too close to something, when something gets too close to me, and when I change lanes without signaling. It has become a backseat driver with factory authorization.

It beeps when the gas runs low. At the station, the pump beeps when it accepts my card and again when I select the fuel. I suspect the car and pump are talking about me.

This morning, the car beeped as I got out. The office alarm chimed as I entered. A chime is a beep that attended finishing school. Then my computer beeped about something Microsoft wanted.

Oh, BEEP.

Eventually, we stop listening. We have to. Every machine believes its announcement deserves our immediate attention.

But I wonder whether that habit follows us into our relationships.

Someone starts telling a story we have heard before. A lonely person calls at an inconvenient time. A worried friend needs more reassurance than we think necessary. We hear the first few words and mentally reach for the mute button.

I can confess to occasionally wanting people to come equipped with one.

Jesus heard a great deal of noise, too. Crowds pressed around him. People demanded answers, healing, attention. Yet when blind Bartimaeus cried out and others told him to be quiet, Jesus stopped and called for him.

The crowd heard an interruption. Jesus heard a man.

That gives me something to confess. I can become so occupied with doing the Lord’s work that I resent someone the Lord loves for interrupting it.

Christian love takes shape in these ordinary moments: listening to the story, answering the call, asking one more question—and staying long enough to hear the answer. The person before me bears God’s image and is someone for whom Christ died. That deserves my attention.

Lord, help me recognize the difference between a noise I can ignore and a neighbor I am called to love. Give me the patience to stop, the grace to listen, and a heart willing to be interrupted.

The microwave can wait.

Somebody may need to be heard.

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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.

Chardrick Hardy guessed 9 out 10 correctly and walked away with $100!

Are you ready for some football?!?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Clara Springs Baptist Camp will host its October Fourth Friday Fish Fry on Friday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m., with Salem Baptist Church serving as the evening’s host. In recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month, pastors and their spouses are invited to enjoy a free meal. The all-you-can-eat dinner includes fried fish, coleslaw, French fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and a drink. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 10–15, and free for children 9 and younger. The event will take place at Clara Springs Camp, located at 4420 Highway 177 in Pelican.

Liberty Baptist Church will kick off its first Rooted Youth Night on Sunday, October 25, from 5:30–7 p.m. with a special “Popcorn & PJs” event. Students in grades 7–12 are invited to wear their favorite pajamas, bring a friend and enjoy a showing of the first episode of The Chosen. A popcorn bar will also be available, allowing students to create their own snack bowls. The evening is designed to bring youth together for fellowship, fun and faith.

Red River Parish Public Schools will hold parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, October 29, from 2 to 7 p.m. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend meetings with their child’s teacher, discuss academic progress and address any questions or concerns. Students will have an early dismissal at 1 p.m. that day to allow teachers time to prepare for conferences.

Nichols will celebrate its 112th anniversary with a special Tax-Free Weekend on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, at all store locations. Shoppers can enjoy tax-free purchases throughout the store, making it a great opportunity to get an early start on Christmas shopping. The event is especially beneficial for big-ticket purchases and merchandise that rarely goes on sale due to manufacturer pricing restrictions. From Christmas gifts to holiday decorations, customers are invited to take advantage of the two-day anniversary celebration at Nichols locations in Many, Leesville and other participating stores.

The Red River Lady Bulldogs Softball team will host its first-ever Future Lady Dawgs Skills Camp November 16–18, 2026, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Red River High School. The camp is open to girls ages 6–13 and will provide an opportunity to learn basic softball fundamentals from the coaching staff and high school players while enjoying games, challenges and fun. Registration is $30 per day or $80 for all three days, with a discounted rate of $70 for each additional sibling attending all three days. Parents can register their children using the link provided on the Red River Lady Bulldogs Softball Facebook page.

The Louisiana Department of Health has announced that Healthy Blue will no longer be available to Louisiana Medicaid members beginning January 1, 2027. Current Healthy Blue members have from October 15 through November 16, 2026, to select a new health plan. Members who do not make a selection will automatically be assigned to another Medicaid health plan, with new coverage beginning January 1. Members can choose a plan through the Healthy Louisiana mobile app, online at myplan.healthy.la.gov/enroll, or by calling 1-855-229-6848. For additional information, visit https://ldh.la.gov/news/healthy-blue-coverage.

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Brenda Jean Still
Oct 6, 1952 — Oct 16, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

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Have you ever wanted to play handbells? A new community handbell choir is in the early stages of forming, and everyone who loves music and has a heart for worship is invited to join.

You don’t have to be an experienced musician to get involved. The group welcomes anyone interested in learning to play and sharing music with others.

The goal is to bring the sound of handbells to local churches and community events, offering a special way to bring people together through music and worship.

We are just getting started, and there is room for you! If you have been looking for a way to share your musical interests, learn something new or serve the community, we would love to hear from you.

Interested in joining? Contact any of the following:

🔔 Karen Squires or Kelley Lee: redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

🔔 Christy Suggs: csuggs@rrbulldogs.com

🔔 Tom Jones: office@fmccoushatta.org

Come be part of something new in our community. We look forward to making a joyful sound together!

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Dr. Virginia Webb, our local genealogist, is really excited about a recent happening on Ancestry.com.  They have released the Louisiana death records over 50 years old!  At our genealogy meeting on October 21^st, she will be speaking about the importance of death certificates in genealogy research.  According to Dr. Webb, death certificates provide a wealth of information for family history researchers.  Availability of death certificates varies greatly according to the place of death and the year of death.  In the United States, some death records date back to the 1600s.  Death records in the New Orleans area date back to the very early 1800s.  Statewide Louisiana death records began in 1911, but some areas of the state were not compliant until 1914.  The October Genealogy program will include a look at sample death records, how to obtain death records, how to determine accuracy of the death records, and some interesting examples of death certificates.  Volunteers and library staff will assist participants in locating death certificates recently released to Ancestry.com, one of the programs available through the Red River Parish Library.

On November 7^th, Dr. Webb will also teach a genealogy workshop, which will give out the very basic first steps on doing genealogical research.  She taught a workshop like this about a year or so ago, and the response was very good.  Anyone interested in genealogy is welcome, no matter how experienced he or she might be.  The Red River Parish Library is very lucky to have someone like Dr. Webb, who is so passionate about the history of our parish.  In addition, she has been able to help us get some very helpful materials added to our library.  Specifically, we have obtained copies of a series of books on family maps of Red River Parish, Bienville Parish, and Natchitoches Parish, just to mention a few.  Our library is becoming well-known for both the quantity and quality of materials we have acquired to aid in genealogical research.

During the last week of October, our library will begin decorating for Halloween and working with members of the community to bring smiles to young and old alike.  On October 28, the library will take part in the Trunk or Treat at the local nursing home, and on October 29, our library will participate in the Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat activity.  Finally, we will have our own Halloween Party here at the library on October 30^th in our big meeting room from 4:00 to 6:00.  We hope that all will come to have some fun, get some candy, and take a lot of pictures.  Parents, please remember that your children need either you or another responsible adult with them during this time.

Finally, the library is doing something that has never been done here before this year.  Teens are invited to participate in a Game Truck Day to be held on November 20^th from 2:00 to 4:00 here at the library.  However, all teens who are interested in participating must register by November 10^th by coming to the library to sign up and also get a parent letter which must be signed and returned to the library. This activity is for ages 13 through 18 and is completely free.  The games provided will be selected by library staff with input from teens, to ensure that the games are age and theme appropriate.  The game trucks will be manned by adults employed by the gaming company, and library personnel will also be available.  The parent letter that the teens pickup when they register will have all the information that both parents and teens need.  We hope that we will have a good turnout, but due to time and space, the number of teens will be limited to no more than 30, so registration is very important.  If this activity has a good response, we may try to make it a regular event.

Submitted by the Red River Parish Library

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, October 19, 2026, the LA 515 bridge over Coushatta Bayou in Red River Parish will be closed until further notice.

This bridge is located approximately 1 mile north of the intersection with US 71, about five miles north of the Town of Coushatta. (see included map)

The bridge is being closed due to the condition of the structure for the safety of the traveling public, and will remain closed until such time that repairs or replacement can be developed and implemented.

Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Motorists may detour using US 71 and LA 514.

Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

To track updates and developments related to the T4LA initiative aimed at enhancing the manner in which DOTD serves the state’s citizens, visit www.T4la.com.

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The Red River football team got off to a much-needed quick start, but the Bulldogs couldn’t sustain that momentum in a 43-22 loss to Many on Friday.

Red River (1-6, 0-2 District 4-2A), and its nine seniors, didn’t walk away with the victory on Senior Night, which is also the final home of game of the season.

The Bulldogs turned to their air attack to start things off as quarterback Ashton Johnson connected with senior Landon Wilson from 30 yards out for the game’s first score.

Wilson jumped over a Many defensive back to secure the touchdown, proof that all is well for the all-district receiver who has missed the majority of the season and returned this past week mostly in a running back role.

Many (2-5, 1-0) scored the next two touchdowns on J.J. Stills rushing scores, the second of which was set up by a Red River turnover on their own 5-yard line as the Tigers built a 15-8 lead.

Johnson flashed his running ability on a 15-yard scamper for a score, pulling the Bulldogs to within 15-14.

Many stud running back Daniel Thomas, who has more than 3,000 rushing yards in his career, took a direct snap 52 yards right before the half to push Many’s edge to 22-14.

Thomas was the team’s most effective passer this past week in an overtime loss at Avoyelles, but freshman quarterback Luke McCarty had his best week of the season.

McCarty connected on scoring passes of 35 yards to Keelan Maxie and another to Johnathon Winfield as Many scored the first three touchdowns of the second half for a 43-14 lead.

“We’ve got to get back to the drawing board,” Red River coach Travis Gary said in a KTBS postgame interview. “There’s a lot of things to fix.”

Entering the game, McCarty had just one touchdown pass all season on 9-35 passing with seven interceptions.

“(Red River) came in talking about stopping the run, but I felt like we did a pretty good job of throwing the ball tonight,” said Many coach Tyler Hassell, who was part of Red River’s district title in 2024 as an assistant. “The biggest thing for us is getting our confidence back.”

Red River scored the final touchdown to bring the final to 43-22.

Many has won two straight in the series, including this past season’s first round playoff game.

If the Bulldogs are to make the playoffs, they’ll need to get it done on the road.

Red River’s final three games are at defending district champion Mansfield, at a Lakeside team that beat Winnfield on Friday, and at a Loyola Prep program that features one of Shreveport’s best offenses.

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First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church are joining together to host a Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Alonzo and Edgar Streets in Coushatta.

The free community event will feature an evening of food, games, activities and fellowship, with entertainment planned for children and adults of all ages.

Festival activities will include inflatables, face painting, Trunk or Treat, a costume contest, a cake walk, a toy walk, door prizes and drawings. Food will also be provided at no cost to attendees.

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and participate in the various activities throughout the evening. Families can enjoy traditional fall festival favorites while spending time with friends and neighbors.

The event is a joint effort between the two churches to bring the community together for an evening of fun and fellowship. Everyone is welcome to attend, and there is no admission charge.

For additional information, contact First Methodist Church at 318-272-1468 or First Baptist Church at 318-932-4023.

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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

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Northwestern State University’s 2026 Homecoming will take place this week with a full schedule in which alumni will be honored, reunions staged and the community invited to the parade and pep rally in downtown Natchitoches.

The Long Purple Line Luncheon and induction program will take place at the Natchitoches Events Center on Friday, Oct. 23. Doors open at 11 a.m.  Long Purple Line inductees Bryan David Arceneaux of Larose, Edwin Dunahoe, Billy Joe Harrington and Dr. Ronald Owen McBride of Natchitoches, Trey Hill of Baton Rouge and Brenda Williams Webb of Shreveport will be honored.  Individual alumni awards will also be presented.  Tickets are available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/event/nsu-long-purple-line-luncheon-2026/.

Following the luncheon, a ribbon cutting and formal opening of the David and Sherry Morgan Sports Performance Center will take place at 3 p.m. at the Donald Kelly Athletic Complex.  Visitors will be able to tour the facility that includes an 11,600 square foot weight room with space for more than 100 student-athletes, a 25-foot artificial turf pad, a nutrition center, a student-athlete lounge and offices for the strength and conditioning staff, among other amenities.

The Natchitoches community is invited to the Homecoming Parade of Champions that will begin at 5 p.m. on campus.  The lineup will be on Central Avenue and the parade will roll down Sam Sibley Drive, turn left on South Jefferson and proceed all the way to the downtown riverbank stage on Rue Beauport, followed by a pep rally with spirit group performances and an introduction to the Homecoming Honor Court.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, events will begin at 8 a.m. with reception for individual colleges.

The N-Club induction ceremony will start at 9 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

Alumni Cheer practice will be from 9-11 a.m. at the School of Kinesiology building.

The College of Business and Technology will host a welcome breakfast and induction program for College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame inductees at 9:30 a.m. in the Natchitoches Room on the second floor of Russell Hall. Inductees are Wes Breeden of New Orleans, Joseph “Trent” Jackson of Shreveport, Laura Terrell Lyles of Natchitoches, Leah Sherman Middlebrook of Bossier City, Terry E. Moore of Shreveport and Keith E. Poirrier of Lafayette.

A reception for Hall of Distinguished Educators will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Commons Area of the Teacher Education Center, followed by the induction ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Middle Lab auditorium.  This year’s inductees are Mark Minton of Bossier City, Tommy Alan Moore of Henderson, Texas, and LeAnn Gray Skinner of Stonewall.  Outstanding Young Professionals in Education are Jessica Fain Blanchard of Denham Springs, Aaliyah Rachal Seawood of Natchitoches and Dr. Joshua V. Sims of Shreveport.  The Friend to Education honoree is Donna “DeeDee” Foster Perot of Natchitoches.

Tailgating at Collins Pavillion and around Turpin Stadium will be from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Baptist Collegiate Ministry will host a Centennial luncheon at the BCM building at noon.

Kick-off for the football game vs. Nicholls State University will be at 2 p.m. with pregame activities starting at 1:30.

Halftime will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. and will include recognition of all alumni honorees, the Spirit of Northwestern halftime show and the presentation of the Homecoming Honor Court.  Reese Kennedy of Denham Springs is queen of the court and Nickolas Robinson of Shreveport is king.  Court members are Camilia Adger and Parker Stroope of Shreveport, Lorelai Beavers of Minden, Madison Book of Pineville, Keith Gallagher of Blanchard Elizabeth Hardy of Haughton, Ardyn Jardell and Margaret Martinez of Jennings, Hannah Kennedy of Rosepine, Alex Laurent of Lafayette, Jakobie McCormick of Franklinton, Alexa Metternich of Walker, Peyshance Peek of Mooringsport, Joshua Peek and Logan Sneed of Leesville, Kieler Soape of Montgomery Texas, Owen Stutzman of Gonzales, K.C. Thompson of Sulphur, Anthony Ugokwe of Alexandria and Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia.

During the third quarter break, NSU’s 70th Mr. and Miss NSU, Owen Stutzman of Gonzales and Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia, will be recognized.

In advance of the weekend, the weekly Quarterback Club lunch will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Flying Heart Brewery, 108 Mill St., Natchitoches.  The event is open to all Demon fans.  The cost is $20.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the NSU Food Pantry will welcome drive-thu donations at the Pantry, which is located at Trisler Power Plant on Central Avenue.

A full schedule of NSU Homecoming events is available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/homecoming/

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Louisiana lawmakers are expected to have an additional $565 million available for debt reduction, infrastructure improvements and other one-time expenses after state officials reported a projected budget surplus on Thursday, October 15.

The surplus comes from the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2026, and state officials largely attribute it to higher-than-expected tax collections. Personal income tax collections exceeded projections by approximately $170 million, while sales tax revenue came in about $160 million above estimates.

Under Louisiana’s Constitution, at least 25% of the surplus, approximately $141 million, must be used to reduce debt for the state retirement system. Another 25% must be deposited into the state’s rainy-day fund, which provides financial protection during future revenue shortfalls.

That leaves approximately $282 million for lawmakers to allocate toward approved one-time expenses, including road and bridge improvements, construction projects, coastal restoration and other infrastructure needs.

Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier welcomed the projected surplus, emphasizing their commitment to reducing debt, strengthening state finances and investing in Louisiana’s infrastructure.

The money is not yet available for spending. The surplus must first be officially certified and recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference, a process expected to take place early next year.

The additional revenue could provide opportunities for improvements across Louisiana, although specific projects and funding allocations have not yet been determined.

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Red River Parish Schools are back in session today, Monday, October 19, following fall break. Students and staff are returning to their regular schedules as the district resumes classes and begins the second grading period.

The LSU Tigers delivered a dominant defensive performance, shutting out Mississippi State 31-0. The victory marked LSU’s first shutout against an SEC opponent since 2007, ending a nearly 19-year stretch without a conference shutout. The Tigers’ defense kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard throughout the game, highlighting an impressive performance in conference play.

United Way of Northwest Louisiana will host its first Get Banked Day on Thursday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverview Hall in Shreveport, a free community event designed to connect residents with financial resources and opportunities that can support greater financial security. The event welcomes community members at all stages of life and at all points in their financial journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about traditional banking and financial institutions, credit management, homeownership, and other financial resources. For students and adults 18 and older, participating financial institutions will be available to provide information about banking options and, where appropriate, opportunities to explore opening a bank account. While account opening will depend on individual circumstances and each institution’s requirements, the event is designed to help attendees better understand their options and connect directly with financial professionals. Participating financial partners currently include local banks and credit unions, along with additional community partners participating in the event. In addition to banking resources, Get Banked Day will provide information and education related to important areas of financial well-being, including credit management, homeownership, and more. The event will also address the differences between financial apps and traditional banking options, helping attendees better understand the choices available to them. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the A.L.I.C.E. Reality Simulator, an interactive, role-playing exercise created by the United Way network to demonstrate the daily financial pressures and difficult budget choices faced by hardworking households.

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, various 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 Bayou Cruisers will host a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the residence of Mike and Jacqueline Martin. Families are invited to bring their children for an evening of Halloween fun, candy and a display of antique, vintage and classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, Jeeps and more. Community members are also encouraged to bring their vehicles, decorate them and hand out candy. Children are welcome to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes for this family-friendly event.

Northwestern State University Technical Services has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Park Foundation to support work with the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, or NCPTT. NSU will conduct the project in partnership with NCPTT, which is located on the university’s Natchitoches campus and works to advance the preservation of historic buildings, landscapes and other cultural resources. Through the two-year project, NSU and NCPTT will develop a risk assessment tool for historic sites in the National Park Service’s Southeast Region.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara joined an exclusive group in NFL history Sunday, becoming just the sixth player to record at least 5,000 career rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. Kamara reached the milestone during the Saints’ victory over the New York Giants, highlighting his versatility as one of the league’s most productive dual-threat running backs. The achievement adds another impressive accomplishment to his career and strengthens his case for future Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team has captured its seventh consecutive national championship at the National Collegiate Water Ski Association championships. The victory marks the program’s 13th national title overall and extends its remarkable streak to 41 consecutive wins.

College football fans witnessed a historic Saturday as five of the nation’s top seven teams in the AP Poll suffered defeats on the same day for the first time in the poll’s history. No. 1 Georgia fell to Auburn 27–24, No. 2 Notre Dame lost to BYU 28–24, No. 5 Indiana was defeated by Ohio State 19–15, No. 6 Alabama fell to Tennessee 26–10, and No. 7 Texas lost to Florida 27–24. The stunning results shook up the national rankings and could have major implications for the College Football Playoff race.

According to Jacob Hester, it has been 763 days since the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints have won on the same weekend!

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Pamela Loftin Eastwood
December 15, 1948 — October 15, 2026
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta.

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Residents across northwest Louisiana are being urged to use caution as the National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Fire Weather Watch beginning today, October 16, bringing an increased risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.

Ongoing drought conditions, low humidity and wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph will combine to create dangerous fire conditions across the region. The watch includes much of northwest Louisiana and surrounding areas of Texas and Arkansas, extending through Saturday at 1 a.m.

The arrival of a cold front will bring cooler temperatures to the area, but the combination of dry vegetation and gusty winds could allow even a small fire to spread quickly and become difficult to control.

A Fire Weather Watch means conditions favorable for dangerous wildfires are possible. Although the cooler temperatures will bring a welcome change after weeks of warm weather, the dry conditions will remain a concern.

Residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor burning Friday and throughout the weekend and monitor local weather updates for any additional warnings or restrictions.

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Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – A swirl of emotions, motivations, and story lines collide when Red River welcomes in Many on Friday.

Both Red River (1-5, 0-1) and Many (1-5) are desperate to feel the warmth of victory, but both teams are making important strides even if that hasn’t resulted in more wins.

The Bulldogs and Tigers are still factors in the district and in the playoff picture, although Red River’s more difficult schedule has it inside the playoffs (No. 19) while Many (No. 34) has work to do to jump into the 28-team field.

With four games left, there’s time for both teams to shape their experience and path.

Then there’s the human emotions involved.

The Bulldogs are playing for the last time at home this season as they celebrate nine seniors.

A senior like Landon Wilson has found his way back to the field after missing most of his final high school season with injury.

Preparing all offseason at quarterback, he’s returned in a different backfield role as a running back after making the all-district team as a receiver in 2025.

Ashton Johnson has matured under center, and with Red River having established receivers like Lathyn Lewis, Christopher Hackett, and Tra’Jalen Demery (also a senior), Wilson slid into a running back role that hasn’t benefited from the same depth and definition.

“Offensively we are starting to execute better,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “Landon is back and making a difference on offense.”

While any district opponent will get the blood pumping, Red River has likely circled the Many game for quite some time.

After Red River thumped Many in the regular season (34-6), the Tigers (and their homefield advantage), edged the Bulldogs in 35-27 fashion in the first round of the playoffs.

“I believe they feel the sting from last year, but more of the motivation is for our hopes for the playoffs this year,” Gary said. “This week, we have to meet force with force to gives ourselves a chance.

Head coach Tyler Hassell is Many born and bred, but he was on the Red River coaching staff for the 2024 district title, the program’s first since 2005.

Red River must patch a defense that succumbed to Winnfield’s Wing-T rushing attack in a 68-39 loss.

That same game featured a season-high in points for Red River’s offense, which has been improving each week. Lathyn Lewis scored five touchdowns in the loss, four receiving and one on punt return as he’ll be a district MVP candidate no matter Red River’s final record.

Many’s power rushing attack will be the focal point of their offense, although stud running back (and fellow MVP candidate) Daniel Thomas took to the air in the second half of their 22-20 overtime loss at Avoyelles to throw for 54 yards on 5-of-6 passing.

Thomas’s five completions (with zero interceptions) nearly matches Many’s nine completions all season entering that game, and those completions came with seven interceptions, including a couple returned for scores.

While one would assume Thomas would be primarily a runner (gained more than 3,000 rushing yards in the last two seasons), Many could try to diversify their offense with Thomas in the air.

The Bulldogs close the regular season with three games on the road, meaning they need to capitalize on their final time to tee it up in Coushatta.

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Red River Parish residents can look forward to a noticeable change in the weather this weekend as cooler temperatures bring a welcome taste of fall to the area. After warmer conditions, the arrival of cooler air will have many reaching for jackets and sweaters, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Friday will bring a significant change, with afternoon temperatures only reaching the lower 70s. As the sun goes down, temperatures will fall quickly, setting the stage for a chilly weekend across the parish.

Overnight lows are expected to drop into the 40s during the weekend, bringing some of the first truly chilly mornings of the season. After weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures, residents will finally have a reason to pull out their jackets and sweaters.

The cooler weather arrives just in time for a busy season of fall festivals, community gatherings and outdoor events. While afternoon conditions may be comfortable, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures will be noticeable.

Residents should also keep the cooler overnight conditions in mind when making plans for young children, older adults and pets that spend time outdoors.

With highs in the lower 70s and lows dipping into the 40s, Red River Parish will finally get a weekend that feels more like autumn. Whether you’re attending a football game, visiting a fall festival or enjoying a quiet evening outside, this weekend looks like a good opportunity to break out those fall clothes.

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