Science teacher Hunter Brown has his students making canoes out of cardboard.  The event is an annual project of Brown’s Physics class.

Brown said, “They are a great group of kids! The plan was to go across the pond and back. I put my money on the wrong horse!”

“Some of them had already had physics, so they came and watched or were put on rescue patrol,” Brown added.  He said, “Thanks Winn, Dawn, Amanda, and Mae Mae for the burgers and all the food!”

The school said,  “The senior class always looks forward to making cardboard boats with Dr. Brown. These are memories they will look back on for years to come!”

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Each year Red River 4-H holds competition to create posters about the dairy industry.  This year’s winners have been announced.

They are Adalyn Halbmaier and Alaina Boyd.  Red River 4-H agent Jacque Fontenot said, “Congratulations ladies!!!!!”

For more information on the 4-H program offered in all schools in Red River parish, call Fontenot at 318-932-4342.

Riverdale Academy sent congratulations to first grader Adalyn Halbmaier and seventh grader Alaina Boyd! Great job, ladies!

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Man Church has been growing each month since the program was started about a year ago.  The Founder, Shawn Beard sent an invitation to the Men of Courage Red River:

Save the date, Thursday May 13th and join us for Man Church at The Shop where you’ll receive a…

• Manly Meal: FREE Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Chips!
• Manly Music: Awesome Worship!
• Manly Message: Word from the Lord via Billy Weatherall from Christ Fit Gym.

For guys of ALL ages (12-120) so make sure to bring a friend!  
*No RSVP required*. The event begins with blessing the meal at 6:00 pm.

The Shop is on Highway 507 north of Martin.  It was formerly Beard’s automotive repair business.

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By Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. DOTD Secretary

Infrastructure is a critical aspect of everyday life. It supports our transportation system and stimulates economic growth for the country. At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our residents through our transportation systems and ensuring it’s safe.

The week of May 10, 2021 marks the beginning of United for Infrastructure: A Week to Champion America’s Infrastructure, a week dedicated to bringing transportation organizations from across the country together to advocate and provide education on the nation’s infrastructure. In order to continue preserving our existing roadways, ways of life and building new roadway systems, we must have a reliable and steady revenue stream. The state relies on a 20-cent gas tax to address infrastructure needs, which has lost more than 20 percent of its value and hasn’t changed since the 1980s.

Since I became Secretary under Governor Edwards in January 2016, more than $3.6 billion has been invested toward infrastructure projects throughout the state, totaling to 1,452 projects and nearly 5,000 miles. In Northwest Louisiana, over $337 million totaling 122 projects and more than 664 miles has been invested in the form of maintenance and new construction. Some of those projects include the US 80 lowering project in Webster Parish, the LA 532 overpass replacement near Minden, the LA 530 bridge replacement in north Caddo Parish, and multiple overlays such as on LA 529 in Bossier Parish and LA 164 in Webster Parish.

Now more than ever, we see how important it is as the state was hit with two hurricanes within six weeks of each other. Immediately after Hurricanes Laura and Delta, DOTD crews across Louisiana were out cutting trees and removing debris in an effort to open the roadways.

This fiscal year alone, we will invest an estimated $50 million in multimodal needs, which include critical projects such as the Mississippi River Deepening Project. While significant, this investment pales in comparison to the needs in our state.  DOTD has demonstrated it can produce major projects across the state such as the ongoing I-220/Barksdale Air Force Base interchange improvements that are projected to be complete in Fall 2021. Without a modernized and sustainable revenue stream, new projects will be few and far between as the funding from the 1986 gas tax will be primarily used to maintain the system that is already in place.

Louisiana has four of the top five longest bridges in the United States. And there are more than 13,000 bridges in the state and more than 16,600 miles of roadway. Five Mississippi River ports carry 25 percent of U.S. waterborne commerce, 60 percent of the nation’s grain, and 20 percent of the nation’s coal.  Louisiana also moves goods over nearly 3,000 miles of rail line.  We should build on these resources as opposed to being limited by disinvestment.

Infrastructure matters to our country, economy, and communities, as this is the gateway to providing access to goods, services, and traveling needs. This department works hard to ensure that each vital transportation system is maintained to enhance business development and improve commuter convenience. 

Infrastructure is vital to our economy, our everyday travel, and lifestyle. We often take these benefits for granted as we go about our daily lives. But, as the needs continue to grow, and the funding continues to dwindle, it’s important to take this week to realize how important and impactful infrastructure is to every day of the year.

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Louisianans who choose to do so are now able to access their COVID-19 vaccination record through a new, optional feature of the state’s digital driver’s license, the LA Wallet app, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Wednesday.

“If someone wants to have a digital copy of their vaccination record, they should be able to easily get one at no cost, which is what this optional feature of LA Wallet allows them to do. This enhancement is about connecting people with their own personal health information in a simple, secure way,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “The LA Wallet app is free, safe, and private and people who use it are assured that their personal health information is well protected.”

LA Wallet launched in 2018 as Louisiana’s Digital Driver’s License App. It is available on both the Apple App store and the Google Play store and is a legal driver’s license for all in the state of Louisiana. Live helpdesk, chat, and the LA Wallet website will be available for support.

People without access to smartphones can get printed copies of their vaccine records from their parish health unit or from any provider that administers vaccines and uses the LINKS system. Residents can also print their complete immunization record through MyIR.

For more information about LA Wallet, visit lawallet.com.

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James Al Brown

November 23, 1968 to May 4, 2021

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2021/05/06/james-al-brown/

 

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AgMagic, an LSU AgCenter event that takes youth on an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture, will be virtual this year. Members of the 4-H clubs in Red River are invited to join the fun. View the videos and lessons: http://bit.ly/ClassroomAgVentures  AgMagic Classroom AgVentures features educational videos and lessons that teachers can incorporate into their curricula. The lessons include Louisiana educational standards for elementary school students and were created by LSU AgCenter 4-H agents and content specialists.

The Journal has talked with several business owners in town this past week.  Almost all of them say they can’t find workers.  If you are in need of an opportunity, and you are willing to work hard, knock on a few doors.  You may be pleasantly surprised

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James Al Brown, 52, was born on November 23, 1968 in Houston, TX to Alfred James Brown and Mary Ganice Goinigs Brown-Baxter and passed May 4, 2021 at his residence in the Fairview community of Coushatta, LA. He was a construction worker for McGuinness Construction Company during his lifetime.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and shared a love of westerns with his mother. A private family service will be held on a later date. Honoring him will be Robert Dillon Stuart, Tarek Cielatka, Brian Michael Cielatka, Jr., Brian Michael Cielatka, Sr., Frankie Cielatka, Houston Colbert, Daniel Browne, and David Browne.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his father; brother, Thomas Allen Brown; mother-in-law, Linda Dubois Browne and maternal grandmother, Minnie Goings. Left to cherish his memory are his mother; wife, Donna Ann Browne Brown; daughter, Alexandria LiAnn Brown; sister, Tammy Brown Blakney; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.

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By Molly Seales

Last year during Covid quarantine, someone had the wonderful idea for each class at Riverdale to “Adopt a Senior” and have a school yard parade honoring the Class of 2020.  Both of these things were such fun times that we are trying to continue this and make it a yearly tradition. There are 14 seniors in the Riverdale Class of 2021, and each class from Pre-K through 11^th grade has adopted a senior. Classes and the senior they had adopted are as follows:  Pre-K – Noah Wren; Kindergarten-Jake Wilhite; 1^st Grade-Ronda Black; 2^nd Grade-Tinley Ogden; 3^rd Grade-Abby Jones; 4^th Grade-Matthew Seales; 5^th Grade – Austin Giddens; 6^th Grade-Witt Almond; 7^th Grade (a really big class so they have 2 seniors)-Parker Almond and Pacey Lindsey; 8^th Grade-Paul Messenger; 9^th Grade-Brennan Edie; 10^th Grade-Tylee Adams; and 11^thGrade-Garrett Wilhite.

The classes have been giving their seniors gifts such as snack packages, Starbucks and other gift cards, and small gifts.  Each class is making its senior a poster to be displayed at the 2^nd annual Senior Parade, which will be held in the parking lot of Riverdale on Friday, May7, which is the last day of high school for the seniors.  Last year, cars, trucks, trailers, and even motorcycles were decorated and drove through the parking lot with well wishes and gifts for the seniors.  The parade will line up on the road on the south end of the school parking lot and will follow the direction of daily drop off and pick up at students. Vehicles will begin moving through the parking lot promptly at 6:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome to join us and help celebrate our seniors!

Congratulations to this year’s Mr. Riverdale, Parker Almond, and Miss Riverdale, Pacey Lindsey.  These seniors were selected by the high school student body.  Congratulations also to Abby Jones and Matthew Seales, this year’s Senior Hall of Fame recipients.  Senior Hall of Fame is voted on by faculty and staff. Riverdale graduation will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Riverdale gymnasium. We are proud of all of our seniors!

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Windows rattled and the ground shook Saturday evening.  That lead to people throughout the area asking, “What was that?”  Reports of the shock came in from Hall Summit, Martin, Coushatta and throughout the parish.

Sheriff Glen Edwards told The Journal, Someone shot a large amount of Tannerite.  It is some type of explosive used in shooting targets.  When used correctly, it creates a small explosion when impacted with a bullet.  When used in larger quantities, you get what everyone heard and felt.”

The incident occurred at a private residence on the Esperanza Road just east of Army Road.  Sheriff Edwards said, “They used at least four times what is directed.  There were no injuries on unintended property damage.”  He added, “This was not an accident.  They purposely used too much to get a bigger bang!”

The manufacturer, on their website, described Tannerite As:

Safe and Legal: Tannerite® Brand targets are specifically designed to be safe and only initiated by a centerfire rifle. Only Tannerite® holds a valid patent on Binary Exploding Rifle Targets. We have spent many years perfecting our product. This product must be used as instructed. Follow the directions!

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At approximately 7:00 a.m. on April 25, 2021 Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of Hwy 786 near Martin. A suspicious vehicle occupied by two unknown male subjects was reported to be parked in the driveway.

Upon arrival, two individuals were confirmed to be inside the vehicle but were unresponsive to initial attempts by deputies to awaken them. As efforts continued, the passenger, later identified as Fate Bush, eventually opened the door. Deputies observed a firearm in plain view inside the vehicle as well as drug paraphernalia in Bush’s possession. Both subjects were detained and pat searched for officer safety.

Multiple illegal narcotics were subsequently found in the possession of the driver who was identified as Wyshun Reliford. Many of the items recovered were packaged in a manner consistent with intended resale. In total 11.24 grams of synthetic cannabis, 19.77 grams of methamphetamine, one Clonazepam and in excess of thirty Xanax were collected as evidence.

Both subjects were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking.

Wyshun L. Reliford, B/M, age 33 of the 100 block of Sherry Circle, Campti, LA was charged with one count each of the following: Possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a felon, Possession of firearm in presence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), Possession of Schedule IV CDS with intent to distribute, Possession of Schedule I Synthetic Cannabinoids with intent to distribute, Possession of Schedule II CDS with intent to distribute, Possession of Schedule IV CDS and a Fugitive warrant from Natchitoches Parish for Illegal possession of stolen things. His total bond was set at $25,000 and a hold was placed on his release by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Fate V. Bush, B/M, age 31 of Highway 480, Campti, LA was charged with Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of a firearm by a felon. His total bond was set at $5,000 and a hold was placed on his release by Probation and Parole.

Both remain incarcerated in the Red River Parish Jail.

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A local resident was one of seven people arrested on narcotics charges by Bossier law enforcement officers.  He is identified as Colton Davis, 23, of the 5500 block of Highway 784. Here is the release from the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office:

Bossier Narcotics Agents Arrest Seven on Multiple Drug Charges
***With Two-Week-Old Baby Present

Narcotics agents with the Bossier Sheriff/Police Narcotics Task Force arrested seven people Thursday evening on multiple charges of possession of illegal drugs, some with the intent to distribute, all in the presence of a two-week old baby.

Narcotics agents were conducting their investigation at a local motel in Bossier City Thursday when they made a traffic stop of a vehicle that was leaving the scene.  During that stop, the agents found two people in possession of methamphetamine and a smoking pipe.  The couple had just left the motel room where their two-week-old baby was inside a room.

During that same time, narcotics agents executed a search warrant at the motel room, where they found five people inside with methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, smoking devices, oxycodone, multiple knives, hatchets, and a loaded pistol, all in the presence of the infant child who belonged to the couple who was detained during the traffic stop.

Medics checked the child for any medical issues and turned the baby over to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Arrested were:
• Brittany N. Jones, 30, of the 3000 block of Hayes in Shreveport
o Charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles. (Parent of the baby)

• Corbin R. West, of the 5700 block of E. Texas St. in Bossier City
o Charged with Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles.  (Parent of the baby)

• Tabatha M. Sebren, 42, of the 1900 block of Dennis St. in Bossier City
o Charged with Manufacture and Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles.

• Kaleb N. Sebren, 18, of the 1800 block of Bayou Cir. in Bossier City
o Charged with Manufacture and Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles.

• Colton Davis, 23, of the 5500 block of Highway 784 in Coushatta
o Charged with Manufacture and Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles.

• Feleanda Ashton, 48, of the 200 block of Lacoup Rd. in Shreveport
o Charged with Manufacture and Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Juveniles.

• Carl T. Walker, 29, of the 1700 block of Caney Lake Dr. in Bossier City
o Charged with Manufacture and Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Cruelty to Juveniles.

All seven arrested were transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility for booking; bonds are pending.  Narcotic agents are continuing their investigation.

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By Molly Seales

On Tuesday morning, May 4, students, faculty, and staff of Riverdale Academy were called to the auditorium for morning announcements.  This event was very unusual-Mrs. Stacey and Mr. Rester normally do prayer, pledge, and announcements over the intercom.  When everyone was gathered downstairs, Mr. Rester led us in the prayer and pledge. He then told us to wait patiently and that we would be having a special guest very soon.  Everyone was buzzing about who the mystery guest may be.

Right around 8:00 a.m., the side door of the auditorium flew open, and Jan Elkins from KTBS News burst in with her cameraman. Ms. Elkins exclaimed, “Excuse me; excuse me.  I need to interrupt for just one second. I am looking for Amanda Cason. She is the winner of the $1,500 ‘One Class at a Time’ grant.”  The audience immediately broke out into cheers and applause.  Mrs. Amanda had no idea she had won and was as shocked as the rest of us were.

This year Mrs. Amanda started a new project, KREB Riverdale News, in which students write, produce, edit, interview, and much more.  This project allows students to become more comfortable with public speaking while keeping parents and alumni informed about what is happening around school. Riverdale Academy is growing, and we are trying to create new classes and clubs that will serve as electives that the students can enjoy together.  The main problem this year was that the KREB staff had to borrow a camera from a family to produce the monthly news.

With the $1,500 grant, which is a joint effort of KTBS News and Barksdale Federal Credit Union, the KREB Staff will now be able to purchase its own camera and a green screen backdrop that will greatly enhance the news segment that is produced at least monthly for the YouTube Channel.  When I asked Mrs. Amanda her thoughts about receiving the grant she replied, “I was completely shocked and overwhelmed.  It was such an honor for me to be chosen and to be able to represent our wonderful small school, Riverdale Academy.”

Mrs. Amanda is an amazing high school math teacher, as well as Beta Club and sophomore class sponsor.  Principal Danny Rester said, “It was exciting to plan this surprise for Mrs. Cason and the entire school. I am so grateful that she takes the initiative to improve our school in many ways. She is truly an asset to Riverdale Academy!”  This segment is due to air on KTBS News this Friday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m.  Tune in to see the presentation from today.

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In June of 2022, college students from around the world will converge on Ruston to socialize, network, and lock horns for a top spot in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Concrete Canoe Competition.

Thanks to the hard work of Louisiana Tech University’s ASCE student chapter, the University has been selected to host the international competition. Former Louisiana Tech ASCE student president Katya Opel, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 2020, came up with the idea for Tech to bid on hosting the 2022 competition shortly after Tech hosted the regional Deep South competition in 2019. Opel will have a busy summer in 2022; she will be completing her Master of Science in Civil Engineering program while planning the event.

“Co-curricular activities like the Concrete Canoe Competition help our students gain hands-on experience and leadership skills while having fun and applying the knowledge they’ve learned in the classroom,” said Dr. Les Guice, Louisiana Tech President. “Planning the conference is a learning experience in itself, and we’re proud of our students and faculty for working to share Louisiana Tech and Ruston with the whole world through this event.”

Preparing for the regional contest by creating concrete mixes and canoe designs that are buoyant is a year-round activity; Louisiana Tech teams start on their canoes and papers during the fall, modifying and perfecting the mixtures and research throughout the winter, and testing and finalizing their presentations during the spring. As next year’s team works to develop the mix, canoe, technical papers, and plans for regionals, it will also be contracting with vendors, scheduling social events, and raising funds to host the final competition, which will be held at Lincoln Parish Park.

“We had so much fun hosting the 2019 ASCE Deep South regional competition,” Opel said, “and all the teams loved Lincoln Parish Park so much that I thought it would be exciting to host the finals. I knew that Tech and Ruston would be the perfect place for teams from around the world to come together and celebrate civil engineering.”

Opel, the team, and their advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Matthews, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Technology, quickly developed a bid that included information about Louisiana Tech, Ruston, and Lincoln Parish Park, including food, housing, and socialization options for participants. The bid was followed by a site visit by the conference council in the spring of 2020, just before COVID-19 shut down campuses around the country. The sequence of events sealed Tech’s selection for the hosting honor.

“The council seemed impressed by Tech, especially the Integrated Engineering and Science Building, and the Lincoln Parish Park,” Opel added. “Since we’d hosted regionals just a year before, we had the experience in hosting a large-scale event and could point to how we’d expand the infrastructure we’d used then to the larger finals event.”

“I was so excited to learn we were going to be able to host this event,” Matthews said. “After the struggles of the last year, it is really something we can look forward to. It is going to be a really special event, not just for our students and community, but for all the teams who will get a chance to compete.”

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Sen. Donald G. Kelly – Reviews 50 Years
Former Senator Don Kelly joins Billy West Live to discuss his observations of government in Louisiana and the United States of America for the past 50 years.

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Billy West has been a practicing attorney in Louisiana for 32 years with an active practice in all areas of civil and criminal law.

Mr. West has been recognized as a distinguished Alumni of Louisiana State University and previously served on the Board of Directors of the Mainstay Independence Bowl. Mr. West has hosted sports related radio shows for years in Louisiana and has been a frequent color commentator for High School and Collegiate radio and television broadcasts.

Billy West has long been involved in Louisiana politics and has been an acute observer of the political landscape that has drastically changed in Louisiana and the United State of America from the late 1970s to the present date. The Billy West Live Podcast will inform, entertain, promote debate and potentially anger the listeners. Billy West will have present, former and potentially future elected officials join the show to talk about issues. Billy West Live will cover topics related to politics, sports, science and general information of interest to Louisianian’s, southerners and all Americans. Archive and link the Billy West Live Podcast to stay informed and be entertained.

By Brad Dison

On Sunday, May 14, 1939, approximately 28,000 fans gathered at Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox major league baseball team, to watch the Cleveland Indians play the White Sox.  Over 700 fans from Van Meter, Iowa, drove some 400 miles to Chicago to watch Bob Feller, their hometown boy, pitch for the Cleveland Indians.  Among the group from Van Meter was Lena, her husband William, and their daughter Marguerite.  They sat in front row seats on the first baseline.

Cleveland Indians fans, including those from Van Meter, were ecstatic because the Indians were leading 6 to 0 by the last half of the third inning.  Chicago White Sox third baseman Marv Owen stepped up to the plate.  Cleveland Indians Pitcher Bob Feller wound up and threw a powerful fast ball.  Marv swung at the last possible moment.  Crack!!!  Marv’s bat struck the fastball with tremendous force.  The foul ball flew into the front row seats on the first baseline and hit Lena just above her left eye.  The lenses of Lena’s glasses shattered and lacerated her nose and eye.  Blood poured from her eyelid and forehead.  

The game was delayed for only a few moments.  Cleveland Indians trainer Max “Lefty” Weisman rushed into the stands to render aid to the injured woman.  Lefty, along with Lena’s husband and daughter, helped her to an automobile and drove her to a nearby hospital. 

Bob was visibly shaken and stood “stark still” on the pitcher’s mound.  As soon as Lena was on her way to the hospital, Bob resumed pitching.  Unable to fully concentrate on the game, Bob allowed the White Sox to score three runs before he regained his composure.  When the game was over, Cleveland Indians had beaten the Chicago White Sox 9 to 4.  The fans from Van Meter who remained at the game were thrilled they witnessed their hometown boy pitch a winning game.

At the hospital, doctors treated the cuts around Lena’s left eye.  Lena needed six stitches to close the wounds.  Doctors determined that Lena probably had a mild concussion.  Luckily, Lena’s skull was not fractured.  They expected her to make a full recovery.

As soon as the game was over, Bob sped to the hospital to check on the injured woman.  Bob hurried to Lena’s hospital room and found her sitting in the hospital bed with her head swathed in bandages.  “Everything is all right,” Lena reassured the distraught pitcher, “I just didn’t see that ball coming.”

After hearing that Lena would recover, Bob reminded her that he had promised to win the game as a Mother’s Day present, which he did.  However, Bob did not expect his mother to miss the end of the game due to a baseball injury.  You see, Lena was Bob’s mother.  The baseball game in which Bob Feller’s pitch struck his mother happened on May 14, 1939, which was Mother’s Day.  

Photo caption:  William, Marguerite, and Pitcher Bob Feller Visiting Lena at the hospital

Sources:

1.  The Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky), May 15, 1939, p.5.

2.  The Coshocton Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio), May 15, 1939, p.2.

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Last week Red River High sent a message to the Bulldog family.  They said, “We are proud to announce this year’s Miss and Mr. RRHS. Miss RRHS is Kaitlyn Antilley. And Mr. RRHS is Timothy Thomas.”

Miss and Mr. RRHS is chosen by an application and point system including GPA, ACT, Academic Honors, Clubs, Activities and Athletics.   

The school posted, “Today we honor and celebrate these 2 amazing student athletes and all they have done at Red River High School.  The sky is the limit for these 2 amazing seniors.  Congratulation Kaitlyn and Timothy, way to represent Bulldog Nation, your 4 years at RRHS.”

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The Red River 4-H Agent said, “I am one tired but very blessed lady!”  Jacque Fontenot had just concluded the fun and awards day last Saturday.

Fontenot said, “These are just a few of the smiling faces that I saw today (Sat May 1^st) at our fun day and awards lunch to celebrate our school year. Thank you to Pilgrims, The Town of Coushatta, the Coushatta Country Club, and Sabine State Bank for your donations and hospitality! “

“Thank you to my coworkers,” added Fontenot, “Mrs. Kimberlyn Jones, our always helpful nutrition agent, and Mrs. Jennifer Cannon Moseley for always going above and beyond for these kids. Thank you to my husband Lance for cooking! “

And Fontenot did not leave our the 4-Hers, “Thank you to all of the Red River 4-h kids, who I’m very fortunate to know! And a special thank you to the wonderful  parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who volunteer their time to take these kids to 4-h events and to the angels who helped today in so many ways.”

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By Royal Alexander

We should be very excited about the new census data because even a slight population increase opens up many options and opportunities for our beloved Louisiana.

The news this week that Louisiana will not lose a congressional seat is very positive news as a matter of political clout and for many other reasons as well.

The latest U.S. Census data reflects that Louisiana has experienced a 2.7% growth rate and has a population of approximately 4.6 million people—about 120,000 more people than in 2010.  While our 2.7% growth rate is well short of the 7.4% population increase seen in other states across the country it is still enough to hold on to all of our congressional House seats. (I spent many years in D.C. working in the Congress and can attest that both the number of U.S. House seats and the collective seniority of our elected members of Congress are very important).

Recall that, unfortunately, Louisiana lost a congressional seat in the U.S. House after the 2010 Census due to very little population growth at the time, causing our U.S. House delegation to go from seven to six members.  Recall that we also lost a House seat in the 1990 Census reducing our number of congressional House seats from 8 to 7.  (I had the honor of working for the late Clyde C. Holloway, the Congressman (and later, Public Service Commissioner) who represented the old 8^th Congressional District until it was dissolved). 

The federal government allocates more than $675 billion per year in federal funds.  These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other crucial projects.   That is why our population growth, as reflected in the number of our U.S. House seats, directly impacts how and in what proportion federal benefits (our tax dollars) are distributed (returned) to Louisiana (us).  Population totals determine what states receive federal assistance of all kinds, including grants and direct funding to states, parishes/counties, cities, and towns.  These population breakdowns also include sex, age, race, and other geographic and demographic factors. 

This news is also a positive development for job growth and economic development in Louisiana because corporations and businesses make decisions using census data regarding whether and where to build factories, plants, offices, and stores.  Contractors and developers also make decisions based upon census data regarding whether and where to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.  Cities and towns use the data for public safety and emergency preparedness.  Local, community initiatives including quality-of-life and consumer advocacy are also based upon the data.

Most encouraging is the powerfully hopeful meaning behind these numbers.  They clearly indicate that Louisiana is not just maintaining its current population—which we have struggled at times to do—but that we have actually grown!  It means we have another opportunity, another decade before the next census, to try to address the problems in our state that have caused many of our precious family members to leave for jobs and opportunity elsewhere.  It means we have another chance to make our state more attractive to those companies already here and those companies and corporations from elsewhere looking for a new area in which to grow.  

Hope and enthusiasm are contagious, and this news should provide us with both!  We should be reenergized and redouble our efforts to continue to improve Louisiana.  We are the only thing that can stop us.

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The Riverdale Fishing Team is having success this spring.  Each of these fishing teams qualified to go to the Championship Tournament in Morgan City at Doiron’s Landing this weekend. The teams are Jax Hearold and Kane Milner-Dortlon, AJ Procell and Karson Milner-Dortlon, and Colton Caskey and Ryan Procell.

The school said the team will fish this this weekend to try to qualify for Nationals.

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Coach Zachary Thrasher said nine players from the Lady Bulldog Softball team have been selected to the All-District team.  Here is the list:

3-2A All-District 

Elizabeth Hughes – 1st Team-Utility

Gracie Price – 2nd Team-First base

Kaitlyn Antilley – 2nd Team-Second Base

Shakiyah Davis – 2nd Team-Third Base

Kelcee Bamburg – 2nd Team- Centerfield

Brynn Danzy – Honorable Mention- Pitcher

Gracie Baker – Honorable Mention-Utility

Destiny Davis – Honorable Mention-Outfielder

Gracie Lindsey – Honorable Mention-Outfield

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