The Red River Elementary Student is NySkia Brisker.  NySkyia is an excellent example of a fantastic first grader. She is always willing to help others, specifically by encouraging others to do the “right thing” and earn their Bulldog bucks for the bulldog store. She is dependable and has a heart to make others happy. As a teacher I never have to worry about her behavior or her giving her best effort. She always works very hard no matter the task. She takes her time to double check herself on her work. She continues to make smart choices like being respectful, being honest, and following directions! NySkyia is a sweet and kind student to everyone. She is such a wonderful student to teach! She was nominated by Mrs. Tingle.

The Red River Academic Academy student is Gabrielle Bush.  She is an outstanding student and an absolute joy to teach. She takes care of her business and completes her work daily. She is attentive and engaged in our classroom lessons. She is kind and a friend to all. Gabrielle has a peaceful, kind demeanor. She is very quiet in the classroom and is always earning positive points for her great behavior. Her dedication to completing her work helps to motivate others around her. I am very proud of Gabrielle. I know that she will continue to excel for years to come.  Gabrielle was nominated by Mrs. Bumgardner.

Trinitie Heyl is the Red River Junior High Student of the Month.  Trinity is a great student. She is very respectful towards her teachers and peers. Trinity makes sure she is on time and completes all of the tasks she is assigned to do. Trinity is very concerned about her classmates and just loves being with her peers. She promotes school pride and always does the right thing. I am honored to recommend her because she is a natural leader. Trinity is always looking for ways to improve daily. She is honest and hardworking. I have not seen one day pass by where Trinity is not smiling.  Trinity is not afraid to speak up when she feels like something is not right. She remains respectful but is always trying to make her school a better place for all students. We are blessed to have such a great student. I wish we had more students like her at RRJH. She was nominated by Coach Gary.

The Red River High Student of the month is Keyon Johnson.  I would like to nominate Keyon Johnson for student of the month. I have enjoyed teaching Keyon this year. He is always smiling when I see him every morning. Keyon always completes his assignments and goes above and beyond to work his best. Keyon is very respectful and well mannered. I have enjoyed him as a part of my class. Keyon is a friend to all and offers a helping hand to any student or teacher in need. I am proud to have Keyon represent Red River High School as student of the month. He was nominated by Patience Danzy.

The Student of the Month is a community service of Coushatta’s Veterans Service Organization, VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287.  Comrade Lee Rodgers represented the VFW in the presentation of the certificates.  In cooperation with Lott Oil/Chevron, the VFW honors students each month from parish schools during the school year.

---

The April Quality Kid is from Red River Elementary School, and she is Madison Breedlove!

We have the pleasure of having Madison as one of our 4th grade students at Red River Elementary School.  She is energetic, enthusiastic, and willing to learn new things.  She is very sweet and a very smart young lady. She has a positive attitude and is a part of our Capturing Kids’ Hearts student team.

Madison shows respect to her classmates and her teachers.  She strives to do her best every day in class, and she has shown improvement in all subjects since the beginning of the year.  She works hard and truly tries her best.  We see her confidence growing every day in class. We are so proud of her and all of her accomplishments.

Madison was nominated by Mrs. Briggs and Mrs. Sutton.

---

By Royal Alexander

As the federal government once again speeds toward the fiscal cliff of its $32 trillion debt borrowing limit, concerned Americans witness the same old song and dance. 

Political theater and bluster, dire warnings, the supposed “guarantee” of a “financial apocalypse” if America defaults on its debt obligations.

Then, as night follows day, the debt borrowing limit is raised again, the “crisis” is averted and D.C, goes back to what it was doing before and does constantly, spend, spend, spend—until the next debt ceiling fight. 

As Thomas Jefferson predicted, “future American leaders would be tempted to borrow to enhance their short-term popularity, while burdening a future generation with debt.”

Enough!

This is completely unsustainable.

Let’s really consider this: how is a debt default ultimately worse than this ever-increasing ocean of debt?

Some respond “America’s standing in the world will be tarnished, its financial status and prestige will be damaged.”

Really?

Millions of Americans are equally—if not more worried—that all those things will happen when the federal government bankrupts our country. Maybe if the U.S. defaults on some of its financial obligations our federal officials will be forced to recognize we have way too many of them.

During this debate it’s important to note the deceitfulness of national Democrats on this issue:

“As for Social Security and Medicare, one of the more cynical strategies governments use to resist spending reductions is to pretend the most popular programs are the only ones it’s humanly possible to cut.  Called the “Washington Monument Strategy” or “Firemen First Strategy,” they defund the parks, the firemen, the police, trash collection, school lunches, aid to the elderly.  In other words, hand over the money, or grandma and the kids get it.” (Heritage Foundation, Peter St. Onge and Richard Stern, May 10, 2023).

And why do national Democrats attempt to obscure in this fashion?

Because they want to hide from taxpayers “all the other trillions of government spending that doesn’t poll well: outrageous pensions where government workers make twice what the rest of us make and retire at 42 with benefits we’ll never dream of.  Or the trillions spent on crony boondoggles …” (Heritage).

So, considering the precarious financial position America is in, is a partial default—and it won’t be allowed to last longer than a few days—really worse than the continued reckless and dangerous over-spending that has led to a 32 trillion-dollar national debt?

In FY 2022, American taxpayers spent $475 billion in interest payments on the national debt—a figure that is expected to rise to $640 billion in the current fiscal year, FY 2023.  (Fox Business).

What, by the way, are Republicans demanding in their debt ceiling bill?

 The Wall Street Journal: “The House GOP bill would raise the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion in exchange for returning spending levels to the days of yore known as fiscal 2022 and capping spending levels at 1% growth for a decade.” (WSJ, 5-12-23).

I’m focused on debt in this article but what else is in the Republican bill?  “… sensible fixes to the country’s byzantine process for permitting projects, and to require that able-bodied, prime-age adults with no children work or volunteer part time in return for Medicaid or food stamps.” (WSJ).

Do we see how little Republicans are seeking in their bill, in return for raising the debt ceiling not a few hundred billion dollars but $1.5 trillion?

Democrats’ response is that the tax cuts that Republicans legislated under President Trump are to blame for all of these deficits, and it’s not fair to cut a single dime in spending after Republicans “drained all of that revenue from the Treasury.”

In fact, that is the opposite of the truth.

The Republican tax cuts boosted economic growth, which increases peoples’ income and therefore the taxes they owe.  According to the Treasury itself, “total revenue has increased from $4.05 T in 2015 to $4.90 T in 2022.”

We have to stop this insanity.

As former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen has warned, “long-term debt is the single greatest threat to our national security. High debt not only crowds out resources that strengthen our security, but it also narrows our tools for dealing with unfriendly nations, leaves our economy more vulnerable to actions of other countries, and weakens our global standing and prestige.”

All concerned Americans should support the House Republicans’ attempt to begin to get America’s fiscal house in order.

---

The Red River Sheriff’s office noted that while traveling home on May 14th, a couple from Texas had two blow outs on their camper. After two RRPSO deputies helped change the tires, they received this nice message:

“Just picked up new tires. Will take pictures of camper when we get back there. You both were great, excellent examples of helpful officers. Thank you so much!  David and Beth Texas Old Folks”

To further express their gratitude, the couple asked that their note be shared publicly!

Great job Deputy Brandon Jackson and Captain James Moseley…and safe travels home David and Beth!

---

Last week during Nurse Appreciation Day Red River Elementary School surprised their school nurse, Fletter Taylor.  Principal Michael Beck posted, “We are honored and blessed to have such a wonderful nurse at RRES.  She keeps all of our students healthy and feeling good at school. Thank you so much for all that you do Mrs. Taylor.”

---

With the summer season approaching, International Paper’s Red River Mill is welcoming new interns to the mill.

The Red River Mill has partnered with Red River High School to develop a program

that allows selected graduating seniors an opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the mill

learning what skills are needed to be successful. The interns will spend time in each department, learning what we do and understanding the paper mill environment and at the conclusion of the internship, they will be given the option to apply for an entry level operations position at the mill.

Congratulations to Gracie Conway, Andre Cole, Trenton Grigg, Jamarquez Jones, Jyrel Jones, Rantravious Miller, Desmond Mitchell, Keymarion Newton and Jeremiah Roberson.

To make it official, a signing day event was held at Red River High School on May 9. Parents were invited to celebrate their students and faculty members, including Trina Brown and Kelley Lee, JC Dickey, Principal Norman Picou and superintendent Alison Strong were in attendance. The students were also given International Paper pens, T-shirts and hats.

“We are thrilled to welcome our summer interns to International Paper and are excited about the contributions they will make to our company,” said Scott Lonadier, Red River Mill Manager. They are a talented and diverse group of individuals who bring a range of skills and experiences to our team, and we are committed to providing them with a valuable learning experience.”

Overall, the signing day event was a great way for International Paper to welcome their summer interns and show them how much they are valued.

---

It is graduation season.  The Journal will feature this year’s graduates, just send us the information and a photo.

Here are the requirements:

Text must be in a Word document.

Photos need to be jpeg and formatted Landscape (turn the phone sideways), otherwise the Journal will crop or matt the photo.

Deadline is Tuesday or Thursday noon for publication the next day.

Please do not use Google Drive for your submissions.

The price is $55 in advance of publication.

Send everything to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com

So, let’s hear about your graduates. 

---

Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported. Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. 
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) stresses that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. By focusing on the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first, we can help prevent child abuse.
Working with PCAL, VIA LINK offers a statewide program, Louisiana Parent Line, which provides parents with free, confidential, 24/7 access to a live specialist. Translation services are available, and the Louisiana Parent Line can be reached through phone and text 24 hours a day.  
“The Parent Line provides parents and other family members with a safe space to express their frustrations, ask parenting questions and get support,” explained LaVondra Dobbs, CEO of    VIA LINK. “Parent Line specialists are well trained and experienced in offering emotional support to parents. They focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention. They listen and understand parents’ concerns. Specialists can provide information on different services and referral. Perhaps most importantly, they can help parents develop plans for coping.”  
Yet, the Parent Line is more than a one-time call. Parents can call in as often as they want or need. The goal is to provide emotional support whenever parents need it. The specialists can also offer follow-up calls and help increase the circle of support for families. Throughout Louisiana, this free service is working to prevent child abuse by getting families the support they need.
**All Specialists on LA Parentline are Mandated Reporters through LA DCFS.**

The phone number is 833-LA-CHILD (833-522-4453). You can also text us at (225) 424-1533.
For more information about PCAL, VIA LINK, or the Louisiana Parent Line, please contact Sherrard Crespo, LCSW, Director of Outreach and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana at screspo@vialink.org or visit our website www.vialink.org. 

---

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for May 5-11,  2023.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

---

A funeral service celebrating the life of Ricky Len “Pero” Pickett, 67, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Coushatta chapel with Bro. David Hanna officiating. Interment will follow in Thomas Wren Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until service time.

Pero was born on July 8, 1955, in Ringgold, LA to Loyd Ray and Carmen Etta Pickett and passed away May 14, 2023. in Shreveport, LA.

Pero was preceded in death by son, Stewart Len Pickett; parents, Loyd Ray and Carmen Etta Pickett; brothers, Douglas and Darrell Pickett; sister, Anita Pickett Lockey; sisters-in-law, Maxine Pickett and Vickie Pickett.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Duston Ray Pickett; sisters, Diane Pickett Cannon and husband, Bobby and Robin Pickett Green and husband, Reggie; brothers, Dwayne Pickett and wife, Patricia and Roger Dale Pickett; sister-in-law, Linda Pickett; brother-in-law, Larry Lockey; three granddaughters; other relatives and special friends, Clinton and Sarah Wood and Donna Messick.

Honoring Pero as pallbearers will be Duston Pickett, Brandon Green, Jeremy Pickett, Wesley Messick, Teddy Bamburg and Clinton Wood. Serving as an honorary pallbearer is Eli Wood.

---

Ricky Len “Pero” Pickett

July 8, 1955 — May 14, 2023

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Coushatta chapel.

Tressie Clark Bamburg

October 5, 1931 – May 12, 2023

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.

Leon Pinkney

December 19, 1931 ~ May 4, 2023 (age 91)

Graveside services will be 11 a.m.,  Friday, May 12, 2023 at Carver Cemetery.

The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media.  Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.

---

Breakaway pre-entries will be taken May 15th – 17^th for the Youth Breakaway and Team Roping events upcoming at Red River Cowboy Church Arena. Text 318-652-2553 to enter.  The event is this Saturday, May 20^th.

Trey Lewis called from the Library to remind everyone they are all set up for the annual Red River Parish Library book sale.  They have a little bit of everything all at fantastic bargain prices.  Sale goes Wednesday 17th through Friday 19th. Regular business hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Tyler Jones of Coushatta has earned a spot on the Chancellor’s List at Bossier Parish Community College.  Jones is one of four student-athletes to make the list.

---

Due to demand for tickets to the BackAlley Community Theatre’s production of the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, an eighth and final performance has been added to the schedule.  It will be Friday evening, May 26th at 7:00 pm.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.  They are only available online and none will be sold at the door.

The first six performances, May 12 through 20 were sold out prior to opening night.  Another Sunday matinee on May 21st was added.  It sold out in just a few days.  Therefor an eighth and final performance was added on Friday May 26.

---

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for May 5-11,  2023.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NOTE:  This week’s arrest report is being presented in two formats.  Hopefully it will be readable in a wider variety of devices. Please email the Journal at RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com with your preference.

---

East Carroll Street is back open through Coushatta.  Traffic had been rerouted down Ringgold Avenue and Cutoff Road to avoid repairs made by the railroad at the crossing with East Carroll.  The detour was in place for only a few days.

As of Thursday afternoon, the barricades and detour signs were down and traffic was again flowing on East Carroll Street.

---

By Molly Seales

On Friday, May 5, the 2022-23 Riverdale Academy Cheer team, under the direction of Paige Bell, had their final performance of the year. The traveled to Green Meadow Haven to dazzle the residents with cheers and dances.

The mini-cheer squad did cheers, dances, and stunts to the delight of the residents and workers. In addition to cheering on the Rebels, this cheer team enjoys performing in the community as well.

Team members performing at Green Meadow Haven were Rey Wiggins, Jillian Shaver, Alexis Yount, Remington Bamberg, Lauren Woodard, Ella Kate Ray, Aubree Raney, Bailee Raney, Ava Grace Waters, Avery Tingle, Grayci Bamberg, Dally Bell, Skylar Correa, Makenzie Harper, AnnaKate Bailey, Addison Coe, Jentry Bounds, and Avery Longino.

We are so proud of these young ladies for their hard work and dedication. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. Great job RA Mini-Cheer!

---

By Brad Dison

Simon “Sam” Marrix was born in 1859 in Alsace, France.  In 1880, he emigrated to New York.  Because of the country of his origin, his friends in America called him “Frenchie.”  Four years after moving to America, he married an immigrant from Dornum, Germany called Miene Schoenberg.  To lessen confusion over the pronunciation of her name, she adopted the spelling “Minnie.”  In Germany, Minnie’s parents worked on the fair circuit.  Her father was a ventriloquist, and her mother was a yodeling harpist.  In America, Minnie’s younger brother, Adolf Schönberg, began performing in shows under a stage name that was easier to pronounce, Al Shean.  With Minnie’s help, her brother entered the vaudeville circuit and eventually became half of the popular musical comedy team called Gallagher and Shean.

In 1885, Frenchie and Minnie had their first child, Manfred, who died at the young age of seven.  Between 1887 and 1901, they had five more sons, Leonard, Adolph, Julius, Milton, and Herbert, respectively.  Rather than having aspirations for her sons to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers, Minnie wanted her sons to join the family business and become stage performers.  Minnie worked untiringly to develop her sons’ talents.  By 1907, Julius and Milton joined Mabel O’Donnell in a singing trio named “The Three Nightingales.”  In 1908, Adolph joined the Nightingales.  By 1910, with the addition of Minnie and the boys’ aunt Hannah, they renamed the group “the Six Mascots.”

The members of “The Six Mascots” most likely would have faded into obscurity had it not been for a team of runaway mules.  During one lackluster musical performance in Marshall, Texas, the crowd grew bored.  Suddenly, a great commotion occurred outside the theater.  Audience members in the back of the theater could hear all sorts of sounds of destruction including breaking glass.  Many members of the bored audience rushed out of the theater to see what was happening.  A runaway team of mules was running wild through the streets of the town.  The Six Mascots continued performing their musical act to a much smaller audience.  Finally, after the mules were caught, the crowd returned to their seats to see the remainder of the performance.  They had paid for it after all.  Julius, Milton, and Adolph, irritated that “the audience had deserted Mozart for mules,” began insulting the crowd with wise cracks.  The result was unexpected.  Rather than resenting the remarks, the crowd began to laugh.  The crowd’s laughter grew exponentially with each new insult.  They tried the same wise cracks at their next performance and got a similar reaction.  The brothers took the hint and revamped their whole show.

Over the next few years, the five brothers, in varying combinations, fine-tuned their characters.  Their success continued into Hollywood films beginning in 1929 with Animal Crackers.   For the next decade, they worked on at least one film per year, all of which were successful.  They continued to work together as well as in solo projects for the rest of their lives.  Had it not been for a team of runaway mules, we may never had heard of Leonard, Adolph, Julius, Milton, and Herbert, who purportedly received their nicknames from a friend during a poker game.  Leonard became Chico, Adolph became Harpo, Julius became Groucho, Milton became Gummo, and Herbert became Zeppo.  You and I know them as the Marx Brothers.

Sources:

1. The Decatur Daily, December 9, 1930, p.2.
2. The Peninsula Times Tribune, August 20, 1977, p.5.

---

By Molly Seales

Five Riverdale Academy baseball players were recently named to the district 3 2A all district team. Four players were named to first team. Junior Landen Barrett led the Rebels with his batting average of .490 and also led the team in runs scored with 24. Barrett also had 13 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. The catcher had an outstanding .985 fielding percentage with 131 put outs on 134 chances. Sophomore pitcher Aston Hester had a .396 batting average on the year, scored 19 runs, had 16 RBIs, and had 10 stolen bases. He pitched 62.2 innings where he allowed only 20 earned runs and struck out 89 batters. Sophomore outfielder Kaidyn Williams batted .333 on the year and led the Rebels in stolen bases with 18. He scored 19 runs and had 10 RBIs. He also had no errors on the year for a 1.00 fielding percentage. Senior first baseman/pitcher Colten Massey had a .308 batting average, scored 17 runs, and led the team in RBIs with 17. He also had 8 stolen bases. Sophomore second baseman Colton Caskey made second team all-district. Caskey batted .358 on the year, scored 15 runs, and had 8 stolen bases.

Massey also received the honor of being chosen as an alternate for the annual MSAIS Class 2A/3A All-Star baseball game, which will be held on May 22. Congratulations to these Rebels and the entire team on a fabulous season. We can’t wait to watch you succeed even more next year.

Photo credit Jarred Smelser

---

By Addison Bounds (Red River Parish State Shooting Sports Ambassador)

The Red River Parish 4-H Shooting Sports recently participated in the Northern Regional and State Shooting Sports competitions. On March 26- April 2, Louisiana 4-H hosted their 2023 Northern Regional Shooting Sports matches. The Red River 4-H Shooting Sports team competed in the matches that week and pulled out some wins.

Archery: 

Juniors- Bailey Francis, Joseph Shaver, Trevor Bell 

Seniors- Brody Francis (1st place 3D compound limited; 2nd place modified FITA compound open, advanced to state)

Shotgun Modified: 

Juniors- Sawyer Maines (advanced to state), Brent Francis, Riley Keith

Seniors- Gabriel Dabbs (advanced to state), Remington Dabbs, Caleb Dabbs (advanced to state), Tyler Wilhite, Mason Wilhite, Jordan Friday (advanced to state)

Shotgun Advanced: 

Juniors- Brent Danzy (1st trap and skeet, 2nd overall advanced to state)

Seniors- Trey Simmons and Blake Francis

Rifle CMP:

Juniors- Morgan Moseley, Gabi Bounds, Hailey Dabbs, Gavin Franks

Seniors- Hannah Worsham, Addison Bounds, Ben Moseley

Rifle Silhouette:

Juniors- Gabi Bounds

Seniors- Addison Bounds (advanced to state), Ben Moseley (8th place rifle silhouette advanced to state)

4-H State Shoot was held at the Long Range Alley Gun Club in Grand Cane, LA, the David Means Memorial 4-H Center in Grand Cane, LA, and the Shreveport Gun Club in Shreveport, LA. Shooters from all over the state came to compete for a shot at winning state or advancing to nationals. It wasn’t easy, but some of Red River’s competitors came out with a win.

Shotgun Advanced: Brent Danzy (1st skeet, 4th trap, 7th overall)

Archery: Brody Francis (9th place archery, 4th 3D archery)

The Red River 4-H Shooting Sports teams would like to thank our 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches, 4-H parents, 4-H Agent and local sponsors for their support this year. Your support this year through fundraising, donations and other means has been greatly appreciated. Red River 4-H Shooting Sports would like to thank sponsors Sheriff Glen Edwards and the Red River Sheriff’s department for all their support each year.  National Rifle Association (NRA), Fairview Trucking Inc, Cason Plantation LLC, Bank of Coushatta, Rodney L Achord Electrical LLC, David Tray Murray (State Farm Insurance), Cason Land & Cattle LLC, American Bank, Bank of Coushatta (Coop.), and Weeks Tractor & Supply Co. LLC. Red River Parish 4-H appreciates your support of the Shooting Sports program and all 4-H programs in our Parish and the State.

The photo album is below.

---

By Steve Graf

 

         My father-in-law is always telling me that I’m a “good ole boy,” but “that there’s just not much demand for good ole boys.” Well, I have a group of anglers that I travel with for the tournament trail we follow who would all fall into the good ole boy category. As far as anglers, they are all very good, but as people, they are even better! Today I’ll give some insight into what makes good travel partners for bass fishing.

 

         First and foremost, you must trust those who are in your inner circle. You see, bass fishermen are a fickle bunch and not many can be trusted, especially in terms of fishing information. You can’t have anyone with any sort of criminal record. You need good guys who have Christian values… guys that if you get in a bind, will come to your aid the minute you call. These are the kind of guys I run with, and I appreciate each and every one of them. Now don’t get the wrong impression here! Each of us wants to stomp a mud hole in the others in our group when it comes to fishing and winning a tournament. We are all very competitive, but at the end of the day, we all pull for each other as well. 

 

         Here’s a good example of what makes great travel partners. I was on my way back from a tournament at Lake Palestine and headed east on I-20 just outside of Longview, Texas, when I noticed smoke coming off one of my boat trailer tires. I pulled over to check it out. Sure enough, it was an angler’s worse fear…no not a flat tire, but worse…a wheel bearing had gone out. Seconds later, to my surprise, one of my travel partners called to see how I did in my tournament and was on his way back from a Lake Fork event. It was none other than Cole Garrett! I told him my situation and he wanted to know my location because he wasn’t too far behind me and he thought he had an extra wheel assembly I could use to fix my wheel.

 

Shocked that he would even have such a part, I sent him my location, and 20 minutes later he pulled up behind me ready to assist. Long story short, after careful inspection of the situation, we realized we didn’t have the right tools to fix the problem, so we just removed the wheel. I came back to Shreveport on three wheels and dropped it off at my boat dealer (The Boat Shop). This is why I love tandem axle boat trailers…you can always come in on three wheels if you must, but you might have to take it a little slower.

 

Now even though Cole couldn’t fix my problem, just the fact that he thought enough of me to try and help anyway, meant the world to me. Even though he was tired after three or four days of hard fishing, he still took the time to try and help a friend. That’s what makes someone a good travel partner…someone who will drop whatever they’re doing to try and help someone else!

 

As anglers, we follow tournament trails all over the region, and no matter how new or old your boat is, there will be times when you need assistance. Having good travel partners is essential to making life less stressful and it puts your mind at ease. Even though we all have top of the line bass boats, it’s kind of like owning a motorhome. It’s not a matter of if something will break, but when. The group of guys I travel with…Brett Hortman, Adrian James, and Cole Garrett are all great anglers in their own right. But as people, they will do whatever they can to help in any way possible, no matter what situation or problem may arise.

 

So, if you’re looking to hit the road and follow a tournament trail, make sure you have some good ole boys you can trust that will always have your back no matter what comes up. Till next time good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen.

---

Two students from Red River Parish are among the spring graduates from NSU.  On May 10^th and 11^th Northwestern State University awarded 905 degrees to 881 graduates during spring commencement.

Graduates collected diplomas for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s degrees.

Commencement ceremonies were schedule for 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 10 and 10:00 am on Thursday, May 11.

Graduates from Coushatta were Gakerreon McDonald and Waylon Washington earned a  Bachelor of Arts.  Jason Bell and Donteria Jenkins earned a Bachelor of Science.

---

Kambrie Rachel Bethard received her juris doctorate degree on Friday, May 12, 2023 from Loyola Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is the daughter of Robert and Rhoda Bethard of Coushatta.

Kambrie Bethard is a 2016 Riverdale Academy graduate and a 2020 University of Louisiana Lafayette graduate. Kambrie plans to return home to Coushatta, Louisiana to practice law. 

Joseph Warren Hays and Bethard are engaged to be married in September 2023. Both will join Bethard and Bethard law firm in Coushatta after passing the bar exam. 

---

Joseph Warren Hays was presented his juris doctorate degree from Loyola Law School on May 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He is a Riverdale Academy 2016 graduate and a 2020 Northwestern State University graduate. 

Joseph is from Ringgold, LA.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Bernard and Mr. and Mrs. John Hays.

Joseph plans to practice law in Coushatta, Louisiana.  He plans to join Bethard and Bethard following taking the BAR exam.

---