Green Meadow Haven held a Veterans Day observance. The veterans who are residents there were honored. Amanda Cannon sent along pictures.
The veterans in residence are Jessie Bass, William Wimberly, Ronald Coutee, Basil Kennington, Charles Brown, and Charles Garner.
Teachers of the month for September have been recognized by Red River Elementary School. Principal Mike Beck said, “RRES are proud to recognize our Teachers and Support Staff for the month of September.”
Beck said the teachers of the month are Mary Ann Longino, Erica Morgan and Crystal Steinert. Support Staff of the month are Vanessa Lloyd, LaStar Demery Brewer, and Jacqueline Beavers.
Beck said, “Send out a big shout out and appreciations to our awesome staff.
The number of people testing positive for the COVID-19 virus in the parish is increasing with a positivity of 15.2% this past week. There are 52 new cases confirmed out of 341 more people tested.
Overall the parish positivity is 9.3% based upon a total of 516 cases and 5554 tests.
One more death was attributed to the virus this past week. A total of 25 people have now died as a result of the virus.
Green Meadow Haven reported no additional cases of the virus among residents or staff members during the past week.
Editor’s Note: My observation is that there is not widespread testing in the parish. It does not appear to your editor that anyone has any idea of the exact situation, or the exact percent of the population that actually have contracted the disease. Red River is not unique in this status. Health officials do not release the numbers of people who they do not test, however many readers comment to The Journal that they are turned away when they request a test, even in several cases where they were reporting symptoms. This lack of information could cause some citizens to reach incorrect assumptions.
Comments are welcomed at RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com.
By Steve Graf
Welcome to the “Angler’s Perspective.” Each week, I’ll share with you some tips, tactics and interviews from the greatest anglers in the world. My goal is to make you a better and more informed angler. You’ll hear not only my experiences as an angler, but the Pros who actually fish for a living. With these articles, I’ll pass along my knowledge of bass fishing while giving you advice from professionals that fish the Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW and Major League Fishing Tours. I’ll do my best to entertain and educate you on the latest techniques and news from the bass fishing world.
Let me introduce myself, I have been fishing my whole life and grew up fishing small ponds in East Texas. I started fishing competitively when a friend of mine asked me to fish a team tournament on Lake Bistineau in 1990. Since then I have fished with success, several team circuits including; Anglers Choice, the FLW Tour as a co-angler, the pro side/boater side of the BFL Tour, the FLW Everstart and Costa Series, B.A.S.S. Central Opens and the ABA Bass Pro Shop Open Series. During that time I have obtained sponsorships from some great companies in the fishing industry like; Ranger Boats, Daiwa Rods and Reels, Gamakatsu Hooks, SPRO Lures, Santone Lures, Seaguar Fishing Line, V&M Baits and GRUV Fishing Tackle. I also own and have produced for 13 years an outdoors program called the “Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show” heard exclusively on 1130 The Tiger KWKH and I’ve recently signed on as the co-host for a Facebook live/You Tube show called “Tackle Talk Live.”
While I don’t pretend to know everything about bass fishing, like you, I continue to gain knowledge and improve my skills as a competitive angler. Bass fishing is a great sport that you never stop learning. Today’s professional anglers are highly skilled in all phases of bass fishing including but not limited to; bait selection, map reading, casting skills, bait and tackle promotions and using state of the art electronics that are a huge part of today’s bass boats. The pros of today are well versed and understand how to take advantage and trust their electronic units in order to help them find fish.
So I look forward to bringing you articles each week that will give you a better understanding of what the world of bass fishing is all about both from a professional and weekend warrior perspective. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook.
Steve Graf is Owner/Co-host Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
From Julie Page at First BC Coushatta, “Have you packed shoeboxes this year? Come by the church to get some to pack. Collection day deadline is November 22!
The packing is list is attached for suggestions. If you would like to learn more go to:
samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
From the Red River 4-H Clubs:
SNAP eligible folks…please fill out this survey.
The link to the survey is bit.ly/33ZAhQu. You might have to copy/paste into your browser.
From Linda Fergus, MS RD LDN, Graduate Student
LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed Program
Please help us get the word out about this survey! I work with Carla Verbois and Dr. Denise Holston as a graduate assistant in SNAP-Ed at LSU AgCenter, and I am collecting data for a survey regarding nutrition messages and messengers preferred by the rural low-income population for future SNAP-Ed social marketing campaigns in Louisiana. All participants may register for a raffle to win a $100 gift card to Walmart when they complete the survey. The link to the survey is bit.ly/33ZAhQu. Please consider sharing this information with your readers to encourage their participation.
Participants will be included if they are SNAP eligible, over the age of 18 years, and a resident of any of these parishes –
Red River plus Allen, Assumption, Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, Franklin, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Mary, Tensas, Vernon, Washington, Winn, Avoyelles, E. Carroll, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Madison, Morehouse, Richland, and W. Carroll.
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Fergus, MS RD LDN at (225) 803-0043. Thank you for your assistance with this project.
Herman Ray Trussell
May 19, 1943 to November 9, 2020
https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/11/11/herman-ray-trussell/
Gerald Robinette
August 14, 1935 to November 10, 2020
https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/11/11/gerald-ray-robinette/
Both Red River football teams are on the road tonight. Red River High is headed to Moreauville to play the Avoyelles Mustangs. Kickoff is 7:00 pm. Watch live video of the game beginning about 15 minutes before kickoff. The game will be on the Red River Parish Journal’s Facebook page.
Riverdale’s football team left yesterday heading to Marks, Mississippi. They will play the Delta Raiders at 7:00 pm. It is the MAIS semi-final game and the Rebels are looking to secure a spot in the finals on November 20th. The game will be carried live on the Journal’s You Tube channel beginning at 6:45. There will be a link to the game posted on Facebook.
Today is Friday the 13th. Do you consider the day to be unlucky? From History.com, Many people hold fast to the belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck. Though it’s uncertain exactly when this particular tradition began, negative superstitions have swirled around the number 13 for centuries.
The ancient Code of Hammurabi, for example, reportedly omitted a 13th law from its list of legal rules. Though this was probably a clerical error, superstitious people sometimes point to this as proof of 13’s longstanding negative associations.
Fear of the number 13 has even earned a psychological term: triskaidekaphobia.
Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky?
According to biblical tradition, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles (one of whom, Judas, betrayed him). The next day, of course, was Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.
The seating arrangement at the Last Supper is believed to have given rise to a longstanding Christian superstition that having 13 guests at a table was a bad omen—specifically, that it was courting death.
And a final note, with this issue, the Red River Parish Journal publishes its 4,000 news story. It is our pleasure to inform the people of our parish!
Gerald Ray Robinette, 85, of Martin, Louisiana went home to the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Services will be held at Martin Baptist Church on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10 A.M. with Bro. Richard Kaufman and Bro. James Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Martin Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Martin Baptist Church on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 5:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, Louisiana.
Gerald was born on August 14, 1935 to Melvin and Lillie McGee Robinette. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Edrith Robinette Sledge and Nelda Robinette Nelson.
Gerald grew up in Ashland, Louisiana where he graduated from Ashland High School. In 1958, he married Betty Lou Hunter. He was a member of Martin Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Gerald was a member of the Bremco Board, the Red River Co-op Board and was a Past Master at Ashland Masonic Lodge #196. He was also an El Karubah Shriner. Gerald owned Black Lake Poultry Farm and Black Lake Hereford Ranch. For many years, he hosted the Hen House Jamboree where fellow music lovers gathered to play, sing and visit. Gerald had a great love for Bluegrass Gospel and he and Betty attended many Bluegrass Festivals through the years. He was a talented musician and played the mandolin, guitar and fiddle and loved to sing.
Gerald loved helping others. He would often take food to shut ins and he loved sharing the gospel by passing out Christian tracts. He was known to carry candy in his pocket at all times for children.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Hunter Robinette of Martin, Louisiana; son, Chris Robinette and wife Vicky of Castor, Louisiana; daughter, Cathy Robinette Faust and husband Victor of Shreveport, Louisiana; son, Kevin Robinette and wife Sonya of Martin, Louisiana; son, Burt Robinette of Castor, Louisiana and son, Brit Robinette and wife Tabitha of Hartsville, South Carolina; grandchildren Wendi Wood, Emily Byrd, Stephen Robinette, Bryan Robinette, Miranda Robinette, Lily Robinette and Britton Robinette; great-grandchildren Emma Byrd, Kynlee Wood, Kase Wood and Amelia Robinette. He was lovingly known as Poppa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Honoring Gerald as pallbearers will be Chris Robinette, Kevin Robinette, Burt Robinette, Brit Robinette, Victor Faust, Stephen Robinette, Bryan Robinette and Britton Robinette. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Snead, Terrell Hester, Sammy Giddings, Wade Wood, Kase Wood, Gerry Norris, Jr., Chase Braggs, Michael Nelson, R.J. Nelson and Frank Auer.
The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Gregory Bell, caregivers Alan Lawhorne and Carrie Futrell and Passages Hospice for their care and compassion.
Military graveside services for Herman Ray Trussell, 77, of Hall Summit, LA were held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Mt. Zion Cemetery with Bro. Danny Slack and Bro. Larry Sales officiating.
Mr. Trussell was born May 19, 1943 in Coushatta, LA and passed away November 9, 2020. He retired from the United States Navy as a chief ABCH. Ray enjoyed woodworking and was an avid Tigers and Saints fan. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Mr. Trussell was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Winnie Trussell, and his second wife of 11 years, Barbara Trussell; son, Warren Trussell; mother, Emma Mae Dickson; sisters, Janie Russell and Belvia Albritton; and brother, Freddie Dickson.
Left to cherish his memories include his son, Herman Ray Trussell, Jr. and wife, Tammy of Hall Summit, LA; one half-brother, Howard Dickson of Mansfield, LA; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to your favorite charity.
Masks are required and social distancing will be appreciated by the family.
Coushatta’s Veterans Service Organizations will observe Veterans Day by decorating the graves of vets with American flags. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 7287 will be out early posting flags.
Ace Hardware and their local affiliate CBS Home Express provided about 225 flags for this purpose.
Here is a little history of what started as Armistice Day back in 1919. It is from the Veterans Administration website.
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926.
on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.
The School Board heard an update Monday from Superintendent Alison Hughes on the COVID-19 impact on the school system. Hughes said, “We have heard a lot of concerns in the parish around COVID.” Hughes and Paula Clark, the school system nurse tracking the virus, brought the board and public up to date.
Clark said, As of now 14 employees have tested positive and another 15 have been exposed to the virus, for a total of 29 employees out now. Some of those are quarantined at home for 14 days. They were not all exposed at school.”
Among students, Clark said, “We have 10 students out now and they are not all from the same school. So far 107 kids were exposed. Two students are out with symptoms and we are awaiting test results.”
Included in the 107 are 50 members of the Junior High football team. Nurse Clark said, “Two kids on the football team are back and they are good. Others are about to end their 14-day quarantine.”
Superintendent Hughes reported numerous phone calls to the central office by parents and concerned citizens about rumors they are hearing. Hughes asked parents to report illness of their children to the schools first. “We hear about a lot of this from social media,” said Hughes, “and several days may have passed before we have any knowledge.” She asked parents to call school first. Clark echoed Hughes concern, “We are getting information on kids after four to six days and they may be well by then.”
Another area of concern is the parents or citizens who call to ask questions that cannot be answered, such as the name of students possibly involved, or they have heard a rumor that are involved. Hughes reminded the public, “We cannot give out names or specifics or anything that would identify a child. But if you call the office, please give your name and answer other questions. Without names it is not possible to trace reports of possible exposure.”
Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards is pleased to announce the addition of a deputy to his patrol staff. After doing a commendable job for two years in our corrections department, on November 5, 2020, Darryl Jordan Jr. successfully completed the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy. He earned Level 1 Certification for Basic Law Enforcement Peace Officers.
During each academy graduation ceremony, five awards are presented to cadets who excelled in specific areas of training. Deputy Jordan represented our agency with pride and professionalism and earned the Academic Achievement Award for highest grade point average. The graduating class was comprised of twenty cadets representing eight area agencies.
Under the direction of Captain Steven Joe, the academy consisted of fifteen weeks of intense training. Topics covered included Criminal and Civil Law, Search and Seizure, Criminal Investigations, Firearms Proficiency, High-Intensity Weapons Training, First Aid and CPR, Domestic Violence, Report Writing, Terrorism, Officer Survival, DWI Enforcement, Active Shooter Response, Knife Defense Strategies, Drug Interdiction Strategies and Physical Fitness.
In our world, training is of the utmost importance for law enforcement officers. Our goal is to continually build upon the foundation that our deputies receive in the training academy to ensure that we do our jobs professionally and safely while striving to serve our community.
Congratulations Deputy Jordan!
People began lining up early Monday morning for the monthly food giveaway by Will of God Ministries of Coushatta. Volunteers hauled box after box of fresh and frozen food out to waiting cars.
“There were more people than last time,” said Dr. Johnny Cox. He added, “It just gets bigger and bigger.” One of the volunteers told The Journal, “We’re just feeding hungry people.”
The food giveaway lasted from 9:00 am until about noon. Cox said they gave food to 357 people. Cases of frozen chickens, packs of hamburger meat, gallons of milk, bags of apples, a varieties of staple food items, and much more was distributed in the three hour distribution.
Cox said it is for anyone. The next food distribution will be on the second Monday in December.
Also at the food distribution were Debbie Allen of Copeland Insurance Group and Sandra Plemons of Tepe Group. They were handing out cleaning supplies and giving out information about insurance plans they represent. Allen told The Journal they provide supplies and information at many distribution events across this part of the state.
There will be another food distribution next week in Coushatta. Pine Belt will distribute food boxes on Tuesday, beginning at 10:00 am at the Fairgrounds.
By Molly Seales
Friday was a beautiful night for football at Marston Stadium as the Delta Streets Lions out of Greenwood, MS, came to town to take on the Riverdale Rebels in the quarterfinal football game. It looked at first like the Rebels would dominate the game as they came out quickly and scored two touchdowns and converted the extra points to get an early 16-0 lead. However, Delta Streets proved they were not ready to give up and tied the game at 16-16 and later 24-24 going into the half. Head Coach Jared Smelser must have motivated his team at the half; the Rebels didn’t allow the Lions to score again the entire game. The Rebels scored a touchdown midway through the 3rd quarter but the extra points failed, making the score 30-24. With around 1:25 left in the 3rd quarter, the Lions were threatening to score and tie the game. Under pressure from the Rebels, their quarterback launched the ball toward the end zone, and senior #2 Parker Almond leapt in front of 3 Lions to intercept the football. Parker then ran the ball down the far sideline for a 90-yard touchdown, giving the Rebels a 36-24 lead and shifting the momentum to the Rebels for good. The final score of the game was 50-24 and the Rebels advanced to play Delta Academy in Marks, MS, Friday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m.
On Monday after school, Coach Jared and his staff were busy preparing for the next task at hand-defeating a big Delta Academy team to advance to the 2A championship game. Impact Sports MAIS Coaches Poll has the Rebels ranked number 2 in 2A behind powerhouse Manchester Academy, but this team of boys is something special and believe they can go all the way and bring the blue trophy to East Point.
Delta Streets had a strong defense, but the Rebels managed to put up some good yards against them. Senior quarterback Witt Almond was 5 for 7 in passing for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior Paul Messenger carried the ball 16 times for 59 yards and 1 touchdown. Junior Jake Messenger carried the ball 6 times for 97 yards and 1 touchdown. Witt Almond had 6 carries for 25 yards and 1 touchdown. Sophomore Ben Almond had 2 carries for 5 yards. Parker Almond had 3 receptions for 80 yards and 1 touchdown, while Jake Messenger had 3 receptions for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. The Rebels had 311 total offensive yards on the night.
Riverdale had a strong defensive night as well. Parker Almond had 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble, and 1 huge interception that he turned into a 90-yard touchdown. Parker’s younger brother Ben Almond was in on the defensive action as well with 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 PBU, and an interception of his own where he gained 3 yards. Paul Messenger had 3 solo tackles, 7 assists, 1 ½ sacks (2 TFL,) and 1 forced fumble. Jake Messenger had 4 solo tackles, 4 assists, and 1 sack with 3 TFL. Freshman Ryder Huddleston had 2 solo tackles, 6 assists, 1.2 sack (2 TFL,) and 2 fumble recoveries. Ty Jones had 6 assists and ½ sack (TFL.) Sophomore James Wagoner had a solo tackle. Junior Denver Williams had 2 solo tackles, 3 assists, and ½ sack (3 TFL.) Senior Brennan Edie rounded out the defense with 2 solo tackles and 2 assists (3 TFL.)
There will be a pep rally in the gym at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, and afterward the football boys will head to Marks, MS, for the night to avoid a long day of travel on Friday. School will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Friday to give all of those who want to attend time to make it to the game. If you can’t make the trip, you can follow it live on Red River Parish Journal Sports. Let’s go get this win and head to the championship. WE BELIEVE!
Note: Riverdale Games are streamed live to You Tube. A link to the game will be posted on Facebook. To watch the game, find Red River Parish Journal on You Tube. The video stream will be active about 15 minutes before kickoff.
By Hayley Loe with photos by Gracie Price
The Red River High School Bulldogs showed up and showed out against the Lakeview Gators on Friday, November 6th, for a dominating win of 50-20. Throughout the game the Bulldogs appeared ready for anything, displaying both their powerful offensive and defensive skills.
In the first quarter, the Bulldogs were a little slow to get going by only scoring one touchdown by Trey Smith #9 and a 2 point conversion by Jonnie Maxie #7. However, in the 2nd quarter, the mighty Bulldogs managed to get their game going by scoring two more touchdowns, one by Brian Palmer #8 and the other by Stanley Maxie #4. The extra points were kicked by Ryder Hogan #36.
When the Bulldogs came out in the 2nd half they furthered their lead by scoring six more touchdowns before the game was done. These touchdowns were scored by Brian Palmer #8, Stanley Maxie #4, and Cameron Keith #3, with Ryder Hogan #36 getting credit for 6 straight extra points. The last touchdown of the night by Stanley Maxie #4 was scored as he intercepted a in the 4th quarter of the game.
Friday, November 13th, the RRHS Bulldogs will be on the road again, to play against the Avoyelles Mustangs, for what the Bulldogs hope to be another big win to add to this already exciting season. Red River High School will sell a limited amount of tickets to the game starting Wednesday, November 11th; no tickets will be sold at the gate.
The Bulldogs remain at number 10 in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association rankings of 2-A teams. Heading into the playoffs, you can see that Red River may have some stiff competition ahead.
Class 2A
1. Ferriday (5-1) lost to Mangham 42-36
2. Lafayette Christian (4-1) beat Port Barre 68-0
3. Many (5-0) did not play
4. Newman (6-0) beat St. Charles Catholic 14-7
5. Episcopal (6-0) beat Northeast 42-0
6. St. Charles (4-2) lost to Newman 14-7
7. Notre Dame (5-1) beat Rayne 48-14
8. Amite (3-1) beat Independence 58-0
9. Mangham (6-0) beat Ferriday 42-36
10. Red River (5-1) beat Lakeview 50-20
The Red River Parish Journal will have live coverage of the Avoyelles High game starting at 6:45 for a 7:00 pm kickoff. The game video can be found at Facebook.com/RedRiverParishJournal/videos.
By Brad Dison
On February 6, 1911, Dutch was born in an apartment above a bank in Tampico, Illinois. Soon after his birth, Dutch’s father quipped that he looked like “a fat little Dutchman.” He nicknamed him Dutch. As a toddler, his mother cut his hair in the fashionable style commonly called the “Dutch boy” haircut, which only reinforced the nickname. At eight years old, he, his brother Neil, and his parents Jack and Nell, moved to Dixon, Illinois, a city of about 9,000 people located approximately one hundred miles west of Chicago. The city was named after a John Dixon, owner and operator of a rope ferry service on Rock River, which runs through the city. Just north of Dixon is Lowell Park, a picturesque public area on the west bank of the Rock River. Residents and visitors to Dixon, including Dutch’s family, flocked to the park for picnics under the shade trees, whiling away the time on its sandy beach, fishing and swimming in the river’s normally calm waters, and hiking its numerous trails.
Dutch was popular and athletic. He made good grades in school and thrived at sports. He won varsity letters in five major sports. Dutch knew that if he wanted to go to college he would have to earn and save money for tuition. On one of his many fishing trips at Lowell Park, he secured a summer job as a lifeguard. On his first day as a lifeguard, Dutch saved a man’s life. The man swam in the Rock River and quickly found himself in trouble. Dutch saw that the man was struggling and rushed to his aid. Dutch pulled the man to the shore and “pumped the water out of him.” Rather than being thankful for Dutch saving his life, the man contended that he “had been in perfect command of the situation.” All Dutch had done, according the unappreciative man, was cause him a lot of embarrassment.
Dutch’s athleticism was an asset to Lowell Park. In 1927, his first year as a lifeguard, Dutch saved 11 lives. By July of the following year, Dutch had saved 13 more lives. In the seven years he worked as a lifeguard at Lowell Park Dutch saved seventy-seven lives. Dutch went above and beyond what was expected of him as a lifeguard. He taught others how to recognize when someone was in trouble, how to safely retrieve them from the water, and how to perform CPR. He also taught people how to swim and how to practice waterfront safety. In addition, he helped Boy Scouts earn merit badges in swimming and lifesaving.
Dutch earned enough money from his lifeguard job to attend Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. He kept his lifeguard position during the summers to pay for tuition. While at Eureka College, Dutch got the part of Captain Stanhope in the college production of Journey’s End. He earned praise for his portrayal of the captain, but Dutch’s ambition was not to become an actor. He was determined to become a sports announcer. In 1932, Dutch graduated from Eureka College with degrees in sociology and economics.
After college, he fulfilled his dream of being a sports announcer and worked for radio station WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. In the Spring of 1937, Dutch covered the Chicago Cubs’ spring training camp where he met Max Arnow, the casting director for Warner Brothers. Max was impressed by Dutch’s good looks and his unique, well-trained voice. Max asked Dutch to do a screen test for Warner Brothers. Dutch agreed but had little expectation that Warner Brothers would be interested. To his surprise, Warner Brothers offered him a long-term acting contract based on Max’s screen test. Dutch left his job at the radio station and moved to Hollywood where he immediately began filming. In the Fall of 1937, Warner Brothers released three films which featured Dutch. In the following year, Dutch appeared in ten more Warner Brothers productions. Between 1937 and 1965, Dutch appeared in over eighty film and television productions.
Even with a career change and a move from Illinois to California, Dutch was unable to escape from his lifeguarding days at Lowell Park. In the Summer of 1938, Dutch was walking on one of the beaches near Hollywood when a young woman stopped him. They had a brief conversation in which she said that she, too, was from Illinois. She gave him a quick kiss, and said, “Thank you.” She was the seventy-seventh person Dutch had saved while working as a lifeguard at Lowell Park. A couple of years later, Dutch received a fan letter from a Miss Ledrine. She wrote, “You may not remember me but you pulled me out of Rock River at Lowell Park about ten years ago. I owe my life to you.”
Dutch usually tried to distance himself from the heroic tales people told about him. “The less I’m reminded of life saving the better I’ll like it.” In 1940, Dutch told a reporter, “It’s a strange thing, but the reaction of most people when they’re saved from drowning is resentment and humiliation at having been in such a helpless plight. I learned it the hard way.” “The only time I rescued a beautiful girl her heart belonged to somebody else. The only rewards I ever got were a pair of bathing trunks for hauling in one of my best friends and $10 for finding a man’s lower teeth on the river bottom. The rest of the time, all I got was abuse.” The abuse failed to hinder his efforts. During his seven years as a lifeguard, not a single person lost their life to drowning at the park.
In recognition of Dutch’s service as a lifeguard, Lowell Park named his favorite fishing spot Dutch’s Landing. In 1981, some 54 years after he saved his first drowning victim, Dutch got a new job. You see, Dutch, the man who saved seventy-seven lives as a lifeguard, was the nickname of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
Sources:
Members of Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 were at Rivertown Market on Saturday. The Post held a Buddy Poppy distribution. Auxiliary members conducted a bake sale.
They were informing the public of services the local VFW and Auxiliary offer to veterans and their families. They were also raising money for veterans relief services. Any veteran, whether they have served in a combat zone or not, may come to the post for help with getting benefits they earned by serving. For information, call 318-932-6557 and leave a message.
The Post distributed Buddy Poppies to shoppers. And members spent the morning assembling more poppies for future fundraisers.
The 5th National POWER SHOWCASE Home Run Derby and All-American Classic was held in Texas at the Rangers brand new billion-dollar stadium – Globe Life Field – November 6th through the 8th. The event features the most prolific amateur players from around the country and provided the perfect center-stage opportunity in which to demonstrate their skill-sets in front of baseball’s top evaluators.
The POWER SHOWCASE has announced that Catcher, Tyler Hughes, Coushatta, LA, was named to the 5th National POWER SHOWCASE All-America Team. Each player selected exemplified tremendous character, abilities, power, coach/scout references, and recent school performances. Hughes proudly represented his home state of Louisiana during the prestigious Home Run Derby that featured top amateur power-hitting prospects in the country. He finished third in his division, hitting 7 homeruns with a monster 429-foot second level homer. He also posted an exit velocity of 109 mph. Hughes was given the award of top exit velocity in his division. He also had the incredible opportunity to further demonstrate his skills while participating in a game.
The game highlights the three-day, All-encompassing major league experience. The event included an MLB Scout Day in front of thirty organizations, a welcome dinner/ jersey presentation ceremony, the prestigious home run derby itself, a mental strength session, and participation in the National Classic Game.
Proud Father, Timmy Hughes posted, “So very proud of Tyler. Finished third overall in 14U National Power showcase, hitting 7 home runs with a monster homerun of 429 feet!! This kid continues to amaze us!!”
On October 31, 2020 the wedding ceremony for Faith & Dakota Holland was held at Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana. Bro. Matt Endris of Fairview Baptist Church officiated. Faith is the Daughter of Sawyer & Merritt Cason of Fairview. She was attended by her Maid of Honor, Sidney Jones, and four bridesmaids; Laura Coley, Allyson Roberts, Laynie Scott, & Madison Lee. Dakota is the son of Carson & Amber Holland of Ashland. He was attended by his Best Man, Layton Friday, and four groomsmen; Kyle Cason, Kadden Crawford, Colton Bryant, & Jake Baldridge.
Faith & Dakota were heartbroken to learn that their wedding, originally scheduled for March 21, 2020, had to be postponed due to Covid 19. With each day bringing increased safety measures, and a mandate issued by the governor banning gatherings of more than 10 people, the young couple opted to have a small, spur-of-the-moment wedding ceremony at Fairview Baptist Church on March 16, 2020 surrounded by a small group of family and friends.
After a long and unusual summer due to ongoing restrictions, the day finally arrived for Faith & Dakota to have the wedding they’d worked so hard to plan. Surrounded by family and friends the wedding ceremony was held under the oaks on the lawn of the beautiful historic home. Guest were then treated to a social hour in the White Ballroom of the mansion, followed by a reception in Randolph’s Ballroom. The entire weekend was a stunning celebration of the love these two share.
The Cason & Holland families would like to thank everyone that helped make this event so special. Thank you all for arranging and rearranging your lives to share in this moment with us.
By Royal Alexander
The right to vote is preservative of all other rights
Does this look like an honest election to you? Does it look open and transparent? Do you think it’s been conducted freely and fairly? Should we not give the 2020 election dispute the same 37 days to be resolved that was given in Bush v. Gore in 2000?
Every hour that passes since election day strengthens the argument that we are witnessing voter fraud in several states. If this is true, it is highly illegal and corrupt. Our sacred right to vote is a fundamental right and held inviolate for American citizens including the 70 million who voted for President Trump.
Our right to vote has been deemed fundamental because it truly is “preservative of all our other rights” (Yick Wo). In multiple places in the U.S. Constitution, in both articles and amendments, the right to vote is either referenced or specifically addressed and protected including by the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments.
The U.S. Supreme Court has further grounded the fundamental right to vote in a legal doctrine known as 14th Amendment Substantive Due Process, as well as in the Equal Protection Clause. There are also landmark federal statutes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which further enshrine this precious right to participate in our constitutional form of government.
Let’s consider a few allegations from the last 72 hours:
In Philadelphia, contrary to Pennsylvania state law, Republican election observers were apparently denied the right to monitor the counting of approximately 120,000 ballots because they were forced to stand back and away, for a 20-hour period, from where the counting was taking place. As a result, observers could not tell whether the ballots were correctly postmarked, addressed, signed, and sealed as required by law. There are also allegations that ballots were backdated to make it appear they were timely.
In Wisconsin, after election observers had gone home—sometime between 3-4 am—over 100,000 ballots “appeared” and were apparently counted and, in a statistically improbable way, all the ballots appeared to have voted for one candidate.
In Michigan, Republican observers were also denied access, again contrary to state law, to counting locations from which to observe the opening of ballots and the counting process. One woman who identified herself as an election volunteer in Clark County stated she had found a box of 500 ballots outside of the vote counting facility inscribed with the names of individuals who were not on the County’s voter rolls. In Detroit, windows were boarded up preventing poll watchers from viewing the counting of ballots.
It’s also becoming clear that a glitch in the computer software used in counties throughout the state of Michigan—and in as many as 30 other states—caused 6,000 votes for Pres. Trump to be switched to Biden votes.
Across the country there are still other allegations of fraud or irregularities, including after-hours counting and the discovery of “midnight” votes and what appears to be vote harvesting. Numerous lawsuits have been filed regarding these allegations. Unsurprisingly, a highly partisan “news” media is generally not reporting any of this.
Virtually every American is blessed with the sacred right to vote. (Felons and those with mental incapacity may be excepted). Many brave men and women fought and died to be certain that our government and our courts would guarantee the sanctity of our vote and the fairness of our elections. What we are witnessing now is a travesty. This kind of cheating and abuse is how violent unrest is sparked by Americans who simply are not going to tolerate having their vote, and this election, stolen from them.
The Coushatta Ducks Unlimited Banquet is tomorrow night. The event begins at 5:30 at the Coushatta Country Club.
The contact for tickets is Tray Murray at 318-471-6969. Single tickets are $50, couples $75 and children are $25.
Riverdale had three junior teams compete this past weekend in their first Louisiana High School BASS tournament on Toledo Bend. There were 170+ other high school and junior teams.
On Saturday we brought in the biggest bass and won 3rd place in the West qualifier. On Sunday we also brought in the biggest bass and won 4th place in the North qualifier.
We are so proud of all these boys. They fished hard all weekend long and it paid off.
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