Here are the recent fire calls posted by the Red River Fire Protection District.

11-03-2020 @ 10:05 am. Assisted with a control burn at 229 Bacle Road.

11-05-2020 @ 4:35 pm. Stood by for a small control burn at 100 Riverdale Road.

11-06-2020 @ 11:03 am. Toned out to a vehicle fire at the intersection of 1st Street and Corbitt Road.

11-06-2020 @ 5:14 pm. Toned out to the area of Jones Road on Hwy 155 for an 18 wheeler possibly on fire. FD caught up with the vehicle to find the brakes were smoking.

11-07-2020 @ 7:50 pm. Toned out to 5984 Hwy 784 for the sound of an explosion. Arrived to find a control burn in progress by the home owner.

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Wendi Lee

February 23, 1972 to November 6, 2020

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/11/09/wendi-lee/

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Red River High is alerting Sophomores who are virtual students.  You are required to come to school Friday, November 13^th to take the Pre-ACT.  Be there by 8:00 am.

There will be team roping on Saturday at the arena at Red River Cowboy Church.  Activities begin at 11:00 am.

From Red River Public Schools.  Thoughts to ponder. 

The next time you hear someone argue the importance of their lack of education on the fact that “a diploma is just a piece of paper,” here’s an interesting rebuttal: “So is money, and we work hard and place great value on that.” Think about it.

Happening THIS Thursday!!!! Join us for food, fellowship, and most important to hear a message form the Lord, delivered by Brandon Digilormo of INSANE MINISTRIES! You don’t want to miss it!

Lifeshare Blood Center will be with us again. Blood supplies are extremely low, PLEASE if you are able to give blood, give. Your donation could save a life!!!

From Red River Athletics:  Avoyelles tickets are on sale in main office.  See Mrs. Hopper.   Game is on Friday 11/13/2020 at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $10 each. All sales final, no refunds or exchanges.   LHSAA passes will be taken at the gate with id.  Cannot use LHSAA passes to get tickets from RRHS.

 

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Funeral services for Wendi Lee, 48, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, November 13, 2020 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Sister Norene Delp officiating.  Interment will follow in Thomas-Wren Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 until service time on Friday.  Due to Covid 19, mask will be required.

Ms. Lee was born February 23, 1972 in Shreveport, LA and passed away November 6, 2020.  Wendi was someone who never met a stranger.  Even though she was a quiet person, she loved people.  Wendi worked for nineteen years at the Grand Bayou Resort and adored those whom she worked with.  She truly loved her family and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Gail Lee; and father, William Frank Lee, Jr.

Ms. Lee is survived by her mother, Irma Jean Lee; nephew, Jayro Perkins; niece, Jeanie Perkins; and very special cousins, Micki Fuhrman Milom and Russ Fuhrman.

Pallbearers will be Jayro Perkins, Logan Perkins, Russ Fuhrman, David Price, Kaleb Weaver, and Guy Breider.  Honorary pallbearer will be Bill Wilson.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Willis-Knighton North, staff at St. Joseph’s Carpenter House, and the staff of Green Meadow Haven.

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, November 8, 2020.

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Red River Parish Detectives are currently investigating a shooting that began in Natchitoches Parish on the morning of October 1, 2020 and concluded on US-71 in Red River Parish.

The three suspects below along with a fourth accomplice attempted a four-wheeler theft in Natchitoches Parish. The suspects fled the scene in a Dodge pickup and were followed by the victim, as he was in communication with NPSO.

Once inside Red River Parish, the suspects began to open fire from their vehicle in the direction of the victim’s vehicle.  As a result of the subsequent investigation, RRPSO obtained arrest warrants for Demetrius Allen, Johnathan Russell, and John Hickman III, charging each with 1 Count of LRS. 14:27\14:30.1 Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder in addition to other charges. 

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact Detective Sgt. Carlos Ratliff at Office (318) 932-4221, Cell (318) 734-7802

 

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Red River Parish voters went along with voters statewide on some issues and bucked the trend on a couple of others.  In the town of Coushatta voter turnout was down considerably compared to the 2016 election.

On the amendments to the state Constitution, parish voters went along with the state on some of the issues, however they went against the trend on two.  See the next story for a breakdown of the vote on the amendments.

There was only one local election, that for a new Town Council.  The five incumbents were joined in the race by John Henry, Jr.  Council candidates run at large.  A drastically low voter turnout compared to 2016 may have hurt inclement Brian Nash.  He finished 6^th, edged out by 14 votes.  Challenger John D. Henry, Jr. garnered 457 votes for 5^th place.  Nash polled 443.

The turnout in town was 42.8% or 3,041 people voted.  That is just slightly more than half the number that voted in 2016.  There was a 70.7% voter turnout, or 4,454, in Coushatta in 2016 and there were 11 candidates vying for the 5 Town Council seats.

Nationally the Presidential election was extremely hotly contested between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.  But there was not as much excitement locally this year, which translates to lower voter involvement.  In 2016 a total of 4,422 parish residents voted in the Presidential race or a turnout of 71.7%.  This time the turnout was down, at 69.5% or 4,132 people casting ballots.

Comparing this year’s race to 2016, in 2020 President Donald Trump received 2,413 votes or 58% in the parish.  Challenger Joe Biden got 1,644 votes or 40%.  Look back at 2016 and we see that President Trump got 54% or 2,391 votes and Hillary Clinton polled 1,938 or 44%.

Statewide total votes cast in 2020 is up.  Statewide turnout was 69.4% compared to 67.8% in 2016.

Red River is as red parish in a red state.  However this year with all the campaigning, the radio and tv ads, and all the radio talk shows, there was less excitement than four years ago.  And that translated in a considerably lower local voter turnout.

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By David Jacobs The Center Square

 Louisiana voters rejected two of the seven constitutional amendments that were on Tuesday’s ballot.

Amendment 4  sought to limit the potential growth of state spending. Amendment 5 would have created a new tax break for local governments to offer manufacturers. Both were voted down.

Current law includes a spending limit that compounds each year and seldom comes into play during the budget process. Amendment 4 would have capped annual spending growth at 5 percent and added other factors meant to make the limit more restrictive.

The changes would not have cut the state’s budget but might have made it more difficult for lawmakers to increase state government spending. Lawmakers would have been able to lift the cap with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, so if a majority of legislators wanted to spend enough to exceed the cap, a minority would have been able to block that effort or demand concessions in exchange for their votes.

Amendment 5 drew the most opposition of any amendment on the ballot. It would have created a new process for local taxing authorities to negotiate deals with a manufacturer to make payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOTs) the company otherwise would owe. In theory, local governments could let the company pay less in property taxes as an incentive to move to their jurisdiction or expand there, while using the up-front money for infrastructure or other immediate needs.

Supporters said the new form of PILOT could be an economic development tool for local governments that is more flexible than the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program. Critics, such as the left-leaning group Together Louisiana, saw it as yet another avenue for corporate tax breaks that shift the tax burden onto regular citizens.

Voters approved the other five amendments.

Also on Tuesday, voters in most Louisiana parishes approved legalizing sports betting in their areas, though it won’t actually be legal anywhere in the state for a while. Lawmakers next year will have to set up the regulations and tax rates.

Here is how Red River voters decided on the seven amendments.  They agreed with the rest of the state in defeating amendments number 4 and 5.  However Red River went against the statewide trend and voted down amendments 2 and 3.  Red River voters approved of authorizing sports wagering.

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There were several changes to the Red River Parish Police Jury on Wednesday.  The Jury accepted the resignation of President Shawn Beard.  Juror Tray Murray was elected to be the President for the coming year.

Beard resigned last month after he moved his home across Highway 507 and into another jury district.  His resignation letter was formerly accepted by the Jury on Wednesday.  The jury then appointed Shane Young as representative of District 3.  Young will serve until an election to fill the unexpired term can be held in the spring.

Young was one of three potential jurors discussed.  Jury members said in addition to Young, John King and John Lindsey had made contact with them expressing an interest in representing District 3.  The three were discussed during the committee meeting before Young was nominated and elected during the regular jury meeting.

The Police Jury adopted a resolution calling a Special Election to fill the vacancy in District 3.  The election will be held March 20^th with a runoff, if necessary, on April 24^th.  Qualifying will be open January 20^th through 22^nd.

Wednesday the jury also held elections of officers to serve for the next year.  Tray Murray was elected Jury President.  Ben Taylor was re-elected Vice President for another year.  Murray was presented the gavel and took over chairing the meeting at that point.  Taylor had chaired the meeting at the beginning until Murray was elected.

The Journal provided a live video stream of the meeting.  It is archived on Facebook.com./RedRiverParishJournal/videos.

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The School Superintendent confirms that the football players on the Red River Junior High team are in quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus.  Superintendent Alison Hughes told The Journal that two students at the Junior High have tested positive, and one is a member of the football team.

Hughes said, “We are following protocol and having all of the team members quarantine at home because of the close contact of team members at practices.”  Hugh said both Junior High coaches are also in quarantine.

The final game of the Junior High season was scheduled for Thursday.  Hughes said it was cancelled.

“It is not a large issue,” said Hughes.  She added, “We do not have an outbreak inside our system.  We have some students who are in quarantine because of contact with parents and others outside the school system who may have been exposed.”  She added that in addition several school employees have been sent home during this time.

The quarantine is limited to the Junior High.  Red River Athletic Director Norman Picou said, “The game (against Lakeview Friday night) is still on.  The High School football team is fine.”

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Louisiana will stay in Phase 3 and keep its current COVID-19 mitigation measures in place for another 28 days, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday. The Governor’s Phase 3 order was set to expire Friday, and he has extended it until Friday, December 4, 2020.

“The mitigation measures we have in place are slowing the spread of COVID and saving lives and now is not the time to let up,” Gov. Edwards said. “All Louisianans need to continue to work together to slow the spread of COVID in our state and keep hospitalizations down so that we do not risk our ability to deliver health care to our people. We have now seen three consecutive days of increasing hospitalizations, and last saw this many people in the hospital in mid-September. As we move into the holiday season, it is important that people do not let their guard down. We have seen COVID spread because of small, private gatherings at people’s homes and everyone should be focused on minimizing their risk and protecting their loved ones.”

The White House Coronavirus Task Force shares data weekly with the states, which shows that while much of the nation is seeing a surge in new cases, Louisiana’s new case count and test positivity has remained mostly stable. Louisiana has the 44^th highest number of new cases per capita, with the lowest test positivity and new cases per capita in the South.

Last week, Louisiana added 73 new COVID cases per 100,000 people, in comparison to a national average of 165 per 100,000 people.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested the grandmother of a child abused in the Goldonna community in north Natchitoches Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Wednesday evening at approximately 9:30 pm, NPSO Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Teresa Jurgens, 51, of Goldonna on a criminal arrest warrant signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge for Felony- Principle to Cruelty to Juveniles in connection with her involvement in a child abuse investigation involving her grandchild in Goldonna, La.

The investigation began on Friday October 30, 2020 which resulted in the child being removed from the home by State DCFS case workers on Monday November 2.

Two other people identified as Joe Hines, (the grandmother’s boyfriend) and the child’s mother, 28-year-old Casey Smedley of Goldonna remain incarcerated in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Cruelty to Juveniles.  No bond has been set.

On Monday, Sheriff Stuart Wright stated that NPSO detectives were committed to conducting an impartial investigation not based on hearsay or rumors, only following the facts and evidence in the case to be presented to the district attorney’s office.

Due to the sensitivity of this investigation, no further information will be released at this time according to Chief Deputy Greg Dunn.

If you have any information contact Major Reginald Turner or Detective Derrick Sowell with the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.

The Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center in Shreveport, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office and Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services are all assisting in the investigation.

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The Red River Parish Journal thanks our readers for making us the “Prime Source For Local News” in this area.  Our twice weekly emails represent more local news than you will get from any other area source.

Thank you for the honor of serving you.

Your editor would like to remind you that The Journal values our subscribers and we promise not to share your info with outsiders. You will notice that The Journal has a clean, uncluttered appearance. There are no “redirects” or “click on buttons” other than links to other Journal sites. And you can always get right back to the article you are reading. 

Some of our articles will have information on websites and social media posts. Those links are not active, so there is no (or greatly reduced) chance for anyone to sneak off with your info. If you wish to learn more from a site mentioned in a story, copy the link from The Journal article and paste it in your browser or social media app. 

Tell your friends that subscriptions are free.  Pass the word to “Red River Alumni” who live out of our region.  The Journal is the way to keep up with their hometown roots.

So enjoy our articles in a clean, smooth operating platform. And thank you for subscribing to the Red River Parish Journal. 

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A message from the Red River School Board

If you’ve ever studied English bulldogs, then you know they are independent and determined. They have a confidence that allows them to solve problems and meet needs without requiring their owners’ guidance.

As Red River Bulldogs, our students are taught to be independent and determined, as well as learning to solve problems with confidence.

It is our heartfelt goal as the Red River Parish School Board that every student be encouraged and taught to be their personal best. With educators and parents working together, we are making that goal a reality. Go, Bulldogs!!

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Beta Club is a service organization made up of academically outstanding students.  They serve their school and community and recently the Riverdale Beta Club treated their teachers.

Riverdale’s Booster Club posted, “Thank you Beta Club for all that you do for Riverdale Academy! You have gone above and beyond with serving at Rebel Fest and for the teacher’s room service.”

We love the Beta Club and their amazing leader!” they added.  “Thank you, Mrs. Amanda and Beta students. We all enjoyed our room service! Thank you to all who helped make this possible.”

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Will of God Ministries will be hosting a Food Giveaway on Monday, November 9th from 9:00 to 11:00 am for Red River residents.  The distribution will be held at the old Grade School location on East Carroll Street.

Drive up, pop your trunk, and a food box will be placed inside. For safety, remain inside your vehicle.  Remember to wear your mask and maintain social distancing.

Rev. Johnny Cox told The Journal after the October distribution that over 200 people were supplied with non-perishable items, frozen meat and chicken, and other food items.  The food comes from the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank.

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Northwestern State University has modified Fall Commencement plans to follow health and safety protocols. Degrees will be conferred during five ceremonies beginning Thursday, Dec. 17-Friday, Dec. 18 in Prather Coliseum. 

“Obviously, we want our graduates and their families to be able to celebrate their accomplishments, but we must keep health and safety in mind,” said Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “We have put a lot of thought into planning a series of ceremonies and ask for the help and understanding of graduates and guests as we do our best to present safe and memorable commencement programs.”

Students who completed their degrees in May and August who wish to participate in Fall Commencement should contact the Registrar’s Office by emailing registrar@nsula.edu by Dec. 4. 

There will be two ceremonies for the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health on Thursday, Dec. 17.  Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 17, degrees will be conferred to graduates earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice.  Beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 17, degrees will be conferred on graduates earning the Associate of Science in Nursing and bachelor’s and graduate degrees from the School of Allied Health.

Three ceremonies will take place on Friday. Dec. 18.  Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec 18, degrees will be conferred to all graduates of the College of Business and Technology and to graduates earning associate degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.   Beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 18, degrees will be conferred to all graduates earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.  Beginning at 4 p.m. Dec. 18, bachelor’s and master’s degrees will be conferred to all graduates of the College of Education and Human Development.

The ceremonies will all be ticketed events with Prather Coliseum limited to 25 percent capacity.  Graduates will be allowed four guest tickets and tickets must be obtained in advance. Information on requesting tickets will be available in the coming weeks.  Graduates and guests must wear masks and practice social distancing as Phase 3 health and safety protocols will be enforced. Handel recommended that guests with tickets arrive at least 40 minutes prior to each ceremony.

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Rev. Douglas L. Cain

Memorial service to be held at First United Methodist Church, Natchitoches on Saturday, November 7^th at 11:00 am.  Rev. Cain passed away on May 4, 2020.

Melvin Harrison Stewart

July 23, 1928 to November 1, 2020

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/11/05/melvin-harrison-stewart/

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Two meetings to note next week.  On Monday, the Red River Parish School Board is scheduled to meet at 4:30 at the Administration Building on Alonzo Street.  On Tuesday the Town Council will meet at 5:30 at the Town Hall.

Monday is the final 40-pound food box distribution of 2020.  It is done by the Council on Aging.  Pickup begins at 8:30 am.  Also, Monday is the day for the Will of God Ministries food distribution at the old elementary school across from the library.  That will be from 9 to 11 am.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer an online Notary Public Exam Prep Extensive Review Course on Saturday Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. The fee is $65 is paid before Nov. 8 and $85 if paid after.

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Graveside services for Melvin Harrison Stewart, 92, of Chestnut, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Oak Grove Cemetery with Bro. Mike Honzel officiating and Bro. Wayne Bridges assisting.  Family and friends may pay their respects from 12:30 P.M. until 1 P.M. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.  Due to Covid-19, mask and social distancing are required.

Mr. Stewart was born July 23, 1928 in Chestnut, LA and passed away November 1, 2020.  Melvin was a devoted family man, hunter, gardener, fisherman, and active member of United Baptist Church of Campti, LA, serving as a deacon, active member for over 50 years of the Mason’s in Springhill, LA and an active member of Star of Bethlehem of Castor, LA.  He will be terribly missed by everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Ora Bell Stewart; two brothers, Walter Lee Stewart and J.D. Stewart.

Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruey Stewart; three children, Edith Stewart Braud and husband, Henry, Lonnie M. Stewart and wife, Peggy, Stacy Bridges and husband, Wayne; six grandchildren: Alan Braud, Ashley Braud Stewart, Lindsey Bridges, Kara Bridges, Jennifer Bridges, and Jamey Stewart; and nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Joe Stewart, Bruce Stewart, Mike Watts, Max Pepper, and Jerry Hammond.  Honorary pallbearers will be Alan Braud, Peyton Braud, Taylor Braud, Jamey Stewart, Jarrett Stewart, Kevin Stewart, and Chayton Friday.

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All of the votes in Red River Parish have been counted.  There could be an upset in the Town Council race with the challenger finishing fifth.  Councilpersons run at large in town and incumbent Brian Nash has come in 6^th in the vote count.

Here is the vote count

Reginald Prealow, Jr – 568

Janice Lewis – 538

Edna Webb – 536

Peter Drake – 499

John D. Henry – 457

Brian Nash – 443

Other results from Red River Parish:

President

Donald Trump – 2413 or 58%

Joe Biden – 1644 or 40%

U.S. Senate

Bill Cassidy – 2291 or 57%

Adrian Perkins – 1194 or 30%

Derrick “Champ” Edwards – 245 or 6%

U.S. House of Representatives

Mike Johnson – 2243 or 59%

Kenny Houston – 1130 or 30%

Public Service Commission District 5

Foster Campbell – 2651 or 69%

Shane Smiley – 1202 or 31%

Judge, Court of Appeal

Jeanette Garrett – 2241n or 81%

Trina “Trinh” Chu – 576 or 19%

These are the results from all 18 precincts in Red River Parish

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The first results in today’s election in Red River Parish are in.

The only local race is Town Council.  All five incumbent councilpersons are leading challenger John D. Henry.

President Trump leds Joe Biden with 50% of the vote to Biden’s 48%.

Senator Bill Cassidy is leading challenger Adrian Perkins 50% to 37%.

For U. S. Representative, inclumbent Mike Johnson leds the field with 53% of the vote.  Top challenger is Kenny Houston with 35%.

These are the first results from the parish.  We’ll update as more results come in.

 

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The President of the Red River Parish Police Jury has resigned.  Shawn Beard submitted his resignation effective October 15^th.  The police jury holds its regular monthly meeting today.  Selecting a replacement is on the agenda.

Beard recently moved his residence across Highway 507 from his former home.  He constructed a new home adjacent to The Shop (his former transmission repair business).  With that move, Beard no longer resides in District 3.  Therefore he has resigned from the police jury.

This morning the jury will accept Beard’s resignation and appoint someone to fill the vacancy.  In addition, the jury will pass a resolution calling a special election next spring to fill the remaining time on Beard’s term.

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