The Bulldogs play at Bunkie Friday at 7:00 pm.  Red River High reports most of the allocated tickets have already been sold.   
Bunkie is requiring everyone to have a ticket including small children and babies.

Today is the last day to get tickets for the Game at Bunkie.  Tickets are $8.00.  The school said, “We only have a few left.  They may be purchased from the main office at Red River High.”

Journal Sports will provide live video streaming for both local high schools Friday night.  Red River kicks off at 7:00 pm on the road against Bunkie.  Riverdale plays their final game at home against Claiborne at 7:30.

The live stream of the games will begin approximately fifteen minutes before kickoff.  The Journal will send out text alerts to remind fans how to watch the games a few minutes before the broadcasts begin.  If you do not receive the text message alerts, here is the link to sign up:  https://form.jotform.com/63427407805154

Both games will be streamed on The Journal’s Facebook page.  Search for Red River Parish Journal on Facebook and like or follow the page.  You can sign up for notifications of each broadcast.

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By Molly Seales

Hurricane Delta sent the Riverdale Rebels to Tallulah Academy/Delta Christian School a day early. On Thursday, October 8, the Rebels had an awesome Black Out Pep Rally and then boarded the bus to travel to take on the Trojans.  The rain began to fall as the Rebels traveled, and it never let up.  It was a nasty, wet night for the Trojans for their 2020 Homecoming, and the Rebels came to town and beat them 26-22 at their homecoming football game.

It did not look like it was going to be a good night for the Rebels.  Riverdale received the ball first and did not recover the onside kick.  The Tallulah offense took over, and on the first play of the game, they ran the ball in for a long touchdown and stunned the Rebel defense. They followed it up with the 2-point conversion.  With 9:46 left in the 1^st quarter, Riverdale was down 8-0.  They were down, but they were definitely not out. The Rebels quickly regrouped and came back out fighting.  It was a back and forth battle all night, and it was a great spectator’s game.  Anyone could have come out with the victory, but the Rebels prevailed!

Senior quarterback Witt Almond had 9 completed passes for 90 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.  Several passes that would have been caught under normal weather conditions were dropped because the wet ball was so slick, but the Rebel offense managed to compensate by using their athleticism and their minds. Junior Jake Messenger also spent a little time at quarterback and had 1 completion for 22 yards.  Jake was also a vital part of the running game as he carried the ball 6 times for 79 yards and 1 touchdown.  Senior Paul Messenger had 15 carries for 72 yards.  Riverdale had a total of 152 rushing yards for 1 touchdown and no fumbles. Senior Parker Almond had an outstanding night with 4 receptions for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Jake Messenger had 2 receptions for 23 yards and 1 touchdown.  Ty “Bones” Jones had 3 receptions for 18 yards. The offensive total for the night was 264 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The mud and muck didn’t slow down the Rebel defense.  Parker Almond had 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 1 forced fumble.  Paul Messenger had a solo tackle and 5 assists, while brother Jake had 4 solo tackles, 6 assists (2 TFL,) and 1 PBU.  Freshman Ryder Huddleston was in on the action with a solo tackle and 4 assists.  Denver Williams had 1 solo tackle and 3 assists, and Kaden Cason had 1 solo tackle and 1 assist.  Ty “Bones” Jones had 2 solo tackles, 7 assists (1 TFL,) and an interception that he ran back for 21 yards. Senior Brennan Edie, who was back on the field after missing several games due to a shoulder injury, had a great night with 2 solo tackles, 6 assists (1 TFL,) and a crucial fumble recovery in the 4^th quarter.

The Rebels won’t be taking any time off for fall break this week.  They will be on the field preparing for Senior Night next Friday, October 16, when the Claiborne Academy Rebels come to East Point for the last regular game of the season.  Come out and support the senior Rebels and their teammates Friday night!

A Footnote:  Riverdale players have been informed that the team will pick up another match.  The weekend of October 23rd was originally scheduled with Franklin Academy but they did not field a team this season.  Players Thursday were informed that the Rebels would travel to Jackson, Mississippi to play a 3:00 pm afternoon game vs Mississippi School for the Deaf on October 23rd.

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By Hayley Loe with photos by Gracie Price

Thursday night, October 8^th, The Red River High School Bulldogs faced off against the Many Tigers. Throughout the game the Bulldogs continuously tried their hardest to hold their ground, but ultimately lost to the Tigers 15-45.

The RRHS touchdowns of the game were scored by Zintavyious Smith #9 and Johnny Maxie #7. Ryder Hogan #36 kicked a field goal and an extra point.

Friday, October 16^th, the Red River Bulldogs will go on the road to the Bunkie Panthers. As always, The Red River Parish Journal will provide full coverage of the game beginning about fifteen minutes before kickoff.

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By Brad Dison

In March of 1974 26-year-old Ian Ball hatched a terrible plan.  He rented a white Ford Escort under the name of John Williams, a most common name, and collected four sets of handcuffs, Valium tranquilizers, a large caliber revolver pistol, a small caliber revolver pistol, spare ammunition, and a pair of gloves.  Owning firearms in England required special permits and licenses which Ian did not possess.  He prepared a rambling ransom note in which he ultimately requested £2 million in £5 bills.  The demand specified that the money was to be delivered in 400,000 £5 bills.  He demanded that the money be placed in twenty suitcases and put on a specific airplane for Switzerland.  In addition to the money, he requested that Queen Elizabeth II appear on the plane in person to sign some paperwork which he deemed necessary.  Ian was unaware that the Queen was in Indonesia on a State visit.  Ian Ball was mentally ill.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on March 20, 1974, newlyweds Mark and his wife Anne, along with Alexander, James, and Georgina, were returning to Anne’s mother’s home from a nearby movie theater.  About 200 yards from her Anne’s mother’s home, a white Ford Escort sped past them.  Suddenly, the driver of the Ford Escort slammed on the brakes and swerved the car in front of them.  Alexander had only a split second to respond.  He slammed on the brakes and brought their car to a screeching halt just inches from the Ford Escort. 

A young man with light red hair and matching beard exited the Ford Escort and walked toward their car with a pistol in each hand.  It was Ian Ball.  James exited the car under the assumption that something Alexander had done while driving had upset the driver of the Ford Escort.  James’s plan was to try to diffuse the situation.  James held his hands in front of Ian to show that he was not a threat and tried to speak with Ian.  From a distance of about six feet, Ian shot James in his right shoulder.  James, who had the proper licensing to possess and carry a gun, returned fire.  James was right-handed and the gunshot to his right shoulder weakened his grip.  His shot missed Ian.  James’s weakened grip caused his automatic pistol to jam. 

With James no longer a threat, Ian turned his attention to the occupants of the car.  He went to the rear door on the driver’s side and tried to open it.  Mark and Anne struggled to hold the door closed.  Ian ordered, “Open, or I’ll shoot!”  Georgina opened the rear passenger door and ran from the car.  James, unable to clear his jammed pistol, jumped into the car through the door Georgina had opened.  He saw Ian raise the pistol toward the window and instinctively jumped in between the gunman and Mark and Anne.  Ian fired into the car.  The bullet shattered the window and struck James in the hand.  Ian fired another shot into the car which struck James and knocked him back out of the passenger side rear door.  Alexander exited from the driving position of the car to confront Ian.  Ian shot Alexander in the chest.  Alexander fell back into the driver’s seat.  Ian turned back to the two remaining uninjured occupants of the car, Mark and Anne. 

Ian opened the rear driver’s side door, grabbed Anne’s forearm, and began pulling.  Mark grabbed her wrist and pulled in the opposite direction.  Ian was paying little attention to Mark.  He said to Anne, “Please, come out.  You’ve got to come.”  Anne replied, “Not bloody likely.”  Ian persisted but Anne was determined not to exit the car.  During Ian’s and Mark’s tug-of-war over Anne, her dress split down the back.  Rather than panicking, Anne had “a very irritating conversation” with Ian.    

Police constable Michael Hills was patrolling on foot nearby and heard the screeching tires and the gunshots.  He was the first officer on the scene.  Assuming that the quarrel was over a traffic accident, the unarmed officer approached Ian.  He touched Ian’s shoulder and Ian shot P.C. Hills in the stomach.  Before collapsing onto the pavement, P.C. Hills radioed into the station that he had been shot.

The gunshots got the attention of everyone in the area.  Ronald Russell, a 6’4” former boxer, was driving home from work when he saw Ian shoot P.C. Hills.  He pulled his vehicle to the side of the road and walked to the scene.  Meanwhile, Glenmore Martin positioned his car in front of Ian’s car to prevent him from escaping in it.  Glenmore exited the car and tried to approach Ian, but Ian aimed a pistol at him.  John McConnell, a journalist for the Daily Mail, approached and tried to reason with Ian.  John said “Don’t be silly, old boy.  Put the gun down.”  Ian shot him.  The journalist fell to the pavement.  As Ian turned his attention back to Anne, Ronald stealthily approached Ian from behind.  The former boxer punched Ian in the back of the head.  Stunned, Ian lost his grip on Anne.

Anne quickly backed out of the passenger side of the car.  Ian escaped Ronald’s grasp and ran around the car to get to Anne.  Anne quickly jumped back into the car with Mark and shut the door.  Ian struggled to open the door.  He noticed that more policemen had arrived and realized his plan had failed.  Anne watched as Ian nervously scanned the area for an escape route.  When Anne noticed that Ian had spotted a clear route away from the scene, she yelled through the window, “Go on.  Now’s your chance.”  Ian ran.  Policeman Peter Edmonds heard P.C. Hills’s radio call for help and arrived in time to see Ian fleeing the scene.  He took chase and quickly tackled Ian in what one witness called “a splendid rugby tackle.”  While searching Ian’s rented car they found the handcuffs, tranquilizers, and ransom note. 

Ian eventually pled guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping charges and received a life sentence in a mental health facility.  Nine years later, Ian wrote a letter to a member of the British Parliament in which he claimed that the whole incident had been a hoax.  Ian also claimed that he had been framed.  Ian remains in a mental health facility.

The Queen awarded medals to the people who protected the would-be kidnap victims.  James Beaton received the George Cross, the highest award for courage.  P.C. Hills and Ronald Russell received the George Medal, the second-highest civilian award for bravery.  P.C. Edmonds, John McConnell and Alexander Callender received the Queen’s Gallantry Medals, the third-highest civilian award for bravery.  She awarded Glenmore Martin with the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.  During the ceremony, as the Queen presented Ronald Russell with the George Cross medal, she said, “This medal is from the Queen of England, the thank you is from Anne’s Mother.”  Anne, Princess Anne, is Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter.  The Queen’s home, Buckingham Palace, was the group’s destination when Ian intervened.

Sources:

1. The Guardian (London, England), March 21, 1974, p.1.
2. Social Security Administration. “Top 5 Names in Each of the Last 100 Years.” Accessed October 2, 2020. ssa.gov/oact/babynames/top5names.html.
3. Hagen, Carrie. “The Bloody Attempt to Kidnap a British Princess.” Smithsonian

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By Addison Bounds, Junior Leader Reporter

4-H Junior Leaders is a group of students aging from 7th to 12th grade. Our most recent meeting took place on Tuesday, October 6th. We discussed our upcoming meetings and events for different parts of the club. We also talked about our mum sales, WE SOLD 224 MUMS!!!! We are very grateful to everyone that ordered them. The money that was raised from the mum sales will help 4-H members go to different camps and competitions to represent our parish throughout the year. We are starting our sweet potato and pecan sales, Information on them is listed below. We also collected items to go towards kids that are in Foster care, we received many donations and are thank you to everyone who donated, it really means a lot and will help these kids.

Pecan and Sweet Potato Sales

Pecans: 16 oz. bags of shelled pecans, either Plain, Roasted, Sugar or Chocolate covered $12 per bag

Praline Crunch $8  per bag

Sweet Potatoes – 20lb box $20 

                            40lb box $30

Fall is here!! That only means one thing…… our 4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest!!! There are 3 categories to be judged including scariest, most creative and 4-H pride. To turn in your pumpkin masterpiece either bring it to your school or to the 4-H office the week of October 19-23. They must be at the 4-H office by 4:00 October 23rd to be judged. YOU MUST BE IN 4-H TO PARTICIPATE.  If you want to join 4-H, you can contact the 4-H office for a paper form or enroll online at lsuagcenter.com/4henroll. It cost $3 to join, if you have any questions or are interested in enrolling, call the LSU AG Center at (318)932-4342.

Important Dates:

October 19 – 4-H Chefs Project Club at 5:30

October 19-23 – Decorated Pumpkin due in Office

October 23 – Clover Bud contest ends

                        Judging of the Pumpkin Decorating Contest

October 25 – Shooting Sports practice at 2:00 

                        Livestock Project Club – Date & Time – TBA

October 31 – State Fair of Louisiana BB Gun Contest – 10:00 am (contact 4-H office if interested)

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There are seven (7) constitutional amendments to the Louisiana Constitution that will be on the ballot for the November 3, 2020 election. Listed below are each amendment and an explanation of what a yes (for) or no (against) vote means.

Amendment 1 “Do you support an amendment declaring that, to
protect human life, a right to abortion and the funding of abortion
shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
State that nothing in the Constitution protects a right to abortion.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Leave the Constitution with no specific language on abortion.

Amendment 2 “Do you support an amendment to permit the
presence or production of oil or gas to be included in the methodology
used to determine the fair market value of an oil or gas well for the
purpose of property assessment?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Allow for a well’s oil and gas production when valuing it for property tax assessment.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Keep the current methods of oil and gas well assessment.

Amendment 3 “Do you support an amendment to allow for the
use of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day
Fund, for state costs associated with a disaster declared by the
federal government?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Allow the Budget Stabilization Fund to be tapped when there is a federally declared disaster.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Continue to restrict use of the Budget Stabilization Fund to revenue shortfalls.

Amendment 4 “Do you support an amendment to limit the
growth of the expenditure limit for the state general fund and
dedicated funds and to remove the calculation of its growth factor
from the Constitution?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Create a new state budget spending limit with probable slower growth.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Continue the current method for an expenditure limit.

Amendment 5 “Do you support an amendment to authorize local
governments to enter into cooperative endeavor ad valorem tax
exemption agreements with new or expanding manufacturing
establishments for payments in lieu of taxes?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Provide new options for manufacturers and local governments to schedule payments instead of property taxes for industrial expansions.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Leave the current system as the only set of options for property taxes, payments or exemptions for manufacturers.

Amendment 6 “Do you support an amendment to increase the
maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify
for the special assessment level for residential property receiving
the homestead exemption?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Allow homeowners with higher incomes to qualify for the property tax assessment freeze.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Keep the current income threshold for property tax freezes.

Amendment 7 “Do you support an amendment to create the
Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund to preserve the
money that remains unclaimed by its owner or owners?”

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Keep the current program that benefits the state general fund.

Proposition Shall sports wagering activities and operations be
permitted in the parish of Winn?

A VOTE FOR WOULD
Permit sports wagering in the voter’s parish.

A VOTE AGAINST WOULD
Forbid sports wagering in the voter’s parish.

For an independent, non-partisan review of the amendments click below to read the Public Affairs Research Council’s PAR Guide to the 2020
Constitutional Amendments.

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Lifeshare Blood Center reports the recent blood drive held at Riverdale Academy set a record.  The goal had been 12 units.  A total of 28 units were collected.

Philip Maxfield of Lifeshare told The Journal, “It was a record setting turnout, the largest ever at Riverdale.   We’ve never had that large a turnout.”

Maxfield thanks the school family for their participation.  “Quite a few parents as well as students came out.  We are looking to come back later in the year,” added Maxfield.

Next Wednesday, October 21^st the Lifeshare bus will be at Rivertown Market in Coushatta.  Maxfield hopes you will put it on your calendar and donate if you can.

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Families may be able to qualify for hurricane Delta relief, just as they applied for the DSNAP program following hurricane Laura.  Governor John Bel Edwards said, “We are working to get DSNAP approved for Hurricane Delta.

“Pre-register now to get a head start on your phone application and interview if DSNAP is approved for your parish.  Text LADSNAP to 898-211 for more info or visit dcfs.la.gov/dsnap.

“If you pre-registered or applied for DSNAP during Hurricane Laura (or since March), you do not need to pre-register again.”

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October has been declared Dysautonomia month by the Red River Parish Police.  The proclamation to boost awareness of this little known medical condition was approved by the jury at the October meeting last Wednesday.

The proclamation defines Dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “automatic” bodily functions such as, but not limited to: respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, bone marrow production, and temperature control.

Dysautonomia Louisiana is a local organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with Dysautonomia and those individuals suffering from its symptoms and still struggling for a diagnosis. Our goal is to bring much needed awareness to the community and information to the medical professionals across Louisiana. 

The proclamation was approved by the jury on a voice vote.

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Olesha Lynn Blake

October 25, 1961 to October 6, 2020

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2020/10/12/olesha-lynn-blake/

 

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Early voting begins on Friday.  It will run until October 27^th.  Voting daily except Sunday at the old Fire Station by the railroad tracks.

From Red River High:  Attention 12th grade students and parents!!!! LOSFA now has virtual office hours Monday thru Friday 9am to 3pm. You can click on the link below and schedule a one-on-one session with a LOSFA representative to answer questions regarding FAFSA, TOPS, College Applications and more. Set up your session today that will work best for you and your student.  mylosfa.la.gov/virtual-office-hours-with-losfa-staff/

Alliance Compressors of Natchitoches presented an annual donation of $5,000 to the Northwestern State University Foundation. The donation was made through the Emerson Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Alliance’s parent company, Emerson, which is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Alliance is a long-time industry partner with Northwestern State, having previously supported scholarships, STEM initiatives, student internships, mentoring, hiring graduates and providing input on industry needs.

Your editor would like to remind you that The Journal values our readers 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 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. 
So enjoy our articles in a clean, smooth operating platform. And thank you for enjoying the Red River Parish Journal. 
And a final note… The Journal is happy to recognize Irene Wafer.  She is the smiling face (behind the mask and shield) at the Red River Parish Police Jury office on the third floor of the Courthouse.  Irene said, “I don’t ever get my picture in the paper!”  So, Irene now you are here.  See below.

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Graveside services for Olesha Lynn Blake, 58, of Coushatta, LA were held at 2 P.M. Monday, October 12, 2020 at Fairview Cemetery with Dr. Matt Endris officiating. 

Mrs. Blake was born October 25, 1961 and passed away October 6, 2020 in Shreveport, LA.  Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, October 11, 2020.

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Here is the Friday morning report from the National Weather Service Shreveport Office:

Hurricane Delta is a major hurricane that will make landfall along the Louisiana coast later today. It is anticipated to bring the potential of flash flooding and damaging winds tonight into early Saturday morning.

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, La Salle, Caldwell, Jackson, and Ouachita Parishes in Northern Louisiana and Sabine County in Deep East Texas. Damaging wind gusts are possible.

Additional forecast rainfall amounts through Noon Saturday across the Four State Region as Hurricane Delta moves inland.  A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday Afternoon with additional rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches with isolated higher amounts from the effects of Hurricane Delta as the storm moves inland late tonight through Saturday. This Flash Flood Watch includes Red River and parishes to our east and south including Natchitoches, Winn and Sabine.

From the Governor:

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that President Donald Trump has approved his request for a federal emergency declaration in advance of Hurricane Delta.

“I appreciate President Trump’s quick action on approving my request for a federal emergency declaration for Hurricane Delta, which will impact Louisiana’s coastline beginning on Friday,” Gov. Edwards said. “We have been working with our federal and local partners to prepare for and quickly respond to this hurricane, even as we continue to recover from Hurricane Laura and manage the COVID-19 public health emergency.  All who live in South Louisiana should be preparing for Hurricane Delta and plan to be in place by Thursday evening as we prepare to weather yet another strong hurricane.” 

The emergency declaration authorizes FEMA Public Assistance, which is generally for government entities, to support Louisiana’s response to Hurricane Delta. Per the declaration, FEMA is authorized to provide Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance for the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

FEMA is also authorized to provide Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance for the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

From SWEPCO:

SWEPCO said the utility is making preparations for the storm.  As Hurricane Delta approaches the Louisiana coast, Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) advises customers to prepare now for the storm. “SWEPCO has activated its storm teams and requested 900 additional line and field personnel to respond to potential power outages,” said Drew Seidel, SWEPCO vice president of Distribution Region Operations. 

“The storm may impact the same area so heavily damaged by Hurricane Laura in August. We are prepared to get the lights back on as safely and quickly as possible, and we want our customers to be prepared,” Seidel said.

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Louisiana will stay in Phase 3, keeping its strong COVID-19 mitigation measures, including a continued statewide mask mandate, in place for another 28 days, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday.

The Governor moved Louisiana to Phase 3 in September, following declines in new cases and hospitalizations. Case numbers have spiked already twice in Louisiana – once in April and again in July.

“I’m announcing that Louisiana will stay in Phase 3 until at least November 6, as we continue to implement the mitigation measures developed for the state by the White House Coronavirus Task Force and supported by health experts that are having a positive impact on our battle against this public health emergency,” Gov. Edwards said. “All of the data shows improvement in Louisiana’s COVID situation because of the strong mitigation measures we have in place and because of the hard work of the people of Louisiana. These measures, which are supported by science, are allowing us to keep our case count and hospitalizations down, even as most of Louisiana’s businesses have expanded their operations and more people are moving about.

“We know that as schools return to in person learning, restaurants and bars open even more widely and more events begin, there is more risk to spreading COVID. I also remain incredibly concerned about how Hurricane Delta will impact our ability to operate community testing and also displace people in ways that may lead to spread.”

On Monday, Gov. Edwards announced that alcohol could be sold at sporting events in parishes that qualified and had opted in to re-open bars for on-site alcohol consumption, which is the only major change in the Governor’s Phase 3 order.

In addition, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal will issue guidance for fairs and festivals, which will allow event producers to submit a plan for approval. No outdoor fair or festival shall have more than 500 people.

The Governor’s Proclamation is below

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The Red River Parish Fire Department has received the OK to issue Limited Tax Refunding Bonds.  Approval was given by the Red River Parish Police Jury at the October meeting held Wednesday morning.

On a roll call vote, all members of the jury voted yes to adopt the resolution.  This was required so that the bonds to refinance the new fire station could move forward. 

Voters approved the early renewal of the Fire Department’s property taxes this summer.  That had been requested to allow the department to sell more bonds to fund the refinancing of the bonds.  Otherwise the balance of the mortgage on the fire station would need to be paid by 2023.  This will also result in a significant drop in the Fire Department’s monthly payments.

The full proclamation is below.

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Here are the results of Thursday night football games.

Riverdale traveled to Tallulah Academy on far northeast Louisiana to spoil the Trojans homecoming.  Final Rebels 26-Trojans 22.

Red River High was at home.  They came up short to a strong Many team.  Final Score was Tigers 45-Bulldogs 15

The Journal will have complete details and photos from both games in Wednesday’s edition.

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The high school held a golf tournament last Saturday at the Coushatta Country Club.  The event was a fundraiser for school athletic programs.

About 1:00 pm, after most of the golfers had returned to the clubhouse, there were drawings for prizes furnished by tournament sponsors and a hamburger plate dinner.  In addition, over 200 hamburger plates were ordered in advance by people in the area.

Here are the results of Red River High’s first golf tournament:

Flight 1

            1st:      Reagan Huddleston and Brad Merry

            2nd:    Johnny Ammons and David Levy

            3rd:     Johnny Cox and Scooter Perot

Flight 2          

            1st:      David and Karen Breedlove

            2nd:    Ginger Craig and Dwayne Pickett

            3rd:     Dan Honett and John Williford

Flight 3

            1st:      George Youngblood and Matt Youngblood

            2nd:    Michael Rushing and Ellie Drew

            3rd:     Tristen and Ty Jones

Hole Sponsors:

Reeves, Inc. of Louisiana                                          Rivertown Market

Zan Mullings                                                              Quality Ford                          

Hunter Mullings                                                        Country Market & Deli

The York Chop                                                           Tyler Insurance & Agency

Ricky Cannon                                                             C&K Bar-B-Que         

Randy’s Hardware & Lawn Mower Parts                Hudd’s Catering

Armadillo Mexican Grill.                                           Marketplace

Bumper To Bumper                                                  Christus Coushatta Health Care

Pickett Inflatables LLC.                                             Epic Touch

G & B Works                                                              Danzy’s Farm

CBS Home Express                                                    D&D Fun Jump

Tan Junkies                                                                Kash Korner

D&Z Quality Supplements                                        Bank of Coushatta

J & R Lawn Service                                                    Red River Parish Journal

Dairy Queen                                                               Sabine State Bank

Mabile’s Corner Pharmacy                                       Dr Greg and Kathy Bell

Susan Taylor                                                              All In Seafood

Red River Vet Clinic                                                  Bearing Service & Supply

Coushatta Oil & Tire                                                  Tobacco One Stop    

American Bank                                                          Almond Brothers Lumber Co

Red River Storage                                                     Tray Murray State Farm

CF Mims LLC                                                              Bethard & Bethard L.L.P      

Strong ARM Trucking                                               JKM Glass & Mirror LLC

Blanchard Haulin’ LLC         

Banner Sponsors

AA Donuts

TK’s Deer Processing

Rivertown

Nolen Paint & Body Works

Nolen’s Towing & Recovery

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The 46^th annual Melrose Plantation Arts & Crafts Festival has been postponed until next weekend. The festival will now be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18.  

The festival was originally scheduled to be held this weekend but the predicted path of Hurricane Delta has forced organizers to change plans. “The safety of our vendors, workers, and visitors is of the utmost concern for us,” says Heather Tichenor, director of Melrose Plantation. “The potential for property damage is high, especially when the storm is forecast to hit our region during our scheduled set up and the first day of an outdoor event.”

Festival hours and ticket prices remain unchanged. On Saturday, Oct. 17, the festival will run from 9 am – 5 pm. On Sunday, Oct. 18, festival hours are 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $5 for everyone ages 12 & up; $2 for kids ages 6-11; and free for kids 5 and under.  For more information and event updates, visit melroseplantation.org.

 

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The 2020 Americanism, Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions have been distributed to schools in this area by Coushatta VFW Post 7287.  Entries are due at the end of this month.  All students from Kindergarten through 12^th grade are eligible.

Last year a Coushatta student, Isak Schmidley won second in the state in the Patriot’s Pen competition.  His award was presented at the Louisiana VFW state convention in Alexandria.  That’s Isak at the top of this story.

Kindergarten students are asked to color a pre-printed American flag. 

First and second graders get to draw and color an American flag.

Students in third and fourth grades will submit a drawing of a historical event.

Fifth grade students will write an essay up to 300 words on the topic “How I Honor Veterans.”

Middle school students, grades six through eight, write an essay on “What Is Patriotism to Me?”

High school students will write and deliver a Patriotic Audio Essay.  This year the subject is “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

All entries must be returned to the local VFW post by October 31^st.  They will be judged at the local level and cash prizes will be awarded to the winning entries from each school.

The competition is open to home school students as well as those in public and private schools.  Anyone wishing to receive application information should contact the VFW by email.  Send your inquiry along with the grade of the students and your mailing address to VFW7287@att.net.

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Many locations in the US are already into early voting.  In Louisiana, our time to cast a ballot begins next Friday.

This year, there is a new location for early voting in Louisiana.  Early voting will be held at the old fire station at the corner of Lisso St. and E. Carroll St.  That is across from the courthouse and next to the railroad.

The early voting period is Friday, October 16^th through Tuesday, October 27^th.  There will be no voting on Sundays.  Daily hours are 8:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Bring an ID with you when you come to cast your ballot early.

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October 5^th, English 2 teachers Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Sullivan-Henry took to Zoom to host their class. They had about 60 students on interacting with one another reading and preparing their essays. If you are a virtual student don’t miss out on the next live lesson.

Currently we have several subjects going live a few times a week. Make sure you are checking your Google Classroom and email daily.

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