This week Governor John Bel Edwards extended the Phase Two reopening of the state for 28 more days.  That in effect cancelled summer camp programs planned by nearby Clara Springs Camp.  All other overnight camps were cancelled at the same time.

Bubba and Mandi Mills immediately expressed their disappointment and a look forward on a video posted for all campers and their families.  Bubba Mills said he talked with the State Fire Marshall and this summer overnight camps are not going to happen.  He said the Louisiana Department of Health is not recommending campers stay overnight for health and safety reasons.

Mandi Mills said, “So this year camp just won’t happen.  We wanted you to see our heart, and this was not an easy decision but was forced on us.”  Bubba Mills added, “When we heard the Governor’s news conference we knew we would not be able to hold the camps.”

That may not be the end of it.  Mills said, “It does not stop our ministry.  This opens new windows for us to reach out.  We’re going to do that.  We love to do that.”

Tonight (June 26^th) is the 4^th Friday Fish Fry.  Mandi Mills said it would be drive up for fish dinners or people could eat on the campgrounds.  On Saturday (June 27^th) it will be “Farm & Fam Day” at Clara Springs.  Bubba Mills said over 40 vendors had been scheduled for the event plus there will be an auction and other family activities.

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This week members of the Red River 4-H Clubs took part in the annual 4-H University.  However they did it from the local 4-H office.  4-H U went virtual because of the COVID-19 virus. 

Here are a couple of pictures of the participants.  Bryce Hunt competed in the Insect ID contest. He was the last contestant to compete.

Elliot and Ellis Grant did a great job calling the football game in the sports broadcasting contest for 4-h U.  4-H Agent Jacque Fontenot said, “They did a good job.  They still have a lot to learn but they really improved even from Friday.  They didn’t have any down time at all, and the coach complimented them on their knowledge of football.  I’m proud of them and I hope they try again next year.  Rafe Suggs wants to do this contest with someone next year, also.  We can have two or three teams.”

Addison Bounds shows off her AMAZING talent in the “4-H Has Talent” contest during 4-H University this week.  Addison’s video is at the end of this article.

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Certificate in Information Assurance and Cyber Security Management Introduced at Louisiana Tech

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business is now accepting applications for a newly developed undergraduate certificate in information assurance and cyber security management. Designed to enhance the degree for students pursuing a computer-related major, this certificate is also an attractive add-on for those looking to enter the cyber workforce.

This 18-hour certificate helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in positions in information systems and network security—one of the fastest growing industries in Louisiana.  

“Our new undergraduate certificate is one more way we are working to adapt curriculum to the needs of industry partners and an ever-changing workforce,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “Students pursuing this certificate—and all students in the College of Business—will possess both technological agility and the ability to leverage technology in business to its fullest.”

Students will learn to protect systems and information assets, and to detect, report, and resolve cyber security threats. Additionally, coursework will prepare students to perform information systems risk analysis, along with information systems disaster recovery and business continuity.

Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research, Louisiana Tech’s computer information systems curriculum encompasses cybersecurity, project management, telecom, enterprise systems, data analytics and programming. CIS lies at the intersection of business and technology.

In addition to the undergraduate certificate in information assurance and cyber security management, the College of Business offers several degree options in the field of computer information systems:

• Bachelor of Science in CIS
• 2+2 Transfer Pathway Program in CIS
• Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance
• MBA with a concentration in Information Assurance (including Hybrid delivery method)
• Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in CIS

Courses in the certificate program will begin this Fall. Interested students should complete an undergraduate admissions application at latech.edu/apply. For more information, visit business.latech.edu/cis.

About the College of Business
Through market-driven academic programs and impactful scholarship and teaching, the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University produces business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurial, analytical, and technologically skilled for a competitive global marketplace. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of professional accountancy and doctor of business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.

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From Head Start Director Christy Suggs                  

Parents wishing to enroll their children in Red River Parish Schools’  Early Childhood programs may come to the Red River Elementary School Monday-Thursday from 8-2:30. Forms may be downloaded from RRBulldogs.com. 

Please bring the following information to register:

Birth Certificate, Social Security Card,

Up to Date Immunization Record for School,

Proof of Residence (bill with your name & physical address),

Photo Identification, and

Proof of Income for 2 consecutive pay periods for all adults in the household.

If your child attended RRES Head Start during 2019-20, Birth Certificate and Social Security Card are on file. New enrollment forms are needed along with the other items listed above.

If you have questions or would like to set up an appointment please call Mrs. Clark, Ms. Cato, Ms. Williams or Mrs. Suggs at RRES 932-9290. Registration does not guarantee enrollment in a preschool class. All information and forms must be provided before a child is considered registered.

We look forward to having you become part of the Bulldog Family.

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On Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards released a list of numerous appointments he was making to various Boards and Commissions.  One Coushatta man is on that list.

Jolley C. Nash was appointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District.  Nash is a farmer and owner of the Nash Cattle Company.  Nash and one other person were appointed to the district, others were reappointments.

Here is the complete list of appointees to the district:

Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District
The mission of the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District mission is to protect and to provide maintenance for the levees and drainage ditches within the Parish of Natchitoches. 

Mary R. Jones of Natchitoches has been appointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Jones is the assistant director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Office. 

Lewis C. “Casey” Messenger of Natchitoches has been reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Messenger is a member of 4m Farms. 

Kenneth K. “Karlton” Methvin of Natchitoches has been reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Methvin is a farmer in Natchitoches. 

Jolley C. Nash of Coushatta has been appointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Nash is a farmer in Coushatta. Nash is the owner of the Nash Cattle Company. 

Terry G. Sklar of Natchitoches has been reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Sklar is the president of SFC Contract Services. 

Rayburn L. Smith of Natchitoches has been reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Smith is the manager at Smith Cattle Farm. 

Mark C. Swafford Sr. has been reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Swafford is retired. 

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The National Weather Service office in Shreveport reported the Saharan Air Layer will move over our area through the weekend. This dust layer originated in West Africa.

It can suppress rainfall amounts and also hurricanes. It also can lead to amazing sunsets. For more visit: https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/saharan-air-layer/

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Red River Athletics has posted this notice to all athletes:
Phase 2 has been extended for 28 days by Governor Edwards. We will continue following our current guidelines.

We have done a good job so far, but parents/guardians and students must continue to:

1. Temperature and Symptom Check will be done outside the buildings at the drop off area in the parking lot.
2. Students cannot be dropped off and left until a coach/sponsor has cleared them.
3. GROUPS USING THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
   *Please do not go into the main building. Students should be dropped off in the visitor parking lot when a coach/Sponsor tells them to exit the vehicle.

*No students should enter main building and do not use employee parking lot.

* If students are late, then they need to text a coach to come meet them in the visitor parking lot to do the temperature and symptom check.

Students need to continue to bring their own water and towel. 

We appreciate you helping us work through this unprecedented time.

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RRES Launched a new website Wednesday, June 24th.

Red River Elementary School Assistant Principal Megan Picou has created a new website for RRES. The new site may be found at https://rres.rrbulldogs.com.

The website said, “We encourage elementary parents and students to view the page often for important information concerning the upcoming school year.”

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Today is the fourth Friday in July and that means fish dinners tonight at Clara Springs Camp.  Service begins at 5:00 pm.  Dinners are packed to take home or find a spot on the campgrounds to picnic.

The School Board will hold the June meeting on Monday, June 29^th.  They meet at 2:00 pm at the Administration Building on Alonzo Street.

The Red River Parish Police Jury is scheduled to meet Wednesday morning at 10:00 am.  The meeting will be held on the third floor of the courthouse.

Early voting is going on through July 4^th.  Any day but Sunday you may vote at the Registrar of Voters Office in the courthouse 8:30 am until 6:00 pm.

Farm and Fam Day will be held Saturday at Clara Springs Camp from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  There will be crafts vendors as well as food vendors.  And there will be an auction.

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O what a glorious day! Heaven is celebrating the precious reunion of Dot and W.B. Lindsey, united again in the presence of Christ.

A service to celebrate the life of Dorothy White Lindsey will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM with services beginning at 2:00 PM. Reverend Tommy Rush will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Liberty Baptist Cemetery in Martin, Louisiana.

Dorothy was born February 16, 1926 to Jesse Lawrence White and Lucille Rawls White in Red River Parish, Louisiana. She was a loving wife and mother and a wonderful grandmother and friend.

Dorothy grew up on the family farm in the Martin Community near Coushatta, Louisiana. She loved working and playing outdoors, preferring to hoe and pick cotton rather than sweeping floors and washing dishes. Her favorite pastime was clearing vines and undergrowth out of the woods and burning them with her sister. Give her a “burn pile,” and she was content.

Mrs. Dot was an accomplished seamstress and sewed most of the clothing she and her girls wore. She loved every kind of needlework, but especially quilting. Mom loved Jesus and her church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Natchitoches for over seventy years, and was faithful in attendance until the last few years when health rendered attendance impossible.

She was well-known and well-loved wherever she went, and was always available to friends and family in times of need. She was beloved for her delicious coconut cake that often found its way to the kitchens of local friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Wilder Bloomer Lindsey, her parents Jessie Lawrence White and Lucille Rawls White, brother Wiley Gahagan White, sister Junetta Laverne White Abraham, one grandson Alex Lindsey Gruber, and one great grandson JLB LaBenz.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters, Wilder Lane Book and husband Don of Natchitoches, LA, Patricia Ann Gruber and husband Max of Anthem, AZ, and Ginger Lindsey Picone of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren, Troy Neil Book and wife Teri, Eric Lindsey Book and wife Kelley, Gregory Ward Book and wife Dawn, Tara Book Koehler and husband Shane, Anna Gruber LaBenz and husband Mike, Lisa Gruber Jones and husband Dustin, James Wilder Picone, Leslie Allison Picone, eighteen great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include grandsons Troy Book, Eric Book, Greg Book, Jimmy Picone, and great grandsons.

Dorothy’s grateful family would like to thank Natchitoches Assisted Living, Hospice of Natchitoches, and the caregivers who faithfully served our mother. Amanda Fantroy, Jessie Benjamin, Martha Crain, and Jacqueline Smith, thank you for loving our mother and walking this road with us.

Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 508 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; Liberty Baptist Cemetery, 425 Liberty Church Road, Coushatta, LA 71019; to JLBProject.org; or to the charity of your choice.

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By Moly Seales

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, Riverdale Academy held its annual ring ceremony for the upcoming seniors at First Baptist Church Coushatta.  Many things about this ring ceremony were different due to COVID 19, including that it wasn’t the day after graduation like usual.  Despite all the complications, the junior class sponsor Mrs. Kelly Azlin, along with parents and students of the class of 2021 worked hard to make sure that this class could officially become seniors. 

The ceremony started with Mrs. Kelly welcoming everyone. Following the welcome, the new principal of Riverdale, Mr. Danny Rester, opened in prayer.  Mrs. Kelly then presented the junior class. Unfortunately, four members of the class were unable to attend but were not forgotten as Mrs. Kelly mentioned their names. These students were Witt Almond, Ronda Black, Austin Giddens, and Garrett Wilhite.  Then it was finally time for the much-anticipated ring presentations.

Tylee Adams was the first student to receive her ring, which was presented to her by her parents Tye and Amanda Adams.  Next was Parker Almond, whose ring was presented to him by his parents Will and Heather Almond. Brennan Edie’s grandparents Gene and Karen Dixon presented him with his ring. Abby Jones was presented her ring by her sister and 2017 graduate of Riverdale Academy, Sidney Jones.  Pacey Lindsey was next and received her ring from her parents John and Christie Lindsey.  Tinley Ogden’s mother and step-father Jamie and Stephen McCoy presented her with her ring.  Matthew Seales was presented his ring by his sister and current sophomore at Riverdale Academy, Molly Seales.  Next was Jake Wilhite, who was presented his ring by his father Rex Wilhite.  Lastly was Noah Wren, who was presented his ring by his parents Kyle and Heather Wren, along with his nephew Konner Tate.  As the students were presented their rings, Mrs. Kelly named some of the students’ achievements in sports and academics and their favorite memories so far at Riverdale.

After the presentations there was a slideshow of all the students, which included pictures beginning in their childhood and ending with pictures of their junior year of school.  There was laughter from the students as it brought back some old memories. When the slideshow was over, Mrs. Kelly asked the class to stand, and the future Riverdale Academy Class of 2021 was officially presented as the new senior class.

Following the ceremony there were refreshments and a reception for the students, parents, family, and friends.  The Riverdale Class of 2021 would like to thank Mrs. Kelly for being their sponsor and for all of her hard work and their family and friends for all of their support over the years.

 

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Monday Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana will stay in Phase Two of reopening, as the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have started to rise in several regions across the state. The Governor will extend his Phase Two order for another 28 days, keeping in place occupancy limits and other restrictions.

As of Monday, Louisiana ranks seventh out of 23 states across the country experiencing an increase in COVID-19 positive cases. Those include the neighboring states of Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

“Louisiana reached two sad milestones today as we surpassed 3,000 deaths and 50,000 positive tests in our state. Each of these Louisianans is someone’s child, sibling, parent or friend, and we mourn every one of these losses,” Gov. Edwards said. “It is clear that COVID is alive and well in Louisiana, and as we see more people testing positive and admitted to hospitals, we simply are not ready to move to the next phase, and ease restrictions further as businesses open widely. Many of you are doing the right thing and I thank you for it. It’s incredibly disappointing to hear that there are still some people who refuse to wear masks in public, which puts all of us at greater risk of becoming sick. I implore Louisianans to be good neighbors, to stay at home when they are experiencing symptoms, to avoid crowds, physically distance, and to wear a mask when not around their immediate household whether inside or outside. These are simple things we can do to protect ourselves and each other.”

“While we know that increasing testing means that we will see more positive cases, we are still troubled by the rising case counts across the state, especially since around 90 percent of these new cases are coming from the community and not from congregate settings like nursing homes,” Gov. Edwards said. “It is up to all of us to check our own behaviors and to take responsibility for slowing the spread of COVID. We do not want to have to go back to a time of increased restrictions where fewer businesses could operate. It is my hope that all of us – from government officials to business owners to students – will do the right thing.”

The Governor emphasized that Louisianans should wear face masks whenever they are in public, practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently and avoid going out in public when they are experiencing any symptoms.

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The strong upswing in the number of COVID-19 cases across Louisiana is not affecting Red River Parish as the rest of the state.  Latest figures from the Louisiana Department of Health show Red River has had 53 confirmed cases with 8 deaths attributed to the virus. There have been 706 total tests performed.

These figures may increase after the first week of July.  That is when there will be free testing for the virus in the parish. 

On Tuesday, the Louisiana Department of Health reports 1,356 COVID-19 cases reported to the state since Monday, bringing the total to 51,595 cases. Louisiana had the third largest single-week increase in cases last week, beaten only by the first two weeks of April during the upswing. 

The vast majority (95%) of Tuesday’s increase in case growth is tied to community spread rather than congregate settings like nursing homes. 

In terms of timeline, the specimen collection date of 97% of these cases ranges from June 15 to June 23, i.e., the big increase is not tied to a backlog. 

The percent positivity of test results reported to the state is 7.6%; the federal goal is to keep this figure below 10%. 

Unfortunately, LDH also reports an additional 17 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state’s total to 3,021 deaths since the start of the pandemic. 

“We are quite concerned by the COVID-19 numbers and the overall direction we are moving in,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health. “What we are seeing appears to be connected to increased movement, a lot of which is probably related to further reopening of the economy and at least some individuals not adhering to recommended precautions. We are seeing significant COVID-19 spread related to people congregating in groups with little to no social distancing or masking. The largest increase in cases is among young adults.”

“We know many Louisianans are doing the right thing – and we thank them for it. As the Governor said yesterday, this is a deadly, highly contagious virus. It does not take many of us slipping up to spread quickly,” said Dr. Courtney Phillips, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.  “Just because we are in Phase 2 does not mean there is no risk involved when we go out in public,” he said.

As more businesses open and more people leave their homes, it is more important now than ever to protect ourselves and others by masking up and staying 6 feet apart,” said Kimberly Robinson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. “If you are walking into a business and you see others who are not wearing masks, you should walk right back out. From the person who collects the state’s money, I’m telling you to let your wallet talk.”

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Natchitoches Police arrested two individuals for Simple Battery that occurred at Maglieaux’s on the Cane.  The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested John Richmond (W/M, 54 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) and Bradley Haigler (W/M, 35 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for simple battery.

On May 15, 2020 around 9:19 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to 805 Washington Street (Maglieaux’s on the Cane) in reference to a disturbance. As officers arrived to Maglieaux’s on the Cane they made contact with, John Richmond, who told them that two of his employees got into a physical altercation. John Richmond also said to officers that while trying to break up the disturbance he sustained several minor injuries.

After an extensive investigation Detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department were able to obtain video surveillance of this incident.

John Richmond and Bradley Haigler were arrested for Simple Battery and were given a Natchitoches City Court date of September 22, 2020 to return.

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Parish OEP Director Shane Hubbard has provided details of the Mobile COVID-19 Testing that will be offered in Red River Parish July 7^th through 10^th.  Tests will be conducted at the Coushatta Community Center in the Industrial Park.

Here is the testing schedule:

Tuesday 7/7/2020 , 

Wednesday 7/8/2020,

Thursday 7/9/2020 ,

Friday 7/10/2020,

All testing will start at  8:00 am and run through 11:00 am each day. 

Units will provide drive thru testing.  Walk up tests are allowed. Each unit will have a goal of 50 tests per day.  Testing eligibility-18 years old/ Louisiana Resident. (Must have ID, ID is needed to verify age).

Louisiana National Guard will administer the testing with the tests supplied by the Louisiana Department of Health.  There is no cost to members of the public to be tested.

These will be self-tests.  Testing instructions are included in the file below.  It may be downloaded and printed if you desire.

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By Brad Dison

In the 1930s, the small village of Saline, Louisiana, had a population numbering around 600 people, mostly farmers and sawmill workers.  Its main claim to fame was its watermelons.  The sandy soil provided the best environment for growing watermelons.  The Saline Truck Growers Association began holding a celebration in the village each July to coincide with the watermelon harvest.  People from all over the region converged at Saline to join in the festivities.  Some reports estimated 8,000 people attended Saline’s second Watermelon Festival.  For a small village of only 600 people to have an influx of several thousand people must have been a sight to see.      

In 1932, Saline’s mayor and vice president of the Saline Truck Growers Association H.E. Sudduth shipped the two largest melons of the season by rail to then presidential nominee Franklin Delano Roosevelt and vice-presidential nominee John Garner.  The melons weighed in at 110 pounds and 90 pounds respectively.  Local farmer Webby Driggers grew the prized 110-pound melon.  A few weeks later, Mayor Sudduth received a letter which stated:

“I have been a long time in writing to thank you for the most delicious watermelon which you sent me some time ago.  Will you please extend to the association my appreciation of their sending me this extraordinary fruit?  We have all enjoyed it, and are regretful that it is gone.  Please also thank Mr. Driggers, and extend to him my congratulations.  Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

All good things must come to an end.  In July, 1933, Saline had a major incident which most people, even those who have lived in and around the small village all of their lives, have forgotten.  Those who have not forgotten the event rarely speak of it.  People arrived for the annual festival on foot, by wagon, by automobile, and by train.  During the celebration, several conspirators pulled knifes at a predetermined time and slashed over 500 unsuspecting victims.  Rather than running away, the crowd gathered closer.  The conspirators slashed into the bodies of their victims and removed their insides.  Let me remind you that this story is true and apologize for its gory nature.  The wild crowd reached for the random bits and pieces of the poor victim’s insides and shoved whatever they could grab into their mouths.  Men, women, and boys and girls of all ages ate the pieces of raw red meat, the heart being the most sought after.     

Sheriff Henderson Jordan, mostly remembered as a member of the posse which two years later ended the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde, compared the slashing affray to the murders credited to England’s Jack the Ripper.  One eye witness told the sheriff, “It was just slash, slash, slash.  There weren’t many out of the 500 that weren’t hurt.”  By the next morning, no evidence of the murders could be found.  The conspirators disposed of the what remained of the victims’ bodies in an undisclosed location.  Sheriff Jordan and his deputies spoke with several eye witnesses and questioned the conspirators but made no arrests.

Although watermelons have remained a staple crop from the area around the small village of Saline, the 1933 watermelon festival was the last of its kind held for fifty years.  Five decades later, after many of the citizens who were present at the slashing had died, citizens of Saline revived the watermelon festival with moderate success.  Without most of them knowing it, festival goers celebrate each year the slashing that occurred in the small village on that hot July day in 1933.  If you visit the village during the festival, you will see all sorts of depictions of the slashing victims including signs, t-shirts, face paintings, and other paraphernalia.  The slashing victims were watermelons.   

Sources:

The Shreveport Journal, July 29, 1932, p.14.

The Shreveport Times, July 29, 1932, p.2.

The Shreveport Journal, August 19, 1932, p.3.

The Shreveport Times, July 4, 1933, p.4.

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Tryouts and dance camp is being held this week for the Red River Junior High Blue Dazzlers dance team.  The team’s Dance Coach is Jessica Logan.  She and her helpers were putting the young ladies through several dance routines on Tuesday when The Journal dropped by.

Prospective members were following instructions from their Captains Javonica Jones and Kyle Antilley and Co-Captain Carciana Morris.  In addition to Logan, High School Dance Coach  Cynthia Smith was providing critiques and tips to the participants.

Good advice from Smith was, “If you mess up, the move will come back around.  Don’t stop!  Keep moving.  No one watching will know if you keep moving.  And you will get back into it.”  Smith told the ladies, “If you stop and look lost everyone will see, so don’t stop!”

Coach Logan said they are working all week on dance routines.  On Thursday the coaches will select the participants who will be on the Blue Dazzlers.  Those results will be announced next Monday.

 

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Recently the Louisiana Secretary of State sent every voter over 65-years old in the state an application for a mail-in ballot.  Kyle Ardoin said current law allows senior citizens to maintain their right to vote yet limit their potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.  In the letter Ardoin said, “I write this letter to personally update you on the state of elections and provide information on Louisiana’s 65 and older vote by mail program.”

The letter included an application for the voter to participate in the program for the upcoming elections.  “I want to assure you that your enrollment and participation in the absentee-by-mail ballot program is protected by state election law.  By law, my office and your parish registrar of voters will never disclose that you are enrolled in the program.”

Ardoin urged voters to call his office at 225-922-0900 if they have problems from candidates.  He said, “If at any time you feel that you are being harassed, coerced or intimidated by a candidate, their campaign workers or a third party to cast your absentee ballot a certain way, please all my office.”

The form offers several options for receiving a ballot.  It was not clear if asking for and getting a mail in ballot would limit future voting options.  The Journal asked, “If a person has asked for a mail ballot does that prevent them from voting in person or voting early?”

Red River Registrar of Voters Debra Jones told The Journal “As long as they haven’t voted their mail ballot, they can still vote in person.  And if they vote in person and we receive their mail ballot later, it is not counted.”

Currently early voting is being conducted at the Registrar’s office for the July 11^th election.  Early voting runs through July 4^th except for Sundays.

The Red River Parish ballot has the presidential preference primary with 5 candidates running for President on the Republican ballot..  There are 13 Candidates on the Democratic ballot.  There are also some Democrat Central Committee candidates on the ballot in a small portion of the parish.  In reality, the Presidential candidates have all dropped out of the race except Joe Biden for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans.

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By Royal Alexander

While this is a difficult and chaotic time in our nation’s history, we should not lose hope because a storm is coming, and it will be brought about by millions of humble, faithful Americans.

We are not allowed to feel sickened and repulsed at the death of George Floyd—if we don’t also declare that America is hopelessly racist and broken with no redeeming value. While we are expected to, and do, acknowledge America’s racial flaws and racial history—we’re not allowed to also acknowledge that America has made enormous gains in racial equality over the last decades.  While we are strongly opposed to excessive use of force by police—we are not allowed to also point out that the large majority of law enforcement officers are good, hard-working people who simply want to live through the end of their shift; The same officers without whom we would truly live in lawlessness—with minority and less affluent neighborhoods suffering most from this lawlessness.  We are not allowed to say on the one hand that we fully grasp that police use of force needs to be addressed—but that we find it deeply offensive and disrespectful that the manner of expressing that belief occurs during our National Anthem:  an act that dishonors the sacred flag under which over one million brave American men and women of all races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds have fought and died for our country.  

We are shouted down as racist simply for pointing out that the appropriate, legal manner by which to make lasting social change in this country is by voting, organizing, marching, striking and boycotting, and not by a brick through the car window or a torch through the front door of a small business.  We aren’t allowed to point out that while most of the protestors are, as am I, sincerely aggrieved by the death of George Floyd—many are not and simply hate America and are using his death as a pretext to justify the violence, harm and damage they seek to do regardless.  We are expected to swallow that we are “white supremacists” in a nation of “systemic racism” but we are never allowed to point out our great personal and national virtues—and the fact that America twice gave overwhelming electoral college victories to President Obama.

According to unelected federal judges, we are no longer allowed to believe that God created only two human genders, male and female.  However, we don’t believe that transgenderism and “gender fluidity” should be deemed a special legal status.  We are not allowed to suggest there is something transparently inconsistent about shutting down churches and small businesses during the virus—while liquor stores, abortion clinics and big box stores continue commerce uninterrupted.  We are expected to believe that the virus doesn’t spread as easily during massive protests, rioting and looting—all of which violate CDC’s 6 feet social-distancing requirements—but most certainly will at a Trump rally.  We are expected to overlook that while liberal elites (including athletes and celebrities) despise gun ownership and secure borders, they themselves live under armed protection and in exclusive, gated communities.  Or, that we are expected to follow our laws while across the country law enforcement is broadly condemned, pulled back and defunded while criminals run free.  That while Pres. Trump was harshly criticized for standing in front of the historic Church of the Presidents in Lafayette Square holding a Bible, no real attention was given to the fact that “peaceful” protestors had set it on fire the night before, destroying a nursery that had recently been renovated in its basement.  That the phony Russia “collusion” story and impeachment achieved nothing but wasting huge amounts of time and money; That our own federal government—DOJ and the FBI—grossly abused its own regulations and core due process guarantees in an attempt to overturn the election of a duly-elected president. (Not to mention the injustice inflicted on Gen. Michael Flynn); or, criticizing the President for designating a violent, far-left domestic terror organization a “domestic terror organization.”

There is a storm coming but it’s not the one the often-dishonest national media and radical Left envision.  It’s the silent majority of millions of Americans who quietly but proudly hold on to their love of country, constitutional freedoms and faith in God— for which we are mocked when we kneel in prayer—while kneeling during the National Anthem is celebrated.  As Americans, the large majority of us are kind, generous and peace-loving.  However, we are not going to be silenced; neither are our values and freedoms going to be sacrificed on the altar of Political Correctness.  Through the strength of our prayers and our vote we will be heard from soon.

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The parish 4-H office reminds students that Red River 4-H Summer workshops are back!  Don’t forget to call or message to sign up!

These workshops are open to all 4-H members in grades 3 through 7 and 9 through 12.  They will be held at the 4-H Office in the parish Administration Building on the Red Oak Road.

Here is the list of workshops offered:

July 14^th – Best Fair Exhibits – Arts and Crafts, Photography, and Canning

July 21^st – Kitchen Science – Learn basic science using ingredients from the kitchen.  Create grape juice rainbows, glowing, jello, and more.

July 28^th – STEM – Mythbusters, Strategy Games, and Puzzles.

For info and to sign up for these workshops, call the 4-H office at 932-4342.

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Northwestern State. University’s fourth session of Freshman Connection will be held online, according to Vanner Erikson, director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development.  “After Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order to remain in Phase 2 for the next 28 days, we have made the decision to move Session 4 of Freshman Connection to a virtual format,” Erikson said.  “There is no need to come to the NSU campus. We will soon begin the process of advising, registering and completing all Freshman Connection business virtually.”

Freshman Orientation will be Thursday, July 9.  Incoming students will be placed in small groups with orientation leaders and can connect with future classmates.  In addition to registering for the fall semester, participants will be introduced to NSU student services and involvement opportunities and will be paired with a Demon Success Coach that will connect them with an academic advisor who can help with academics and schedule. 

Freshmen will receive more detailed emails in the next few days from your newly assigned Success Coach, so incoming students should monitor their emails for incoming information, Erikson added.

NSU held three previous sessions of Freshman Connection online with great success. “We received lots of positive feedback from our first three sessions of Freshman Connection,” Erikson said. “Although it is a bit different, the sessions included a lot of good discussion and exchange of information

 To register and for more information, visit https://mailchi.mp/nsula/nsu-freshman-connection-session-4-is-now-happening-virtually where there is also a link to Parent Connection registration and links to more services offered through the Office of First Year Experience and Leadership Development at http://www.firstyearexperience.nsula.edu.

 

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Northwestern State University students who qualified for CARES Act relief will receive an additional award as the university disburses the remainder of funds it received.  “We would like to divide this amount across the 4,426 that have qualified to receive funds, providing them with an additional check in the amount of $147.50,” said Dawn Eubanks, assistant controller and bursar.

 

From Thomas C. Galligan, Jr. LSU Interim President and Professor of Law to the LSU family:

After exploring many possibilities for how to safely try to hold our August commencement ceremony, we have made the difficult decision to conduct a virtual ceremony on August 7. We know this news will disappoint many of our graduates and their families, but the safety of our LSU community is our utmost priority. We still pledge to hold in-person commencement ceremonies at a later date for all those who did not get to have one – either in May or in August – and we will communicate those plans to you as soon as possible.

A message to our children from The Journal.  Study Engilsh, grammer, speling, and how to rite and express uself with proper puntchuation. That way when you become the editor of a journal or news item, the people you send them to will not have to correct all of your mistakes.  Here at the Red River Parish Journal we have a typo filter that we got from an area newspaper when they wore it out. Still woks purty good most of the tim.

 

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Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for the week ending Sunday, June 21, 2020.

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