A traffic stop by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies on Wednesday afternoon has led to the arrest of a Red River Parish man wanted on attempted murder charges and seizure of semi-automatic rifle according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 14, 2022, shortly after 4:00pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling on Woodyard Drive in Natchitoches when they stopped a 2016 Dodge Challenger for a traffic violation.

Just prior to the stop, deputies learned the vehicle license number had been entered into the National Crime Information Center as being wanted by Coushatta Police Department in connection with an attempted murder investigation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as being 23-year-old Tremetrick S. Newton of Coushatta, La.

A warrants check through Coushatta Police confirmed that Newton was wanted by their agency since February 28, 2022 for 2-counts of attempted second degree murder and criminal damage to property.

Newton was arrested without incident.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded Anderson Arms AR-15 semi-automatic pistol with a scope and drum magazine lying on the backseat of the vehicle.

The vehicle and weapon were seized as evidence for Coushatta Police Department.

Tremetrick S. Newton, 23, of Coushatta was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on the outstanding Coushatta Police warrants for 2-Counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Criminal Damage to Property.

Newton remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting transfer to Red River Parish.

Cpl. C. Halliburton and Deputy S. Dieter made the arrest.

“All Persons are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in the Court of Law or Administrative Process”

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The new Head Football Coach at Red River High is Byron Keller.  His selection was announced Thursday afternoon.

Acting Red River Principal Norman Picou told the Journal that there were 38 applicants for the Head Football Coach position.  Applicants included two state championship coaches, two college coaches and several highly successful high school coaches from Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.   The committee met and selected 5 candidates to interview.   The interviews were held this week and Byron Keller was hired.

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 By Teddy Allen

Today is the unofficial First Day of Christmas since it’s 12 days until The Big Day, which means it’s fixing to be Christmas. 

That we say “fixing to” instead of “about to” is one of the joys of being a Southerner. Who said it first, I don’t know, but bless his heart, and merry First Day of Christmas to you. 

Some traditions hold that the First Day of Christmas is December 25, and the 12 days run into the New Year. Who wants to wait that long? Not me. We’re fixing to start celebrating now. 

Speaking of things southern, we’ve been working on some carols, Southern-themed: 

“I’m dreaming of a white cornbread,
In every skillet that’s in sight.
May the sides be crispy, to bite,
And may all your cornbreads be just right.” 

Or, how about . . . 

“Pork skins roasting on an open fire.
Chittlins’ nipping at your nose.
Waylon and Willy being sung by the fire,
While dad spends Christmas Eve at Lowe’s.” 

Give me some time to work on it …  

Thankfully, the most important songs were written at the dawn of time and wait as gifts for us to receive and to sing with sincerity, even as the angels sang, that long-ago Judean night, as Luke recorded: 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 
goodwill toward men.”  

Peace and goodwill came to earth, to men, in the flesh and as a baby. Only God could have thought of something like that. 

William Billings, regarded as America’s first choral composer, captured — at least as well as a human mind can — the mystery of the incarnation in his Shepherd’s Carol, composed in New England in the mid-1700s. 

“Seek not in courts or palaces, 
nor royal curtains draw.
But search the stable, see your God
extended on the straw.”

God, extended on the straw. 

Extended, as a baby, a stretching newborn.  Extended, from a heavenly throne to an earthly manger.  Extended, to mankind and to man, to each of us, individually. 

God extends his hand.  Even to me.  Even to you.  

Christmas is always the opportunity to receive the best gift of all, a new birth in our old selves. And a new song the Psalmist told us about. 

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God . . ..”   

Now some 2,000 years after Christ’s birth, the message is the same.  A 19th century minister named Phillips Brooks reminds us, each year at this time, that the Good News is everlasting.  If we choose to be quiet, we might even hear the song, the new song, born in a manger. 

“How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, 
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him still,
the dear Christ enters in.” 

If no one’s wished you Merry Christmas yet, I’m “fixing to.” Let me be the first. Here’s hoping we can get in tune with the baby and ourselves and each other, and make this our best song yet.  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

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The holiday movie Polar Express is the Christmas Movie Night feature at the Red River Parish Library.  Bring the children Tuesday night and climb aboard.

While watching the Polar Express enjoy a snack, sip a cup of hot coco, and receive a Christmas gift from the Library.  The library flyer said, “Don’t forget to wear your PJs.”

The library Christmas Movie event is 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 20^th.  There will be a backdrop to take pictures.

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By Brad Dison

In the mid-1960s, the space race, the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, Cold War rivals, was at its peak.  At first, the Soviet Union was ahead.  They sent up the first artificial satellite (Sputnik 1), sent the first human into space (Yuri Gagarin), and had the first human make a “spacewalk” (Alexei Leonov).  America had to play catch up, but had several firsts as well.  This is the true story about one of the American firsts in space.

Launching people into space has always been dangerous, and so it was with the Gemini 6 mission.  Gemini 6, crewed by command pilot Walter Schirra and pilot Thomas Stafford, was scheduled for launch on October 25, 1965.  One of their main objectives included four dockings with an unmanned space vehicle, the Agena Target Vehicle.  On the morning of October 25, Schirra and Stafford boarded the Gemini 6 spacecraft and prepared for launch.  During their preparations, NASA launched the unmanned target vehicle on a separate rocket.  Six minutes into the unmanned craft’s flight, a catastrophic failure caused it to explode.  As the target vehicle was needed for the mission, NASA cancelled the Gemini 6 launch.

NASA rescheduled the spaceflight for December 12, 1965, with an altered mission objective referred to as Gemini 6A, to rendezvous but not dock with Gemini 7, a spacecraft crewed by command pilot Frank Borman and piloted by James “Jim” Lovell.  As they had done on the previous launch attempt, Schirra and Stafford boarded the spacecraft and prepared for launch.  At 9:54 a.m., the main engines ignited and, after just a second and a half, shut down abruptly.  Engineers determined the cause of the problem was a plastic dust cover mistakenly left inside the booster when it was assembled months earlier.  Engineers removed the cover and, after reinspecting the spacecraft, deemed it safe to fly.

Three days later, on the morning of December 15, astronauts Schirra and Stafford boarded the rocket for another attempt.  At 8:37, the spacecraft lifted off and rocketed into space in what engineers called a textbook launch.  After four orbits, Gemini 6A propelled towards Gemini 7 for the planned rendezvous.  The two spacecrafts carefully positioned themselves, and at one point, came within one foot of each other, and the astronauts conversed over their radios.  This was the first rendezvous of two spacecrafts in space.  After nearly four hours of remaining together in close proximity, Gemini 6A positioned itself 19 miles from Gemini 7 to ensure that there would be no accidental collisions while the astronauts slept.

On the following morning, December 16, 1965, as the crew of Gemini 6A prepared for reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, they radioed a distressing message to the Houston space center:

“…this is Gemini VI. We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, up in a polar orbit. He’s in a very low trajectory traveling from north to south and has a very high climbing ratio. It looks like it might even be a … Very low. Looks like he might be going to reenter soon. Stand by one … You might just let me try to pick up that thing.”

Then, over the radio, Gemini 7 and the Houston space center heard a metallic jingling sound along with some musical notes.  They were relieved when they realized that Schirra was playing a harmonica and Stafford was shaking some bells, instruments that the stowage people at Cape Kennedy would have had to approve for the flight.  This was another first in the space race as it was the first song ever played in space.  The name of the song astronauts Schirra and Stafford played in space was “Jingle Bells.”        

Sources:

1. The Buffalo News, December 16, 1965, p.1.
2. The Raleigh Register, December 16, 1965, p.15.
3. The Buffalo News, December 16, 1965, p.1.
4. “First Song Played in Space,” Guinness World Records, accessed December 8, 2022, .guinnessworldrecords.com.

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The High School is congratulating Bulldog football players selected for the All District team for the 2022 Season.  Selection was by a vote of the District Coaches.  Red River players were nominated by Coach Jeff Harper.

The District 3-2A Football All-District Team members from Red River:

First Team Offense – O-Line Desmond Mitchell, RB Leonard Mosely, and WR Elijah Harper.

First Team Defense – D-Line Reginald Prelow, LB Trenton, Grigg and DB Jieron Calhoun.

Second Team Offence – O-Line David James and Andre Cole, RB Mon’tre’veun Smith, and K Miguel Allen.

Second Team Defense – D-Line Chris Carper, LB Jyrel Jones, and DB Terrell Gary and Keymarion Newton.

Honorable Mention – O-Line Jeremiah Jones, RB Jyrel Jones, and LB Jeremiah Roberson.

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The Winter Retreat for kids has been scheduled for February at Clara Springs Camp.

Kids Winter Retreat dates are February third and fourth.  Children in grades one through six are invited.  Registration fee is $65.  Check Clara Springs’ social media posts for registration information and other details.

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It would seem that just about everybody wants to know what is going on.  It would also seem that many people miss out on local events.

You may help remedy that situation with a gift of information.

What better Christmas present than to assure that a friend or family member is able to stay informed of news, sports and events in the parish.

This Christmas give a subscription to the Red River Parish Journal.

Then every Wednesday and every Friday morning they will receive the latest events of people and places in the parish.  And of the accomplishments of friends who have left the parish.  We call them Red River Alumni.

How you say?  And at what cost?  Back in the 1970’s Archie Bunker and “All In The Family” was the big rage on TV.  Archie was, among other things, a great philosopher.  A favorite quote of Archie’s, “If it don’t cost nutting youse can afford to be generous.”

And you can afford to give a subscription to the Journal.  There is no cost.  The Journal is advertiser supported, so patronize our sponsors and we’ll bring you the news.

The Journal is the perfect size, the perfect color, a great appearance, and the price, now that is nice.

CLICK HERE and sign them up!

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By Steve Graf

If you haven’t looked at bass boats lately, prepare yourself for sticker shock! Holy cow, it’s absolutely incredible how much bass boats have gone up over the last 20 years! There’s no way you can justify buying one of these bank-draining luxury cruise missiles that will sit in your garage probably 20 days out of the month. The big question is, “When will the prices level out and stop going up?” The answer is, “When anglers quit buying new boats and refuse to pay the price.” Let’s take a look at how much and why there is a price increase.

Back in 1998, Ranger Boats offered me an opportunity to be a part of the Ranger Pro Staff which was a dream come true. How cool was that to be able to run one of the greatest bass boats ever made and be a part of the Ranger family…a boat company under the leadership of Forest L. Wood (the founder of Ranger Boats) that set the standard by which all bass boats were measured. It was at the time the number one-selling bass boat on the market due to its design, dependability, and innovative features. 

While Ranger had several models to choose from, their top-of-the-line Z boat series had a hefty price tag of $32,000. It truly was the “cat’s meow” and took bass fishing to a whole other level with its innovative hull design, fully padded front deck, along with the best “soft ride” seats an angler could sit on. Even in 1998, $32,000 was a lot of money to spend on a bass boat. My recollection at the time; how stupid it was to spend that kind of money on a bass boat just to go fishing!

Fast forward to 2022. Today one of these same luxury Z boats will set you back $90,000 to $100,000! In just a little over twenty years, bass boats have skyrocketed…all brands, not just Ranger. Talk about sticker shock, and don’t try to justify spending this kind of money to go fishing even if you’re fishing the pro tournament trail.  Who would have ever thought you would have to spend basically six figures to go bass fishing?

It’s insane to think that back in 1998 your truck cost more than the boat you were pulling, but today the boat costs significantly more than the truck pulling the boat. But that’s where we are today, as anglers continue to want bigger and better. It’s all about supply and demand and as long as anglers are willing to pay, boat companies will continue to go up in prices! Everything on a bass boat has gone digital and is basically hybrid computers…touch screens monitor every facet of a bass boat from engine efficiency, oil usage, and battery life to gas consumption. Some boats have gone to keyless starts with digital touch pads that allow the boat owner to crank the boat simply by knowing a 4-digit code.

Today’s boats have trolling motors that can deploy themselves simply with the touch of a button. The best trolling motors today have what is called a “spot lock” system that will hold the boat in one spot anywhere on the lake. Some will even follow a straight line and run parallel to the shoreline all by themselves. When it comes to the electronics being used, there are depth finders that will allow an angler to see fish swimming at all depths 75 to 100 feet out. Another new feature today is called forward-facing sonar. You can literally watch the fish swim up to your bait and eat it…basically like a video game! This has been a total game-changer for all bass fishermen!

There’s also another system, the shallow water anchor system, that is being used by almost every tournament angler. This is where you have what is called Power Poles or Talons, two poles on the back of the boat that can be deployed into shallow water (12 feet or less) that will lock the boat in place. Great for sight fishing or anchoring the boat at the dock for weigh-ins.

So why the cost increase? Technological advancements! Back in 1998, we didn’t have forward-facing sonar, we didn’t have electronic units that worked off GPS coordinates, we didn’t have digital computer dashes, shallow water anchor systems or keyless touch pads. Is all of this technology required to catch fish today? Absolutely not! But if you want to compete at the highest level, you better have these luxuries and more. These up-and-coming young anglers of today know how to take advantage of every aspect of their electronic units and will take you to the cleaners and suck your money right out of your pocket as they are so comfortable using these devices with total confidence.

So, the next time you venture out into the bass boat market, prepare yourself for sticker shock! But understand, you can still get a really nice boat for $50,000 without all the bells and whistles. It’s all about how much money you want to spend. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.

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Jolly Ole St. Nick dropped in at Quality Ford last Friday afternoon to visit with all good boys and girls.  The showroom was filled with children laughing, many with big eyes filled with wonder at the site of Santa.

Kristy and Thom and their staff were dressed as elves to highlight the festive event.  The Red River Kiwanis Club brought trays of delicious cookies and there were other treats as well.

94.9 The River did a live remote broadcast hosted by River Morning Show Host Trini Triggs.  And the Red River Parish Journal televised the whole thing live on social media.

When Santa climbed into his sleigh and headed to the North Pole, he took a long list of requests for the kids in the parish.  He’ll be back Christmas Eve with a very large bag of presents.

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its 2022 Fall Quarter President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

From Red River Parish:

Coushatta: Brilanne Taylor Bays*, Adam T. Bryant*, Alyssa Woodard

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Country Recording Artist Trini Triggs was performing this past weekend in Alexandria.  Trini said, “It was the first time in a long time. Back doin’ what I was born to do this past weekend in Alexandria at Alex WinterFete 2022.”

He added, “We brought them a party and excitement like they have not seen in a while.:

Trini is the host of Country station 94.9 The River Monday through Friday.  He is also seen all over the area broadcasting remotely for the station.  He was at Quality Ford in Coushatta hosting Santa Clause meeting and having pictures taken with the kids.

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This month’s Quality Kid is Akhyiah Sibley from Red River Academic Academy.  She was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Babers.

Akhyiah was introduced to the Red River School Board on Monday night and presented with her certificate and gift card.  Superintendent Alison Strong read her nomination statement:

“Akhyiah is a very hardworking young lady.  She gives all of her work 100% and isn’t afraid to ask for help if/when she needs it. She’s persistent and has a strong work ethic.

“Akhyiah isn’t afraid to lend a helping hand to anyone that might need it. She’s a dancing machine, and their group won 1st place on their performance at the beginning of school. 

“Oh, and did I mention that she is a character and loves to make others laugh?  She is a joy to have in the classroom and makes sure that everyone is taken care of. 

“Akhyiah, always remember that anything you put your mind to and work for, you can accomplish,” Mrs. Babers.

Photo credit: Red River Schools

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By Molly Seales

On Tuesday, December 6, all four Rebel basketball teams traveled to Tallulah and brought home four wins. In the first game, the JV girls defeated Talluah 30-8. Makayla Pickett led the team in scoring with 6 points. Charity Williamson, Kynnedi Taylor, and Darcey Bohannon had 4 points each, while Mary Claire Jones and Kaleigh Pickett added 3 points each. Hanna Huddleston, Emma Giddings, and Alissa Curry rounded out the scoring with 2 points each. In the next game the JV boys won 43-15. Tanner Carlisle had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Ashton Almond and Cannon Breedlove each had 10 points. Breedlove also had 6 steals and 5 deflections. Jackson Hillman added 3 points and 4 rebounds, while Hayden Cason had 2 points and 7 rebounds. Kaden McNeely rounded out the scoring with 2 points. In varsity girls’ action, the Lady Rebels had a tough game, but they came out on top of Tallulah 32-28. Mary Claire Jones had 27 points, 6 deflections, 5 steals, and 5 rebounds. Jessie Kate Cobb had 2 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 deflections. Makayla Pickett had 2 points and 8 rebounds, while Jadyn King chipped in a free throw. Madison Chamberlin had 8 boards, 6 deflections, and 3 blocked shots. The varsity boys defeated Tallulah 39-26. Ryder Huddleston led the team in scoring with 16 points and in rebounds with 6. Ben Almond added 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 assists. Mason Murray had 5 points, and Thad Bates and Kyle Guillory each had 2 points and 5 rebounds. Jace Wilhite added a free throw and led the team in deflections with 6.

On December 9, the varsity teams traveled to PVA for a double header. Both teams played hard, but each came up with their first loss of the season. The girls came up short to Franklin 49-35. Mary Claire Jones had 12 points, 8 steals, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 deflections. Jadyn King added 10 points, 5 deflections, and 3 rebounds. Jessie Kate Cobb added 7 points and led the team in rebounds with 12. Madison Chamberlin had 2 points, 9 rebounds, and an outstanding 11 deflections. Georgia Carlisle had 2 points, and Makayla Pickett had 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 deflections. In the boys’ game, Riverdale fell to UCA 52-43. Ben Almond led the team in scoring with 11 points. Thad Bates had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ryder Huddleston had 5 points and 5 rebounds, while Mason Murray also had 5 points and led the team in deflections with 7. Jace Wilhite had 4 points, and Kyle Guillory rounded out the scoring with 2.

On Friday, all 4 teams will play Tallulah Academy at home. JV girls will tip off at 4:00 followed by the other 3 games. Come out and support your Rebels!

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By Quinton Hill

There was beautiful weather and a great turnout for the RRCC Winter Playday Series held on Saturday, December 10^th. The day began with the posting of the Colors, a pledge to the Christian flag, and the National Anthem, followed with prayer and a short devotion.

Below are the results for the December 10^th, 2022, Winter Series Playday:

*Lead line events not included as results as all contestants are awarded prizes

• Goat Ribbon Pull (4 – 6 yrs old) –
  • 1^st – Gunner Ray Pierce
  • 2^nd – Taylor Birdwell
• Stick Horse Race (4 – 6 yrs old) –
  • 1^st – Annah Smith
  • 2^nd – Dusty Halbmaier
• Dummy Roping (7 – 12 yrs old) –
  • 1^st – Dusten Litton
  • 2^nd – Garrett Settle
• Barrels –
  • 0 – 6 yrs old –
    • 1^st – Dusty Halbmaier
    • 2^nd – Brylie Jo Martin
  • 7 – 9 yrs old –
    • 1^st – Adleigh Teekell
    • 2^nd – Addison Bailey
  • 10 – 13 yrs old –
    • 1^st – Anna Scaife
    • 2nd – Addison Greer
  • 14 – 18 yrs old –
    • 1^st – April Gentry
    • 2^nd – McKenzie Girourard
  • 19 and over –
    • 1^st – Jessica Kay
    • 2^nd – Dustin Halbmaier & Samantha Robinette (tie)
  • Poles –
    • 0 – 6 yrs old –
      • 1^st – Brylie Jo Martin
      • 2^nd – Dusty Halbmaier
    • 7 – 9 yrs old –
      • 1^st – Addison Bailey
      • 2^nd – Dusten Litton
    • 10 – 13 yrs old –
      • 1^st – Levi Dans
      • 2^nd – Paisley Bamburg
    • 14 – 18 yrs old –
      • 1^st – McKenzie Girourard
      • 2^nd – Bailee Pietsch
    • 19 and over –
      • 1^st – Jessica Kay
      • 2^nd – Samantha Robinette
    • Speed –
      • 0 – 6 yrs old –
        • 1^st – Daylnn Nealy
        • 2^nd – Brylie Jo Martin
      • 7 – 9 yrs old –
        • 1^st – Adleigh Teekell
        • 2^nd – Emmylou Halbmaier
      • 10 – 13 yrs old –
        • 1^st – Addison Greer
        • 2nd – Bailey Posey
      • 14 – 18 yrs old –
        • 1^st – April Gentry
        • 2^nd – Bailee Pietsch
      • 19 and over –
        • 1^st – Samantha Robinette
        • 2^nd – Jessica Kay
      • Breakaway Roping –
        • 12 and under –
          • 1st – Garret Settle
        • 13 – 18 yrs old –
          • 1^st – Teagan Hill
        • 19 & over –
          • 1^st – Lori Slay

This was the 3^rd show in a series of 5 playdays, with the next two occurring on January 14^th and February 11^th.

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Juanita Mangham

September 14, 1937 to December 10, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2022/12/14/juanita-mangham/

Paul Born

December 2, 1956 to December 9, 2022

View full obituary here:

https://redriverparishjournal.com/2022/12/13/paul-christopher-born/

The Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media.  Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above with no link to the obituary are FREE of charge.)

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Chilly weather is headed our way. The National Weather Shreveport office said, “Below average temperatures are still expected the next few days, with a slight chance for rain possible Friday afternoon. “

Mrs. Arnold at Red River Elementary said her 2nd grade class got a Pizza Party for having the most AR points in the 1st Nine Weeks. We are BULLDOG PROUD of you.

Social Springs Baptist Church on Sunday will present Christmas at the Springs cantata and concert.  Special guests will be Mark Lanier and Andrew Ishee.  I will be at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 18.

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A going home service celebrating the life of Juanita Mangham, 85, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 16, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Coushatta chapel with Bro. Waylan Cloud officiating. Interment will follow in the Springville Cemetery in Coushatta, LA.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM prior to service time at the funeral home.

Juanita was born on September 14, 1937, in Coushatta, LA to Adolphus Green and Ollie Mangham, Sr., and passed away December 10, 2022, in Shreveport, LA, with family at her bedside. 

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Adolphus Green Mangham, Sr. and Ollie Cothran Mangham; sister, Edwina Mangham Walker; brother-in-law, E. E. “Kit” Walker; niece, Sherry Walker; brother, “A.G.” Adolphus Mangham, Jr.; nephew, Terry Mangham; sister-in-law, Jean Mangham; and sister-in-law, Lois Dunbar Mangham.

Left to cherish her memory are one brother, Bobby Ray Mangham of Stonewall, LA; three nieces, Pam Coke and husband, Randy of Stonewall, LA, Karen Walker of Houston, TX, and Brenda Mangham of Coushatta, LA; four nephews, Ken Mangham and wife, Amy of Bossier City, LA, Mark Mangham and wife, Milisa of Shreveport, LA, Mike Mangham and wife, Shoni of Shreveport, LA, and Ronnie Walker and wife, Jody of Shreveport, LA.

Honoring Juanita as pallbearers will be Ronnie Walker, Brett Walker, Mike Mangham, Mark Mangham, Ken Mangham, and John Guffey.

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The streets of Coushatta were filled with spectators last Thursday afternoon for the annual Coushatta Christmas Parade.  They were not disappointed.

The Journal spoke with many people in the crowd, including some of the parade organizers.  They are in agreement that this year’s parade was an outstanding gathering of business, education, clubs and other groups all having a great time.

Below is a very large album of the best of floats and marching groups.

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Following the annual Christmas Parade, the town enjoyed a pyrotechnic extravaganza.  The fireworks began about 6:00 pm and the explosions and whistles could be heard all over town.

This year’s fireworks show brought ahhhs and ooohs from the crowd that had packed Front Street as the parade ended.  The looks on the faces of the many infants told the whole story.  They were spellbound.

Below is the best pictures the Journal took of this year’s fireworks spectacular.

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An extremely light voter turnout Saturday in Red River Parish saw voters approve three amendments to the state Constitution.  Only 10.9% of eligible voters took part in the election.

Amendment #1 got the most favorable votes.  That amendment would require US citizenship in order to register and vote in Louisiana.  The amendment polled 490 votes for 78% approval.

Amendment #2 would require the state Senate to confirm members of the Civil Service Commission that are appointed by the Governor.  Vote on that was 452 in favor for 73% approval and 171 against or 27%.

And Amendment #3 would require state Senate to confirm members of the State Police Commission.  The vote on this amendment was 452 to 171 in favor or a 73% approval.

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