On July 26, 2023 the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office hosted a “Cuffs & Hoses” Blood Drive on behalf of LifeShare Blood Center. It was held at the parish Courthouse.
Chief Criminal Deputy Greg Moore & wife Elaine, Chief Civil Deputy Amanda Hester, and IT Administrator Hayley Lewis were among those who donated. The goal of ten units was exceeded by one with eleven total units of blood being donated.
Good Hope FGBC will be holding a revival beginning next Wednesday and run through Friday. Worship services begin at 7:00 pm.
The guest speaker is Pastor Monya Robinson Coleman of Second Chance Ministries. Pastor Ben Taylor presides at Good Hope.
Good Hope FGBC is located on Alexandria Street in Powhatan.
By Steve Graf
With zero fishing going on due to the hot weather we have been experiencing, today we’ll look at my working career. After walking away from my athletic career in the late ‘80’s, it was time to get a real job. It was time to put my college degree (Industrial Engineering Technology) to good use. One reason I chose this as my major was due to the number of IET graduates the oil and gas companies were hiring out of Northwestern State in the mid ‘80’s. This was my original plan, but the oil and gas industry tanked, and they no longer were seeking graduates with this degree.
Now one thing I’ve learned over the years from the many different jobs I’ve held was that each job helped prepare me in some way for other positions I’ve held. These included car salesman, supervisory role at CONAGRA Poultry, and high school and college coaching. Nothing gave me more satisfaction than coaching did. Working with kids at the high school and collegiate level was truly rewarding and enjoyable. But the hours you put in on the college level are insane and was not a good fit for me personally or my family. I was not willing to make those family sacrifices that college coaches make.
Then in 1990, I decided to apply for an engineering job at a textile company, Holloway Sportswear, based out of Ohio but with factories in Louisiana. Best job I ever had! It was a company that made athletic outerwear and high school letter jackets. Holloway was the Mercedes of the athletic apparel world; they made the best. If you ever earned a letter jacket in high school, there’s a good chance it was made by Holloway who was the original letter jacket company.
After two years with the company, I was promoted to Louisiana Director of Manufacturing overseeing six factories across the state. The job was demanding, but the people were incredible.
Then around 1998, President Bill Clinton signed what was called the NAFTA agreement with Mexico. This was the beginning of the end for Holloway and all textile companies in Louisiana and across the country. It was at this point that my boss and I made several trips to Mexico to set up sewing factories. Then one by one we slowly pulled styles out of Louisiana and sent them to Mexico for production. This was the hardest thing I ever went though as an employee. It was my job at this point to tell all Louisiana employees they no longer had a job.
Many a day after making these announcements, I shed a few tears on the drive home knowing that I had just made life a lot tougher for so many women, many of whom were single moms. Many had no other skills than sewing. Some women were making as much as $14.00 an hour due to their ability to sew. This was good money back in the ‘90’s and there were no other jobs offered in these small communities that paid those kinds of wages.
All the employees were offered the opportunity to go back to school and learn a new trade. But many were in the age bracket of 40 and above and had no desire to go back to school. Many of these ladies had never done anything else their entire life but work in textiles.
It was sad to see the impact this had on the people I cared so much about. People with a strong work ethic and dedication to go to work every day. People who took great pride in making Holloway Sportswear the best company it could be were now being sent home… for good. Some locations that had been in operation since the mid 1970’s were now being shut down.
The old saying, “Nothing lasts forever,” comes to mind when I think about my Holloway days. Again, this was the best job I ever had that came to an end in 2004. Even during those stressful days when I questioned was it worth it, the people were the reason I stayed. One thing about Louisiana people, they take great pride in doing a good job and are very loyal and dedicated to whatever job they’re doing.
After walking away in 2004, Holloway was sold and is now under the umbrella of Augusta Sportswear in Georgia. The Holloway standard is still alive and well today as they have retained their name and reputation as the best.
Next week we’ll get back to more fishing topics as we prepare to head into the hottest month of the year…. August. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and protective clothing.
The 10th annual Crusin’ in Grand Cane has been scheduled for Saturday October 21st. Entries are now being accepted for classic cars, trucks and tractors up through year model 1993.
There will be food vendors, music, antiques, in addition to some mighty fine rides at this year’s Crusin’ event. Organizers promise cash awards for Best of Show, Best Car, Best Truck and Best Tractor. Coushatta resident John Perkins has won Best of Show the last two shows with his 1953 Chevy pickup. Your reporter will be there with something unusual to show.
The Northwestern State University Music Academy is enrolling students for the fall semester. The academy is directed by Northwestern State music faculty members, Dr. John Price and Dr. Francis Yang. It offers piano, guitar, percussion and voice lessons for students from age six to adults. Lessons are taught face to face or online. Teachers at the academy are graduate and undergraduate music students studying at Northwestern State.
Last semester, students performed in an end-of-semester Spring Recital in Magale Recital Hall. Many students also performed in the NSU Music Festival held in March. This semester, students can perform in a Monster Concert during Halloween season and a Christmas Concert. Students in past years also took part in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Upper Elementary Auditions.
Lessons begin the week of August 21.
Barbara Ann Stewart
December 18, 1963 – July 28, 2023
Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Campbell Creek Cemetery, Sharp, LA
Reflecting on the various camps held this summer at Clara Springs Camp, Lee Dickson said, “Young people have come from many locations to ‘draw near to Jesus’ at Clara Springs Camp this Summer. You have Prayed, and God is Blessing. Keep praying for each of them as they start back to school.
A Provencal man suffering from serious injuries has been airlifted to a regional trauma center following a metal cutting incident at his residence according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wight. On Thursday morning Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a medical emergency involving a container explosion in the 100 block of Harmony Road near Provencal, La. Deputies say according to witnesses, the man was using a grinder attempting to cut an oxygen cylinder for scrap metal when the bottle exploded which resulted in the serious injuries.
Natchitoches’ Downtown Riverbank Stage was the place to be Friday, July 28, as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Induction Celebration hosted Rockin’ Riverfest. The popular event, long part of the annual induction of each new class of Louisiana sports legends into the Hall of Fame, featured concerts and family fun for children at the riverbank.
To quote the late Jerry Garcia, “What a long strange trip it’s been.” That’s 30. Byline John Brewer!
The town of Coushatta has again issued a boil advisory for the entire town water system due to leaks in the system. On Tuesday morning the town lost water pressure, which resulted in the closure of the public schools at mid-morning. Busses were called and the children were sent home.
Here is the news release from the Town of Coushatta:
The Town of Coushatta Water system has experienced problems with our water supply system due to low pressure below 20 PSI. Because of these problems, the water produced by our water supply system is of questionable microbiological quality.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Coushatta Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY for the entire system effective immediately. The BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System.
It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks). Making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rising of foods by the following means:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)
Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.
The Coushatta Water System will rescind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals- Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.
Two Caddo Parish sheriff’s deputies were honored for their bravery and service by a statewide civic group and will soon be recognized on a national level, said Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator.
Deputy Adam Jones was chosen as the 40&8 Association’s Officer of the Year and Senior Deputy Robert Fertal was selected as Hero of the Year during the group’s Louisiana Grand Promenade on July 16 at the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria.
Deputy Jones was recognized for his assistance with numerous criminal investigations over the years while serving as a deputy with the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and later with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he is currently employed. The cases included the investigation of a Mansfield police officer arrested for illegal drug use and sales, the rescue of a kidnap victim in Bossier Parish, and assisting with the arrests of 93 homicide suspects in 2022 while serving as the Caddo Sheriff’s agent on the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force.
Deputy Fertal was filling in as a school resource officer at Byrd High School in May 2022 when he was called to a classroom for a medical emergency. When he arrived, he found an unresponsive student who had choked on some food and was lying on the floor. Fertal performed the Heimlich Maneuver, and when that was unsuccessful, he administered CPR, saving the student’s life.
The two will head to Sandusky, Ohio, on September 15 to be honored as the national winners in their respective categories. The 40&8 will present the awards at the 104th Promenade Nationale.
Jones is a native of Coushatta and the son of Bill and Laurie Jones. He is a 2002 graduate of Riverdale Academy and 2006 graduate of LSU.
Monday was a sports milestone for Red River Parish. On that date, Coushatta native Joe Bill Adcock set a record that stood for over 48 years in major league baseball.
It was July 31, 1954 at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, Joe Adcock borrowed teammate Charlie White’s bat to blast four home runs and a double and help crush the Brooklyn Dodgers 15-7. Adcock’s MLB record of 18 total bases in a single game stood for 48 years.
Adcock played for the Milwaukee Braves beginning with their move from Boston on March 18, 1953. The Braves were to later relocate to Atlanta in 1966.
It took 48 years for the Dodgers to get their revenge. Shawn Green of the Los Angeles Dodgers broke Adcock’s record in 2002. He did it against Milwaukee, the city Adcock had played in. And he did it on behalf of the Dodgers, the team (then in Brooklyn) that Adcock did it too.
Gil Hodges, for the Brooklyn Dodgers had set the previous record at 17 total bases in 1950. Adcock took the record away from Hodges in 1954.
By Teddy Allen
Whatever any of us might be today or might become, we owe to family and friends, a whole raft of people. Nobody picks themselves up by their bootstraps (whatever that means), no man is an island and all that, and no turtle ever got to the top of a fence post alone.
Saturday night in the Natchitoches Events Center at the Induction Celebration to conclude the annual Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame weekend, the impressive Class of 2023 tried to thank as many friends as they could for helping them realize the fascinating reality of being inducted into the Hall. All-Americans and MVPs and national champions and multi-time state champs and on an on it went, but not a one was a solo act.
Each of them had a lot of help.
And each of them had several opportunities to express themselves during the weekend, and they did, gracefully. But at the actual Induction Ceremony, each had only a six-minute interview to be entertaining and informative and grateful, which is a lot to ask in such a tight window of time.
Just in case they forgot to mention someone, here’s where I can speak for them and help, at least a little.
Two things.
One, never shortchange the value of friendship. I read Charlotte’s Web as a boy and again as an adult. If you missed it, it’s never too late. My favorite line is when Charlotte, the spider, says to the pig Wilbur, “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.”
Amen.
And two, you can always count on Mr. Fred Rogers — more commonly known as Mr. Rogers” — to sum up how best to recognize and remember such lights to our paths.
In his Acceptance Speech when he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Ceremony in the spring of 1997 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, he said, in part, this:
So many people have helped me to come to this night. Some of you are here. Some are far away. Some are even in heaven.
All of us have special ones who have loved us into being.
Would you just take along with me 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are — those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life?
Ten seconds of silence.
I’ll watch the time.
He looked down at his watch for 10 seconds, looked up, and continued.
Whomever you’ve been thinking about — how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made.
Since it was a live event, Mr. Rogers had to offer the audience just 10 seconds.
There is no time limit for you and me.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
On July 24, 2023, Red River Fire District’s Captain Jacob Santos, Firefighter Brandon Dowlen and Firefighter Ryan Palmer had the opportunity to speak to the Red River Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Captain Santos spoke about Fire safety, the many different things that the Fire Department does for the community, and the specialty tools that are used. Participants learned the importance of smoke detectors, what to do in case of a fire, and how to stop drop and roll.
Firefighter Ryan Palmer demonstrated how quickly a firefighter is expected to put on their Personal Protective Equipment, With a nice time of under 1 minute and 20 seconds. Firefighter Palmer also gave the participants an opportunity to get up close and personal with a fully dressed firefighter, along with seeing some tools that a firefighter keeps in their pockets. Firefighter Palmer also demonstrated search techniques that are utilized by firefighters.
Once the participants were done inside the library, they were invited to come tour the Fire Truck with Firefighter Dowlen. Firefighter Dowlen gave an excellent tour and demonstration of the tools and equipment that are used by the Fire Department.
Have you ever desired a deeper knowledge of the Bible as a pastor, Sunday School Teacher, or church member? Then the Red River Bible Institute is there to help! RRBI was fronded by Dr. Collin Wimberly and New Life Church with the purpose of providing collegiate level training to bivocational pastors and lay people. RRBI is built upon the conviction that God’s word is perfect and powerful and that clear Biblical teaching will bring life and health to the local Church. The dream of the institute is to provide accessible and affordable training for pastors and teachers that will bring revival and renewal to our churches. Classes are offered every semester using a combination of in-class instruction and online work. If possible, students will need access to an internet connection and a computer or laptop. Classes are held every 3rd Saturday during the semester, from 8 am to 12;00. Reading and writing assignments are given between classes and turned in using Google Classroom. Alternative means for turning in work will be given to students who do not have internet access. Each course costs $200.00, plus the cost of books. Students may earn the certificate of pastoral ministries by successfully completing 8 courses. This semester’s class will begin August 19, at the church offices, located at 5014 Duke Ave, Hall Summit, La. If you are interested in registering for the class or have any questions, please email me at collinwimberly56@gmail.com or call at 318-519-6844.
Michael Simpson of Coushatta has been reappointed to the Red River Waterway Commission by Governor John Bel Edwards. He will continue to represent Red River Parish on the commission.
On Thursday July 27th, the Governor announced his appointments to various state boards and commissions.
Red River Waterway Commission
The Red River Waterway Commission was created for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining the Red River Waterway, a navigable waterway system, extending from the vicinity of the confluence of Red River with Old River and the Atchafalaya River northwestward in the Red River Valley to the state boundary.
Mr. Kenneth A. Richardson of Colfax was appointed to the Red River Waterway Commission. Mr. Richardson is a farmer and rancher in Colfax. He will represent Grant Parish.
Mr. Michael B. Simpson of Coushatta was reappointed to the Red River Waterway Commission. Mr. Simpson is a farmer and rancher in Coushatta. He will represent Red River Parish.
By Royal Alexander
There’s been an uproar these past two weeks and the spark for it is a song in a video by country music singer, Jason Aldean, entitled “Try That in a Small Town.” The national media and the national Left are in convulsions alleging it contains lyrics that “glorified gun violence and conveyed traditionally racist ideas.” (NPR, 07-20-2023).
What is the song about and what does it convey?
These are the lyrics:
Try That in a Small Town
Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk
Carjack an old lady at a red light
Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store
Ya think it’s cool, well, act a fool if ya like
Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough
Well, try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road
Around here, we take care of our own
You cross that line, it won’t take long
For you to find out, I recommend you don’t
Try that in a small town
Got a gun that my granddad gave me
They say one day they’re gonna round up
Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck
Try that in a small town
Full of good ol’ boys, raised up right
If you’re looking for a fight
Try that in a small town
The racist assertion is rooted in the location where the video was shot, the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. The city allegedly was the site of several lynchings in the early 20th century. (The Daily Signal, July 21, 2023, S. McCarthy).
However, the production company responsible for Aldean’s video, TackleBox Productions, clarified that the singer (Aldean) did not choose the location where the video was shot. TackleBox founder Shaun Silva further explained, “… any alternative narrative … is false” pointing out that the courthouse was a popular filming site outside of Nashville, Tenn. that has been included in several other music videos and films, including scenes in front of the Maury County Courthouse—with no public outcry—from Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009), Steppin’ Into the Holiday (2022 TV Movie), and The Green Mile (1999).
Aldean’s video contains actual news footage of burning of the American flag, riots, robberies, anarchists spitting in the face of police and especially the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020. It contrasts those images with home video footage of families playing ball and riding bikes, fathers and sons hunting together, and a young boy raising the American flag.
(I continue to hope the FBI will pursue the 2020 BLM rioters with the same intensity it has relentlessly pursued the Jan. 6th attendees. The 2020 riots that took place in 140 U.S. cities during Summer of 2020 included arson, vandalism and looting that caused $2 billion in government and private property damage, caused injury to 2,000 police officers, and caused death to at least 19 Americans.)
Aldean states there is no reference to race—actual or implied—in the song and that the song refers to the “feeling of a community that he had growing up, where people took care of their neighbors.”
The song is now # 1 and has been praised by many including President Trump: “Jason Aldean is a fantastic guy who just came out with a great new song. Support Jason all the way.”
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “the Left is now more concerned about Jason Aldean’s song calling out looters and criminals than they are about stopping looters and criminals. That tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of Democrats and woke companies like CMT that cave to the liberal mob.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem: “I am shocked by what I’m seeing in this country, with people attempting to cancel the song and cancel Jason and his beliefs” … Aldean is being “persecuted” for writing a song about “law and order” and “the freedom and liberty that this country was founded on,” adding, “Thank you for writing a song that America can get behind.”
Aldean responded to the screaming cancel mob with a sentiment millions of us share: ““What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here. I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bullshit started happening to it.”
Amen.
Red River 4-H Clubs have scheduled their Livestock club meeting for this afternoon. It will be held in the parish 4-H office at 4:00 pm.
4-H said, “New and returning students are welcome. We will go over updates, deadlines, club information, broiler information, etc. Remember, you don’t have to show an animal to be part of the livestock club, just have a love for these animals.
Magnolia Bend Academy Coushatta campus has been named a 2022-23 National Beta School of Merit. The school earned this recognition by offering National Beta to all eligible grades on their campus. National Junior Beta includes grades 4-8 and National Senior Beta includes grades 9-12.
The award is given to honor a club’s dedication and commitment to academic excellence. In a congratulatory letter to the school, Beta CEO Bobby Hart said, “Thank you for your continued support of National Beta and commitment to developing future leaders.”
“I am so pleased at the growth of our club and the addition of our new Junior Beta leader, Joyce Boyt,” said Beta Sponsor Kendria Sanders. She added, “Having a separate sponsor for both clubs really allowed our children to get a better Beta experience this year.
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for July 21-27, 2023
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Barbara Ann Stewart
December 18, 1963 – July 28, 2023
Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Campbell Creek Cemetery, Sharp, LA.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
Family Day sponsored by Cane River Delta Waterfowl is Saturday, August 5th. The event will be at the Natchitoches Shooting Range from 9:00 am until Noon.
A beginning ceramics class, “Playing in the Mud,” will be offered through Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education starting Aug. 17. The class will be held on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. through Sept. 21 in Room 113 of the Fine Arts Annex.
The fee is $125 plus a $20 material fee paid directly to the instructor on the first night of class. Enrollment to the class is limited.
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for July 21-27, 2023
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Red River High this week announced that they have selected Todd Moore as the new Head Baseball Coach at Red River High School.
“We are excited to have Coach Moore join our school. He is a proven winner as a player and coach. He will not only teach our students about baseball but how to be a successful lifelong learner“ stated Principal Norman Picou.
Coach Moore has coached baseball at the high school level and with several successful baseball organizations. In 2023, Coach Moore was a coach with the Prospect Elevation Baseball organization and also coached 2019 to 2022 with the Hurricane Baseball Organization.
Coach Moore was a two time state champion as a player at Oak Grove High School and played baseball at the collegiate level for Louisiana College. He was the Head Baseball Coach at St. Frederick High School from 2000 to 2003 and at Sterlington High School from 2004 to 2008.
He was the Class 2A Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and was selected as the 2003 All-Northeast Coach of the Year. He was the District 2-2A Coach of the Year four times and selected to coach the LHSBCA East All Star Team twice. His team enjoyed deep runs into the state playoffs with two Quarterfinal appearances (2000, 2006), three semifinal appearances (2001, 2007, 2008) and two State Runner-ups (2003, 2005).
Coach Moore is also successful at developing players to play on the next level with 19 players advancing to the Collegiate level and 4 of his former players who advanced to play professional baseball.
Coach Moore says, “I would like to personally thank Mrs. Strong, Mr Picou and Coach Lindsey for this opportunity to be part of Red River High School and welcoming my family with open arms. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work for and look forward to continuing the level of excellence the Red River family strives for in their students.”
Coach Moore is married to Candice Moore. They have three sons – Jacques, Jaxun and Nolan.
Red River 4-H is notifying all members of the upcoming Louisiana Cattle Festival Cattle Show this fall. The event is open to all junior cattle exhibitors in the state.
Complete rules, schedule, entry fees, and other information is included in posts by Red River 4-H on their social media outlets.
The show will be held at the Cecil McCrory Exhibit Building in Abbeville. The dates are September 29 and 30, 2023.
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