The North DeSoto High School cheer team has once again proven itself as one of the top programs in the region, earning its third consecutive championship at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition.

Included on the squad is Hannah Murray.  Hannah is the daughter of Wesley Murray of Coushatta and Katie Murray of Stonewall.  She is the granddaughter of Teresa King, Don Louis and Gina Birdsong, and Pat and Vickie Murray.  Hannah is an accomplished gymnast and cheerleader.  

The milestone victory marks an impressive three-year streak for the Lady Griffins, showcasing consistency, dedication, and a culture of excellence within the program. Competing against teams from across the state and beyond, North DeSoto continued to rise to the occasion, delivering a strong performance that set them apart.

Coaches credit the team’s success to months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork, as well as the athletes’ ability to balance rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities and school spirit appearances throughout the year.

“This kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident,” one coach noted. “These athletes work year-round and hold themselves to a high standard. Winning once is special — doing it three years in a row speaks volumes about their commitment.”

 As the team celebrates another championship season, their achievement stands as a source of pride for the school, their families, and the entire community — and sets a high bar for future cheer squads to follow.

James “Jimmy” Rhoderick Young went to his heavenly home on January 23, at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones who covered him with love and prayers.

James was born on November 25,1951, in Delhi, Louisiana. He was born the first son of James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young. As a life-long resident of Red River Parish, he went to school, worked, and enjoyed life with family and friends. He was legendary as a dragline operator and contractor, owning his own company. As a Police Jury member for District 3, he served his community dutifully for 20+ years. As a licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying his Cherokee for many years. As a fisherman, he could often be found fishing his favorite spots, Black Lake and Larto, where he had fished with his grandfather when he was a child. He loved deer hunting, rabbit hunting, and hog hunting with his dogs in the Black Lake Swamp. His hog hunting became famous and was shared through his publication Bayed Solid, as well as an annual event in Winnfield, Louisiana, known as Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials. His Christian faith was a
positive influence on untold numbers of those who met him, as he loved to share his love for Jesus with others. Family members and friends never doubted his love for them as he always made sure to tell them how much he loved them. A giant of a man, physically and spiritually, his presence here will be greatly missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young; great grandson, Walker Rayce Young, all of Coushatta, and half-brother, Troy Ballard of Doyline, Louisiana.

James is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Gwen Snead Young ; sons, James “Bo” Young, Jr. (Linda), Shane Young (Tammy), Clint “Blue” Young (Hollie); daughter, Kasey Smith (Joey); stepson, Brodie Vines; grandsons, Britt Young, Hunter Young; granddaughters, Makayla Griffith, Montanna Layfield, Cardin Young, Hadlee Young; great grandsons, Kaden Young, Holt Young, Rhett Young, Parker Griffith; great
granddaughters, Avi Young, Peyton Griffith, Juniper Young; brother, Mike Young (Melinda); and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Dr. Arnold Barz, Dr. Wyche Coleman, and Dr. Mindie
Kavanaugh for their care through the years. The love, support, and prayers of his many
friends are also greatly appreciated.

Services will be held at Open Door Fellowship, Coushatta, Louisiana, on Friday, January 30th at 1:00 PM, officiated by Collin Wimberly and Preston Young. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00. Graveside services will be at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Womack, Louisiana.

The pallbearers are James R. Young, Jr., Shane Young, Blue Young, Brodie Vines, Hunter Young, and Britt Young.

The honorary pallbearers are Joey Smith, Mike Young, Royce Young, Cole Young, Wesly Tucker, Lary Wimberly, J.R. Munn, Luther Buswell, Bill Griffin, Marty Weaver, Mark Cloud, Alvin Keith, Gerry Landry, Wilmer Davis, and Gary Brown.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta,
Louisiana.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for the ArkLaTex from midnight tonight through noon on Sunday. Wind chills will range from 10 to 15 degrees. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm dry shelter, food and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Friday:

Cloudy early then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph.

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 23F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday:

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 37F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Very cold. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.

Sunday:

Partly cloudy skies. High 47F. Winds light and variable.

Clear skies overnight. Continued very cold. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.

By Nolan Mckendry Jan 21, 2026

(The Center Square) − U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy set off a Republican scramble for the congressional seat she holds and widened the field of candidates looking to unseat him.

At least five state legislators have signaled interest in the race for the 5th Congressional District that Letlow has represented since 2021. Cassidy, seeking a third term, faces at least six challengers in the May 16 primary. Qualifying begins on Feb. 11.

Lutlow announced her bid on Tuesday, days after she was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him on impeachment charges following the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, has also clashed with the Trump administration over health care.

“Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver,” Letlow posted on X. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust.”

Cassidy, backed by Senate GOP leaders, said Letlow called him Tuesday to notify him of her decision.

“She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” he posted on X. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”

Letlow joins a list of Republican challengers that includes former congressman and current State Treasurer John Fleming and two state legislators: Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden also are in the race.

A number of other Republicans are considering the congressional seat that Letlow won in a special election following the Covid-19 death of her husband, Rep-elect Luke Letlow. The district stretches from the Baton Rouge area north and east toward Monroe and the Mississippi line.

The field could be narrowed significantly if former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves enters the race. Graves served in Congress until 2024, when his district was redrawn and he decided to not seek re-election.

State Rep. Dixon McMakin told The Center Square that Graves’ decision in the 5th District race would affect his.

“I hope Congressman Graves will run and be our voice in Congress again but if he stays out, I will most likely be running for the open seat to be a candidate for all of District 5,” McMakin said.

Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, said several other state legislators have privately expressed interest, including Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville and Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe.

“Yes, I am definitely considering running,” Deshotel told The Center Square.

The winner of the primary will advance to the November general election. Members of Congress serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 annually.

 Recent winter weather across the region has significantly impacted bloodand platelet collections, putting a strain on inventory at LifeShare Blood Center. Inclement conditions led to temporary donor center closures and canceled blood drives, resulting in fewer donations at a time when hospitals typically see an increase in patient need.

Blood products have a limited shelf life, making consistent donations critical. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets — which are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma care, and complex surgeries — have a shelf life of just five to seven days. Even missing a single day of platelet collections can directly affect the ability to meet local hospital demand.

“Winter months are always challenging for the blood supply, but weather-related disruptions
make it even more difficult,” said Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for LifeShare Blood Center. “Patient needs don’t pause for winter storms, and hospitals rely on us to have lifesaving products available every day.”

While all donations are needed, platelet donations are especially needed at this time. Unlike whole blood donations, platelets can only be donated in-center and require specialized equipment and staff. Donors who are not already approved for platelet donation may need to complete a brief screening, including testing for certain antibodies, before they are eligible to donate. LifeShare staff will guide donors through this process to ensure safety for both donors and patients.

LifeShare encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as conditions allow and to consider platelet donation if possible. Donations made now will help stabilize inventory and ensure patients across the region continue to receive the care they need. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. To schedule a donation appointment, visit http://www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800.256.5433.

Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance.

While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal.

The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?

Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?

These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were.

I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career.

But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me?

Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.

He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day.

But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side.

I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice.

So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad.

But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids.

Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.

There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children.

So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met. But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Riverdale will host the MAIS South A Tournament Feb 2-7. Games begin at 5:15pm on Monday, Feb 2.

Clara Springs has postponed its Winter Retreat until  March 13-14 for kids in grades 1-6.

Open Door Fellowship Kidz will hold a Bake Sale Sat Feb 10 at Rivertown from 10am until sold out. All proceeds will go to the groups charity fund.

New Beginnings Baptist Church Youth will have their annual Chocolate covered strawberry fundraiser for Valentine’s Day. 1/2 dozen $10, dozen $20. To pre-order text or call Breanne Dupree 318.663.6607 or Kathy Quick 318.422.9516. Pre-orders are due by Feb 11. Pick up will be Feb 13 for all pre-orders from 3-6:30pm at the church (2169 Punkin Center Road, Castor) or Feb 14 at the Castor Pavilion from 10am until 12pm.

UPS announced it will cut up to 30,000 jobs and close 24 buildings this year as it continues scaling back Amazon shipments.

Joyce Fields James
September 27, 1956 — January 21, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

James “Jimmy” Rhoderick Young
November 25, 1951 — January 23, 2026
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1pm at Open Door Fellowship in Coushatta.

William “Player” Thomas
December 3, 1946 ~ January 13, 2026
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1pm in the sanctuary of Elizabeth Full Gospel Church in Coushatta.

Jeanne Lynn Morgan
April 29, 1951 – January 27, 2026
Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11am in Social Springs Cemetery in Ringgold.

Gary Lane Weems
October 23, 1961 – January 27, 2026

A Texas man was killed Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in DeSoto Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.

Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the crash at approximately 4:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026, on Louisiana Highway 177 near Louisiana Highway 510 near Evelyn. The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old John Hordge of Dallas, Texas.

A preliminary investigation indicates Hordge was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 southbound on Louisiana Highway 177 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. Troopers reported the truck struck a guardrail, entered a nearby creek, and overturned.

Hordge was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police said impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police reminded motorists that seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires all occupants in a vehicle—regardless of seating position—to be properly restrained.

 Mardi Gras season in North Louisiana kicks off soon!

Coushatta:
Coushatta Mardi Gras Parade Sunday, February 15. Rolls at 3pm from Red River Parish Fairgrounds and ending on Front Street. Line up at Red River Parish Fairgrounds at 2pm. Jerry Guye III will serve as Grand Marshall. All vendors will be at the Coushatta Ball Park. A festival celebration will be held post-parade with live DJs,  entertainment, and vendor booths. 

Surrounding Area:

The Krewe of the 9 Parade has been postponed until February 21 at 12pm in Natchitoches. Bennie Logan will serve as Grand Marshall.
The Krewe of Aquarius Parade has been postponed until February 21 at 6pm in Logansport.
Krewe of Centaur Parade February 7 at 3:30pm in Shreveport/Shreve City.
Krewe of Barkus& Meoux Pet Parade February 8 at 2pm in Bossier City/Louisiana Downs.
Krewe of Dionysos Parade February 14 at 6pm in Natchitoches.
Krewe of Gemini Parade February 14 at 3:30pm in Downtown Shreveport.
Krewe of Highland Parade February 15 at 2pm in Highland Historic District Shreveport.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is confirming five additional winter storm-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in Louisiana to eight.

The DeSoto Parish coroner has confirmed the death of a 79-year-old female who died due to hypoxia following the failure of an electrically powered oxygen concentrator during a power outage, as well as the death of a 46-year-old male who died in a motor vehicle accident while traveling on icy roads.

The Sabine Parish coroner has confirmed the deaths of a 62-year-old male and a 59-year-old female, both of whom died in their homes of suspected hypothermia following a power outage. The coroner has confirmed these deaths are being investigated as storm-related deaths.

The Franklin Parish coroner has confirmed the death of a 78-year-old female who died due to hypothermia.

During extreme winter weather, LDH urges residents to stay safe:

Know the signs of cold-related illness

See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:

• Hypothermia
• Shivering or fumbling hands
• Exhaustion or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants
• Frostbite
• Redness or pain in any skin area
• White or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

Warming Centers

There are currently 78 open warming centers across Louisiana, with 14 planned to open.

For a list of warming centers in your area, or to contact your local Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), visit getagameplan.org.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas. 
• CO is present when fuel is burned in engines, furnaces, and open fires. 
• Fuels that can produce CO when burned include gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane. 
• Breathing high levels of CO causes CO poisoning, which can cause severe illness or even death in just minutes. For this reason, CO is often referred to as an invisible killer. 
• The primary risk of carbon monoxide poisoning comes from home and garage use of gas generators and from malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as home stoves, water heaters, and space heaters. 
• Operating such engines and appliances in a confined space can cause CO to accumulate to toxic concentrations very quickly. 
• Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. 
• People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. 
• Have a CO alarm. Combination smoke and CO detectors can alert people to CO and save lives. 
• See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:
• The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are: 
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like”

Generator safety

• Never use portable generators indoors. This includes a garage, carport, basement, crawl space, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
• Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless. Inhaling carbon monoxide can very quickly lead to full incapacitation or death.
• Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. 
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
• Place generators outside, more than 20 feet away from the home, doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Do not refuel when hot.
• Keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. 

Heating safety

• Ensure that you have a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Ensure your heating system has been properly serviced and is clean, functioning correctly, and properly ventilated to the exterior. If you use a fireplace or chimney, have them inspected and cleaned as well.
• Do not use gas or electric ovens or stoves for heating. Gas ovens may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric ovens are not designed for space heating.
• Do not burn outdoor barbecue materials indoors, even in a fireplace.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords. Do not use the heater if the cords are frayed or splitting. 
• Place space heaters 3 to 5 feet away from bedding or other flammable materials.
• Never allow children to play with or around the heater.  
• Unplug the heater when not in use. 
• Never leave the heater unattended.

BBQ grill safety

• Never use charcoal grills, propane grills, or portable gas camp stoves indoors, in a garage, or on a screened-in porch.
• Grills produce high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas.
• If using a grill outdoors, position the grill in a well-ventilated, outdoor, sheltered area away from snow, ice, and most importantly, away from siding or flammable materials.

Alcohol and hypothermia

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia both physiologically and through impaired decision-making. It causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), making the skin feel warm while increasing heat loss. 

Alcohol also:

• Reduces the shivering response, which is the body’s natural way of producing heat, keeping the body warm. 
• Causes our brainstem to lower our core body temperature.
• Impairs judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors such as not dressing appropriately in very cold weather and not responding appropriately to signs of hypothermia such as shivering, slurred speech, or mumbling.

Drink responsibly and limit the amount of time you spend outside when the temperature is near or below freezing. 

Additional tips

• Wear warm clothes and go to a public place like a library, recreation center, or mall for temporary relief.
• Protect outdoor pipes, bring in plants or pets, and take other necessary precautions.

Wednesday:
Mostly sunny. High 51F. Winds light and variable.

A few clouds overnight with areas of patchy fog. Low 27F. Winds light and variable. 

Thursday:
Sunshine and clouds mixed.  High 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10mph.

Mostly cloudy overnight. Low 34F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10mph.

By Nolan Mckendry Jan 21, 2026

(The Center Square) − Louisiana has the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the nation, at 10.11%, according to the Tax Foundation’s latest state-by-state roundup for 2026.

The ranking reflects Louisiana’s unusually high mix of state and local levies. The state rate is 5%, and local governments add an average of a little more than five points on top of that.

The 5% state rate traces back to a 2024 special session where state lawmakers rewired the tax code to offset major income tax cuts. Louisiana lifted the state sales tax from 4.45% to 5% effective Jan. 1, 2025, with the higher rate scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2029 before dropping to 4.75% starting Jan. 1, 2030.

The state sales tax was decided in a late-stage, closed-door negotiation in which lawmakers paired a politically popular income tax cut with a steeper sales tax increase to assemble the votes needed to pass the overall deal.

A central flashpoint was whether Louisiana would broaden its sales tax base to include services like parking, repairs, printing and copying, laundry and cleaning, car washes, delivery and transportation services and more. House Bill 9 proposed taxing more than 40 currently untaxed services in order to generate an estimated $500 million in annual revenue, but the measure stalled.

Instead, lawmakers leaned more heavily on the rate increase while advancing other core parts of the overhaul. The final package flattened the individual income tax to 3%, reduced the corporate income tax to 5.5% and set Louisiana on a path to eliminate its corporate franchise tax starting Jan. 1, 2026, among other changes.

For households, state tax officials say the law also nearly tripled the standard deduction beginning in 2025, raising it to $12,500 for single filers and married couples filing separately, with married joint filers set at double that amount.

Recent economic snapshots have been mixed but include some strong figures. A report from the Pelican Institute that cites U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data said Louisiana’s personal income rose 6.8% (annualized) in the second quarter of 2025. The state’s inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased 4.0% in the same quarter, the report said.

PUBLICATION OF THE ANNUAL PRESS RELEASE
RELATIVE TO NON-DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT

DeSoto Parish Police Jury/Office of Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. No client or employee shall, based on race, sex, age, color, or any factor, be denied the benefits of, or be excluded from, participation in or otherwise subject to discrimination under any program or service for which this CSBG funded agency operates. For additional information contact: Equal Opportunity Officer Ashley VanZant, 404 Polk Street Ste. B, Mansfield, LA 71052 318-872-0880. La Relay TDD: 711 “An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program” “Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”

               Do you have a drawer under your oven? And more importantly—what’s living in there? Cookie sheets? Muffin tins? A colony of plastic lids that haven’t had matching bowls since the Bush administration.

                And the bigger question: Are you even using that drawer correctly?

                My mother used that drawer for cookie sheets, and therefore—by the sacred laws of Southern motherhood—I was required to do the same. You don’t question Mama’s kitchen theology. You just obey and hope she doesn’t notice you put the cast‑iron skillet in the dishwasher.

                But who gets to tell you what’s right? Who shapes your choices? And when does “that’s how Mama did it” turn into “that’s how I got myself into trouble”?

                Before we go any further, let me ask something bold: Do you know the truth about oven drawers?

                Let me tell you a story.

                There’s an old African tale about a man and his beloved lamb. He fed it by hand, played with it, probably let it sleep on the porch. Hard times came, and he had to take the lamb to market.

                Three thieves heard about this and cooked up a plan.

                As the man walked down the road with the lamb over his shoulders, the first thief said, “Why are you carrying that dog?”

                The man laughed. “It’s a lamb.”

                A little farther along, the second thief said, “Fine‑looking dog you’ve got there.”

                The man frowned. “It’s… a lamb. Pretty sure.”

                Near the market, the third thief shook his head. “Sir, they won’t let you bring a dog in there.”

                That did it. The man set the lamb down, stared at it, and thought, “Well, if three different people say it’s a dog, it must be a dog.” And he walked away.

                If he’d turned around, he would’ve seen the thieves scooping up his very‑much‑not‑a‑dog lamb and heading home for supper.

                Now, back to the oven drawer.

                For years, I never questioned its purpose. Mama said it was for cookie sheets, so it was for cookie sheets. End of discussion. But like the man with the lamb, I realized I’d let other voices define reality for me.

                Then I learned the shocking truth: Some oven drawers are storage drawers… and some are warming drawers.

                If your oven is older than your church’s carpet, it’s probably storage. But newer ovens? That drawer might be designed to keep food warm.

                Which means:  Trying to warm your biscuits in a storage drawer is just wishful thinking.  Storing your plastic lids in a warming drawer is how you end up explaining yourself to the fire department.

                It is not your mother’s oven.

                And that’s the point.

                In a world where everyone has an opinion—loudly—and where people will swear up and down that the lamb you’re carrying is a dog, you need a center that doesn’t wobble. You need truth that isn’t based on trends, polls, or whoever shouts the loudest.

                You need someone who won’t call darkness “light” just because it’s fashionable.

                You need the One who doesn’t change.

                You need the One who won’t mislead you for His own gain.

                You need the One who tells you the truth—even when three thieves insist otherwise.

                And that place, that Person, is where I always end up: Jesus.

Red River 4-H needs your help by providing feedback about their programs on a very short form. Complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/xcLFLHiqa0

LSU Tigers playing in this year’s Super Bowl: Will Campbell, Kayshon Boutte, Bradyn Swinson, K’Lavon Chaisson, & Anthony Bradford.

Cleco announced they are pausing service disconnects through Jan 31. Customers who need assistance can speak with a rep by calling 1-800-622-6537.

Former LSU coordinator Joe Brady will become the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

Joyce Fields James
September 27, 1956 — January 21, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

All local water systems are struggling to keep up with demand. If you see any leaks please report them to your water system and turn off the water supply if you are able. 

Reminder: A Boil Advisory is in effect for the Town of Coushatta water system until further notice.

Closed:

Red River Parish Schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 28. All school campuses and district offices will be closed. It will be a virtual school day. 

Riverdale Academy will be closed Wednesday, January 28.

Red River Council on Aging is closed Wednesday, January 28. For emergencies, dial 911.

Coushatta Magnolia Bend will be closed Wednesday, January 28.

The Red River Parish Courthouse, Police Jury and additional PJ buildings will be closed through Thursday, January 29 midday. A recheck will be made then to determine when offices will open.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) is closed and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

All Bienville Parish schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Wednesday, January 28. It will be a virtual school day. 

Postponed:

First Baptist Women’s Ministry is postponing their gathering tomorrow, January 26 to February 9 at 6:30pm (tentatively).

Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will now be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

All Bank of Coushatta/BOC locations will be open from 12-4pm Tuesday, January 27.

Closed:

Red River Parish Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27. All school campuses and district offices will be closed.

Riverdale Academy will be closed Tuesday, January 27.

Red River Council on Aging is closed Tuesday, January 27. For emergencies, dial 911.

Coushatta Magnolia Bend will be closed Tuesday, January 27 & Wednesday, January 28.

The Red River Parish Courthouse, Police Jury and additional PJ buildings will be closed through Wednesday, January 28 midday. A recheck will be made then to determine when offices will open.

All Willis Knighton clinics will remain closed until Wednesday including Physician Network offices, all Quick Care and Work Kare locations. Surgical Services will continue for emergency conditions but will be closed for elective surgeries.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) is closed and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

Louisiana Tech University will be closed Tuesday, January 27. Plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. 

The LSU Shreveport campus will be closed Tuesday, January 27.

All NSU campuses are closed Tuesday, January 27. Residence halls will remain open for students and dining services will operate on a modified scheduled.

Louisiana Christian University has decided to cancel classes Tuesday, January 27. All campus offices will be closed. Hattie B’s will be open on a modified schedule for on-campus students.

All Bienville Parish schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Tuesday, January 27. It will be a virtual school day. 

Natchitoches Parish Schools are closed Tuesday, January 27.

DeSoto Parish Schools are closed Tuesday, January 27.

Postponed:

First Baptist Women’s Ministry is postponing their gathering tomorrow, January 26 to February 9 at 6:30pm (tentatively).

Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will now be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

Boil Advisory

Coushatta Water System
01//26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.