Red River High School, LA — Students in the Red River High School Firefighter I (FFI) Program recently put their training into action during a hands-on skills demonstration designed to mirror real-world fireground operations. The event showcased critical firefighting techniques, including firefighter survival skills, forcible entry, roof ventilation, and a variety of hose loads and deployment tactics.

Under the guidance of their instructor and with the support of local fire service professionals, students rotated through multiple stations, each focused on a key component of firefighting. From breaching doors during forcible entry scenarios to executing coordinated roof ventilation techniques, the training emphasized both skill development and situational awareness.

One of the highlights of the day was the firefighter survival station, where students practiced self-rescue techniques and rapid decision-making under simulated high-stress conditions. These scenarios are essential in preparing students for the unpredictable nature of fireground operations.

Students also demonstrated proficiency in deploying various hose loads, learning how to efficiently stretch and manage hose lines for different fire attack situations. These skills are foundational for effective fire suppression and require both teamwork and precision.

“This type of hands-on training is where everything comes together,” said program instructor Toni Rodgers. “Our students have been working hard in the classroom, and this gives them the opportunity to apply that knowledge in a realistic and meaningful way.”

The success of the event was made possible through strong community partnerships. A special thank you is extended to the Red River Fire Department “B Shift” for taking time out of their schedules to assist with instruction and provide real-world insight during the skills stations. Their mentorship and guidance played a vital role in the students’ learning experience.

The program also extends its gratitude to Bienville Parish Fire District 6 for building training props and generously loaning equipment used throughout the day. Their continued support ensures that students have access to the tools and resources necessary to train safely and effectively.

As the Red River High School FFI Program continues to grow, opportunities like this reinforce its mission to prepare students not only for certification, but for future careers in the fire service. Through dedication, teamwork, and community collaboration, these students are gaining the skills and confidence needed to serve and protect.

Shared by Red River High School

Members of the Red River Parish Police Jury covered everything from broadband expansion and road maintenance to emergency response and library services during their regular May 6 meeting, highlighting issues that directly affect residents across the parish.

All jurors were present as parish officials balanced long-term planning with ongoing daily operations.

Representatives from Conterra Networks addressed the jury about the company’s existing fiber network serving local schools and businesses. Cullen Stewart introduced Heather Fisher as Conterra’s liaison for Red River Parish and said the company is interested in exploring a partnership that could expand high-speed internet service to additional parish buildings and offices.

The jury also approved revisions to the parish’s Library Board ordinance following comments from Virginia Webb, who said current board members understand changes may be necessary to ensure representation from every district. Parish Administrator Jessie Davis confirmed public posting requirements had been met before the ordinance passed unanimously. Jury President Murray asked members to bring recommendations for future board appointments to the next meeting.

In the monthly CVU report, officials reported collecting $26,677 in road-use permits and $12,566 in fines. Officials said the increase in fines was largely due to companies and drivers operating with expired permits.

Davis also informed jurors that future documents from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and other state agencies will now require DocuSign electronic signatures. The jury unanimously authorized Davis to execute those documents on behalf of the parish.

Several fire board appointments were approved unanimously, including Bob Harris, Irving Barfield and Dale Bierden to two-year terms, Jamary Jones and Eric Cason to one-year terms, and Clarence Smith Jr. to a three-year term.

Budget discussions reflected both optimism and concern. Davis reported sales tax revenue increased during the last quarter but warned that rising fuel and petroleum costs for road repair and maintenance could quickly offset those gains. Jurors authorized Davis to negotiate with the lowest bidders on needed products.

Monthly reports also highlighted improvements in parish services. Ambulance officials reported an average of four calls daily with three ambulances operating at all times. Additional in-parish part-time staffing has improved response times, while new DEA requirements will require secure keypad safes for narcotics storage in ambulances.

The parish library reported hosting 11 programs in April with attendance exceeding 100 people. Officials also announced expanded Saturday hours beginning in June without additional staffing costs.

Fire Board members reported the Central firehouse continues operating efficiently and noted recent safety equipment purchases. Officials are also exploring staffing the Martin and Harmon stations, citing statistics showing nearly 23 percent of calls originate in the Martin area. Leaders believe improved response times could help lower the parish’s fire rating from 5 to 4, potentially reducing homeowners’ insurance costs.

The meeting concluded with members of the Coushatta Chute DAR presenting an America 250 commemorative flag donated by CBS Home Express. The flag may be flown beneath the U.S. flag at the courthouse in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Matt Vines

Riverdale baseball represented by five all-district players
Five Riverdale baseball players were voted to the all-district team by the district’s coaches.

Three Rebels graced the All-District First Team – Zane Givens, Ben Moseley and Jackson Hillman.

Layken Gates and Cannon Breedlove were picked to the Second Team.

Red River track and field ready for state
Student-athletes in a combined seven track and field events will compete at the Class 2A state meet at LSU today.

Athletes competing in individual events include Khylee Winn (high jump), Kaleah Crawford (400 meters),

Lathyn Lewis (100 meters), and Logan Mims (800 and 1600 meters).

The boys 4×800 relay and the girls 4×200 relay will also compete.

Crawford will be joined in the 4×200 by relay mates Adrina Jackson, Ahmauriyeh Demease, and Aniyah Jones.

A trio of freshmen (Kamrin Nelson, Christopher Hackett, and Jacarvis Speed) will run with junior Emmanuel Scott in the 4×800.

Red River football spring game May 13
The Red River football team will conclude its spring practice with a spring game May 13 at Louisiana College.

Catch a glimpse of the new-look Bulldogs who will have new starters at key positions like quarterback, running back, and the defensive backfield.

Coach Travis Gary leads his program through his second spring practice after guiding the Bulldogs to six wins and a playoff appearance in 2025.

Louisiana residents will soon have a new hunting opportunity after Gov. Jeff Landry signed Act 37 into law, creating the state’s first recreational alligator season.

The new law, authored by Sen. Robert Allain III of Franklin and supported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, allows the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to establish a recreational alligator harvest program. The commission will be responsible for setting season dates, harvest quotas and tag allotments by area.

Officials say the program is intended to expand recreational hunting opportunities while also helping manage Louisiana’s growing alligator population. The state is estimated to have about three million alligators.

Residents who want to participate will need a basic hunting license, an alligator hunting license and recreational harvest tags issued by LDWF. Those tags will be separate from commercial alligator tags.
The recreational season will be scheduled so it does not interfere with commercial alligator activities. Hunters will be limited to hook-and-line harvest methods, and recreationally harvested hides, meat or alligator parts will not be allowed to enter commercial markets.

Participation will also require landowner permission or use of public lands designated by LDWF. Recreational alligator hunters must remain on the property where they are authorized to hunt.

Traffic was disrupted Wednesday afternoon in Red River Parish after a sand truck overturned at the intersection of Catfish Bend Road and Highway 177.

The accident blocked part of the highway and forced traffic to be rerouted while emergency crews and law enforcement officers responded to the scene. The overturned truck spilled sand across the roadway, creating a large cleanup effort for crews.

No additional information on injuries or the cause of the accident was immediately available. Motorists traveling through the area experienced delays as authorities worked to clear the roadway and restore normal traffic flow.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth.

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention.

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully.

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses.

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!”

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people.

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly.

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you.

Red River 4-H is having three events in May. 

• Pet show- May 16^th at 10 AM at the Red River Parish Fairgrounds livestock barn for all 4-H members!  Several categories include cutest, friendliest, best dressed animal and 4-Her, and more!  Animals should be brought in a carrier, or on a leash.  Deadline to register is May 13^th.
• Wetlands and Wheels Day Camp – May 22^nd at 9 AM at the fishing pier at Grand Bayou for 4-H members in grades 4-12.  Younger 4-Hers may attend with a sibling or parent.  Cost is $5 for lunch.   LDWF and Louisiana 4-H Wetlands Department will be visiting and sharing activities with us.  Students may bring fishing poles and bicycles, skateboards, skates, or scooters to take a ride in the park.  Deadline to register is May 18^th.
• Deadline to sign up for Summer Camp is May 13^th!  Summer Camp is for 4-H members in grades 4-6 and takes place at Camp Grant Walker July 6-9^th.  Scholarships available for funding for camp. 

To sign up for any of these activities, call the 4-H office at (318)932-4342.  If you’d like to sponsor a camper and help them make lifetime memories, please give us a call!  

Shared by Red River Parish 4-H

Residents will have an opportunity to check in on their health during a Community Health Fair planned for Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The fair will offer several basic health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and blood sugar checks. Organizers are also planning door prizes for those who attend.

A number of vendors are expected to take part, including representatives from home health, the resource center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, medical technology, rehab centers, hospice, LaCHIP, Acadian On Call, and blood sugar check services.

Blood work will also be available through CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare. The flyer lists a lipid profile for $10, a comprehensive profile (CMP) for $10, and tests including HGB A1C, TSH, and CBC for $5 each. The flyer also notes that some services are being provided at no charge through the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy / BHF Heart Program.

The health fair is designed to give local residents a simple way to access screenings, lab work, and information from health-related organizations all in one place.

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

What’s easier than a one-skillet dish? This chicken with green beans and tomatoes can have dinner on the table in just minutes, and its single-skillet cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Try grabbing local green beans and tomatoes from a nearby farmers’ market, farm stand, or grocery store to ensure your veggies are the freshest and tastiest available.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced OR 2 to 3 teaspoons dried garlic powder OR canned minced garlic
• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 fresh lemon (juice and zest)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme OR 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Grated parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

1. Wash green beans under cool running water.
2. Next, snap or cut off the stem ends of the beans.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
4. Season chicken with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.
5. Add chicken to the skillet and brown on each side (about 2 minutes per side).
6. Add garlic, green beans and tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add in chicken broth, lemon zest, juice of one lemon, dried thyme and balsamic vinegar. Cover skillet. Let cook for about 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
8. If using fresh thyme, remove the sprig of thyme before serving. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

This recipe is provided by LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agent, Elizabeth Martin. For more information about programming happening in your community or if you have any questions, please contact your local extension office or call Elizabeth at (318) 226-6805 or by emailing emartin@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

By Alton Wallace | May 5, 2026

(The Center Square) – Gasoline prices are soaring in Louisiana, rising 19.3 cents a gallon over the last week to an average of $3.92 on Tuesday, as geopolitical tensions and Gulf Coast refinery maintenance squeeze fuel supplies across the state from Lake Charles and Baton Rouge to Monroe.

While Louisiana prices rose 5.2% over the last seven days, the national average saw an even sharper increase—rising 30.7 cents, or 7.3%, to $4.48 per gallon, with both hitting new four-year highs, according to AAA data.

Despite a slower rate of increase than the rest of the country, the price spike in Louisiana in the last week represents a significant financial blow to the state’s motorists. In Hammond, the price of regular gasoline jumped 24.1 cents this week to $3.92. Drivers in Monroe saw a 24.6-cent increase to $3.86, while those in Alexandria paid an average of $3.97 on Tuesday—up 22.6 cents per gallon in seven days.

Beyond the geopolitical causes for the recent price increases, the beginning of refinery maintenance season and the mandatory transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline have increased the strain on regional fuel supplies.

Traditionally, gasoline prices in the United States tend to peak between April and June, often hitting a seasonal high around Memorial Day. In 2025, the U.S. average gas price peaked in April at $3.23 a gallon.

“Typically, sporadic shutdowns of refineries begin in February as they transition to summer blends,” said AAA’s spokesman in Louisiana, Dan Redman. “The transition to summer-grade gasoline must be completed by June 1, and the refineries usually complete that transition by early May so they can meet the federal deadline, which is a requirement of the Clean Air Act,” he said.

Normally, the price of gasoline rises about 50 cents between January 1 and June 1, Redman said, as demand rises through the spring into the summer and refiners shift to production of more expensive summer-grade fuels.

In late February, Citgo began reconfiguring its Lake Charles refinery to optimize processing of heavy oil from Venezuela after operating at more than 100% of its capacity in the last months of 2025 to capture high profit margins. The Citgo Lake Charles refinery, the nation’s seventh largest with processing capacity of about 463,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to resume operations in June.

Just across Louisiana’s border with Texas, ExxonMobil recently began scheduled maintenance at its Beaumont refinery, the third largest in the United States with crude processing capacity of 630,000 barrels per day, further tightening regional fuel supplies. The Beaumont refinery is expected to resume fuels production later in May.

“Consumers’ minds are fixed on when the price of gas will hit $4 a gallon,” said AAA’s Redman. There’s a lot of mental stress attached to the price of $4 a gallon—the reality is it affects the family budget,” he said.

Redman noted that the U.S. war with Iran remains the primary driver of higher gas price in Louisiana. “It was reported that one tanker got through the Strait of Hormuz today and oil prices dropped about 4%,” he said. During a war or geopolitical crisis, gas prices depend mostly on the news of the day, Redman added.

“Looking ahead, volatility is likely to remain elevated,” petroleum market analysts at GasBuddy wrote in a blog post Monday. With few signs that geopolitical tensions are easing in the Middle East, gasoline prices will continue to react swiftly to geopolitical developments, according to the GasBuddy analysts.

“As long as uncertainty surrounds supply – especially in critical regions and transit routes – oil prices are likely to remain supported, with sharp swings possible as markets navigate an increasingly fragile and headline-driven environment,” GasBuddy stated in the blog.

In addition to higher refining costs, Louisiana motorists are paying a total of 56.8 cents in taxes for every gallon pumped. This includes a state motor fuel tax of 38.4 cents a gallon—the sixth lowest in the nation—along with the federal excise tax of 18.4 cents per gallon.

While the United States is currently producing about 13.6 million barrels of oil a day, domestic consumption amounts to approximately 20 million barrels a day, with the difference imported from foreign suppliers in Mexico, Canada, and other nations primarily in the Americas.

Mama Ruth’s Faustos will offer 10% off Fish and Shrimp adult plates today and tomorrow only.

CBS Home Express Ace Hardware is inviting the community to stop by this Saturday for its Hometown Days celebration, featuring fun for the whole family. The first 48 customers will receive a free mini bucket, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the grill will be fired up serving up tasty food. Kids can enjoy making a flower pot and card for Mom, making it a perfect stop ahead of Mother’s Day.

Red River Woman Church will be held May 12 at 6pm at The Shop in Martin. Guest speakers will be Ashley Hamby Mulkey and Ashley Webb Sibley. Worship will be led by Becky Birdwell Kniffin. A meal will be provided.

The 35th Annual Free Skin Cancer Screening will take place Tue May 12 from 5:30-7:30pm at the CHRISTUS Cancer Center, 1453 E. Bert Kouns Ind. Loop in Shreveport. Parking available at Entrance C in front of the CHRISTUS Cancer Center. Results are immediately available thanks to our partnership with the
physicians at Dermatology and Skin Surgery. Call 318.681.6231 to schedule your screening.

Clara Springs Baptist Camp will host the 38th Annual District Eight Missions & Ministries Adult Day Thru May 14 from 10am until noon with lunch to follow. Blake Brothers in concert. The event is free to adults of all ages. RSVP to 318.352.4090 or office@districteightmissions.com.

Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival is May 15-16 on the Riverbank in Downtown Natchitoches.

A Food Safety Certification Class will be offered May 22 at the Northeastern Branch of the Natchitoches Parish Library in Campti, providing an opportunity for food service workers, business owners, and others to earn or renew certification. The class will be held from 10am to 6pm and the $185 fee includes the textbook, exam, and 8-hour training session. Red River High educator Wanda Lemoine will serve as instructor. Organizers say whether you’re just getting started or need to renew certification, the class is designed to be hands-on, informative, and geared to set participants up for success. Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged (pelicanpointtraining.com).

TOPS has announced there is funding for Summer sessions. To request a TOPS payment for summer, college students must meet the qualifications and also must have been enrolled in a semester, quarter, or term prior to the summer session. Questions email custserv@la.gov

Northwestern State Athletics is giving Demon fans a road trip worth circling on the calendar this fall. For the Sept. 5 showdown at Louisiana Tech, fans can join together on the official NSU Fan Bus and turn the short trip to Ruston into a full-fledged game day experience at Joe Aillet Stadium. The full “Wreck Tech” package is now available for $150 per person and includes: round-trip transportation on a charter fan bus from Natchitoches to Ruston, limited-edition “Wreck Tech” merchandise, access to a private NSU tailgate area at Joe Aillet Stadium, catered pregame meal and ticket to the game. Additional package options are also available, offering flexibility for fans who want to be part of the trip in their own way. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.nsudemons.com/FootballAtTech. Game time and additional event details will be announced at a later date.

Roy Wilburn Layfield
April 6, 1946 – May 4, 2026
Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 from 2-3pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta with graveside services immediately following at Bethany Cemetery

Wiley Hillary Holland, Jr.
August 2, 1956 – May 5, 2026
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

Dora Inez Terrell Johniken
December 4, 1935 – April 30, 2026
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

Billie Faye Demease
June 7, 1955 – May 3, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11am at New Mt. Olive B.C. in Coushatta.

Fa’Dasia Demery has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first student from Red River Parish to graduate with an associate degree while still in high school. Her achievement reflects years of determination, discipline, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Balancing the demands of dual enrollment, Demery maintained a 3.2 grade point average in college coursework while earning a perfect 4.0 GPA at the high school level. Educators say her ability to excel in both environments demonstrates not only intellectual ability but also exceptional time management and perseverance.

Demery credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her family. She is the daughter of Phyllis Calhoun, whose encouragement has played a pivotal role in her academic journey. She also honors the memory of her late father, Freddie Demery, whose legacy continues to inspire her drive to succeed.
Beyond the classroom, Demery has built an impressive record of leadership and service. She served as both Co-Captain and Captain of the Red River High School cheerleading squad, helping lead her team with dedication and school spirit. Her involvement in 4-H spans a decade, including service as a Junior Leader, where she mentored younger members and contributed to community initiatives.

As a Bayou Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholar, Demery completed more than 350 volunteer hours, underscoring her commitment to helping others. She also represented her community as a Louisiana Girls State delegate and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Following graduation, Demery plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge to pursue a career in nursing. She hopes to specialize in caring for newborns and supporting their families, aiming to make a meaningful impact at the very beginning of life.

Her accomplishment represents not only personal success but also the collective support of her family, mentors, and the Red River Parish community. Demery’s journey stands as a powerful example for future students, showing that with dedication and strong support, extraordinary goals are within reach.

The Louisiana Department of Health has released its 2025 letter grades for community water systems across the state, including several systems in Red River Parish. The annual report card gives residents a clearer look at the quality and performance of the systems that provide their drinking water and is mandated by the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule (Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session).

The water grading system, authorized in 2021, is part of the Safe Drinking Water Program’s broader effort to strengthen accountability among water providers while empowering consumers with clear information about their drinking water. The grades are calculated using a standardized 100-point scale based on seven critical categories:

1. Federal Water Quality Compliance
2. State Water Quality Compliance
3. Financial Sustainability
4. Operation and Maintenance
5. Infrastructure Sustainability
6. Customer Satisfaction
7. Secondary Contaminants (iron and manganese)

Red River Parish Water System Scores:

Coushatta native Ty Birdsong has earned national recognition for his academic excellence and commitment to compassionate care, marking a significant milestone in his medical career.

Birdsong was inducted this past month into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Honor Medical Society, an organization founded in 1902 that recognizes the top medical students in the nation. Membership is reserved for those who demonstrate excellence in leadership, professionalism, service, and scholarship, placing Birdsong among the top 10 percent of his peers. He was honored during a formal banquet at The Petroleum Club in Shreveport, where he proudly accepted the distinction.

Induction into AOA is widely regarded as a strong indicator of academic achievement and is often a key factor in securing competitive residency placements. Birdsong has set his sights on specializing in orthopedic surgery as he prepares to enter his final year of medical school next semester.

Earlier this year, Birdsong received additional recognition when he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. This honor highlights medical students, residents, and faculty who exemplify compassionate patient care and serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in the field. Candidates are nominated by their peers and undergo a rigorous review process conducted by a faculty selection committee.

A 2016 graduate of Red River High School, Birdsong’s accomplishments reflect years of dedication, discipline, and a passion for medicine. His achievements have brought pride not only to his hometown of Coushatta but also to his family and community.

Family members say Birdsong’s journey has been supported by strong values and encouragement from his parents, Don Louis and Gina Birdsong, who continue to celebrate his success.

As he approaches the final stages of his medical education, Birdsong remains focused on his goals and committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. His story serves as an inspiring example for future students pursuing careers in healthcare.

 Matt Vibes

Red River baseball trio commits to Champion Christian
Three Red River baseball players will continue their careers in college as the trio committed to Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Ark.

Elijah Murphy, Kade Martinez, and Nolan Moore committed to the NAIA member institution.

These players were part of three playoff teams at Red River, which included the program’s first-ever quarterfinals appearance in 2024.

Red River won 13 games this season and finished third in District 3-2A.

Murphy and Moore led the team with batting averages of .367 and .359, respectively.

Martinez finished the season with a .243 batting average.

Riverdale anglers finish Louisiana trail at state championships
Riverdale anglers Jase Johnson and Riley Keith finished their Louisiana Youth BASS Nation season at the state championships at Doiron’s Landing in Morgan City.

The pair bagged two fish weighing 2.22 pounds on Sunday, finishing 60th.

Residents will have an opportunity to check in on their health during a Community Health Fair planned for Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The fair will offer several basic health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and blood sugar checks. Organizers are also planning door prizes for those who attend.

A number of vendors are expected to take part, including representatives from home health, the resource center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, medical technology, rehab centers, hospice, LaCHIP, Acadian On Call, and blood sugar check services.

Blood work will also be available through CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare. The flyer lists a lipid profile for $10, a comprehensive profile (CMP) for $10, and tests including HGB A1C, TSH, and CBC for $5 each. The flyer also notes that some services are being provided at no charge through the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy / BHF Heart Program.

The health fair is designed to give local residents a simple way to access screenings, lab work, and information from health-related organizations all in one place.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Support welcomed guests to a newly renovated space where students are more comfortable and staff better able to meet their needs.

OADS serves students with disabilities by providing the accommodations they need to thrive academically and personally. Director Crissey Smith said the OADS staff helped 315 students this semester, up from 275 last semester.

The center offers accommodations for testing, coursework and technology for qualified students. Staff also includes Administrative Coordinator Rachel Cunningham and Test Coordinator Laura Hogg.

“The newly renovated space and staff will enable us to continue to expand our services to reach more students here at NSU,” Smith said. “With increased size, the facility offers enhanced privacy and a more tranquil environment, better supporting student needs. In the fall semester, we observed a rise in students signed up for services, serving 350 students compared to 300 during the previous fall. This growth underscores the critical role of the Office of Accessibility and Disability Support in providing essential resources. Beyond virtual communication, our office is committed to delivering support through a warm, welcoming and inclusive in-person environment.”

“This space is meeting our ever changing and diverse population of students, letting every student know they are supported and encouraged,” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience and dean of Students. “OADS plays a vital role in ensuring that our students have equitable access to the opportunities and experiences that NSU provides.”

The center is located in Room 111 of Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library, formerly the Louisiana Documents room, where almost 500 shelving units were removed, walls repainted with assistance from the NSU football team and art by Professor Corbin Covher added. It’s just around the corner from NSU’s Academic Success Center and students can test quietly in a multifunctional space with adjustable height tables and moveable furniture that can be reconfigured as needed. The renovation was made possible with input from Cox, Administrative Assistant Sonya Fair, Director of Student Affairs Dr. Yonna Pasch, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel, Director of University Affairs Jen Kelly and Director of Libraries Dr. Megan Lowe.

Information on NSU’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Support is available at
https://www.nsula.edu/student-resources/office-of-accessibility-and-disability-support/.

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.