Red River 4-H competes in National Forestry Competition

Three members of the Red River Parish 4-H Club represented Louisiana 4-H on an unforgettable journey to the National 4-H Forestry Competition in West Virginia, traveling through 10 states and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Along the way, team members explored destinations, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Churchill Downs, Mammoth Cave National Park, the University of Tennessee Arboretum, Camp Creek State Park, and New River Gorge National Park.

Throughout the trip, the team balanced travel, sightseeing, studying, and preparation for one of the most challenging forestry contests in the country. Despite severe weather threatening part of the competition, the team persevered through all contest components and continued demonstrating their knowledge and dedication.

Their hard work paid off in a big way. Competing against some of the strongest forestry teams in the nation, Louisiana earned an impressive 4th place overall finish. Individual team members also achieved outstanding results.

Morgan Moseley – 9th Place Individual

Alaina Boyd – 10th Place Individual

Ben Moseley – 12th Place Individual

Wesley Drake – 13th Place Individual

These accomplishments reflect countless hours of practice, study, and teamwork.

The team also showcased their skills at the Timber Sports Competition, bringing home several first-place finishes:

Ben Moseley – 1st Place, Jacks Division Log Throwing
Morgan Moseley – 1st Place, Jacks Division Ax Throwing
Alaina Boyd – 1st Place, Jills Division Ax Throwing

A special thank you goes to Coach Randall Mallette for his leadership and dedication, as well as to Louisiana 4-H and generous sponsors for making this amazing educational experience possible.

Congratulations to this outstanding group of young people for representing Louisiana with excellence. From forests and national parks to national-stage competition, they demonstrated the knowledge, determination, and character that make Louisiana 4-H proud.

Shared by Red River Parish 4-H


Miracle Treat Day returns to Dairy Queen July 30

Enjoying a Blizzard Treat can make a big difference for local children on Thursday, July 30, as participating Dairy Queen locations celebrate Miracle Treat Day in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

On Miracle Treat Day, $1 from every Blizzard Treat sold will be donated to the local Kids Clinic through Children’s Miracle Network, helping provide care and support for children and their families.

The Coushatta Dairy Queen will add to the fun by hosting a Blizzard Eating Contest at noon, featuring local community members who will also be raising donations to benefit children receiving care through the Kids Clinic.

Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy their favorite Blizzard Treat, and take part in a day that combines fun with fundraising. Every Blizzard purchased helps support life-changing care for children and families while making a meaningful impact close to home.


Red River firefighters advance rescue training

Firefighters with Red River Fire District are taking the next step in expanding their emergency response skills by participating in a Common Vehicle Rescue Awareness course hosted by the Firefighters Training and Education Association (FETA) and taught by instructor Andy Bartlett.

The class is the first of a three-part training series firefighters will complete as they work toward becoming state-certified Common Vehicle Rescue Technicians.

Vehicle crashes are among the most complex emergency calls firefighters respond to, often requiring specialized rescue techniques to safely free trapped occupants. District officials say the advanced training will help ensure firefighters are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts.

The Red River Fire District thanked FETA for hosting the course and Bartlett for sharing his expertise and providing valuable hands-on instruction throughout the training.

Fire district leaders also praised the dedication of their firefighters, noting that members continue to invest time in training and professional development to strengthen their skills and provide the highest level of service to the residents of Red River Parish.


New Louisiana law eliminates debit card fees beginning Aug. 1

Beginning Aug. 1, Louisiana shoppers will no longer have to pay extra fees when using a debit card to make purchases.

Under Act 751, which was approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, businesses are prohibited from charging customers a surcharge or convenience fee for paying with a debit card. The law applies whether the purchase is made in person or online.

Businesses may still offer discounts for paying with cash, and the law does not prevent merchants from charging lawful fees on credit card transactions where permitted. However, any additional charge tied specifically to a debit card payment will no longer be allowed.

The legislation was passed to help protect consumers from unexpected checkout fees and to ensure customers are not penalized for using money directly from their bank accounts.

Louisiana residents who notice a debit card surcharge after Aug. 1 are encouraged to bring it to the attention of the business. Consumers who believe a merchant is violating the law may also file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

The new law takes effect Friday, Aug. 1, and applies to businesses statewide.


Ponderings

Walking through our preschool the other day, a little fellow proudly showed me his bandaid. He stuck out his arm like he was unveiling a medal of honor. I asked what happened. With the solemnity only a four‑year‑old can muster, he said, “I got a bo‑bo.”

                Case closed. Diagnosis made. Treatment applied. Healing underway.

                Children are refreshingly honest about pain. If something hurts, they point to it. If they fall, they cry. If they get a scratch, they want a bandaid — preferably one with dinosaurs or superheroes, because everyone knows those heal faster.

                Adults, on the other hand, become experts at hiding our wounds. We carry heart bo‑bo’s — hurts no one can see. Disappointments we never voice. Grief we tuck behind a busy schedule. Regrets we bury so deeply we forget where we put them. Pain that we pretend isn’t there because we think grown-ups are supposed to “handle it.”

                But the truth is, some of the deepest wounds don’t show up on the skin.

                Isaiah wrote, “By his wounds we are healed.” That’s not poetic exaggeration — it’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins in some abstract theological sense. He took on our pain, our brokenness, our hidden hurts, our heart bo‑bo’s. The Son of God carried what we try so hard to conceal.

                There’s pathos in that exchange — Christ taking our sin and sorrow, offering us freedom, and yet we humans often cling to the very things He died to release us from. It’s like walking around with a perfectly good bandaid in hand but refusing to peel off the backing.

                King David prayed, “Put a new and right spirit within me.” That’s the grown-up version of holding out your wound and saying, “Lord, this is where it hurts.” It’s the courage to admit we need healing. It’s the humility to let God do what we cannot.

                And here’s the soft humor of it all: If a preschooler can trust a bandaid to make a scraped elbow better, surely we can trust the Savior of the world to tend to our hearts.

                So maybe today is a good day to stop pretending we’re fine. A good day to let go of what Christ has already carried. A good day to let the Healer do His healing.

                After all, Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make broken people whole.  And that includes every one of us — heart bo‑bo’s and all.


Know the signs, save a life: CHRISTUS Health highlights Sarcoma Awareness Month

(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) — July is Sarcoma Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is raising awareness about the disease, a rare form of cancer that can affect the bones and soft tissues throughout the body.

Sarcomas develop in connective tissues, including muscle, fat, nerves, tendons, blood vessels and bone. While rare, they can occur at any age and are often difficult to diagnose because symptoms may resemble more common conditions such as sports injuries, cysts or other benign growths.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 13,900 people in the United States will be diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma this year, and about 5,400 will die from the disease. Despite its rarity, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

“Sarcoma is a rare cancer, which means many people are unfamiliar with the disease and its warning signs,” said Dr. Deepika Ralla, medical oncologist at CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport and Bossier City. “Increasing awareness helps patients know when something may need medical attention. When potential symptoms are evaluated early, we have a better opportunity to diagnose the disease sooner and connect patients with the most effective treatment options possible.”

Common signs and symptoms of sarcoma include a new lump or one that continues to grow, especially in the arms or legs. While some sarcomas cause pain, others may be painless. Sarcomas that develop in the abdomen can cause persistent stomach pain, swelling, digestive problems, blood in the stool or unexplained nausea and vomiting. Depending on their location, tumors may also press on nearby nerves or organs, causing discomfort or changes in function.

When detected before spreading, sarcomas are often highly treatable through a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The overall five-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcoma is higher when the cancer is found in a localized stage.

Ralla encourages individuals to trust their instincts and speak with a health care provider if something does not seem right.

“Any lump that continues to grow, causes discomfort or feels deep within the tissue should be evaluated by a medical professional,” Ralla said. “In most cases, these changes are not cancerous, but it’s important not to make assumptions. Being aware of changes in your body and seeking care sooner rather than later can help ensure the best possible outcome.”


This & That…Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Red River Parish Public Schools will welcome students and families back to campus during district-wide open houses on Thur July 30.

The Krewe De Khulu is hosting school uniform pick-up day Thur July 30 from 4-6pm at Red River Elementary. If you registered, you uniforms will be ready and waiting for you. If you have not registered, stop by and see what is still available.

The Red River High School Softball program will hold 2026-2027 tryouts for grade 9-12 Aug 10 from 4:30 until 6pm. Girls should bring their own gloves.

Natchitoches Chick-fil-A announced construction is underway for an indoor playground.

Shreveport Regional Airport announced it is beginning construction on an international gate. Rumor has it that the first international destination will be Cancun.

Ever thought about being a game warden? Well, now’s your chance. LDWF is hosting open house for you to meet agents and learn about the career, ask questions and get guidance on qualifications and the application process. Attend one of two near Red River Parish: Aug 22 Region 3 Office in Pineville or Aug 29 Lincoln Parish Library in Ruston. Get more info on the Facebook page.

An undeveloped plot of land in Kenner will become a $19 million concert amphitheater. It should be completed sometime next year.

College is roughly one month away and according to an ESPN Analytics’ Football Power Index ranking teams chances to make the College Football Playoff–LSU has a 39% chance to make the CFP and a 3% chance of winning it all.


Notice of Death – July 28, 2026

Zethel Keith Matthews
March 25, 1936 — July 26, 2026
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

George M Boies
May 1, 1938 – July 26, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2pm at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold.

Will Miller
June 8, 1941 – July 22, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11am at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel in Mansfield.


Welcome Back! Red River Parish Schools ready for a new year

Students and staff across Red River Parish Public Schools are gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 school year, with teachers returning at the end of July and students beginning classes on Monday, Aug. 3.

The district’s hybrid calendar will once again feature Monday through Thursday in-person instruction, with Fridays reserved for virtual learning. Students and families can look ahead to several holidays and intersessions throughout the year, including Fall Break (Oct. 9-16), Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 20-27), Christmas Break (Dec. 16-Jan. 4), Winter Break (Feb. 12-19), Easter Break (March 26-April 2) and Spring Break on April 30.

The school calendar also includes three scheduled early dismissal days for parent-teacher conferences on Oct. 29, Jan. 21 and April 22, allowing parents and teachers time to discuss student progress. Seniors will wrap up classes on May 26, with high school graduation scheduled for June 4. The final day of school for all students is June 11, followed by professional development for faculty before the school year officially concludes.

District officials encourage families to review the school calendar, plan ahead for holidays and important dates, and prepare for another successful year of learning as Red River Parish students head back to the classroom.


Final week to apply for RRP Library director position

HELP WANTED

Red River Parish Library Director/Librarian

Red River Parish Library is now accepting applications for the position of Library Director/Librarian. Red River Parish Library consists of one main library outlet serving a population of 10,000 from the parish and adjacent areas.

A qualified candidate for the position must exhibit superior leadership, administrative, and organizational skills. They must act as a consensus builder and work collaboratively with the library board of control, staff, police jury and community. They must possess excellent interpersonal skills with an approachable, honest, and respectful leadership style.

Additional requirements for the position will be as follows: A Master of Library and Information Science degree from an accredited school or a minimum of 10 years library experience with a college degree and all other qualifications listed below. State Certification or willingness to attain state certification within one year of hire. Managerial, accounting, and budgetary experience. Familiarity with E-rate and ability to work with State Library of Louisiana in preparing annual reports, grants, and other statistical requirements.

The library director answers directly to the Library Board of Control and will conduct quarterly meetings. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.

Also needed, librarian clerk.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references to:
Red River Parish Police Jury
Post Office Drawer 709
Coushatta, LA 71019

Final day for submittal for Director is July 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.


First Baptist Coushatta invites families to Back-to-School Kickoff

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, First Baptist Church of Coushatta (FBCC) is inviting local children and families to celebrate the new school year during its Back to School Kickoff on Wednesday, July 29.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to children in Pre-K through sixth grade. Organizers have planned an evening filled with activities designed to help children kick off the school year while spending time with friends and making new memories.

Children attending can look forward to packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, enjoying build-your-own ice cream sundaes, and taking part in volleyball, basketball, and other fun activities throughout the evening.

The kickoff is designed to give students a positive start to the new school year while providing families an opportunity to connect with the church and the community. The event is free to attend, and all children in Pre-K through sixth grade are welcome.


Remembering Clarence “Monkey” McMillan

Clarence “Monkey” McMillan, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on July 10, 2026, following an illness. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family and friends, but his love, laughter, and legacy will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

Clarence was born on May 26, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie McMillan and Marie Craun; his stepparents, Vera McMillan and Leonard Craun; his brothers, Robert McMillan, Jimmy, and Lynn; and his sisters, Margaret, Roseann, Judy, and Billy.

A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Clarence dedicated his life to the people he loved. Family was the center of his world, and there was nothing that brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved most.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Lenora McMillan; his children, Robert McMillan and his wife, Jennifer McMillan; Renee McMillan ; Andrea McMillan; bonus son Chris Grigsby and his wife, Melissa Grigsby; and David Barrientos.

He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Robert, Kyra, Alex and his fiancée, Raleigh; Madison and her fiancé, Logan; Lizzy and her husband, Logen; Kara and her husband, Jonathan; Emily; Laila; Jaythan; Bryson; Gunner; and bonus grandson Paul Leon and his wife, Hayleigh. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride, joy, and happiness.

Clarence is also survived by his brothers, Charles and Andrew McMillan; his step-siblings, David, Wayne, and Betty; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will always cherish his memory.

Clarence will be remembered for the joy he brought to everyone around him. He had a heart of gold, a wonderful sense of humor, and a remarkable way of making people laugh, no matter the situation. He was always joking, always smiling, and rarely let anyone know when he was hurting. Instead, he chose to be a source of strength, comfort, and happiness for those he loved.

Family was the greatest blessing of Clarence’s life. He believed that family wasn’t defined by blood alone, but by the love shared between people. He welcomed many friends and others into his family, treating them with the same love, kindness, and acceptance as his own. His home, his heart, and his love were always open to anyone in need.

Whether he was sharing stories, making everyone laugh with one of his jokes, or simply spending time with the people he loved most, Clarence had a gift for making every moment special. He taught those around him the importance of kindness, generosity, and loving one another unconditionally. His laughter will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him, and the memories he created will be cherished for generations to come.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the years of laughter, the lessons, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always in our hearts.


Last week for summer VBS

Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches across our community are welcoming children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Abundant Life Worship Center will host its Vacation Bible School, “Kingdom Quest: An Epic Journey to Discover God’s Kingdom,” July 27–31from 6 to 8pm. Children will embark on a week of Bible lessons, activities, and fun as they explore God’s Kingdom in an exciting adventure-themed VBS.

Red River Cowboy Church M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series offers a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Remaining date is August 2.

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a weekend VBS in October. More plans will be shared at a later date.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com


Lawmakers spend $3.2M from savings account on horse racing

By Nolan Mckendry | Jul 23, 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana lawmakers approved spending $3.2 million on horse-racing purses, breeder awards and racing operations using money that originated in one of the state’s primary savings accounts.

The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approved the allocation without objection on Thursday.

The money will come from the Strategic Investments Across Louisiana Fund, a one-time spending account created with an $82.8 million transfer from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund.

The Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund serves as a state savings account, accumulating certain excess and mineral-related revenues for future use. Once transferred into the Strategic Investments fund, however, the money became available for one-time, nonrecurring spending.

State budget officials requested $3.2 million from that fund for the Louisiana State Racing Commission because dedicated video-poker revenue intended to support horse racing will not be available before the racing season begins in August.

The Legislative Fiscal Office made no recommendation for or against using the money for that purpose.

“This is an allowable use of the money if you wish to do so,” Alan Boxberger, the Legislative Fiscal Officer, told lawmakers before the request was approved.

Most of the $3.2 million will go toward racing purses.

About $1.92 million will go to the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper for purses involving Louisiana-bred thoroughbreds, while $960,000 will go to the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association for quarter-horse purses.

Another $144,000 will go to the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association for breeder awards, and $72,000 will go to the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association for breeder awards.

The remaining money includes $64,000 for Racing Commission operations and $40,000 for the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

The allocation means money initially held in state savings will be used to support horse racing before dedicated gambling revenue becomes available.

The Racing Commission already has a separate $2.2 million appropriation from the Video Draw Poker Device Purse Supplement Subfund that remained unspent at the time of the request. Additional video-poker revenue is also expected to flow into that fund after the state closes out the fiscal year and formally recognizes the money.


Energy Department orders backup power to avert Louisiana blackouts

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday authorized the Southwest Power Pool to activate emergency generation to avert grid-wide rolling blackouts across 14 states—including parts of North Louisiana—as severe heat drove historic demand for electricity.

The Southwest Power Pool faced an electricity shortfall as a heat wave stretching from North Dakota to the Gulf Coast drove record power demand. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for northwest Louisiana, where heat index values reached 110 to 115 degrees Tuesday.

While the highest risk of forced power outages was concentrated in Oklahoma, Kansas, and the Texas Panhandle, northwest Louisiana remained under a Resource Advisory.

“The Trump Administration is tapping into an abundant supply of unused backup generation to maintain affordable, reliable, and secure power for hardworking American families and businesses,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

The Energy Department used its emergency authority under the Federal Power Act to temporarily suspend emissions limits on plants within the Southwest Power Pool. The order also authorizes the grid operator to mandate that large commercial, industrial, and data center facilities run on their own backup generation systems.

The department estimates that the measure activates a nationwide reserve of more than 35 gigawatts of idle generation capacity, providing enough electricity to meet the peak demand of approximately 26 million average American homes.

State and federal regulators identify the Caddo-Bossier transmission zone in northwest Louisiana as a “load pocket” with a limited capacity to import outside power and a heavy reliance on local generation. The Caddo-Bossier zone also lacks the high-capacity transmission lines needed to safely import large amounts of electricity from neighboring regions.

In a load shed event in April 2025, unseasonably hot weather—occurring while major transmission infrastructure was offline for scheduled maintenance—caught the grid operator off guard, forcing it to cut power to 30,000 local customers to prevent a cascading system collapse.

Logan Atkinson Burke, Executive Director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, recently said the electrical grid in northwest Louisiana is not equipped to accommodate rapidly increasing demand from large data centers, whose power needs can go from nothing to gigawatts in seconds.

“Our grid was built for a different kind of usage. We just aren’t prepared,” Burke told KTAL in Shreveport. “The National Energy Reliability Commission has issued an advisory about this very issue recently and has called into attention that regulators and utilities really need to be planning and paying attention to how they intend to respond to these massive changes and shifts in our energy systems,” Burke said.

Some rural northwest Louisiana residents experienced isolated, hours-long blackouts on Tuesday as the extreme heat prevented transformers from cooling down at night, causing fuses to blow due to high residential demand for air conditioning.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission is investigating the region’s grid vulnerabilities under Docket No. U-37588.


What’s Up, Doc?

One of America’s most beloved cartoon characters hopped onto movie screens for the first time on July 27, 1940, when Bugs Bunny made his official debut in Warner Bros.’ animated short A Wild Hare.

Although earlier rabbit characters had appeared in previous cartoons, A Wild Hare introduced the Bugs Bunny audiences know today. The cartoon featured his laid-back personality, clever sense of humor, and the famous catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?”—a line that would become one of the most recognizable in entertainment history.

Created during animation’s Golden Age, Bugs quickly became the star of dozens of Warner Bros. cartoons. His quick wit often helped him outsmart colorful rivals such as Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, and the Tasmanian Devil.

Unlike many cartoon heroes, Bugs rarely looked for trouble. Instead, he usually found himself in humorous situations where he relied on intelligence, confidence, and a little mischief to come out on top.

Over the decades, Bugs Bunny has appeared in hundreds of cartoons, television specials, comic books, movies, and video games. He has become one of the most recognizable animated characters in the world and serves as the official mascot of Warner Bros.

More than 85 years after his debut, Bugs Bunny continues to entertain audiences of all ages, proving that great characters—and a good carrot—never go out of style.


This & That…Monday, July 27, 2028

Fearless Thrift has a new store number: 318-214-8873.

NSU is bringing back Proud to be Purple signs. Swing by the Alumni House on campus Thur July 30 from 11am – 1pm to grab your free yard sign.

The School of Human Ecology in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education and Human Sciences is launching a new undergraduate certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), designed to prepare students for careers such as Registered Behavior Technicians. This certificate aims to address the increasing demand for trained professionals who support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental and behavioral needs.

LSU football has 9 players named to the Preseason All-SEC teams.

The Gaylord Texan announced the ICE theme for 2026 is Harry Potter.

A recent study found that eating 1 avocado a day could reduce heart disease risk for adults with obesity.

The New Orleans Saints will enter the 2026 season has one of the youngest teams in the NFL after years of being one of the oldest rosters in the league. They ranked dead last in 2023 and now only 7 guys on this year’s roster are over the age of 30.

Chick-fil-A is advising loyalty members to reset their passwords after recent cybersecurity incident involving compromised accounts.

The New Orleans City Council has approved several new safety rules for the 2027 Mardi Gras season aimed at protecting riders and spectators. Among the most notable changes, riders on upper levels of floats will be required to wear safety harnesses, and parade throws cannot weigh more than 3.5 pounds to help reduce injuries. The new regulations also increase fines of up to $1,000 for improperly placed ladders, chairs and other obstructions along parade routes, prohibit marching bands from stopping to perform during parades to keep traffic moving, and allow some branded items to be repackaged and used as parade throws.


Red River Parish Public Schools to host Open House July 30

Red River Parish Public Schools will welcome students and families back to campus during district-wide open houses on Thursday, July 30, ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year. Families will have an opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms, receive important information and prepare for the first day of school.

Open house times are:

  • Red River Elementary (Grades K-2): 3:30–5 p.m.
  • Red River Elementary (Grades 3-5): 4:30–6 p.m.
  • Red River Junior High: 5–6:30 p.m.
  • Red River High School: 4–5:30 p.m.

Red River Parish students will return to class on Monday, Aug. 3, to begin the 2026-27 school year.


More chances to attend VBS

Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches across our community are welcoming children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 7387 US Hwy 317, is hosting a 3-day VBS July 24-26. Learn about the Beatitudes and how having a heart like Jesus changes everything. Friday & Saturday from 6-8pm, Sunday 5-7pm with commencement at 7pm. Refreshments will be served after. For more information, please contact: LaJuana Keith 318-505-6430.

Abundant Life Worship Center will host its Vacation Bible School, “Kingdom Quest: An Epic Journey to Discover God’s Kingdom,” July 27–31from 6 to 8pm. Children will embark on a week of Bible lessons, activities, and fun as they explore God’s Kingdom in an exciting adventure-themed VBS.

Red River Cowboy Church M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series offers a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Remaining date is August 2.

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a weekend VBS in October. More plans will be shared at a later date.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com