Matt Vines
MANY – Forty-two straight points.

It’s the type of run that Many is accustomed to engineering, but on Friday, it was Red River that went on such a run in a 48-8 win on the road.

The two squads traded scores with Many converting a two-point conversion to take a rare lead this season (8-6), and the Tigers stopped Red River in the red zone to gain more momentum.

But Red River returned a punt 20 yards for a touchdown to snatch a 14-8 lead that sparked the large run.

A poor punt rolled free around the 20-yard line, one that Many didn’t touch down.

Jacob Kellogg keenly scooped up the ball and returned it for a touchdown.

Montreveun Smith, who scored the game’s first touchdown, bulled his way for the two-point conversion, and the Bulldogs never trailed again.

“It seemed that both teams were feeling each other out early,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “The punt return was the spark of energy that we needed.

“Our kids finally saw and believed that we could beat Many.”

Red River forced a Many fumble inside the red zone after a long Tiger drive, and the Bulldogs marched 89 yards that ended in a Malique Smith 50-yard touchdown pass to Jomello McDonald to build a 20-8 edge.

The win is Red River’s (4-4, 3-0 District 3-2A) third straight and puts the Bulldogs in prime position to win an outright district title with a victory against Winnfield (4-4, 1-1) this coming week. It could have been a sort of defacto championship game, but Winnfield fell to Mansfield for its first district loss Friday.

Red River could win its first district title since 2005 after beating Many for the first time since 2007.

Many (0-8, 0-3), winners of the last 10 district titles, remain winless on the season with all losses coming by at least 20 points.

Back to Friday’s action, Red River stretched its 20-8 halftime lead when Malique Smith foud Geramiyah Williams for a 10-yard touchdown to start the third quarter.

The defense forced a turnover on downs near midfield, and Montreveun Smith scored his second touchdown of the night on an 8-yard run for a 34-8 lead.

A Cameron Jones interception return for a touchdown and a Warren Bowman rushing score capped the fourth-quarter scoring.

The Red River Fair livestock show held September 28, 2024, awarded many young showmen of this area with coveted honors.

Champions in Beef, Poultry, Sheep, Lambs, Goats, and swine will be featured at the Louisiana State Fair beginning October 28, 2024.

A listing of the major parish prizes are as follows:

Beef Showmanship
Intermediate Division: 12-14 years old 1st Place – Madelyn Chamberlin
Junior Division: 9-11 years old: 1st Place – Corbin Cummins
OVERALL Grand Champion Beef Showman: Madelyn Chamberlin
OVERALL Reserve Champion Beef Showman: Corbin Cummins

Commercial Heifer
1st place and Grand Champion Commercial Heifer: Corbin Cummins

Brahman Heifer
Spring yearling heifer Class, Calved March 1- April 30, 2023
1st place: Madelyn Chamberlin
Senior Yearling Heifer Class, calved September 1- December 31, 2022
1st Place: Corbin Cummins
Grand Champion Brahman Heifer: Madelyn Chamberlin
Reserve Champion Brahman Heifer: Corbin Cummins

Brahman Bull
1st place Grand Champion Brahman Bull: Madelyn Chamberlin
Peewee Beef Showmanship: Katie Cummins

Madelyn, Corbin, and Alaina will show at the State Fair. Brahman
showmanship, Thursday, Nov. 7 @ 6:00 p. m. Junior Brahman Show,
Friday, Nov. 8, @ 9:00 a.m. Open Brahman Show, Friday, Nov 8 @ 1:00 p. m.

Sheep Showmanship
1st place Sr. Division Sheep Showmanship – Katelynn Albright
1st place Intermediate Division Sheep Showmanship- Adelynn Dulaney
1st place Junior Division Sheep Showmanship – Colt Dulaney
Grand Champion Sheep Showman: Katelynn Albright
Reserve Champion Sheep Showman: Adelynn Dulaney

Katelynn, Adelynn, and Colt will show their lambs at State Fair next week
(Showmanship on Wednesday, Oct 30 th , Market (class) Thursday, Oct. 31

Market Lamb Classes
Class 1 – 1st place Colt Dulaney
Class 2 – 1st place Katelynn Albright
Class 3 – 1st place Adelynn Dulaney, 2nd place Katelynn Albright
Class 4 – 1st place Adelynn Dulaney, 2nd place Colt Dulaney
Grand Champion Market Lamb: Adalynn Dulaney
Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Adalynn Dulaney

 Novice Division Sheep Showmanship:
1st place and Champion Novice Sheep Showman: Stetson Dulaney.
In the Peewee Sheep Showmanship class for younger participants who are learning to show for fun the children receive a ribbon and premium money. These participants were:
Case Dulaney, Axi Strahan. Alivia Strahan, D J Strahan. Gage Giddings, Charlee Ann McWhorten

Goat Showmanship
1st place Sr. Division Goat Showmanship – Katelynn Albright
1st place Intermediate Division Goat Showmanship- Adelynn Dulaney
1st place Junior Division Goat Showmanship – Colt Dulaney
Grand Champion Goat Showman: Adelynn Dulaney
Reserve Champion Goat Showman: Katelynn Albright
Katelynn, Adelynn, and Colt will show their lambs at the State Fair Showmanship on Tuesday, Oct 29, and Market (class) Wednesday, Oct. 30
Market Lamb Classes
Class 1 – 1st place – Katelynn Albright
Class 2 – 1st place – Katelynn Albright
Class 3 – 1st place – Adelynn Dulaney, 2nd place Colt Dulaney
Class 4 – 1st place – Adelynn Dulaney
Class 5 – 1st place – Colt Dulaney
Grand Champion Market Lamb: Adalynn Dulaney
Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Katelynn Albright
Class 1 – 1st place – Addelynn Dulaney, 2nd place – Colt Dulaney
Grand Champion Wether Dam: Adalynn Dulaney
Reserve Champion Wether Dam: Colt Dulaney
Commercial Doe Class- 1st place Katelynn Albright Grand Champion

Swine Showmanship
Swine Showmanship (Showmanship class determined by age of exhibitor
1st place Sr. Division Goat Showmanship.
Grand Champion Swine Showman – Katelynn Albright
Peewee Swine Showmanship: Axl, DJ, Alivia

Market Hog (Market class determined by animal weight)
Class 1 – 1st place: Katelynn Albright
Class 2 – 1 st place: Katelynn Albright
Grand Champion Market Hog: Katelynn Albright
Reserve Champion Market Hog: Katelynn Albright

Breeding Swine
Class 1 Hereford Gilt – 1 st place; Grand Champion Breeding Gilt: Katelynn Albright
Katelynn will show at the State Fair. Sunday, Nov. 3 beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Swine Showmanship, Prospect Swine, Breeding Swine, Commercial Gilts.
Adalynn Halbmaier, Alaina; Shirley Boyd will show their pigs at State Fair.

Poultry
Standard Varieties
American: Breed – Dominque
Class: 1st place Corbin Cummins, 2nd place Corbin Cummins, 3rd place Emmett Freeman
Champion English Hen: Corbin Cummins
Reserve Champion English Hen: Corbin Cummins
Bantam Varieties
Game Bantam Class: Breed – Old English
Class 1: 1st Place – Drake Moseley Class 3: 1st place – Drake Moseley
Class 2: 1st place – Emmett Freeman
2nd place –Drake Moseley
Champion Bantam Cock: Drake Moseley
Res. Champion Bantam Cock: Emmett Freeman
Champion Bantam Hen: Drake Moseley
Res. Champion Bantam Hen: Drake Moseley

Novice Poultry
Standard Varieties
Novice Champion Bantam Hen: Katie Cummins
Class 1: 1st place – Katie Cummins

POULTRY: BEST OF SHOW Drake Moseley
Poultry showing at State Fair: Hadley Brice and Lawrence Robinson

Rabbits
Lionhead
Class 1: 1st place Xander Loftin Class 3: 1st place, 2nd , 3rd place Xander Loftin
Class 2: 1st place Brantlee Desadier
4th place Brantlee Desadier
Champion Lionhead Buck: Xander Loftin
Champion Lionhead Doe: Xander Loftin
Res. Champion: Brantlee Desadier
Res. Champion Lionhead: Xander Loftin
Mini Rex Mini Rex
Class 1: 1 st place Xander Loftin Class 2: 1 st place Xander Loftin
Champion Mini Rex Buck: Xander Loftin Champion Mini Rex Doe: Xander Loftin

NOVICE Rabbits
Lionhead
Class 1: 1 st place Adeline Loftin Class 2: 1 st place & 2 nd place Adaline Loftin
Novice Champion Lionhead Buck: Adaline Loftin
Novice Champion Lionhead Doe: Adaline Loftin
Novice Res. Champion Lionhead Doe: Adaline Loftin
Class 3: 1st place Adaline Loftin
Mini Rex
Class 1: 1 st place Adaline Loftin Class 2: 1 st place Adaline Loftin
Novice Champion Mini Rex Doe: Adaline Loftin
Novice Champion Mini Rex Buck: Adaline Loftin
Rabbit: BEST OF SHOW: Adaline Loftin

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – There were a lot of reasons why Riverdale Academy wanted to win in impressive fashion Friday against Tensas Academy.

The Rebels pitched their first shutout of the season in a 50-0 dominating victory over visiting Tensas in the regular-season finale.

Riverdale (4-5, 2-1 District 3-1A) secured its second-place finish in the district, and because of River Oaks forfeiting all 10 of its wins this season, the Rebels will host a home playoff game in the first round this week.

Riverdale will welcome Union Christian Academy (3-6) on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the first round of the MAIS Class 1A football playoffs.

But beyond just making (and hosting) a playoff game, the regular-season finale win gives the Rebels a lot of positive vibes about themselves.

Riverdale built a big early lead against Tensas Academy (2-9) and never let up.

“This was definitely our best defensive game of the year, and I think it showed our boys what they are capable of,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “It’s a big confidence booster for them I hope.

“To shut out a team, any team, is always difficult. I think the boys understand the effort it took to do it and what they must do going forward.”

The shutout, the second straight meeting against Tensas in which Riverdale hasn’t allowed a point, came against a Chiefs squad that dumped 48 points last week on Franklin Academy.

Tensas has shown the ability to score in bunches with at least 20 points scored in four games this season.
Riverdale didn’t have any trouble scoring points Friday as a healthy Rebels squad had its full complement of players.

Ashton Almond and Kaidyn Williams were effective in the running and passing game to spearhead an offense that reached the 50-point plateau for the second time this season.

Both left the Wilkinson County Christian game two weeks ago with injury, and Almond has missed large chunks of the season after suffering an injury early in the season-opener.

“We had a few miscues, but we were successful because we were aggressive up front and we getting our blocks,” Edie said. “Ashton and Kaidyn ran hard, and we were effective in the passing game – it was a just a great performance.”

Riverdale had a “scoring by committee” approach Friday, including senior lineman Logan Gryder getting in the end zone on Senior Night.

The captain and anchor of both lines was part of a four-member senior class that includes Williams, Brayden Pearah and Logan Martin.

“It always feels good to get a win, but there is something a little more special about sending your seniors out with a big ‘W’,” Edie said. “They deserved the recognition for their efforts over the years, and I’m glad they got it,

“But we aren’t done yet, and these boys still have more to prove.”

Other scorers included Almond, Williams, Ben Moseley and Tanner Carlisle. Carlisle returned an interception for a touchdown.

The annual Junior Livestock Sale is the climax of the year’s project activity of 4-H and FFA exhibitors. As a learning experience and business venture, these young men and women have selected, fed, and groomed their steers, lambs, broilers, goats, or hogs to take to the Louisiana State Fair to be judged, graded, and sold.

The Jr. Livestock Sale is their marketplace. During the auction, the exhibitors present their stock and receive a premium for their year of labor. By participating in this annual event, the exhibitors receive small-scale financial support for their hard work and dedication to their agricultural business. 

Originally sponsored by the Shreveport Kiwanis Club, the first Junior Livestock Sale was held in 1936 and had only one steer. Owned by Charles A. Harrison of Bienville Parish, the steer was called the “Baby Beef Champion.” The steer, which weighed 590 pounds, was purchased by Texas Avenue Café for 29 cents per pound.

The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce took over sponsorship of the sale in 1952, and in 1972, Ark-La-Tex Agriculture Council (ALTAC) became the sponsor. 

The 2024 ALTAC Jr. Livestock Sale will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Louisiana State Fair Sale Arena. The Buyer’s Breakfast is from 9 -10am. The Exhibitor/Buyer ‘Meet & Greet’ follows from 10-11am. Sale Activities start at 11:30am.

All Champions, Grand & Reserve, and Louisiana Bred Grand & Reserve, will sell first.

2024 Sale Order
Wood & Metal Ag Mechanics Champions & Reserve Champions
Overall Grand & Reserve Champion Steers
La. Bred Grand & Reserve Champion Steers
Overall Grand & Reserve Champion Sheep
La. Bred Grand & Reserve Champion Sheep
Overall Grand & Reserve Champion Goats
La. Bred Grand & Reserve Champion Goats
Overall Grand & Reserve Champion Poultry
Overall Grand & Reserve Champion Swine
La. Bred Grand & Reserve Champion Swine
Steers
Sheep
Goats
Poultry
Swine

BOSSIER CITY, LA –
On Friday, in his hometown of Benton, LA, Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly cast their votes for Republicans up and down the ballot and encouraged all Louisianians to make their plans to vote. Afterwards, Speaker Johnson held a press conference with local media and reflected on 365 days of serving as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It was exactly one year ago today, on October 25th, that we got the rather surreal and unexpected opportunity to lead the Congress. And it’s not a job, as we’ve explained before, that we ever expected or anticipated or threw our hat in initially. But it’s been our great honor to serve in that capacity as the 56th speaker of the House. I’m the first Speaker of the House we’ve ever had from the state of Louisiana, and it has been a real honor for us,” Speaker Johnson said. “It’s been humbling and a great opportunity, but it doesn’t it doesn’t overshadow the great honor that it is to be the representative of the people of the great state of Louisiana and the Fourth Congressional District. That has been the great honor of our lives, and we have been really thankful to do that.”

Johnson also spoke on serving the people of Louisiana’s 4th District saying that, “We’re one of the largest military districts in America, as most people know. We have Barksdale Air Force Base, we’re home to the Global Strike Command. We have Fort Johnson down in the Leesville area, southern part of the district, and the Joint Readiness Training Center, and of course Camp Minden as well. I wrote down a couple of the figures of the things we’ve been able to bring home. I joined the House Armed Services Committee back in 2021, and that was a key position before I became Speaker. But certainly, since becoming Speaker we’ve been able to secure a lot of the needs for the district: $3.5 billion in that time for the Air Force B-52 program, $2.6 billion for the Long Range Standoff Weapon program, and over $750 million in military construction projects for the Fourth District.

We also were able to get into this year’s NDAA. Some things we fought for: a 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members, a 4.5% increase for all service members. We expanded the food and housing allowance, and we authorized more than $1 billion to improve barracks and living conditions on bases throughout the country. My staff has also been doing an extraordinary job because when you become Speaker of the House, you become a steward for the whole country. But our first priority has always been to take care of our people here. And my staff has really stepped up. We’ve had resource fairs for veterans throughout the district. We’ve had roundtables with local farmers and healthcare workers and elected officials and pastors and clergy around the district, grant seminars for local law enforcement and other interested parties and FEMA disaster preparedness briefings.

Contact: Greg Steele

(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is promoting the importance of support groups, which play a key role in both physical and mental recovery after a cancer diagnosis.

“The physical, mental, and even spiritual healing cannot be separated. They are all part of the journey,” said Brittany Whittington, a licensed social worker with CHRISTUS Shreveport- Bossier Health System.

Support groups give patients the opportunity to talk about their journey, help deal with practical problems like work or school, help the patient feel less alone and can help with ideas on dealing with side effects of treatment.

“It is very difficult to go through a cancer diagnosis and treatment without some advanced level of support,” Whittington said. “There are resources available for patients, both inside and outside the hospital, that can really make a difference.”

A supporter can accompany patients to appointments and meetings to help digest and reinforce
information.

Lorraine Krajewski knows firsthand the benefits of breast cancer support groups. The retired university professor has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice.

She attends the support group at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. Although she was skeptical at first, Krajewski said she eventually realized the importance of not just receiving support, but also providing support to others in the group.

“It’s called a support group, and it doesn’t just mean we get support from others, but we give it to other women,” she said. “If you’re not sure if it’s for you, do give it a try, and if you feel comfortable, that’s great. But you don’t know if you’ll feel comfortable with it until you do it.”

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System offers support groups for both adults and children.

Whittington said young children may not fully comprehend what is happening to their loved one or to themselves, and support systems for them can be incredibly helpful.

“We don’t often think about the mental toll that this can take on children,” Whittington said. “So, you really want to be aware and look for changes in their attitude, in their schoolwork, their activities or friendships.”

Before joining a support group, you may want to ask yourself if you’re comfortable talking about
personal issues with others. You can also think about what you hope to gain by joining one.

“The key is to find what you are comfortable with,” Whittington said. “Every support group is different, but every one of them serves a purpose.”

The CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier “Kids Connection Support Group” meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Healthplex in Shreveport.

Adult breast support groups meet on the second Thursday of every month at CHRISTUS Bossier Outpatient Therapy building in Bossier City, and every fourth Thursday at the CHRISTUS Breast Center in Shreveport. Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Interested patients or caregivers can call (318) 681-4613 for information about adult support groups or (318) 681-6231 for the children’s support group.

NATCHITOCHES – Six distinguished Northwestern State University alumni were inducted into the university’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line, and several others recognized for service to the university during a lunch and induction program Oct. 25.

Long Purple Line inductees were the late Jack Brittain Jr., Henry Burns of Haughton and Dr. Steve Horton, Doug Ireland, Dr. Chris Maggio and Robert “Skeeter” Salim, all of Natchitoches.

Induction into the Long Purple Line is the highest honor the university bestows on alumni.

The Northwestern State Alumni Association also presented additional awards to recognize distinguished service, volunteerism and outstanding support for the university. Award winners are as follows.

Leighann Westfall received the Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an individual who graduated within the past 10 years and has shown continued interest in serving the university as a volunteer, donor and /or advocate.

Carrie Beth Hough received the Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an individual with a record of distinguished service to the university’s programs and mission.

Patricia Hrapmann and Virginia Monceret were named NSU Alumni Association Volunteers of the Year, which honors those with an exemplary record of volunteering their time, talents and service to the NSU Alumni Association.

Sid and Frank Hall received the Distinguished Supporter Service Award, which recognizes individuals who did not graduate from NSU but who have supported the university through academics, athletics, involvement or advocacy.

The Long Purple Line induction program was held in conjunction with Northwestern State Homecoming festivities and the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the university’s founding in 1884.

Earlier in the day, James T. Genovese was invested as Northwestern State’s 21st president. Friday’s festivities continued with the annual parade and pep rally in downtown Natchitoches.

The NSU Homecoming celebration will continue on Saturday, Oct. 26. A schedule of events is available at https://www.nsula.edu/join-the-nsu-homecoming-celebration-oct-25-26/.

Long Purple Line:
Six alumni were inducted into Northwestern State University’s Long Purple Line, the university’s alumni hall of distinction. From left are Doug Ireland, Henry Burns, Dr. Chris Maggio, Robert “Skeeter” Salim and Dr. Steve Horton (back row). The late Jack Brittain Jr. was represented by his sisters, Judge Lala Sylvester, Dr. Cissy Picou, Rebecca Morris, Eliza Behrendsen and Cookie Richardson.

Leighann Westfall:
Leighann Westfall received the Outstanding Young Alumna Distinguished Service Award, presented by NSU President James Genovese.

Carrie Beth Hough:
Carrie Beth Hough received the Outstanding Alumna Distinguished Service Award, presented by NSU President James Genovese.

Virginia Monceret:
Virginia Monceret, right, and Patricia Hrapmann were named NSU Alumni Association Volunteers of the Year, presented by NSU President James Genovese. Hrapmann was unable to attend the program.

Sid and Frank Hall:
Sid, center, and Frank Hall, right, received NSU Alumni Association Distinguished Supporter Service Award, presented by NSU President James Genovese.

Photos: Chris Reich/NSU Photo Services

Early voting for the Open Primary/Presidential/Congressional Election ends this Tuesday, October 29.  The Registrar of Voters Office, 1906 Front Street in Coushatta will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Red River High School Baseball will hold their 2nd Annual Bulldog Baseball Halloween Costume Scrimmage October 29 at 5pm. Admission $5.

The Pine Beetle Festival will be held Nov 2 in Castor. Parade rolls at 10am. Opening Ceremonies slated for 11am. Festival activities will be held all throughout the day. Dirt Road Troubadours will play from 6-8pm. 

Take a step back in time at the 44th Annual Sabine Freestate Festival to the year 1806 in Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. Filled with Outlaws, Settlers, and Renegades, you’ll be sure to find a shootout always about to happen. The festival will be held Nov. 1-3 in Florien.

The 118th running of the State Fair of Louisiana is Oct. 30 through Nov. 17 at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport. The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, it will be open Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Election Day). Hours of operation are 11am – 10pm weekdays and 10am – 10pm weekends.

Red River High School will hold a Blood Drive Thursday, November 7 from 9am-2pm in the RRHS Gym. Donors will receive a Blood Donors Sleigh sweatshirt.

Social Springs Baptist Church is looking for donation for their Silent Auction being held on November 9. The auction will benefit their Children’s Ministry by raising money to support programs like Team Kid and VBS. The church will acknowledge donors during the event and will give receipt for your charitable donation. Contact Natalie Hinds if you would like to donate.

Woman Church will be held November 12 at 6pm at Grand Bayou Resort Event Center. D’McCoy, from Living Word Minden, will be the guest speaker. Worship leader is Becky Kniffin. Thanksgiving dinner will be provided. Bring your Bible and a friend.

NONE

Local high school football scores:

Red River Parish Fire Protection District and John Woodfin, Fire Chief, recently shared that Red River Parish is now under a BURN BAN due to the risk of wildfires from our current drought conditions.

All outdoor burning is currently prohibited until adequate moisture is returned in vegetation and the risk of wildfires has decreased.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice. 

By Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The last time the Riverdale Academy girls stepped onto the basketball court, the Lady Rebels couldn’t quite crack through in the Class 2A State Tournament and punch their ticket to the overall state tournament.

All but one Lady Rebel returns and will step back on to the floor when the season begins Saturday at Silliman Institute for a 1 p.m. tip.

Riverdale coach Trey Pittman said these Lady Rebels are already in mid-season form after a 24-5 record this past season.

“We lost just one senior post player in Madison Chamberlin,” Pittman said. “We look to be in mid-season form already, and we better be ready with a Class 5A opponent on Saturday.

“Our guards are the strength of our team again with Mary Claire Jones, Jadyn King and Hanna Huddleston.”

Jones was selected to the MAIS Future’s All-Star game this past season as a sophomore.

But Riverdale does have some inside presence with posts Makayla Pickett and Julia Grace Riggs.

“I think Jones and Pickett are the two best players in the MAIS in our classification,” Pittman said. “Pickett and King are our captains, and the girls work very hard because of the leadership of those two.”

Pittman pulled double duty with the boys and girls in his first season back on the Riverdale sideline, but he’ll focus just on the girls this season.

Back-to-back practices after undergoing back surgery took its toll.

But assistant coach Ty Jones assumes the lead role of a boys team that looks to take the next step after reaching the Class 2A state tournament with a fourth-place finish at regionals.

The Rebels don’t start their season until Nov. 11, and they’ll attempt to rebuild from a team that lost five seniors off a 10-win team.

Coushatta
10/24/2024

The Coushatta Police Department shared a social media reminder to inform drivers who pass through the school zone of Red River Elementary on Ashland Road (Hwy 155) that traffic is closely monitored.

Officers monitor traffic to ensure safe travel for school buses and passenger vehicles transporting children to and from RRE. This includes monitoring drivers who may be using cell phones or other electronic handheld devices while driving, monitoring children who are not properly restrained inside vehicles, speeding, and disobedience to police officers’ traffic directions.

Operating a vehicle in a school zone while using a cell phone or other handheld electronic device can result in penalties of up to $500-$1000.

Improperly restraining a child can carry penalties of up to $500.

Speeding in a school zone penalties vary depending on the speed of the traveling vehicle.

Failing to comply with the orders of a police officer directing traffic carries a penalty of $186.

Quota West Monroe is collecting gently worn or new shoes to raise money for Academy of Collaborative Education (ACE). 

The shoes will be sent to 3rd world countries where many people have no shoes.

ACE will be paid by the pound of the shoes collected. 100% of money received will go to ACE.

Any type shoe is welcome and needed.

You can drop off your shoes at First Methodist Church, Front Street, weekdays between 9-11am or at Red River Council on Aging weekdays between 8am-12pm.

Shoes will be collected until Wednesday, October 30.

For more information contact Kelley Lee at 318.471.3391. 

Matt Vines

Riverdale healed up significantly during its bye week, and the Rebels are ready to end the regular season with a bang when they host Tensas Academy on Friday.

Riverdale (2-6, 1-1) can secure second place in District 3-1A with a win against Tensas (1-9, 1-1).

The Rebels have battled injuries and little depth all season, but coach Nathan Edie said his boys are about as healthy as they can be at the end of a football season.

Edie added that quarterback/linebacker Ashton Almond and running back/defensive Kaidyn Williams have recovered from injuries that forced them to leave the 58-28 loss to Wilkinson County Christian Academy two weeks ago.

“We had a good bye week, and we healed up a bit,” Edie said. “At this point in the season, injuries take longer to heal.

“But we’ll be a full go on Friday. Kaidyn and Ashton are two of the toughest kids you’ll find on a football field, and they are ready to go.”

When Riverdale has been healthy, they’ve been a handful for opponents.

The Rebels trailed district champion WCCA but just one score at halftime before injuries impacted the final result.

Riverdale was relatively healthy in its 34-14 win against Franklin Academy three weeks ago.

They’ll face a Tensas squad who is riding high after suffering through a winless season until last week’s 48-6 thumping of Franklin.

Tensas has proven it can move the ball and put up points as its offense has scored at least 20 points in four games.

“Tensas is a young, athletic team,” Edie said. “If we don’t contain their skill players and they have free run, they can put up a lot points on the board.

“Defensively, they are quick, bring pressure and fly to the ball.”

Defense has been more of the issue as opponents have piled on 48 or more points in eight contests.
Riverdale would like to lean on its offensive and defensive lines to establish both lines of scrimmage and wear down the Tensas bunch.

The Rebels are 2-6 on the field, but River Oaks could be forfeiting all of its wins if the Mustangs don’t win an appeal with the MidSouth Association of Independent Schools.

A win against Tensas and its River Oaks forfeit win could mean Riverdale hosts a first-round playoff game.

But first, the Rebels want to send their seniors out with a win in their final home game.

Senior captains Williams and Logan Gryder lead a four-player class that includes Brayden Pearah and Logan Martin.

John B. “Jack” Kelly was a sports fanatic. During World War I, Jack served in the army and became a champion boxer. Following the war, Jack rejoined his father’s highly successful bricklaying firm called “Kelly for Brickwork.” The postwar boom quickly made Jack a millionaire. Jack’s wealth freed him up to spend long hours perfecting his skill at sculling, rowing a long, thin needle-shaped boat with two oars.

Jack’s dedication paid off. In a short time, he won six national championships and was the single scull champion of the United States. Jack’s talents were such that he competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics at Antwerp, Belgium. On that warm August day, Jack’s first event was the single scull, one person per boat. Jack’s competitor, J. Beresford, jumped ahead at the start of the race and held the lead for the first 750 meters.

Newspapers said that Jack got a “last spurt” of energy and closed the gap when they were just 150 meters from the finish line. Jack took the lead and crossed the finish line a full boat length before Beresford. Jack won the gold medal in the single scull. Back on dry land, Jack and Beresford were too tired to even shake hands. Jack had little time to celebrate.

30 minutes later, he competed in the double scull with his cousin as his teammate and they won gold. Four years later, Jack and his cousin competed in the double scull in the 1924 Paris Olympics and won gold again. Jack was the first rower in history to win three gold medals.

In 1923, Jack met a girl named Margaret Majer at a swimming competition. Margaret drew Jack’s attention for multiple reasons. Margaret, also a fierce competitor, won first place in the women’s competition. Margaret was also a cover-girl model with a degree in physical education. She later became the first woman to teach physical education at the University of Pennsylvania and at Women’s Medical College. In January 1924, six months before the Paris Olympics, Jack and Margaret married.

Together, Jack and Margaret had four children; Margaret, whom they called Peggy, John Kelly Jr., whom they called Kell, Patricia, and Elizabeth Anne, whom they called Lizanne. Jack and Margaret expected all of their children to be as competitive in sports as they were. Peggy, Kell, and Lizanne lived up to their expectations. Kell competed in the 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics. He won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games and the 1949 European Championships. Peggy and Lizanne competed as well at the college level. Then, there was Patricia.

Patricia was absolutely uninterested in competitive sports. She enjoyed swimming but not competition swimming. She liked to swim just for fun, which Patricia’s parents were unable to comprehend. Patricia was only somewhat interested in academia. Her math grades were so low that she was rejected from her first choice of colleges. She eventually enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Soon after graduation, she began working as an actress, an occupation her father thought was “a slim cut above streetwalker.” She appeared in thirty films including “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” and “High Society,” before she decided to retire at the height of her career. Patricia, the outcast of the family, the girl who was not expected to amount to anything, became the most famous member of the family. Patricia was the middle name of movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.

Sources:

1. Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), August 30, 1920, p.17.

2. Donald Spoto, High Society: the Life of Grace Kelly (New York: Crown Publishers, 2009) 34.

National Make a Difference Day is a yearly event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October. This year it is observed on Saturday, October 26.

It was established in 1992 by USA Weekend magazine to inspire people to make a positive impact in their communities. The day is a celebration of community spirit. 

When it comes to bass fishing, there are a lot of great lakes in our region of the country that are loaded with trophy-size largemouth bass. Several lakes come to mind — Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Caddo and Lake Fork to name a few. Louisiana has another lake that falls into this same category: Caney Lake, in Jackson Parish. 

Located in the heart of north Louisiana a few miles east of Jonesboro and south of Monroe off state Hwy. 34, Caney Lake pretty much dominates the landscape and has produced many of the top 10 record bass ever caught in Louisiana waters. 

It’s a 5,000-acre lake created by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries in 1986 as a part of its “Trophy Lake” program; and boy, it has not disappointed. Caney has seen a lot of changes over the years especially when it comes to grass (Hydrilla). It also has a great supply of coon-tail moss, dollar pads and milfoil, creating plenty of quality cover for bass to hide.

From the beginning, as part of the Louisiana Trophy Lake program, a slot limit was introduced from 15 to 19 inches. This slot allowed for good quality fish to spawn and reproduce. This means that any fish caught inside the slot must be released immediately. 

But it was only a few years ago that Caney was anything but a trophy lake as grass carp were introduced and almost destroyed this great fishery. Today, it has rebounded and is loaded with solid areas of grass (Hydrilla) with good structure as well. 

The bass have responded with record fish being brought to the scales. In order to win a tournament on this lake, you’ll need anywhere from 22 to 28 pounds with your best five fish.

On December 28, 2023, a new state record for the largest five-fish stringer came in on Caney as Colby Dark and Gage Struben of the Louisiana Tech Bass Fishing Team weighed-in an incredible 48.6 pound stringer!

But this lake is much more than a bass fishery, as the crappie and bream population is extremely strong. The problem is with great fishing comes a lot of traffic, as anglers from all over the region compete for the better places on the lake. There’s also a good selection of boat docks if that’s your preferred choice of cover. 

The lake is such a beautiful place to go fishing but understand that you may have to sit in line to launch your boat. This is especially true during the peak fishing season of early spring, but there are plenty of ramps to choose from around the lake.  

It’s also a great family lake with plenty of room to ski, tube or just go swimming. Jimmy Davis State Park is an excellent place to set up camp for a long weekend and enjoy a great playground and a really nice beach area. The state park also offers campsites and cabins along with two large family lodges. 

All of this is a testament to how good Caney Lake is today, and it doesn’t appear it will be slowing down anytime soon. If it’s the big bass you’re after, the best time to catch one of these Caney lunkers would be from December through April. 

Assuming you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe catch the biggest bass of your life, take the time to explore Caney Lake. It truly is a hidden gem in north Louisiana.

Due to the recent national TV exposure and publicity from Major League Fishing (MLF), it’s no longer a secret! To learn more about this awesome fishery, go to caneylakelife.com

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Southern Spirit Transmission plans a 324 mile transmission line across North Louisiana to Mississippi to Texas.

Louisiana will not get any electricity from the line.

A new state law protects landowners from expropriation in cases like this.

For More Information, contact Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell at 318-676-7464

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Double B & Co present Fall-O-Ween Saturday, October 26 from 5-8pm in Grand Cane Park. There will be games, petting zoo, pumpkin contest, a Makers Market, food vendors, scavenger hunt., lots of candy and  a cake walk. Costumes are encourage. Plenty of photo opportunities.

Red River High School Baseball will hold their 2nd Annual Bulldog Baseball Halloween Costume Scrimmage October 29 at 5pm. Admission $5.

First Baptist Church Coushatta will host Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 30 from 5-7pm. Events include a jumper, inflatable twister, food, and fellowship. Popcorn and hot dogs will be served.

Red River High School will hold a Blood Drive Thursday, November 7 from 9am-2pm in the RRHS Gym. Donors will receive a Blood Donors Sleigh sweatshirt.

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