Ruston, LA – A luncheon celebrating Louisiana Tech University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni kicks off Homecoming weekend events Friday, Nov. 8 at noon in the Davison Athletics Complex.

The University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni are:

Alumnus of the Year: Christopher Lyle “Chris” Turner
Turner earned a B.S. in business administration in 1999. The state’s representative for Louisiana House District 12, Turner authored transformational legislation to repair deferred maintenance on university facilities throughout the state. He is a small business owner and former store director for Brookshire Grocery Company. Lifetime members of the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association, Turner and his wife Nancy White Turner are the parents of Gabie, Aimee, Lyla, and Mason.

Young Alumnus of the Year: David Watters
Watters earned a B.S. in accounting in 2010 and a master’s of professional accountancy in 2011. Vice president for FP&A at Morris & Dickson Co. LLC, Watters currently serves as a member of Tech’s College of Business Accounting Advisory Board and has been recognized by several organizations for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to his community, including his being named to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 2021.

Arlis Scogin Distinguished Service Award: Alexander Trotter “Trott” Hunt, III
Hunt is only the eighth recipient of this award, named after the late Arlis D. Scogin and presented on rare occasions to honor an individual who is not a graduate of the University but is both a part of the Tech Family and dedicated to the overall mission of Louisiana Tech. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hunt Guillot and Associates, LLC and chairman of the Board of Directors and co-owner of Hunt Forest Products, LLC, Hunt is a Ruston native who, along with his wife Karen, has been an advocate and generous leader for Louisiana Tech and its prominent presence in Ruston and the region.

College of Applied and Natural Sciences: Dr. Thomas S. “Steen” Trawick, Jr.
A 1991 biological sciences graduate, Trawick is a board-certified internal medical physician in the Shreveport-Bossier community. He is a private practice concierge physician with SureAccess MD, LLC and is also serving as served more than four years as CEO and CMO of CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. Trawick is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and a member of the Aillet Society, and he currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. He and wife Ronda have two children, Allison and Graham.

College of Business: Scott Hill
The president of RelaDyne Reliability Services and former co-owner of both Hill Oil Company and Petro Clean Solutions, Inc., Hill earned his B.A. in finance in 1991. He and wife Ashlea have championed excellence at Louisiana Tech through their service, experience, and support and are the parents of two Tech graduates, Caroline and Collin. Hill provides internships and placement for College of Business students and is a tireless recruiter for the College’s MBA program.

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dr. Patsy Hagood Perritt
Earning her bachelor’s in elementary education in 1965 was one of the earliest steps Dr. Perritt took in what has been a stirring career for the professor emerita in the School of Information Studies at Louisiana State University. She is married to Dr. Ron Q. Perritt (physics, 1965), and they reside in Baton Rouge. Their lives have been marked by a commitment to creating educational opportunities through their careers, their service, and through scholarship, including at Louisiana Tech.

College of Engineering and Science: John B. Coast
Coast earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1964, and he then used his designing and manufacturing skills to develop commercial opportunities that became Marsh Master® brand, which aids utility companies and various agencies around the world. He and wife Anita reside in Baton Rouge, where they continue their vigorous support of the University and where he continues to serve as CEO of Coast Machinery, LLC, which produced the Marsh Master® and Anchor Master® amphibious vehicles.

College of Liberal Arts: Lori Shefa
A 1986 journalism graduate, Shefa is a former senior VP with CBS and the co-founder and chief creative officer of the Emmy-award winning boutique entertainment marketing agency RM 15 Creative, a Los Angeles-based agency that specializes in launch and branding campaigns, sizzles, trailers and pitches for TV, streaming, and film.

Tickets for the Alumni Awards luncheon are available here. Friday’s luncheon is only the beginning of Homecoming 2024; also Friday is a pep rally at Railroad Park and the inaugural Evening Under the Oaks, a ticketed homecoming celebration in the heart of the campus under lights and lanterns in the quad. Enjoy time with alumni, with music provided by Tech’s Pop and Jazz Band.

Then, the big day: Homecoming Saturday and Breakfast with Champ, the Homecoming Parade, the Alumni/LTAC Tailgate and a Conference USA matchup, Bulldogs vs. Jacksonville State, at 3:30 at Joe Aillet Stadium.

For a complete list of events and to register, visit LATech.edu/Homecoming

---

‘The problem is not that people are taxed too little; the problem is that government spends too much‘

Many of us who were born and raised in Louisiana or who have lived here for a number of years understand that our state tax code, specifically including that portion of it located in our State Constitution, needs some re-evaluation and updating to account for current and future fiscal realities.  In connection with this, Gov. Jeff Landry highlights the coming 2025 fiscal “cliff” in which Louisiana will face a $500-$700 million deficit. 

The question has always been, what is the best way to do tax reform?

Well, much as he stated he would during his campaign for governor, Gov. Landry has taken a first step to eliminate the state individual income tax to make Louisiana more competitive with our neighboring states like Texas and Florida that have no state income tax.  He feels doing so would send a message that Louisiana is becoming increasingly tax “friendly” and more efficient with the taxes it does collect—which, of course, contributes nationally to our profile as being a pro-growth state.  In fact, the Plan specifically states that it “seeks to attract new investment while protecting low-income earners, our middle class, and senior citizens.”

So, what does the Landry plan entail?

Some of the prominent items include going to a 3% flat tax rate, down from 4.25%, a $12,500 standard deduction for low and middle-income earners, reducing the corporate tax rate from 7.5% to 3.5%, increasing the deduction for seniors (65 years and up) from $6,000 to $12,000 a year, eliminating state sales taxes on prescription drugs, a permanent teacher pay raise and repealing the corporate franchise tax. 

Wow!  That would be quite a change.  How would those tax revenues be replaced?

The services that would fall under the new sales tax plan include activities such as political lobbying, dog grooming, massages, car detailing, landscaping work, streaming services in our state, and numerous others.  It would also likely require making permanent our “temporary” 0.45% state sales tax. 

The reason I suggest that this tax reform proposal is worthy of our consideration (and I hope the governor will take on the permitting process in this state next) is because we have seen, time and again, at the federal level that tax reform (which prominently includes tax cutting!) does create jobs, spurs economic growth and attracts investment. 

Pres Reagan and others have reminded us many times that “the power to tax is the power to destroy” and the more we tax something the less we will have of it.  We must apply this commonsense advice to our own state tax structure.  Some of the deductions and exemptions that riddle our State Constitution are decades old and may serve no need or have no real purpose any longer.  Those constitutional dedications must be examined in light of Louisiana’s current needs.

In short, by reducing personal and corporate income taxes we protect families and small businesses—which are the economic backbone of this state—and we provide hope.  We give our children the thought that perhaps in a better economic climate they would not need to leave Louisiana and go to Dallas or Atlanta for jobs. We know many of them want to stay here, where they are from, we just have to make it possible for them to do so.  We already have the best people, best food and the most interesting culture in the world.  Now, let’s develop an equally great business climate.

I close with two points:

1). I note that because several of the aforementioned proposals will require changes in our State Constitution, the voters will have to agree to them and most likely that voting opportunity will come in March of 2025.  2). I commend Governor Landry for taking this on.  No matter how it turns out, and I’m certain there will be much debate and numerous amendments, the Governor’s plan puts a spotlight on our state tax structure and performs the equivalent of an audit.  That is all for the good.

It is morally essential that government at every level impose the awesome tool of taxation—the power to remove from the pockets of American and Louisiana citizens under force of law their hard-earned monetary gains earned through blood, sweat and tears—with respect and with care, taking as little as possible and only as much as is necessary for essential government functions.

Royal Alexander

---

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University has named 22 students to its 2024 Homecoming Honor Court. Members of the court were selected by a vote of the student body. The court will be presented at halftime of the Homecoming football game against Lamar on Saturday, Oct. 26. 

Kaley Grace Koss of Many will be queen of the court and Chris James of Dallas, Texas, will be king. 

Also selected to the court were Makayla Boudreaux of Mandeville, Kameron Burns of Haughton, Abigail Chevalier of Mangham, Christopher Compas of Stonewall, Madison Cook of Vivian, Hannah Davis of Hammond, Alexander Engstrom of Baton Rouge,  Peyton Fuller and Linzi Lampert of Deville, Bryce Juneau of Cottonport, Tyler Melna of Monroe, Coree Nash of Jena, Christopher Richard of Abbeville, Chris Soileau of Kinder, Brooke Straight of St. Francisville, James Taylor and Kacy Young of Shreveport, Avery Tullos of Benton, Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia and Terrell Woodard of Carencro. 

Koss is the daughter of Ashley and Jeremy Koss. She is a junior strategic communications major. Koss is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and serves as director of chapter growth. She is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and was a freshman orientation leader. Koss is a member of the Purple Jackets and is an alumna of the President’s Leadership Program. She is a member of the Order of Omega, Students for Animal Protection, Addiction Studies Club and the Demon Volunteers in Progress. She is a recipient of the Morgan First Generation and Extra Mile Scholarship and received Sigma Sigma’s Outstanding Sophomore Award. 

James is the son of Erica Jones and Johnny James. He is a senior communication major. James is the University Programming Council program coordinator and has been secretary and a senator in the Student Government Association. He has been public relations manager for KNWD-FM and a member of the Current Sauce staff, a freshman connector and has worked with the TRIO program. James is a member of the Black Male Alliance, the NAACP, the National Society of Leadership and Success and Demon Volunteers in Progress. He was named Student Affairs Student of the Year. James is a Dean’s List student. 

Boudreaux is the daughter of Renee and Aaron Boudreaux. She is a senior health and exercise science major. Boudreaux is a four-year member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and serves as vice president of operations. Boudreaux is a member of Order of Omega and serves as Secretary. She is also a member of the Human Performance Leadership Club. Boudreaux is an Honor List student. She received the National Inspire Ambition in Operations Award, the 2024 Officer of the Year Award and the Helen St. Claire Award. 

Burns is the son of Jason and Lindsay Burns. He is a biology major with a concentration in biomedical. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, the Catholic Student Organization, Blue Key and the Interfraternity Council where he serves as president. He was a freshman orientation leader, assisted in the Office of First Year Experience and is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress. He was the 2023 Greek Man of the Year. Burns is a Dean’s List student. 

Chevalier is the daughter of Tony and Wendi Chevalier. She is a senior nursing major with a minor in biology. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority where she serves as the new member orientation team head and was on the 2022-2023 officer board. Chevalier is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, assisted in the Office of First Year Experience and was a freshman orientation leader. She is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, Students of Animal Protection and was in the President’s Leadership Program. Chevalier is a member of Purple Jackets, Order of Omega and Alpha Lambda Delta. 

Compas is the son of Troy and Michell Compas. He is a senior business administration major with a minor in finance. He is currently the president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he has served as internal vice president and head of recruitment. Compas is active in the Student Government Association and is a member of Students for Animal Protection. He is a Dean’s List and Honor List student. 

Cook is the daughter of Vanessa Cook and Chad Cook. She is a senior health and exercise science major. Cook is president of the College of Panhellenic Council, president of Purple Jackets and a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She is a two-year junior advisor for Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and a member of Blue Key, Demon Volunteers in Progress and the Student Government Association. Cook is a mentor for the President’s Leadership Program and was a freshman orientation leader. She is a two-year Sherry F. Morgan Extra-Mile Scholarship recipient and received the Chris Roper Scholarship and the Sigma Sigma Sigma Lisa Burton Memorial Scholarship. 

Davis is the daughter of Latoya Williams. She is a senior psychology major with a minor in biology. Davis is the 2024 Miss NSU and is vice president of the Student Government Association and president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a member of Purple Jackets, La Belle Femme and Order of Omega. Davis is an Academic Success Center Tutor and has been super involved at NSU. She was a freshman orientation leader, participated in the President’s Leadership Program and was Alpha Lambda Delta philanthropy chair. Davis was a member of the 2023 Homecoming Honor Court. Davis was an SGA Senator at large for two years and was Student Affairs Commissioner. She was named Senator of the Year and Commissioner of the Year. Davis has made the President’s List, Dean’ List and Honor Roll. 

Engstrom is the son of Mark and Nicole Engstrom. He is a junior liberal arts major. Engstrom is a member of Demons in Government, the Student Government Association, Pi Kappa Alpha and the Chess Club. 

Fuller is the daughter of Steve Fuller and Shannon Doyle and the granddaughter of Willie Mae Milam. She is a junior biology-biomedical and veterinary technology major. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority where she serves as vice president of New Member Education and was a recipient of the 2023 Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation Scholarship, the 2023 and 2024 Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship and the 2023 and 2024 Morgan First Generation Scholarship. Fuller is on leadership in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and was a freshman orientation leader. She was in the President’s Leadership Program and is now a mentor. She serves as treasurer of Purple Jackets, Order of Omega, and Blue Key. She is an active member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society. She is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, the Vet Tech Club, Students for Animal Protection, the American Society of Microbiology and the American Chemical Society. Fuller is involved in the JOVE Research Scholarship and is a President’s List and Dean’s List student. 

Juneau is the son of Allison and Brian Juneau. He is a junior veterinary technology and biology major. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Students for Animal Protection and the Catholic Student Organization. He was a freshman orientation leader and assists in the Office of First Year Experience.  

Lampert is the daughter of Loren and Lisa Lampert. She is a senior health and exercise science/occupational therapy major. Lampert is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and assists in the Office of First Year Experience. She was a freshman orientation leader and is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Lampert is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and was in the President’s Leadership Program. She was a member of the 2023 Homecoming Honor Court. 

Melna is the son of Lori Townsend, Brent Townsend and Jimmy Melna. He is a junior nursing major. Melna is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha where he was sergeant-at-arms and campus involvement chair. He was treasurer of Students for Animal Protection and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. He was in the Presidential Leadership Program and a member of Blue Key. Melna was a freshman orientation leader and a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress. Melna was on the University Programming Council Concert Committee. He is a Dean’s List student. 

Nash is the son of Melanie Nash and Christopher Brinson. He is a senior social work major. Nash is a co-founder of the Black Male Alliance. He was in the President Leadership Program and was involved with the Trio Program. Nash is a member of the Social Work Club and the NAACP. He was a freshman orientation leader and is part of student media at NSU. Nash was the 2024 Outstanding Social Work Student. He is a Dean’s List and Honor Roll student.  

Richard is the son of Nadine and Chris Richard. He is a junior strategic communications major. Richard is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he has served as treasurer and public relations chair and was named Freshman of the Year. He is a member of Order of Omega and was the organization’s vice president. Richard is a member of Blue Key and Demon Volunteers in Progress. He was a freshman orientation leader and member of the President’s Leadership Program. Richard was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and received their Outstanding Service Award. 

Soileau is the son of Walter Soileau and Kristal and David Batchelor. He is a junior health and exercise science/pre-physical therapy major. He is the secretary for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and a member of Black Male Alliance. Soileau was a freshman orientation leader and was in the President’s Leadership Program. Soileau received a Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship. He is an Honor List student. 

Straight is the daughter of Timmy and Neysa Straight. She is a junior communications major. Straight is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority serving as director of Panhellenic Relations. Straight is a member of Purple Jackets, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Order of Omega and is an NSU Food Pantry volunteer coordinator. She was a freshman orientation leader, assisted the Office of First Year Experience and is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Straight is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress and was in the President’s Leadership Program. 

Taylor is the son of David Taylor and Ewanya Taylor. He is a senior general studies major with a social science minor. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. where he serves as the chapter vice president, and apparel committee head.  Taylor is a member of the Student Government Association Senate Where he serves as an academic senator for the college of education and human development. He is also a member of Black Male Alliance and TRIO. 

Tullos is the daughter of James and Adelia Tullos and Robyn and Shane Edmonds. She is a senior biology major. She is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry as a family group leader. Tullos is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Purple Jackets, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, American Society for Microbiology and the Order of Omega. She has been involved with the JOVE Research Program. Tullos was a freshman orientation leader, a Presidential Ambassador and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and the Demon Mentor Network. She was a member of the 2023 Homecoming Honor Court. 

Vernon is the daughter of Lawrence and Latisha Vernon. She is a junior biology/pre-med major with a minor in dance. Vernon is a member of the NSU Purple Pizzazz Pom Line and was co-captain. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the NSU Dance Company and Demon Volunteers in Progress. Vernon was a freshman orientation leader, in the President’s Leadership Program and was a mentor. She is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Vernon was the 2023-2024 Mrs. Gold. She is a President’s List student. 

Woodard is the son of Cathy and Michael LeBlanc. He is a senior biology major with a concentration in biomedical sciences. Woodard is the 2024-25 Student Government Association president and Mr. NSU. He is a member of the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and is Southwest Regional Assistant Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha. Woodard is a co-founder of the Black Male Alliance and was a freshman orientation leader. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Order of Omega, Blue Key, Helping Hands, the African American Caucus and Demon Volunteers in Progress. Woodard was the Greek New Member of the Year and was part of the 2023 Homecoming Honor Court. He has been on the President’s List, Dean’s List and Honor List. 

Young is the daughter of Marty and Tracy Young. She is a senior history and hospitality management and tourism major. Young is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and serves as president. She was in the President’s Leadership Program and is a current mentor. Young is student coordinator of the NSU Food Pantry and is vice president of Purple Jackets and Blue Key. Young is a past historian and two-term junior advisor of Alpha Lambda Delta. She is a coordinator of Demon Volunteers in Progress, a student worker in the Office of First Year Experience, a member of Order of Omega and is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Young is a former freshman orientation leader.  Young is a two-time recipient of the Sherry F. Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship and received the Alpha Lambda Delta Jo Anne Trowe Scholarship. She is a Dean’s List and Honors List student.

Pictured left to right, Terrell “TJ” Woodard, Jr., Hannah Davis, Kacy Young, Tyler Melna, Brooke Straight, Kameron Burns, Abigail Chevalier, Chris Soileau, Makayla Boudreaux, Kaley Koss-Homecoming Queen, Chris James-Homecoming King, Peyton Fuller, Bryce Juneau, Lauryn
Vernon, Coree Nash, Linzi Lampert, Christopher Richard, Madison Cook, James Taylor, Avery Tullos and Christopher Compas. Also named to the court was Alexander Engstrom.

---

Mid-October and things are getting for reals this football season as leaves change and so do teams’ fortunes.

The calendar suggests we are inching up on mid-season — unless you are a Dallas or New Orleans fan; then records and scores suggest the season might just be over.

Oh, the twists and the turns. 

And so it’s been in this most popular and crazy game since the first farmboy came across a pig’s bladder and in a moment of genius said, “Now wait just a dog-gone minute!” stamped “WILSON” on it and invented the football. Thus, the term “pigskin,” which bats leadoff in today’s Art of Sports Talkin’, Football Edition.

Back when March Madness began, we reviewed basketball, also known informally as roundball or b-ball or the rock, as sports has a language all its own, and each individual sport has an even more specialized lingo. A field goal is different in football than in basketball. “Pin” is one thing in bowling and another in wrestling, and foul trouble is when a basketball player or team is in danger of reaching the limit of fouls allowed without disqualification or penalty. Foul trouble is also what you are in when you sit next to a fan who smells like an old sneaker, and fowl trouble is when the concession stand runs out of chicken tenders.

And so it goes.

Now we walk “foobaw,” as an offensive lineman in a bad mood might grunt.

We start with a biggie, born in 1975 in the NFL playoffs in Minnesota when beloved Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach retreated into the pocket in a desperate situation trailing the Vikings late, said afterward he closed his eyes and “said a Hail Mary,” and launched a bomb to future fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Pearson, who caught the ball in double coverage to score and give the Cowboys the win. And so was born the football Hail Mary, when a quarterback chunks a long desperation pass to a receiver, usually clumped with a lot of other shoulder-padded humanity and usually into the end zone, as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers did Monday Night in New York in the Jets loss to Buffalo. A pair of sidenotes: a Hail Mary is not always complete — such is life — and a Hail Mary sounds the same but is different in meaning than what you might say when Mary is late or spills hot coffee on your lap.

“Encroachment” is believed to be when a defensive player enters the “neutral zone” before the snap — although in reality, no one truly knows what encroachment is, and if they say they do, even if they are a football official, they are lying.

“Officials” are called referees (or convicts or zebras because of the striped shirts they wear); these are the people who call holding on your team pretty much whenever the mood strikes. Fans with money on the game should be able to call encroachment against the zebras.

“Pooch kick” is what happens when the kicker, during a kickoff, doesn’t kick it very far on purpose; this lessens the odds of the receiving team having a good return. If that same kicker is a dog owner and misses a field goal, it increases the odds that he’ll perform a pooch kick when he gets home, and if that happens, we hope he misses every field goal he tries for the rest of his pitiful football life.

“Hard count” is what the quarterback does when he is calling for the ball to be snapped and changes the rhythm of his call to try and draw the defense offsides. It’s also what happens when a person from South Carolina like me is asked to add.

“Victory formation” is when the offense, with a lead and time expiring, bunches together at the line of scrimmage, as if they are gossiping, so the quarterback can take a knee and run clock and end the game. It is a favorite formation, and we hope your team gets to run it every time you play.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat, crafts, games and food on Sunday, October 20 at 5pm. Kids make sure to wear your costumes!

The US Postal Service released dates for holiday shipping.  Less expensive options needs to be mailed no later than Dec. 16 while priority mail express service by Dec. 21. A complete list of holiday mailing and shipping dates can be found at USPS.com.

The Village of Hall Summit will host their 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat Thursday, October 26 from 5-7pm at the Hall Summit Community Center & Park. The fun includes a costume contest, games and lots of candy!

Country Trade Days, 4157 Hwy 84 Mansfield, will be held Saturday, Nov. 2. 

---

Teri Lynn Sullivan Godrey
August 14, 1976 – October 10, 2024
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 11am at Faith Baptist Church in Ringgold

---

According to Sheriff Stuart Wright, NPSO received a report shortly after 2:30pm Sunday afternoon that a fisherman observed a vehicle in the Red River while fishing near Grand Ecore Bluff off of the Grand Ecore Spur Road in Natchitoches Parish.

NPSO Divers with the assistance of a Red River Parish towing service recovered the vehicle from the Red River.

Deputies said the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro was unoccupied. The VIN# was run through the National Crime Information Center and Deputies learned the vehicle was reported stolen to the Natchitoches Police Department over the weekend.

The investigation is ongoing.

NPSO Divers Deputy Doug Rachal, Lt. J. Kilpatrick, Cpl. C. Oliff and Lt. M. Robertson made the recovery.

Natchitoches Police Department was notified of the recovery.

Deputies say this is an area where other vehicles have been recovered in the past.

Source: Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

---

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River’s month-long road trip that stretched across Louisiana came to an end Friday at Mansfield, and the Bulldogs travels paid off.

Red River didn’t panic falling behind by a score, and the Bulldogs defense handcuffed an explosive Mansfield offense in a 20-12 win to start District 3-2A play.

“Seeing different programs and how they operate definitely benefitted us,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “We faced some of the state’s best teas during our pre-district schedule, and those tough battles made us better.”

The Bulldogs (2-4, 1-0) snapped a three-game losing streak and officially tossed their hat into the district title race with a road win against the talented Wolverines (2-4, 0-1).

Mansfield’s offense entered the contest scoring at least 30 points in all five games, including two efforts of 50 or more points.

Big plays have underpinned Mansfield’s offense, but the Wolverines’ biggest play was just 13 yards on a Terrell Pegues run.

Pegues, who is one of the most dynamic rushers and receivers in the area, mustered just 133 total yards on 25 touches (100 rushing, 33 receiving). A Pegues rushing touchdown in the second quarter drew first blood for a 6-0 lead.

“We played great ap scheme defense,” Keller said. “We also displayed our best tackling of the season, and our guys played tough with big collisions to finish plays.

“I was transparent with our team that Mansfield had weapons to score. We had to be disciplined to stop their offense, and we had to make plays offensively.”

Red River’s Jomello McDonald is a key piece that made his return from an injury to catch the Bulldogs’ second touchdown, putting the Bulldogs ahead for good at 14-6 in the third quarter.

McDonald is one of the team’s best defensive backs as well, and the Bulldogs made life difficult through the air for Mansfield.
“Jomello’s return is huge – he’s one of the best players on the team,” Keller said. “His presence alone gives the team a boost in morale and swagger.”

“Every time he’s on the field, he has the potential to make huge plays.”

Mansfield quarterback Sharmal Booker threw for just 47 yards on 5-of-12 passing.

Booker did have a rushing touchdown to close the gap to 14-12 with 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

But Red River put the game away with 2:44 left in the game with a Warren Bowman insurance touchdown, and the Bulldogs shut down Mansfield’s final possession. Running back Montreveun Smith, who has also missed time this season, supplied Red River’s other score.

With the win, Red River puts itself into prime position to contend for a district title in the five-team district.

“This is a big win for us, and we’ve taken a step to secure a district championship,” Keller said.

The Bulldogs return home from the month-long road trip to host undefeated Lakeside (6-0, 1-0), who topped Many’s 39-game district winning streak with a 28-6 win.

---

The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office will offer a Louisiana Hunter Education Course at the end of the month.

The three-day class will be held October 25-27, 2024, from 6:00-10:00pm Friday and Saturday nights and 6:00-8:00pm Sunday evening. The training is free and all necessary equipment will be provided.

APPLICANTS MUST CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND PRE-REGISTER AT: https://louisianaoutdoors.com/

Location:
Red River Parish Sheriff’s Maintenance Facility & Firing Range
7605 Hwy 371
Coushatta, LA 71019

For more information, please contact Deputy Marshall Guin at 318-932-4221.

---

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Riverdale Academy dug itself out of an early hole to close within one score at halftime, but the Rebels couldn’t match Wilkinson County Christian Academy in the second half Friday.

WCCA secured the District 3-1A title with a 58-28 win over Riverdale.

The Rebels mounted an early comeback despite losing quarterback Ashton Almond on a kick return after WCCA’s first score.

Almond, who had just made a full return this past week in a win against Franklin Academy, injured his leg and didn’t return.

WCCA (7-1, 3-0) took control in the second half and ran away from Rebels (2-6, 1-1).

“We battled back to get within a score at the half, but they pulled away in the second half,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “I think we were getting to the point of attack in the first half, but in the second half, they were more aggressive with their linebackers, and we didn’t react.

“Losing Ashton to injury was huge. That was the defining moment in this game when Ashton took a cheap shot to his leg. If Ashton plays the whole game, it’s a completely different game.”

Almond is more than just the quarterback, he’s the leading tackler when healthy. But Almond has played just two full games this season – the opener and this past week against Franklin. Edie said his status for the rest of the season is in question.

Riverdale’s roster is already thin because of a decrease in numbers of players this season, but injuries have shortened the Rebels bench even more.

Edie said Shea Nettles (center/linebacker) and Kaidyn Williams (quarterback/running/defensive back) also sustained injuries Friday. Nettles hurt his hand and Williams his ankle.

Riverdale is going into a bye week before finishing the regular season with Tensas Academy.

“Our focus is really the same it’s been all season – getting healthy,” Edie said. “Right now, we’re focused on Tensas Academy and we’ll focus on the playoffs when they get here.

“We want to finish on a positive note.”

WCCA completed the district sweep of Riverdale, Franklin Academy and Tensas Academy to lock up the district title.

In the second half, WCCA found open space and escape would-be Riverdale tacklers.

“They ran through tackles – we had too many arm tackles,” Edie said. “When we got our hands on them, we couldn’t finish the play.”

Had Riverdale won, the Rebels would have needed to beat Tensas Academy on Oct. 25 in the regular season finale to win the district title. Now that game will be for second place, which still affects playoff seeding.

---

LCU’s annual jam-packed Homecoming and Spirit Week begins today, Oct. 14 culminating in the football game against Texas College at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

The 2024 Homecoming Court will be presented during the annual Homecoming Chapel service on Oct. 15. The following students make up this year’s court:

Senior Court
Kate Campbell, exercise science major from Baton Rouge
Rionna Gallien, social work major from Opelousas
Elisabeth McGrath, business administration-economics/finance major from Westlake

Junior Court
Camille Allgood, history major from Denham Springs
Clara Hall, social work major from Pineville
Keirsten LeJeune, English major from Leesville

Sophomore Court
Grace Artigue, missions and ministry major from Opelousas
Hali Reeves, applied biology major from Winnsboro
Eva Villamor, mathematics/medical laboratory science major from Ville Platte

Freshmen Court
Emily Marks, social work major from Rayne
Abigail Melton, mission and ministries major from Lake Charles 
MaKenzie Myers, nursing major from Montgomery

The 2024 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during halftime of the game Saturday.

Events scheduled for Homecoming Week include:

• Homecoming Honey, Monday, 7 p.m. in the Game Room
• Red River Wind Symphony Concert, Thursday, 7 p.m. at Guinn Auditorium
• “Celebrating the ‘70s Alumni Meet, Greet & Eat, Friday, 10:30 a.m. (Bring memorabilia)
• Art Show Opening Reception, Friday, 5-6 p.m. in Weathersby Fine Arts Building Gallery
• Homecoming Hoe-Down, Friday, 7 p.m. at Lynn Alumni Center
• Pep Rally/Bonfire, Friday, 8 p.m. at Lynn Alumni Center
• Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Brunch, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
• Homecoming Parade, Saturday, noon in the LCU Circle
• Wildcat Tailgate, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. in Cottingham lot
• Alumni Reunion Reception, Saturday, noon in Granberry Conference Center
• Fall Choral Experience, Saturday, 6 p.m. in Guinn Auditorium
• Alumni Worship Service, Sunday, 8 a.m. in Granberry Conference Center

---

Ruston, LA – Louisiana Tech University engineering students recently played a role in developing a prototype for a new B-52 Stratofortress towbar. The design promises to enhance global B-52 operations by making the towbar easier to transport and quicker to assemble, supporting the Agile Combat Employment concept.

The project, a collaboration between Louisiana Tech, STRIKEWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the University of Dayton Research Institute, aimed to meet the urgent need for a more efficient towbar. The new prototype reduces transport preparation from two days to less than 30 minutes and requires fewer pallet positions on military cargo aircraft.

“This effort is about meeting the needs of the Agile Combat Employment concept and having the ability to project bomber power,” Master Sgt. Justin Countryman, AFGSC Logistics Innovation Branch superintendent, said.

Louisiana Tech senior engineering students Sam Whitsell, Owen Clyde, and Gabe Collier assisted AFGSC and STRIKEWERK on the project, spending over 180 hours designing the prototype.

“The original design they gave us were hand-drawn copies from the 1960s,” Whitsell said. “We came to Barksdale to look at the current towbar and started working from there.”

Their design utilizes flange-style connections, allowing the towbar to be disassembled into three compact pieces. This improves upon the previous two-piece design, saving both transport space and time.

Testing of the new towbar is ongoing with B-52 maintainers from the 307th and 2nd Bomb Wings at Barksdale AFB.

“We are trying to break this thing so we can know where to improve it for the final design,” Countryman said. “We want to know where the weak points are before it goes into production.”

The Air Force Global Strike Command is pushing for the final design to be completed and in the hands of warfighters by 2025, with extensive testing planned to ensure its performance in varying conditions.

---

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announces immediate 20% reduction in LEAP testing time, commitment to further reductions

(BATON ROUGE, LA) – Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced a significant reduction in student testing time. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is making immediate revisions that will reduce the time students spend taking state assessments by 20%. The changes to grade 3-8 ELA and math LEAP assessments will eliminate redundancies and streamline the writing portion of the annual tests. They were made in consultation with testing experts to maintain the integrity of these vital assessments and mark the first action in a long-term commitment for future reductions.

“We’re taking a responsible approach to surgically reduce standardized testing time without affecting accuracy,” said Dr. Brumley. “I hear constantly from parents, teachers, and students about this issue. These changes address their concerns while allowing us to still have reliable and valid results.”

In April 2025, students in grades 3-8 will experience shorter LEAP assessments. While these LEAP tests will still measure the same breadth and depth of the Louisiana Student Standards for ELA and mathematics, the LDOE removed some time-consuming redundancies that offered no additional significance to measuring student proficiency.

Students will test approximately 40 to 75 minutes less in ELA, depending on the grade. This is a result of reducing from two writing prompts in each grade to one. Students will test approximately 30 to 40 minutes less in math, depending on the grade. This is a result of eliminating four machine-scored tasks and two constructed-response tasks. The tables below show how these changes compare to current testing times by grade level and the national median for students in grade 5.

---

The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. By knowing the steps to avoid getting sick, we can have a safer flu season – and you and your family can stay healthy.

How the Flu Spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and close contact. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. 

How to prevent the flu

The best way to avoid the flu is by getting your flu vaccination every year. Flu vaccinations protect you from several kinds of flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months or older get a flu shot each year.

Other measures that can help protect against the flu:

• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Clean your hands.

Wash your hands with soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds, which is about how long it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

When to Get Vaccinated

October or November is the best time to be vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later.

Flu Shots Are Now Available at Most Louisiana Clinics

Flu season is upon us, and now is the ideal time to be vaccinated! The CDC recommends getting your flu shot between mid-September and the end of October (at the latest) to ensure your immunity lasts throughout the entire flu season. Flu shots are in stock and available at most of our Louisiana clinic locations, so we encourage you to contact your local clinic to confirm availability before your visit.

Why Get Your Flu Shot Now?

• Best timing: Immunity peaks 1-2 weeks after vaccination, and the protection typically lasts up to 6 months, covering you through flu season (October to March).
• Convenience: As an Access2day member, you and your covered dependents can get a $0 flu shot without an appointment. Just visit one of our clinics and identify yourself as a member!

Remember, being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. 

Source: October Live Better Louisiana Newsletter; http://www.lablue.org/ogb
            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

---

The following article was shared in an official email from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

As teenagers head back to school, it’s important to recognize that having healthy communication with them has a major impact on their health and well-being. 

There are actions parents can take tool encourage open communication. This means that your child or teen feels free to express their feelings and ideas to you. Open communication can help strengthen your relationship with your child or teen.

Active listening is when you let your child share their thoughts and feelings without interruption. Once they are finished sharing, try to repeat back to them what you heard in your own words. This shows you heard what they had to say and understood what they meant.

You can build connections with your kids by asking them about their interests and being curious about their lives. This can include asking them and getting them to talk to you about their hobbies, friends, or what they are doing after school. Encouraging your kids to share what has been happening to them, things they like to do and why, and what they think and feel can build connection.

Make it safe for your kids to share what has been happening with them and what they’re thinking and feeling without worries that you’ll be angry with them or punish them. This can make it more likely that they’ll keep sharing with you. There may be times when your kids tell you things that surprise you or make you uncomfortable but do your best to be understanding as your first reaction. Repeat back what you are hearing and ask if you have it right before asking more questions or saying what you’re thinking. While certain things they tell you might lead to some follow-up, it is important that you make sharing things with you as safe and comfortable as you can.

Your kids may not always want to share things with you and like all relationships, it may take time to build open communication. Creating regular opportunities for you and your kids to share will help communication grow. These kinds of conversations can happen any time—whenever you’re on the way somewhere with them, while you’re doing things together at home, or whenever you have time with them.

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, or overall mental health, the CDC suggests reaching out to a qualified professional like your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician. Continue to have open and honest discussions with your child, offering encouragement and support.

Key Takeaways

• Creating regular opportunities to talk with children and youth can have a big impact on their health and well-being.
• Parents and caregivers can promote healthier and safer experiences by making a habit of knowing about their children’s and youth’s lives and connecting with them through regular check-ins.
• Connecting with children or youth can reduce their risk for poor mental health and other health risks.

Source: Official email from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, week of September 1, 2024

---

---

NSU Drumline and Steel Band to present the 5th Annual Drums Along the River concert on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. on the Downtown Riverbank stage in Natchitoches. Admission is free. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in Magale Recital Hall. The drumline will perform stand cadences, traditional school songs and show music from the Spirit of Northwestern production titled “Dancing with the Demons.” The steel band is made up of instruments from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The program will include some island classics such as “Limbo” and “Jump in the Line” as well as pop songs such as “This Love” by Maroon 5 and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. The NSU/Natchitoches Community Steel Band will also perform. 

Klassy Pink will host Dance for the Cure Under the Bridge on Saturday, October 19 from 12-4pm at the Red River Boat Launch, 118 Saint Louis Street, in Coushatta. Put your dancing shoes and show solidarity for fighters and survivors. Come together as a community to make a difference. Whether you’re a survivor, supporting a loved one, or simply want to contribute, your presence matters. Contact Tina Thomas, 318.521.0357, for more information. Essential items will be accepted onsite to make care packages for Feist-Weiller Cancer Center and NRMC Cancer Center. The event is family friendly. 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, from 5-8 PM in Prather Coliseum for NSU Basketball’s premiere pre-season event. There will be a live DJ, 3-point contest, dunk contest, giveaways, player introductions, season ticket pick-up, and more!

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. 

---

LaVerne Johnston Lockey Bamburg
April 14, 1931 – October 9, 2024
Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 at 2pm at Unity Baptist Church in Cotton Valley

---

This will be my final Observations. I have decided to hang up my pen, put away the typewriter and step away from the internet after 68 years of writing columns. The last almost-seven decades have been a great experience overall. I made a lot of people happy, a few not so happy, and some will be even happier still to learn this writes finis.

I am told I hold the state journalism record as the journalist who has written a column for the longest number of years.

The first column I wrote was while a Sophomore at Marthaville High School. That was October 1956, and the column was titled “‘Round Marthaville High School.” It appeared in The Natchitoches Times and the Natchitoches Enterprise. The column ran through March 13, 1958, when I graduated from high school.

While a student at Northwestern State College, I wrote a column in The Natchitoches Times titled “Notes of a Roving Reporter.” The first one appeared on the front page of The Times on June 20, 1963, and it continued regularly until July 25. It was then I changed the name to “Ballyhoo” and began writing about politics. I continued the column until Nov. 5, 1964.

As editor of the Northwestern newspaper, The Current Sauce, in 1963-64, I wrote a column entitled “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

I came to Many to run The Sabine Index and on Nov. 13, 1964, wrote my first column for the weekly parish newspaper I would eventually own. That column was also called “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

The title “Observations” was first used on Jan. 15, 1965. I changed how the heading looked over the years and eventually added a tagline, “News, Views, Facts and Opinions.”

After I sold The Index to the now-deceased Lovan Thomas who owned The Natchitoches Times and other papers, Tedd Dumas was nice enough to invite me to occupy an office in his radio station building. For several years, I wrote Observations for the BDC website and at that time, started an Observations Facebook page as well. When Tedd first urged me to write it for the BDC site, he said, “You write what you want.” I always did, and I appreciate the opportunity he gave me. We have been friends for many years, and that friendship continues today.

Sometime afterwards, Lovan approached me and asked if I would return to the pages of the Index and once again write Observations for the newspaper. We worked out an arrangement where each column published online would be published in the Index one week later, which seemed to work well. The first Observations column that ran in the Index again after my sale of the newspaper appeared on July 8, 2020. I want to thank Editor Daniel Jones and Jeremy Cheatwood at The Index for always being so helpful and going out of their way to do whatever needed to be done to assist in publication.

A few years ago, I started my own Observations site on the internet. Ryan Roberson, a native of Zwolle, was kind enough to always promote and run articles on his popular news aggregate Facebook page, The Cenla Report. He has always been there for us, and there are not words enough to tell him how much we appreciate all his efforts.

When my good friend, Valmore Byles, died some years back, I published a special issue of Observations about his life. It was posted on a Friday, and more than 7,000 persons read it. That was a record at the time, but after The Cenla Report started sharing Observations each week, readership rapidly increased, and persons from all over the world started reading. It was just amazing. Also, not long after The Cenla Report started posting the column, Observations was recognized by a premier news media and broadcasting platform service as “a shining example of excellence in the industry,” which we appreciated very much.

I am most grateful to the many persons who have read and supported Observations through the years. So many people supplied stories and photos, gave us tips on interesting happenings and provided encouragement. I will never forget all the folks who mentioned to me through the years what the column meant to them and how much they enjoyed it. I am deeply appreciative of each and every one. In many ways, writing the column has been a fun, enjoyable task and has brought a lot of fulfillment.

One of the added benefits to writing a column for such a long time are the wonderful letters, phone calls and, more recently, messages and texts I have received over the years. Only this week I received the following from Max Teasley Jr., son of one of the best friends I ever had, the late Max Teasley of Zwolle.

“Mr. Gentry, I retired at the ripe old age of 70 this June. I live on 23 acres outside of Mena, AR. My sister, Connie Leone of Zwolle, came to visit me this weekend. She told me she had talked to your wife, and she said your wife mentioned that my dad was in one of your recent columns. I quickly looked you up.

“While reading many of your postings, my mind was flooded with wonderful memories of growing up following my dad around and all his friends. Some of my fondest memories involved you, like the time you gave me my first and only ride in a Rolls Royce, the time we took a trip to Nashville, my first and only time I was backstage at the Ryman, and then we went to the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, and then on to WSM where we were interviewed by Ralph Emery. I don’t remember if it was you or Daddy that got locked out of the motel room in their underwear.

“That trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I thank you so very much.

“As I’m sure you are aware, the older you get, the more you reflect on the past. I’m now going to be an avid reader of Observations, for they remind me of my raising and all the great men (such as yourself) who influenced me.

“Thanks, Max Jr.”

Throughout the last 68 years, I have attempted to always be a person of integrity and tell the truth. Any failures have been of mind, not of heart. I have always strived to keep the public good at heart while understanding that different people sometimes have very different approaches to address the situations and circumstances of life.

It takes a lot of work each week to do the necessary research, attend meetings and other functions, take photos and do all the things involved in putting a column together. At this stage in my life, I do not choose to devote that much time to the matter.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my wife, Laurie. I couldn’t have done it without her. After the column went online, for over 10 years she spent about a day of each week putting Observations together to be published electronically. Several times, we also published special lagniappe columns on Fridays, in addition to the usual Wednesday offerings. Whenever I needed her to, she would attend an event for me, cover it, take photos and write an article. After online publication each week, she would spend more time making sure the content got updated as appropriate and forwarded to the Index with all the photos for the following week’s newspaper. In the last six years, she did all that while fighting and by God’s grace, overcoming, two unrelated bouts of cancer. I can never thank Laurie enough. She is a jewel.

There are several things that stand out in my mind about writing a column. First of all, I tried to make it interesting to readers and tried to be a reliable, truthful disseminator of news and events. I included many, many items I hoped would serve to encourage people along life’s way.

Often my columns had to do with politics. I have always felt everyone has a duty and obligation to know what is going on in politics and in their government so they can make sound decisions when it is time to vote.

Thirdly, I deliberately used the column to help a lot of people in a lot of different ways. I did my best to always lend a helping hand to anyone who approached me with a worthy cause needing help. I cannot recall ever telling anyone “No.”

Observations has been an effective doorway to meet a lot of interesting people I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, including a few who became treasured friends along the way. I owe to Observations my friendships with Country music legend Roy Acuff, Louisiana Governors Jimmie Davis and Edwin Edwards, and more recently, “Bridges of Madison County” author Robert James Waller, who stood beside me as Best Man when Laurie and I were married 18 years ago. There are many more, but time and space prevent them from being remembered just now.

For these and many more reasons too numerous to mention, I am blessed to have been lucky enough to write Observations and other columns for all these 68 years. There were weeks I missed writing a column, but in all those years, I figure I wrote somewhere north of 25,000 columns. I hope I helped some people along life’s highway. I hope I provided folks with useful and helpful information. I hope I provided a few laughs, and I hope I stimulated some thought. Most of all, I hope I have shared things that might have led someone to have a closer walk with God. A personal relationship with the Almighty is all that matters in this life, and all that will get you into the next one.

Back in the day, we old-time journalists were taught to use -30- to indicate the end of a story. I have used it all my journalistic life. And with this, I offer my final

— 30 —

Courtesy of Robert Gentry’s Observations newsletter, Sabine Parish, Louisiana

---

A traffic stop led to the arrests of two Red River Parish men, seizure of illegal narcotics and weapons according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Wednesday evening, October 9, 2024, at approximately 10:19pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling on La. Hwy 6 East near Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches when they stopped a 2020 Nissan Altima for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as being 25-year-old Tremetrick Shamar Newton of Coushatta, La.

A passenger was identified as 28-year-old LaDarion Davontae Jones of Coushatta, La.

Deputies say upon coming in contact with the occupants and speaking with the driver seated in the vehicle, they smelled a strong marijuana odor.

Deputies say the driver immediately reached into the ashtray attempting to hand them some partially smoked marijuana cigars stating “you smell some left over stuff.”

Deputies learned both Newton and Jones had pending felony charges in Red River Parish.

Back-up units for officer safety responded from the NPSO and NPD.

A probable cause search led to the discovery and seizure of:
*2-cellophane bags containing approximately 24 grams of suspected marijuana
*1-pill bottle with no label containing 9 suspected hydrocodone narcotic pills.
*1- loaded Glock 17, Gen 4, 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
*1-Rifle Works AR-15 style, .556 caliber rifle converted to a pistol with a 60-round loaded magazine with super sonic rounds.

Both Newton and Jones were placed under arrest.

As a result:
*Tremetrick S. Newton, of Coushatta was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS I Marijuana, Possession of CDS II Hydrocodone, Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Narcotics and traffic offenses.

*LaDarion D. Jones, of Coushatta was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS I Marijuana and Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Narcotics.

Both remain in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.

Involved in the arrests were Deputy Cpl. D. Halliburton assisted by Deputy Lt. M. Powell and NPD.

The investigation is ongoing.

---

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.

Except when both Red River and Mansfield have been prone to slow starts in games this season, perhaps the start takes on added meaning this week.

The Bulldogs (1-4) kick off District 3-2A play with a trip to Mansfield (2-3), which is Red River’s fourth straight road game and fifth in six games away from home.

“We do teach our kids that there are three different seasons – pre-district, district and the playoffs,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “We’re moving into our second season this week, and our district is wide open this year.”

Mansfield dug itself out of two separate 18-point holes in a 52-44 double overtime win against North Caddo this past week, which is the second double overtime game Mansfield has played in this season (lost to Minden in the first one).

Mansfield games have experienced wild momentum swings with the Wolverines trailing by double digits early in three of its five games. Even in its 50-14 win against Green Oaks, Mansfield was down after an early Giants’ touchdown.

Oddly enough, Mansfield’s biggest loss of the season (64-32 to Northwood) was its best start as the Wolverines built a two-touchdown advantage early.

Red River traded blows with Class 5A Pineville this week, answering both of Pineville’s early touchdowns to trail 14-12 in the second quarter of 32-20 Pineville win.

But the Bulldogs have fallen behind early in its other losses to Catholic-Pointe Coupee, White Castle, and Oak Grove.

“Being able to answer with a quick scores was big for us early against Pineville,” Keller said. “The kids had a shift in momentum after the opening Pineville score, and it’s important that we hung with them.

“Pineville returned a fumble for a touchdown and got the momentum back. But our kids are fighting until the very end, and when we clean up the minor mistakes, we will be able to finish games.”

The game features two of the area’s most explosive running backs in Red River’s Warren Bowman and Mansfield’s Terrell Pegues.

Bowman scored touchdowns in three different ways (rushing, receiving and kick return) this past week against Pineville has emerged as Red River’s primary offensive weapon.

Pegues has totaled nine offensive touchdowns and scored via the run, the catch and the pass.

Keller said his bunch has to match the physicality of a Mansfield squad that likes to fire off the ball.

Across the district, typical power Many (0-5) is still looking for its first win while usually middling Lakeside (5-0) is undefeated in coach John Ware’s first season at the helm.

It’s a true five-team scramble with Winnfield (2-3) being a wildcard as well.

---

 

 

 

---

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The second half of Riverdale Academy’s 34-14 win against Franklin Academy featured the closest version of what the Rebels had envisioned for themselves this season.

The Rebels (2-5) pitched a defensive shutout with linebacker Ashton Almond let loose on that side of the ball after playing strictly offense in the first half.

While Riverdale couldn’t say they were fully healthy (linebacker Shea Nettles was out), the Rebels were as close as they have been since the season opener.

All of that frustration and disappointment of a five-game losing streak can truly be let go if the Rebels are able to pull off a win this week against Wilkinson County Christian Academy (7-1, 2-0 District 3-1A).

The matchup is for the district title as WCCA has already dispatched of the league’s other two members in Franklin Academy and Tensas Academy.

Riverdale must beat WCCA and finish the regular season with a win against winless Tensas to claim the crown.

“This week’s game is huge as far as winning a district title,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “I think the adversity has allowed some players to step up and learn other positions.

“Defensively, I think the return of Almond has boosted their confidence. Offensively, we looked a little confused at times and had several missed plays. But it’s nothing we can’t tighten up this week.”

Riverdale has claimed two of the last three meetings against WCCA as part of seasons in which the Rebls have won at least nine games.

Both Riverdale quarterbacks Almond and Kaidyn Williams have missed time, and with most players playing on both sides of the ball, defensive disruptions via injuries have loomed large as well.

Linemen have also missed time, but Edie says having other players fill in means the Rebels will be more versatile in the final weeks of the season.

The Rebels will see a WCCA squad that hasn’t allowed an opponent to score more than 24 points save for its only loss of the season to Ben Ford’s Christian (58-40 loss).

WCCA has scored at least 40 points in six of their eight games.

A depleted Riverdale team has had four of its five losses be more than 30 points (with both wins coming by at least 20 poitns), but the Rebels are forging ahead healthy heading into the second-to-last regular season game of the season.

“Having everyone back this week was huge, and it showed us everything we need to work on going forward,” Edie said.

Riverdale catches a bye week after WCCA before hosting Tensas in the regular-season finale.

---