On September 26, Diane Nettles Martin was honored as North Louisiana Funeral Home Director of the Year. The award goes to a funeral director regarded by others as a role model who goes above and beyond the call of their everyday work to make a difference.

Surrounded by her family, Martin accepted the plaque and accolades as part of the annual meeting of her peers.

Daughter Stephanie Chamberlin expressed her praise for the hard work that Martin puts in daily. “I don’t know anyone who works harder and more hours than she does and gives her heart and soul every time. She serves our community with utmost dignity every day. Being a funeral director takes a special person, and I can honestly say that after working side by side with Mom for the last 21 years, I have learned from the best! She has molded me into the person I am today individually and professionally. Our job as funeral directors is not always easy. It is not 8-5 Monday- Friday; it is hard and stressful, but it is very rewarding knowing you have guided each family through one of the hardest times of their lives. She always goes above and beyond to ensure every family we serve is treated like family”.

By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

FRANKLIN – If Ashton Almond’s value wasn’t measured before Friday night, there was a clear demonstration of it in Riverdale Academy’s 34-14 victory at Franklin Academy.

Almond returned as a full participant, playing quarterback in the first half but not playing on defense as he worked his way back into game shape.

Franklin Academy led 14-12 at halftime, but Riverdale coach Nathan Edie decided to let Almond assume his linebacker spot on defense in the second half.

The result? The Rebels pitched a second-half shutout and outscored Franklin 22-0 after halftime.

“The defense tightened up in the second half, and we pitched a shutout,” Edie said. “We struggled in the first half, but in the second half, I decided to let Ashton play defense.

“We looked like a completely different unit. He’s just a ball hawk and always finds his way to the ball.”
Almond, who returned in limited action this past week against River Oaks, hadn’t played since the season opener in which he was the leading tackler and rusher.

Riverdale (2-5, 1-0 District 3-1A) didn’t play totally healthy as Shea Nettles, a center and linebacker, missed the Franklin (0-7) game with an injury.

But Almond’s return allowed players like Kaidyn Williams and Tanner Carlisle to use their athleticism to impact the game in different ways than without Almond.

“Ashton was our primary quarterback against Franklin, and having both he and Kaidyn available let’s us make spread the field and use their athleticism to make plays,” Edie said. “It also forces the defense to keep more players in the box, which opens the passing game up for Tanner.”

The win snapped a three-game losing streak in which Riverdale lost to Porter’s Chapel Academy, Claiborne Academy and River Oaks.

By starting district play off with a win, Riverdale will now be in line for a shot at a district when Wilkinson County Christian Academy visits next week.

WCCA (6-1, 2-0) already has wins over other district members Franklin and Tensas academies, both of which are winless this season.

A WCCA victory next week secures the district title while Riverdale would need to beat WCCA and Tensas Academy in the finale.

By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

PINEVILLE – Red River has been prone to slow starts this season, digging itself large holes against the likes of White Castle, Oak Grove and Catholic-Pointe Coupee.

The Bulldogs didn’t allow that to happen at Class 5A Pineville as Red River traded blows with the Rebels early, but a faster start wasn’t enough in a 32-20 Pineville victory.

Pineville (3-2) started fast when quarterback Carter Smith hit Landon Grimes for a 20-yard touchdown in the opening minutes.

But Red River’s (1-4) Warren Bowman had an answer, returning the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown to cut Pineville’s edge to 7-6.

The Smith-Grimes connection struck again on the next drive, this time for a 66-yard scoring hookup as the Rebels sprinted out of the gate to a 14-6 lead just five minutes in.

The Bulldogs responded again late in the first quarter as quarterback Malique Smith tossed a 10-yard touchdown to Bowman, getting to 14-12.

The turnover bug bit Red River for a second straight week as the Bulldogs had a scoring chance after Pineville muffed the kickoff.

But Pineville intercepted Smith, returned it to the 25-yard line and scored on an Ayden Tate 2-yard run.
While both teams combined to score 32 points in just more than a quarter, the defenses reigned supreme from there.

Pineville took its 20-12 lead into halftime, adding another score when Jacob Miranda returned a Red River fumble for a touchdown midway through the third quarter for a 26-12 edge.

Red River lost another fumble, which led to a Tate 17-yard touchdown run and a 32-12 advantage.

The Bulldogs got within two scores when Bowman plunged in on a short touchdown run to cut Pineville’s advantage to 32-20, but Red River could come no closer.

Bowman accounted for all three scores in different manners – kickoff return, receiving and rushing.
Red River kicks off District 3-2A play at Mansfield (2-3) in its fourth straight road game and fifth in its first six contests.

On October 1, 2024, Captain James Moseley and K-9 Sergeant Lee Petersen of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to visit with Pre-K3 through 4th grade students at Riverdale Academy.
Captain Moseley brought along one of our department’s drones and put it in flight for all to see. To the delight of the students, Sergeant Petersen was joined by K-9 partner Max as he discussed how they work together to enforce laws in our community.

The deputies were joined by firefighters from the Red River Parish Fire Protection District who brought along a fire engine, firefighting equipment and fire suits, which some of the students attempted to wear! Medics from Red River EMS also allowed the kids to come on board their medic unit where some were amazed to hear the sound of a heartbeat through a stethoscope!

According to Kindergarten teacher and event organizer, Mrs. Mary Ann Longino, the students enjoyed everything so much.

Sheriff Edwards shared on social media how much the RRPSO appreciates the opportunity to interact with students on our school campuses. “Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Longino. Our deputies had a blast.”

The 2024 Louisiana 4-H/FFA Bash on the Bayou will be held Saturday, November 23 in the 4-H Mini Farm on LSU’s campus. Doors will open at 10am. Game time has not been set yet therefore tailgating time has not been determined. 

Cost
The cost to attend the event is $5 per person which includes a meal, ice cream and networking with 4-H and FFA members from across the state. Tailgate shirts and football game tickets must be purchased separately.

Registration
Registration closes November 15, 2024, with payment due by November 20.
Register here: hhttps://fs8.formsite.com/laffa/oj9srzjojj/index

Parking
Available on a first come, first served basis near the 4-H Mini Farm and Parker Coliseum parking lot. There will be no reserved parking for cars and trucks. 

Food and Drink
Free food and drinks will be available for the first 500 people. Doors to the 4-H Mini Farm will open at 10am and food will be served beginning at 11am.

Shirts and Game Tickets
Tshirts cost $12 for youth sizes, $14 adult (S-XL), $16 adults (2X-3X). There are limited sizes. 
Game tickets are available starting at $25 per ticket. Tickets must be purchased through the 4-H/FFA Bash on the Bayou ticket order link through the LSU Athletic Office at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/LSU4H

Activities
Football games will be played on the screens in the Mini Farm and fun activities will be available outside under the pavilion.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has notified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) of upcoming changes to the program’s work requirement and time limit waivers.

Starting October 1, the age limit for ABAWDs will increase from 52 to 54 and time-limit waivers in 33 parishes will expire. Notices were mailed to affected SNAP recipients on August 30.

SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 54 are classified as ABAWDs if they are physically or mentally fit for work and do not live with a child under the age of 18.

In addition to SNAP general work requirements, ABAWDs must work, volunteer, or participate in an employment and training program for at least 80 hours a month. ABAWDS who fail to meet this requirement and do not qualify for an exemption are limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period.

Key Changes Effective October 1, 2024:

• Increase in ABAWD Age Limit: As mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the age limit for ABAWDs subject to federal work requirements will increase from 52 to 54 years old.
• Expiration of Time-Limit Waivers: Last federal fiscal year, more than half of Louisiana’s 64 parishes were granted waivers from the ABAWD time-limit rules due to high local unemployment. Those waivers expire October 1, 2024. Under Act 308 of the 2024 regular legislative session, DCFS cannot seek or renew waivers or offer state-provided exemptions to these work requirements unless required by federal law. This means all SNAP recipients aged 18 to 54 who do not qualify for an exemption will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits during the SNAP time-limit period running through March 2026 unless they meet the federal work requirement.

Impact on Louisiana:

For the first time in years, no time-limit waivers will be in effect in any of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. Starting October 1, ABAWDs across the state must comply with federal work requirements to maintain their SNAP benefits. The changes are expected to affect approximately 20,449 individuals as of August 31, or 2.4% of Louisiana’s 848,389 SNAP recipients as of July 30.

How to Meet ABAWD Work Requirements:

ABAWD-classified SNAP recipients may satisfy the work requirement in any of the following ways:

• Work in a job (for pay or as a volunteer) for at least 80 hours per month;
• Participate in the SNAP E&T program, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), any program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, or any employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs; or
• Work or participate in any combination of the above activities for 80 or more hours per month.

Resources and Assistance:

To help meet these work requirements, DCFS encourages ABAWDs to visit dcfs.la/snapet for information on our free SNAP Employment and Training program. All SNAP recipients are invited to visit the SET for Success website to get started on the path to financial stability and fulfilling work through one of three DCFS workforce development programs.

Exemptions from Work Requirements:

Recipients may be exempt from the ABAWD work requirement and time limit if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Physically or mentally unable to work
• Pregnant
• Caring for dependents
• Veteran status
• Experiencing homelessness
• Aged 24 or younger and in foster care on their 18th birthday
• Working at least 30 hours per week or earning $217.50 or more per week
• Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
• Attending school, college, or a training program at least half-time
• Meeting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work rules
• Participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program

SNAP recipients who believe they qualify for an exemption must contact DCFS to verify their status by emailing LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or calling 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).

Red River Parish Schools are holding Intersession October 7-10 and begin Fall Break October 11. Classes resume Monday, October 21.

Join Union Hall Baptist Church for Fall Bible School, “The Great Jungle Journey,” October 14-16. A meal will be provided at 5:30pm for the children. Activities begin at 6pm.  

Red River Parish 4-H will host Outdoor Skills Daycamp Tuesday, October 15 from 9am-2pm at Grand Bayou Resort. The camp is open to students in grades 1-7. Students must register by Oct 11. It is free for paid members. Call the office to sign up (932.4342). 

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!

Magnolia Bend Academy Beta Club is holding a gift card fundraiser. Tickets  are $1 each and will be available for purchase in the office as well Beta Club members. The winner will also take home the beautiful fall wreath the gift cards are attached to. The drawing will be held on November 19, need not be present to win. Gift cards include Bass Pro Shops, Bath & Body Works, Mastercard, DQ, Nichols, Marshall’s, Starbucks, Visa, Home Sense, Texas Roadhouse, McDonald’s, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Golden Corral, IHOP, Ulta, Fandango, Tractor Supply, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway, Longhorn Steakhouse, Panda Express, Southern Classic, and Barnes & Noble. All proceeds will help Beta members attend convention and help with Beta Pro. 

NONE

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on October 4, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – In recent seasons, Red River had tested itself against larger schools from the area in preparation for a tough District 3-2A slate.

The Bulldogs scheduled differently this season, opting to play schools of similar size but often with longer road trips involved to better prepare for the playoffs.

But this week, Red River reverts back to its old scheduling methods as the Bulldogs (1-3) head to Class 5A Pineville in its last game before district play begins.

While Red River may have scheduled schools of the same size, that certainly hasn’t meant the quality of opponent has dipped.

Red River’s losses include Catholic-Pointe Coupee (26-6), Oak Grove (55-8) and most recently White Castle (48-30).

Even Red River’s win against St. Mary’s (26-13 decision) looks even better this week after the Tigers drummed usual District 3-2A power Many in a 64-40 contest.

Red River established itself on both lines of scrimmage in that win against St. Mary’s, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Bulldogs hope its defense can return closer to that form after allowing a combined 104 points the past two weeks, but Pineville won’t be an easy task. Red River’s defense did improve in the second half against White Castle, allowing just 10 points after White Castle compiled 38 first-half points.

The Rebels have scored at least 25 points in its first three games, which include wins against Avoyelles (35-20) and Tioga (39-36).

Pineville is coming off a 41-13 loss to a surging Leesville bunch this past week.

Part of Red River’s defensive success has been the ability to force turnovers. The Bulldogs forced at least two turnovers in each of its first three games, but it was Red River’s own turnovers that loomed large in the loss to White Castle.

Red River lost two fumbles and didn’t force any turnovers as White Castle built an 18-0 lead and fended off the Bulldogs’ comeback attempts.

Red River did score a season-high 30 points at White Castle led by Warren Bowman’s three touchdowns. Bowman has produced in the running and passing games, where he teams up with Montreveun Smith in the backfield and then Jomello McDonald in passing routes.

While every team aims to win every game, Pineville could have an increase of urgency with a daunting upcoming schedule – Neville, Alexandria Senior High, West Monroe and Ruston.

After Many (0-4) has dominated District 3-2A for nearly a decade, the apparent fall of the Sabine Parish Tigers means the door is wide open for the entire district field with Red River angling to insert itself at the top.

A win at Pineville (or even a competitive loss) could send a signal to the rest of the district that the Bulldogs should be considered serious contenders.

Riverdale Academy will host the 2024 Homecoming game on Friday, October 11.

Students and staff will get the celebration started with spirit dress-up days October 7-11.
Monday–Sleeping Beauty (PJ Day)
Tuesday–Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum (Twin Day)
Wednesday–A Tale as Old as Time (Senior Citizen Day)
Thursday–Monsters Inc (College Day)
Friday–Mickey & Minnie (School Spirit Day)

Friday, October 11 has an array of activities. The night begins with an Alumni reception, with light refreshments, at 5:30pm. Classes honored include 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014. The school will be open for tours also. 

The reception is followed by the 2024 Homecoming Court presentation beginning at 6pm.

Court royalty includes:
Queen: Jadyn King
Crown Bearer: Kyndall Giddings
Ring Bearer: Drake Harper”
Senior Maid: Shirley Boyd
Junior Maid: Alaina Boyd
Sophomore Maid: Krista Mancil
Freshman Maid: Adyson Barrett
Football Sweetheart: Chloe Jordan

The homecoming game against Wilkinson County Christian Academy kicks off at 7pm. The honored Alumni classes will be recognized before kickoff.

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Riverdale fans will be encouraged by two things they see when the Rebels get back on the football field Friday.

The first is a relatively healthy team with the return of Ashton Almond, who played for the first time this past week in limited capacity in a loss to River Oaks.

The second is Friday’s opponent – Franklin Academy – which is still scrapping for its first win of the season.

Riverdale travels to Franklin (0-6) for a 7 p.m. kickoff as both teams start district play and attempt to end losing streaks.

While Franklin Academy certainly remains dangerous, it’s not the same as the most recent run of Riverdale (1-5) opponents, which included Porter’s Chapel (4-2), Claiborne Academy (5-1), and River Oaks (6-0).

And Riverdale aims to return to what this team was intended to look like with Almond, who was the leading rusher, passer and tackler in the Rebels season-opener.

Kaidyn Williams, who split time with Almond at quarterback and who missed the River Oaks game entirely, is expected to play Friday – giving the Rebels their two most dangerous offensive weapons on the field at the same time.

“I was overly pleased with Ashton’s effort this past week,” said Riverdale coach Nathan Edie. “It’ll be great to have both of these players back for district play.

“We should have our entire team active this week, so I am excited to see what we look like.”

A long Almond run set up a short Kaidyn Williams touchdown plunge to score on the first drive of the season against Prairie View. And while the Spartans did take command of the game in the subsequent quarters, the execution of that drive before the August heat (and the Spartans) took their toll could be what Riverdale aspires to look like for longer stretches now that temperatures have dipped.

Riverdale knew they’d have to learn on the fly after replacing eight seniors from a nine-win team this past season.

But now the Rebels have a chance to piece it together in the remaining three games of the regular season and a shot at a district title.

That stretch starts Friday at Franklin Academy.

“While Franklin Academy has struggled this year, they have some athletes, and I know they will play hard,” Edie said. “Our focus this week will be on tackling in space and being more aggressive up front.

“With our size on the line, we need to be able to move people out of the way.”

Outside of Franklin Academy scoring 28 points against a good Tallulah Academy bunch, Franklin has managed just 18 points in its five other games, which includes two shutouts (Briarfield and River Oaks).
They’ll face a Riverdale defense that’s allowed at least 42 points in four of its six games, although a healthy Almond and Williams should bolster that side of the ball as well.

MAIS District 3-1A is a four-team league (Riverdale, Franklin, Wilkinson Country Christian, and Tensas Academy).

Riverdale’s final three regular-season games will be against these foes.

Franklin (0-6) and Tensas (0-7) are still looking for its first wins while Wilkinson County (5-1) has had the most successful regular season so far, including a 48-6 win against Franklin this past week.

Northwestern State University’s School of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) hosted more than 450 high school students from around the state for Fall STEM Day Friday, Sept. 27. Students toured labs, participated in hands-on games and experiments and spoke with NSU students and faculty about degree programs, career paths, scholarships and college life.

Information on NSU’s School of STEM is available at https://www.nsula.edu/stem/.

Red River High School students who attended: 
Zykeria Babers
Tayla Weathers
Weston Davis
Jazmin Thomas
Mackenzie Lewis
Mykhail Cox
Cayden Johnson
Fadasia Demery
Jadarylria Smith
Adrianna Bradford
Emily Morgan
Journey Lin
Markendria Winn
Jayda Woods
Samuel Brunson
Porter Williamson
Emmanuel Scott
Sarah Cornier
Gracie Stephens
Darcey Bohannon
Destiney Bohannon

There is absolutely no better feeling for an angler than when he puts a plan together and it becomes reality. Tournament bass fishermen spend countless hours fishing and scouting in order to try and formulate a game plan that he hopes comes to fruition. Hopefully this plan will either put him in the winner’s circle or in position to cash a check. Today we’ll wrap up and put a bow on the 2024 Texas ABA Pro League Series.

This time of year (September & October) is when so many bass tournament organizations schedule their championships. ABA (American Bass Anglers) held their two-day championship on Lake Sam Rayburn on September 14th & 15th. This is a tournament where only anglers that qualified could fish this event.

Let’s first start with how practice went and took place on Thursday and Friday before the tournament began on Saturday. Thursday and Friday’s practice was not too bad but was pretty much hit and miss as it was difficult to put any kind of pattern together. But one thing I felt I could count on was where I was catching most of my fish, which was on main lake points.

The lake level was pretty much pool level or about 3 inches low while the bass were very shallow and could be caught with a couple of techniques….flipping a soft plastic trickworm or casting a spinnerbait. Turns out, every fish I weighed for both days actually came on one particular spinnerbait. Now this played right into my hands as I would consider myself a shallow water angler.

I was able to catch a lot of bass on the trickworm, but catching quality was an issue. I just wasn’t able to get a big bite when flipping cypress trees or anything else. They were good solid keeper fish (2 pounders), but not fish that would get me a check. Then on day 2 of practice I spent most of the day with one specific spinnerbait in my hand.

My blade of choice (as some anglers call a spinnerbait) was one that I have had great success with especially on the Red River and Sam Rayburn. This is a quarter ounce white Hummdinger with a small gold willow leaf blade and a small silver Colorado blade. But I think the real magnet for this spinnerbait was the 3-inch paddle tail trailer I used in a ghost shad color. Turns out, it matched the baitfish the bass were feeding on perfectly.

Not only did it catch fish, but every bass I brought to the scales both days came on this one spinnerbait. So many fish were caught on it, that I had to put on a new one for day 2. Twice I had to replace the back blade on this spinnerbait because they were breaking off as the wire just got so weak from all the fish I caught on it.

I finished 7th overall with over 28 pounds of bass during the two-day event, with 16 lbs. on day one and 13 lbs. on day two. Of course, there’s always the one that got away as I broke off a bass over 5 pounds on day one on of all things, a topwater bait called a Zara Spook.

Turns out, it was my own fault as the line on this reel was over a year old. This is why fresh line is so important on tournament day! This one mistake cost me leading the tournament on day one and left me with a day two deficit of just over 2 pounds.

But in the end, it was all good as I wrapped up the 2024 ABA Pro League as runner-up for Angler of the Year. Just the fact that at the age of 63, I proved that even without being a forward-facing sonar expert, you can still compete with those that are. Chalk one up for the older guys!

Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and take the time to enjoy some of the best fishing of the year as bass start their fall migration feeding period.

Steve Graf

(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is emphasizing the importance of mammograms, which can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, allowing for earlier treatments and increasing chances of survival.

Dr. Deepika Ralla, medical oncologist with the CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport and Bossier City, said advancements in mammography now allow for detection of cancerous lumps before they are big enough to feel or cause any symptoms.

“The most important factor in outcome is how early we can identify an area of concern and get a diagnosis,” Ralla said. “Advancements in mammogram technology have allowed us to find cancers in very early stages, giving us a head start on the path to a positive outcome.”

Current recommendations are that women begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40, with women with higher risk factors being encouraged to start screenings earlier.

Risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, specifically with two or more first or second-degree family members diagnosed with breast cancer, certain genetic syndromes that are predisposed to several cancers and increased breast density.

The Food and Drug Administration recently updated its regulations to require mammography facilities to notify patients about the density of their breasts.

“The denser your breast is, the more difficult it can be to detect cancer,” Ralla said. “By informing patients of breast density, we can recommend some alternative screenings and tests to makes sure we have all the information we need.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2024.

“Mammograms are the staple in breast cancer detection and therefore vital to the long-term prognosis,” Ralla said. “If you have not gotten a mammogram, we encourage you to do it. Anytime is better than nothing.”

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System offers mammograms during regular appointment hours and on Oct. 3, 17, and 22, will offer mammograms after hours, from 5–7 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Breast Center in Shreveport, and weekend mammograms on Oct. 5, 19, and 26 from 8 a.m.- noon at the CHRISTUS Bossier Emergency Hospital.

To schedule a mammogram, patients can call (318) 681-4100.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, during National Hunting and Fishing Day, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies , Natchitoches Police Department and civilian volunteers began the first of three phases of Hunter Education Courses for area youth at the Natchitoches Shooting Range in Natchitoches according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The goal of Louisiana’s Hunter Education Course is to prevent hunting incidents and ensure the future of hunting by teaching hunters about their responsibilities and roles in conservation. The course covers firearm and hunting safety, wildlife management principles, ethics, game identification, and outdoor survival.

Sheriff Wright said as we all know, Louisiana is called the “Sportsman’s Paradise”. Our children enjoy the outdoors and hunting with family and friends. This course is important in teaching our youth the fundamentals about the outdoors, responsibility and hunter safety.”

Instructors were: Deputy Marshall Guin, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Lt. Matthew Robertson, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Wildlife Agent Sgt. Joey Melton, La. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement Division, Wildlife Agent Ken Cheramie, La. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement Division, Officer Clayton Lewis, Natchitoches Police Department and Civilian Volunteer Lee Guin.

Sheriff Glen Edwards and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office will host an additional education course for local hunters. More information will be shared later this month. 

Blood donors are game changers and LifeShare Blood Center is highlighting these valuable MVPs with a chance to win tickets to see the Tigers take on the Commodores in Baton Rouge! Anyone who gives blood or platelets at any LifeShare donor center or mobile drive from October 7th through 19th will be entered for a chance to score a pair of tickets to the big game on November 23rd.

Just like a football team, every player matters–and every donor makes a difference. Someone requires blood every two seconds in the U.S. and one blood donation can impact up to three lives! Unlike most other life-saving medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled. Red blood cells expire after only 42 days and platelets after only 7 days. “Blood donors have a unique opportunity to be true champions. We rely on each donation, each day, to meet the ongoing needs of our local patients and hospitals,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement.

Five winners will each win a pair of tickets at the Skyline Club Level, which includes an excellent view of the game, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Transportation, parking, and lodging are not included. Full promotion details can be found at http://www.lifeshare.org/promos.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule your blood donation at http://www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800.256.5433.

The Adai Caddo Indian Nation will host their 26th Annual Powwow on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at
4460 Hwy 485 in Robeline. The event is open to the public and admission to the powwow is
free. Hours are from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM. The event will host vendors, raffles, dancers, and more.

Tribal leader, Chief John Mark Davis, shared his thoughts about the event, “We look forward to seeing you all at our 26th Annual Adai Caddo Indian Nation Powwow! Come out and celebrate our tradition and heritage with us! [There will be] excellent traditional food, crafts, and native ceremonial powwow dance and demonstrations.”

The Adai Caddo Indian Nation is a Louisiana state-recognized tribe and has its roots deep in the history of Northwestern Louisiana, as the Adai people have a long-documented history in the region.

The first Friday of October every year is celebrated around the globe as World Smile Day. The unofficial holiday encourages people to do acts of kindness to spread good will and cheer.

First started in 1999 by the creator of the smiley face, Harvey Ball, the holiday celebrates the intent behind the now universally recognized icon – to bring a smile of the faces of people around the world. The purpose of the holiday was to move away from the commercialization of the smiley face and to use it as a symbol of kindness and affection.

The smiley face made its debut in 1963 as a way to increase the morale of the employees of a life insurance company. Today, it is one of the most popular nonverbal ways to convey joy, happiness and cheer. The smiley face began as a bright yellow circle with two dots to represent eyes and a black line that represents a smiling mouth.

Today, there are many different versions of the smiley face, representing many other human emotions such a sadness, surprise, worry and laughter. In modern texting smileys are used to express emotions in online conversations on a smartphone or on a computer. The practice has its origin in Japan, and the smileys and other icons are known as emoji.

How to Celebrate–
  Make people around you smile.
  Do a random act of kindness. Buy a stranger a coffee. Compliment someone. 
  Surprise someone in your family with a visit, cook a meal for them, or do something special for them.

Fun Fact: babies are born with the ability to smile. 

Source: timeanddate.com

The king was dead. The date was February 6, 1952.  People all across Great Britain and around the world were shocked and saddened by the news. King George VI, better known as Bertie to those close to him, had been king of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms since 1936.  The king’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, next in line to the throne, was heartbroken. She was in Kenya on a royal tour when she learned of her father’s death. She immediately returned to London.  At the moment of the king’s death, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II.

When the king died, the government began planning for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.  Planning and arranging the coronation was a logistical nightmare. Leaders of countries and territories around the world were expected to attend.  One detail was certain from the beginning.  Queen Elizabeth would ride in the horse-drawn coronation coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey where every coronation had taken place since 1066, nearly 1,000 years.  Finally, the date of the coronation was set for June 2, 1953. 

As soon as news of the king’s death spread throughout the realm, people began creating all sorts of items to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming coronation.  There were teacups, coffee cups, plates, figurines, thimbles, spoons, coins, books, and a myriad of other items.  Just northeast of London, Jack Odell and Leslie Smith owned and operated a small shop called Lesney Products & Company Limited where they sold handmade metal miniature road-building equipment.  Although their business was struggling to survive, they began working on a miniature replica of the ornate gilded Gold State Coach which had been used to transport the sovereign to and from every coronation since 1821.  Their finished product had “eight painted metal horses and four riders leading a coach that was either painted or plated in gold or silver.”  The miniature was an instant hit.  Jack and Leslie produced a smaller replica, just a few inches long, and it was a bigger hit than the larger version.  Jack and Leslie sold over a million of the tiny coronation coaches.  Keep in mind that this was decades before the electronic age, where advertisements bombard you each time you look at your phone.  People wishing to purchase one of the tiny coronation coaches had to go looking for them. 

Jack and Leslie realized that they were onto something big, but they were unsure what product to make next.  Compared to the coronation coaches, their miniature road construction equipment was a failure.  After another long day of seemingly endless discussions about what to produce next, Jack and Leslie left their shop and went to their respective homes.  That evening, Jack’s daughter lamented that she wanted a toy that she could take to school but the school had a policy that all toys had to be small enough to fit inside a small container of a precise measurement.  All of their miniatures were too large to fit in the container.  Then, Jack had an epiphany that they create miniatures on the same scale as their wildly successful coronation coach.  The next day, Jack rushed to the shop and shared the idea with Leslie.  They quickly agreed that they had found their next product.  Their new miniatures were a huge hit, and they still continue to sell well. The miniatures that Jack and Leslie began creating, which were based on the scale of the coronation coach, took the name of his daughter’s school’s small container policy.  That is how Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation led to the beginning of Matchbox Cars.

Sources:

1.     Valdes-Dapena, Peter, ” How Queen Elizabeth’s coronation helped start Matchbox cars,” CNN.com, April 25, 2023, accessed September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/25/business/matchbox-king-charles-coronation-coach/index.html.

2.     The Strong National Museum of Play, “Matchbox Cars,” accessed September 28, 2024, https://www.museumofplay.org/toys/matchbox-cars/.