Ruston, LA – The next “Inside the C-Suite” lecture for Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business will feature alumni and siblings Scott Moody, ’92, and James Moody, ’98. The lecture will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. in Davis Auditorium (College of Business 101).

“Scott and James have a wealth of expertise to share,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “Both have diverse professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds that range from starting their own businesses to serving in C-level roles. I can’t wait to have them back on campus to inspire our students.”

Scott is the co-owner and chief marketing and sales officer for PK Grills, an award-winning Arkansas-based manufacturer with a cult following among the competitive barbecue circuit and backyard pitmasters. He is also the co-owner of Fire & Smoke Society, a sauce and spice company with distribution in retailers like Walmart and Kroger.

Based in Little Rock, Scott previously held marketing roles in the retail and wireless industries, with stints at Alltel Wireless and Dillard’s Department Stores. He graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

James is an Austin-based entrepreneur who founded The Mohawk, a live music venue that’s become a cornerstone of the Texas capital’s live music scene. He is also a co-founder of Rambler Sparkling Water, a popular mineral water company; Guerilla Suit, a branding agency; Queue, a mobile ticketing company; Hot Luck, a food and music festival; and Equipment Room, a Japanese-inspired vinyl bar.

James graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Louisiana Tech in 1992.

“Inside the C-Suite” provides a forum for top corporate leaders from some of the nation’s most prominent companies to share their views on topics of societal, academic, and professional importance. The series strives to stimulate insightful conversation on current issues by providing a platform for high-level executives to speak about cutting-edge issues, elaborate on trends, share wisdom, and provide important career inspiration and advice for students. Topics cover a variety of themes in core business subjects such as economic climate, ethics, corporate responsibility, leadership, globalization, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and diversity.

For more information on “Inside the C-Suite,” contact Mary Susan Britt, executive director of development for the College of Business, at marysusan@latechalumni.org or 318.257.3741.

Back “in the day” I was a small boy attending Vacation Bible School. I remember one of the thrills was learning how to say the name of the book, “Deuteronomy.” When you can say, “Deuteronomy” you are a big boy! I also remember making crafts for my mother. If you take four small boxes of matches, put them in a square pattern, glue two old fashion school bathroom tiles to them, you have a matchbook holder, and your mom will be pleased. We made that on Monday and then on Tuesday, we actually made “ash trays” for our parents. Remember this was Vacation Bible School, 1960’s style.

Fortunately, we don’t make ashtrays in Vacation Bible School anymore. Come to think of it, we don’t even sell ashtrays in stores anymore. That was one whole “section” of the W.T. Grant stores. Ashtrays and cigarette lighters have vanished from cars too. Things have changed for the better I suppose. I do have memories of filling my dad’s cigarette lighter with fluid and then testing the lighter. Do you know what happens to flannel pajamas soaked in lighter fluid? I do!

I wanted to make the point that it isn’t a long journey from ubiquitous to extinct. (I wrote that sentence just to prove I actually attended graduate school.) Think of all the things we used to have around all the time that are gone. Rotary dial phones, cars without shoulder belts, typewriters, mimeograph machines, chalkboards, hymnals (they are vanishing), pure heroes and heroines, and Sunday mornings with nothing happening but church.

Even the mysterious thing called a relationship has changed as “perfumed loved letters” have given way to “text messaging.” Keeping up in a changing world has become ever more challenging, especially in church life. One of the great mantras of church life is, “we have never done it that way before.” I think we should say over some of the things we do, “we should never do it that way AGAIN.”

So, what do you miss that is gone? Do you really miss outhouses or restaurants where there were smoking and non-smoking sections? Do you really miss a humid non air conditioned living room and sitting by the old Victrola. I didn’t think so.

Change is the only constant in life. You are either changing (metabolism) or you are dead. My hope for you is that you are always changing in God’s direction!

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

According to information from the Coushatta Police Department, at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, officers were dispatched to a crash involving a white GMC Yukon SUV and a commercial vehicle at the intersection of E Carroll Street and Cut-Off Road.

On the scene, officers learned that a 2005 Peterbilt truck was traveling north on US Hwy 71 hauling lumber when, for reasons still under investigation, a white GMC Yukon operated by a 77-year-old Coushatta woman proceeded out into the intersection, leading to a nearly head-on collision.

The commercial vehicle then left the roadway and entered Conoco’s parking lot, causing property damage before coming to a rest on Cut-Off Road.

Officers on the scene found passengers from the white GMC Yukon and the driver of the commercial vehicle suffering from possible non-life-threatening injuries.

Two people involved in the crash were transported to Christus Coushatta with minor/moderate injuries.

Officers conducted approximately 2 1/2 hours gathering crash investigation information, directing traffic due to traffic congestion and roadway blockage, and rendering care to involved parties.

Coushatta Police Department officers were assigned to investigate the crash.

Louisiana Christian University will offer high school students their best chance to learn about the opportunities awaiting them in Pineville at the annual Fall Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Two lucky students will receive a $1000 Preview Day Scholarship!

All high school students in public, private and home school are encouraged to preregister to attend the event on campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. for those who don’t pre-register ahead of time.

This event showcases all the university’s majors and allows participants to speak with faculty and current students all in one place. There is no better way to learn about the academic programs, athletics and extracurricular activities than to be on campus for preview day. Attendees will also hear from current students about their college experiences in major fields of study and what it’s like to be an LCU Wildcat.

The morning of activities includes:
*A brief tour of the historic campus and facilities
*Opportunities to ask questions about admissions and financial aid
*Time to explore and learn more about all majors and programs
*Meet the faculty, students, and leadership of the university

Interested students should sign up by going to the Preview Day registration form.

Students who attend Preview Day will receive a free lunch and LCU merchandise. Students who pre-register for Preview Day will have the $25 application fee waived.

Please contact the Admissions Department with any questions at admissions@LCUniversity.edu or (800)487-1906.

Not a lot of football fun for Louisiana Tech so far this fall. 

Been a hard-to-watch 1-3 through a slim September, this game and that one slipping away, some of those slips self-inflicted, some of them because the other teams have scholarship players too.

But if the Bulldogs are looking for some hope, they can step back with me to 2011, when things started 1-4.

Season opener was lost 19-17 on a late field goal in a tropical storm at Southern Miss.

Tech beat Central Arkansas, 48-42, in overtime at Joe Aillet Stadium, then lost a four-touchdown lead and fumbled late to bow at home to Houston, 35-34.

Then a loss at Mississippi State, 26-20. In overtime. End zone interception.

Then a hat-handing at home against Hawaii, 44-26, to open the Western Athletic Conference season; the Bulldogs were so bad in that game, they didn’t even get to receive the kickoff in either half. I am not making that up. Bungled the coin toss. The officials should have righted the wrong and were the only outfit on the field worse than the ’Dogs that night, but still … That kind of night, and that kind of start. 

1-4 overall, 0-1 in the WAC.

Now … you can stop what you’re doing and look it up if you want to, but I’m just saying that from there, Tech won seven straight, won the WAC outright, and finished the season with a 31-24 loss to TCU in San Diego in the Poinsettia Bowl, a game they probably should have won.

But the bowl loss did nothing to diminish what that team accomplished. It kind of helped set the table for 2012, when the Bulldogs led the nation in scoring average at 51.5 a game, the only team in the NCAA to average 50-plus.

True story.

If that’s not enough, me and the rest of the geezer crowd can take you back to our spry days of 40 years ago when the 1984 Bulldogs started 1-3, just like the current bunch. But when the dust had settled and the last flankers and nose tackles were tucked safely in bed in mid-December, the Bulldogs had won the Southland Conference and three games in the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs before falling at the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., to muscle-bound Montana State, 19-6, in the national championship game to finish 10-5. 

I was there, a rookie sportswriter. 

So was Doyle Adams, a senior safety who finished his career as the program leader in interceptions.

And so was Karl Terrebonne, a senior receiver who went from walk-on to all-conference, a steady hand good for about three or four first downs a game, mostly over the middle.

“I think what allowed us to recover from the 1-3 start and go on to play in the national championship game was the ability to literally focus on getting better each day despite not experiencing success on the field early on,” said Adams, a banker-turned-long-time Bossier Parish pastor, whose smile is no less bright now than it was when he was an all-league defensive back. “I know it sounds like typical ‘coachspeak,’ but it was true. There was incredible senior leadership on the team, led by Karl Terrebonne, that helped foster a mental toughness to go out there and work hard daily.

“Another big thing: throughout the course of the season, we had a variety of different players step to the forefront and lead the team statistically on Saturday,” he said. “From QB’s David Brewer, Kyle Gandy and Jordan Stanley to running backs Garland Powell and David Green, each had their chance to lead the offensive unit. Defensively, players like Aldon Kelly, Jon Paul Laque and Doug ‘Tank’ Landry helped lead the charge. 

“But the key thing was, it didn’t matter to the team who was in the spotlight, so long as the job was getting done.”

After the team’s third loss, a 14-8 setback at Ole Miss, the third straight after a season-opening win, Coach A.L. Williams, a Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Famer now retired in Ruston, invited the seniors to his and Mrs. Sarah’s house for dinner.

“We talked for almost three hours,” said Terrebonne, who, naturally, went on to become a coach, “and that Saturday, we beat North Texas, a ranked team.”

The following Monday, Terrebonne walked into Williams’ office and asked his coach what the seniors were eating Thursday night. 

“He laughed and said, ‘Tell the guys to come over,’” Terrebonne said. “That Saturday, we beat McNeese in Lake Charles, and they were No. 3 in the nation, and from then on, we went to A.L.’s house every Thursday.

“I’m not sure if that did it,” he said, “but we won 10 damn games.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Woman Church will be held October 3 at 6pm at The Stable, 2195 Swan Lake Road, Bossier. Dovie Beard will be the guest speaker. Dinner will be provided. 

Adeline’s Bed & Breakfast located at 340 Hand Cemetery Road in Coushatta will host an Open House October 12 from 5-8pm. Enjoy an evening of charm and hospitality while touring beautiful rooms and learn more about their services. Refreshments will be served.

The Red River Parish Library will host the monthly Ancestor Hunters Genealogy Meeting October 16 from 10am-12pm. Classes are FREE. Bring your own laptop or you can use one at the library. The workshop will focus on using Ancestry.com which is available through the library’s website. The meeting will be led by Red River Parish native, Dr. Virginia Webb.

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

Youth and Adults, ages 9 and up, Jacque Fontenot with Red River 4-H would love to take your exhibits to the Louisiana State Fair. Items will be displayed, and you may even win some money. Items should be at the Red River 4-H office by October 22. You can enter something in every category.
Youth exhibit catalog: https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/…/competitive…
Adult exhibit catalog: https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/…/competitive…

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

NONE

Red River High school will celebrate 2024 Homecoming this week (Sept 30-Oct 3) while school is in session. This year’s homecoming game falls while Red River Parish Schools are on Fall Break. 

RRHS will begin the week with Spirit dress days:
Monday–Duo Day
Tuesday–Teacher/Student Mix-Up
Wednesday–80s-90s Day
Thursday–Spirit Day 

Thursday, RRHS will hold the Homecoming Coronation at 1pm in the gym. The public is invited to attend. The 2024 Homecoming royalty will be introduced. King, Jomello McDonald and Queen, Aiesha Hall, will be crowned during the ceremony. 

The Homecoming game will take place on Friday, October 18 at Pat Strother Stadium with kickoff at 7pm.
The Bulldogs will host the Lakeside. Alumni classes ending in 4 will be honored with a reception from 5:30-6:30pm at the RRJH pavillion and recognized during halftime of the game. The Homecoming Processional will begin at 6:30pm. 

RRHS is also hosting all-day tailgaiting at the baseball complex. Fans can begin setting up at 9am with clean-up at 5:30pm. Contact the school to reserve your spot 318.932.4913.

Homecoming festivities conclude with the RRHS Homecoming Dance Saturday, October 19. 

Homecoming Royalty: 
King: Jomello McDonald
Queen: Aiesha Hall
Prince: Cameron Hobley
Princess: Caitlyn Jones
Senior Maids: Chadestiny Taylor
                       Areonia Banks
Junior Maid: Alayla Lewis
Sophomore Maid: Kaleah Crawford
Freshman Maid: Adrionna Murphy
Football Sweetheart: Kyleigh Antilley
Band Sweetheart: Kayden Nichols
Young Marines Sweetheart: Harlie Pickett
Duke: Raylon Solton
Duchess: Amiyah Clark

Matt Vines

MONROE – Riverdale Academy knew it faced a difficult challenge at River Oaks on Friday, and the Mustangs didn’t disappoint.

River Oaks scored 16 points in the first quarter and added 22 points in the second en route to a 52-0 win.
The Mustangs moved to 6-0 and continued their string of victories by at least 30 points this season.

River Oaks found success through the air and on the ground as ball carriers and receivers alike evaded would-be Riverdale tacklers.

Riverdale (1-5) coach Nathan Edie said his offense did start well, but River Oaks proved to be too much.
“It was definitely a tall task, but I was really happy with the way we came out and competed offensively in the game,” Edie said. “We just needed to keep that mindset.”

It’s the first time Riverdale has been shutout since a 2021 playoff loss to Briarfield Academy.

The script was flipped this past season when Riverdale Academy flexed its might in a 50-18 win, but River Oaks coach Bo Barton in his second season have the Mustangs in a position to compete for a MidSouth Association of Independent Schools title this year.

A young Riverdale squad has been beset by injuries this season, and they missed quarterback Kaidyn Williams after he hurt his knee the previous week against Claiborne Academy.

Williams split quarterback snaps with Ashton Almond to start the season, and Almond finally made his return after not playing since Week 1.

Almond played in a limited role Friday as he eased his way back from a quad injury.

Riverdale will attempt to snap its three-game losing streak when they head to winless Franklin Academy.

Matt Vines

WHITE CASTLE – Red River’s defense has built a reputation for forcing turnovers this season, but on Friday at White Castle, the Bulldogs’ own turnovers loomed large in a 48-30 loss.

The Bulldogs (1-3) lost two fumbles and didn’t force any turnovers as Red River couldn’t match White Castle’s firepower.

White Castle sprinted to an 18-0 lead and built its largest advantage at 36-6 in the second quarter.
Red River settled in and started clawing its way back, but the hole was too deep to seriously challenge the homesteading Bulldogs.

White Castle (1-3) got its first win of the season after a pair of blowout losses to Liberty Magnet and Jeanerette.

For Red River, Warren Bowman shouldered much of the load as he scored three of the Bulldogs four touchdowns.

Bowman escaped for a 55-yard touchdown run to cut White Castle’s edge to 18-6 in the first quarter.
He added a 20-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Malique Smith before the half to trail 36-14.

Bowman returned a kickoff for a touchdown to slice White Castle’s advantage to 42-22.

Cameron Hobley scored Red River’s final touchdown on a 37-yard run.

Red River nearly matched White Castle’s yardage output (372-348), but most of Red River’s production came when White Castle had already a sizable lead.

The Bulldogs’ month-long road trip continues at Class 5A Pineville this Friday.

Red River’s crisscross journey so far has yielded losses to Oak Grove and White Castle, and now the

Bulldogs face their largest opponent in a Pineville team that’s 2-2 so far.

The Rebels did beat Class 2A Avoyelles, 35-20, in Week 2, and now Class 2A Red River will get its turn.

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will kick off October’s Creole Heritage Month with “Cooking with Culture: Creole Cooking Demonstration” featuring NSU alumna Chef Sheri Raleigh. The culinary experience will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Columns Cafe. This event is a collaboration between NSU’s Hospitality Management & Tourism Program, the Creole Heritage Center and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

Raleigh, an accomplished Louisiana Creole chef, will guide participants through the rich history and cultural significance of Creole cuisine. Attendees will learn about the ingredients, techniques and traditions that have been passed down through generations in Creole families. She hosts cooking classes and has authored “Gifts from The Ancestors” cookbooks with Creole and West African inspired recipes.
“Food is such a distinctive and integral part of Louisiana Creole culture. The Creole Heritage Center is thrilled to welcome NSU Chef Sheri Raleigh to share her knowledge of the history of some of the foods, ingredients and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to bring Creole families and communities together,” said Dr. Kent Peacock, director of the Creole Heritage Center. “Our faculty and students look forward to collaborating with Chef Sheri L. Raleigh through preparing savory dishes while exploring influences of West Africa in Southwest Louisiana Creole heritage culture and cuisine.”

“This event serves as a powerful reminder of the role food plays in connecting people across cultures and history. We are excited to see the comparisons between Creole and West African food and culture as we’re guided on a culinary tour. We love creating opportunities for our community to learn, share and celebrate together as we celebrate Creole Heritage Month,” said Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

The demonstration will take place in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. Seating is limited to 50 people. Guests should RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/4d8arty7.

For more information, contact Dr. Jasmine Wise at the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity at WiseJ@nsula.edu.

We’ve all done it, had that question we wanted to ask that just sounded astoundingly stupid. We’re embarrassed that it even occurred to us, and worse, that we didn’t know the answer when it seemed so simple. The truth is there is no such thing as a stupid question, except the one that you choose not to ask. We never learn anything if we’re afraid to ask the question to begin with, whether that’s by researching it or asking someone who might know. Ask a Stupid Question Day encourages you to overcome your fear of sounding uneducated, and opening yourself to learning by asking your stupidest questions.

A few sources claim the day was created sometime in the 1980s by a group of teachers trying to get students to ask more questions in the classroom. It is celebrated the last school day of September each year.

Celebrate the day by asking as many stupid questions as you would like. Although the day is most celebrated in the classroom, it doesn’t exclusively have to be celebrated there, and you can ask your stupid question or questions anywhere you’d like.  

Businesses could even had employees compete to create the dumbest questions, or even encourage them to come forward with real questions they may have been too embarrassed to ask. No question is too dumb or silly for this fun holiday. Since this day is just once a year, there’s probably plenty of stupid questions that you’ve been waiting to ask, so get to it.

Source: daysoftheweek.com

Ruston, LA – Louisiana Tech University announces the expansion of the Ole Red & Blue Vintage Collection, a curated showcase of throwback logos, marks, stories, and imagery pulled from over 130 years of celebrated history and brought into the modern era.

Ole Red & Blue—the name coming from the first line of the Louisiana Tech Fight Song—includes officially licensed apparel, gear, and other merchandise available to Bulldog fans, alumni, students, and those looking to represent the timeless spirit of the institution. Items from the collection are inspired by decades of Bulldog culture rooted in Ruston 20, 50, even 100 years ago.

“Louisiana Tech’s nationally recognized brand is one built through excellence in the classroom and in competition,” Cami Geisman, executive VP for external affairs, said. “The vintage line highlights our storied history, which has wide appeal not only to those who identify with the mark from their time at Tech but also to individuals who appreciate the throwback look.”

The Barnes & Noble Bookstore on campus and their online store will have Ole Red & Blue merchandise available starting on launch day: Tuesday, September 17. Verified local, regional, and digital retailers will also carry licensed products; a regularly updated list of places to purchase collection items can be found at LATech.edu/vintage

The release of the collection came the week of Louisiana Tech Football’s annual Red Out game on September 21, where the 1974 national championship team was honored, and ahead of Tech’s Homecoming in November. Vintage merchandise will be available at the Barnes & Noble fan shops in Joe Aillet Stadium on game day.

“There is a national demand for vintage merchandise,” said Tom Soto, director of brand strategy. “University Communications has worked hard over the last several months to identify marks and the stories behind them. Making those marks accessible has been key, and we are doing that through expanding our vintage program and its licensees.”

During the 2024-25 school year, University Communications plans to enhance the collection with more imagery and unique marks from the archives, allowing retailers to keep things fresh by creating new merchandise throughout the year.

The Ole Red & Blue Vintage Collection was partially made possible by collaboration with CLC, the University’s licensing partner.

View stories, logos, shop links, information on becoming a licensee, and more at LATech.edu/vintage

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold formal investiture ceremonies for James T. Genovese, the university’s 21st president, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25 in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. NSU alumni, supporters and friends are invited to join students, faculty and staff in the celebration.

The investiture is one of many special events set to take place during NSU’s Homecoming weekend Oct. 25-26 as the university’s celebrates the 140th anniversary of its founding in 1884.

Genovese is a former associate justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court. Since taking office in August, he has met with students, alumni and school supporters, toured NSU’s campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria and Leesville and participated in many student and community activities.

Genovese is a lifelong resident of Opelousas and a 1971 graduate of NSU. He was a four-year letterman in tennis and was named to Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges, Who’s Who Among Greek Fraternities and Sororities of America and Outstanding College Athletes of America. He was also president of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and involved with Interfraternity Council, Student Government Association and intramurals.

Genovese received a juris doctorate from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1974 with honors in property law and engaged in the general practice of law in Acadiana from 1974-1995 where he served as past president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the St. Landry Parish Bar Association. His judicial career began as a judge ad hoc of the Opelousas City Court from 1975-1989. He was elected district judge of the 27th Judicial District Court for St. Landry Parish in 1995 and served as district judge through 2004, whereupon he was elected to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. He served on the appellate court from 2005-2016. He was elected Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, commencing January 1, 2017.

Genovese was a panelist, speaker and lecturer at conferences and continuing education seminars on recent updates, professionalism, ethics, summary judgment, writs and appeals, practices and procedures of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals and judicial review in the Louisiana Supreme Court. He served on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Judicial Council Appellate Court Work Point Values Working Group and the Trial Court Committee to Review the Need for Judgeships and as chairman of its Long-Term Subcommittee and was the Supreme Court’s Appointee to the Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission. Genovese is a board member of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society.

Genovese was inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, in 2018.

Mrs. Genovese, the former Martha Anne Janes, also attended Northwestern State as a nursing major, but chose a military career and retired as a staff sergeant in the Air Force. In addition to five daughters, they have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Following the Investiture, the campus and community will convene at a luncheon and induction program for six new members of the Long Purple Line. The lunch will be at the Natchitoches Events Center. Doors will open at 11:15 a.m. Tickets are available at http://www.nsulalongpurpleline.eventbrite.com.

More information on Homecoming activities and events is available at http://www.northwesternstatealumni.com.

Adeline’s Bed & Breakfast located at 340 Hand Cemetery Road in Coushatta will host an Open House October 12 from 5-8pm. Enjoy an evening of charm and hospitality while touring beautiful rooms and learn more about their services. Refreshments will be served.

The Red River Parish Library will host the monthly Ancestor Hunters Genealogy Meeting October 16 from 10am-12pm. Classes are FREE. Bring your own laptop or you can use one at the library. The workshop will focus on using Ancestry.com which is available through the library’s website. The meeting will be led by Red River Parish native, Dr. Virginia Webb.

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

Youth and Adults, ages 9 and up, Jacque Fontenot with Red River 4-H would love to take your exhibits to the Louisiana State Fair. Items will be displayed, and you may even win some money. Items should be at the Red River 4-H office by October 22. You can enter something in every category.
Youth exhibit catalog: https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/…/competitive…
Adult exhibit catalog: https://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/…/competitive…

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

NONE

The following persons have unpaid traffic citations with the Coushatta Police Department as of 09/25/2024. Non-payment of pending citations will result in suspension of Driver’s License:

BRANDON HARRIS
ARTHOR LEE HENDERSON
LATAVIOUS HORTON
MARCO LEWIS
PATRICIA MAHONEY
ANTONIO NERVIS
KEVIN PARKER
TEDRICK TOOKE
LASHUN H TAYLOR
LAVORIS WHITAKER
JEREMY WHITAKER
COSIM EDWARDS
CHRISTY EDWARDS
ANDREKIA DEMERY
ELBERT DURR
PRECCIOUS TUCKER
TILLMAN MILLER
JOSEPH JENKINS
JAMES EBANKS
KENNY BONNER
ELIJAH SAM JR
SHEREDDRION SMITH
ROGER NORRIS
LAN KNIGHT

The operation of a vehicle while under suspension carries penalties such as fines, extended suspension periods, and is also an arrestable offense.

To avoid further actions please make contact with the Coushatta Police Department at (318) 932-4222 or visit our office located at 1211 East Carroll Street between the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 27, 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 – The month-long road trip continues as Red River attempts to move on from its large defeat at Oak Grove with a visit to White Castle on Friday.

The Bulldogs (1-2) will head south to the small town on the Mississippi River and find a White Castle program (0-3) that’s full of tradition but in desperate need of a win.

White Castle, also named the Bulldogs, lost a nailbiter in the opener (27-24 to Central Catholic) but has been handily defeated in games against Liberty (72-26) and Jeanerette (48-14).

But Red River coach Byron Keller sees a very capable opponent, one that earned a No. 9 seed in the Division IV Non-Select playoffs this past season and won a first-round playoff game.

“They make a lot of explosive plays,” Keller said. “They have speed and athleticism all over the field.”
Those are also characteristics Red River possesses.

The Bulldogs cranked up its offense in a Week 2 win against St. Mary’s (26-13) by establishing its running game, which opens up big passing opportunities from quarterback Malique Smith to receiver Jomello McDonald.

But when Red River’s young offensive line hasn’t been able to create running room for Montreveun Smith and company, the Bulldogs have struggled in losses to Catholic-Pointe Coupee (26-6) and Oak Grove (55-8).

“Running the ball is vital to our offensive production,” Keller said. “We have to establish the run to open the passing game.

“Our offensive line is getting better every week. Playing the level of competition that we have the last couple of weeks is showing.”

That competition last week was against reigning Division IV Non-Select champion Oak Grove, who built a first-quarter lead of 27-0 and 41-0 at halftime.

Oak Grove rushed for 301 yards on just 20 carries while Red River totaled just 70 yards on the night.
“You just flush it and move on,” Keller said. “We were disappointed in the outcome, but we have seven games remaining and will focus on those and winning a district championship.”

Red River did continue one positive trend against Oak Grove – forcing turnovers.

The Bulldogs have forced at least two turnovers in each game, and turnovers that create short fields for the offense could prove paramount in what’s mostly been fairly low-scoring contests that Red River has played in.

“Our defense is after the ball on every snap,” Keller said. “The players have a healthy competition on who will the lead the team in forced turnovers, interceptions, and fumble recoveries.”

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHK) and Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN) announced that the waiting period for their pending combination under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (“HSR Act”) has expired. The companies expect the merger to close in the first week of October.

Upon closing the all-stock deal, the combined company will be the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and assume the name Expand Energy Corporation. It will commence public trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “EXE” at the opening of trading the day after closing.

“The world is short energy,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Chesapeake’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With a premium scaled position across leading natural gas basins in the United States, a peer-leading returns program, and a resilient financial foundation, Expand Energy is uniquely positioned to compete on an international scale to expand America’s energy reach and deliver opportunity for the world’s energy customers.”

This week, I would like to go back in time and reflect on a group of guys who shared a championship season and were the first team in school history to win a state title. Not only were we teammates, but this group was truly something special. This group was the complete package of talent, attitude and commitment. We were players/friends who would forever be linked together.

Last week, I had the opportunity to reunite with this group of guys that would do something very special in 1978 by winning the Texas Class 3A State Baseball Title, the second highest level at that time. As an athlete who has played on all levels, high school, college and professionally, I’ve been blessed to be a part of several championships.

But the one common thread for every team I’ve played on, was the personal connection to the players. The 1978 team was different and will always have special meaning for me personally. This was a group of guys who grew up together in the small East Texas town of Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

During the 1970’s, MP was a prideful community that was very athletic minded. The mindset here was about winning and anything short of that was not acceptable. But before the early 70’s, MP was just another small town that had minimal athletic team success. Then a coach by the name of Donnie Laurence showed up and began to develop not just a great football power, but a solid all-around high school athletic program.

Along with Coach Laurence, several high-quality coaches arrived including two baseball coaches, Marion Giesecke and Steve Rippee. These coaches help build MP into the second winningest all-around program of the 70’s, only behind “Friday Night Lights” Odessa Permian. It was a very special time in MP Tiger history.

Then in 1978, MP Tiger baseball would be the first team sport to ever win a state title. This was accomplished by a special group of guys who played loose and confident and never walked on a baseball diamond expecting anything less than a victory. These guys played with heart and determination and no matter how bleak a moment was, they never wavered or faltered.

To understand how good they became, you first must look at where they came from. These young men grew up with great success coming up through the Mt. Pleasant Dixie Youth Program. They had great coaching early in their young careers from a handful of special men like James Stansell, P.A. Thomas, Pat Sisk, Joe Traylor and many others. These men knew the game and taught this group how to play the game the right way.

The 1978 Tiger baseball team was built around six seniors, eight juniors, and two sophomores. This was not an average group of players, but guys with an immense level of talent. The skills included great pitching, defense and the ability to hit the baseball. To illustrate the level of talent, this group had three players drafted: two by Major League Baseball and one by the NFL and several that went on to played collegiately.

What made this group so special? Most of the guys on this team were members of the previous 1977 Tiger baseball team. A team that had great talent but underachieved mainly due to the amount of internal pressure that was placed on the shoulders of each player. From my perspective looking back, it seemed like we had a team meeting every other week talking about what we must do in order to make it to State.

As the ‘77 season progressed, the pressure continued to build to the point that the team played tight and did not even win district, therefore being left out of the playoffs. The only year of my four years at MPHS that we did not make the playoffs. Again, this was a team with as much talent as any team I ever played on.

But the 1978 team, guided by great senior leadership, made a group decision that there would be only ONE team meeting before the season started. We committed to play loose and have fun! We knew we had plenty of talent, we just had to relax and let our talent take us to where we wanted to go……. and that it did!

This MP team made it to the regional finals, having to play a best of three series against Fort Worth Boswell. MP hosted the first game of the series, and the mighty Tigers came up short. With the odds stacked against us, the remaining two games were to be played in Fort Worth. We had our work cut out for us; either sweep a double header or go home like so many other MP Tiger baseball teams had done in the past.

But ’78 Tigers made it happen with great pitching, defense (zero errors in the last 4 games) and timely hitting and defeated Boswell twice and advanced to the State Tournament in Austin! As they say, the rest is history as we shut out top ranked Brazosport 10-0 in five innings in the semi-finals and defeated Burkburnett 5-2 in the title game and finished with a record of 26-4.

I cannot describe the bond athletes have that get the opportunity to win a state championship. It’s a connection that forever links you as players. I remember Coach Giesecke’s locker room speech after our huge win. “Fellows, this is a victory you will cherish more later in life, than you do now. You will forever be remembered with this win.” Truer words have never been spoken! He was spot on with his statement!

Steve Graf

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Coming off a disappointing 50-16 loss to rival Claiborne Academy, Riverdale Academy eagerly wants to get back on the right track with four regular-season games remaining.

What awaits the Rebels (1-4) is the best Louisiana team in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools.

Riverdale heads to Monroe to take on River Oaks (5-0), which has won all five of its games by at least 30 points.

The Mustangs and Rebels have two common opponents – Prairie View Academy and Claiborne Academy so far.

River Oaks is coming off a 60-28 win against Prairie View (beat Riverdale 35-14) and a 50-8 win against Claiborne.

Riverdale coach Nathan Edie said his team took a step back against Claiborne this past week, and they will be looking for forward steps in the final weeks of the season.

“I think our understanding of what needs to be done is there, but the execution is not,” Edie said. “We’ll press on.”

Riverdale’s health on an already-small roster has been an issue this season, and Edie said quarterback Kaidyn Williams hurt his knee against Claiborne.

Williams was limited in the second half, but he should be able to play this week.

Williams started the season splitting time with Ashton Almond at quarterback, but the Week 1 leading rusher, passer and tackler has missed every game but the opener with an injury.

It’s not clear when Almond may be able to return, which means Riverdale must be able to execute in its current formations and tackle well if they are to hang with River Oaks.

Riverdale’s Tanner Carlisle supplied both touchdowns against Claiborne this past week, and he’ll likely play a large role in this week’s offense.

River Oaks coach Bo Barton is in his second season with the Mustangs after more than three decades in coaching in places like Rayville, Caldwell Parish, Tallulah Academy and Prairie View Academy – winning two state titles along the way.

The Mustangs have already surpassed their four-win total from this past season, which included a 50-18 loss to Riverdale.

River Oaks’ Lantavious Murphy rushed for 283 yards and threw for a touchdown and returned a punt for a score against previously unbeaten Prairie View.

He’ll be the focal point again this week.

Riverdale will press on, trying to challenge River Oaks for one quarter, and then another, aiming to get better against what will likely be the best competition they’ve faced so far this season.