Douglas White, the director for the Center of Business and Economic Research at LSUS, presents information to the Greater Shreveport Area Chamber of Commerce this past September. White said the local economy appears to be heading for a soft landing with unemployment dipping ahead of expected Fed interest rate cuts this week.
SHREVEPORT – The Federal Reserve has been sending steady signals that it will cut the federal funds rate at its meeting this week for the first time since 2020.
A cut means interest rates will drop, which will bring down the cost of borrowing money on everything from homes to cars and other loans.
Douglas White, the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at LSUS, said he’s usually a staunch Fed critic.
But with inflation around three percent annual growth after peaking at 10 percent after the COVID-19 pandemic, White said the Fed has managed to tackle inflation without skyrocketing unemployment and pushing the economy into a recession.
That means a soft landing for the Shreveport-Bossier economy as well, which White gathers data about for monthly and quarterly reports.
“I would say the Fed has done what I would have thought was relatively impossible,” White said. “They pretty much have pulled off a soft landing.
“With the expected rate cut, the Fed wants to be proactive to try and make sure that they don’t push the economy into a recession. When we debuted the Economic Dashboard 1.5 years ago, I would have told you that the Fed wouldn’t be able to bring down the inflation rate without really damaging the economy.. They’ve managed to do it, and I think they deserve a lot of credit.”
While local unemployment rates crept up in the second quarter, including the City of Shreveport reaching five percent, the latest data from July reflects unemployment dips locally.
Shreveport fell to 4.8 percent, Caddo Parish to 4.6 percent, Bossier City at 3.9 percent and Bossier Parish at 3.8 percent. The national unemployment dipped to 4.2 percent.
The unemployment rate reversal even before the expected interest rate cuts indicate the local economy appears to be on solid footing despite the past several years of inflation and high interest rates.
“Even five percent used to be considered a relatively low unemployment rate, which is one of the leading measures the Fed looks at when they start talking about interest rates,” White said. “The other big trend is that inflation has remained pretty consistent year over year around three percent (growth). That’s not significantly higher than the Fed’s desired target of two percent, but considering 12-18 months ago when we were at nine percent, three is pretty good.”
LSUS’s Center for Business and Economic Research gathers publicly available data on categories like local tax collection, housing market, unemployment, gas prices, airport traffic, and casino revenue.
“The dashboard puts a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the area economically,” White said. “It’s designed for people to go to one place to get the data they need to make informed decisions.”
The CBER publishes a quarterly report in which the information is compiled in one place while updating most individual data categories on a monthly basis.
Red River Parish Registrar of Voter’s Office will hold a relocation Grand Opening September 19. The ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30am followed by open house from 12-5pm. The new office is located at 1906 Front Street. Everyone is invited to help celebrate the new location and take care of any voter registration needs.
The 2024 Ducks Unlimited Banquet is Thursday, September 19 at the Coushatta Country Club beginning at 5pm. There will be raffles, games, guns, and fun for everyone.
Riverdale Academy will host Rebel Fest Saturday, September 21 at 3pm. There will be many family activities, a raffle and auction.
Annie Lee-Williams Barfield May 26, 1923 – September 15, 2024 Funeral Services will be held Saturday September 21,2024 at 11am at House Of Refuge in Coushatta
The Red River Parish Registrar of Voter’s Office will hold a relocation Grand Opening September 19, 2024 at the new location located at 1906 Front Street.
The ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30am followed by Open House from 12-5pm.
Special guests include Nancy Landry, Louisiana Secretary of State, and Sherri Hadskey, Commissioner of Elections.
Everyone is invited to help celebrate the new location and take care of any voter registration needs while you are there.
Red River running back Montreveun Smith sprints to a 66-yard touchdown run to open the scoring in a 26-13 win against St. Mary’s.
By Matt Vines
COUSHATTA – Red River coach Byron Keller highlighted the physical offensive and defensive lines of Catholic-Pointe Coupee in the Bulldogs’ season-opening loss, saying that was an area of focus going forward.
Red River’s big fellas answered the bell Friday against St. Mary’s, leading the charge of a physical brand of football as the Bulldogs bested the Tigers, 26-13.
“We played physical football,” Keller said. “Offensively, we were able to find a balanced attack.
“We had two touchdowns on the ground and two in the air. Seven different guys touched the ball, so our offensive options are growing each week.”
Senior running back Montreveun Smith had a rushing and a passing touchdown, which began with a 66-yard touchdown catch for Red River (1-1).
Quarterback Malique Smith also found Gaylon Brewer for a score through the air while Cedric Moody added a rushing touchdown.
Most of the scoring occurred in the first half when Red River built an 18-13 lead before adding a score in the second half.
The Bulldogs more than doubled their Week 1 offensive output with 340 yards, 226 rushing and 114 passing.
One constant from the season opener was Red River’s success in forcing turnovers, causing three St. Mary’s mistakes after three the previous week.
Red River forced two fumbles and a Warren Bowman interception.
That spearheaded a defensive performance in which Red River surrendered just 212 yards to St. Mary’s (153 passing, 59 rushing).
“We forced turnovers and kept them behind the chains for a large portion of the game,” Keller said. “ All of that adds up to a Red River win in front of the home crowd for a team that’s about to play its next four games on the road.
That road trip starts at Oak Grove, the reigning Division IV Non-Select state champions.
Each month the Red River Parish Library hosts a genealogy meeting called Ancestor Hunters. Dr. Virginia Webb and library staff help participants research their family trees using resources available including Ancestry.com.
September’s meeting is Wednesday, September 18 from 10am-12pm.
It is free to attend and no registration is required. Participants can bring their own laptops or use one at the library.
The United States Constitution, America’s most important document, stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. And, Constitution Week is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23 to commemorate its history, importance, and bring attention to how it serves still today.
This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to: • Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution. • Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life. • Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Bells Across America is an annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 pm on September 17, 1787.
How can you promote the Constitution? Embrace your role as a member of “We the People.” Read the Constitution, learn about it and your government. Get involved. “We the People” only works if we all participate.
The Coushatta Chute Chapter of DAR will present Constitution booklets to the Civics classes at Red River High School in observance of Constitution Day on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. DAR members are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in communities across the nation. All students are invited to participate and learn more about the educational programs the DAR offers. Educators, parents and students are encouraged to contact their local DAR chapters for more detailed information on these program.
Red River Parish Schools invite all parents and community members to attend the First Schoolwide Team Meeting on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Here are the meeting times for each school: – RRES: 8 am to 9 am – RRHS: 9 am to 10 am – RRJH: 10 am to 11 am – RRAA: 1 pm to 2 pm
During the meeting, Schoolwide Team Members will review the strategies chosen by each school to enhance academic achievement for all students. The plans for this school year will build on previous initiatives but will be updated to reflect changes based on the progress made by the schools and students in the previous year. Parents and family members are encouraged to attend and share their input and comments.
In addition, parents have the opportunity to become members of the Schoolwide Plan team for the school of their choice. Non-members can also attend the meetings as visitors.
U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Seth Watson
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. –In a significant shift towards enhancing combat readiness, the 2nd Bomb Wing activated two new bomber generation squadrons on August 22, 2024.
The 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was deactivated and split into the 20th and 96th BGSs. This move is part of a mission-specific maintenance transformation aimed at increasing operational efficiency and combat capability.
The BGS concept was first developed by Maj. Ian P. Rohde, outgoing 2nd AMXS commander, during his time at Air Combat Command.
The concept works by transforming traditional aircraft maintenance squadrons into mission specific generation squadrons. Those squadrons are then organized, trained and equipped for combat in any theater where the unique capabilities of bombers are required to meet the combatant commander’s objectives.
A key component of the concept is allowing squadrons to operate independently from their host wing to align with their partner operational bomb squadrons throughout deployment cycles.
“Today’s threat requires us to move away from the static concept of sanctuary bases where we traditionally have large numbers of maintenance and munitions personnel,” said Rohde. “The way ahead is to reorganize the aircraft maintenance squadrons into bomber generation squadrons.”
Rohde says operational wings will apply these concepts by dividing and dispersing nuclear forces and conventional agile combat employment operations. With the increased flexibility, bombers can provide better integration and protection for allies and partners, even when landing in austere locations that otherwise might not be able to host bomber operations.
These changes will allow for standardized operations, whether at home or deployed, to allow for junior leaders to develop in the arts of aircraft production and maintenance generation, Rohde explained.
“There are several capabilities bomber generation squadrons will provide the combatant commander,” Rohde said. “We’re going to develop leaders much earlier in their careers. Our mission generation teams will operate with delegated mission command authorities, making our forces lighter, leaner, and faster, without the reliance on a traditional maintenance group force structure.”
The concept will also be applied across other Air Force Global Strike Command bomber bases as the command continues to innovate and prepare for the future.
“Tomorrow’s fight will be hotly contested, and we no longer have the luxury of assumed air superiority in the battlespace,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander, AFGSC. “This new capability will prepare our units to operate autonomously without the need for extensive command structure while giving us more flexibility in how we position our bombers. I absolutely believe this will be a key factor in future conflicts.”
Source: Barksdale Air Force Base Facebook page Written By Senior Airman Seth Watson 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The 2024 banquet is scheduled for September 19 at the Coushatta Country Club beginning at 5:00 p.m.
For ticket reservations, call Tray Murray or email him at tray.murray.pocn@statefarm.com. All-inclusive admission is $50. For Green Wings (under 16), admission is $25. The price of admission also includes your one-year membership and the DU magazine.
There will be raffles, games, guns, and fun for everyone. Organizer Tray Murray encourages everyone to make their reservations for tables now. “Space is limited; get tickets now and avoid the rush.”
Red River Junior High School cheerleaders will host the “Little Bulldogs” cheer camp on Saturday, October 12, 2024 for ages 4- 13 at Red River Jr High School gym from 9:30am-12:30pm. The cost to participant is $50 (includes a Little Bulldog t-shirt and pizza). Check-in begins at 9am. An adult must check-in each child. Camp participants will perform on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30pm at the RRJH basketball game. They will also cheer on the sideline with the RRJH cheerleaders for the first half of the game. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER. For more information please contact Erikka Caldwell, cheer sponsor, at Red River Junior High 318-932-5265.
The Red River Parish Rodeo will take place September 20 and 21 at 7pm. There will be mutton bustin and a calf scramble for the kids. Open Barrels for ages 15 and under. PeeWee for 8 and under. It is a LRCA/UPRA/ARA sanctioned rodeo by SYJ Rodeo Productions.
The boil advisory has been lifted for the Bayou Pierre Water System. LDH samples were cleared over the weekend.
Red River Parish 4-H announced they will begin Robotics Club this month. Classes will take place at the 4-H office every 3rd Monday from 3:30-5:30. For more information contact the 4-H office.
All Red River Parish Schools were on “Lock Down” for Thursday, September 12. The extraordinary security measures resulted from a threat that was discovered on SnapChat.
During the School Board meeting at 9:00am Thursday, Superintendent Strong addressed the board with an explanation of what happened to cause the enhanced security. Strong said the initial post was reported to law enforcement about 1:30am Thursday morning. Notification to school officials did not come until almost 7:00am. A notification was then sent to parents to alert them of the possibility of a threat.
“We are taking the threat seriously and want to ensure the safety of all children and adults on our campuses.”
Parents who chose to pick up their children were allowed to do so, and parents who decided to have students remain at school were assured of increased safety measures for everyone.
The Superintendent then turned the explanation over to Suzanne Gallier, Security Coordinator. Gallier discussed how limited movement within and on school grounds was implemented immediately. She described how teachers and staff have been trained to work within the lockdown procedures.
Captain Hensley with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division also addressed the board. Hensley said that the sheriff’s office was made aware of the SnapChat post shortly after midnight. He let the board know that there had been a communication breakdown in reporting the possibility of a threat to school authorities in a timely manner. This breakdown left the school board little option in canceling school for the day.
Superintendent Strong was appreciative of the help from Sheriff Edward’s office during the day. “We had deputies and detectives at all schools all day and they were prepared to spend all day Friday with the faculty and staff, but we have decided to have a virtual work day for everyone.”
Sources have told RRPJ that a person of interest in the threat is under investigation, and evidence is being gathered for a possible arrest.
For a Red River bunch that hits the road in five of its first six games, the chance to play at home this week is one in which the Bulldogs aim to take advantage.
Red River (0-1) welcomes Class 1A St. Mary’s (0-1) on Friday at 7 p.m.
“Our goal is to win the game every week, but yes, it’s very important to win get the win this week,” said Red River coach Byron Keller, acknowledging the opportunity Friday given the Bulldogs’ road-heavy schedule. “We’ll have the crowd excitement in our home opener, and it’s important to play well in front of the home crowd so we can keep that excitement for the rest of the season, especially for events like Homecoming and Senior Night.”
Both teams are coming off difficult road losses in which the offenses struggled to find the end zone. Red River fell at Catholic-Pointe Coupee, 26-6, while St. Mary’s was defeated, 39-6, at Bunkie. Red River’s one touchdown, a 32-yard fade route from quarterback Malique Smith to receiver Jomello McDonald, could provide a key to this week’s game.
St. Mary’s allowed five Bunkie touchdowns from at least 25 yards, which included passes of 38, 57, and 99 yards.
McDonald, a stud basketball player who led the Bulldogs to the state championship game this past season, could find an advantage against smaller defensive backs.
But Red River had plenty of things to clean up from its Week 1 checklist.
The Bulldogs offensive and defensive lines struggled to match a physical Catholic bunch, which allowed the Hornets to establish a steady running game while the Bulldogs had to mostly rely on big passing plays for its offense.
When running back Warren Bowman did touch the ball, he averaged more than six yards per carry on his five touches (43 yards).
McDonald totaled 43 receiving yards as Red River mustered 145 total offensive yards.
“We focused on improving ourselves this week, and after studying the film, we identified mistakes that we have to fix going into the St. Mary’s game,” Keller said.
Turnovers kept the score close throughout the first half and early part of the second half. The Bulldogs recovered three fumbles in soggy conditions, two of which came in the red zone.
While the rain from Hurricane Francine will likely be dried up come kickoff Friday night, the Bulldogs believe they can force turnovers no matter the conditions.
“We now know that we can really do it (force turnovers) in game situations, so we want to continue to play fast and physical and force even more turnovers,” Keller said. “Now we just have to capitalize on those turnovers on offense.”
Despite St. Mary’s Week 1 struggles against a solid Class 3A program in Bunkie, Keller knows the recent success the Tigers have had.
Keller, who coached in Natchitoches Parish at Lakeview, is aware of a St. Mary’s program that reached the quarterfinals each of the past two seasons.
“They’ve felt success, and they know how to win tight games,” Keller said of a St. Mary’s program that’s in a coaching transition from Aaron York to Kedrin Seastrunk this year. “We have to go out and set the tone early so they don’t have a chance to get their momentum going.
“They are still talented and have playmakers on the field. We’ll have to be very disciplined in our attacks to keep the playmakers at bay.”
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!
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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.
Ellen Naomi Cohen was born in 1941. Ellen lived with her parents—her father was an entrepreneur, and her mother was a nurse—in Virginia and later Baltimore, Maryland. Her grandparents were European Jewish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. When she was seven years old, Ellen’s parents sent her to live with her grandparents while Ellen’s mother gave birth to Ellen’s little sister. Ellen said later that this “aroused some insecurities in me.” Ellen felt as if her parents had abandoned her in favor of the new baby. Ellen calmed herself by overeating. Ellen moved back in with her parents soon after the baby was born, but the insecurities remained. By the time she became a teenager, she weighed approximately 180 pounds, almost double the weight of the other kids in her class. Her weight became the subject of many cruel jokes by her classmates, which fueled her insecurities. She ate to calm her anxieties about her weight. Ellen was trapped in a vicious cycle. Ellen’s parents recognized the problem and took her to a doctor. The doctor put her on diet pills which were amphetamines. At the time, amphetamine pills were prescribed to combat “mental and emotional distress” and as a “weight-loss remedy striking at the emotional causes of overeating.” The amphetamine pills contained a potent stimulant and were highly addictive. Upon taking one of the pills the user felt a sudden “flash” of joy abusers nicknamed a “rush.” Inhibitions were lowered. The user felt more self-confident, had more energy, was more social, and felt that they were thinking more clearly. Ellen was a part of America’s first amphetamine epidemic.
In the 1950s and 1960s, doctors prescribed amphetamine pills without restraint. Pharmaceutical companies gave kickbacks to doctors who prescribed their amphetamine pills. Doctors had not yet learned the side effects of amphetamines such as high body temperature, memory loss, stroke, heart problems, and possible damage to young, developing brains. Amphetamines quickly became a recreational drug.
Despite the amphetamine pills, Ellen continued to be a big girl. Rather than becoming angry when classmates made jokes about her weight, she eased the burden by making the jokes herself which were more clever than what her classmates could come up with. That way, they were laughing with her and not at her. Later in her teenage years, Ellen shocked her parents when she explained that she wanted to be a Broadway singer. Ellen joked that she would be “the most famous fat girl that ever lived.” Her horrified parents failed to see the humor in her claim. Finally, they made an agreement that if Ellen failed to make it as a singer with five years she would go to college. Ellen moved to New York to begin her Broadway career.
Ellen’s auditions were promising. In 1962, she was almost cast as Miss Marmelstein in the Broadway musical “I Can Get It for You Wholesale,” but she ultimately lost the part to Barbra Streisand. It was Barbra Streisand’s big break. While waiting for her big break, Ellen rehearsed constantly. She knew that she had to perfect her sense of pitch. Ellen joined a trio called the Mugwumps, but the trio was short-lived. Ellen wanted to join a trio called the New Journeymen while she awaited her big break, but the trio’s leader refused because “she was too fat.” Undeterred, Ellen used many ploys to persuade the trio into becoming a quartet including introducing them to LSD. Finally, Ellen was allowed to join.
In September 1965, the quartet released their first album. By December of the same year, they were stars. Four albums and four years later, the quartet disbanded. Ellen had a successful solo career and became a successful TV personality. Despite all of her accomplishments, the fat jokes continued. In 1973, Ellen was a guest on The Dean Martin Show and during her introduction Dean Martin said, “I wouldn’t say she’s fat, but from the front she looks like Carroll O’Connor from the back.” The fat jokes were hurtful to Ellen, but she usually smiled and played along. She still struggled with the vicious cycle of eating to help with her insecurities and taking medicines to help her lose weight.
Ellen’s health was declining. In a period of seven months in 1974, Ellen was hospitalized five times for shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Despite her worsening health, she began a world tour. On the evening of July 28, 1974, after an all-night birthday party for Mick Jagger in London which lasted late into the following day, Ellen finally returned to her rented apartment and went to bed. In the early hours of the following morning, July 29, 1974, Ellen had a fatal heart attack in her sleep. An autopsy revealed that she had no drugs in her system when she died.
Most of the world never heard of the death of 32-year-old Ellen Naomi Cohen. That name was meaningless to everyone but Ellen’s family and childhood friends. Ellen developed her own stage name. She based her first name on the nickname her father had given her, Cassandra, and the last name in honor of a friend who had died. While few know the name Ellen Naomi Cohen, people around the world know Cass Elliot or Mama Cass, member of the New Journeymen quartet who changed their name to The Mamas and the Papas.
For half a century, people have repeated the false story that Ellen died from choking on a ham sandwich. According to Ellen’s daughter, a friend of Ellen’s who was staying with Ellen at the rented apartment had made her a sandwich and left it next to her bed. Ellen’s manager, Allan Carr, created the choking story because he knew people would assume that she had died from a drug overdose just as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin had done. Ellen’s manager never expected his false story to turn into a macabre joke. He was trying to protect her.
Sources:
1. Hadley Freeman, “The secret life of Mama Cass – by the daughter she left behind,” The Sunday Times, May 5, 2024, accessed September 8, 2024. thetimes.com/article/1125cc4e-9371-4ed0-83df-7b2223316b9c?shareToken=957e326b9e883745acf14a6fbb663504.
2. Erin Blakemore, “A Speedy History of America’s Addiction to Amphetamine,” Smithsonian Magazine, October 27, 2017, accessed September 8, 2024. smithsonianmag.com/history/speedy-history-americas-addiction-amphetamine-180966989/.
Five-year grant expands focus of state’s comprehensive literacy plan and provides targeted support to struggling students, schools, and systems
(BATON ROUGE, LA) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has been awarded $70 million to help more Louisiana students become strong readers. The Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program awarded Louisiana more than any of the 23 states to win these competitive grants. The LDOE will target the funds to support literacy efforts for students, teachers, and schools most in need.
“This considerable investment reflects the success of our current literacy efforts and the strong academic return on investment we’ve achieved with previous funds,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These funds will help teachers and leaders improve in their profession, so they can have the greatest impact on students.”
The LDOE will target the five-year grant towards four main focus areas:
Building teacher and leader capacity around evidence-based practices in the most struggling schools and systems
Providing targeted capacity and resources for schools serving high rates of the highest-need students
Ensuring every child has access to a highly-effective teacher by providing literacy mentors to new teachers within three years of service in schools with high teacher turnover and/or high numbers of new teachers.
Implementing high-quality, evidence-based practices, interventions, and opportunities to support children and families.
“Over the past four years, Louisiana educators have made a significant shift in the way we teach students to read, and we are seeing steady increases in our literacy rates,” said Executive Director of Literacy Shanna Beber. “This grant will allow us to continue the momentum as we push for all Louisiana children to have improved literacy outcomes.”
The funding will be used to serve schools that meet at least one of the following criteria:
Chronically failing
High teacher turnover
High percentage of new teachers
Growing number of English Learners
High schools with low graduation rates
High number of third graders at risk of retention
The LDOE will award funding to schools and systems through a competitive grant process that will begin this school year. The first round of funding will be for the 2025-2026 school year. School and system leaders can stay up-to-date on opportunities to apply for competitive funding through the LDOE Weekly Newsletter.
SHREVEPORT – The Constitution of the United States is arguably the most important document in American history, and it’ll take center stage in a slate of events Sept. 17 in honor of Constitution Day. The all-day event at LSUS with a nightcap at The Robinson Film Center will feature various educational and engaging activities designed to enhance the community’s understanding of the U.S. Constitution and its relevance today.
Attendees can visit U.S. Constitution exhibits on the first and third floors of the Noel Memorial Library on the LSUS campus.
American Democracy works best when the voices of the people are accounted for, and citizens can register to vote during the registration drive from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the University Center Lobby next to The Port Grille.
Want to show off your voice in a different way? Participate in a Hamilton Karaoke session themed after the hit musical based on a Founding Father and first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. That event takes place at 11 a.m. in The Port Grille.
Stay at The Port Grille to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at the Founders Day Feast ($9.95 per person). Stop by STACKS in Noel Memorial Library for free drinks and pretzel rods.
LSUS students can further participate in campus government by attending a student town hall titled Know Your Student Government Rights at 2 p.m. in the Student Organization Lounge on the second floor of the University Center.
The day-long celebration culminates in a free screening of Citizen Kane at The Robinson Film Center at 6 p.m. The screening includes a panel of experts that will lead a discussion centered on freedom of the press. The discussion will explore the film’s historical context and its implications for contemporary media. Registration is required for a seat in the 45-person theater.
Attendees who participate in three Constitution Day events and fill out their bingo cards (available in the University Center lobby) are eligible for prizes.
LSUS’s online students and community members at-large can participate in interactive online trivia if event attendance isn’t possible.
The celebration is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities.
The grant covers costs like venue rental, speaker honoraria, technical support and program-specific publicity, which will allow LSUS to deliver a quality program that reaches students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community.
“We are deeply grateful to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for their generous support,” said Ashley Dean, assistant director of the strategy alternatives consortium at LSUS. “The funding will allow us to create a dynamic and thought-provoking Constitution Day celebration that highlights the critical role of the press in our democracy.”
Thanks to the largest one-time gift in Northwestern State athletics’ history, sizeable improvements are coming to NSU’s baseball and softball facilities.
A $1.9 million donation from the Thornton family announced Tuesday will provide new artificial turf at both Brown-Stroud Field and the Lady Demon Diamond, giving the university the first two no-fill turf fields in the United States. Both Dr. Jennifer and David Thornton are Northwestern State alumni, giving added significance to the gift.
In addition to turfing the fields, the donation will pad baseball’s outfield wall and overhaul the current lighting system at the softball complex.
“As a department, we are overwhelmingly grateful for the support of the Thornton family,” NSU Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “The Thorntons have been tremendous stewards for Northwestern State, and this is another example of their generosity. This gift is a game changer for two of our programs, each of whom will have one of the best facilities in the Southland Conference in their respective sports with these additions.”
The Thorntons long have been passionate supporters of Northwestern, creating scholarships to support students in computer information systems, nursing, business, fine arts, accounting and criminal justice in the past decade.
Both Jennifer and David Thornton are NSU graduates with David earning a degree in computer information systems in 2007 while Jennifer has an associate’s degree in nursing (2010), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (2013) and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (2022). They are the parents of Tenley (14), Taylen (12) and Cooper (3).
The partnership with GeoSurfaces will bring the Baton Rouge-based company’s PIVOT no infill turf to a U.S. sports facility for the first time.
“We want to express our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Thornton family for this incredible display of generosity,” NSU head baseball coach Chris Bertrand said. “The impact that this project will have on Demon Baseball is immeasurable. Demons of the present and future will have a first-class facility and experience like no other. As we continue to build Demon baseball in the new landscape of college baseball, our facility becoming what it is will be a focal point in bringing student-athletes to our university. We have the Thorntons to thank for this incredible addition to us attracting people to Demonland. Our staff, our players, and our fans are chomping at the bit to see the new B-Stro.”
Both Bertrand and first-year softball head coach Jenny Fuller will serve as spokespeople for the GeoSurfaces brand.
Fuller will begin her first year as Northwestern State’s coach with a new-look facility.
“There’s a new look coming to the NSU softball stadium, and we couldn’t be more excited,” she said. “Going to a full turf field in our facility is a game changer in so many ways. We’re adding to the experience of what a Demon softball game looks and feels like for our fans and players. And it goes without saying that this is going to give us a significant boost in recruiting and bringing high-caliber athletes to the program. We are so thankful to GeoSurfaces for helping make this happen and could not have asked for a better way to start this journey at NSU.”
The projects are set to start later this month and both facilities will be ready for the 2025 seasons, which begin in February.
Every year there are certain seasons that people look forward to: Week 1 of the NFL, opening day of baseball season and for me it’s the arrival of both the spring and fall seasons.
For most outdoorsmen, it’s hunting season! This is like Christmas morning for anyone who enjoys chasing a squirrel, dropping ducks from the sky or finally shooting that trophy buck of a lifetime.
Let’s look at what hunting season means to so many outdoorsmen. Let’s start with dove season which is basically a tailgate party with guys carrying shotguns. Dove season, like football season, kicks off the new year for all hunters. They gather in small groups and enjoy some time in the field hopefully where there are plenty of birds passing through. Dove hunts are simply a social hunt and a great way to introduce kids to hunting.
Next comes teal season (mid-September) which brings out a totally different kind of hunter. These guys are serious about shooting what just might be the hardest duck to hit on the fly. Teal are the F-16’s of the duck hunting world and can do a fly-by quicker than some hunters can get a gun up. Teal are also a great tasting bird and make great table fare.
The first of October is the official start of deer season as bow hunters take to the woods in search of some good venison backstrap. Bow hunters are very committed and put in a lot of time practicing in their back yards or on a bow range. Deer hunting in general, is probably more popular than any other wild game that’s pursued.
Bow hunting requires a lot of skill in order to be effective and take a deer with good arrow placement. The popularity of bow hunting is due to the fact it’s a throwback to how our ancestors used to hunt. Bow hunters might be the most dedicated group of hunters there are due to the amount of effort and skill required.
Fast forward to mid-October. The opening day of rifle season triggers a landslide of deer hunters taking to the great outdoors in search of that monster buck they’ve been watching on their trail cameras for the past two months. No other wild game opening day is more popular than the opening day of gun season as deer camps are overflowing with both excitement and the anticipation. It’s like a child waiting on Christmas morning; they literally cannot sleep!
There are so many traditions that revolve around different types of hunting seasons. Deer camps have been a part of family traditions for decades and most would give up their home before giving up their deer camp.
Many outdoorsmen plan their entire year around their favorite hunting season. It determines when they will take their vacation or request extra time off from their daily jobs. They are literally consumed with everything that revolves around hunting.
They plan Thanksgiving and other holidays around hunting season. It’s like people planning their lives around their favorite football team; nothing else is more important! If you’re one of the fortunate that have a great hunting camp; count your blessings and never let it go. Because once it’s gone, you will have a hard time replacing it.
‘Til next time, good luck, good hunting and to all outdoorsmen, have a great hunting season!
Red River Parish Library will host Children’s Story Time every Friday from 10-11am.
Mighty Moms, Moms of Mighty Special Kids, will hold their September meeting tonight (Sept 13) at 6pm at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches. Guest speaker is Paula Callender. RSVP to Raylie Hardy at 318.471.8554.
Red River Parish Registrar of Voter’s Office will hold a relocation Grand Opening September 19. The ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30am followed by open house from 12-5pm. The new office is located at 1906 Front Street. Everyone is invited to help celebrate the new location and take care of any voter registration needs.
The Red River PK-4 program at Red River Elementary still has spots available. Children must be 4 years old by September 30th, 2024. For more info contact Head Start Project Manager Lessonna Clark at 318-271-3198.
Bird migration season has begun, help them out by turning of your outdoor light at night. Peak migration is from September 6 through October 6. Research shows that two thirds of all songbirds migrate at nigh and light pollution can confuse them. If turning off lights is not possible then it’s best to use warm white or yellow colored light bulbs.
The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A live stream of the concert will be available at nsula.edu/capa/capalivestream. Associate Professor of Music Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.
Red River Cowboy Church announced the 15th Annual Joe Boy Day is September 21, 2024.
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.
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