News Articles
Mr. William “Clifford” Newman
May 26, 1941 ~ January 21, 2026
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1pm in the sanctuary of Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Coushatta.
Brenda Blake Choate
April 30, 1956 – January 30, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3pm at Rockett Funeral Home Chapel in Ringgold.
Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers at all airports across the United State will face a $45 fee at security checkpoints if they do not present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or a valid passport.
The fee applies to travelers 18 years and older and covers the cost of identity verification using the Transportation Security Administration’s ConfirmID system. The alternative screening process is used when passengers arrive at the checkpoint without an acceptable form of identification.
Airport and TSA officials are encouraging travelers to prepare ahead of time to avoid delays and added costs. A REAL ID–compliant license is typically marked with a star in the upper corner and can be obtained through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. A valid U.S. passport is also accepted in place of a REAL ID.
Passengers without a compliant ID or passport may still be allowed to fly after identity verification, but the process can take longer and now includes the additional fee. Officials stress that having proper identification remains the fastest and easiest way through airport security.
Travelers planning trips this year—especially during busy travel periods—are urged to check their identification now and upgrade if needed before arriving at the airport.
For more information about REAL ID requirements, travelers can visit the TSA’s official website.
Matt Vines
EAST POINT – Memories out of moments.
That’s how the Riverdale Academy girls basketball team is approaching their final home games this week as the hosts of the Class 1A South Regional Tournament.
The Lady Rebels (23-5) are the top seed in the tournament and won’t play until the quarterfinals Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Riverdale will face the winner of No. 2 Wilkinson County Christian Academy and No. 3 Humphreys Academy on Monday at 5:15 p.m.
“This senior group is special,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman of his five-member class. “I tell them every game to enjoy the moments because they will soon be only memories.
“They are laser-focused on winning blue trophies in February.”
Riverdale is on a 10-game winning streak in January with eight wins by at least 30 points, but that doesn’t mean the Lady Rebels didn’t face adversity.
Star point guard Mary Claire Jones, who surpassed the 2,000-point career scoring mark earlier this season, missed three games with an injured ankle.
Riverdale fended off Claiborne Academy 65-43 in the game in which Jones was injured, and then the Lady Rebels handled Central (77-20), West Side Christian (43-30) and Union Christian (71-9) without Jones.
Jones is fully healthy and returned for Riverdale’s last two wins.
“In her absence, sophomore Madelyn Chamberlin really stepped up and filled her spot,” Pittman said. “The other guards Kaleigh Pickett and Hanna Huddleston also raised their game during MC’s absence, and those minutes will help us in this upcoming playoff run.”
Riverdale is the favorites as the host but will face competition from other No. 1 seeds Briarfield Academy and Woodlawn Prep as well as a No. 2 seed Claiborne Academy.
Riverdale is a regular tournament host, and Pittman said hosting isn’t possible without administrative and volunteer support.
“Our assistant coaches and athletics director Katie Williamson do a great job with the logistics, and it’s a huge chore as far as facilities, cleaning, food, and hosting teams and officials,” Pittman said. “Volunteers are huge, and we need all we can get.
“I’ve noticed the same group of people do everything, and we need some new blood to step up and help us out.”
Matt Vines
EAST POINT – “Revenge” might be too strong of a word, but last year’s playoff loss to Mt. Salus Christian will be on the minds of the Riverdale boys basketball team when the two squads square off Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A South Regional Tournament.
No. 2 Riverdale and No. 3 Mt. Salus each earned byes in the tournament’s first round, which begins Monday at Riverdale.
“Mt. Salus is actually the team that ended our season last year in the regional tournament, so being given the opportunity to get some revenge is pretty exciting for me and the guys,” Jones said. “Obviously you don’t want to make it too personal and get away from staying level headed, but it does give you that little extra motivation to know these are the same guys that sent you home last year.
“Taking care of the basketball and rebounding against their size will be of the utmost importance. I think if we do those two things, we give ourselves a great chance at being successful.”
The Rebels picked up key district wins late in the season against Union Christian and Franklin Academy to put themselves into the quarterfinals.
Senior Tanner Carlisle leads an incredibly young roster that includes seventh- and eighth-graders, a squad that’s matured greatly as the season progressed.
“It’s been great building some momentum going into this part of the year,” Jones said. “I knew with us having a lot of young guys, we were always going to get better as the year went on, but it feels like we are starting to peak at the right time.”
Carlisle passed the 1,000-point scoring mark earlier this season, and Jones said he’s been extremely patient in the maturation process of the younger players.
“Tanner leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks – but outside of those things, he’s also been an incredible leader,” Jones said. “It’s hard being the one older guy on a team full of young players because you don’t have time to wait for guys to reach their potential – it’s now or never for a senior like him.
“He’s done a great job of bringing the younger group along with him and staying patient while they figure things out at the varsity level. That patience is paying off. It’s sad that these are Tanner’s last home games and we’ll miss him when he’s gone, but it’s also thrilling to head into the postseason with him one last time.”
The players aren’t the only youngins on the team – Jones is nearing the end of just his second full season as a varsity head coach.
“I believe I have learned a lot in Year 2,” Jones said. “I think every team you coach will be different, and it’s been cool to learn what works best for these guys and their personalities.
“I hope as a coach I never stop learning and growing because no one ever has it 100 percent figured out.”
Monday:
Sunny along with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10mph.
Cloudy overnight with a slight chance of a shower late. Low around 50F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday:
Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Rain showers in the evening with clear skies overnight. Thunder possible. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph. Chance of rain 40%.
PUBLICATION OF THE ANNUAL PRESS RELEASE
RELATIVE TO NON-DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT
DeSoto Parish Police Jury/Office of Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. No client or employee shall, based on race, sex, age, color, or any factor, be denied the benefits of, or be excluded from, participation in or otherwise subject to discrimination under any program or service for which this CSBG funded agency operates. For additional information contact: Equal Opportunity Officer Ashley VanZant, 404 Polk Street Ste. B, Mansfield, LA 71052 318-872-0880. La Relay TDD: 711 “An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program” “Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”
Beginning February 18, new food purchase restrictions will go into effect for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients in Louisiana, changing what items can be bought using SNAP benefits.
State officials say the updated policy is aimed at encouraging healthier food choices while ensuring the program continues to support families’ basic nutritional needs. Under the changes, certain items will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Eligible foods will continue to include staples such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essential grocery items.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has emphasized that the restrictions apply only to SNAP benefits, not to personal funds, and that recipients will still have broad access to nutritious food options. Retailers participating in SNAP are being notified and given time to update point-of-sale systems ahead of the February rollout.
Advocates and community organizations are encouraging SNAP households to review the changes in advance so they can plan grocery purchases accordingly. State officials say outreach efforts will continue over the coming weeks to help recipients understand how the new rules will work in practice.
Residents with questions about the updated SNAP food restrictions are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office or visit the state’s benefits information portal for details before the policy takes effect.
Celebrate Recovery (CR) Coushatta is relocating from Open Door Fellowship to Amazing Grace Church effective Feb. 1, 2026. The address is 7387 US 371, Coushatta. A meal is served at 5:30 pm, large group at 6:00, small group at7:00. CR is a Christ centered Recovery program for all hurts, hangups and habits including addictions and life issues. Everyone is welcome! For more information contact Frank Rose 318-422-1923, Virgie Rose 318-218-5853, or Pastor R. Joseph Carey 318-521-5665.
The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries announced the hiring of Dr. David Jeffreys as the new President & CEO, effective Feb 16.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Music is hosting a fundraiser at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub at 108 Mill St. in Natchitoches on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During the event, Flying Heart will be donating 10 percent of sales to the NSU Department of Music. There will be performances by jazz combos, string quartets, trombone choir, vocalists, steel drums and more. A “split the pot” raffle will also be held. Donations can be made at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/music-fund/
Carolyn “Sally” J. Hudson
September 23, 1946 – January 28, 2026
Visitation will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 from 6-8pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta. Funeral services will be held at Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 2pm at Beulah Methodist Church in Columbus, Mississippi.
Brenda Blake Choate
April 30, 1956 – January 30, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3pm at Rockett Funeral Home Chapel in Ringgold.
The North DeSoto High School cheer team has once again proven itself as one of the top programs in the region, earning its third consecutive championship at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition.
Included on the squad is Hannah Murray. Hannah is the daughter of Wesley Murray of Coushatta and Katie Murray of Stonewall. She is the granddaughter of Teresa King, Don Louis and Gina Birdsong, and Pat and Vickie Murray. Hannah is an accomplished gymnast and cheerleader.
The milestone victory marks an impressive three-year streak for the Lady Griffins, showcasing consistency, dedication, and a culture of excellence within the program. Competing against teams from across the state and beyond, North DeSoto continued to rise to the occasion, delivering a strong performance that set them apart.
Coaches credit the team’s success to months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork, as well as the athletes’ ability to balance rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities and school spirit appearances throughout the year.
“This kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident,” one coach noted. “These athletes work year-round and hold themselves to a high standard. Winning once is special — doing it three years in a row speaks volumes about their commitment.”
As the team celebrates another championship season, their achievement stands as a source of pride for the school, their families, and the entire community — and sets a high bar for future cheer squads to follow.
James “Jimmy” Rhoderick Young went to his heavenly home on January 23, at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones who covered him with love and prayers.
James was born on November 25,1951, in Delhi, Louisiana. He was born the first son of James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young. As a life-long resident of Red River Parish, he went to school, worked, and enjoyed life with family and friends. He was legendary as a dragline operator and contractor, owning his own company. As a Police Jury member for District 3, he served his community dutifully for 20+ years. As a licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying his Cherokee for many years. As a fisherman, he could often be found fishing his favorite spots, Black Lake and Larto, where he had fished with his grandfather when he was a child. He loved deer hunting, rabbit hunting, and hog hunting with his dogs in the Black Lake Swamp. His hog hunting became famous and was shared through his publication Bayed Solid, as well as an annual event in Winnfield, Louisiana, known as Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials. His Christian faith was a
positive influence on untold numbers of those who met him, as he loved to share his love for Jesus with others. Family members and friends never doubted his love for them as he always made sure to tell them how much he loved them. A giant of a man, physically and spiritually, his presence here will be greatly missed.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young; great grandson, Walker Rayce Young, all of Coushatta, and half-brother, Troy Ballard of Doyline, Louisiana.
James is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Gwen Snead Young ; sons, James “Bo” Young, Jr. (Linda), Shane Young (Tammy), Clint “Blue” Young (Hollie); daughter, Kasey Smith (Joey); stepson, Brodie Vines; grandsons, Britt Young, Hunter Young; granddaughters, Makayla Griffith, Montanna Layfield, Cardin Young, Hadlee Young; great grandsons, Kaden Young, Holt Young, Rhett Young, Parker Griffith; great
granddaughters, Avi Young, Peyton Griffith, Juniper Young; brother, Mike Young (Melinda); and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Dr. Arnold Barz, Dr. Wyche Coleman, and Dr. Mindie
Kavanaugh for their care through the years. The love, support, and prayers of his many
friends are also greatly appreciated.
Services will be held at Open Door Fellowship, Coushatta, Louisiana, on Friday, January 30th at 1:00 PM, officiated by Collin Wimberly and Preston Young. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00. Graveside services will be at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Womack, Louisiana.
The pallbearers are James R. Young, Jr., Shane Young, Blue Young, Brodie Vines, Hunter Young, and Britt Young.
The honorary pallbearers are Joey Smith, Mike Young, Royce Young, Cole Young, Wesly Tucker, Lary Wimberly, J.R. Munn, Luther Buswell, Bill Griffin, Marty Weaver, Mark Cloud, Alvin Keith, Gerry Landry, Wilmer Davis, and Gary Brown.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta,
Louisiana.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for the ArkLaTex from midnight tonight through noon on Sunday. Wind chills will range from 10 to 15 degrees. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm dry shelter, food and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
Friday:
Cloudy early then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph.
Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 23F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday:
Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 37F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Very cold. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.
Sunday:
Partly cloudy skies. High 47F. Winds light and variable.
Clear skies overnight. Continued very cold. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.
By Nolan Mckendry Jan 21, 2026
(The Center Square) − U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy set off a Republican scramble for the congressional seat she holds and widened the field of candidates looking to unseat him.
At least five state legislators have signaled interest in the race for the 5th Congressional District that Letlow has represented since 2021. Cassidy, seeking a third term, faces at least six challengers in the May 16 primary. Qualifying begins on Feb. 11.
Lutlow announced her bid on Tuesday, days after she was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him on impeachment charges following the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, has also clashed with the Trump administration over health care.
“Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver,” Letlow posted on X. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust.”
Cassidy, backed by Senate GOP leaders, said Letlow called him Tuesday to notify him of her decision.
“She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” he posted on X. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”
Letlow joins a list of Republican challengers that includes former congressman and current State Treasurer John Fleming and two state legislators: Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden also are in the race.
A number of other Republicans are considering the congressional seat that Letlow won in a special election following the Covid-19 death of her husband, Rep-elect Luke Letlow. The district stretches from the Baton Rouge area north and east toward Monroe and the Mississippi line.
The field could be narrowed significantly if former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves enters the race. Graves served in Congress until 2024, when his district was redrawn and he decided to not seek re-election.
State Rep. Dixon McMakin told The Center Square that Graves’ decision in the 5th District race would affect his.
“I hope Congressman Graves will run and be our voice in Congress again but if he stays out, I will most likely be running for the open seat to be a candidate for all of District 5,” McMakin said.
Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, said several other state legislators have privately expressed interest, including Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville and Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe.
“Yes, I am definitely considering running,” Deshotel told The Center Square.
The winner of the primary will advance to the November general election. Members of Congress serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 annually.
Recent winter weather across the region has significantly impacted bloodand platelet collections, putting a strain on inventory at LifeShare Blood Center. Inclement conditions led to temporary donor center closures and canceled blood drives, resulting in fewer donations at a time when hospitals typically see an increase in patient need.
Blood products have a limited shelf life, making consistent donations critical. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets — which are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma care, and complex surgeries — have a shelf life of just five to seven days. Even missing a single day of platelet collections can directly affect the ability to meet local hospital demand.
“Winter months are always challenging for the blood supply, but weather-related disruptions
make it even more difficult,” said Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for LifeShare Blood Center. “Patient needs don’t pause for winter storms, and hospitals rely on us to have lifesaving products available every day.”
While all donations are needed, platelet donations are especially needed at this time. Unlike whole blood donations, platelets can only be donated in-center and require specialized equipment and staff. Donors who are not already approved for platelet donation may need to complete a brief screening, including testing for certain antibodies, before they are eligible to donate. LifeShare staff will guide donors through this process to ensure safety for both donors and patients.
LifeShare encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as conditions allow and to consider platelet donation if possible. Donations made now will help stabilize inventory and ensure patients across the region continue to receive the care they need. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. To schedule a donation appointment, visit http://www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800.256.5433.
Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance.
While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal.
The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?
Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?
These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were.
I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career.
But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me?
Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.
He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day.
But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side.
I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice.
So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad.
But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids.
Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.
There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children.
So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met. But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
Riverdale will host the MAIS South A Tournament Feb 2-7. Games begin at 5:15pm on Monday, Feb 2.
Clara Springs has postponed its Winter Retreat until March 13-14 for kids in grades 1-6.
Open Door Fellowship Kidz will hold a Bake Sale Sat Feb 10 at Rivertown from 10am until sold out. All proceeds will go to the groups charity fund.
New Beginnings Baptist Church Youth will have their annual Chocolate covered strawberry fundraiser for Valentine’s Day. 1/2 dozen $10, dozen $20. To pre-order text or call Breanne Dupree 318.663.6607 or Kathy Quick 318.422.9516. Pre-orders are due by Feb 11. Pick up will be Feb 13 for all pre-orders from 3-6:30pm at the church (2169 Punkin Center Road, Castor) or Feb 14 at the Castor Pavilion from 10am until 12pm.
UPS announced it will cut up to 30,000 jobs and close 24 buildings this year as it continues scaling back Amazon shipments.
Joyce Fields James
September 27, 1956 — January 21, 2026
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11am at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.
James “Jimmy” Rhoderick Young
November 25, 1951 — January 23, 2026
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1pm at Open Door Fellowship in Coushatta.
William “Player” Thomas
December 3, 1946 ~ January 13, 2026
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1pm in the sanctuary of Elizabeth Full Gospel Church in Coushatta.
Jeanne Lynn Morgan
April 29, 1951 – January 27, 2026
Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11am in Social Springs Cemetery in Ringgold.
Gary Lane Weems
October 23, 1961 – January 27, 2026
A Texas man was killed Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in DeSoto Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the crash at approximately 4:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026, on Louisiana Highway 177 near Louisiana Highway 510 near Evelyn. The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old John Hordge of Dallas, Texas.
A preliminary investigation indicates Hordge was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 southbound on Louisiana Highway 177 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. Troopers reported the truck struck a guardrail, entered a nearby creek, and overturned.
Hordge was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police said impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminded motorists that seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires all occupants in a vehicle—regardless of seating position—to be properly restrained.
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