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.”

The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale is scheduled for Sat Apr 11 from 8am until noon at the Red River Research Center in Bossier City. For more information: http://www.nwlamg.weebly.com

Teachers are you looking for a meaningful history field trip? The Mansfield State Historic Site welcomes school groups of all ages. Advance booking required. FREE admission for field trip groups. Picnic tables available for lunch. Call 318.872.1474 to schedule a trip.

Red River Junior High will have their Black History Program at 9am on Feb 5. Keynote speaker is Charlotte Collins. 

Taylor Swift made history by becoming the youngest female artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough has been named one of 5 finalists for AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Shough started 9 games for the Saints this season.

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.

NAPA will be open until 4pm today.

Cancelled:
The following churches have cancelled Sunday Services and activities for Sunday, January 25:

First Methodist Church Coushatta 

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church 

First Baptist Church Coushatta 

Martin Baptist Church 

Fairview Baptist Church 

Open Door Fellowships

Hickory Grove Baptist Church 

Closed:

Red River Parish Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26. All school campuses and district offices will be closed.

Riverdale Academy will be closed Monday, January 26.

Coushatta Family Medicine is closed Monday, January 26. 

Red River Council on Aging is closed Monday, January 26. For emergencies, dial 911.

Tyler Insurance Agency is closed Monday, January 26.

American Bank is closed Monday, January 26.

All BOC/Bank of Coushatta locations closed Monday, January 26.

The University of Louisiana Monroe will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) is closed and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

Louisiana Tech University will be closed Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27. Plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. 

The LSU Shreveport campus will be closed Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27.

All NSU campuses are closed Monday, January 26. Residence halls will remain open for students and dining services will operate on a modified scheduled.

Ochsner LSU Health clinics will be closed Jan. 24–26 due to winter weather, but hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Virtual urgent care appointments are available by calling 318-626-0037, with updates at ochsnerlsuhs.org/status.

Louisiana Christian University has decided to cancel classes for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26-27. All campus offices will be closed. Hattie B’s will be open on a modified schedule for on-campus students.

All Bienville Parish schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Monday, January 26th. Monday will be a virtual school day. 

Natchitoches Parish Schools are closed Monday, January 26.

DeSoto Parish Schools are closed Monday, January 26.

All state offices are closed Monday, January 26.

All OMV customer service centers will be closed Monday, January 26.

Centenary College campus is closed Monday, January 26. Students should check email for updates.

Postponed:

First Baptist Women’s Ministry is postponing their gathering tomorrow, January 26 to February 9 at 6:30pm (tentatively).

Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will now be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

NAPA will have extended hours over the weekend:
Saturday, January 24 til 5:00 pm.
Sunday, January 25 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cancelled:
The following churches have cancelled Sunday Services and activities for Sunday, January 26:

First Methodist Church Coushatta 

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church 

First Baptist Church Coushatta 

Martin Baptist Church 

Fairview Baptist Church 

Open Door Fellowships

Hickory Grove Baptist Church 

Closed:

Red River Parish Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26. All school campuses and district offices will be closed.

Riverdale Academy will be closed Monday, January 26.

Coushatta Family Medicine is closed Monday, January 26. 

The University of Louisiana Monroe will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) is closed and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

Louisiana Tech University will be closed Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27. Plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. 

The LSU Shreveport campus will be closed Monday, January 26.

All NSU campuses are closed Monday, January 26. Residence halls will remain open for students and dining services will operate on a modified scheduled.

Ochsner LSU Health clinics will be closed Jan. 24–26 due to winter weather, but hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Virtual urgent care appointments are available by calling 318-626-0037, with updates at ochsnerlsuhs.org/status.

Louisiana Christian University has decided to cancel classes for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26-27. All campus offices will be closed. Hattie B’s will be open on a modified schedule for on-campus students.

All Bienville Parish schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Monday, January 26th. Monday will be a virtual school day. 

Natchitoches Parish Schools are closed Monday, January 26.

DeSoto Parish Schools are closed Monday, January 26.

All state offices are closed Monday, January 26.

All OMV customer service centers will be closed Monday, January 26.

Postponed:
Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will now be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

UPDATED AT 11:30AM:

The RRPSO has confirmed that all numbers are now working. 
Call the Sheriff’s Office for non-emergency at 318.932.4221.
Emergency calls should be directed to 911.

Due to power outage and phone difficulties, the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office has notified the Red River Parish Journal that ALL emergencies should call this number: 318.766.1261 until further notice.

RRPJ will update as information becomes available.

NAPA will have extended hours over the weekend:
Saturday, January 24 til 5:00 pm.
Sunday, January 25 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cancelled:
Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Friday January 23 has been cancelled.

First Methodist Church Coushatta has cancelled Sunday services.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church has cancelled Sunday services.

First Baptist Church Coushatta has cancelled Sunday services. 

Martin Baptist Church has cancelled Sunday services.  

Fairview Baptist Church has cancelled Sunday services.

Closed:

Mabile’s Pharmacy is closed on Saturday, January 24.  They will continue to assess the weather conditions to provide an update regarding Monday’s hours of operation.  

The University of Louisiana Monroe will hold classes virtually on Friday, Jan. 23, and the campus will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) will close the campus at noon on Friday, January 23. All classes and activities on Friday and all the next week are cancelled. Campus will remain closed through the extended weekend (Jan 26-31) and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

Louisiana Tech University has cancelled Friday (1/23) afternoon classes. Campus will be closed Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27. Plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. 

The LSU Shreveport campus will be closed starting today at 4:30 p.m. through Monday with the expected winter weather. All scheduled on-campus events tonight through Monday are cancelled, with Monday in-person classes shifting to the online platform Moodle. Online classes will continue as scheduled.

Coushatta Family Medicine is closed Monday, January 26. 

All NSU campuses are closed Monday, January 26. Residence halls will remain open for students and dining services will operate on a modified scheduled.

Ochsner LSU Health clinics will be closed Jan. 24–26 due to winter weather, but hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Virtual urgent care appointments are available by calling 318-626-0037, with updates at ochsnerlsuhs.org/status.

Louisiana Christian University has decided to cancel classes for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26-27. All campus offices will be closed. Hattie B’s will be open on a modified schedule for on-campus students.

All Bienville Parish schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Monday, January 26th. Monday will be a virtual school day. Students will receive packets for two days of instruction.

Red River Parish Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to winter weather conditions impacting our area. All school campuses and district offices will be closed. No student or staff activities will take place on Monday.

Postponed:
Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will not be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

Red River Parish is now under an Ice Storm Warning following a 2:00 p.m. special winter weather briefing with the National Weather Service, with forecasters expressing high confidence that a significant and potentially dangerous winter storm will impact the area beginning late Friday and continuing through early next week.

Forecasters upgraded the threat to moderate with a potential upgrade to major, citing a 50–80% chance of severe impacts to roadways, utilities, and infrastructure across the parish. Officials warn that this storm could be one of the most impactful winter weather events the area has seen in years.

Meteorologists are highly confident that freezing rain will begin between midnight and mid-morning Saturday, with conditions deteriorating a few hours after precipitation starts as road surfaces cool. Ice accumulation is expected to continue through the weekend, with Saturday identified as the heaviest day and night of precipitation.

Forecasts indicate up to one inch or more of ice accumulation across parts of the parish. Officials stressed that as little as one inch of ice is considered seriously damaging, with .25 to .50 inches of ice expected on power lines, increasing the risk for power outages and downed trees.

The storm is expected to arrive in two waves, with the Saturday evening wave predicted to be more severe than the morning round. Thunderstorms embedded within the winter storm Saturday night into Sunday could produce heavier precipitation rates, leading to rapid ice buildup. Red River Parish is currently forecast to be near the center of the thunderstorm activity, raising concerns for a significant freezing wave.

In addition to the ice threat, dangerously cold temperatures will follow. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero. Very cold starts are expected Monday and Tuesday mornings, and forecasters say below-freezing temperatures could continue into Wednesday night and Thursday, allowing for repeated freeze and refreeze conditions through Tuesday afternoon.

Utility and emergency response agencies are already preparing. SWEPCO will be staging crews in Red River Parish Friday night and Saturday to respond to potential outages. The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief team will also be available at no charge to assist with tree removal, roadway clearing, and other recovery needs if required.

Officials caution residents that emergency response times will be slower during the storm, particularly if roads become impassable due to ice.

Residents are urged to prepare now by limiting travel, securing emergency supplies, protecting pipes, charging devices, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Authorities emphasize that conditions may change rapidly and encourage everyone to closely monitor official weather updates.

The Red River Parish Journal will continue to provide timely updates as this major winter weather event unfolds.

(Red River Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness-PRESS RELEASE)

The Red River Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness announces the parish’s new public alert and notification system, Everbridge.

Everbridge will now serve as the parish’s primary tool for distributing emergency alerts related to severe weather, public safety threats, road closures, evacuations, and other urgent events. Notifications will be sent through multiple channels, including voice calls, text messages, emails, and the Everbridge mobile app.

The system may deliver calls from 318-271-2677. Residents should be aware that these calls are legitimate and part of the official Red River, Parish Everbridge alert system.

“Everbridge offers a more advanced and flexible platform that allows us to reach people in more ways than ever before,” said Shane Hubbard, Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Everbridge will operate as an Opt-Out system, utilizing its “Resident Connect” feature to pull in publicly available landline and mobile numbers to expand coverage. Residents who do not wish to receive alerts can choose to opt out at any time.

As with any major system transition, some fine-tuning is expected in the early stages. We kindly ask for the public’s patience as we continue adjusting settings and optimizing the system to ensure accuracy, reliability, and relevance in every alert.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Red River Parish from Friday, January 23 at 6pm, through Sunday , January 25 at noon, as forecasters warn of increasing potential for winter weather impacts across the area.

The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, means conditions are favorable for a significant winter weather event that could include freezing rain, sleet, mixed precipitation, and dangerously cold temperatures through the weekend.

An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from Sunday, January 25 at 6pm, through Tuesday, January 27 at 12pm, as dangerously cold temperatures will impact the ArkLaTex. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. 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.

The Louisiana State Police urges motorists to remain informed of the latest weather and travel conditions before deciding to travel. Roadway conditions—particularly on bridges and overpasses—can deteriorate rapidly during winter weather events. If conditions worsen, motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid travel until conditions improve. Should accumulation occur on bridges or overpasses, LSP will work closely with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and local law enforcement partners to implement appropriate safety measures.

Weekend Forecast for Red River Parish

Friday:

• A strong cold front will move into the region. There is slight chance of a rain shower with high near 57. Winds NE at 10-15mph.

• Overnight clouds with a low of 29F. Winds NE at 10-15mph.

Saturday:

• The air mass will turn colder, increasing the likelihood that precipitation will fall as freezing rain and sleet, particularly if moisture remains in place. Potential for some icing. Temps steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds NNE at 5 to 10mph. Chance of precip 90%.

• Overnight temps drop to a low of 22F. Freezing rain is expected with icing. Winds N at 5 to 10mph. Chance of precipitation 90%.

• Areas of slick roads—especially on bridges and overpasses—are possible as temperatures remain at or below freezing.

Sunday:

• Temperatures should remain cold, with freezing rain in the morning. High around 30F.

• Very cold temperatures overnight with a low of 16F. 

• Existing ice on roads could refreeze and cause dangerous travel conditions even after the main system moves out.

The exact type and timing of winter precipitation remain somewhat uncertain, and small shifts in temperatures or the storm’s path could significantly alter local impacts. That said, forecasters are emphasizing the risk of icing and hazardous road conditions this weekend. 

1-3 inches of sleet or snow could also be possible. Prepare now for the possibility of extended power outages and to shelter in place for multiple days. Travel could become nearly impossible in some areas. 

Cancelled:
Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Friday January 23 has been cancelled.

First Methodist Church Coushatta has cancelled Sunday services.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church has cancelled Sunday services.

First Baptist Church Coushatta has cancelled Sunday services. 

Martin Baptist Church has cancelled Sunday services.  

Fairview Baptist Church has cancelled Sunday services.

Closed:

Mabile’s Pharmacy is closed on Saturday, January 24.  They will continue to assess the weather conditions to provide an update regarding Monday’s hours of operation.  

The University of Louisiana Monroe will hold classes virtually on Friday, Jan. 23, and the campus will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) will close the campus at noon on Friday, January 23. All classes and activities on Friday and all the next week are cancelled. Campus will remain closed through the extended weekend (Jan 26-31) and will reopen Sunday, February 1 at 3pm.

Louisiana Tech University has cancelled Friday (1/23) afternoon classes. Campus will be closed Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27. Plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. 

Coushatta Family Medicine is closed Monday, January 26. 

All NSU campuses are closed Monday, January 26. Residence halls will remain open for students and dining services will operate on a modified scheduled.

Postponed:
Castor Biddy Ball moved Saturday’s game (1/24) to be played on January 31. Games scheduled for January 31 will not be played on February 7. 

NSU Softball auction, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been postponed. A new date for the auction will be announced at a later time.

Updates will be made at 3pm each afternoon as needed during the Winter weather event. Stay informed with the Red River Parish Journal.

More progress can be seen in the preparations to build a new administration building for Red River Parish and the Sheriff’s Department.  Final ground preparation is currently in progress and nearing completion as we continue moving forward.

Sealed bids for construction will be opened on January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Once opened, all bids will be taken under advisement for review. The Red River Parish Police Jury will then vote to award the bid at a subsequent meeting.

Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain James Moseley expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration among all parties involved, noting that this project reflects what can be accomplished when everyone comes together with a shared goal. He also shared his excitement about the positive impact this project will have on Red River Parish.

A HONOR ROLL

FREYA BAMBERG 
ADALYN BAZAR 
BRYNLEE DOVE 
ROWDY GREEN 
NEALY KEITH 
ELLA PICKETT 
MYLEZ TAYLOR 
AVA WOODARD 
SCARLETT MARTIN 
MALLORY PAUL 
TILDEN TOWNSEND 
LANE SULLIVAN 
JASE WOODARD 
JILLIAN SHAVER 
ALEXIS YOUNT 
REMINGTON BAMBERG 
ANNELISE CASON 
AVA WATERS 
ANNAKATE BAILEY 
GRAYCI BAMBERG 
DALLY BELL 
LANDEN BIERDEN 
JENTRY BOUNDS 
ADISYN COE 
AVERY LONGINO 
CADEN SPRADLEY 
HOPE WILLIAMSON 
BENTON YOUNT 
TREVOR BELL 
EASTON CASON 
HASTY DAVIS 
BRYLEE HALBMAIER 
LANE MANCIL 
MORGAN MOSELEY 
KYLIE PHILLIPS 
KENNA COLEMAN 
ADDISON NETTLES 
MADDISON NETTLES 
ANSLEY PROCELL 
HAYDEN CASON 
MADELYN CHAMBERLIN 
HARPER HUCKABAY 
LILLIAN MCCOY 
KALEIGH PICKETT 
KRISTA MANCIL
ALLIE MURPHY 
HAYLEE GUTHRIE 
HANNA HUDDLESTON 
MARY CLAIRE JONES 
AYLA KNOTTS 
MAKAYLA PICKETT 
JULIA RIGGS 
CHARITY WILLIAMSON

A-B HONOR ROLL

ELLIE NICHOLE BIERDEN 
HALLIE ELIZABETH BIERDEN 
RIVER LEE VARGAS 
KYNDALL FAYE GIDDINGS
DRAKE WAYNE HARPER
AUSTIN RANDEL OBANION 
LIAM MAX PEPPER
BENTLEY K RIGGS 
EMORY MADELINE WOODARD 
KONNER TATE WREN 
HUDSON RAY BUFKIN 
MALACHI ABRAM GUILLORY 
LYDIA MARIE PAUL 
MARY ANN ABIGAIL SPEIR 
ANTHONY KADE ATON 
GRANT WAYNE HALBMAIER 
ELLA-KATE RAY PICKETT 
LAUREN JUDITH WOODARD 
NOAH DAVID GUILLORY 
ADALYN GRACE HALBMAIER
SAMUEL MATTHEW MURPHY
BRAYLEN KAY FOWLER
STEPHEN LUKE LONG II
SAMUEL ASHER MURRAY
LAYLA BRIELLE PEARAH
CARTER GLEN BREEDLOVE
JASE ELI JOHNSON
KANDYN LUKE NETTLES
JONATHAN RYDER SHAVER
BAILEY LAYNE BORDERS
JACKSON DALE HILLMAN
HAYDEN LORILEI HUCKABAY
ALEXIS NICOLE PEARAH
EMMA KAYE YOUNGBLOOD
STEVEN LAYKEN GATES
LEXI ELEORA MANCIL
ALAINA JEUNE BOYD 
TANNER BEAU CARLISLE 
EMMA KATE GIDDINGS
BENJAMIN PAUL MOSELEY
MASON COOPER WILHITE
TYLER JAXSON WILHITE

Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

 The Red River Parishwide Fire Protection District has released its annual incident report for 2025, revealing a year marked by dedication and swift action in service to the community.  According to Fire Chief Woodfin, the department responded to a total of 1,103 emergency calls throughout the year.  

A significant portion of these responses-665 calls-were for Emergency Medical Services assistance, underscoring the vital role the district plays in supporting local emergency needs.  Motor vehicle crashes accounted for 114 calls, highlighting the department’s readiness to address roadway emergencies. 

Fire-related incidents were also a major focus.  The district tackled 34 structure fires, 81 woods and grass fires, and 25 vehicle fires.  Additionally, firefighters responded to 52 fire alarm or smoke scares.   Hazmat situations required 29 specialized responses, demonstrating the team’s preparedness for hazardous material emergencies.  

Throughout 2025, the Red River Parish Fire Protection District remained steadfast partner in safeguarding the well-being of residents.   

Red River Parish 4‑H has had an exciting and productive start to the 2025–2026 year, engaging youth across the parish through hands‑on learning, community service, competitions, and leadership opportunities. Club members have been learning how important agriculture is to their daily lives during monthly club meetings. 4‑H continues to offer its school enrichment programs, including School Gardens at Red River Elementary and Riverdale Academy, as well as STEM lessons at Riverdale Academy, including new Drones and SeaPerch robotics activities.

A variety of project clubs also meet monthly, offering youth a chance to explore interests through Chefs, Explorers, Livestock, Junior Leaders, STEM, and Shooting Sports. The Explorers Club took two educational trips this fall—touring a local cotton gin and visiting both the National Park Service site in Natchitoches and the Grand Ecore Visitor Center in November. Their adventures are taking them to Lake Bistineau State Park this week. The Chefs Club are preparing for the Food Challenge Competition this spring. They also prepared and delivered special treats to first responders in October. Shooting Sports kicked off practices this semester, averaging about 35 youth participants. Junior Leaders, a project club for 7-12th graders, meets monthly participating in parish, regional, and state activities, such as the Natchitoches riverbank trip during the holiday season. Two junior leaders were selected as NW Ag Ambassadors. The STEM club has been busy preparing for the Esports competition this spring, as well as Robotics competitions next fall. The Livestock club is also busy, meeting each month and sharing their 4-H animal projects in parish, regional, and national shows, earning top awards.

Youth represented Red River Parish 4‑H in a variety of parish activities, including the Fall Break Hibachi Workshop and the Winter Break Craft Workshop. 4-H families enjoyed a night out at the 4-H Night with the Mudbugs this month.

4-H Members did an excellent job at the State Fair, with livestock projects, competitive exhibits, talent show, nutrition quiz bowl, BB gun contest, and teens serving as AgMagic school‑tour helpers.

The Red River Parish Forestry Team earned top honors this fall, placing 1st overall, with individuals placing 1st, 2nd, and 4th. The team will advance to Nationals in West Virginia in July 2026.

Red River Parish 4‑H continues to emphasize service and citizenship through monthly club meeting donation drives for First Responders. Teen volunteers also served at the Operation Christmas Child Packing Center. In December, members adopted nursing home residents for holiday gifting.

The parish wrapped up the semester with the Pumpkin Decorating Contest and the Christmas Cookie Contest, showcasing the imagination and spirit of local 4‑H members.

Students are still encouraged to enroll in 4-H by requesting a paper enrollment form from the 4-H office, or completing their enrollment online at https://v2.4honline.com

The current focus for 4-H is “Beyond Ready” because the 4-H program continues to help these students strive to be beyond ready for life, not only with mastery of skills, but with character development. This is just one way that 4-H is striving to “Make the Best Better!”

Shared by Jacque Fontenot

Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

Sources:

1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.

2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.

3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.

4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.

5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.

SWEPCO shared with customers that crews will be staged across the service area in preparation of responding to damage and customer outages. Multiple sites have been secured for Base Camps and are on stand-by if required. The company also shared this will be the first weather event with 100% AMI Meter deployment in Louisiana–if a customer experiences an outage, SWEPCO should know within seconds & can isolate exactly where the outage is occuring.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie TIME!

East Point Mount Zion Baptist Church will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Pastor Tommy Eason Sun Jan 25. Service begins at 1pm.

Mark your calendars—Riverdale’s Spring Thaw is set for Sat Mar 28 at the Coushatta Country Club. 

Family Harvest Church is hosting a Bass Tournament Sat Apr 11 at Grand Bayou Resort. 

ESPN ranked the Saints Draft class as the most productive in the NFL this season.

According to Tax Foundation, Louisiana has the highest average combines state and local sales tax rate in the nation at 10.11%.