Construction crews will begin work June 1 on a fiber internet expansion project in Coushatta and surrounding parts of Red River Parish, marking the start of a two-year effort to bring high-speed broadband service to more than 1,200 homes and businesses across the region.

June 1 will mark the beginning of Pelican Broadband’s $5.3 million project as part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Louisiana’s GUMBO 2.0 initiative, both designed to expand reliable internet access in underserved rural communities.

The first construction area will focus on Coushatta’s Old Town and Ringgold Avenue neighborhoods, where residents can expect to see utility crews, construction equipment and fiber installation activity continuing through September.

Additional construction phases will continue throughout the summer and into 2027 across other areas of Red River Parish, including Highway 155/Esperanza, Springville, Highway 71 South, 480 South, Highway 784, and Edgefield. Construction in Red River Parish is expected to wrap up in June 2027.

Residents can check this interactive map to see a street-level view of progress on the project.

Pelican Broadband says the project will deliver fiber-based internet service capable of supporting remote work, telehealth appointments, online education, streaming and emergency communications.

“Reliable broadband plays the same role today that electricity and highways did for previous generations,” said Mike George, President of Pelican Broadband. “By expanding fiber infrastructure into Red River Parish, we’re helping create long-term opportunities for local businesses, students and residents for decades to come.”

The project will expand into Hagewood and Provencal in neighboring Natchitoches Parish beginning in January 2027. Final completion is expected by March 2028.

The BEAD program was created to help close the digital divide by funding broadband infrastructure projects in rural and hard-to-reach communities where internet service has historically been limited or too costly to build. Pelican Broadband received more than $5.36 million in BEAD funding for the project.

Residents can also sign up for updates or check availability in their neighborhood at this website.

As Stroke Awareness Month continues, health professionals are reminding the public that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives and reduce long-term damage. A recent report first aired by KTBS News highlighted one local family’s experience with stroke recovery and the importance of fast action during a medical emergency.

Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, a Coushatta native, and his wife, Renee Coleman, shared their story to help raise awareness about the warning signs of stroke and the importance of emergency treatment.

Renee Coleman suffered a stroke before the age of 40, affecting the language center of her brain. She described the frightening experience as suddenly losing the ability to process and form words.

“It’s almost just like a bad dream because I didn’t understand what was going on,” Renee Coleman said in the KTBS report.

Dr. Coleman said he immediately recognized that something was seriously wrong and called 911 without hesitation. He emphasized that getting medical care quickly is critical during a stroke because doctors have a limited window to administer clot-busting medication that can greatly improve patient outcomes.

“The first thing I did was call 911,” Coleman said. “Get to the hospital that is the closest to you as fast as you can because that’s absolutely critical to the outcome.”

Doctors were able to treat Renee Coleman within the critical treatment window. However, her recovery required extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. More than a year later, she continues speech therapy and says recovery has taken patience, determination and hard work.

Health professionals say common warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, dizziness and severe headaches. During Stroke Awareness Month, medical experts continue encouraging the public to call 911 immediately if stroke symptoms appear.

Louisiana teachers and school support workers are still facing the possibility of losing their temporary stipends after the Senate Finance Committee approved changes to the state’s proposed $47 billion budget without restoring the extra pay.

The current stipends provide an additional $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff. Those payments have been included in recent state budgets but remain absent from the latest version approved by the committee.

The issue comes shortly after Louisiana voters rejected Amendment 3, a proposal connected to education funding changes and efforts to create more permanent teacher pay increases. With the amendment failing at the polls, lawmakers are now under pressure to find another way to continue the stipends long term.

State leaders say the budget decisions are being shaped by declining revenue forecasts. Earlier this month, the Revenue Estimating Conference projected Louisiana will collect approximately $104 million less than expected next year, while also facing a current-year shortfall.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Glen Womack said lawmakers are trying to slow the growth of state spending and delay some new programs because of financial constraints. Senate President Cameron Henry said legislators must be cautious about expanding spending while revenues remain uncertain.

Even with tighter financial conditions, the revised budget proposal still includes major investments in several areas, including nearly $500 million for highway and transportation projects, $420 million for early childhood education, full funding of the K-12 education formula, Medicaid service increases, economic development projects and retirement debt payments.

Gov. Jeff Landry has continued to publicly support maintaining educator pay increases and has indicated he would oppose raises in other areas of state government if teacher stipends are not continued.

The budget process is not final, and lawmakers still have time to make changes before the legislative session ends June 1. Teachers and support staff across Louisiana will be closely watching to see whether the stipends are restored in the final version of the state budget.

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer — it is a time for Americans to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Communities across the country, including here in Red River Parish, will gather for ceremonies, place flags on graves, and honor the sacrifices made by generations of service members.

Originally known as Decoration Day following the Civil War, Memorial Day became a national holiday dedicated to remembering military personnel who died in service to the nation. Today, families and communities continue that tradition by visiting cemeteries, attending memorial services, and reflecting on the freedoms made possible through the sacrifice of others.

As friends and families come together this Memorial Day weekend, many are encouraged to take a moment to remember the true meaning of the holiday and honor those who never made it home.

The Red River Parish Journal will not publish on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. The next edition will be delivered Wednesday morning online and in subscribers’ inboxes.

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a special summer craft camp July 14-16 for girls entering second through fifth grade. Led by the ladies of Sewing God’s Love, the camp will give participants the opportunity to learn basic sewing and needlework skills while creating crafts celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Camp hours are 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. each day, and all supplies will be provided.

Registration is required through the Google form below.

https://forms.gle/nG67uT63UoWs1qMe6

In April 1969, Gaynor Hopkins’s aunt heard her singing in her bedroom and entered her in a local talent competition.  She was nervous and excited.  The song she chose was the chart topper “Those Were the Days,” made popular by Mary Hopkin.  It was the first time the 17-year-old had ever used a real microphone.  Gaynor did not win the talent show but came in second place to an accordion player.  People at the talent show praised Gaynor for her vocal delivery and sweet voice.  The following week, Gaynor saw an advertisement in her local newspaper in which a singer named Bobby Wayne was looking to hire three female backup singers.  The ad said, “No experience needed, training [would be] given.”  Winning second in the talent show gave Gaynor the confidence to audition.  Out of the 34 girls who auditioned, Gaynor was one of the three selected.  For two years, she performed with Bobby Wayne and the Dixies.  There was a problem.  Gaynor Hopkins resembled and sounded like Mary Hopkin, and people often confused the two.  Gaynor said she never really liked her name, so she took the opportunity to change it.  She adopted her niece’s first name, added a common last name, and became Sherene Davis.  She performed under that name with her own band called Imagination.

In 1975, Gaynor was performing with her band at a local hotspot called “The Townsman” which was in a multi-story building.  Talent scout Roger Bell went to the building to see Vic Oakley sing, but he went to the wrong floor by mistake.  Roger liked what he heard and invited Gaynor to London to record a demo.  That demo led to a contract with RCA Records.  Gaynor released her first single in 1976, but it was a flop.  Her second, “Lost in France,” fared much better, then there was another career setback.  After suffering with a sore throat, Gaynor’s doctor said she needed surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords.  In the spring of 1977, her doctor said the operation was a success and her voice would return to normal if she remained completely silent for the six-week recovery period.  He instructed her to communicate only by writing.  Gaynor, a self-proclaimed chatterbox, tried but failed and strained her voice.  Her doctor explained that the damage was irreversible. 

Gaynor had years left on her contract with RCA, so they brought her in for another recording session.  After singing the first six words of a song in the studio, everyone involved was worried.  The sweetness was replaced with a huskiness.  RCA released the song as a single in November 1977 only after the song’s producer and songwriters threatened to terminate their contracts with RCA.  To RCA’s surprise, the song rose to the top 10 in 20 countries and to the number one spot in 8 of those countries.  That song was “It’s a Heartache.”  Gaynor had many other hit songs including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  When Gaynor signed her contract with RCA, they stipulated that Gaynor change her stage name from Sherene Davis to something that sounded less like a belly dancer.  She bought two newspapers from which she listed all the Christian names and surnames.  She tried many different combinations until she found one that suited her.  You may never have heard the names Gaynor Hopkins or Sherene Davis, but the world knows her as Bonnie Tyler. 

Sources:

1.     Abby Morgan, “Bonnie Tyler: ‘The older you get, the less you have to prove,’’’ Leicestershire Press, July 10, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://leicestershirepress.com/2023/07/10/bonnie-tyler-the-older-you-get-the-less-you-have-to-prove/.

2.     “33.1/3^rd,” Record Collector, December 28, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/33-1-3rd-8.

3.     Goldmine Contributors, “Bonnie Tyler feels ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’” Goldmine: the Music Collector’s Magazine, May 27, 2021, accessed May 10, 2026, https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/pop/power-ballad-singer-bonnie-tyler-feels-the-title-is-perfect-for-her-latest-album-the-best-is-yet-to-come/.

No one has more secrets than bass fishermen, especially tournament bass fishermen! If you’re an angler fishing for bass, crappie or anything else, there are certain things you never reveal. For bass tournament anglers, it’s considered a cardinal sin to reveal how and where you’re catching bass. Since the beginning of competitive bass fishing, anglers have always been very secretive about what they know. 

So why are anglers sworn to such secrecy and not telling others about what they do and how they do it? Well one reason would be, it’s about finding fish and making sure other anglers don’t figure out where their secret locations are.

For tournament bass fishermen, the practice of being hush-hush has gone on forever. The problem is some anglers can’t find their own fish and will resort to whatever means necessary to poach another angler’s location. 

One thing that separates a great angler from an average one is the ability to find bass. Guys that develop this skill have a major advantage over those that can’t. Some anglers who are desperate will pay other anglers or fishing guides for waypoints and locations that hold bass.  

Some anglers are very tight-lipped about where and how they are catching fish. Forever, anglers have exercised their right to remain silent about information that someone can use against them in a tournament. 

So why are anglers so compelled to withhold this valuable information or sometimes try and mislead other anglers they are competing against with false information? 

First, it’s the money and prizes anglers are fishing for today. Some tournaments offer cash payouts while others offer both cash and prizes like a new bass boat!  Isn’t it funny how when there’s money involved, morals and ethics go out the window. 

Several circuits have high payouts with the winner taking home $100,000 or more for a win. Also, if it’s a high-level tournament trail, it’s not just about the money, but it’s the points they can earn that allows them to qualify for a championship at the end of the season.

Pretty much every circuit has a points system that will reward anglers who finish in the circuit’s top 20 or 30 percent at the end of the regular season, with an opportunity to fish for a championship which has an even greater payout. 

One thing that has been practiced forever on all tournament trails is the bond between small groups of anglers who, in most cases, room together on the road. These are guys that trust each other and feel confident that no matter what information they share, they know it won’t leave the group. 

With this being said, there are a few exceptions on who an angler will tell where and how he is catching bass. The thing about tournament bass fishing is that it creates a comradery among a select few anglers who TRUST one another.  

They trust the fact that while they might give away locations and how they are catching bass among each other, they know no one in their group will encroach on the location they have been told about during the tournament. But they will take this information and try to find a spot similar and catch their own fish.

This secrecy among anglers is what makes the sport of tournament bass fishing so unique, along with the comradery that is seen in only a few select sports. 

But this trust or bond can be a problem if just one angler decides to go outside the group and share information they promised not to tell. It’s like a marriage, once the trust is broken, the relationship is over! Bass tournament anglers are no different!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Vacation Bible School season is almost here, and churches across our community are preparing to welcome children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Red River Cowboy Church will kick off its M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series on May 24, offering a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Kids who attend three of the four events will earn a buckle. Additional dates: June 14, July 5, & August 2.

Ashland Baptist Church will hold a one-day VBS, Illumination Station, on May 30 from 8am until 12pm.

First Baptist Church Coushatta is getting ready for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School with this year’s theme, “Illumination Station,” set for June 1-5 from 5:30-8pm each night. Children completing Pre-K through sixth grade are invited to enjoy Bible adventures, music, games, crafts, fellowship and nightly meals while learning more about Jesus in a fun and energetic environment. The week will also feature special dress-up days, themed activities and kid-friendly meals throughout the week.

Martin Baptist Church will host VBS, Illumination Station, June 8-12 from 5:30-8:20pm for COMPLETED PK-4 -6th grade (NO 3 yr olds). Register at https://forms.gle/vWCbZurjEqeraV3s5. Contact Brandi Jones or the church for any questions.

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Castor, will host Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 22–26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Children in Pre-K through 6th grade are welcome to attend and enjoy a week of VBS fun.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

Cottage Coffee is closing its brick-and-mortar location and transitioning to a delivery only service. The last day to grab a coffee in-store is tomorrow (May 23). 

LSU football announced Coach O is back! He will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the team.

Red River Parish Public Schools will be closed in observance of Memorial Day May 25-26. Classes resume Wed May 27.

Red River Junior High will present the End of Year Performing Arts performance June 4 at 12pm in the gym. Performances will include music, choir, dance and cooking.

DOTD lifts the 18-wheeler ban on 1-20 as the major renovation project comes to an end.

According to reports, John Fleming has challenged Julia Letlow to take part in three face-to-face televised debates.

Specialists from Reuter Organ Company arrived in Natchitoches this week to disassemble, pack and transport Northwestern State University’s famed pipe organ back to its place of origin in Lawrence, Kansas, where it will undergo cleaning, repairs and expansion with the addition of digital components. The organ is expected to be reinstalled in late summer with a fall concert in the works for a rededication.

Non-stop flights from Shreveport to Nashville began yesterday from Shreveport Regional Airport for the summer season.

Aaron Rodgers announced he will retire after the upcoming 2026 season. He returns to Pittsburg for his 22nd season with a one-year contract.

Alvin Roy Lloyd
July 19, 1953 — May 20, 2026
Memorial services will be held  Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10am at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Creston.

By Misty Castile | May 18, 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said no state government employees will receive raises if teachers do not receive permanent salary increases this year, escalating the stakes after voters rejected a key constitutional amendment tied to education funding.

“In light of Amendment 3 falling short, I want to make it very clear – if our teachers don’t get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise,” Landry said in a statement posted to social media. “I mean nobody.”

The remarks come days after Louisiana voters rejected Amendment 3, which would have restructured education funding and helped finance permanent teacher pay raises. It would have required the state to dissolve three education trust funds to pay off employee retirement debt early for K-12 school districts and universities. The districts were to use the savings to give teachers and support workers raises of $2,250 and $1,125.

Without that funding mechanism, lawmakers now face a more difficult path to securing the estimated hundreds of millions of dollars needed to boost salaries.

Landry did not outline a specific plan for how teacher raises would be funded in the absence of the amendment but framed the issue as a priority for the upcoming budget process.

Teacher pay has been a recurring issue in Louisiana, where salaries have historically lagged behind the national average. Lawmakers in recent years have relied on temporary stipends rather than permanent raises, a strategy critics say creates uncertainty for educators and school systems.

Is your computer secure? Have you ever been hacked? Do you want that to happen again? What can you do to keep your computer safe and protect your personal data? We can help.

On Friday, May 22, Mr. Tobin DeVille of DeVille Training Connection will be at the library for two sessions about computer security. He will be able to help you answer some of the questions you might have, such as: What should you secure?, What is Social Engineering?, How do you write a secure password?, What computer settings should you use?, What Anti-Virus protection should you use? Mr. DeVille will discuss
all of these topics and more. There is so much to learn!

If you wish to join us for this workshop, there are two options from which you can choose. The first session is scheduled for 10:00 to 12:00 Friday morning. The second session is scheduled to begin at 2:00 and will end at 4:00. You can call the library at 318-932-5614 and tell us which session you prefer and we can put your name on the list. Bring a friend with you if you wish, and walk-ins are welcome.

Snacks and coffee will be provided. We are looking forward to seeing you here!

Shared by Red River Parish Library

As summer approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reminding families about the importance of water safety. Using strong water safety practices can prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, especially among children. This reminder comes as Governor Jeff Landry proclaims May as Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Swim Safety Month in Louisiana.

Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana.

“Most drownings are preventable, and they can happen quickly and silently,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “There are important things for adults to do whenever children are in or around water — have a designated adult ‘on duty’ to actively supervise swimmers, keep young children within arm’s reach, and never leave children unattended when in or around water.”

Fifty-five children drowned in Louisiana between 2022 and 2024, according to the LDH Office of Public Health (OPH). More than half (65%) were unsupervised, and 42% drowned in water unprotected by proper barriers. Most of these instances (58%) occurred in swimming pools. Another 54 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings (or near-drownings), which can lead to lifelong disabilities.

“Watching the water is one of the most important jobs a parent has this summer,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin. “Even if a child is rescued from drowning, the near-miss can still be very serious and could include permanent damage that affects how a child walks, talks, or learns for the rest of their life.”

Best practice recommendations for water safety 

TEACH THEM EARLY: Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age to ensure they learn essential water skills and safety awareness.

PROTECT POOL AREAS: Surround private pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent children and uninvited guests from swimming unattended and toddlers from falling into water, unable to swim. Install safety devices, such as barriers, pool covers, and alarms.

KNOW YOUR DRAINS: Teach children to stay away from pool drains. 

ENSURE COMPLIANCE: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.

CONSIDER THE DANGERS: Everyone needs to know the rules and dangers in different environments, from backyard pools and hot tubs to area lakes and beaches. Open water brings special challenges, including low visibility in murky water, hazardous currents, changes in depth, and uneven surfaces and hazards.

WATCH ACTIVELY: Always supervise children in or near the water. Never leave them unattended. Be sure an adult is always within arm’s reach. When there are several adults present, designate one adult as a “water watcher” to supervise, with no distractions for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the “water watcher.”

MIND THE RED FLAGS: At the beach, be aware of and respect conditions. Always swim with a buddy under the watch of lifeguards. Know what to do if you are caught in open currents or a riptide. Never swim alone.

WEAR A LIFE JACKET: When boating or participating in open-water activities, ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets appropriate for their weight and activity.

AVOID ALCOHOL: Swim sober. Avoid alcohol use near open water and before or during swimming, boating, and other water activities, as it could impede awareness and emergency response. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

BE PREPARED: Know what to do in a water safety event. Learn life-saving practices, like CPR and basic water rescue skills. Have a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Resources and tips

Resources and additional tips for water safety, including information on local swim lessons and CPR classes, are available at getaswimplan.ldh.la.gov.

Donna Alexa Dozar (Womack), 69 of Colfax, LA, passed away on May 11th, 2026, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Born on December 18th 1956, she was the beloved daughter of Emmett V. Womack Sr. and Juanita Womack.

Alexa was a gifted artist whose creativity touched everyone around her. She crafted beautiful, delicious, fondant cakes for her nieces, nephews, and friends and her charcoal drawings remain treasured keepsakes among her family and friends. Her greatest joys in life were fishing with Mike and spending time caring for her mother, Juanita. Their bond was deep, loving, and unbreakable. Juanita currently resides at the Belle Grande Nursing home in Alexandria, LA.

Alexa was preceded in death by her father Emmett V. Womack Sr and nephew Emmett V. Womack III (Trey). She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mike Dozar of Colfax, LA; her mother Juanita Womack of Alexandria, LA; her three brothers, Emmett Vaughn Womack JR (wife Mickey), of Coushatta, LA; Allen Womack, of Coushatta, LA; Randall Womack (Wife Dee), of Baton Rouge, LA; niece Kerri Weaver (husband, Buddy) of Winslow, AR. Her great nieces and nephews include Payton Thornton and his wife Logan of Roseland, LA; Madden and Sam Weaver from Winslow, AR, and Jaden and Alanna Womack of Castor, LA. Her great-great niece and nephew Harper and Emmett Thornton of Roseland, LA. Very special friend Fran Bromley and all of her domino buddies at the barn.

The family takes deep comfort in knowing that Alexa’s steadfast Pentecostal faith has carried her home to heaven, where she is reunited with her daddy fishing with him in the presence of the Lord. Alexa’s life was marked by devotion, kindness, artistry, and quiet strength. Her presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will remain a blessing to her family, friends, and community.

In accordance with Revised Statutes 3:667, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry hereby gives notice that Red River Livestock, L.L.C. has submitted an application for a livestock market charter in Red River Parish, to be located at 6066 Highway 1, Armistead, Louisiana, 71019. The Board of Animal Health will hold a hearing at its next regularly-scheduled meeting to consider the application. The meeting will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry headquarters building, located at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. The hearing will be open to the public.

Daniel Myrick, DVM
Assistant State Veterinarian
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

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Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana are reminding drivers that the “Carolina Squat” vehicle modification is illegal under state law and that enforcement efforts are increasing.

The modification, most commonly seen on pickup trucks, raises the front of the vehicle significantly higher than the rear. Officers say the altered stance can create safety concerns by limiting visibility, affecting vehicle handling and causing headlights to shine directly into oncoming traffic.

Louisiana lawmakers approved legislation banning the modification in 2022. Under the law, vehicles cannot have the front raised six inches or more higher than the rear when measured from the ground through the center of the wheels while operating without a load or trailer attached.

Police departments in several parts of the state have recently announced plans to focus more attention on illegally modified vehicles. Drivers found in violation could face citations and may be required to correct the issue before the vehicle can return to the road.

Supporters of the law say the goal is to improve roadway safety and reduce risks for other drivers. The “Carolina Squat” trend became popular through truck culture and social media but has since been restricted in multiple states due to safety concerns.

Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.

Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.

I’ve seen:

People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eye roll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.

After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.

To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.

Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.

I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.

Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.

I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone. If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.

Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.

When you hear ‘Peach Festival’, you may picture baskets of fuzzy peaches, maybe a peach cobbler bake-off, or even a parade. But here in Ruston, the Louisiana Peach Festival is so much more than just a celebration of our locally grown fruit. It is a time to experience the rich tradition and culture that can only be found in our small historic town. Residents and visitors alike come for this special day, filled with activities that keep people coming back year to year. This year’s Peach Festival in Ruston is Saturday, June 6.

Here are 5 ways that the Peach Festival exceeds just peach appreciation (although, we love our peaches too):

1. A Love Letter to Louisiana Culture

Area artists, vendors, musicians, and makers are the forefront of what makes this festival thrive. Browsing our curated arts market with 90+ artists of all mediums allows you to get a glimpse into the vibrant arts of our state. And you can’t miss the music! Louisiana-based musicians play on the Railroad Park Stage to ensure the spirit of the festival carries on into the night. Celebrate our Louisiana roots with us, and dive into what makes our culture so unique.

2. The Food Scene Goes Full Peach (In the Best Way Possible)

Here in Ruston, we pride ourselves on the quality and diversity of our local restaurants and food trucks. The creativity of Ruston’s culinary scene is unmatched, and the sweet peach flavor is no exception. In the week leading up to the festival, 30+ local restaurants come together for the Peach Culinary Crawl, featuring unexpected dishes, drinks, and pairings. From a peach caprese turkey melt to a pint of locally-brewed peach wheat ale, indulge your tastebuds with this staple, seasonal ingredient.

3. It Still Holds Tight to Its Sweet Southern Traditions

Of course, it would not be a southern festival without all of the classic contests and exhibits. The Peach Pageant, Peach Parade, Antique Car Show, Peach Rodeo, Peach Art Exhibit, and Cookery Contest are all ways that the community engages with the roots of the festival. These fun traditions have been happening for generations, and plan to stay for many, many more. The Ruston community continues to add to these celebrations, with sidewalk sales, a 5K race, and even a Pickleball Tournament. All these traditions keep the festival feeling like a small town gathering, keeping it close to the hearts of our residents and visitors.

4. It’s One of the Few Festivals Where You Don’t Feel Nickel-and-Dimed

The Peach Festival prides itself on having free admission, making it accessible for a Saturday full of activities. In Kids Alley, there are no paid vendors, allowing all kiddos to enjoy hands-on crafts, games, entertainment, and more festival activities. It is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out for fun that won’t break the bank. Our goal is to make the festival easy and accessible for all ages to enjoy!

5. It Feels More Like a Community Gathering Than a Carnival

No flashy rides or ferris wheels here – the Peach Festival provides something even more memorable. Surrounded by the painted murals of downtown, local organizations, and all the friendly volunteers, it’s easy to feel like a part of the Ruston community that we know and love. With festivities happening from morning to late into the night, you have plenty of time to experience the festival at your own pace. So bring out your lawn chair, grab a bite, listen to the music, and enjoy all the sights and sounds of our community. 

The traditions, culture, and hospitality surrounding this celebration reminds us that this isn’t just a festival, but a signature kind of Southern experience you don’t find everywhere. The peach flavor is just the tip of the iceberg to all of the sweetness of peach season in Ruston, LA. 

For more information on the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival and to see the full schedule of events, visit www.lapeachfest.com/. 

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be held Fri, May 22 from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 ($10 for kids 10-17). Dinner includes All you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. Martin Baptist Church will host.

A one night revival is scheduled for Sat May 23 at 4pm at the Hall Summit Community Center & Park. Worship will be led by New Light Church & New Light Baptist Church. Speaker is Marvin Leleux. Bring your chairs.

Grand Ecore bridge over the Red River going into Natchitoches is reduced to one lane through Friday for routine inspections.

The public is invited to the pastoral installation of Pastors Kalvin and Charlene Douglas May 31 at 2pm at Grace Assembly Church in Coushatta. Pastor Hurmon Hamilton from New Beginnings Community Church will be bringing the Word, and Apostle Sebastian Babers will be performing the installation ceremony in proxy of Apostle Lee Otis Sibley Sr. 

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development is seeking nominations for the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Educators, Outstanding Young Professionals and the Friend to Education Award. The Hall of Distinguished Educators is the highest honor bestowed by the School of Education. Nominees must have earned an education degree from Northwestern State University, must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the field of education and must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community at a local, state, national or international level.  Nominees may be living or deceased. More than 100 educators have been honored with the Hall of Distinguished Educators award since 2000. Outstanding Young Professionals in Education must have earned an education degree from NSU and have a minimum of 10 years of service in the field of education. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community. Nominees must be 45 years old or younger. The Friend to Education award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of education, the Northwestern State University School of Education, the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development and/or the university as a whole. Nominees for this award are not eligible for consideration for the Hall of Distinguished Educators. Individuals may be nominated regardless of whether they are living or deceased. Applications are due by August 5, 2026, and are available now at 2026 Nominations. For more information, contact Dr. April Jessup Giddens at giddensa@nsula.edu. Individuals selected will be honored with a reception and induction program during Homecoming festivities Oct. 23-24.